Love Inspired Historical November 2015

by Linda Ford

  “I feel the same way.” But Millicent wasn’t sure finding that kind of man was possible. Suddenly, Matt came to mind, and she was surprised that she thought of him when talking of marriage. They were as opposite as two people could be.

  And yet, her heart quickened thinking about Matt taking her to Elizabeth and John’s that evening. Would he like the photographs she’d taken? Why did his opinion matter so much to her? She wished it didn’t, but for some reason only the Lord would understand, it mattered a lot.

  “Ready to go back to Heaton House?”

  “Mmm, yes, let’s go home.” They hurried to the El, hoping it would be quicker than the trolley.

  “We’ll be home long before the men get back from their game. They’ll have no reason to question why we were late getting back for dinner,” Julia said.

  And unlike last weekend, there’d be no reason for any tension on the way to the Talbots’ tonight. Millicent settled back in her seat and sighed with relief.

  *

  Matt and Joe came home just in time to freshen up for dinner. They were in high spirits—the Giants had won their game and they’d had a great day.

  “How did your shopping go?” Matt asked as he held out Millicent’s chair for her.

  “Wonderful. Julia and I bought trim to dress up our Sunday hats for winter after looking at the newest styles in Macy’s.”

  “Oh, that sounds like fun,” Mrs. Heaton said as Maida and Gretchen began to serve dinner.

  As always it was quite good. Mrs. Heaton’s menu tonight was fried fillets of halibut, shredded potatoes and slaw, with lemon cake for dessert. Filling, but not too heavy for this time of year.

  Conversation covered the shopping trip and the baseball game before Mrs. Heaton said, “We have a new boarder joining us soon. Do any of you remember Georgia? She’s the daughter of a friend of mine.”

  “The one who was Michael and Violet’s houseguest?” Matt asked.

  “Yes, that’s her. She’s a teacher and wants to find a position here in the city.”

  “I remember her,” Millicent said. “She seemed very nice.”

  “She’ll be taking Rebecca’s old room. I’m sure you’ll all welcome her.”

  “Of course we will. It’s always fun to get to know new boarders,” Julia said. “And it will be good to fill out the table once more. Especially when Emily and Stephen begin working longer hours getting ready for Christmas.”

  Millicent couldn’t argue with that. “We’ll do our best to make Georgia feel welcome, Mrs. Heaton. But she’ll feel at home here from the start and that’s because of you.”

  “Why, thank you, Millicent dear.”

  As everyone finished his or her meal, Matt turned to Millicent. “Let me know when you’re ready to go to the Talbots’.”

  “I just need to get the photographs and we can go.”

  “So, you two aren’t going to be here, either?” Julia asked as they all headed toward the foyer.

  “We won’t be gone long. We’re taking the photos to Elizabeth and John. I’m sure we’ll be back before Emily and Stephen get home. She had a meeting. He’s escorting her home tonight, isn’t he?”

  “He’s supposed to. I’m sure he’d telephone if there’s a problem, and I’m needed,” Joe said.

  “He would,” Matt assured him.

  “I’ll go get the photos and be right back.” Millicent went upstairs, but took a quick moment to neaten her hair and pinch her cheeks before grabbing the photos she’d placed in an envelope earlier. She hurried back down to find Matt waiting for her in the parlor with Julia and Joe.

  “Do you two want to go with us?” Millicent found herself asking. “I’m sure Elizabeth and John would be glad to see you.”

  “Want to go, Julia?” Joe asked.

  Julie shook her head. “Not this time. They want to talk about the articles and if we tag along they might think they need to entertain us.”

  “Are you sure?” Millicent didn’t know if she was relieved or disappointed that she and Matt would be alone on the way over and back to the Talbots’.

  “What about you, Joe?”

  “Nah. I’ll stay and keep Julia company.”

  “We won’t be long.” Millicent turned back. “You tell Joe about our plan while we’re gone and I’ll tell Matt.”

