Disclaimer: I won´t say that again!
Author´s note: I´m soooo sorry guys that it took me so long to update, but first of all this is a VERY long chapter and secondly I have an incredibly busy job. The last two weeks were a nightmare. But I hope that this chapter was worth all the waiting. By the way...I gave up to try and put some Xmas-spirit in it...it´s simply impossible to do so in the midst of July *lol*
Thank you again to all reviewers and supporters, especially to those two unknown guests and LTsangy! You three were really really lovely. Now on with the story. Enjoy and review please :3
December, 24th 1911
The night before Christmas Eve had brought tons of new snow, wherefore Murdoch found himself rather early in the morning in front of his house removing the snow from the pavement and the stairs to his front door. Despite the freezing air a thin sheen of sweat had formed under his heavy coat and scarf due to his efforts and he paused a moment to wipe his forehead with the back of his sleeve.
A sudden movement he saw from the corner of his eye caught his interest and he turned around, only to see a furry tail quickly disappear behind one of the heaps of snow. Grinning Murdoch stepped over and peaked behind the heap only to be met by a pair of glimmering green eyes.
"Well, well, well, if that isn´t precious Paul", he teased and took a closer look "what are you carrying there?"
The cat hissed but lifted his head enough to reveal the dead mouse dangling from his mouth.
Murdoch made a face. "Urgh, Paul! A present for Evelyn? I don´t think that she´s going to like it much." The tomcat answered with a nasty growl before he scurried past Murdoch towards the garden.
"What won´t I like?" asked an amused voice from the front door. Murdoch turned around and found Evelyn leaning into the doorframe. She was clad in her usual black dress, her hair was styled in a tight bun and her glasses sat straight onto her nose. Nevertheless her face carried a mischievous smile, causing her eyes to lighten up and her face to look young and relaxed, despite her prim attire.
"I think you won´t like a mouse on the rocks", he said and stepped up to her "How are you feeling this morning, lass?
To his surprise she smiled softly at him. "Much better. Mr. Murdoch, I´d like to thank you very very much for kindness last night. You know, it meant a lot to me."
Murdoch blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his head with his hand. "You´re welcome, lass. You do not have to thank me again."
Evelyn nodded and grinned inwardly. Mr. Prim and Proper was thrown off guard by a little smile. "Breakfast is nearly ready. When are you finished here?" she asked him.
"Just a few more minutes", he answered and rubbed his hands together, "can´t wait for a nice cup of hot coffee."
Evelyn shook her head. "You and your coffee. Why don´t you take a civilised cup of English breakfast tea for a change?"she teased him, loving his instant frowning.
"Can you please stop harassing me about my drinking habits? Believe me, after sixteen years of working on ships without more than four or five hours of sleep a night, coffee becomes your best buddy."
Evelyn snickered and patted his arm. "Calm down, Mr. Murdoch. Coffee it is then. See you in a minute."
Watching her disappear back into the house Murdoch just shook his head and went back to work.
XxxxxxxxxX
Evelyn felt rather giddy. It was half past two in the afternoon now and she was preparing Christmas dinner for Murdoch and herself. How they should ever be able to eat a whole turkey she didn´t know but they would have the most traditional of all Christmas dishes nonetheless. The thought of celebrating with someone else made her feel beyond excited.
The rustling of a newspaper followed by an audible yawn made her turn around. Murdoch sat behind her at the kitchen table, a cup of his beloved coffee in front of him on the table and the newspaper lying beside it. Evelyn couldn´t help but grin when she watched him rub his eyes like a child.
"Are you tired?" she asked him.
He gazed at her through his fingers with weary eyes. "Indeed I am. Didn´t sleep well last night. Must be the full moon." Like on cue he yawned again.
Evelyn smiled softly at him. "Why don´t you lie down a bit and take a little nap? I´ll wake you when dinner´s ready."
He shook his head. "I don´t know. I don´t want to you to do all the work alone."
Evelyn sent him a stern glance. "I think I told you a thousand times by now, that there´s no need for you to help me. Really. I´d prefer you not to fall asleep on your plate later on."
She stepped towards him and ushered him out of his chair. "Go on, get some sleep. I´ll wake you soon enough."
He eyed somewhat unconvinced down at her. "Are you sure? I don´t want..."
"William Murdoch!", she cut him off and put her hands into her hips, "Go and lie down!"
