The Potter's Lady (30 page)

The anticipated knock arrived only a few minutes later. However, it was Ainslee rather than Rose who tapped on her door.

The girl’s complexion was rather pasty, and her eyes were rimmed in red. She quickly delivered Rose’s message, then added, “Most days I need to spend time at the pottery helping with the school, but I’ll do my best to help you. I know Tessa is going to miss having her mother coming in to visit during the day.”

Beatrice gestured toward the chair in her room. “Sit down. You don’t look so good. I can see ya been cryin’. Is the missus all that bad?”

Ainslee swiped the back of her hand across her eye and nodded. “Aye. The doctor says he thinks she may lose the baby.”

“Baby?” Beatrice slapped her palm across her mouth. “Oh! I didn’t mean to be so loud, but I didn’t know the missus was expectin’. I thought the doctor didn’t know what was wrong with her, and she was going to some special doctor or some such.”

Ainslee nodded. “Nobody knew for sure what was wrong with her, but now that she’s hemorrhaging, the doctor says he’s sure that’s it. Says it was likely because of the accident she had when she was young. She never was supposed to be able to have a baby, leastwise that’s what she told us, but it would be wonderful if Ewan and Laura could have a baby, don’t you think?”

Beatrice nodded her agreement, although she was much more interested in passing the news along to Margaret than offering prayers for Laura. She’d prefer delivering the message in person, but unless Laura made a remarkable recovery, getting away for a visit would be impossible. Much as she disliked writing letters, she’d need to pen a note to Margaret this evening and secretly post it in tomorrow’s mail.

Ainslee’s lip quivered. “I think Tessa would enjoy a baby brother or sister. I do hope God will answer our prayers for the baby and for Laura.”

Beatrice offered as much sympathy as she could muster, but her mind raced with the prospect of Margaret’s reaction rather than Ainslee’s concerns for Laura.

Margaret would be delighted to write and tell her sister, Kathleen, all about Laura’s inability to care for Tessa. And what if it turned out that Laura didn’t lose the baby? Margaret would surely spin a tale with that bit of information.

Soon after Beatrice bid Ainslee good-night, she sat down at the small writing table and penned a letter to Margaret and then another to Joshua. There would be no need for him to visit next Wednesday. With Rose sitting at Laura’s bedside for hours at a time, Beatrice doubted there would be anything to report on the entries for the contest.

When she’d finished the letter to Margaret, Beatrice sealed the envelope and traced her fingers across the address. Knowing Margaret, she’d leave no stone unturned in her efforts to bring Kathleen back to West Virginia. Once here, she’d convince her sister to lay claim to the little girl sleeping in the other room.

For sure it would create quite a donnybrook if that should happen. Beatrice leaned back and reveled in the possibility that the split between the Crotherses and McKays would never be healed.

R
ose’s mind swirled with thoughts of all that must be accomplished before their departure for Pittsburgh. At times, the days seemed to drag at a snail’s pace, yet sometimes the hours ticked off at breakneck speed.

Soon Laura would no longer need someone at her bedside every hour of the day and night, and Rose could return to the pottery. Fortunately, she’d been able to rely upon Rylan to bring her daily news of the progress on their entry.

Although Rylan hadn’t been particularly pleased by the choice, they’d finally agreed to submit the design both Rose and Joshua had preferred. With Laura’s illness, it made sense to move forward rather than spend more time on further designs. Besides, Ewan had urged them to decide upon an entry so there would be time to make changes if they were unhappy once the plate and urn were fired.

With less than two weeks until their design had to be received by the committee in Pittsburgh, she needed to cease making changes. But while she’d been sitting with Laura this morning, she’d decided upon an additional detail she would incorporate when she hand-painted and gilded the urn. Since she’d promised Ewan she wouldn’t make any additional changes, she decided against changing the drawing. While the extra gilding would improve the depth of the piece when painted, it wouldn’t prove outstanding in their drawing.

