The Brickmaker's Bride (12 page)

During the return from Pittsburgh to Wheeling, Ewan kept to his stateroom as much as possible. He appeared for meals, but otherwise avoided contact with other passengers. Now that they’d settled at the hotel in Wheeling for the night, he knew he couldn’t avoid dinner with the others. Mrs. Woodfield had been clear when they arrived at the hotel that reservations had been made for all four of them in the main dining room.

Shortly before six o’clock, Ewan descended the staircase. He’d crossed the hotel foyer and turned to the right when Winston appeared and grasped his arm. “Since we didn’t see much of you onboard the steamer, I’m surmising you weren’t feeling well. I wanted to visit alone with you before now, but since I couldn’t locate you, I decided to wait here in hopes we’d have a few minutes before joining the ladies.”

“Something urgent to discuss?” Ewan carefully avoided the
comment about his health. He didn’t want to admit that it had been his sour mood and not his physical health that had kept him in his stateroom during their time on the steamer.

“I haven’t yet told Laura or Mrs. Woodfield, but I won’t be returning until later in the week. There are a few other politicians I want to spend time with here. I know Laura will be disappointed, but she shares my political aspirations and will understand. I didn’t tell them earlier because I didn’t want to ruin the remainder of the trip for Laura.”

Ewan attempted to digest Winston’s remarks. Were Winston’s political aspirations what had attracted Laura to Winston? She’d mentioned the fact that he’d only recently asked to court her. Had she waited until he told her of his interest in becoming a candidate before agreeing to be courted by him? Or had it been Mrs. Woodfield who’d been swayed by Winston’s ambitions? In truth, Mrs. Woodfield appeared more interested in politics than Laura, but Ewan couldn’t be positive. He’d learned that women had a way of hiding their true feelings from time to time.

Winston nudged his arm. “Are you listening? It doesn’t appear you’ve heard a word I said.”

Ewan startled back to the present. “I’m afraid I don’t understand the reason why Laura will be disappointed that you’re not immediately returning to Bartlett.”

Winston pinned him with a scalding glare. “She will be disappointed because she enjoys my company and expects me to escort her home. When I arranged to meet the three of you in Wheeling, I told her we would be together for the remainder of the journey. Now I must break my promise.”

“I see.” Even though he pretended to understand, Ewan couldn’t fathom why Winston thought Laura would be devastated by such an insignificant bit of news unless she cared for him more than she’d divulged.

She’d traveled to Wheeling without Winston at her side and had appeared perfectly content. Ewan had tried to understand the bond between Winston and Laura, but he’d not met with any success. Truth be told, he’d begun to wonder if he would ever understand any of these society folks.

“And why did you want to discuss this with me?”

Winston expelled a deep sigh. “I want you to assure Laura and her mother that you’ll be there to look after their needs, if any should arise.”

Confused by Winston’s response, Ewan frowned. “Why would they need such an assurance? I’ll be traveling with them.”

“You were traveling with us on the steamer, but you were nowhere in sight. If they had needed assistance, they could hardly have come to your stateroom.” Winston’s retort bore more than a hint of annoyance.

Ewan could hardly mention it was Winston’s presence that had caused him to retreat to his stateroom. “You have my word that I will make myself available to both of the ladies on our return from Wheeling to Bartlett.” He wanted to add that they would be traveling in the same railcar, so the request was pointless, but Winston was already troubled. No need to agitate him any further.

As he’d both hoped and expected, Laura showed no despair when Winston announced he’d be remaining in Wheeling for additional political meetings. Mrs. Woodfield was delighted to hear there was additional interest in Winston’s campaign, which didn’t surprise Ewan. However, he was somewhat taken aback when Laura appeared pleased by the news. No matter how hard he tried, it seemed he couldn’t unearth Laura’s true feelings about anything other than her father’s brickyard.

As the meal came to an end, the older woman took Winston’s arm. “We’re going to be pleased to have a state senator in the family one day.”

Winston chuckled and patted her hand. “Who can say? Perhaps one day you’ll have a United States senator or a president in the family. I’m sure that would please you even more.”

