The Mistletoe Kiss. Janet Barton Lee

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.”