The British Billionaire's Innocent Bride

by Susanne James

  Theo had been so busy since their return—not only leaving early most days for the hospital, but also spending hours in his study preparing lectures. Some evenings he came down so late for his supper that by the time he did Lily had already had hers. But she realised that he was having to clear the huge backlog which had piled up while they’d been away. So when he eventually did appear, looking thoughtful and preoccupied, she would put his meal in front of him, wish him goodnight, then go and leave him in peace.

  That evening, as she went past him, he put out a hand and caught her arm briefly. ‘Are you avoiding me, Lily?’ he asked, half-jokingly. ‘As I come in, you go out.’

  She glanced up at him quickly. ‘Of course I’m not avoiding you,’ she said. ‘I… I just thought you needed time for yourself, that’s all. Without having to engage in pointless chit-chat.’

  ‘What we usually talk about is seldom pointless,’ he said. ‘Stay and talk—unless you’ve other things you have to do?’

  Lily turned immediately to do as she was told, making herself a cup of tea before sitting opposite him as he began his meal.

  ‘I’ve hardly had a chance to see anything of the kids,’ he said ruefully, reaching for his glass of wine and looking across at her. ‘Have they been behaving themselves?’

  Lily smiled, helping herself to one of the shortbread biscuits she’d made and arranged on a dish for him to have with his coffee later. ‘Your children are never any trouble,’ she said firmly. She noticed that he was eating rather slowly, and she said hesitantly, ‘Is everything all right, Theo? The meat hasn’t dried, has it?’ Well, it wouldn’t be her fault if it had, she thought. It had been waiting to be eaten for some time.

  ‘No, of course it isn’t dry—it’s good, as usual.’ He paused. ‘I was just thinking that we really must get this nanny thing sorted soon… It’s sort of…not exactly slipped my mind…but gone on the back burner lately, shall we say?’

  Lily sighed inwardly, hesitating before responding to his remark. Then, ‘Look, Theo—you’ve clearly got enough to be thinking about at the moment,’ she said. ‘If necessary I can delay my departure—at least for another month, if that’ll help. Don’t worry about the children for now…we’ll get it sorted all in good time.’

  His expression cleared straight away. ‘Well, that would take the heat out of the situation if you could—would—stay on for a bit longer,’ he said. He stopped eating and looked straight into her eyes. ‘Thank you,’ he said simply.

  Neither of them spoke for a few moments, then Lily said, ‘I’ve been thinking about lunch on Sunday, Theo—’ she began, but he interrupted.

  ‘Oh, there’s no need for you to beat yourself up about that, Lily,’ he said. ‘Olly and Alice are known for their healthy appetites—I know that whatever you put in front of them will be hoovered up in five minutes flat.’

  Lily shrugged. ‘Well, anyway, I thought I’d give them asparagus mousse to start, followed by steak and stilton royale with baked tomatoes. It presents very well, and is really delicious.’

  ‘I’m sure it is,’ Theo replied, somewhat dryly.

  ‘I usually serve it with new potatoes and fresh green vegetables,’ she said.

  He looked across at her as she spoke. She obviously really enjoyed cooking, and she was so good at it—good at everything, including looking after other people’s children—which she’d said she did not enjoy. He glanced at her as she sipped at her mug of tea. If only she could see her way to staying with them permanently he wouldn’t have a care in the world. But how could he expect that of her? She was young. She had her own life to live in the way she wanted—not to please others.

  ‘And then I thought I’d do a favourite of mine for dessert,’ Lily went on, leaning her elbow on the table and cupping her chin in her hand. ‘Gâteau Meringue de la Forêt Noire—it’s full of cherries and almonds and fresh cream. It’s an indulgence, I admit, but you haven’t asked me to do any special entertaining since I’ve been here, so I’d be happy to push the boat out. And to keep my hand in at the same time.’ She paused. ‘You never know, I might have to return to the cookery world one day. If my dream of finding that special something I’m looking for never comes true.’