"Yes, sir!", he barked and mock saluted before he scuffled once again yawning into the living room, ignoring the slight giddiness he had felt when she had used his first name.
Evelyn watched his retreating form and shook her head before she started her cooking again, letting herself become engulfed in her thoughts. Whilst chopping a few carrots she suddenly stopped working and just stared at her hands.
Would it feel like this? To be married? To be attached to another person?
Unable to stop her rambling mind, she started to imagine how it would be to be really engaged to William Murdoch. How it would be to be married to him. Her being his wife and him being her husband.
Evelyn shook her head. Stupid childish thoughts. William Murdoch was of course the very last person she would ever want to be married to. It was just naturally to think of him in that matter in their current situation. But...
If she were married to him...how would it feel like to be kissed by him? Or - and the next thought made her blush like mad - how would it be to...to... to... consummate their marriage?
Evelyn! Are you insane?
Her subconscious was screaming at her, but it couldn´t stop the hot feeling dripping down her spine; couldn´t stop the thousands of butterflies fluttering through her stomach. Never in her nineteen years of life had thoughts like that invaded her mind. Thoughts that made her feeling deeply embarrassed and strangely excited at the same time.
Suddenly faint sound from the living room reached her ears, distracting her from the disturbing images in her head. A quiet giggle left her throat when she recognized what she was hearing. Silently she tiptoed over to the living room and took a glance onto the sofa. Murdoch was fast asleep and snoring like a full-grown bear. Snorting Evelyn raised an eyebrow and shook her head. Whatever had had caused her to have amorous thoughts about this man she didn´t know, but Murdoch had unknowingly made damn sure to kill it this very moment.
XxxxxxxxX
Murdoch looked out of the window. Although it had grown dark by now he could see the snowflakes whirling outside in the wind. A glance at his pocket watch made him frown. Although Evelyn usually emphasised that she didn´t care about her appearance like "those typical brainless dolls", was she taking her time now to get dressed. But he wouldn´t scold or harass her tonight. It was Christmas Eve after all and although he missed his family he felt rather happy and relaxed.
Smiling he turned around and observed the beautifully set table. Evelyn had really excelled herself. The delicious smell of roasted turkey hung in the room and the candles on the table – being the only light at the moment - dipped the room into a soft golden glow.
His gaze fell onto the door when Evelyn stepped into the room, carrying an uncertain soft smile upon her face.
Murdoch eyed her up and down in awe. "You look nice, Evelyn." She wore a fine low cut out dress in a rich plummy colour and a light lilac sash was wrapped around her waist.
Slightly blushing she stepped towards him, seemingly at a loss for words for the moment.
"You know, that bit more colour suits you rather well."
She smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, Mr. Murdoch. But honestly I feel somewhat more comfortable in my usual attire."
"I thought so, but there´s no reason to feel insecure at the moment. It´s pretty", he replied whilst observing her curiously a bit closer "What´s that in your hair?"
That question seemed to excite her and she quickly pulled a small butterfly-shaped comb out of her hair. "Isn´t it beautiful? Found it on the market last week when I was making some errands. I had to buy it." Smiling she stroked tenderly over the delicate rosy and green wings of the butterfly. Normally she wasn´t especially interested into fancy things or jewellery, but this particular piece had stolen her heart. She could honestly say that she was actually feeling proud to own it now.
Murdoch took the comb out of her hands and placed it gingerly back into her curls, locking eyes with her in the process. "Yes, very beautiful."
Not able to tell if he really just meant the comb, Evelyn blushed even more. Embarrassed she cleared her throat and gestured towards the table. "Aren´t you hungry, Mr. Murdoch?"
"Famished!"
"Let´s eat then before everything gets cold."
XxxxxxxX
December, 25th 1911
Christmas was usually a rather boring feast in Evelyn´s opinion. However, she had to admit that this year was different. William Murdoch could be a surprisingly pleasant companion. But only as long as he wasn´t beat four times in a row in a game of chess. Whilst drying the china they had used for breakfast, she couldn´t help but grin about yesterday evening´s events.
Murdoch hadn´t had a clue that he was challenging the ´s college junior chess champion when he asked her to join him in a little game after dinner.
Poor man. Obviously he wasn´t used to lose in anything he did. Shaking with laughter now she remembered his swearing and how he had literally ripped out some of his hair.
