‘Glad you like it! That’s fab.’
‘It must have taken you absolutely ages.’
‘Just a bit, yeah. I tweaked the original design we had in mind from the summer to match the winter-flower colours of your bouquets, and I couldn’t resist putting you two in icing figures on the top.’
‘Hah, yes. Look at that. I get it, it’s us, the hair colours and everything. Just brill.’
Ellie had put the pair of them in cartoon-style icing figures, sitting down on a bench seat under an arch of more tiny flowers and icing greenery.
‘Oh, I can’t wait to show Dan. It just seems too good to cut though.’
‘Ah, you’ll have to, it’s tradition. And it’s got to be tasted. It’s not just for show, you know.’
‘I bet it’ll be gorgeous. Right, are you ready for everyone to come through yet?’
‘Yes, I think Malcolm will be gathering the clans as we speak.’
‘Perfect. My tummy’s rumbling. I’m getting hungry now all the nerves have gone. It’s really happened, Ellie. I’m married. Yay!’
‘I’m so, so happy for you both. I’ll have to get going too, and go and help my staff out. Catch you later, Lucy.’
‘Yep, thank you, Ellie. Just loving it all so far … And you and Joe must come and have a glass of champagne with us later, when you get a chance. Have a whole bloody bottle in fact. You deserve it. Promise you will.’
‘Yes, I promise. I’ll look forward to it.’
The meal went well. Service was smooth, the guests happy, with murmurings about how delicious the salmon and then the beef dishes were, which made Ellie glow with pride. She’d come a long way from the young girl who had a dream of running her own teashop, not only did she now have a successful teashop and a lovely hard-working team of staff, she’d become a wedding coordinator and event caterer. Sometimes taking your chance on your dream, and working hard towards that really paid off, and took you places you could hardly have imagined. And, the best part was, the people she had met along the way, worked with and helped, and one in particular whom she had fallen in love with. She caught Joe’s eye across the room, and gave him a smile that, hopefully, said it all.
With the hot food now served, Ellie and her waitresses set about displaying the array of desserts they had created. With sweet things being her forte, she’d had great fun baking over the past few of days. They were set out buffet-style, so the guests were able to help themselves, a little of everything was quite possibly the way to go! After all, who’d want to miss out on passion fruit cheesecake, profiteroles stacked like a French wedding cake, warm salted-caramel chocolate brownies, chocolate fudge cake, or the bride’s favourite chewy-in-the-middle meringues with clotted cream and fresh raspberries?
Ellie had also made mini shortbreads and chocolate truffles to go with the coffee and tea that was to be served later. She was keeping back her ‘cake’ of local cheeses, as a surprise for the bride and groom during the evening event – when the band and dancing would liven things up again.
37
Dan got slowly up to his feet, steadying himself against the table. His efforts in the chapel earlier had evidently having taken their toll.
They had already had the father-of-the-bride and best man speeches; warm and humorous, with several anecdotes, words of inspiration, support and love. But Dan had words of his own to share. He rapped a spoon against the table top, and the Great Hall hushed.
‘This won’t take long, as I have precisely two minutes before my legs buckle.’
A warm chuckle of support filtered around the room.
‘I just wanted to thank you all for coming today, and to Joe and Ellie for making this such a special event with everything you’ve done here at the castle. Amazing.’
A round of applause ensued, bringing a tear to Ellie’s eye. Joe beamed across at her.
‘And, more than that, for all your support, that’s everybody in this room honestly, my family, my friends, every step of the way since my accident. We appreciate it so much.’ He looked across at Lucy, with such feeling, ‘And for Lucy, my gorgeous wife. Yes, my wife now … at last, and I couldn’t be happier. Through thick and thin, sickness and in health, and already you have proven that so much. Thank you for waiting, thank you for keeping me going when things got tough. Thank you for loving me, and inspiring me to fight for every single step I made today. The future’s looking good, honey. And when I’m fit and well, I can’t wait to get back on my Harley and have you pillion.’ There were some raucous jeers from the ushers at that. ‘I can’t take you lot anywhere, can I? Pipe down lads.’ But he was laughing. ‘Right, that’s my lot. My legs are swaying. Thank you and cheers everyone!’