  “That’s a good idea—but they must promise to keep it secret.”

  “Secret?” Joe said. “Hmm, now my curiosity is up.”

  “I’ll tell you, but maybe we should take a walk, though, so we aren’t overheard.”

  “Julia, there’s no one here but us and—” Joe broke off when Julia placed her finger over her lips.

  “Shh. I’ll tell you later.”

  “Well, I can’t wait to hear what this is all about. Come on, Millicent, let’s get going.” Matt touched Millicent’s elbow, sending a current of electricity flying up her arm as they headed toward the foyer.

  “See you after a while,” Julia said.

  “Yes, later,” Millicent said, giving a little wave as Matt hurried her out of the house and down the street.

  “Now, tell me, what’s all this secrecy about?”

  “I will, but I might as well wait until we get to John and Elizabeth’s, because we want their help, too.”

  “Their help? What is this all about?” Matt sounded almost impatient.

  “You’ll see.” They turned the corner and she continued, “We’re almost there and I’ll only need to tell it once.”

  “Oh, all right. I suppose you’re right.”

  Millicent giggled. “Why, Matt, did you actually admit I might be right about something?”

  “I never said you couldn’t be.”

  “No, but—” She shook her head.

  “But what?”

  “Nothing. It’s not important.” She didn’t want to ruin the evening. He’d told her she was right—there was no need to rub it in. “Let’s hurry so I can let Elizabeth and John in on the secret, too.”

  Matt grasped her elbow and did as she asked, causing her to pick up her pace to keep up with him. She was almost breathless when they arrived at the Talbots’, but John opened the door as soon as she knocked and they were quickly welcomed inside.

  *

  Millicent and Matt were shown into the Talbots’ parlor, where Elizabeth had tea ready to serve.

  “How did you know when we’d be here?” Millicent asked. “I forgot to telephone and let you know.”

  “I took care of the task while you were upstairs.” Matt grinned at Millicent.

  “Thank you for minding my manners for me, Matt,” Millicent said.

  He chuckled. “My pleasure, I assure you.”

  “And I’m glad you put on the kettle, Elizabeth. I think I could use a cup of tea.” Maybe it would calm her nerves. “But first, I want to give you these. I hope they’ll fit your first article.”

  She handed the packet of photographs to John and he lost no time in opening it. Millicent watched as he looked at the first one and handed it over to Elizabeth. John did the same thing with each photo, all without saying anything. Then he and Elizabeth both looked up at the same time and grinned.

  “These are wonderful, Millicent. It’s going to be hard to choose which ones to use,” John said.

  “I was thinking the same thing,” Elizabeth said. “I really like the one you got of Matt talking to his men, and the shot of John and I speaking to Burl—and the ones of Central Park and the Statue of Liberty from up so high. What a view!”

  “Oh, I’m glad you like them. I was worried you might not find any that would work.”

  “May I see them?” Matt asked.

  Millicent’s heart began to hammer in her chest and only then did she realize it was his opinion that mattered most to her.

  Elizabeth handed them to Matt and then began to pour their tea and pass around the tea cakes she’d made.

  Millicent took her cup with trembling fingers as she watched Matt study each photograph. It was impossible
to decipher what he was thinking. He began to nod his head and when he looked at her, there was an expression she couldn’t read. She waited for him to speak.

  “Elizabeth and John are right. These are very good. I’m glad I’m not the one having to make the decision on which ones to use.”

  His words soothed her jitters and surprised her at the same time. She looked at John and Elizabeth. “Maybe I don’t need to take any more for a while?”

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Elizabeth handed her the plate of teacakes to choose from. “You aren’t getting out of this assignment.”

  “Besides, there will be changes each time we go. Small or large, we want to capture the progress as it goes,” John said.

  Millicent chose a small iced cake, took a bite and sighed. She’d agreed to do this and she wouldn’t back out—no matter how much she might want to.