But she didn´t mind this once, not even the killing glance after her fourth "Checkmate!" or that he had called her an "evil and mean witch". No, this once she had limited herself to just bask in her glorious victory over him.
He had still been somewhat silent during breakfast but she couldn´t really tell if he was still grumpy. To her it had seemed as if he was somehow rather nervous about something. Wondering about his plans, she put the last plate into the cupboard and went to the living room to await his return.
In the meantime Murdoch was pacing nervously around his bedroom. The little gift box sat on his bed and seemed to stare at him. He had been so confident when he had bought the scarf for her, but now he felt rather timid to actually give it to her. How would she react? It had been clear that she didn´t expect them to exchange presents. Admittedly they had behaved rather civilised with each other the last two days but he knew Evelyn well enough to know that her moods could change faster than the weather on an April´s day. He stopped his pacing to gaze out into the garden. That girl was a mystery to him. It was annoying and unnerving how often she occupied his thoughts, but he couldn´t stop wondering about her. Everything about her was antithetic. Sometimes she seemed so mature and intelligent that he almost forgot how young she really was and the next time she behaved so immature and childish that she was almost unbearable. As much as he tried it, he simply didn´t know how he felt about her. Sometimes her mere presence made his heart beat faster; sometimes he simply wanted to protect her and other times he just wanted to strangle her. Even her looks were not easy to describe. She was by no means the typical beauty; not with her freckles and her glasses. But there was something in her eyes that drew him to her like a moth to the light.
Sighing he turned around and gazed at the present. To hell with all his rambling thoughts. It was Christmas after all and his brooding was rather ridiculous. Taking a deep breath, he picked up the little box and headed down to the living room.
Evelyn looked up from her book when she heard him enter. He stopped in front of the armchair she was sitting in and cleared his throat. To her wonder, he had hidden his arms behind his back.
"Evelyn, ehm, I have something for you." His voice was soft and slowly he revealed his right hand to her. Her eyes widened slightly when her gaze fell onto the colourful gift box he was holding out to her. Quickly she stood up from her armchair; the book fell forgotten to the floor.
"I hope you´ll like it. It´s not much but...Merry Christmas." Smiling he handed the present over to her.
Unsure and utterly surprised she locked eyes with him and blushed.
"Come on, lass, open it up."
"I...Mr. Murdoch, thank you but you shouldn´t have bought me something. I mean, I have nothing in return and..."
Holding up a hand, he stopped her rambling by laying a finger over her lips. "You think too much lassie. I wanted to give you a little something for Christmas and I did it and now I simply hope that you´ll like it. Please stop your fussing and take a look. Can you do that for me?"
Blushing even more she nodded and slowly started to unwrap the red bow. Carefully she opened the little box, reached inside and produced the beautiful emerald green scarf with delicate white roses stitched into it. Evelyn´s eyes lit up in wonder and she couldn´t help the slight squeal escaping her throat. Beaming she turned to him again. "Mr. Murdoch... It´s beautiful."
Happily she cradled the scarf in her hands, stroking the soft material and admiring the filigree flowers. Murdoch chuckled slightly. "I guess I made the right choice then?"
"Absolutely", she answered without looking at him. Apparently she was too preoccupied with her scarf.
Inwardly Murdoch´s subconscious roared like a lion. He was more than proud and satisfied with himself. Grinning he took the scarf out of her hands. "Well Miss, let´s see if it suits you."
With that he stepped a little bit closer to her and started to wrap the scarf around her neck. But due to her sheer excitement about this newest piece of fashion, Evelyn couldn´t stand idle. She constantly tried to look down herself, twisted and turned, so that Murdoch had to chuckle about so much childish delight. "Now stand still, you little tomboy or else I can´t do a proper knot. You´re worse than a basketful of fleas."
He had barely looped the loose ends together when she turned immediately to the door and raced outside to the floor, probably to have a look into the mirror. Shaking his head Murdoch followed her and could hear her gasp. She stood in front of the mirror clearly admiring the view and stroked softly over the scarf before burying her small nose into the wool.
Smiling he stepped up towards her until he could see his own reflection behind her in the mirror.
"It´s so pretty", she chirped happily, obviously not able to find more words to describe her joy.
"Do you remember the evening when I picked you up from your apartment? You got so cold on the way here and when I saw that scarf in one of the shops, I thought you could use it."
