#Chapter9

The Art of Dancing

Mr Ambrose looked at me as he sat comfortable in the coach, "Faster, Mr Linton. You're wasting time." He says, and even through the pouring rain, I could still make out his voice.

"It's raining, sir!"

He gave me an icy stare that had me shivering on my spot more than the chilly rain of the night, "I surmised that fact minutes ago, Mr Linton. Now get in."

Without thinking, I ran towards the coach. I didn't even care if I had my suit wet in a matter of seconds. I just did what I was told. When I got in the coach, I was dripping wet which makes me even colder than before. I looked at Mr Ambrose, "Why are we riding in your coach, sir?"

"If you'd rather go home through the rain and get wet, you're welcome to get out, Mr Linton," he says before hitting the roof of the coach with his cane. Seconds later, the coach started moving.

I raised a brow at him, "You know, I'm practically drowning in rain water right now."

"I don't see you dying, Mr Linton," he says, "You must be quite an impressive swimmer."

I hit my forehead using my palm. It made a squish sound, since my forehead and palm was also drenched in water, "If you're concerned as to riding me home without me getting wet, then the latter is a good try."

"Mr Linton?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Be silent!"

"Yes, sir. Right away, sir."

So we rode the coach in silent for a couple of minutes. However, my clothes were so wet, it clung on to my body like a second skin. I was getting uncomfortable as wind hit my body. It makes me shiver in cold. Even my hair is tangled and wet, it seems like it's impossible to dry it off. Goosebumps started forming on my skin, and I brushed it down. It wasn't that long before I reach home. I'm in dire need of changing my clothes.

Then, as if it's the end of the world, a coat was wrapped around me. I stiffened as I felt Mr Ambrose's warmth around me. It even smelled like him, and it scares me how I know what he smells like. I looked at him as he stared directly at the road like nothing happened. He had his usual mask on, and there's nothing funny about my situation. But that didn't keep me from grinning ear to ear.

"It's nice to know you don't want me dead," I mumbled as I snuggled on the coat he gave me. All of a sudden, I feel so hot inside, even my cheeks were warm.

"Not until I found a new secretary, that is," he says, "But once I do, you have my permission to die."

"You'll never find a secretary like me," I said, my chin up. I was feeling giddy at the moment.

"That's great news."

I frowned, but I didn't have the chance to express my very violent reaction since we reached our house. It was too bad, since it consisted of head banging, throat slitting, and feet crushing. It was still raining outside, so I already braced myself.

I looked at Mr Ambrose, "Thank you for the ride, sir."

"I'll deduct it in your wages."

"I expected as much," I rolled my eyes and started running at my uncle's garden shed.

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I went down for dinner. It didn't take time for me to dry my hair and change clothes, so I was just in time for potatoes and porridge. Yum! I think I just lost my appetite.

But as soon as I took the last step from the stairs, I almost tripped over thin air. As usual, Aunt Brank, Maria, Anna, Gertrude, and Lisbeth were present. That wasn't much of a shocker. However, seeing Captain Carter sitting on a chair next to my usual spot had my mouth hanging open. Looking over at my aunt, she gave me a victorious smile. I just had to fight the urge to groan.

Like I was in deep pain.

Getting myself together, I walked nearer to the dinner table. Immediately, Captain Carter stood up and held a chair for me. I gave him a small smile as I sat on it. Then, he sat back on his seat as he smiled at me. I looked down and saw salad on my plate. I blinked, not sure if I'm not hallucinating. For the first time, I'm seeing actual food. I bet the food was special for today since Captain Carter arrived. Aunt Brank made sure of that.

I leaned closer towards Captain Carter and whispered, "You're my ticket to a beautiful life," he chuckled at my words, "I'm not kidding; we only have edible food when you're around."

"Glad to know I'm of help," he whispers back. I smiled, shaking my head.

Looking at Aunt Brank, she was looking at us unabashed. She didn't even try to hide the fact that she was staring at us. She looked at Captain Carter, "Thank you for visiting, Captain Carter." She says with a smile.

Maria and Anna nodded with a dreamy sigh as they stared at Captain Carter. They look like they'd rather have him for dinner than the salad on their plates. However, he didn't seem to notice the admiring stares he received from all of my sisters as he smiled back at my aunt. Well, all of my sisters stared except for Ella.

Since she's not here.

I frowned, "Where's Ella?" I asked no one in particular at the dinner table.

Since my sisters are too occupied to answer, my aunt said, "She's at the door."

My frown deepened, "What is she doing—" I stopped talking as Ella showed up with a smile on her innocent face, "Ella! I thought you were..." my voice trailed off as another figure tailed behind her. A figure was particularly a man's.

Seeing the confusion in my face and hearing it in my voice, I seem to get everyone's attention. My sisters and aunt turned to look at Ella. Even Captain Carter seemed intrigued about the unexpected visitor. Maria and Anna, however, looked back at Captain Carter, deeming Ella's presence less important than his.

"I just let the man in," Ella says, stepping aside so all of us could fully see who the man was, "He was standing in front of our house, he might catch cold. So I let him in."

I almost hit my head on our dinner table when I realised who the man was.

"Besides," Ella adds, "He seems to know you, Lill."

"Unfortunately," I mumbled, receiving an icy glare from Mr Ambrose.

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