My Storm And My Silence:East India Empire #1

Expecting someone else?

I observed the short and pudgy man that boomed with laughter causing his monocle to slip from his cheeks again. He had his fourth cup of white wine this evening without dancing once. I always caught wind of him visiting one of my shops that sold wine. Charles Jenkins, the bobby would disclose to me how many times he's had to stop him from beating on his wife for the past year.

I simply disgust a man who couldn't conduct himself well without making an imbecile of himself. The paunchy man turned towards me and grinned sheepishly while bending down to retrieve his monocle. He then stood straight and faced me with a tremulous smile. Probably because he realizes how absurd he looks. "Lord Dalgliesh, you are the second rich-

"The richest." I stated and waved my hand for him to continue on. He looked taken aback, almost in deep thought as if he never heard of the words in his entire life. This really irked my nerves and I felt my eyes narrow in on the blasted pig. He was only a millionaire who owned 40 acres of land and two factories ran by weak people. One glance from me and his businesses, land and reputation would be terminated as if he were never wealthy.

I chuckled at myself for even deigning to encourage a thought. I surprise myself sometimes of how cunning and shrewd I could become by someone even mentioning the name of-

"Would you be so kind as to step aside for a moment, please?" A familiar voice asked.

The gentleman in front of me moved to the side and I came face to face with Sir Philip Wilkins."I would like to introduce these ladies to my honored friend."

I took in the nervous and excited young ladies who looked quite pleased when they caught sight of me. Yes, I would be too if I were them. I gave my most famous of smiles and bowed to him. "Ah, good evening, Wilkins. What a pleasure to see you again." He returned the bow. My gaze then was directed upon the fair ladies that stood before me."And who, if I may ask, are these lovely ladies you have brought with you?"I asked giving a genuine smile. They all blushed simultaneously.

"Of course, where are my manners?"

Wilkins released one of the sister's hand, to point them out to me.

"Lord Dalgliesh, may I present Mrs.Brank, Miss Linton, Miss Linton, Miss Linton, Miss Linton, Miss Linton and Miss Linton and Ladies, this is Lord Daniel Eugene Dalgliesh." I bowed to all the Lintons, taking my time for each one to make sure they each felt special. Though one of them with short brown hair looked less pleased than her sisters.

I'm always used to people expecting me and being pleased at my appearance, so this kind of response puzzled me. "I am charmed. Who knew that such bewitching company would await me at this ball."
The girls seemed to still be lost in thought gaping at me. One of the blonde Linton's stepped forward towards me with a broad smile spread across her face.

Her hair was curly and long and she wore a blue gown with white lace embroidered all over. Not to mention her dress was a little too low cut.

Women, and their desperation of snatching up the richest bachelor. However, I did enjoy the attention given and I always had a way with women, so that they would feel as if I truly had a certain interest in them.

"It is I who am charmed to meet you, My Lord. Tell me how it is that, though I have been a frequent visitor to many balls in the city, I have yet never had the pleasure of making your acquaintance? Such a great Lord as yourself should surely be the life and soul of every ball."

I noticed how irritation flicked across a face of one of the smaller sisters. She had brown shoulder length hair and a round face. Her dress was plain with no embroidery or even low cut. She must have low self-esteem somewhere. Why else would she dress like an old maid? My eyes darted back on my target in front of me. Though her sister's words were charming I knew that this trick of flattery would not work for yours only.