He met her gaze. ‘Let’s not dwell on that today. This is your day and I want you to enjoy it from start to finish.’ He kissed the top of her head.
‘You have spoiled me from the moment I’ve got here. I will never forget all this.’
Oliver smiled and sat across from her as his phone rang out. He looked at the screen then said, ‘Can you excuse me for a second?’
Clemmie nodded and overheard him say, ‘Yes, I’ve been staying at Royalwood Cottage’ as he stepped out of the room. Moving to the window, she watched him walk down to the bottom of the garden. As she returned to the table and started to eat her breakfast, she could still see him talking animatedly, raking one hand through his hair. His face looked thunderousand as he hung up the call, he took a moment before walking back.
‘Everything okay? That looked a bit heated,’ she asked as he re-entered the room.
Oliver hesitated and seemed to be about to share something with her, but they were interrupted as a loud bell rang out, causing Clemmie to jump.
‘What is that?’
‘The front door.’
‘That’s louder than a church bell!’ she exclaimed. ‘Are you expecting someone?’
Clemmie glanced at Oliver, who had a knowing smile on his face. ‘It’s for you.’
‘Me?’ she said, puzzled.
She followed Oliver to the door. When he opened it, a stylish woman was standing there, radiating confidence and grace. She immediately put her arms out and hugged Oliver before kissing him on both cheeks.
‘It’s good to see you, and this must be Clemmie.’
‘It is, and Clemmie’—Oliver stepped aside as he introduced them—‘this is Seraphina Westlake.’
Clemmie’s mouth fell open. She’d heard that name before. ‘Aren’t you a make-up artist to the stars?’
Seraphina smiled. ‘I’m here to prepare you for the royal garden party. I’ll be helping you with your hair, nails and make-up this morning.’
‘Really?’ She looked towards Oliver. ‘Is this your doing?’
‘We can’t have you meeting Queen Charlotte with bed hair.’ He nudged her playfully, making her blush as she swiped his arm.
‘Oliver!’
‘It’s okay, I’ve known Seraphina since primary school, she knows all my secrets.’ Oliver’s grin was playful as he looked at her. ‘I thought you might appreciate a little pampering.’
Clemmie threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. ‘I can’t believe this. Thank you!’
Seraphina smiled. ‘Today is all about you. Let’s get started.’
‘I need a shower first!’
‘We have plenty of time. You go and have that shower, and I’ll be set up and ready for you when you’re done.’
Oliver and Seraphina laughed as Clemmie squealed and raced up the stairs.
‘It feels like Christmas!’ Clemmie shouted over her shoulder.
A few hours later, Clemmie stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, taking a deep breath. She looked so different, like she’d stepped into someone else’s life. She felt gorgeous, confident– as if she’d been dropped into a dream.
It was hard to believe that just a few days ago she had been in her café, covered in flour, trying to perfect her clementine torte for the competition. Now, here she was, dressed to the nines, about to attend the royal garden party. It felt surreal.
A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts. Seraphina poked her head in, her smile approving. ‘Are you ready? It’s time.’
Clemmie nodded, smoothing out her dress one last time. She turned and headed for the stairs. At the bottom, Oliver was waiting for her, looking sharp in a grey pinstriped suit and a perfectly fitting waistcoat. A silver pocket watch caught the light, and his shoes shone. He looked every bit the gentleman. When Clemmie appeared, his jaw nearly hit the floor.