  She watched Matt take two small cakes and pop a whole one into his mouth. He grinned when he caught her gaze on him and this time she had no problem reading his expression. She’d seen it before. The glint in his eyes seemed to be challenging her to say something.

  Millicent sat up a little straighter and took another bite of her cake.

  “Are you going to tell us your secret before we leave?” Matt asked.

  “Secret? What secret?” Elizabeth asked.

  Millicent took a sip of tea before answering, “Well, it’s something I and the rest of the ladies of Heaton House thought you might all like to be part of. I started an album for Mrs. Heaton as a Christmas present and then Julia and Emily began to help me with it and we decided this is something everyone could be a part of and we could continue to add albums to the collection through the years.”

  “Oh, that’s a wonderful idea, Millicent. What do we need to do?”

  “Well, between the photos I’ve taken since I’ve been there and those Julia has collected over the years, we thought it would be a good idea to get everyone to comment on the ones they’re in, give a memory to the photo. Emily will write the captions in her beautiful handwriting and we’ll add them throughout the album.”

  “How are you going to do all of this without Mrs. Heaton knowing?” Matt asked.

  “It won’t be easy—at least not with the first albums we give her. We want to get the photos to those who are in them to comment about and we can put them together upstairs of an evening or on a weekend. After we give them to her the first time, she’ll know what we’re doing and we won’t need to be so secretive.”

  Elizabeth got up and freshened their tea. “Did you want the other couples to help?”

  “Oh, yes. I’d love for them to.”

  “Why don’t you plan on coming over here with the photos one evening—John and I can host an album making party and have you all over to work on them.”

  “That would be ideal!”

  “Won’t you need album supplies—paper and covers and those kind of things?” Matt asked.

  “Yes, we will. We thought everyone could chip in on the supplies.”

  “I’d be glad to provide them. You and I moved in about the same time and, well, I’ll only be able to comment on the photos that were taken since then, but I really do want to help with this project.”

  “I’ll gladly let you help in that way, Matt. Thank you all. Elizabeth, would you mind letting the other couples know what we’re up to?”

  “Of course. And I’ll get back to you soon as I find out what night might work best for everyone.”

  “Oh, thank you, Elizabeth! This is going to turn out even better than I first imagined and I am so happy everyone wants to help. Mrs. Heaton is so good to all her boarders and I hope she’ll love this Christmas gift.”

  “Oh, yes, she will,” Elizabeth said. “It will be so much fun working on this with you. I can’t wait until Christmas!”

  “Neither can I!” Millicent took a last sip of tea and set her cup down. “I suppose we should be going. Julia was going to tell Joe and if Emily hasn’t told Stephen yet, we will.”

  Millicent and Matt stood at the same time and Elizabeth and John walked them to the front door.

  “Thanks for bringing the photographs over, Millicent,” John said. “I can’t wait to let my editor see them.”

  “Nor can I,” Elizabeth said.

  “Please let me know what they think of them.”

  “We will. And I’ll be in contact with you about the party, too,” Elizabeth said. “Talk to you soon.”

  Matt and Millicent waved goodbye and he took hold of her elbow as they headed down the walk. He’d warmed her heart by complimenting her about her photos and then was so kind to want to contribute to the supplies for Mrs. Heaton’s gift. The man never failed to surprise her.

  Chapter Six

  The air was a little cooler out when they left the Talbots, and the street lamps cast a warm glow as they walked back to Heaton House. But there were shadows in between and she was glad for Matt’s company and the light grasp he had on her arm.

  “I’m so relieved they—and you—liked the photographs, Matt.”

  “How could we not? You are very talented, Millicent.”

  “I— Thank you, Matt.”

  “I might not understand why you would put yourself through all the stress and nerves of this assignment when you are so good at what you do and could earn money for your shop without it, but I do admire your talent. Besides, once you marry, you won’t have time for it, will you? But it could still be a hobby.”

  Millicent wasn’t sure what to say next. She was aware Matt didn’t comprehend her reason for wanting her own business, but she didn’t think anything she said would help him to. It seemed obvious to her, but not to most men. And her heart gave a little twist with the knowledge that Matt had just proved her right with his statement.