  It was very late on Saturday night when Theo’s friends came back from their function. Lily, who’d gone to bed early but hadn’t yet managed to sleep a wink, heard Theo greet them. Glancing at her bedroom clock, she saw that it was gone one. Even though her room was on the second floor, she could clearly make out Oliver’s rather rough voice—so unlike Theo’s cultured tones, she thought instinctively—and a woman’s strident giggle. They were all obviously chatting in the hallway. There was a sudden burst of laughter, then she heard the sitting room door being closed firmly, and the sounds became inaudible.

  They were probably going to spend half the night going over old times, Lily thought, turning over and giving her pillow a thump. She frowned slightly. The room set aside for them was on the first floor, almost next to the boys. She hoped they’d come up quietly and not disturb them…

  The next morning Lily was up early, as usual. She went into the bathroom and ran a brush through her hair, staring at herself in the mirror. Was it her imagination, or was she looking a bit tired this morning? she asked herself. She shrugged. How she looked was of no importance—her presence would be swallowed up by that of Theo’s friends, she knew that for sure. She hadn’t yet made Alice’s acquaintance, but if Oliver was any indication Lily knew exactly what the woman would be like. Just hearing her giggle and her high-pitched voice had been enough.

  In spite of those preconceptions, Lily decided to make the best of herself, even though she wouldn’t be with the adults much…Her flimsy cotton floral skirt teamed with a low-neck cream blouse would be light and unrestricting. She knew that the outfit suited her in an understated way, and worn with flat, strappy sandals it gave a slightly peasant-like effect. Perfect to wear on a warm Sunday morning, busy in the kitchen, she thought. And although leaving her hair loose would have looked good, Lily decided to tie it back in a ponytail as she was cooking.

  She switched on the shower, biting her lip for a second. She wondered whether Oliver remembered the rather embarrassing incident between them the last time they had met. He had been very drunk at the time, she mused, and probably hadn’t given the matter another thought… She wished she could say the same. She could still feel the man’s presence overcrowding her.

  She could hear that the children were awake, so she went down to the boys’ room. Freya was there, too, and they all leapt up to hug Lily as she went in.

  ‘Have Daddy’s friends arrived?’ Alex asked.

  ‘They have,’ Lily replied. ‘So don’t make too much noise, because they’re probably still fast asleep.’

  ‘I’m telling the boys one of your stories,’ Freya said importantly. ‘I’ve nearly finished it.’

  ‘Good for you,’ Lily said. ‘And don’t forget it must have a happy ending!’

  After they’d got ready for the day, the children went on down to the kitchen. Just as Lily was about to follow them, she bumped into Theo at the top of the stairs.

  ‘Good morning, Lily,’ he said quietly, taking in her appearance at a glance.

  ‘Morning, Theo,’ she said lightly, going past him and running down the stairs. ‘I expect you’re ready for some coffee?’

  ‘Oh, I’ve had mine,’ he replied, coming down and following her into the kitchen, where the children were doing some colouring. He went over and kissed the top of each of their heads. ‘I hope we didn’t disturb you last night?’ he said. ‘There was a bit of noise, I’m afraid.’ He glanced at Lily, who was busying herself getting the breakfasts. ‘I shouldn’t bother with anything for Olly and Alice,’ he added. ‘They won’t surface until midday.’

  She glanced up at him. ‘Oh? Well, that’s OK, then. We’ll concentrate on lunch instead.’

  ‘Yes—we’re helping Lily to lay the table and everything,’ Freya said.

 
; ‘Don’t overdo it,’ Theo murmured affectionately.

  After breakfast he went out into the garden with the children, leaving Lily in peace. She felt perfectly relaxed about her lunch party—she’d cooked this particular menu many times before, and it had always been well received. She found herself humming a little tune as she lifted the ingredients from the fridge and switched on the oven. She really did enjoy cooking for people, she thought. It gave her great satisfaction to present good, appetising food attractively.

  Suddenly a voice right behind her made her start, and she turned to see a woman standing there. ‘Oh—hello—you’re… You must be Alice?’ she said pleasantly.

