Tilly Meets Her Match!: It All Started with a Book but How Would It End?

By A. P. Bazeley

This is a bit of a romance wrapped up in mystery and packaged in the life of someone like you! Our heroine is living an ordinary life when she falls at the feet of not one but two good-looking men. What more could she ask for? Well, read her story for yourself and see!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jan 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728382531

Book preview

© 2019 A.P.Bazeley. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/09/2019

ISBN: 978-1-7283-8254-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-8253-1 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Character List

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Character List

MAIN CHARACTER – TILLY BROWN

TILLY’S PARENTS – MICHAEL AND PHILLY BROWN

OLD SCHOOL FRIEND – ANNA LEWIS

BUSINESS PARTNER & FRIEND – GEORGIE STAMFORD (MRS)

GEORGIE’S HUSBAND – TIM STAMFORD

GODMOTHER – CATHY GILLMAN

THE BOOKSHOP OWNER – JAMES MONCRIEFF THE THIRD

THE PARAMEDIC – CRAIG RYAN

CATHY’S BOYFRIEND – CHARLES KILWINNEN

CRAIG’S OLD FRIEND – RODDY SMITHSON – WIFE OLIVIA

TILLY’S BEST FRIEND FROM INFANT SCHOOL – JENI MARR

C.I.D. DUTY OFFCER FOR MISSING PERSONS – KYLE EDMONDS

HEAD OF THE MISSING PERSONS SECTION – D.C.I. HORACE KENTON

SERGEANT FOR MISSING PERSONS – LIZ JOHNSON

W.P.C. – LINDA GREY

RESCUE TEAM LEADER – COMMANDER STEVE BROOKSHIRE

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the two wonderful storytellers of my childhood. My Scots grannie, Catherine Clelland. Who read story after story to me and made me want to read them for myself. Also, her daughter, my mother, Helen, who introduced me to that wonderful treasure house, the library, and shared whatever she was reading with me. From the lovely made up stories of adventures to tales of the Robin Family in her Woman’s Weekly, the poetry of Robert Burns, Agatha Christie and War and Peace – I loved them all. They gave me priceless gifts that have brought me so many hours of happiness.

Acknowledgements

Firstly, I wish to thank my husband; he has heard me bemoaning the fact that I have always wanted to write a book so many times that he might well hate me by now! However, he has done nothing but encourage me to actually write it. He even went so far as to build me the most wonderful shack in our miniscule garden to give me a quiet and very comfortable place to do so. He also gave me plenty of nudges to remember to carve out some time for myself to do it in. Not an easy task! Through his efforts and that of my lovely son, Andy, a fully insulated, rubber roofed, compact office structure, complete with electrical supply and heating took shape. It is now my happy space and holds all the things I need to be creative. Thank you, guys.

Next must come my dear friend, Jeni Knight. Without her own literary ambitions and discussions about plotlines and proof reading etc. over cuppas, I would never have followed her lead and committed myself to actually writing something to be published. You’re a star!

Then there are my girls, Gina, Miriam, Rosie and Ellen. You have all added your bit to encourage my book along. From to go for it, to proof reading and celebrating, you have made it fun.

I know that this is not the non-fiction book on Autism that I started out to write (that’s in the pipeline too), but it is me realising a dream to get what goes on in my head down on paper and for that I am indebted to all my family, friends and Life Group for helping me through the difficult bits that come when I am obsessed with my scribbling. I love you all and I promise to make more time to bake some more cakes and cookies for our get-togethers.

As for those who have edited, produced and published this novel. You know who you are, what you did and I hope you know how much it has all been appreciated. I am now living my dream. Thank you just isn’t enough.

Chapter One

Have you read this one? He asked her. Tilly shook her head. I don’t need to read it. I already know how the story ends! They got married, settled in the perfect little house, in the perfect little town and lived happily ever after.

He looked up at the young woman standing before him on the other side of the counter. A proper look! He took in her stylish but modest appearance. Then travelling upwards, he reached her face. What a great smile! He thought. The eyes; stormy! She was getting impatient. Well, are you going to sell me this book or not? She asked. Not, came out very firmly before he even had time to engage his brain. Her eyes widened. Her mouth rounded and opened to exclaim, I thought that you were in the business of selling books! James found himself grinning and as his eyes twinkled he replied, I am. However, if you have chosen this book as a gift, you really should have checked out if it is suitable. After all, there is no point in wasting your time and money on something that won’t do the job now, is there? You do want your friend to know that you care about them and appreciate your thoughtfulness, not just think, she couldn’t be bothered!

Tilly, taken aback found her mind flashing up a picture of her godmother, reaching out to give her a big hug. Cathy was the one person who had been there for her since the day she was born. What was she thinking of? Grabbing any old book off the first display in the shop to post on her way home! It was hardly what Cathy deserved. Especially when she thought of all the beautifully wrapped and delightfully surprising gifts that Cathy had given to her over the years. Her eyes glistened and a rosy flush appeared in her cheeks, the first, for a long time.

Tilly took a closer look at the man across the counter. His smile was a bit lopsided and he had a cheeky dimple too! His hair flopped down onto the top of his old fashioned glasses untidily. Over all her impression was of kindness and concern. You’re right! Let’s get this done properly. Is there anything you would recommend in particular? As James’ smile widened his eyes twinkled again. Well, I’ll need a few clues if I am to put you on the right track. For example, who is it for? Is it a birthday gift, a thank you or a sorry? Tilly smiled back. My much loved godmother’s birthday gift. It’s to say that I am sorry I can’t be with her on the day. Any special interests or hobbies? Loads, she’s very crafty and does the usual knitting, sewing, a spot of gardening and travels a lot too! She has a bit of a wild side! She certainly sounds an interesting character! said James, as he led the way through to the back of the store after a nod to his co-worker, Angie, to take over the till.

Tilly followed and realised that he was rather tall and a quick walker. She lengthened her stride, catching up with James as he hauled an attractive book showing the latest offering of a new, upcoming designer. James opened its colourful pages to allow Tilly to see its appeal for herself. A quick scan and Tilly was able to tell that it was one Cathy had shown her during her last visit. No use! A few more clues needed and given, saw James charging off again on those long legs of his. This time he produced a wonderfully illustrated book of Art Nouveau designs. As Tilly glanced through, she realised that her godmother would absolutely adore spending time perusing its inspiring pages. It was a far better idea than the modern romance that she had snatched up just a few minutes before. She smiled radiantly, deeply appreciating his thoughtful help. She’s going to love this! Best of all, she thought, as she followed James back to the sales counter, it’s not even that expensive. In fact, it was only £3.00 more than she was originally going to pay; but oh so much more appealing!

As James rang up her purchase, Tilly added some very pretty wrapping paper and a card from the nearby stand. She had managed to solve her gift problem in less than fifteen minutes, with James’ help. His cheeky voice saying I hope your godmother enjoys it. While she was retrieving her payment card made her smile again. Reiterating her thanks before she turned to leave the bookstore and rushed on back to work.

Tilly had already gone out the door before it dawned on James that she had left her bag behind. He snatched it up and went racing outside to see if he could catch up with her and return it. As he ran he wondered, could she have done it on purpose? He’d had it happen before. However, he didn’t have time to worry about that now. That memory would have to wait to be pursued later. So, he quickly scanned the surrounding area for the strawberry blonde girl in a bright turquoise jacket. There she was in the distance! Moving swiftly too! Obviously time was running out. James, putting his long legs to good use, picked up his pace and caught up with his quarry just before she crossed the road and went into the huge parking area. Miss, Miss, he called. Miss!

Tilly briefly turned her head whilst she carried on walking. Then