by Linda Ford
“Thank you both. I certainly hope so.”
“Well, I believe I’m going on up,” Mrs. Heaton said. “I’ll see you all in the morning. Good night.”
“Good night,” everyone called in unison as she left the room.
They waited only long enough to be assured she was out of hearing range before Julia broke the silence. “Did you tell the Talbots about the plan to surprise Mrs. Heaton? I told Joe, and Emily told Stephen.”
“I did tell them. They love the idea and Elizabeth is going to contact Kathleen, Violet and Rebecca and ask if they and their husbands want to help. She’s going to plan a party to get us all together to work on the album. And Matt has offered to pay for supplies. It’s going to be great fun!”
“A party sounds wonderful! I can’t wait,” Emily said right before her smile faded. “I hope I won’t be working that evening.”
“I hope not, too. If you know your schedule ahead of time, perhaps we can make sure you don’t,” Millicent said.
“We’re making plans for the Christmas windows already and I know I’ll be working late some in November and in December, of course, but hopefully not until then.” She yawned. “I think I’ll follow Mrs. Heaton’s example and call it a night. Thank you for waiting for me to get off work and escorting me home, Stephen.”
“You’re quite welcome. You really should think of coming to work at Siegel-Cooper. We wouldn’t work you nearly as hard,” Stephen teased.
Emily just chuckled and shook her head.
“I’m heading up, too.” Millicent turned to Matt as the others seemed amiable to ending the evening and headed upstairs and down to their rooms. “Thank you for escorting me to the Talbots’.”
“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure. I’m glad you’re letting us all take part in your surprise for Mrs. Heaton.”
“I’m happy everyone wants to. Knowing we all helped will make the album even more special for her.”
“Working together on her gift will certainly make it special for us.”
The expression in Matt’s eyes made Millicent’s insides do a little twist and she wasn’t sure why. She quickly said good-night and hurried up the stairs, her heart thudding with each step she took. What was there about Matt that made her feel so…tangled up inside?
*
Matt spent Monday trying to tell himself to quit thinking about Millicent, but it was easier said than done. He’d started out for work woolgathering about the weekend and accompanying Millicent to the Talbots’. They’d never really spent any time together—just the two of them—until this assignment with John and Elizabeth had come up, and he found her company very enjoyable.
Whether they were with the group as they’d been at church the day before, when he’d stood beside Millicent and the sound of her sweet alto mingled with his tenor, or walking alone to the Talbots’, he liked being with her—a lot.
He managed to get his work done, but each time he looked off into the distance, he thought about the photographs Millicent had taken from where he worked every day.
She was gifted, no one could deny that fact. The view from up here was spectacular, but she’d somehow managed to take specific spots and bring them into focus in a way that stood out from everything around them.
And the candid shots were a study of human nature, the expressions she’d caught—John and Elizabeth’s interest in what Burl said to them, and Burl’s earnestness in whatever he was explaining. Then there was Ed, new on the job and just as interested in what Burl was saying as the Talbots were.
And the shot of him and his men that showed them concentrating on getting the job done—when had she taken that one? Matt had a feeling that this assignment would go a long way in cementing her reputation as a top photographer—and helping her set up her own shop. But where? Would she get a shop and still live at Heaton House? Or would she move out?
He didn’t like the idea of her living somewhere else any more than he liked the idea of her having her own business. Suddenly he realized how unfair he was being. If Millicent were a man, he’d have no problem with him starting up a company of his own. In fact he’d be cheering him on and offering to help in any way he could.
The thought unsettled him and he turned back to his work, putting—pushing—shoving thoughts of Millicent and her plans out of his mind. It was none of his business what she did. He worked harder than any of his men that day, keeping those meditations at bay, at least until they took their lunch break.
“What’s with you today, Boss?” Burl asked. “You’re going at it like your life depends on it. Something wrong?”
“No, I—”
“You having woman troubles?”
The men around them chuckled.
“Maybe that lady photographer?” Henry grinned at him. “You sure watched every move she made the other day.”
“I’m supposed to. I’m in charge of keeping them safe up here.”
“Uh-huh.”
“She sure is pretty,” Ed said with a gleam in his eye.
“Yes, she is. And I don’t want to catch any of you acting anything but gentlemanly around her. You hear me? You’re here to do your job and when she’s here, it’s to do hers.” Matt’s voice sounded sterner than he’d intended, but his men’s teasing bothered him more than usual today. Or perhaps he was just more irritable.
Whatever the reason, no one was happier about hearing the bell signaling the workday had ended than Matt was.
He waved goodbye to his men and headed toward the El, getting home just as everyone was gathering in the parlor. He barely had time to run down and wash up, but made quick work of it, and when he arrived back upstairs, the others were filing into the dining room. He followed them in and pulled out Millicent’s chair for her. She appeared quite happy and he smiled. “You must have had a good day.”
Her smile gave him an answer even before she spoke. “I did. How did yours go?”