Evelyn nodded and locked eyes with him through the mirror. She was so small in height that he was a good head taller than her. To his surprise she didn´t say a word. Instead he could see some tears glistening in her eyes.
With a wide smile she slowly turned round until she faced him. Suddenly she let herself fall against him and buried her head into his chest. Caught off guard he looked down at her curly haired head before his arms reached out instinctively and encircled her petit form.
"You cannot imagine how much that means to me", she said quietly, her voice muffled from the fabric of his shirt, "it´s been years since I got a Christmas present."
Before he could make a reply, she backed away a tiny bit to look at his face again. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart...William."
His eyes widened in gentle surprise when he heard his first name fall from her lips and for a few moments he just stared at her.
Unsure if she had overstepped her boundaries she quickly asked him: "I hope you don´t mind me calling you William, Mr. Murdoch. If you do, I apologise."
That seemed to coax Murdoch out of his trance. Instead of answering her he drew her close to his body once more and placed a kiss upon her head before burying his face into her curls. "No, lassie, I don´t mind. And you are very welcome."
Evelyn felt her heart beat like mad. It wasn´t her first time to hug him or to be near to his body, but she had never felt his arms so prominently around her, had never smelled the pleasant mixture of his aftershave and the smell of soap emanating from his clothes, had never heard his heartbeat under his strong chest.
Suddenly unsure about the feelings his closeness provoked in her body, she backed away and cleared her throat. "Very well, William", it still was strange to say his first name, "what are our plans for today?"
"I haven´t really thought about it, but since you are so fond about your scarf...What do you think about a little walk? We can see if the scarf indeed keeps you warm by doing so."
XxxxxxxxX
Half an hour later Will and Evelyn strolled slowly through the falling snow. She had looped her arm tightly around his and once in a while she glanced happily at her green gloved hand resting on his sleeve. It had been so sweet and affectionate from him to buy her a present and the scarf and gloves were so pretty. Evelyn hadn´t felt so happy in years.
A snowflake landed on her nose causing her to sneeze. Murdoch looked down at her and snickered. She shot him a glare. "It´s not nice to mock a lady when she is feeling unwell", she told him and raised her little nose somewhat arrogantly in the air.
Snorting he reached up and wiped the wet spot on her nose the snowflake had left there. "I agree, but...I honestly don´t see a lady around..."
Scandalized she yanked her arm away from his. "You..."
"I?"
"You are...evil!"
Murdoch burst into laughter. "Evil? Come on, Evelyn, that´s a bit harsh to say, isn´t it?"
Huffing she crossed her arms about her chest and turned around. "Pffff, I don´t care."
A mischievous grin worked its way onto his face when he grabbed a handful of snow and stepped slowly towards her. "Well, well..." By now he had come so close that he just had to lean a tiny bit forwards to whisper in her ear. "You know, Evelyn...you are quite right. I AM evil."
Before she could make any move or reply, he quickly grabbed the back of her coat collar and stuffed the snow down her back.
Evelyn gasped in shock as the wet coldness made contact to her skin and she flung around immediately. "You..." Enraged she stomped towards Murdoch, but he was faster. Snickering like a boy he turned around and started to run.
Evelyn gaped at his retreating form. This impossible..."Wait you moron!" She shouted and started to dash after him.
In front of a church Murdoch finally slithered to a halt and put his hands on his knees to draw some breath. He was still laughing and panting when Evelyn arrived a moment later, her breathing equally shallow. "I...should...definitely...strangle...you...but...I...don´t...think...I...can...find...the...strength", she panted and looked at him. Unable to stop herself she started to laugh as well.
Some passing people shot them curious and somewhat disapproving glances but Murdoch didn´t care. After a few moments he straightened his composure and saw Evelyn do the same.
"You know, William, you are quite impressive. Who knew and old man like you could run so fast..."
He lifted an eyebrow. "Careful Madame, or else I fear I have to get you some snow again."
Before she could make any reply a faint sound reached their ears and made them stop their mocking argue. They heard a carol start up inside the little church.
Evelyn went rigid and her earlier giddiness was replaced immediately by a stinging pain in her heart. Slowly she started to walk. The singing grew louder as she approached the church. Evelyn felt her throat constricting. It reminded her so forcefully of her home, of her father reading stories to her, of the presents under a Christmas tree, of the smell of candles and simply home. She had had declined Murdoch´s suggestion to attend to a service on Christmas Eve and now she knew why she had done so. Unable to stop herself she felt salty tears down her cheeks; the memories too strong and too painful.
