The Brickmaker's Bride (19 page)

“Then again, our war has ended while yours has gone on for years and years, has it not?” Winston seemed determined to gain ground in an argument that served no purpose. If he angered Mr. Bruce, he might lose political support from the man and from his wealthy Scots-Irish friends in Pittsburgh and Allegheny City, as well.

Mr. Bruce nodded. “Quite true, Winston. Our war has gone on far too long, but I fear Judge Mellon may be correct. He once said that the only way to settle the Irish question would be to sink the island. I hope it will never come to that.” His lighthearted response broke the tension in the room.

Ewan sighed with relief and hoped there would be no further discussion of the north and south—in this country or in Ireland.

————

Throughout the rest of the evening, Winston remained by Laura’s side like a dog protecting a bone. Much to Ewan’s surprise, Winston didn’t accompany the two of them to the front door as Ewan prepared to depart. Probably because Mrs. Woodfield followed them down the hallway. Had Winston known the older woman would take the opportunity to go upstairs and refresh herself, he likely wouldn’t have been so careless.

Ewan stepped close to Laura’s side as she opened the front door. He turned to her and gave a slight shake of his head. “I am truly baffled that a woman who professes your Christian beliefs would ever consider Winston Hawkins as a suitor. Surely you can see that the man is no more than a dogmatic hypocrite with regard for no one other than himself. If you stand at his side, people will think the same of you, Laura. If you’ve never considered that notion, perhaps it’s time you gave it some thought.”

He didn’t look back as he strode down the front steps.

F
ortunately, Kathleen and Terrance were waiting when Ewan arrived. The dinner party had been painful. Watching Winston boast about his suitability to become a leading member of Congress one day had been as irritating as squealing pigs hungry for slop, and he’d said as much to Laura before he departed. He’d been disappointed when she simply nodded and offered a weak defense for Winston’s ingratiating behavior.

Ewan didn’t know which had bothered him more: Winston’s conduct or Laura’s willingness to defend and accept such a man. She deserved much better, yet she seemed unable to comprehend her own sense of worth. The realization saddened him.

When Terrance approached the carriage, Ewan stared down at him. “Don’t expect that I’ll be bringing Kathleen to meet you again. I don’t approve of this sneaking around. If you cannot gain my aunt and uncle’s approval, you need to find some other woman to court.”

Terrance ducked his head as though dodging bullets. “I do not think they will ever agree, but I’ll do me best to speak with Mr. Crothers when I get a chance.”

The man’s weak response surprised Ewan. He’d expected
Terrance to fight for the right to court Kathleen. If she’d been telling the truth, they’d met more than a few times. By now, Terrance should have at least attempted to speak with Hugh.

Still, Ewan understood Uncle Hugh could be formidable. No doubt the thought of coming face-to-face with Uncle Hugh was enough to put the likes of Terrance O’Grady in mortal fear, but if he cared for Kathleen, he needed to make an attempt. If he and Kathleen eloped, there’d be no end to Aunt Margaret’s wrath. In spite of her sister’s controlling behavior, Kathleen loved her sister, and being estranged would come to no good end for either of them. Yet, he knew Aunt Margaret. Her stubborn nature would take hold, and she’d never forgive. It had happened before with other relatives, and it could happen again with Kathleen.

“I don’t want the two of you to do anything foolish. You do not want to suffer the anger of Margaret Crothers, and neither does Kathleen. If you start down that path, there’s no turning back, and it can only lead to pain. If you fear talking to Hugh, let me see if I can ease things a bit. Perhaps then he can get his wife to come ’round and let you call on Kathleen. Maybe together we can handle this. Will you give me a bit of time to see if I can help?”

Terrance raised his eyebrows a notch. “I do not think you should become involved, Mr. McKay. I’m thinking it’d be better if I spoke to Mr. Crothers without you stepping between us.” He turned his gaze on Kathleen. “Don’t you agree, Kathleen?”

She dutifully nodded. “Whatever you think is best, Terrance.”

“I thank you, Mr. McKay. But in good time, I’ll speak to your uncle and see if he will give me permission.”

“Whatever you think best, but the offer remains open. You come see me if you change your mind.”

“Aye, that I will.” Terrance pulled his soft cap from his back pocket and settled it atop his head.

