by Linda Ford
On Monday morning, Millicent was surprised when Matt announced he had an errand to run and refused her offer to go with him.
“It’s cold out and, well, I want to stop by work and see my crew. Wish them a Merry Christmas and all. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”
“That’s understandable.” Still, she was a bit disappointed. Not that she really wanted to go to Park Row, but she was getting very used to spending most of her days with Matt and she knew she’d miss him when he went back to work. The very thought of him working back up so high made her queasy and sent shivers down her spine. She didn’t want him on that building any longer, but it was his livelihood and she had no right to ask him to quit it—no matter how much she worried about him.
She wouldn’t want him asking her to give up her dream, even if she still wasn’t sure she was ready to leave Heaton House and live by herself.
After he left, Millicent went upstairs and put the finishing touches to Mrs. Heaton’s albums. They truly were a work of love from all the boarders, past and present. She wrapped them both in tissue and then placed them in a box Emily had brought from work. She added the card everyone had signed and wrapped the package with care, tying a big red bow around it.
Then she went to work on the gifts for the boarders and the couples. She’d kept back photos she’d taken of them and bought frames for each. She’d caught the couples in sweet poses with each other and the boarders together at differing times. They’d each have a photograph of everyone, but the setting would be different in each one.
And she had an extra photo to give to Matt. It was a copy of the photograph he’d asked for of the two of them and she hoped he really did want it. She’d framed a copy for herself, too, and even though she didn’t have it out all the time, she pulled it out of the drawer of her writing desk each night, asking the Lord for guidance where her feelings for him were concerned.
Only now, because he hadn’t wanted her to go with him, she couldn’t help but wonder if Matt was trying to avoid her for the same reason she felt the need to distance herself from him—even though she didn’t want to. She was falling in love with that man and there didn’t seem to be anything she could do to stop her feelings from growing—no matter how wrong he was for her.
Millicent finished wrapping her gifts and looked at the clock. It was nearing lunchtime and she needed some company. Her thoughts weren’t helping her mood at all.
But once she got downstairs and entered the parlor, inhaled the scent of Christmas greenery, she felt better. Christmas was only days away and she felt almost like a child again, looking forward to Christmas Eve when they’d decorate the tree and give Mrs. Heaton her gift.
Georgia came down just then and Mrs. Heaton came out of her study to join them in the parlor. “I do believe it’s lunchtime and I’m glad you both will be joining me today. I’ll just let Gretchen know we’re ready.”
Millicent had hoped Matt would be back in time for lunch, but apparently he’d decided to eat with his crew or out somewhere. She told herself that it was for the best, but her heart told her something entirely different.
*
Matt went to the doctor to have his stitches checked out and was told he was healing well and could do without the sling, but he couldn’t go back to work until after the first of the year. Still, it was good news over all. Best of all—the next time he tried to hold Millicent in his arms, he’d be able to use both of them. That thought had him grinning as he headed out of the hospital.
He made it to the top of the Park Row Building just around lunchtime, when he knew his men would be taking a break. They all greeted him as if he’d been gone much longer than a few weeks, and it made him feel good. But he mainly wanted to talk to Burl and he wasn’t sure how he’d take what he had to say.
“Hey, boss, you going to eat with us?” Burl asked.
Matt lifted the paper bag of lunch he’d asked Gretchen to make for him. “I thought I might. Looks like you’re making great progress here.”
“We’ve been trying. We don’t want to get behind while you’re gone,” Henry said.
“You’ve trained us well,” Burl said.
All the men settled down to lunch asking Matt how he was doing and told him they’d be glad when he got back. Then conversation went on as it always had, about how the job was going, the weather and their families. When the bell rang signaling lunch break was over, they shook Matt’s hand and went back to work.
But Burl walked him back to the elevator.
“You’ve done a great job in my absence, Burl. Think you could keep it up if I don’t come back?”
“You mean for a while longer, right? Of course I can.”
“I’m not sure how long or even if I’ll be back, Burl. This is just between us, but I’m thinking of starting my own company.”
“You going to build these skyscrapers on your own?”
Matt laughed and shook his head. “No, I’m thinking homes, smaller buildings. Something a little safer.”
“I can sure understand that, especially after all the accidents we’ve had this year. My wife is after me to find other work every day. Miss Faircloud wouldn’t have anything to do with you making a change, would she? She was awfully upset when she saw you on that stretcher.”
“She might,” Matt admitted, his heart expanding with hope at Burl’s words. “If she’ll have me. And if I decide for sure to start up my own, I’ll need workmen.”
“Well, you just keep me posted. Until I hear different, I’ll expect you back here after the first of the year.”
“I should definitely know by then. I haven’t said anything to the supervisor yet.”
“I won’t, either.”
“Thank you, Burl. I’ll let you know what I decide.” The two men shook hands and Matt stepped onto the elevator, sending it back to the ground.
