Teapots & Tiaras: A sweet and clean Christian romance in London and Cambridge (Love In Store Book 5)

by Autumn Macarthur

  Teapots & Tiaras

  Love in Store Book 5

  Autumn Macarthur

  I am come that they might have life,

  and that they might have it more abundantly.

  John 10:10 KJV

  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

  for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go

  Joshua 1:9 NIV

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  Maggie Golding, unconventional and artistic 50-something window dresser at Pettett & Mayfields London department store, never expected to fall in love with Edgar Pettett, staid and sensible heir to the business.

  Between their differences and his mother’s disapproval, can they possibly work things out?

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  About this book

  When their best friends’ summer wedding in London pushes proud judgmental medical missionary Matthew Coalbrooke and bubbly shoe-aholic kitchenware saleswoman Anita Kiernan together, it’s dislike at first sight.

  The only thing they can both agree on is that the bride and groom’s matchmaking attempts are bound to fail. Between his pride and her prejudice, there could hardly be a less likely couple.

  But God has a bigger plan for them than they can possibly imagine.

  The Love in Store series is set around a stately old London department store, and the same settings and staff pop up in each book. But there's no need to read the series in order. Every story is a complete romance, following a different couple through the trials and joys of a developing love, deepening their faith in the process, until they're ready for the happy-ever-after God has planned for them.

  Teapots & Tiaras is a Christian romance. Includes hints of Pride and Prejudice, a church wedding, a couple of sweet kisses, and some gentle humour, as well as British grammar and spelling.

  Complete with British English Glossary.

  Contents

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  About this book

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue

  Thank you for reading…

  British English Glossary

  Bible Verses

  Other books by the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Despite the sea of people flooding out the London Heathrow Arrivals exit gate, Anita Kiernan recognised Dr Matthew Coalbrooke the moment he stepped through the doors.

  Her breath hiccupped.

  Every bit as hunky as the video and the photos, if you liked the tall, dark, and chiselled look, with more than a touch of stubble, wearing khakis and a crumpled linen shirt.

  As it happened, she did like that look.

  “There he is, Daisy.” She shifted her toddler niece to rest on one hip, disengaging an arm to wave.

  He kept walking, shoulders stiff, lips tight, looking straight through her as if she didn’t exist.

  Hurrying as fast as she could in her new orchid purple Louboutin heels, she followed him.

  “Dr Coalbrooke!”

  His expression didn’t change one bit as he turned and looked her up and down, eyes narrowed.

  He fished in his pocket and produced a business card. “If you wish to speak with me, contact the Coalbrooke Mission Trust, and they’ll arrange an appointment. After two days’ travel, I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m not giving interviews at this time.”

  His tone wasn’t the least bit rude, just cold and distant. But his disdainful stare down his aristocratic nose practically questioned her capacity to understand anything at all.

  Her chin rose.

  “Don’t worry. I’m not a wannabe journalist trying to get a scoop. Or a hero-worshipping groupie who’s seen you on the Six O’Clock News and imagines she’s fallen in love with you.” She gave a wry snort of laughter. “I’m here to pick you up.”

  As if her blurting something so ridiculous wasn’t bad enough, Daisy reached up and patted her enthusiastically on the cheek, and then wriggled chocolate-stained fingers through her hair. Anita struggled not to grimace. By the feel of it, she was now covered in the sort of gooey mess only toddlers could produce.

  She’d had one opportunity to make a good first impression, and she’d blown it.

  Irretrievably.

  Not that she imagined she ever had any chance with him. She was here on an errand for her best friend. That was all.

  Definitely all.

  So maybe she’d started to get the teensiest bit of a crush on him after the fifth or twentieth time of replaying the Facebook video showing him at work in his African clinic. No surprise the clip had gone viral. Matthew Coalbrooke was a genuine hero, a medical missionary risking his life to care for refugees in a war-torn country she couldn’t even pronounce.

  His undeniable good looks, a feel-good story about saving a kid’s life, and the way his deep voice seemed to vibrate through her as she watched hadn’t exactly helped prevent her hormone overload, either.

  The way he behaved now certainly might.

  He said nothing, just stared at her with one disbelieving eyebrow raised. His forbidding expression and dark heavy beard lent him a look more suited to a storybook ogre than the romantic leading man she’d imagined.

  Still, she’d better try to rescue the situation. “I’m Anita Kiernan. James and Beth’s maid of honour.”

  Daisy squirmed, busily tugging her hair out of its carefully styled casual-but-chic updo. She’d never make it as a yummy mummy. Trying to keep those little hands out of her hair while balancing her in one arm and staying polite with Dr Coalbrooke proved almost impossible.

  His expression still didn’t soften, unless the slightest curl of his lip counted.

