London Loves - Book 3 - Love's Great Adventure Series Read Free Page B

her barrage of questions.
    “What type of boyfriend do you think Penny would like?” Tess questioned.
    Sebastian rolled his eyes. He wanted Tess’ help to squelch the inquiry, not encourage it.
    “He should be rich and like to shop,” Mattie explained.
    “Well, London is full of bachelors, I’m sure we can find her a few candidates.”
    “What’s a candidate?” Mattie asked.
    Sebastian chuckled. “Yes, Mummy. What’s a candidate?”
    “A man who would like to be Penny’s boyfriend,” Tess replied, not missing a beat.
    “When can we start looking?”
    “As soon as we are unpacked and moved into the flat.”
     
    The next day, Sebastian took the call from the movers. Placing the receiver back on the phone, he said, “They’re delivering the container at one o’clock today.”
    “Right on schedule. If we start with the bedrooms, we can stay in our own place tonight,” Tess said, excited by the prospect. “Do you think Penny will mind watching Mattie today?”
    “Considering they’re upstairs going through Penny’s closet right now, I don’t think that will be a problem.”
    “We should go check on her,” Tess suggested.
    They walked up the staircase and down the hall toward Penny’s room. The door was open and Sebastian and Tess stopped to watch what was happening inside. Penny had pulled several dresses out of the closet and spread them out on the bed. A half dozen pairs of designer shoes where neatly stacked on the floor. Mattie sat on the floor looking over the contents of Penny’s jewelry box.
    “What are you two doing?” Sebastian questioned as he walked into the room.
    Mattie stood up from the floor and rushed to Sebastian’s side. “I’m helping Aunt Penny pick out a dress for the ball.”
    “So what did you decide?” Tess asked.
    Mattie walked over to the black silk Chanel evening gown and pointed to her choice.
    “She has great taste,” Penny agreed. “We’re going with the Chanel. Thank you for your help, Mattie.”
    “You’re welcome. You should wear these shoes,” she added, picking up a pair of leather pumps decorated with crystals. She walked back over to her father and said, “Daddy, can you buy me a Chanel dress?”
    “Darling, you’re four years old. Where are you going to wear it? You have to wear a uniform for school in the fall and your mother and I won’t be throwing dinner parties anytime soon.”
    She gave a pout and it tugged at Sebastian’s heart.
    “I’ll tell you what: when you’re sixteen, I’ll buy you Chanel.” Then he added an additional caveat: “As long as you keep your grades up.”
    “Well, that shouldn’t be a problem since she takes after me. He didn’t buy me my first Chanel until I was eighteen,” Tess said in mock horror.
    Sebastian laughed. “That’s not fair, Tess. I didn’t know you when you were sixteen.”
    “I want to see your Chanel!” Mattie exclaimed. “Can I try it on?”
    “Once we unpack, you can try it on,” Tess agreed.
    “Penny, the movers are arriving today. Do you mind watching Mattie until we can get her bedroom sorted out?”
    “No problem. She’s a joy to have around.”
    “Can we have tea at Harrods?” Mattie asked.
    “Yes, that’s an excellent idea. You’ve been a huge help to me today, Mattie.”
    “It’s settled then. Give us hug,” Sebastian said, kneeling down in front of his daughter.
    “Do you want to ring me when you’re ready for Mattie?”
    “Yes, that sounds perfect. Thanks, Penny.”
     
    Mattie opened the door to their new flat and raced inside. Sebastian and Tess were bent over boxes, unpacking the kitchen. “Hi, Daddy,” she said jumping onto Sebastian’s back. He teetered a moment, thrown off balance, but steadied himself to prevent falling over.
    “Whoa, what’s this all about?” he asked, laughing.
    Penny followed behind, setting her purse on the counter. “How are you making out?”
    “Mattie, your room is unpacked. Do you want to see it?” Tess asked.
    She