He felt better just saying what it was he wanted to do—at least the work part of it. Everything else depended on Millicent. But he’d handed it all over to the Lord and knew he couldn’t do wrong as long as he left things in His hands. He felt as if a load had been lifted off his shoulders and that he was on the right path as he took off toward the Ladies’ Mile.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Heaton House was a flurry of activity that week and by dinnertime, two days before Christmas, Matt was beginning to believe he was going to have to solicit help in getting Millicent to himself for even a minute.
A few weeks earlier, he might have believed it was for the best, but that was when he was still trying to distance himself from her. It was the last thing he wanted to do now. He was almost certain she felt the same way about him—but what if he were wrong? His Christmas could be ruined—and so could hers.
Oh please, dear Lord, help me to know what to do to find out how Millicent feels about me soon. And please let her love me as much as I love her. I can’t imagine…going ahead with the plans I think You’ve given me without her.
“What do you think, Matt?” Millicent asked from beside him, bringing him out of his prayer.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t—”
“I was suggesting we go caroling in Gramercy Park for a while this evening,” Julia said. “Want to go?”
Matt groaned inwardly. Another evening spent with the group. “I—”
“I think it’ll be fun, don’t you?” Millicent asked.
As long as she was with him, it would be. “Of course. I’m in.”
Millicent smiled at him and he wasn’t sure he could wait much longer to pull her into his arms and declare his love for her. But he wasn’t about to do it in front of everyone. He had no choice but to wait.
“I can’t remember when I went caroling last,” Mrs. Heaton said. “But I believe I’ll join you all. I’m sure the Crawfords would be happy for us to stop by.”
Everyone seemed quite excited about the outing and Matt told himself he couldn’t put a damper on the evening. At least Millicent would be there and he’d get to listen to her sw
eet alto.
But he must not have been as good about hiding his feelings as he thought, for when dinner was over and everyone began to disperse to get ready, Mrs. Heaton stopped him, a worried look in her eyes.
“Matt, may I speak to you in my study?”
“Why, yes, of course.” He followed his landlady to the cozy room one could nearly always find her in.
She sat down in one of the two chairs flanking the fireplace and motioned for him to take the other one.
“What can I do for you, Mrs. Heaton?”
“I was thinking of asking you the same thing, Mathew. You seem a little…discombobulated lately.”
Matt chuckled. “You could say that. I’m sorry. I haven’t meant to be so obvious.”
“Oh, I don’t think everyone has picked up on it. But it’s not like you and I wondered if I could help you in any way.”
“Oh, Mrs. Heaton, thank you. I believe you are just the one who might be able to.”
“Well, now, tell me what I can do?”
He proceeded to do just that and by the time Matt left her study, he was in a much better mood. He should have known Mrs. Heaton would have an answer to his dilemma—or at least try to come up with an idea for him. Now he’d be able to enjoy the evening. He’d have the time he longed for with Millicent soon.
Matt joined the others in the parlor and met Millicent’s gaze across the room. She gave him a hesitant smile and he wondered if she’d sensed his mood as Mrs. Heaton had. He couldn’t let her think he was anything but looking forward to their night out.
It appeared everyone was ready to go and he helped Millicent on with her coat, glad he could finally use both arms to do so—although he did miss looking into her face when she assisted him with buttoning his up.
As they headed outside, Matt made sure he was the one walking beside her as they started out.
“Are you feeling all right? Is your arm bothering you?” Millicent asked.
“I’m fine and so is my arm.” He took hold of her elbow to prove it.
“You didn’t seem too excited about going out tonight.”
“I wasn’t too eager about going with the group again,” he whispered into her ear, figuring he might as well be honest.
“Oh. We have been doing a lot of that lately, haven’t we?”
“A little too much, to my way of thinking.” They passed a streetlight and he saw the glimpse of a smile, sending hope soaring through him.
Their first stop was to their neighbors, the Crawfords. Mrs. Heaton knocked on the door as they began their first carol. The couple came to the door, their family gathering behind them, and asked the carolers in when they finished, but Mrs. Heaton refused for them. “We have more houses to get to before we go home. We just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you all, too,” Mrs. Crawford said. “Thank you for coming by.”
“You’re welcome!” They chorused as the group headed to the next home singing.
It took longer than Matt had thought it would to make their way around Gramercy Park, but the neighbors all seemed to enjoy them, opening their doors to listen or just looking out their windows as they sang. And he enjoyed having Millicent next to him.
Snowflakes began to fall as they neared Heaton House and although it was light and probably wouldn’t last very long, the soft flakes made it feel even more like Christmas. Once they arrived back at Heaton House, everyone was ready for cocoa, and Mrs. Heaton went to the kitchen and returned quickly to let them know Gretchen and Maida had been watching out for them, and the hot chocolate was on its way.
Matt settled down beside Millicent on one of the settees and told himself he could enjoy the rest of the evening. His time with Millicent was coming.
*
Millicent came downstairs on Christmas Eve morning, excited about giving Mrs. Heaton her present that night.
“Have you finished your shopping, Matt?” Joe asked as he helped himself at the sideboard. “I need to go out for a few things. Want to come with me?”
“Sure, I’ll go. There’s so much going on here, I think we might be in the way if we stay.”
