The Mistletoe Kiss

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just hoping John and Elizabeth and their boss like the photos I’m taking of the Park Row Building. If I can make enough on this assignment, the extra money will go a long way in helping me be able to open my shop sooner.”

“Do you like the photos you’ve taken so far?”

Millicent grinned. “I do.”

“Then you don’t need to worry. You’re more critical of your work than anyone and their boss asked for you to be in on the assignment. I’m sure they’ll love them.”

“Thanks, Julia. I needed your encouragement.”

Julia handed the salesclerk the lace collar she’d been looking at and paid for it. They waited while the young woman wrapped her purchase and handed the small package to Julia. Then she turned back to Millicent. “You’re a silly goose, you know? How can you not realize what a good photographer you are?”

“I just want to be able to make a living for myself.” They strolled over to the millinery department to browse the newest styles.

“I understand. Believe me, I do,” Julia said. “I want to get married one day, but I don’t know if I ever will and even if I do, I want to be sure I can take care of myself. I’ve seen too many women marry only to have a man to provide for them, and most of them aren’t happy. Nor are their husbands, I’d think. When—if—I ever marry, I want it to be for love and I want the man I marry to respect me as much as I want to respect him.”

“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.