NINA HARRINGTON grew up in rural Northumberland and decided at the age of eleven that she was going to be a librarianâbecause then she could read all of the books in the public library whenever she wanted! Since then she has been a shop assistant, community pharmacist, technical writer, university lecturer, volcano walker and industrial scientist, before taking a career break to realise her dream of being a fiction writer. When she is not creating stories which make her readers smile her hobbies are cooking, eating, enjoying good wineâand talking, for which she has had specialist training.
This and other titles by Nina Harrington are available in eBook formatâcheck out www.millsandboon.co.uk
Elwood House: Must-Do listâMonday
⢠Meet up with Kate and Amber to finalise Amberâs weddingâdo NOT let Kate talk you into fuchsia or satinâwalk away from the satin.
⢠Decide on classical music pieces for the bathrooms.
⢠Be ready to fend off that very persistent new wine merchant.
⢠Stay in for the garden centre delivery of the spiral box trees for the front porch.
âSNOW. I AM going to need lots of snow. And tiny white fairy lights sparkling in the trees and over the pergola. Can you do fairy lights?â Amberâs voice tailed off into a dreamy whisper. âIt would be so magical and romantic.â
Saskia Elwood rolled her eyes and grinned at her best friend Amber, then clicked in the box next to the garden lighting option on her wedding planner spreadsheet.
âOf course I can do white fairy lights. As for the snow? That shouldnât be too difficult for New Yearâs Day in London. But, you know me, if you want it to snow on your wedding day, then snow you shall have, even if I have to track down a snow gun machine and make you some. Although⦠Wonât it be a bit cold? From the designs I have seen, that dress Kate is making for you would be perfect for a tropical beach weddingâbut London in January? Brrâ¦â
Amber giggled and flicked her long straight blonde hair over one shoulder in a move she had perfected in fashion shoots and as years performing as a concert pianist. âI know,â she replied, wrinkling up her nose in delight. âIt is so perfect. Sam is going to love it.â Then she sighed out loud and strolled out past Saskia and through the conservatory into the garden with a faraway expression on her face. âJust love it.â
âSheâs off again,â a cheery voice sounded from behind Saskiaâs shoulder as Kate Lovat bounced into the room with a bundle of wedding magazines in her arms. âDreaming of the fabulous Sam. If I wasnât so smitten with my Heath I would find it a bit sickening. In fact, sometimes Iâm surprised you put up with the two of us. Always talking about the lucky men who we have agreed to marry one day.â
âRight now,â Saskia replied with a snort, âI am more worried about Amber getting frostbite in that skimpy, mostly backless dress you are planning for a winter wedding. Any chance of a jacket? Thermal vest? The poor girl is going to be blue, which is not a good look for any bride.â
Kate replied by playfully hitting Saskia on the head with a rolled up bridal magazine and sat down next to her at the conservatory table. âBlue? With that fabulous suntan? No chance.â Then she relaxed and rested her elbows on the table. âRelax. There is a beautiful full-length quilted ivory coat to go on top of that slinky dress for any outdoor photos. Fear not. The girl shall not freeze. When the dancing starts she will be glad of that layered silk gown, even if the beads will be flying everywhere.â
Kate arched her eyebrows and peered at Saskiaâs computer screen, her green eyes bright with amusement. âDoes that say dinner and reception for twenty-six? I thought this was just going to be a small family wedding. As in no professional musicians, fashion models or anybody else in Amberâs world who will make us feel totally inadequate as human beings.â
Saskia laughed out loud and started counting out on her fingers. âHow could you forget Amberâs first dad and his huge new stepfamily, her second dad Charles Sheridanââ she pointed towards Kate, who waved a magazine in the air ââwith Heath and his new family. Her third dad might bring his new wife but she is having some âfreshening upâ surgery post-Christmas and might not have the stitches out in time. Oh, and her mum, of course. Julia is bringing the latest beau plus entourage, including her aunt and three American cousins andâ¦â the air whooshed out of Saskiaâs lungs â⦠twenty-six hungry, cold people are going to celebrate the best wedding they have ever been to. Amberâs friend Parvita and her husband are looking after the music and I booked the waiting staff last week. All I have to do is enjoy myself.â