‘A toast to the bride and groom. To Lucy and Daniel.’ His best man, Rob, stood and raised his glass.
‘The bride and groom!’
Lucy then stood up, looking at Daniel.
‘I know it’s not traditional for the bride to make a speech. And you probably all want to get to the bar and get dancing. But … just a few words.’ She took a slow breath. ‘It’s been a difficult few months. But more than ever, I love you, Dan, and I’m so looking forward to our future together. Your courage and determination are such an inspiration to everyone, and I’m so proud to be Mrs Edwards.’
Ellie was full of admiration for them both. Their relationship was built on solid ground; love in the face of adversity. A round of applause broke out around the room.
‘Right, time to drink champagne and dance on the tables, folks!’ Lucy grinned.
The guests had mostly emptied from the hall, many heading for the bar that had been set up in the drawing room next door. Some had gone for some fresh air or a sneaky cigarette outside, others back to their rooms for a lie down and a bit of a break, some were chatting in the corridors, and some were outside taking photos of the wonderful snowy castle and grounds … A snowball fight had broken out amongst the ushers, a couple of the bridesmaids, and the groom’s dad and uncle. Suits and gowns became plastered with white pads of snow, hairdos became frizzled, but there was laughter all round. On hearing a boomph of a snowball against the drawing room window, Dan even got himself out there, launching an attack on Rob and his ushers from the relative safety of his wheelchair tucked behind a low wall – though he then became a sitting duck once they realized where the new icy ammunition was firing from. The bridesmaids had forgotten about saving their dresses, and having discarded their shoes at the exit, were running about barefoot, the mad things.
Lucy caught up with Dan, and not fancying a snowball-wrecked hairdo quite yet, quickly shifted him back out of the firing line and to safety inside. He was grinning from ear to ear. ‘Got some great shots in there, low level missiles from behind the wall. No one figured where I was for a while.’
‘Look at you, Dan. You’re covered. Think I’ll need to towel dry you.’
‘Ah, it’s fine, the suit will dry clean. Come here you.’ And with that, he pulled her into his arms and onto his still snowy lap.
‘Ooh, your hands are freezing.’
‘All the better to tickle you with, Mrs Edwards.’ And he found the bare, warm skin of her back above her dress, and beneath her furry cape.
‘You absolute devil.’
But her crossness soon melted, like the snow in his lap, and they kissed tenderly, passionately. They stayed there a while like that, in the outer doorway of the Great Hall looking out to the gardens, she sat on his lap with his arms wrapped around her, both in the wheelchair, watching the others lark about in the snow.
‘It’s been a fabulous day,’ he said.
‘The best.’
‘Testing. Testing. And a one, two, three, four.’
As the band were doing their last checks, Ellie set up her final catering of the day. A buffet of sandwiches, rolls, an urn of winter vegetable soup, and the cheese ‘cake’ extravaganza that even she had to admit looked fabulous. She’d stacked up a large Stilton cheese circle, with a strong cheddar, a Northumbrian n
ettle and herb, a soft wheel of goat’s cheese. One on top of the other, in decreasing sizes upwards, with a whirl of ivy and fruits, grapes, apples, plums and a weave of ivory-coloured roses. It looked like some wonderful old masters painting of cheese and fruit, but it was real and ready to eat. A wicker basket of savoury biscuits, bread rolls, and a selection of local chutneys, stood beside it.
The desserts from the wedding dinner were still plentiful, so they were on display too. Some of the 4x4 drivers and their wives had turned up as invited by the very grateful Daniel for the evening event too, laden with extra goodies, pies and sandwiches. The Northumbrians were well-known for their hospitality, and were never likely to turn up empty-handed. There was plenty to keep everybody going should they get the munchies through the evening. Ellie put her final touches to the buffet, as Doris and Lauren brought up plates and cutlery wrapped in cream-coloured napkins.
