A secret ready to be shared

Amid piles of Christmas cards, there is also a small pile of invitations ready for distribution. After careful consideration, we have our guest list; five dear friends whose opinions we trust and value and who live close enough to reach us easily (we hope). R also has a couple of friends intrigued by what this "very exciting venture and soon to be shared secret" is, perhaps they'll be diners once our plans are revealed. The waiting continues... at least until we have our first confirmed guests. All that remains is to send the invitations.