Storm and Silence Series Fanfiction

5AE The Discovery

Why in Mammon's name was I here? I should not have even thought of attending this ball. HIS ball in his own mansion !

I was attending a social event hosted by him! Atrocious! Disgusting! Mortifying! Yet I was here. And, for the most useless reason! To find out why  she- it, did not attend work and attend to some business issues concerning Dalgliesh.
That's it, hmmm?
Why? I have no other reasons. This is the easiest way! Knowledge is power is time is money, I'm saving time this way.
Right......
The doors swung open and I instinctively wiped all nonexistent emotion of my face.
I expected to see a crowd full of hellish women and brainless, disgraceful men, but immediately my eyes were drawn to he- it. Who was, quite happily conversing with a man! And there was no scowl on her face!

Wait a minute! That's the Captain from Egypt. What is he doing here?

I saw her smile slip as soon as she saw me. I see her huff before I turn away. "Lord Ambrose," greeted the herald. "It's Mister to you," I said, glaring at this  insolent fool of a herald. "Of course sir. Lord Dalgliesh has er.. Errands to run and will come late. His Lordship wishes for you to enjoy yourself and not to wait." he squeaked and ran away.

He would be late. This should work out very nicely. I turn back to see an old crow smiling in front of me with a disgusting young lady batting her eyelashes behind her.
"Mr Ambrose, pleasure to meet you! This is my-"
I walked past her. What was it with elderly women trying to dump brainless daughters in front of me? Shallow fools!

My eyes scanned the room and locked in on Lil- I mean, Mr Linton dancing with that infernal Captain!
Jealous much?
No! I wasn't jealous of anyone! I don't even have feelings, for one.
Right.  Then what's that tugging feeling in your chest?
That is the muscle I pulled from the time the Urania sank.  Urania.
The words brought back so many memories. How she didn't leave me then. Or in the sandstorm.

I'm always right. I told you this before, didn't I, you fool? Knowledge is power is time is money! Stop denying it and save useful energy and time.

Right. Wait! Who are you to call me a fool?

I swatted away another demonic creature.

Do I have to do everything myself nowadays? Let me remind you...

Luckily, before my very disobedient subconscious began reminding me of things I would very much like to forget, a demonic blonde creature appeared.

"Mr Ambrose, it's lovely to meet you! I am Maria Linton," she curtsied and winked. This was Lillian's - I mean, Mr Linton's sister? I felt bile rising in my throat. But, being the gentleman I am, I  gave her an extremely curt nod and glare.

"Forgive me if I'm being intrusive, but I haven't seen you at many balls before. Is it true that you are one of the richest men in England?" she chirped.  Right then, another crow, walked up and stood beside this Maria.

How could this foolish woman think I am just one of he richest?!

"I am the richest," I say icily. The old crow smiles. "Congratulations on your wealth! I'm sure you find my dear niece Maria on amiable young woman. Would you like me to introduce Anne Linton, my other niece?" asks the crow, who I conclude, must be "Aunt Brank" according to Mr Linton.

Anne, looks exactly the same as this Maria, and has the exact same personality. Is shallowness a family trait that Mr Linton does not have?

"No." I say and walk away. No wonder Mr Linton enjoys time away from family like that.

I glance at my pocket watch. it took me 10 minutes to cross the ballroom. How inefficient. I grit my teeth.

My eyes lock on a particular brunette behind a plant speaking to a blonde. Not the captain! Huzzah! I mean-
Yeah right!