‘Right, time for that glass of champagne, Ellie … that’s it. You’ve worked long and hard enough. Come on.’ Lucy grabbed her hand and whisked her away, smiling at Doris and Lauren who were nodding in agreement.
‘Go, have some fun,’ Doris said. ‘It’s all just about ready here now, anyhow. We’ll keep an eye on the buffet and top it up, if need be.’
Lucy poured Ellie out a flute of chilled bubbly. The first sip was delicious. The bubbles popping on Ellie’s tongue, and that wonderful fragrant fizz as it went down.
‘Cheers, gorgeous Ellie. Thank you so much for making our wedding day so wonderful. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live.’
The band were starting up, and there were calls for Lucy to join Daniel who had wheeled himself in his chair to centre stage of the dance floor area. Ellie recognized the first bars leading in to Aerosmith’s ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’, Dan’s favourite band.
‘Looks like you’re needed for the first dance.’ Ellie smiled.
Lucy joined her husband on the dance floor. She held his hand and twirled around his wheelchair. Dan was looking tired, but oh-so-happy. The sparkle in his eyes glinting as he watched his wife, with the biggest smile on his face. Dancing was beyond him for now; the steps he’d taken today a challenge in themselves. He held out his arms and she took her place on his lap, looking cosy and joyous, just so full of love, the pair of them.
Ellie felt a warm hand in the small of her back, Joe nestling up beside her.
‘Don’t they look so happy,’ Ellie said.
‘Yeah, they do.’
‘To think, it might have been so different.’
‘I know … but hey, they’ve made it through. They’ve had their special day.’
Life would take you on its journey through love, hurt, joy, pain, and all the shades of emotion in between. But you had to hold on to the happy, find a way through, and reach for the stars.
Lucy and Dan were beckoning for the guests to come and join them.
Joe led Ellie to the dance floor, holding her close. They chose a spot near the Christmas tree with its glow of fairy lights, and tinsel. The gentle sway of movement between them was soothing. She cherished the feel of him in her arms, the warmth of his hand against her back, his other hand on her shoulder. They shared a tender smile and she couldn’t resist planting a short, sweet kiss on his lips.
‘I love you, Joe.’ The words spilled out before she’d even had time to think about it, or consider that they were in a public place.
‘Love you, too.’
She snuggled a little closer. They weren’t usually into public displays of affection, but tonight it just seemed right, like it had to be said. All too often those words, what they meant, was assumed but left unsaid – they were both so busy, working, and just trying their best to keep up with everyday life, most of the time.
But yes, why shouldn’t you tell someone you loved them when they were the best thing that had ever happened in your life? Good times, bad times, boring times (actually Joe had never got boring, yet!). Why was it that sometimes life just seemed to take over, and you didn’t tell that person, even though you felt it in your bones every day?
What if there was a lorry, or a bus, or a patch of ice, and boomph it all got taken away? Ellie felt a little queasy just thinking about it. Thank God, Dan had made it through for Lucy. She glanced across at the bride and groom, still centre stage, Lucy now sat on Dan’s lap, sharing his wheelchair. They were chatting and laughing, looking so relaxed and happy. What if their dream had had to break? It didn’t bear thinking about. Ellie felt a tear form in her eye.
‘You okay, Els?’ Joe’s voice was tender, loving.
‘Yeah, just feeling a bit emotional, and probably a bit tired. I was just thinking about Lucy and Dan for a moment there, how close they came so close to losing it all … It’s okay, I’m fine, really.’
Joe held her to him as they took up the slightly faster rhythm of the next song.