Recently Beatrice had stopped by Laura’s room to inquire regarding Laura’s health as well as Rose’s progress on the designs. Rose had been astonished by the nanny’s enthusiastic praise for the drawing they’d chosen. Beatrice’s continued interest in the contest seemed a little odd, but Rose was pleased for any bit of conversation during the long days sitting at Laura’s bedside. Besides, Beatrice’s fervor had eased Rose’s concern that they’d rushed to a decision when they made their final choice.

“Making more changes?”

Rose started at Beatrice’s question and turned in her chair. “I’ve just finished, but I won’t be able to begin my painting on the urn until it has gone through all of the necessary drying and firing.” Laura was asleep, but Tessa managed to peer around Beatrice’s skirt and began to cry when she caught a glimpse of her mother.

Still holding the drawing, Rose stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her. She stooped down in front of Tessa. “Good afternoon, sweet girl. Did you have a nice nap?”

Tessa extended her chubby hand toward Rose. After depositing her drawing on a chest in the hallway, she grasped Tessa’s hand. “Want to go outside?”

Tessa’s curls bobbed as she shook her head and tugged on Rose’s hand. As Rose stepped onto the back porch, Beatrice touched her arm. “Would ya be mindin’ too much if I took a minute to run back upstairs to me room? I’d like to get a ribbon so I can tie me hair up a wee bit.”

“Of course. You go ahead. We’ll be fine for a few minutes.”

Beatrice glanced over her shoulder to make certain no one was in sight before she picked up Rose’s drawing. Her heart pounded as she raced up the stairs to her room. Hands trembling, she knelt down and tucked the sketch beneath her bed, grabbed a frayed ribbon from her bedside table, and hurried back outdoors.

A cool breeze drifted across the porch, and Rose lifted her hand to Tessa’s cheek. “I wonder if she should have a sweater and cap. It’s cooler than I realized.”

“You may be right about that. I’ll take her back inside. Ainslee’s coming to stay with Tessa as soon as she finishes teaching a class at the pottery school. The weather might be better suited for an outing later this morning.”

Rose stood and grasped Tessa’s hand. “Ainslee hadn’t mentioned she was helping you with Tessa. Will you be gone all day?”

“Aye. It’s been some time now since I’ve been able to see me family, so I’m going to Bartlett for a short visit. I’ll be back on the train tomorrow.” She didn’t miss the cautious look that shone in Rose’s eyes. “Ainslee said she didn’t mind staying in the nursery tonight. I don’t think the missus would object, since I’ve not had even a minute to meself since the day she had to take to her bed.”

They walked at a slow pace, Rose still holding Tessa’s hand as they continued toward the stairs. “I know it’s been hard on you not having any relief. I’m glad Ainslee agreed to help.”

Beatrice offered her thanks, though she wanted to point out that the twins could have helped more in the past, as well. Instead, they continued to go and teach at the school. Both of them appeared pleased when Mr. McKay agreed they could wait until next year to go off to that special boarding school. Beatrice thought their decision foolish. Unlike her, they were content with their uneventful lives.

She’d packed her traveling case last night, but now she’d need to make adequate space for Rose’s drawing. Taking the drawing with her was a daring and frightening decision, but she’d have no opportunity to trace the design before leaving. She couldn’t let it be damaged in any way before her return. After carefully tucking it inside, she sat back on her heels, a self-satisfied grin on her lips. Joshua was going to be very pleased with her. In her last note to him, she’d told him to meet her in Bartlett. If he was wise, he’d be there waiting for her.

Beatrice’s worries mounted as she paced the length of the nursery while waiting for Ainslee. If the girl didn’t arrive soon, she’d miss the train. By the time she opened the nursery door, Beatrice’s anxiety had reached fever pitch.

She waved the girl forward. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten you promised to stay with Tessa. I got to be on my way or I’ll miss the train.” She grabbed her traveling bag and, after a quick wave, was out the door and down the stairs.