It was full of thoughts of you. “Okay. But you look as though you had good news or something—”
“You’re right. John’s and Elizabeth’s bosses loved the images and I have two new bookings to take wedding photographs. It’s amazing how fast word of mouth travels. From taking photos of John and Elizabeth’s and Ben and Rebecca’s nuptials I received requests to take wedding and family photographs, and from those, I’m now receiving more. So yes, it’s been a very good day.”
So it wouldn’t be long before she could afford to open her own shop. The thought didn’t sit any easier with him than it had that afternoon and relief washed over him when Mrs. Heaton spoke, saving him from having to comment.
“I’m so proud of you, dear. I love the photographs you took of Rebecca’s wedding. I’m sure the demand for your talent is only beginning.”
Everyone seemed to agree with her.
“I’m happy for you, Millicent.” Julia smiled from the opposite side of the table.
Matt wanted to be happy for her, too. But he felt so conflicted in many different ways. Millicent was an excellent photographer and deserved to be a success. But owning her own business, giving it all her attention, would mean she’d make no room for anything else—like a family—and he couldn’t deny he did have a problem with that.
But Millicent looked at him so expectantly, he felt he had to say something. “Looks like you’re on your way.”
His words seemed to satisfy her, for her smile grew and she said, “Thank you, everyone.”
“You’ll be setting up your own shop before we know it,” Emily said.
Matt’s heart tightened and he realized that was the crux of the matter for him. He didn’t mind her making a living from her photography—but actually setting up a shop and perhaps moving out of Heaton House was something he didn’t want her to do. He found himself holding his breath waiting for Millicent’s answer.
“Oh, not for a while yet. But I do think I might start looking at suitable places, though. Just to have an idea of what I want.”
The tightness in Ma
tt’s chest eased. She wasn’t doing anything yet. Wasn’t planning on moving out of Heaton House anytime soon. And yet, it shouldn’t matter to him. He had no claim on her and with her independent ways, he never would. He’d learned his lesson from his ex-fiancée and he wasn’t traveling the same road again. No matter how drawn he was to Millicent Faircloud.
*
Millicent was glad to stay busy over the next few days. It helped to keep her from worrying about going to Park Row or think about Matt’s reaction to her good news earlier in the week.
He’d acted happy for her, and yet, from the things he’d said on the way home from Elizabeth and John’s the other night and the tone in his voice when he’d told her she was on her way, she didn’t really believe he was. She hoped she was wrong, but it was hard for her to trust the words of any man after Robert. He’d said all the right things until he found out she was serious about wanting to start her own business. She’d wanted him to embrace her dream and he’d made it clear he would not.
Now she doubted any man would truly encourage her in accomplishing her goal. She’d accepted that fact before she’d moved to New York City and, while she might wish for things to be different, she didn’t believe they ever would be.
She’d hired a hack to take her to the home of her new clients and the driver was kind enough to help her get her equipment to the front door. She gave him a small tip and was thanked profusely as he hurried back to his vehicle.
Millicent rang the doorbell and waited only a minute or two before Mr. Evans appeared. His wife was right behind him, holding their toddler. A young couple, they were friends of Michael and Violet Heaton and she thought that if they were pleased with her work, she’d have clients for life.
“Good morning, Miss Faircloud.” Mr. Evans took her camera from her. “We’re so pleased you agreed to take our first family photographs.”
“Yes, we’ve seen some snapshots you took of Michael’s family and knew you were the one we wanted to take ours,” his wife added.
“Thank you, I’m happy to do so. I really enjoy taking family photographs. And what a doll your little girl is.”
“I fear Laurie may test your patience,” Mrs. Evans said. “But she’s usually at her best this time of day, so hopefully it will go well.”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Millicent smiled at the blond-haired toddler. Her eyes were big and blue and her cheeks rosy when she smiled, and Millicent thought the photo shoot would go well.
Mrs. Evans led them into the parlor, which faced south and was light filled and beautiful.
“Do you have any idea where you’d like these to be taken?” Millicent asked.
“I thought perhaps with me holding Laurie in the chair by the fireplace and my husband standing behind us? But truly we’ll let you decide. You know better than we do what will photograph best.”
“I do like your suggestion and we’ll certainly take several shots there. But I think there may be a few other places in this room that will work well, too.”
She helped to get them settled for the first few shots, handing Laurie a new stuffed toy she’d bought and slipped into her bag. “It’s new, so I hope it’s all right that I brought it. I’ve found a new toy sometimes brings the kind of smiles you might want in a photograph.”
Millicent believed that many people thought they shouldn’t smile in a photo, but she tried to bring them around to her way of thinking. If they were happy at the time of the photo, then she believed they should be able to show it.
“I’d like to take some photographs with you in the traditional, serious pose. And then some a little different for the times, but something I hope will grow to be the norm. I’d like to get some shots of you both looking at Laurie and smiling at her like I’ve already seen you do. Perhaps a few shots of Mr. Evans smiling down at you and Laurie, Mrs. Evans? And maybe one of you and your husband smiling at each other?”
“That sounds wonderful, Miss Faircloud. I’ve never really liked those serious poses. Most times it looks as if the couple doesn’t care for each other.”
Just then she looked up and smiled at her husband, who quickly returned the gesture.