Peeking over Joe’s shoulder a few seconds later, Ellie caught sight of another couple dancing. Lord Henry had his arm politely placed around Sue’s waist, Joe’s mum. She was smiling and talking to him as they twirled around the floor. He was actually a surprisingly good dancer. As they waltzed their way around the outer area of the slower dancers, he looked like he’d bounced right out of a black-and-white film, tall and smart in his black dinner jacket and trousers, crisp white shirt and bow tie. And he looked happy, and more relaxed than Ellie had ever seen him.
She nodded at Joe, and then across at the pair of them, pointing with her gaze.
Joe raised his eyebrows, and smiled in surprise.
Then, Joe and Ellie fell back to the steady rhythm of their dance, concentrating on each other once more. The room seemed to fade around them. Her head resting against the dip of his shoulder. He held her so very close, and she heard the soft murmur of his words. ‘I love you so much, Ellie.’
They would have their own curve balls to face, they had already, but they would hold on to their dreams of a family. Happy times and sad times lay ahead, but they knew they would face them together.
Christmas Eve, one year later
‘I can’t believe we’re so late putting the tree up this year.’
‘Well, we have had a lot on our plate.’
‘Yes.’
They both looked across at the Moses basket that stood on the wooden table, where little Jack Henry lay, thankfully now settled and asleep. He was one month old, had beautiful dusky-blue eyes, soft fuzzy dark hair, and was adorable.
Henry would be over soon for some supper, and no doubt a Grandpa cuddle. Her parents, Jay and his now fiancée Carmel, as well as Joe’s mam Sue were driving up to join them tomorrow, Christmas morning. Ellie had insisted she still wanted to do Christmas lunch for everyone this year. After all, it was baby Jack’s first Christmas, and she couldn’t imagine them not being all together at the castle. She had offers of help with peeling the veggies, her mum was bringing a roasted ham and a trifle up, and Sue had made the stuffing. Just yesterday, Irene had brought round a huge Christmas pudding and some homemade rum sauce for them all too.
Ellie took the last decoration out of the box; the wooden teddy bear from the Christmas market in Berwick-upon-Tweed. She placed it carefully on a branch of scented pine. ‘There.’
‘Perfect’ said Joe as he stood beside her, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.
‘Just perfect.’
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my lovely family: Richard, Amie, Harry. Writing a book from scratch in four months has been challenging to say the least, so thanks for putting up with the fallout.
Once again thank you to teashop queen and friend, Julie Lee, for baking the most gorgeous cakes, creating the Choffee Cake, and inspiring me to write about a teashop in a castle in the first place. And to all my fab friends for keeping me going with chats, walks in the rain, prosecco and the newly discovered Northumbrian Mojitos.
Thanks to all the team at HarperImpulse, HarperCollins, and especially to my lovely editors Charlotte Brabbin and Char
lotte Ledger who have steered this book into shape. To Hannah Ferguson, my agent, thanks for all your advice so far, and I’m looking forward to my writing journey with you.
To the Romantic Novelists’ Association with their fabulous New Writers’ Scheme, and the lovely friends I have made within that organisation, thanks for being my support network all the way.
My sister, Debbie, keep going, you are so close to getting published with your young adult novels. All the hard work will pay off soon, I’m sure, and then we’ll be celebrating big time!
To my readers, without you, my books wouldn’t have a home to go to. I’ve loved hearing from you, and thanks so much for all the comments and feedback I’ve had on The Cosy Teashop in the Castle so far. I hope you enjoy this sequel. Happy reading!
If you loved this from Caroline Roberts, don’t miss the book where it all began for Ellie …
‘Cakes, castles and oodles of charm: this book is huge fun and pure escapism’ Cathy Bramley
Can Ellie bake her way to a happy ever after? A deliciously heartwarming novel for fans of Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson.
When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna’s brilliant baking legacy.
When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie’s showstopping bakes look set to go down in castle history!
Now all that’s missing in Ellie’s life is a slice of romance – can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie’s dream?
Click here to buy now 978-0-00-821539-4
The Cosy Christmas Teashop Page 24