Storm and Silence (FANFIC)

11. Confusions and Confessions. Pt. 1

It was finally Friday and I had just the rest of today before the weekend. But it's only morning and I still have to fetch files for a stone-cold chauvinist. Argh! Though... The plan I had yesterday had been a good one. Maybe I should do it again! Yes that's a great idea!

I made my way downstairs and was greeted by aunt sitting at the dining table, eating porridge with Gertrude, Lisbeth and Ella. Which only meant that Maria and Anne were still sleeping. We all knew better than to wake them up. Every Thursday night, they screamed that they needed their beauty sleep until eleven am. So we never bothered them. Didn't want to waste our time and breaths on them.

I joined everyone at the table and Leadfield soon came with my bowl porridge which was simply warm. I wasted no time in chowing it down, yet I ate with a pace to make it seem as if I was not in a hurry. Nobody spoke. The only sound was the clinking of our spoons on china. When I finished I went upstairs to change into a dress and as soon as I started to leave the room, I was stopped by Ella.

"Lilly?" she asked, tentative.

"Hello dear sister. Anything troubling you?

"Yes. I was wondering... Later today.. Will you walk with me through Green Park? At... Maybe five in the afternoon or so..?"

"Oh. Um.. I shall see if I will be able to..." I said putting on a smile. I knew that I wasn't going to be let out until nine or ten at the latest. Mr. Ambrose would refuse to let me out early, whatever the reason may be. Well, if my sister needed me, I refused to ignore her. I was going to have to persuade him if I had to.

"Really? Oh thank you!" She gave me a hug before releasing me and dashing away. Bewildered with her actions, I went back downstairs and snuck over to the shed. I changed and then snuck out the gardem and back out onto the street. I looked back to my house and made sure no one was watching me. I did see my aunt walk past one of the windows and panicked, ducking away from sight. I didn't bother checking to see if she was looking out the window. Instead, still ducking, I managed to escape from the line of sight of my house. Finally getting up, I continued walking down the street towards Empire House.

Empire House... The phrase rang through my head like a knife. It was his empire... Built from scratch probably. And surprisingly, to get to where he was, to be so rich and a complete miser... Well he worked hard for it. According to those rumours anyway. And even though he had so much.. He wanted even more. He wanted to be the ruler of trade. He wanted to build that canal in Africa and he was going to do it. When? I didn't know.

I was so lost in thought about him that I walked straight past the building. I didn't realise it until I looked around and noticed that the street looked unfamiliar. I turned around and started retracing my steps. I came across the building and entered it. Huh. I wonder how I missed it. Entering the building, I fixed my outfit and went up the stairs, nodding to Mr. Pearson on the way. Saint Paul rang out and I realised that I was running late. So I dashed up the last bit of the stairs, greeted Mr. Stone, before entering my office and slamming the door shut, falling against it. The last gong rang out and all I could do was breathe out in relief.

Plink! I winced a little when I heard the familiar noise. Getting up from the ground, I walked over to my desk and took a hold of the message. I unrolled it and read it.

Mr. Linton

You are twenty seconds late. Refrain from this occurring once more.

Rikkard Ambrose

I replied back, a bit shakily.

Dear Mr. Ambrose

I apologise sir. I had been distracted whilst walking here, so distracted that I simply walked past the building itself. It took a little while to realize so, and when I did, well I just turned around and walked back.

Sincerely yours,

Miss Lilly Linton.

I sent the message and waited for his reply. After a minute it came.

Mr. Linton

Look at how much ink you've wasted in telling your life stories! I will not tolerate anymore of it.
Bring me file 39XV126.

Rikkard Ambrose

Well then.

Dear Mr. Ambrose

Hark who's talking? You wasted ink in telling me that you can't tolerate my telling of stories.

Sincerely Yours,

Miss Lilly Linton.

I sent the message before going off to get the proper file. I shoved the file underneath the door and heard the plink at the same time.

Mr. Linton

Just get back to work.

Rikkard Ambrose.

Smirking, I did a little victory dance before returning back to fetching more files.

* * *

Plink!

I opened the message.

Mr. Linton

I no longer require your services as of now. You are dismissed. I have places to be.

Rikkard Ambrose

What? I wondered what time it was so I asked Mr. Stone. He said that it was 6:47. I thanked him before going back inside to reply to his message.

Dear Mr. Ambrose

What do you mean you're leaving?! Work hours aren't over? It's nearly seven and yet you keep me until ten or so!

Sincerely Yours,

Miss Lilly Linton.

I waited for the response.

Mr. Linton

I am aware. Did I already not tell you that you're dismissed? Now go home! You're wasting my time.

Rikkard Ambrose.

I stared blankly at the message. Why was he acting like this? What was he hiding up his sleeve? I wanted to know now! I debated on whether or not I should ask him. And as I was doing so, someone knocked on my office door. I opened the door to see Mr. Stone standing there.

"Um Mr. Linton? I was told by Mr. Ambrose that you could go home now.. He happened to leave early for some reason." I sighed before responding.

"I'm aware of that. He told me before leaving. But thank you anyway Mr. Stone." he bowed and left. Sighing again, I left the Empire House. I should go home, change and meet up with Ella... Oh dear, I feel terrible for not telling her that I'd be late. Unless...

I ran home.

* * *

"Ella!" I crashed into her as I was leaving the house, in my dress. I'd gone upstairs to grab my parasol and checked the whole house for Ella, only to find her missing. That is until I started to leave the house.

"Oh Lill! I was looking for you! Come on now, we have to go!" she grabbed my wrist and dragged me towards Green Park.

"Whoa hey there Ella! Slow down!" I cried and digging my heels onto the ground. We reached the park quicker than I'd expected.

"Come! Walk with me and tell me where you have been!" Surprised at her demanding, I stopped in my tracks. But the girl walked behind me and pushed me forwards. "Now spill!"

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Hello! This is only one part. Part two will come out next!

Take care! Thanks for reading!

and yes it's a double update! cx

See you later!