Kathleen waved to Terrance as Ewan flicked the reins. He liked Terrance, but he’d been surprised by the young man’s refusal of help. Perhaps Ewan had misjudged him. Maybe Terrance possessed an inner strength that wasn’t immediately noticeable. Still, it likely would make things easier for the young man if Ewan spoke with Uncle Hugh beforehand. At least his uncle could help calm Aunt Margaret. Even then, he doubted it would change the woman’s mind. She didn’t want her sister to marry a man who worked in a livery. Aunt Margaret wanted her sister to marry him, an event that would never occur, for Ewan could be as headstrong as his aunt. He didn’t love Kathleen, and he would never enter into a loveless marriage.

They’d gone on a short distance when Kathleen grasped his arm. “Thank you, Ewan. I appreciate your offer to try to help us.” She sighed. “If only Margaret would meet Terrance, I think she would like him. He’s kind and funny and a hard worker. He possesses far more good attributes than Hugh. She’d see that if she’d give him a chance.”

“Aye, but we both know that changing your sister’s decision will be as likely as moving one of these mountains.”

“I know. The Bible says if we have faith as small as a grain of mustard seed, we can move a mountain, so my faith must be very weak. I’ve prayed and tried to have faith that she’ll change her mind, but each time I mention Terrance’s name, Margaret becomes angry. I’ve told him how she feels, and that’s why he’s so hesitant to speak with Uncle Hugh.”

“I doubt his conversation with Uncle Hugh will go well, so I think you need to be prepared to end your relationship. I know you don’t think it’s possible to forget him. But eventually Aunt Margaret will match you with a young man who will be pleasing to both of you.”

Kathleen protested, but Ewan shook his head. “We don’t have
time to argue about this. I need to tell you about the happenings at Woodfield Manor this evening.”

“I don’t care about that silly dinner.” Moonlight draped across the carriage and painted a silhouette of Kathleen with her lower lip protruding like a pouting child.

“You need to care. If your sister questions you about what was served for dinner or what Mr. Bruce discussed, what are you going to tell her?”

“I hadn’t thought of that. I suppose you’d better tell me. Our details will need to match.”

“Aye.” Ewan was glad she finally understood the seriousness of what had happened this evening. If Margaret became suspicious, they’d both be in very hot water.

For the remainder of their ride home, Ewan described everything from the spring vegetable soup to the seasoned chicken with rice and stewed mushrooms to the sweet strawberry cake. After he’d described the menu, he detailed the conversation that had taken place throughout each course. “I hope your memory is good.”

“It’s passable. I think I can remember what you’ve told me, but I’m interested in hearing more about Winston Hawkins’s appearance at the dinner. I thought you and Mr. Bruce were the only invited guests.”

“So did I, but there he was, big as life, leaning on the fireplace mantel like he owned Woodfield Manor. The man is so full of himself, you’d think he’d explode.”

Kathleen nodded. “Aye, but the sun shines on the likes of him, while the rain falls on our heads. Why is that, Ewan?”

“I do not know, Kathleen, but I cannot offer up any loud complaints. I have a better life now than ever before. My sisters are with me, and they’ll have a better future here than if we’d stayed in Ireland. And one day I’ll be a partner in the brick busi
ness. Even though I do not understand why Laura finds Winston Hawkins a man worthy of her time and her future, I cannot say the Lord has not been good to me.” He tipped his head in her direction. “And you cannot say that, either, Kathleen. Coming here with your sister has given you a much better life than you had before. Aye?”

“Aye, but it still does not make it easy to live with Margaret. Nothing I say or do meets with her approval. She’s as rigid as an iron stake, and she’s never willing to change her mind. I do not wish to marry a rich man. I wish to marry Terrance. He’s the man I love.”

“For now, you’d best keep that to yourself.”

The next morning, Ewan’s words still rang in Laura’s ears. How she’d longed to tell him that she understood his assessment of Winston. Yet that would only complicate the situation. Ewan rightfully questioned her capacity to love a man of Winston’s character, but she’d maintained her silence. He wouldn’t understand her willingness to continue in a relationship with a man she’d not yet learned to love.

Before she met Ewan, she’d nearly accepted the idea of marrying a man she didn’t love. Even now, she didn’t consider such a concept impossible. She loved her mother, and if nothing else, her marriage to Winston would ease her mother’s anxiety over her daughter’s future. Winston would provide for Laura and love her, even if she couldn’t love him in return.

