Loyalty Divided

Chapter Thirty Two

Ben swung the door open, revealing himself in a crisp white button-down shirt, a few top buttons casually undone, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with tailored black pants. His expression softened as he saw Evangeline standing there, rain-soaked and weary.

"Evangeline," he said warmly, concern lacing his voice. "Come in quickly, you must be freezing."

She stepped inside, the warmth of the mansion enveloping her chilled body. Ben gestured towards a nearby fireplace, where a crackling fire danced behind a polished grate. "Sit here," he suggested gently, guiding her to a plush armchair beside the hearth. "I'll have someone fetch you dry clothes."

Evangeline nodded gratefully, sinking into the comfort of the chair. She watched as Ben spoke quietly to a servant, who hurried off to fulfill his request. The flickering flames cast a soothing glow around the room, easing the tension in her shoulders.

Ben returned to her, his expression one of concern mixed with curiosity. "What brings you here?" he asked again, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Evangeline hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. The storm outside raged on, its distant thunder providing a somber backdrop to their conversation. "I... I needed someplace quiet," she began slowly, her voice still shaky from emotion. "Things at camp have been difficult lately. Arthur and I had a disagreement... and everything just feels so... unsettled."

Ben nodded understandingly, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm sorry to hear that, Evangeline," he replied softly. "You know you're always welcome here. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Evangeline shook her head slightly, managing a weak smile. "Thank you, Ben. Just being here... it's already helping."

Ben leaned forward slightly, his eyes reflecting genuine concern. "I understand," he said quietly, his voice carrying a soothing quality. "Sometimes a bit of quiet can make all the difference."

Evangeline looked up at him, grateful for his understanding. The warmth of the fire and the soft flickering of the candles around the room seemed to cocoon her in a sense of safety she hadn't felt in a while. "I appreciate your kindness, Ben," she murmured, her voice steadier now. "I didn't know where else to go."

Ben's expression softened further, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "You're always welcome here, Evangeline," he assured her.

Ben's expression softened further, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "You're always welcome here, Evangeline," he assured her. Just then, the servant returned with dry clothes for her, setting them down nearby.

Ben gestured towards the clothes. "These should help," he said warmly. "Feel free to change into them whenever you're ready."

Evangeline nodded gratefully, glancing at the neatly folded garments. "Thank you," she replied softly.

He nodded in understanding, giving her a reassuring smile. "Of course," Ben said, his voice calm and steady. "Take your time. If you need anything else, just let me know."

With a nod, Evangeline stood up slowly, feeling a sense of calm washing over her in Ben's presence. She picked up the clothes and made her way to a nearby room, closing the door behind her for privacy.

Alone, she changed into the dry clothes, the soft fabric a welcome change from the dampness of her previous attire. As she did, her mind wandered back to the turmoil at camp and the argument with Arthur. Despite the comfort Ben provided, uncertainty still gnawed at her.

When she returned to the main room, Ben was waiting by the fire, a thoughtful expression on his face. He looked up as she entered, concern evident in his eyes.