The older woman looked up at him and beamed. “Indeed it would, and I know you’re inspired to serve our state as well as the nation.”

Laura walked alongside Ewan. “You’ve undoubtedly noticed Mother enjoys associating with those involved in politics. When her dear friend married the governor several years ago, she became more interested in politics than previously.”

“Aye. She does appear to be interested in Winston being elected to office.” He grinned. “Perhaps she would like me a little better if I learned more about the American political system.”

Laura shook her head. “Only if you were running for office.”

“And what if I lost? Would she then lose interest in me?”

“In all likelihood.” Laura kept her voice low as they neared the staircase.

“Maybe I should be praying that Winston loses his race for state senator. That might convince your mother he isn’t worthy of you.”

She tipped her head to meet his gaze. “I appreciate the thought behind your words, but my mother means well. She understands Winston, as well as what must be accomplished to advance his future.” Laura hesitated a moment. “And my own.”

Once again she’d made a subtle reference to something that required further explanation.

E
wan was surprised when he stepped off the train at Bartlett and discovered Uncle Hugh, Aunt Maggie, and Kathleen all waiting at the station. His mouth went dry at the sight of them. No doubt Uncle Hugh had arrived to hear the outcome of his meetings in Wheeling and Pittsburgh. Ewan had hoped for an opportunity to speak privately with his uncle, rather than having his aunt involved in the conversation.

Before reporting that he’d been unable to gain even one contract, he had hoped to soften the blow by elaborating on his meetings with Mr. Mellon and Mr. Laughlin. He’d hoped that talk of Ulster and the wealthy Scots-Irish gentlemen would provide his uncle with a glimmer of hope and minimize his anger. Here in the train depot, Ewan would be hard-pressed to give any more than a quick account—one that would not please his uncle.

Fortunately for Ewan, Mrs. Woodfield took charge. Once greetings had been exchanged, she peered through the crowd and then tapped the tip of her parasol on the tile floor. Everyone turned in her direction. “Where is Zeke? Why hasn’t he arrived? He was informed of our schedule and knew we would be
arriving on this train.” A frown creased her forehead. “He has never failed to . . .” Her frown faded and her eyes soon shone with concern. “Has something happened to Zeke? Is he ill?”

Uncle Hugh shook his head. “You need not worry on Zeke’s account. He’s fit as a fiddle.”

“Has something else detained him? Zeke is far too reliable to have forgotten when we were scheduled to return.”

“Pleased we are to meet the train and deliver you home, Mrs. Woodfield. Zeke was not easy to convince, but I told him there was no need for him to bring your carriage when we’d already made plans to meet Ewan.” Uncle Hugh tugged on the hem of his vest, obviously pleased with himself.

Mrs. Woodfield gave a slight nod. “That’s most kind of you, Mr. Crothers.”

While Ewan’s uncle and Laura’s mother exchanged words, Laura maintained her grasp on Ewan’s arm. The warmth of her hand seeped through his jacket and offered a bit of reassurance. If he was going to withstand his uncle’s onslaught, Ewan needed all the comfort he could amass before the battle commenced.

“You appear worried.” Laura gently squeezed his arm.

“Facing Uncle Hugh and his questions is enough to spawn fear in any man.”

“Then perhaps it’s good Mother and I will be riding in the carriage with you. Should he question you on the way home, I’ll do my best to help calm him. If Mother and I add our support, he’ll surely understand that the contracts will come once you begin production.”

Ewan forced a smile, then bent close to Laura’s ear. “Thankful I am for any help you can give, but I doubt your words or mine will soothe his temper.”

When Ewan lifted his head, he noticed his aunt’s eyes were fixed upon Laura’s hand resting in the crook of his arm. His
aunt stepped toward them, her gaze still focused upon Laura’s hand. “We’re all eager for a report of good news, Ewan.”

While Ewan understood his aunt’s anxiety over the business, he was surprised she’d been the first to mention a report. Perhaps Uncle Hugh had refused her some desired purchase or reneged on his promise of the new house while Ewan was away. Or maybe it was Aunt Margaret’s old fears of poverty returning to roost. Ewan glanced at his uncle. Maybe he’d been gambling while Ewan was gone. Or perhaps he had mentioned the diminishing bank balances and caused his wife to dwell upon the days of her youth when starvation had knocked at the family door and stolen the lives of her two younger brothers. The woman could be a spendthrift one minute and miserly the next.

