Silence Explained #AStormOfFanfiction

Chapter 2

"What?" I was sure I had heard him incorrectly, or that he was looking for a different Lillian. But how likely was it that he would be looking for someone with the exact same name as me and it isn't me?

William squeezed my hand, a hand that had been frozen in shock, preventing me from doing anything with it. "I know it's hard to believe but I used to be friends with your father. Best friends, actually."

I retract my previous statement. He didn't sound like one of the happiest men in London but one of the craziest. "I'm sorry but I have no idea what you're talking about. Perhaps you've mistaken me for someone else?"

"Someone else with your exact name? He came over here because he recognized you as you were walking down the stairs. And it is obvious you've never met before." Of course, it wasn't Mr. Ambrose who made that fine observation. No, it had been Captain Carter, who shared my confusion with me regarding this man.

William laughed lightly as he finally freed my hand from his grasp. "I know it's hard to believe but it's true. I haven't been able to contact you because it has been difficult finding your uncle. Almost as if he doesn't want to be found."

I forced a smile onto my face, hesitant to continue a conversation with a man who seemed to know a whole lot about me yet I knew nothing about. "He probably doesn't want to be found. He's a down right recluse, that man. I've only met one other like him." I gave a sly glance to Mr. Ambrose, who was watching William with cold, calculating eyes.

William paid no mind to my employer's icy gaze, instead choosing to continue his attention on me-and the rest of my family.

"How are your sisters? Any of them married yet? Children?" I shook my head in disbelief, not knowing what to think anymore. I didn't understand how I had gone so long without meeting this man if he really was a friend of my father's. But then again, I had yet to meet many of my parent's former friends, something now that I think about is a little suspicious. I'd have to remember to ask Uncle Bufford.

"No, no kids. No marriage, either. We might as well be classified as old maids. Well," I paused, truly thinking about my sisters' statuses. It was more difficult than it should have been seeing as I had not been spending much time at home lately. Not that I was complaining. "Except for Ella. Ella has had more luck in men than any of us."

I heard Captain Carter mutter something under his breath, probably something to contradict my statement to William seeing as he had now become a potential suitor. I couldn't help but shudder as the thought infiltrated my mind. Whether it was a shudder in disgust or excitement, I couldn't tell. All I know is that when I think of Captain Carter courting me, I couldn't help but think of another face, this one with eyes the color of the sea and just as deadly. Just as cold and unforgiving but at the same time, one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen.

"Sad to hear," William said, placing a hand on his chin. "If you want, I could introduce you and your sisters to a few men?"

"No!" The answer rose my throat furiously, eyes widening briefly in panic. I wasn't about to go through the torture of courting or talking with boring men any more than I had to. And I only considered it a 'have to' situation when Aunt Branks decides she has had enough of my antics. But seeing the slightly crestfallen expression on Mr. Doherty's face made me think about my sisters.

"I mean," I backtracked, trying to put some sort of false gratitude in my voice. "My sister's would love that. More so seeing as you are a friend of my father's."

William's face lit up, his eyes holding enough light to compete with Captain Carter'a as he saw me making my way down the stairs. Were all men like this in the presence of a lady?