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

Author:Autumn Macarthur [Macarthur, Autumn]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Faith, Hope, & Heartwarming
Published: 2016-07-08T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Ignoring Matthew was difficult. The man had such a presence. Even though Anita didn’t as much as glance his direction, awareness of him filled her. Impossible to pretend he wasn’t there, without being obvious and impolite.

Daisy beaming, pointing, and shouting, “Man!” didn’t help.

“Matthew,” he corrected her, just as he had at the airport. Anita didn’t dare peek at him, but the hint of a smile in his voice warmed her.

“Daisy, shhh. Here, have some juice.” Busying herself with Daisy gave her a good excuse to pretend he didn’t set her heart in a silly flutter.

Her cheeks still burned over being caught sitting on the ground like a child. She probably had grass stains on her dress too. Pretending she didn’t care, she sat at the table with her head held high and focussed on Daisy and the others.

Portia, though she looked worse to Anita’s concerned gaze than last time they’d met, seemed determined to be cheerful.

“Let’s give thanks before we eat,” Portia said. “Matthew, you’re the missionary, would you like to pray for us?”

Anita’s gaze flew to him, catching a moment’s surprise he quickly masked behind his Dr Bluebeard expression.

“I’m a doctor. My work is saving lives. I let others do the praying.” He spoke lightly, but a bitter edge sharpened his voice.

James, always the peacemaker, jumped in. “I think that’s a slightly touchy subject, Mother. Matthew is desperate to get back to his medical work in Africa, and his Trust insists he stay here.”

Anita’s heart clenched for him. Feeling a strong calling and being denied the opportunity to do it must hurt deeply. She had no sense of calling or purpose in her work at all. That was a kind of ache in itself.

“I’ll say grace,” James continued. “Lord, thank You for the sunny day, for the wonderful food Mrs Jefferies has prepared for us, for bringing us all here together. May the food bless our bodies and give us health and strength, and may the good company bless our spirits. Thank You.”

“Amen,” everyone murmured.

Portia passed around a plate of cucumber sandwiches. Anita took two, handing one to Daisy. Her niece sat at the table like a little princess, wearing the daisy crown she’d woven for her while they sat on the rough meadow grass, full of wildflowers.

“Good girl,” she whispered.

Daisy grinned back at her. The kid was so responsive, so secure in the certainty she was loved. Nothing must ever happen to change that.

“I had another batch of RSVPs in today’s post,” Portia said. “But nothing from your father yet, James.” Sadness darkened her eyes for a moment.

“I’ll email him to check he got it. He might be travelling.”

Portia brightened. “True. We have most of the other replies. Perhaps after lunch we can go through them, Beth? Begin working out who to sit together? Having the reception here in the garden will be so lovely.”

Anita’s tummy quaked. She and Matthew would be placed together, for sure. The best man and maid of honour almost always were. Better not to think about it.

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