  “You know, Beth and James, the couple whose wedding you’re here to be best man for?” She barely kept tartness from her voice. “When your flight was delayed by an entire day, they couldn’t get here. Beth asked me to collect you and drive you to Cambridge.”

  Her good opinion of the thirty-something doctor evaporated fast. Surely he could manage to crack a smile and acknowledge her.

  “Of course I know which wedding you mean.” He pursed his lips. “I place little value on celebrating such things. But since my mission required me to come home temporarily, I agreed to support James when he asked me.”

  Surely he should care about celebrating his best friend’s wedding?

  “I’m sure James appreciates that.” Anita pasted on her best, cheerfully determine
d smile. His attitude wouldn’t provoke her into responding in kind.

  “I won’t ask you to drive me to Cambridge. It seems you already have your hands full.” The glance he threw Daisy and his condescending tone suggested he didn’t feel she was capable of managing to drive to the corner shop, let alone further. “James told me he’d arrange transport. I’ll be staying in my old college. I expected one of the university cars.”

  He scrutinised the line of waiting drivers, as if a uniformed chauffeur with a card bearing his name might materialise.

  Her prickles rose at his all-too-obvious desire to escape her. She dragged in a long deep breath to steady herself enough to reply politely. So far, he’d treated her more like a nuisance than like someone here to do him a favour.

  Probably he hadn’t had a good day, but hers hadn’t exactly been wonderful so far, either.

  “As you’re a good friend of James, you know what he’s like. He forgot to ask in time, and all the college drivers were already booked. He and Beth planned to meet you themselves yesterday, but they had appointments for today they couldn’t cancel. So Beth asked me.”

  Hard to believe this man was any friend of sweet absent-minded James, let alone his best man.

  His eyes raked her, and she stiffened, feeling judged. For bringing a toddler to the airport. For the sticky chocolate fingerprints no doubt freckling her face. For the more-than-generous curves padding her short frame, and her polka-dotted Fifties-style dress, modest but hardly slimming.

  She lifted her chin, and stared right back at him. Being plus-size didn’t mean she should hide away in drab black tents.

  So Dr Coalbrooke had just gotten off the plane after an extended journey. No matter how exhausting, a long trip didn’t excuse manners like his.

  “I’m afraid I’m your taxi service today, unless you want to take your chances out there. I’m guessing a trip to Cambridge will cost around two hundred pounds.” She pointed to the long queues at the cab ranks and savoured the satisfaction of seeing his dark eyebrows rise as he glanced in their direction.

  “Probably.” He gave a curt nod, with not the slightest hint of a smile.

  Two minutes in this man’s company and she felt like a different woman to her usual cheerful self. A woman with PMS times ten. Who’d gone a whole day with no chocolate.

  She wasn’t good at saying no. Just call her Ms Doormat. But it looked like it was time to learn. Meeting dark moody doctors at the airport might be where she needed to draw the line.

  Calling in every ounce of her patience, she persevered. “Beth and James were concerned to think of you arriving with no one to meet you. I had today off work. And Beth thought, if I came to collect you, it would be a good chance to get to know each other, seeing we’ll both be supporting them with their wedding.”

  She wouldn’t mention Beth also thought a few foursome outings would be a fun idea. At the time, she’d thought so too. Now, she’d be asking Beth to change those plans.

  “Thank you for giving up your day off.” He didn’t sound the least bit grateful.

  Tension tightened her chest. The man was completely insufferable.

  Or at least, in comparison to her daydream hero of a doctor.

  She had two choices. She could get angry, or she could feel some compassion. He’d endured a gruelling trip. He hadn’t asked to be met at the airport. And it definitely wasn’t his fault she’d developed a silly crush on him and felt disappointed once reality didn’t match her fantasies.

  Lord, help me keep my cool. I have to be nice to him. He’s the best man, after all!

  A giggle bubbled up in her. The only way to deal with this crazy situation was to laugh at it. At both herself, and at him. Not only would it help her feel better, it might just pop his arrogant bubble a little.

  Maybe letting him take other transport was a better idea, anyway. If he wasn’t grateful to her for coming to collect him now, he’d be even less so when he saw her car.

  “I’m here, and I’m willing to drive you to your college if you want. Or you can take public transport or a taxi. If you decide on that, I’ll see you at the wedding rehearsal.” She smiled widely, and then headed for the exits to the car park without looking to check if he followed.

  Footsteps marched behind her.

  Daisy reached over her shoulder, waving a chubby arm and smiling her irresistible grin. “Man,” she said.

  “Obnoxious man,” Anita muttered to Daisy, not sure if she hoped he heard or hoped he didn’t.

  So much for choosing compassion.

  Forgive me, Lord. Please?

  The doctor fell into step beside her. No small talk. No niceties. Though he did seem to slow his long-legged stride to suit her daintier steps.