  The woman’s black hair, hanging in untidy curls down to her shoulders, framed a rather hard face, and she was clad in a bright green shiny housecoat. She gave a barely perceptible smile as she went across to the sink. ‘Yes, I’m Alice,’ she said, ‘and I’m badly in need of a glass of water to take a couple of tablets.’ She put her hand to her forehead. ‘We did have rather a good time at the do last night. I have no idea when Oliver will see the light of day. He’s virtually unconscious at the moment.’

  Lily took a tumbler down from the cabinet and filled it with water, handing it to the woman, who made a grimace as she swallowed the pills.

  ‘Ugh—the smell of cooking is getting to me in here,’ Alice said. ‘Sorry—but I’ll have to leave… Where’s Theo? Is he up?’

  ‘Yes, he’s outside with the children,’ Lily said shortly, turning back to what she was doing.

  Alice came to stand beside her for a moment, looking her up and down, taking note of what she was wearing. ‘Theo was telling us what a wonderful find you are,’ she drawled. ‘He hasn’t had much luck with staff before, apparently, and suddenly you appear out of the blue. Not only good with his kids, but a great cook to boot. Well, well… Very convenient for him.’ She paused. ‘But do be warned…Lily. It is Lily, isn’t it? In case you’ve been wondering, Theo is not on the market. Nor ever will be, I’m afraid. It’s a sad loss to the female race in general, but there you go. I wouldn’t want you to have any false hopes.’ She smiled a superior smile. ‘I expect you have an eye for the main chance—but don’t get your hopes up, will you?’

  Lily was angry at the woman’s words, and turned to stare at her, her face hot. ‘I take offence at your remarks,’ she said, her voice steely. ‘I am an employee here. I am not looking for anything more. I have no plans—at least not the sort you’ve just alluded to.’

  ‘Well, that’s all right, then,’ Alice said smoothly. ‘We go back a very long way, you know… Theo and I were…close at one time…and I know the guy. Shop’s shut, I’m afraid.’

  She left the kitchen then, and Lily stood rooted to the spot, shaking inside at what had just been said. How could anyone think that she had designs on Theo, or that she was looking for a relationship? That a complete stranger should make that assumption was insulting—and degrading. If only they knew—if only any of them knew—just what her feelings were in that direction!

  For a few moments she felt unable to carry on with doing the meal, then she pulled herself together. Why was she letting the wretched woman get to her like this? Alice whatever-her-name-was was a complete nobody, and her unlooked-for comments and advice were of no interest whatsoever.

  Almost at once Lily calmed down and got on with the job in hand. She heard someone coming down the stairs—it could only be Oliver, she thought—and then heard him go through into the garden. Just so long as he didn’t come in here, bothering her, she thought.

  After a few moments Theo came in and stood watching her for a second or two.

  ‘I’m going to make some coffee for them,’ he said briefly. ‘They don’t want anything to eat, apparently. Anyway, I told them to save their appetites for lunch.’

  ‘Fine,’ Lily said coolly. ‘Will one-thirty be about right?’

  ‘Perfect,’ he replied, wishing with all his heart that it was just going to be the five of them, as usual. He was already tiring of his friends’ company.

  Just then the children came in as well, and Lily said, ‘Yes, it’s about time we laid the table. Freya—fetch the napkins from that drawer, please.’

  Lily had to admit how attractive it all looked by the time they’d finished. The expensive glassware and cutlery on the snowy white cloth looked like something from an advertisement.

  When it was nearly time to serve the meal Lily sent the children upstairs to wash, just as Theo came into the dining room to fetch some drinks to take out into the garden. He glanced down at the table, frowning.

  ‘Why only three places?’ he asked.

  Lily shrugged. ‘Because there are only three of you,’ she replied.

  ‘And what about you?’ he demanded—almost curtly. ‘Why aren’t you eating with us?’

  ‘Because I always have my lunch with the children,’ she pointed out patiently, not bothering to add that the thought of having to sit and talk to Theo’s guests filled her with distaste.

  ‘Then in that case the children will eat with us as well,’ he said, in a tone of voice which brooked no argument. In a sudden, unusual gesture he caught Lily’s wrist firmly. ‘You are not a kitchen maid, Lily,’ he said. ‘Please don’t act like one.’

  The determined expression on his face made Lily catch her breath for a moment, but she merely nodded. ‘OK—fine,’ she said. ‘The children will enjoy being with everyone, I’m sure.’