Beatrice was panting for breath when she finally dropped onto her seat in the train, and for the remainder of the journey, she relished the idea of presenting Joshua with the drawing. A visit with Margaret wasn’t far from her mind, either. She could give Margaret the latest news concerning Laura’s health and entice her with a bit more news regarding the contest, but she’d need to be careful. She didn’t want Margaret to discover she was also supplying information to Joshua. That would lessen her chances of a large payday from Margaret. Besides, Margaret would upbraid her for helping a man born into wealth and position. She’d consider Beatrice a fool, and likely tell her so.

When the train hissed to a stop in Bartlett, Beatrice stepped down. With the handles of her traveling bag grasped tight in her hand, she surveyed the group of people waiting on the platform. Joshua was nowhere in sight. Had he discounted the importance of her letter? A thread of anger wound around her heart and squeezed so tight she thought it might cease beating. Lowering her head, she slogged through the mass of people inside the station and pushed open the heavy wooden door. She glanced about, uncertain if she should hail a hansom cab and go directly to Crothers Mansion or stop at the hotel.

She’d not yet come to a decision when a hand squeezed her shoulder and a voice whispered in her ear. “Are you looking for me?”

She blew out a sigh of relief as she turned to face Joshua. “I was beginning to think you weren’t here.”

“Now, would I let you down? Your letter said it was important.” He grasped her arm and turned her toward the hotel. “I have a room for us, but we should probably go in the back way. You know the hotel here in Bartlett is as stuffy and strict with its rules as the one in Grafton.”

“I have a special present for you. I think it will occupy most of your afternoon.”

He arched his brows. “I thought
you
would occupy my afternoon.”

“Just wait. You’ll be happy to have time to yourself once you see what I have in my bag.”

He winked as he led her up the stairs and opened the door to his room. “Let’s go inside and see what you brought.”

Beatrice crossed the room and placed her traveling bag atop the bed. She glanced over her shoulder as Joshua stepped behind her and wrapped his arms about her waist. She withdrew the sketch and carefully spread it across the bed. “Feast your eyes on this, and then tell me how lucky you are to have me.”

He released his hold on her waist and stepped to her side. He pointed at the drawing. “Is that . . . ?” His mouth gaped open, and he appeared unable to complete his question.

Her red curls danced as she bobbed her head. “Aye, it’s the final drawing of the urn they’re going to enter in the contest. Rose added the final colors right before I was able to get me hands on it.” A jolt of excitement raced through her and she clapped her hands. “Bet ya never thought you’d be marrying anyone as slick as me. We’re going to be quite a team.”

He inhaled a sharp breath and stared at the drawing. Moments later, he looked up and turned toward her. “How could you be so stupid? Rose will be looking for the drawing, and she’s going to realize you took it.” He grasped one corner of the page between his thumb and forefinger. “I can’t believe you actually brought this with you.”

Fury swelled in Beatrice’s chest. Of all the scenes she’d pictured in her mind while traveling to Bartlett, this one had not been among them. She’d expected to receive Joshua’s unfettered gratitude and amazement. Instead, he was treating her with anger and disdain.

“I brought it because you said you needed to see what they were going to enter in the contest. Ya knew I could na sit down and make a copy, so what did ya think I was gonna do? And ya need not worry about Rose knowing I’ve had the drawing in me hands. You may think I’m stupid, but I’m far from it. She’ll never know it’s been in me hands. I’ll put it in the library, and she’ll think she forgot where she put it earlier today. People forget where they put things all the time.”

“That may be true, but I still think it was foolish.”

“Was it so foolish ya want me to put it back in me bag and you can forget I ever brought it?”

“Of course not. It’s here, and I’ll get some tracing paper to make a copy.” Joshua grabbed the drawing from atop the bed and carried it to a table near the window. He sat down and examined the sketch. “It’s quite beautiful. I’m glad she chose the one that was my favorite.” He traced his index finger along the outer edge of the drawing. “Perhaps she does care for me.”