  As she glanced up at him, her huge Mulberry bag slipped from her shoulder to bump on the ground. This season’s must-have weighed heavy, not only with all she usually carried, but Daisy’s nappy bag too.

  Of course, Daisy chose that moment to fidget and push to be put down with all her strength. It took both arms to hold her.

  “Me walk.”

  Anita didn’t dare put the active toddler down. With everything else going on this morning, she’d forgotten to bring the wrist link she normally used to stop Daisy dashing away.

  “Sorry. I just need a moment.” She stopped walking and tried to shrug the uncooperative strap onto her shoulder.

  After months on the waiting list, the last thing she wanted was to scratch up the teal patent leather. Even with her store staff discount, that little indulgence had severely dented her finances.

  “I’m sure it’s fashionable, but hardly practical as a baby care bag.” Was that the hint of a smile? Surely she didn’t imagine a softening in his voice.

  Her lips twisted ruefully. “I hadn’t planned on baby care today. Things haven’t exactly gone as planned.”

  “For us both.” The doctor set down his far more sensible khaki canvas kitbag.

  He travelled light. She’d need more luggage for an overnight stay.

  With an accept-the-inevitable air, he reached across to take Daisy. Instead of crying and pulling away from the dark stranger, Daisy gurgled at him and held out her arms, a toothy grin brightening her darling face.

  Anita stepped back, yanking Daisy out of touching range. His white shirt in heavyweight linen was practical and well made, the sort that lasted forever. Also, an old respected brand she recognised as very, very expensive. “Not a good idea to get within reach of those hands.” She smiled. “Two out of three of us having an unexpected chocolate coating is more than enough.”

  He pulled a packet of wipes from the outside pocket of his bag. “I travel prepared. May I?” He brandished one of the damp cloths.

  His expression and brusque manner implied washing a messy toddler wasn’t high on his list of priorities, but she nodded gratefully. Daisy needed a clean-up, ASAP.

  Without cracking a smile, but with infinite patience, he succeeded in mopping the stains from Daisy’s face while Anita held her. He captured first one grubby little paw then the other and wiped them clean. Daisy stared up at him, giggling instead of squirming away as she did when Anita tried to wash her.

  His gentle fingers brushed Anita’s arm, and she trembled. Despite his abruptness with her, this showed the man she’d glimpsed in the video. A tough shell, but kind and caring inside.

  Needing to break the silence, she burst into chatter. “She got whingey with the wait, so I gave her some chocolate. Amazing how kids manage to spread it everywhere. But then I didn’t want to risk missing you if I sat her down to clean her up. That’s why she’s such a mucky pup. I was going to do it when we got to the car. She shouldn’t be with me today, but no one else could look after her.”

  Her babble trailed off as worry about her sister bit her. Mum promised to text as soon as she knew whether Jen had to stay in the hospital. If she did, they’d have to figure out a way to share Daisy’s childcare. Though as Jen had been ill since Daisy was born, she and Mum h
ad always done most of it anyway.

  They’d manage, the way they always did.

  The doctor said nothing, just kept sponging away chocolate.

  When Daisy was cleaner than Anita could manage without use of a bathtub, he wiped his hands and threw the soiled wipes into a nearby rubbish bin. “Ready to get moving now?”

  She nodded again, feeling like one of those bobble-headed toys people put in the back window of their car.

  He pulled another wipe from the packet and handed it to her, with the hint of a smile. “You might need this too.” He mimed a scrubbing motion at his face.

  Her face and hair would be a mess. She’d need a full makeover, not just a wipe. Shrugging helplessly, she lifted Daisy a little.

  Silently, he took the heavy toddler. He didn’t exactly hold her at arm’s length, but he didn’t cuddle her close, either. Daisy didn’t seem to mind one bit, smiling and chuckling at him.

  Without a mirror, Anita couldn’t see where Daisy left finger marks on her face, and she didn’t want to end up looking even worse by smearing what remained of her makeup. Feeling for the sticky patches, she gave a few cautious dabs. “Maybe I should wait until we’re at the car.”

  He peered at her face. “I think you got the worst of it.”

  “So I don’t look like I have chocolate measles?”

  The doctor actually chuckled. “No, not now.”

  After throwing the wipe in the bin, she swung the bag strap over her head, snugging it securely cross-body, and hefted Daisy into her arms. The toddler pouted and looked ready to cry, reaching out to the doctor instead. Anita forced down a touch of hurt rejection.

  She hurried over to the elevators and pushed the up button for the short-stay car park. “It’s okay, sweetie. He’s coming with us.”

  Daisy chortled. “Man.”

  This time, Anita didn’t add her own adjective. Not obnoxious, anyway.

  He wasn’t so insufferable, after all. She glimpsed his reflection in the polished, stainless steel elevator door. Maybe gorgeous was a better fit.