Suddenly she felt a warm arm and hand wrapping around her shoulders and she was pulled against a solid body. Murdoch didn´t ask any questions, he simply stood beside her and offered as much comfort as he could. "Do you want to go inside?" he asked softly, but she just shook her head and closed her eyes to listen more intently to the faint music.
XxxxxX
In the evening Evelyn and Will sat together in the living room next to each other on the sofa and he was again showing her various pictures of his family. Laughing he gestured to one of the pictures "You see those ugly shoes my aunt got her? Poor Peg, she was so disappointed. They were of a horrible strange red colour." By now Evelyn had learned that William harboured a strong affection for his older sister Margaret - or Peg – as he called her. "Three days after Christmas she got herself some paint and tried to paint those shoes black. I´ve never seen my mother so flustered before."
Evelyn giggled and shook her head. Secretly she envied him about his family.
"I wished I´d know them all", she told him. He glanced towards her. "After we are back from New York I will definitely visit my family. If you´d like, you could accompany me. I am sure they´ll like you and by then we hopefully won´t have to play our ridiculous charade anymore."
When "ridiculous charade" reached her ears, she felt a sudden prang in her heart but she smiled sweetly nonetheless. "Yes, sure. I´d love that."
He petted her head. "It´s settled then, lassie. I´ll take you to bonnie Scotland in May." Suddenly something dawned on him and he observed her closely.
Evelyn became somewhat uncomfortable under his intense stare and she started to squirm slightly. "Is anything wrong?"
He locked eyes with her. "No", he drawled, "it´s just...I noticed that I don´t know anything about you actually."
She gazed at him questioningly and obviously also rather unsure. "There´s not much to say to be honest", she started softly. "But if you insist...I was born in Cornwall. You know, I´ve never known my mother because she died whilst giving birth to me. I am looking very similar to her, I am told."
"My late condolences, Evelyn, but your mother must have been a lovely person then."
She blushed. "Don´t mock me, William. I am fully aware that I am not the most attractive woman on this planet. However...after my mother had died, my father left Cornwall with me and moved to Oxfordshire where he was born. He raised me on his own and I had a truly wonderful childhood."
Her eyes had lit up and her voice dropped to a distant and happy tone. "You know, the Christmas Carol at the church reminded me a great deal of it. My father used to read stories to me and sometimes he even sang at Christmas Eve. Those are treasured memories."
"You love him very much, don´t you?" he asked and saw her nod her head.
"Yes, I do. But as you surely know all good things come to an end."
Murdoch´s eyes went soft. Somehow he knew her next sentence before she actually said it. "He died, right?"
Evelyn nodded and desperately tried not to cry again. "Yes, he died when I was twelve. He was...ill. After my father´s death I was sent by my aunt to a college in Oxford and I studied there until I turned eighteen. Shortly after my graduation I gained my position as junior librarian here in Southampton library and that´s all. The rest know you already."
Murdoch gulped and observed the girl before him closer. She was way too young to have lived a life like that. And suddenly he felt bad about asking her and provoking painful memories in the process. Desperate to lighten the mood he mocked her. "Oxford...I´m impressed, Evelyn. I guess that´s the reason why I can´t hear any accent in your talking."
That comment made her actually grin again. "Quite right, William. In contrast to you I can speak properly."
He chuckled. "Well, lassie, yer think your ears can bear my gruesome Scottish accent a bit longer to hear some wee stories about my unsteady seafaring life?"
She smiled at his thickened accent and inwardly felt glad that he had changed the subject. "I´d love to."
XxxxxxxxxxX
Boxing Day arrived and reminded Murdoch that his work would start all over the next day. He spent most of the day in his office and did some paperwork. Evelyn made sure not to disturb him and got herself busy with washing his uniforms, ironing his shirts and sewing a button back on his coat.
It was already late in the afternoon when Murdoch finally finished his tasks and headed down the stairs, only to find Evelyn sitting in the armchair and obviously deeply engrossed in a book. Paul was dosing peacefully in her lap. Whatever she was reading seemed to be rather appealing to her because she was chewing on her lip and apparently hadn´t heard him enter the room.