  However, it’d been a wonderful evening and she didn’t want to ruin everything by getting into a debate with him. There were other things to talk about. “So, you liked the idea of giving albums to Mrs. Heaton for Christmas?”

  “I do, very much. And I’m looking forward to seeing all the photographs that will go inside. Those you’ve taken and the older ones, too.”

  “I think it will be fun to read everyone’s comments about the photos through the years. We’ll gain more insight into each person, hopefully make others feel as if they came from a huge Heaton House family.”

  “The boarders are like a family, aren’t they? I mean not totally, but…”

  Millicent wondered what he’d been about to say. Julia and Elizabeth felt like older sisters to her, and Emily like a younger one. Joe and Stephen were kind of like cousins, and John sort of like a big brother. But Matt…Matt didn’t fit either of those descriptions. There was something different about how she felt about him. She wasn’t sure what to call the emotion or even how to describe it, but it certainly was not brotherly. “I think I know what you mean. But the best thing about Heaton House is that it feels like home to all of us.”

  They rounded the corner and the topic of conversation came into view. “Yes, it does,” Matt said. “More so each day.”

  As they reached Heaton House, they could hear piano music.

  “Stephen and Emily must’ve gotten home,” Millicent said.

  Matt chuckled. “Or Julia got bored waiting for us, let’s find out which one it is.”

  They hurried up the steps and Matt threw open the door. Hurrying into the parlor, they found all the boarders and Mrs. Heaton, harmonizing along with Julia’s playing.

  Matt and Millicent grinned at each other before joining them in singing the popular song “Love Makes the World Go Round.” Julia turned around and smiled when she heard their voices added to the mix.

  “It’s about time you two got home,” she said as soon as she’d hit the last note. “A few minutes later and you would’ve missed our sing-along altogether.”

  “You aren’t going to sing another?” Millicent asked.

  “No. Mrs. Heaton has something she wants to tell us and we we
re all just waiting until you got back,” Emily said.

  Mrs. Heaton entered the room just then. “Oh, good. I thought I heard you two come in. I’m glad you’re back. I wanted you all together to tell you the news.” She took her own glass from the tray and took a sip.

  “What news do you have?” Millicent asked. “Is Georgia coming in early?”

  Mrs. Heaton shook her head. “No, not yet, but I visited with Mrs. Crawford, the lady next door, after dinner and she told me she and her husband are putting their home up for sale. They want to move back to Boston to be nearer their grandchildren and I can certainly understand that. But I will miss them. I hope whomever buys their home will be a good neighbor. The Crawfords were so very nice when I moved in, and I’ll try to welcome the new owners the way they welcomed me.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Heaton, they’ll love having you as a neighbor as much as we love having you as a landlady,” Julia said.

  “Thank you, Julia, dear. Much as I will miss the Crawfords, I do hope, for their sake, they sell quickly so they can move closer to their children and grandchildren.”

  Millicent smiled. She would feel that way. It was obvious to anyone who knew her that Mrs. Heaton loved her family and her grandchildren. Her face lit up at the mere mention of them. But she also cared for her boarders and there wasn’t one of them who would want to live anywhere else.

  Millicent wasn’t in any hurry to move out, but she did hope to find a building that could serve as a business downstairs and a home upstairs to help with her expenses. Maybe now was a good time to start looking. It might be a while yet before she could afford anything, but it’d be fun to see if she could even find something that would fit her needs.

  “How did John and Elizabeth like your photos, Millicent?” Emily asked.

  “They liked them.”

  “They loved them,” Matt interrupted her. “She took some beautiful scenery shots and some really candid ones of my men at work.”

  Millicent was so surprised by his praise, she was speechless for a moment.

  “I had no doubt they’d like them,” Mrs. Heaton said. “You take lovely photographs, Millicent. I’m sure when you start your own business, you’ll do very well.”