Page 40 of Storm of Bells
‘Well. Ehem. Mr…Mr Ambrose. Or may I call youRick after all, since we’re going to be family?’
She gave him a puppy-dog look.
‘No.’
‘Oh. Um…Ricky?’
‘No.’
‘Rikkard?’
‘No.’
‘Dick?’
He sent her a look that could kill, skin anddeep-freeze all in one go. ‘No.’
‘Oh. Um. Well…’ Ella glanced from left toright, as if she expected help from the stuffy furniture. Then sheremembered why we all were here, and brightened again. ‘Well, MrAmbrose, thank you so much for coming. I’m sure Lilly has alreadytold you all about our plans for the wedding. She probably talksabout it constantly.’
‘No.’
‘Oh. Well…do you like what you’ve been toldso far?’
‘No.’
‘Err…well…’ Desperately, Ella looked aroundfor help again. The furniture still wasn’t forthcoming, so shethrew a desperate look at Eve.
‘Can you say anything other than “no”?’ myalways helpful friend enquired.
Mr Ambrose contemplated this for a long,silent moment. And another. Finally…
‘No.’
‘Well, that’s going to be kind of a problemwhen you’re in front of the altar.’
Silence.
Ella cast me an imploring glance. ‘Lilly! Youknow Mr Ambrose better than any of us. Tell us, what are histhoughts on flowers, lace and church hymns?’
The corners of my mouth twitched. Saunteringover to the closest armchair that offered a good view of the wholeperformance, I sank down and relaxed. Who knew that weddingplanning could be this much fun?
‘I can state with a hundred percent certaintythat he doesn’t have any.’
‘Oh.’ My sister looked crestfallen.
‘Why don’t you tell him about all of yourideas?’ I suggested, my eyes twinkling innocently. ‘I’m sure he’lllove them. And if he does have an objection here and there, I’msure he’ll tell you.’
She beamed. ‘That’s a wonderful idea! What doyou say, Mr Ambrose. Would you like to hear our ideas?’
Mr Ambrose opened his mouth. ‘N—’
I kicked his shin with loving care.
‘—nnyes.’
‘Ah!’ Eve clapped her hands in delight.‘Wonderful! Fabulous. Now, about the wedding. We were thinking ofholding the whole thing in Westminster Abbey—’
‘No.’