  She was right. They were thrilled to be invited to be part of the occasion, and they all behaved impeccably—which was no surprise to Lily. Even little Tom was made to feel important by not having to wear his bib but being given a napkin like everyone else.

  Although the meal had turned out perfectly, with Theo and Oliver doing it great justice by clearing their plates, Alice merely toyed with her food, leaving most of it untouched. She looked over at Lily.

  ‘So sorry not to be able to eat much of this,’ she said, ‘but I’m afraid I have no appetite today… We ate—and drank—too well last night.’

  ‘Don’t worry about it, Alice. The rest of us will make up for it,’ Theo said easily, glancing over at Lily and winking at her briefly. ‘That was absolutely fantastic, Lily—you’re a genius.’ He smiled at the children. ‘Not a crumb left on the plates over on that side of the table,’ he observed.

  ‘It was deeeeelicious!’ Alex said, scraping around his dessert bowl. ‘Can I have some more, Lily?’

  ‘I think you’ve had enough for now, Alex,’ she said. ‘But you can have some more for supper.’

  Oliver lounged back in his chair, lacing his fingers across his ample stomach and staring at Lily, who was sitting immediately opposite him.

  ‘Are there any more where you come from, Lily?’ he asked lazily. ‘I think you’re the sort of woman we should all have in our homes.’

  Lily looked back at him quickly. She had been conscious of him staring at her now and again during the meal, with a strange look in his eyes, and she wondered if he did remember how she’d almost thrown him away from her that night. She shivered involuntarily, hating the sight of his thick, podgy fingers as he held his wine glass, hating the florid face and double chin.

  ‘I can tell you now, Olly, that people like Lily are not to be found—she is a rare treasure. So hands off!’ Theo said.

  ‘I wouldn’t say no to a bit of hands-on,’ Oliver said crudely, and at once Theo got up from the table.

  ‘Come on—I found that book I was telling you about. It’s in the sitting room.’

  After a few minutes Alice took herself back to bed—she hadn’t even bothered to get dressed—while Oliver went into the television room to watch the motor racing. Before joining him, Theo put his head around the kitchen door.

  ‘Thank you again for that super meal,’ he said. ‘And by the way, they’re staying over tonight as well…Alice is apparently not well enough to go home.’ He made a face as he said it, but Lily ignored that—they were his guests, and they could sta
y as long as he wanted them to. But she groaned inwardly. She didn’t feel comfortable with either of them—especially after the things Alice had said to her earlier.

  ‘I’ve promised to take the children to the park this afternoon,’ she said. ‘So we’ll be out of your hair.’ She paused. ‘There are two freshly made cakes in the pantry if they need something with their tea.’

  Theo held up his hand. ‘I shouldn’t think any of us need much more food for the rest of the day,’ he said. ‘I’ll look after them now, Lily. You’ve done more than your fair share.’

  Thankfully, Lily didn’t see much of Theo’s guests after that. Oliver spent the afternoon snoring in front of the television, while Theo apparently went to his study to work. And it wasn’t until much later that Alice emerged to join the men in the sitting room.

  To Lily, it had seemed one of the longest days of her life. Although Alice had said she wasn’t well enough to eat lunch, Lily felt that the woman had been deliberately picky—pushing the food around her plate, and leaning back in her chair and staring at the children. Even though everyone else had enjoyed it, her attitude had put a noticeable damper on the occasion. Thinking about it, Lily couldn’t imagine that Alice had ever meant anything special to Theo, whatever she’d said. She knew him well enough to know that the woman wasn’t his type. But then, did she really know? she asked herself. She knew nothing of Theo’s past—as he certainly didn’t know anything of hers.

  It was almost midnight when Lily, only half-awake, thought she heard Tom whimpering in the room below. She had been so tired at bedtime that she’d fallen into the deepest sleep she could ever remember—a sleep full of words and faces, of anxieties about the future, about the children, and about Theo. And in amongst all that there was Alice, sneering at her, and Oliver, who kept on touching her face and neck, but she couldn’t tell Theo about it because they were friends and it would upset him.