"Would you like a cup of tea?" he asked her and had to hide a grin when her eyes shot up at him. Obviously he had indeed startled her.
Evelyn didn´t answer. Instead her eyes started strangly to roam over him before finally settling on a part of his body that made him feel quite uncomfortable.
He cleared his throat. "Can I help you somehow?"
Relieved he saw that her eyes travelled northwards again until they locked with his own.
"Perhaps...I wonder..." Without finishing her sentence she shook her head and gazed down at her book again.
Murdoch raised an eyebrow. "Care to enlighten me?" He stepped closer to get a look at what she was reading. To his surprise he recognized a book about Scottish traditions and culture he had in his library.
Quickly her eyes darted upwards again. She knew she shouldn´t be asking him something like that but she just HAD to know. Gathering every bit of courage she had she straightened her chest. "I wonder...if it is true."
"And what would that be, lassie?"
She squirmed nervously under his gaze. "Have you ever worn a kilt, Mr. Murdoch?"
Suddenly it dawned on him. That little witch... "Are you trying to insult me? Of course I have worn a kilt. Many many times to be precise. And since when is it "Mr. Murdoch" again?"
Evelyn ignored his last comment and observed his body again very closely. "Well...then you should be able to tell me. What I mean is...ehm...is it true? The thing about the kilts?"
"I totally have no clue what you are talking about, lovvie. What do you mean exactly? There are many things among a man´s kilt", he answered with fake innocence. He knew fully well what she was referring to.
"What I mean is...argh bloody hell. Do you Scots wear anything underneath or not?" she blurted out and blushed a deep crimson.
Murdoch burst out into roaring laughter. "Have I ever told you that you are a feisty brat, Evelyn?" he asked whilst wiping his eyes. "But to answer your question. It depends on."
"Depends on what?" He was clearly enjoying her embarrassment and she hated him therefore.
"Well, a true Scotsman doesn´t indeed wear anything under his kilt."
She closed her eyes in embarrassment, but her curiosity – once awoken – forced her to ask the inevitable. "And...are you a true Scotsman, William?"
That question made him laugh out so hard that he had to sit down on the table. After a few moments he straightened his composure and caught her annoyed stare. An idea formed in his mind as he got up and walked ever so slowly towards her. Evelyn´s eyes widened when he came nearer until he literally towered over her, his eyes carrying a hooded expression. Slowly he laid his hands on both of the armchairs and drew his face nearer to her own. Evelyn backed away until her head collided with the back of the armchair. She was trapped. For a silly moment she actually thought that he would kiss her but he just brought his mouth very close to her ear so that she could feel his warm breath against her cheek. "Guess!"
When he backed away he basked in her scandalized expression. "You´re mean."
"Come on, I´m not the one who brought this up. I´m not the pervert here!"
She drew a deep breath through her nose. "I´m not pervert!"
"Yes you are. After all you are thinking about me wandering around naked down there", to her utter shock he pointed downwards his body, "but I won´t tell you lassie. Not on your nelly!"
"Fine then, don´t tell me. I don´t really want to know anyway."
"Come on Evelyn, of course you want to know that. But I´ll tell you so much...I am actually going to wear my kilt soon. So let´s see if you find the courage to sort out the answer to your question on your own."
"I...you...William!" she gasped and buried her face into her hands, desperately ignoring his laughter.
When she had the nerve to look up again she was met by an amused stare. How she wished to slap him at the moment.
Instead she composed herself and asked: "Why are you planning to wear a kilt, sir?"
Murdoch raised his eyebrows. "Oh my, I nearly forgot to tell you. We are invited, you and me. My best friend Charles Lightoller and his wife Sylvia are having their annual New Year´s Eve party and we both are invited. And being a proud (he emphasised the word proud) Scotsman, I will of course wear my traditional attire on that occasion."
To his surprise that news seemed to scare her. "Invited? And how many people will be there?"
"Oh, quite a few. It´s usually a really big party. Most of our comrades and fellow officers will be there."
Evelyn gulped and started to wring her hands nervously. "You don´t have to worry, Evelyn. Nobody is going to harm you there. You´re going to have fun."
"That´s not the point, William. Did it ever occur to you that we actually have to act like an engaged couple there?"