Her behavior had seemingly been shaped by the hunger and paucity of her early years. And while Ewan didn’t completely understand her irrational actions, he did understand the cause. Unfortunately, Uncle Hugh’s gambling had only served to intensify the woman’s fears and illogical thinking.

Laura glanced at Ewan, then released his arm. “Perhaps you could check with the porter to make certain all of our baggage has arrived.”

He was so thankful for an opportunity to flee, Ewan would have kissed Laura on the cheek had it not been completely improper. Rather than give his aunt a chance to prevent his escape, Ewan rushed off as though he’d been jabbed with a hot poker.

Though he felt like a coward, Ewan remained outside with the baggage porter until all of their belongings had been gathered and then assisted the man inside the station with the wheeled baggage carts. He would have pushed the cart himself, but the porter refused.

His uncle was assisting Mrs. Woodfield into the carriage when he stepped outside the station. “Sure I am that my nephew is
going to have good news to tell me very soon, Mrs. Woodfield, for I’m remembering ’twas you who advised me that Ewan was better suited to running the business than me.” He glanced at Ewan. “And for sure you said he was the better choice to go and speak to the businessmen up north. I’m going to be all ears when he tells us about the many contracts he negotiated and signed while he traveled with you.”

Moments later, Aunt Margaret motioned Laura forward. “I’m sure you want to sit beside your mother, Miss Woodfield.” She nodded toward her sister. “Kathleen will take the seat beside Ewan.”

On the journey home, Ewan offered a silent prayer of thanks that there was no further mention of contracts. Laura’s constant line of chatter made it impossible for his uncle or aunt to gain a foothold during the carriage ride. Shortly before they arrived at Woodfield Manor, Laura was adamant the family stay for the evening meal. “It’s the very least we can do. Besides, it will give us an opportunity to discuss the business meetings. I’ve been so busy detailing the social gatherings, there’s been no time to tell you about the fine impression Ewan has made upon all of the men he spoke with on the journey.”

Uncle Hugh did his best to decline the offer, but Laura refused to take no for an answer. “Catherine always prepares enough for guests. Isn’t that true, Mother?”

“Yes, of course. We insist upon having you as our dinner guests. Zeke can go and fetch all of the baggage. He’ll be back before we’ve finished supper. It’s a perfect plan.” Mrs. Woodfield stepped down from the carriage and waved away the possibility of an objection.

A few days after their return, Laura spent the morning at the orphanage. Head bowed low, Kenneth shuffled to her side. “I’m sorry, Miss Laura. I didn’t mean to break it.”

“Break what, Kenneth?”

“Your kaleidoscope. Didn’t Mr. Zeke tell you?” When Laura shook her head, the boy sighed. “I was trying to see how it worked and took it apart, but I couldn’t get it back together. All the pretty pieces of glass came out. I saved everything and gave it to Mr. Zeke. Mrs. Tremble told us we weren’t to touch it without permission, but when she went to help some of the others with their arithmetic, I took it off her desk.”

Reaching forward, Laura lifted the boy’s chin with her index finger. The fear that shone in his clear blue eyes melted her heart. No doubt he’d been worrying for days now. “I’m proud of you for admitting you were responsible, and for being brave enough to tell me. I know it’s very hard to be honest when we do something we shouldn’t, but I also understand you didn’t break the kaleidoscope on purpose. Perhaps it can be repaired.”

“Mr. Zeke said he’d try to fix it, but he wasn’t sure he could make it look the same as before.” He inhaled a shaky breath. “Mrs. Tremble said it was a special gift from your father, and she was sure you’d be unhappy with me.”

Laura stooped down in front of the boy. “Even if the kaleidoscope can’t be repaired, I won’t be angry. I liked it very much because my father gave it to me, but the Bible tells us that it isn’t our possessions here on earth that matter. I’m sure Mrs. Tremble has taught you that we shouldn’t concern ourselves over worldly things.”