Millicent’s heart sank. She’d hoped they might go out and about like they had on Thanksgiving Day. And last night he’d seemed upset that he hadn’t had any time with her. But evidently, it didn’t matter quite so much today.
“It will be busy around here, for sure,” Mrs. Heaton said. “The tree I ordered will be delivered anytime now, and Maida and Gretchen will be bringing the decorations down before they get started on tonight’s meal. We’ll be serving lunch for those who stay here, but it will be light.”
“Oh, don’t worry about any of us for lunch, Mrs. Heaton. We can grab something out. I need to go to Siegel-Cooper,” Julia said. “Want to make it an outing, Millicent and Georgia?”
“Yes, I would. I’ve got a few more things I want to pick up, too,” Millicent said. Mrs. Heaton’s mention of Maida and Gretchen reminded her she wanted to frame a photo she’d taken of each of them, too, and she needed to buy the frames.
“I’d love to go,” Georgia said.
“And if you need us to run any errands for you, Mrs. Heaton, we’ll be glad to,” Millicent added.
“Thank you, dear. If I think of anything, I’ll be sure to let you know before you leave.”
“Sounds like a flurry of activity for everyone today,” Matt said to her.
He smiled and it was hard to be upset with him because he’d accepted Joe’s invitation.
“It does.”
“Why don’t we all meet up for lunch?” Matt asked. “We could meet at that little café Millicent and I told you all about.”
Millicent’s heart warmed to melting at his suggestion. “Oh, what a great idea, Matt.”
“Yes, it is. And none of us will be in the way,” Julia added.
They all knew Mrs. Heaton wouldn’t ask for their help. Part of holding celebrations like this was her gift to them and she loved preparing for them.
“We’ll meet you there around noon, then, if that’s all right with you ladies,” Joe said.
“We’ll be there,” Millicent said.
*
As he and Joe set out to do their shopping, Matt couldn’t get Millicent off his mind. She’d looked so disappointed when he’d said he’d tag along with Joe that Matt wished he could kidnap her and spend the whole day with her as they had on Thanksgiving.
But he had much to do before that evening and he hoped she’d soon realize how very much he wanted to spend all his time with her.
Mrs. Heaton had told him of what she’d come up with after Millicent had gone upstairs the night before, and he prayed it all worked. He was sure Millicent loved him, he just wasn’t sure she’d want to marry him. But he’d do all he could to allay her fears for him and put it all in the Lord’s hands. If she rejected him, he’d decide what to do next, but he wasn’t going let himself think about that possibility today.
He and Joe went to Macy’s and the massive Siegel-Cooper, where there was no end to gift ideas. They went in together on several board games they thought the group would enjoy and picked up some candy for the maids who took such good care of them.
“So, how are things with you and Millicent going?” Joe asked as they were on their way to meet the women for lunch.
“What do you mean?”
“Matt, everyone at Heaton House has known for months that you two are sweet on each other. Even Julia, who’s been there since you both moved in, said it was obvious from the beginning that you were attracted to each other. And since your accident—”
“Yes, well, I think that accident might make it even more difficult for me to convince her of how I feel.”
“Then you do love her! I knew it!”
“Yes, I love her, but—”
“But what? She loves you, too. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other. Why do you think Stephen and I haven’t competed for her affections with you?”
�
��I don’t know. Why?” He had been worried about them at first, but come to think of it, they hadn’t flirted with Millicent in a while now.
“We knew we didn’t have a chance, that’s why. No need wasting our time when she was only interested in you and it was obvious you felt the same way.”
Matt burst into laughter. “You’ve made my day, Joe. We’ll find out soon if you’re right. I pray you are.”
He filled Joe in on his plans on the way to the café, and by the time they met up with the women, Matt was ready to find out if what everyone at Heaton House seemed to believe was right. He prayed it was.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Wanting to look her best, Millicent took longer than normal to dress for the Christmas Eve dinner. She chose a green-and-red-plaid gown made of satin—she’d worn it at home the year before, but no one here had seen it and she did love it. After she slipped it on, she finished by adding a red bow to her upswept hair.
She wasn’t sure why she felt so nervous about how she looked tonight, but ever since Matt and Joe had joined them for lunch, and Matt sat down beside her, she’d felt all fluttery inside, as if she were anticipating something she couldn’t put a name to.
She entered the parlor and her gaze searched out Matt to find him on his way over to her. He reached her side before she made it to the center of the room. “You look lovely tonight, Millie. Christmas colors look wonderful on you.”
“Thank you. You look quite dapper yourself. In fact, everyone looks wonderful and ready for the festivities to begin, don’t they?”
Mrs. Heaton’s family was there, along with the married couples. It was obvious they were all enjoying each other.
“They do. I believe we’re just waiting to be called to dinner.”
Matt turned out to be right as Gretchen came in just then and announced that dinner was ready.
After they were all seated, Michael stood and said the blessing. Then Gretchen and Maida brought them a cup of cream of celery soup. After that came roast beef and Franconia potatoes, with macaroni and cheese—a favorite of Jenny’s and baby Marcus’s, too. Finally, they ended with a dessert of chocolate cream.