Lost Treasure

Chapter 5 - More Than Words

POV = Lilly

I followed Mr Ambrose into his office, still in something of a daze and sat in the visitor's chair as he walked around the large desk to his own seat. I stared at my hands in my lap as I absentmindedly played with my fingernails. 

"Mr Linton ... Lillian ... " there was a bit of an awkward pause for a few moments, "... are you okay? Look at me."

Reluctantly I raised my head and looked at Mr Ambrose. He had an expression that I couldn't quite work out hidden amongst the granite features; Concern? Curiosity? Nervousness? I still wasn't convinced that this was all really happening.

"Sir ..." I placed my left hand on his desk, "... will you pinch me?"

"Excuse me?" came the rather surprised reply.

"Well I'm not entirely sure that I'm not at home in bed having a very, very strange dream. Pinch me."

His left eyebrow raised a fraction of an inch, then he leaned forward and pinched me between my thumb and index finger. I let out a gasp before I could stop it and snatched my hand back. This was really happening. Mr Rikkard Ambrose had apologised to me and given me a gift.

"Satisfied?"

"Yes Sir ... er ... thank you."

We sat and looked at each other for a few seconds. Mr Ambrose looked like he was trying to find the right words to start ... or maybe the courage? After all, it had been a very strange morning so far. Then he spoke.

"Mr ... er, Lilian ... I am sorry ... there are, er, reasons why I ... um ..."

"Have been acting like a miserable, tetchy, arrogant, patronising, overly critical and majorly grumpy miser?" I offered helpfully.

"Brutal as ever eh?"

"Shall I tell you something Mr Ambrose?"

My brain was still whirring at quadruple speed. There was a major struggle going on as to whether I should be happy at my gift, shocked because of the apology and gift or really bloody angry because of the last few weeks. But, for some reason, I actually felt rather sad.

"Of course Mr Linton. I said we needed to talk and, as hard as you might find it to believe, I did mean both of us."

Okay, he gave you permission - time he knew exactly how much of an arse he has been!

Should I wear a riding hat or a fencing mask? You're not going to throw anything are you?

No. As tempting as causing him physical harm might be, he is trying to apologise, so take advantage and tell him. Deep breath ... here we go:

"I have always looked forward to coming to work Mr Ambrose, despite having to dress as a man and put up with your miserly and chauvinistic ways everyday. However, the last few weeks have been ... frustrating ... annoying and frankly miserable."

"Lillian ... I ..."

"I'm not finished!" I glared at him with my best Ambrosian glacier impression. "You know what? I had a wonderful, fun filled weekend with my friends and it made me realise just how unhappy I've been recently."

Mr Ambrose closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking at me again. I continued whilst I had the chance.

"I arrived nearly 10 minutes early this morning, but I didn't walk into Empire House straight away. I stood outside and I really thought about turning around and spending the day with my friends instead. Even time with my aunt felt more appealing at that moment you know."