Kenneth nodded. “She has, but I think that’s because we’re orphans and she doesn’t want us to be jealous of other kids.”

Laura met his intense gaze. “That may be part of it, but I also think she wants you to understand that the Lord has unimaginable rewards waiting for us in heaven. So while we’re here on earth, things like kaleidoscopes shouldn’t become so important to us that we don’t forgive others.”

Kenneth reached out and grasped her neck in a hug. “Thank you, Miss Woodfield. I’m sure glad you believe in Jesus, or you might have been really, really mad at me.”

Laura laughed as she returned his hug and then stood. “Come along now. Let’s go and tell Mrs. Tremble all is forgiven and see if the other children are ready to play the board game I brought today.” She tapped the package beneath her arm. “I found this in a store in Pittsburgh and decided it would be an excellent help with geography.”

She reached for Kenneth’s hand, and together they headed toward the adjacent classroom. She’d couldn’t help but wonder if the children had missed her as much as she’d missed being with them while she was gone.

The only saving grace since Ewan’s return home had been his time at the brickyard, but now that winter had set in, all clay digging had come to a halt. The diggers had surpassed his expectations, and the pit was filled with rich clay that would weather over the winter months. The freeze-thaw cycle, a necessary process before pugging could begin, would make the clay soft and remove unwanted oxides that could discolor or weaken the bricks. While some of the diggers had secured work cutting ice or performing temporary jobs at one of the coal mines, others would remain jobless until the brickyard reopened in the spring. Men who had previously worked at the yard understood they should save money to meet their needs until the first thaw, but Laura had explained there were some who were always ill prepared for the long winter months.

For this winter, at least, Ewan wouldn’t have to worry about his workers dealing with that particular problem. Only the diggers had actually been hired by the company, and before he
employed them, Ewan made certain they were men who were experienced in more than handling a shovel. Come spring, they’d be the first men he’d bring back to work.

Ewan shoved another piece of wood into the stove that warmed the frame building Laura referred to as the office. In truth, it wasn’t much more than a shack, but it did have a stove and windows that provided a good view of the pit. The weather would soon keep Ewan at home, and he dreaded that prospect.

Ever since he’d returned from his journey to Pittsburgh, he’d been forced to listen to his uncle’s scathing remarks about his inability to gain even one contract so far. And Uncle Hugh hadn’t been particularly pleasant with Mrs. Woodfield, either. Once he learned Ewan hadn’t been successful during his trip, his uncle had told Mrs. Woodfield it would be the last time he took the advice of a woman. Both Laura and her mother had stated that the business contacts with the powerful men Ewan had met would soon help the brickyard, but Uncle Hugh was adamant: He considered the trip a failure.

Uncle Hugh had slightly tempered his words until they had departed Woodfield Manor, but during the carriage ride home he had exploded in a full tirade. Ewan attempted to convince his uncle that once they began production and the businessmen could actually see the quality of their bricks, contracts would come. But his words had been to no avail. And nothing Ewan had said since that time had changed Uncle Hugh’s perspective. Aunt Maggie’s attitude hadn’t helped, either.

She’d convinced Uncle Hugh that there was a romance afoot between Ewan and Laura. Ewan had denied the claim, reminding them that Winston Hawkins had been formally given permission to court Laura. But even that reminder had failed to stifle his aunt’s accusations. Though he would have been pleased to say Laura Woodfield desired his attention, she’d never stated or
even implied any interest beyond friendship and a willingness to assist him with the paper work for the brickyard. Her conduct had always been above reproach.

In an effort to deflect his aunt’s accusations, he’d invited his uncle to join them at the office, but the man had no interest in learning the book work or the timekeeping procedures. Today, Laura had told Ewan that his uncle Hugh’s trips into town had nothing to do with the brickyard. Instead, he’d been busy attempting to locate men who would join him at the gaming tables throughout the winter months. Unbeknownst to Uncle Hugh, one of the men he’d approached was a good friend of the Woodfield family, who had, in turn, mentioned the matter to Laura.