Читать книгу The Mistletoe Kiss - Janet Barton Lee - Страница 13

Chapter Five

Millicent and Julia left the suffrage meeting more excited and hopeful than ever that one day they might get the vote.

They were in high spirits as they stopped at one of the small cafés, which catered mostly to women who were out shopping. They were given a menu and decided on the lobster salad with rolls and English tea.

Millicent looked around the room and smiled. “We don’t have anything like this back home in Virginia. Most women don’t go out for lunch at all. I think there’s a tearoom, but that’s all. After living in a small town where everyone knows what everyone else is doing, it’s very refreshing to go shopping, even if it’s mostly window-shopping, in so many stores in one trip. To be able take lunch out instead of rushing home.”

“The only time constraints we have are those of Mrs. Heaton and they do make perfect sense when you think about it,” Julia said. “This is a large city and many women do go missing each week. We just don’t hear about all of them. Sometimes it makes the news, but then only if they’re from a well-known family. Others seem to disappear never to be heard from again.”

Millicent shivered at the thought. She knew dangers lurked in this city—there were times when Mrs. Heaton took in women as temporary boarders who had no place to go and paid nothing until they could decide what to do or where to go. And she realized, from talking to others, most boardinghouses were not run like Heaton House.

“I do hope she’ll come to a meeting with us one day,” Julia said.

“So do I. Wonder if any of our married boarders would want to go, too,” Millicent asked.

“They might,” Julia said. “I’d think Kathleen would be very interested and possibly Rebecca. I’m not sure about Violet or Elizabeth, but we could ask them.”

“It will probably depend on how their husbands feel about the suffrage movement. Surely they wouldn’t object to their wives getting the vote. But then, consider how Matt and the other men feel.” Millicent looked at Julia. “They’ve made us very aware they don’t like the movement.”

“But perhaps it’s not the voting they have a problem with. Some of the women want more than that...” Julia sighed. “I can understand why men aren’t thrilled with the movement as a whole, but all we want is the right to vote and I can’t understand why that would upset them so.”

“It would help if they cared to find out what is truly important to us about it. But there’s no sense in stirring up friction at Mrs. Heaton’s. They’re her boarders, too.”

The waiter brought their lunch and after they finished eating they headed out to shop. Millicent loved going to the Ladies’ Mile. Even if one didn’t buy anything, they could find what the latest fashion was and try to adapt their wardrobe in the least expensive way. Sometimes a new accessory or some new trim to put on a hat would do the trick.

They headed for Macy’s, where they spotted Emily from afar. She waved to them and hurried to keep up with the man beside her.

“Wonder who he is,” Julia said.

“Probably her supervisor.”

“Most likely. He’s not bad looking,” Julia replied. “No wonder she never seems to mind putting in long hours every once in a while,” she quipped.

“Now, Julia, Emily is quite good-natured and she seems to truly love her work.”

“That’s true.”

“Emily’s hours will be longer as Christmas nears and they start on the window displays Macy’s is known for,” Millicent said.

“I worked some evenings when I first started at Ellis Island, but thankfully, once I was promoted, I’ve rarely had to work evenings or weekends,” Julia said.

“At least Emily doesn’t have to stay late now. I think she said November would be bad, but she seems to be excited about working on the window displays,” Millicent said. “I’m glad she lives at Heaton House. At least she knows she’ll have a warm meal waiting when she gets home.” Mrs. Heaton always made sure her boarders were taken care of no matter what hours they got home.

As she and Julia visited the ladies department, Millicent realized how blessed she was to be able to set her own hours. But there was a downside, too. She did need a regular income so as not to dip into the money her grandmother had left her. Money she was saving to use to set up her own shop.

“You’ve grown awfully quiet, Millicent. What’s wrong?” Julia asked as the stopped in front of the lace collar display case.

“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.

“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.”