Her question caught him off guard. Admittedly he hadn´t thought about that. Against his own feelings he tried to reassure her. "Don´t worry lassie, it will be fine. Lights knows about our situation and the others won´t notice. We simply have to act civilised with each other for that one evening. But we simply can´t decline that invitation."
Evelyn gazed at him thoroughly unconvinced, but she nodded ever so slightly.
XxxxxxxxX
In the late evening hours Murdoch sat brooding on his bed and observed something in his hand. The conversation he had had earlier with her had reminded him of something. Should he really do this? Damn, why was life always so complicated? And why had Evelyn have to be so incalculably?
He stood up and started pacing. Again. It seemed to become a habit. Honestly he dreaded her reaction but on the other hand it was inevitable, wasn´t it? After all they HAD to pretend to be engaged.
Taking a deep steadying breath he left his room. Sometimes a man had to do what a man needed to do.
Evelyn had already gone to bed but he hoped that she would be still awake. He didn´t know if he could find the courage to do what he was going to do if he waited until the next day.
Hesitantly he stopped before the door of her room and ever so slowly raised his hand to knock.
A few seconds later Evelyn´s surprised voice reached his ears. "Come in."
He opened the door and stepped inside her room only to stop dead in his tracks. She sat on her back clad in a nightgown and her hair fell in loose curls around her shoulders. Obviously she had wrapped her dressing gown around her in a great haste.
"William...has something happened?" she asked him clearly surprised about his late visit. Somehow he seemed to be extremely nervous.
"Happened is the wrong word, I guess, but I have to discuss something important."
Her eyes widened slightly disbelievingly. "And that can´t wait until tomorrow?" Apparently she was rather nervous having him around in her room whilst she was in a state of undress.
Discreetly his eyes wandered up and down her form and he couldn´t help but admire his view.
Come on, Will, you´re here for another reason
He cleared his throat and locked eyes with her. "No, it can´t wait. Evelyn...what I want to say is...well. As you said yourself, we still have to pretend to be engaged to each other. And that made me think of something." He stepped a bit closer towards her. "I don´t want to take advantage of you or suggest anything, but...I thought that people could wonder why my fiancée doesn´t wear a ring."
Evelyn gulped but was unable to break their eye contact. She felt heat creeping up her neck and her heart started to bump like mad. He wouldn´t...would he?
Slowly Murdoch grabbed into his trouser pocket and produced a little box. With great care he opened it and Evelyn´s eyes fell upon a delicate silver ring with a small Sapphire in the middle.
"This is my grandmother´s engagement ring. She gave it to me before she died and I promised her to give it to my very special woman one day...to my fiancée. You see, that fiancée never came but here you are and although we don´t love each other I can honestly say that you are at least a very special woman to me. So...as part of our little love play...would you do me the honour and wear this ring? Consider it as a loan until the day you don´t need it anymore."
Unable to say a word she just stared at him with wide eyes and a flushed face.
When she didn´t answer, he became surprisingly disappointed and started to get up. "I´m sorry, it was a silly idea. Forget it."
He was about to turn around and leave the room when she snapped out of her trance and quickly got up. "William, wait!"
Immediately he turned towards her again. She cleared her throat.
"Forgive me, but this came a bit...unexpected. But, ehm, maybe you are right." Slowly she locked eyes with him. "If you still want me to wear this, I´ll do it. I promise, I will treasure your grandmothers ring until the day I can return it to you."
Unable to help himself he smiled wickedly at her. "Very well then, Miss Watson. If you please give me your hand? I guess you don´t mind if I don´t go down to my knees in front of you?"
She giggled. "No good sir. It´s perfectly fine." Not able to look into his eyes, she fixed the wall behind his head and raised her left hand.
Hesitantly he grasped her hand in his and carefully slid the ring onto her small ring finger. "There."
Not daring to look onto her hand or into his eyes, she nodded.
An awkward silence settled between them until Murdoch cleared his throat a few moments later. "Very well then. I´m glad that we sort this out. I´ll better leave now and let you rest. Good night, Evelyn, sleep well."
"Goodnight William", she said and gladly released the breath she was holding when she heard the door clunk shut.
Unable to really believe what had just happened she stumbled backwards until she landed on her bed and lifted her left hand. The ring fit surprisingly snuck on her finger and the Sapphire glistened softly in the dim light. Her heart bumped wildly in her chest and she knew that no sleep would come to her this night.