For a brief time, she’d considered severing her relationship with Winston, but listening to his sisters over these past months, she’d come to realize that family was very important to him. The girls had told story after story about their lives in Ireland, and many of those stories included Ewan and his
goodness to them. Their reflections also included his deep desire to have children of his own one day. The girls didn’t realize that each comment added another wound to her already scarred heart.

She’d done her best to think of Ewan as no more than a friend, but with each encounter it proved more and more difficult, this evening being the most heartrending. His departing words had felt accusatory, as though he questioned her judgment and integrity. And why shouldn’t he? Winston made no effort to hide his willingness to do whatever was necessary to achieve political success. Even Mr. Bruce had appeared taken aback by several of Winston’s self-serving comments.

In all likelihood, she should distance herself from Rose and the twins, yet the very thought caused her physical pain. The girls brought her such pleasure, she couldn’t imagine calling a halt to their visits. However, she did wish she hadn’t made plans to spend time with them today. Would Ewan have said anything about Winston’s unexpected appearance last night? Would he have criticized her in front of the girls?

Ewan wouldn’t intentionally belittle her to his sisters, but he might have said something about Winston’s unexpected presence to his aunt or uncle—something derogatory that the girls might have overheard. She shook off the idea and stopped by the parlor door.

“I’m going to meet the girls. They want me to see the progress that’s been made on Crothers Mansion. And we may go over to the orphanage afterward.”

Her mother looked up from her knitting. “Crothers Mansion? Is that what they’ve christened their new home?” She chuckled. “Margaret is determined to make her mark, isn’t she?”

“She is, indeed. From what the girls tell me, it won’t be much longer before they move into the portion that’s been completed.
I do wonder where she’ll direct all her energy once the house is finally completed.”

“I’m sure she’ll devote herself to entertaining and volunteering to help the needy. She’s been clear she wants to be accepted by the community, and there’s no better way than to help others.” Laura’s mother continued her knitting.

“Let’s hope so. There are certainly more than enough needs to be met in Bartlett and the surrounding area.” Laura stepped to the mirror and pinned a brooch to her neckline. “I should be back by late afternoon. I told the girls they could return here for tea. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. I enjoy their company. The girls are unpretentious, sweet young ladies.”

“They truly are. And the children at the orphanage enjoy their visits. The twins are always eager to lead them in outdoor games.”

“I’m glad they enjoy going with you,” her mother said. “I think I heard Zeke bring the carriage around. You’d better go, or he’ll be unhappy for the rest of the day. You know he dislikes waiting.”

Laura greeted Zeke as she stepped onto the porch. He appeared relieved when she said she’d drive herself. “I’m picking up the McKay girls, and we won’t have enough room for you to join us, Zeke.” She grinned. “I know you’re disappointed.”

“Yes, ma’am. Nothing I like better than sitting around waiting for young women to get done visiting, but jest this once, I’ll try to overlook being left behind.” He offered a wry smile as he assisted her into the carriage.

“In that case I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Laura laughed as she flicked the reins and waved good-bye.

The three girls were sitting on the porch swing when Laura arrived at the old house that had been her home as a young girl.
She’d loved spending summer afternoons on that swing and was glad to see someone had taken time to give it a coat of paint and hang it for the girls to enjoy. The girls jumped up when she came to a stop, and the swing bounced for several seconds as they raced toward her carriage.

She leaned forward and glanced at the door. “Do you need to tell someone you’re leaving? I don’t want your aunt or Kathleen to worry over your whereabouts.”

Ainslee was the first to settle inside the carriage. “Aunt Margaret knows we’re going with you. Rose told her first thing this morning.”

Adaira followed close on her sister’s heels and bounded onto the leather seat beside her. “She has a headache, so she went to rest after lunch.”

“I think she’s glad we’re leaving. She said she’d be glad for the peace and quiet.” Ainslee giggled. “She says our chattering tires her out.”

Rose followed her sisters and stepped up into the carriage. “What sort of stories are they telling you?” She glanced over her shoulder at the twins and smiled.

“We just told Miss Laura that Aunt Margaret has a headache and is glad we’re leaving.” Ainslee scooted forward and leaned her head between Laura and Rose. “Uncle Hugh says the workmen will be snapping their suspenders for joy when they hear Aunt Margaret won’t be checking on them this afternoon.”

Laura couldn’t contain a burst of laughter. The twins were such a delight. They didn’t realize there were some things that shouldn’t be repeated outside of the family circle. On the other hand, if their uncle didn’t want his remarks repeated, he shouldn’t make them in front of his nieces.