Moonlight on the Millpond by Lori Wick

stopped and then realized she was teasing.
    â€œI need a picnic lunch,” he plunged in and told her, “for tomorrow.”
    Clara smiled. “Do I get to know whom you’re taking?”
    Jace smiled back. “As if you don’t already.”
    Still grinning, Clara turned back to the pan she was washing.
    â€œI’ll leave it for you in the buttery.”
    â€œThanks, Clara.” Jace kissed her cheek, surprising her mouth wide open.
    But Jace didn’t see how he’d startled her. He was already turning toward the door, hoping that Woody was at his best all day. He had to go into town tonight and ask a certain lady to join him on an outing after services tomorrow. And for that reason alone, he desperately needed his uncle to be in top form, at least for the next two days.

    Tea was over on Saturday night by the time Jace arrived at the Shephard house. Cathy was handing dishes to Doyle to dry, and Maddie was putting the last touches on some muffins they would enjoy the next day.
    Doyle answered the knock, pleased to see Jace, and invited him in.
    â€œYou just missed tea,” Cathy told him.
    â€œI just had my tea, thank you, Cathy. I’m actually here to ask Maddie a question.”
    This brought all the Shephards to attention. They looked at Jace as a threesome—two with pleasure and one with dread.
    â€œMaddie,” Jace began, his palms sweating as they held his hat, “would you accompany me on a picnic tomorrow after services?”
    â€œWell,” Maddie hedged, not wanting to look at her uncle and aunt. “I’m not sure that I’m free.”
    â€œOf course you are,” Cathy put in, and Maddie turned surprised eyes to her.
    â€œI thought we would leave right after services,” Jace explained. “I’ll have the wagon.”
    â€œI’m not sure that I can, Jace,” Maddie began.
    â€œWhy not?” Doyle chimed in this time, really causing Maddie’s eyes to widen.
    â€œWell, then,” Jace said, working not to smile. “Tomorrow, Maddie?”
    â€œAll right,” she said, unable to believe those words had come out of her mouth.
    Jace was gone just moments later, and Maddie stood still, but only until she found her voice. She rounded on her aunt and uncle, feeling utterly betrayed and determined that they would know it.

Seven
    â€œWhat happened here just now?” Maddie asked, her voice tight with frustration.
    â€œYou agreed to go on a picnic with Jace,” Cathy spoke up.
    â€œI agreed, or you and Doyle agreed?”
    â€œEither way, it’s a good idea,” Doyle put in.
    Maddie’s mouth opened. “How can you say that? You know how I feel. I’ve never felt so betrayed in all my life.”
    This silenced Doyle and Cathy. Maddie’s feeling betrayed was never part of the plan. Cathy was sick at the thought of it.
    â€œI’ll go after him,” Cathy said, starting to remove her apron. “I’ll tell him we made a mistake.”
    Maddie looked into the crushed faces before her and shook her head.
    â€œPlease, Cathy,” she began, stopping her aunt’s movements. “Just tell me why you both want me to do this. Please just explain it to me.”
    â€œWe think Jace is special, and we can see that he cares for you. We thought you might be feeling the same way.”
    Maddie heard these gently spoken words and realized something. They had never interfered. They had never tried to pair her off or do any matchmaking. That they were doing so now was something she had to take notice of. And on top of all of that, she was noticing Jace. It would be a lie to say anything else.
    â€œI’ll go with Jace tomorrow,” Maddie said, doing her best to cover all annoyance. She couldn’t take their crushed faces any longer, and as always, Doyle’s health lingered in her mind. “But you need to understand that I’m not making any promises. I think Jace