The Storm in His Silence

Not so Unexpected Expenditure

a/n: Hi All, so I wasn't planning on doing more than one part for the #AStormofFanfiction contest but I had so much fun writing my first fanfiction (ever), I've decided to give it another go.

Since I've already convinced Mr Ambrose (we are still not on a first name basis😔 ) that a proposal is a good next step, I thought it would be interesting to see how he deals with wedding prep and the corresponding expense.

Here we go....

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Mr Ambrose's POV

'Mr Linton. I do not recall requesting you to work on a Sunday. However, if you choose to work for free I will not prevent you.'

I was sitting behind the desk in my office. I felt it was best to not look directly at her and pretended to occupy myself with the document in front of me.

I was not surprised to find Lillian at Empire House. I had been evading her household at all costs, figuratively speaking of course. Ever since my proposal, Mrs Brank has been ceaselessly and shamelessly pestering me about spending money on the wedding, my money! I could hardly tolerate such impertinence. How does she presume I remain the richest man in England? By throwing away money? No! My hands instinctively gripped the edge of my desk.

If it was up to me, I would have gotten married to Lillian then and there, with no preparations and hence no unnecessary expense. By now she would be Mrs Ambrose and I'd not only be the richest man in England but I'd also be the most fortunate.

Alas, the old ha-, I mean Mrs Brank strategically eluded my requests. Lillian however, kept giving me strange glances. Perhaps she wanted something elaborate as well. I should inform her that I will be deducting the expense from her wages. Naturally, she will be forced to work for me until the end of time to pay off the rest of her debt. At least she will be tied to me in more ways than one. That is good business after all.

Lillian is not a business transaction. She is your fiance.

Oh shut it, I will not become soft merely because I have professed my love to her.

You would do anything to make her happy. You would promptly sell your empire for her. Then, with her by your side, the unstoppable force that she is, you could easily rebuild it, 10.9 times more superior.

'You son of a bachelor', her words pulled me out of my thoughts. She walked towards my desk, placed both hands on top of them and leaned forward.

'How dare you leave me to deal with that woman alone? I'm lucky I was able to escape the house. She has been tormenting me all weekend. Instructing me on how married women carry themselves. Apparently they have to sit idly at home, knit, wait anxiously for their husbands to return from work, make sure they always
look presentable for said husband, blah blah blah.'

She huffed and glanced outside the window.

'Surely you do not expect that of me?'

The expression on her face was fierce but her voice was soft, almost vulnerable. She did not make eye contact with me and shuffled nervously.

"No, Mr Linton. I do not expect that of you."

She relaxed at my response, her eyes meeting mine. She smiled delicately, causing my traitorous heart to beat faster.

Then in an instant something flashed in her eyes and as if remembering something she narrowed them like daggers.

'And how dare you not inquire about my opinion of the wedding arrangements?'