For a moment, Oliver seemed unable to speak. His eyes widened, and he stood there frozen, staring at her. Clemmie paused midway down the stairs. Resting her hand on the banister, she smiled.
‘Oliver,’ she said softly, teasingly. ‘Do you have tears in your eyes?’
He blinked rapidly, as if trying to gather himself, and then let out a sheepish laugh. ‘I do,’ he admitted. ‘You look… stunning. Absolutely breathtaking.’
As she took the final steps down the staircase he held out his arm, and she wrapped her hand around it.
Seraphina, ever the perfectionist, stepped forward to adjust a strand of Clemmie’s hair then dabbed a touch of gloss on her lips. She stepped back, her critical eye scanning Clemmie from head to toe before nodding with satisfaction. ‘You’re ready,’ she declared. ‘Have fun!’
‘I can’t thank you enough. I would have never looked this good without your help.’
‘You are very welcome,’ she replied, before turning to Oliver. ‘Good luck in America, but let’s speak before you go. And remember, take note of what I said.’
He nodded and briefly looked towards Clemmie, and she saw a flicker in his eyes of something she couldn’t identify.
‘I’ll be off now but have a wonderful day!’
‘I’ll see you out,’ said Oliver.
Clemmie watched them walk towards the door then pulled her phone from her bag, snapping a quick photo of her radiant reflection in the hall’s mirror.
Captioning the photo, she wrote:
Clemmie
Off to the royal garden party! Feeling like a princess for the day. Wish me luck! xx
She posted it to her café’s social media page and sent it to her friends’ WhatsApp group. Within seconds, her phone buzzed.
Betty
Clemmie! You look absolutely stunning. Like a proper royal! Enjoy every second, you deserve it. xx
Amelia
Oh my goodness, Clem, you look amazing!! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Make sure you get lots of photos. So proud of you! Go and bag a prince! Ha ha.
Dilly
Look at our girl!! You’re glowing! Have the best time ever. Also, if Prince Charming is there, don’t forget to invite him to the café. xx
Clemmie laughed at Dilly’s message, the familiar banter grounding her in the moment. Oliver was walking back towards her as she slipped her phone back into her clutch.
Her nerves were now giving way to giddy excitement. ‘How are we getting to the palace?’ she asked.
Oliver grinned. ‘Your car awaits,’ he said, gesturing towards the driveway where the Bentley was making its way towards them.
‘Only the best for today,’ Oliver said, opening the door for her. The driver tipped his hat as she climbed in and Oliver joined her in the back. The car purred to life as they drove through the countryside and Clemmie settled back into the plush seat. She couldn’t believe it. Here she was, in a Bentley (again!) and on her way to a royal garden party, with Oliver beside her.
After a few miles, Oliver turned to her with a grin. ‘Hang tight. We’re getting close.’
‘Close to what?’ she asked looking out of the window.
The car began to slow and then came to a smooth stop.
‘Why have we stopped?’ Clemmie asked, climbing out the car. Then she gasped with surprise.
Waiting for them was a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, its polished black body gleaming in the sunlight. The horses, sleek and well-groomed, wore braided reins, and a footman stood at attention, his uniform impeccable.