“Please, hold that pose!” Millicent said, quickly focusing her camera on the couple and taking the shot. “Oh, that is going to be wonderful! I’m so glad you like my idea. And if you do, perhaps we won’t have to worry about taking those too-serious poses.”
“Oh, perhaps just one, Miss Faircloud,” Mr. Evans said. “We’ll need to send our parents photographs and I’m not sure they’re ready for anything other than traditional.”
Millicent chuckled. “Of course. I’ll develop them all and you can choose which ones you want for yourselves and them.”
The rest of the morning flew by as she took first one and then another pose. Laurie was quite cooperative and Millicent felt sure that the Evanses would be quite pleased with their first family photographs. And if she felt a tug of longing watching them interact with one another, she pushed it aside. Not even to herself did she want to admit how much she longed for a loving husband who could accept her the way she was, and a child of her own. That dream was something she’d come to believe would never happen.
Chapter Seven
Friday dawned sunny and bright but lying in bed thinking about working on the Park Row Building again, Millicent’s mood was anything but. Still, she told herself it wouldn’t be as bad as the first time and forced herself out of bed and into the bathroom she shared with Julia to freshen up.
She dressed in a beige skirt and a blue-and-brown-striped shirtwaist before heading down to breakfast. Should she eat? Oh, surely she wouldn’t get as queasy this time. She knew what to expect and she’d hold tight to the rail in the elevator. She’d be fine.
“Good morning, Millicent,” Mrs. Heaton said as she entered the dining room. “Matt left a few minutes ago and said to tell you he’d see you later.”
Thankful he’d left early, Millicent smiled at her landlady. “Good morning, Mrs. Heaton! Thank you for telling me.”
She went to the sideboard and helped herself to a bit of fruit and a fluffy biscuit, then looked longingly at the sausages before joining the others at the table.
“You’re taking photographs at Park Row again today, aren’t you?” Julia asked.
“I am. Elizabeth and John will be calling for me soon.” Millicent buttered her biscuit and added a small dollop of strawberry jam. She took a bite and waited to find how it settled before taking another.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine this time,” Julia said as if she realized Millicent was anxious about the day.
“Of course you will,” Mrs. Heaton said. “But rest assured, if you’re at all nervous about it, I’ll be praying all goes well and you can enjoy taking your pictures.”
“I will, too,” Julia added.
“And so will I,” Emily said, pushing back her chair and standing. “I’ve got to go but I can’t wait to hear all about your day when I get home.”
“Thank you all so much. I’ll remind myself you’re all praying for me while I’m up there. I hope you all have a good day, too.”
Julia scooted back her chair also. “Thank you. I’m not too sure how good a day it will be, but it will be busy and that’s the way I like it. See you all at dinner.”
“Have a good day, dear,” Mrs. Heaton said.
Only Millicent and Mrs. Heaton were at the table when the front doorbell sounded and Maida hurried through the dining room to answer it. From the sound of their voices, Millicent could tell it was Elizabeth and John, even before Maida led them into the dining room.
Millicent jumped up from the table. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was running late!”
“You aren’t late at all,” Elizabeth said. “John and I thought we’d come early enough to visit with Mrs. Heaton for a bit.”
“I’m so glad you did,” Mrs. Heaton said. “Would you like something to eat?”
“Oh, no, thank you, Mrs. Heaton, although I w
ill take a cup of tea, if I may?”
“Of course you may, dear.”
“My lovely wife made me a great breakfast, but I might eat a sausage or two, if you don’t mind,” John said.
“Please help yourself, John. We’ve got plenty left. I’m so glad you and Elizabeth came for Millicent early. I’ve missed you two.”
“We’ve missed you also, Mrs. Heaton,” Elizabeth said.
“Well, I’m glad I wasn’t running late,” Millicent said. “Have a nice visit. I’m going up to gather my things and I’ll be back shortly so we can leave when you two are ready.”
She took her time going upstairs now that she didn’t need to rush. She’d give them as much time as she could to visit.
Millicent gathered both cameras and took them down, then went back up to get her tripod, placing it at the base of the stairs. She went back up once more and straightened her hair before putting her hat on. When she came back down, it was to find Mrs. Heaton and the Talbots coming out of the dining room.
“Your timing is perfect, Millicent. I’ll take the tripod and your big camera out to the hack.” He grabbed them both and then kissed Mrs. Heaton on the cheek before going out the door his wife held open for him.
“It was wonderful to visit with you, Mrs. Heaton,” Elizabeth said. “Thank you for the tea and sausages.”
“Anytime, my dear. I’m so glad you were able to make time. We need to plan a big get-together soon. With the holidays coming, surely we’ll be able to.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Elizabeth said. “Let’s talk soon.”
“We will.”
“I love that idea, too.” Millicent stuffed her Kodak into her bag and Mrs. Heaton followed her and Elizabeth to the foyer. She gave a little wave as they went out the door.
She and Elizabeth hurried out to the hack where John waited and their conversation centered on the upcoming holidays. It was only when the hack pulled up at the bottom of the Park Row Building that Millicent’s thoughts returned to the thing she’d been dreading all week. Going back up on that elevator to the top. Oh, dear Lord, please help me to get through this morning.