The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

  Rose cleared her throat. “Grandmother Woodfield’s suggestion that we depart tomorrow is impossible for me. I haven’t yet notified Joshua I’ll be busy on Wednesdays. I had hoped to tell him in person.”

  “Ewan could explain, but I doubt you’d think that a good idea. I suppose we could wait until Thursday morning.” The older woman gave a slight shake of her head. “I cannot understand how that young man can be away from his business for a full day every week. With such a lackadaisical attitude toward his work, I won’t be surprised if I hear that Harkness Pottery has failed.” She passed an oval china serving bowl heaped with green beans to Ewan. “If I know Jeremiah Harkness, he has no idea his son isn’t tending to business six days a week. Has Joshua mentioned any progress with his father’s pottery when the two of you visit?”

  Ewan spooned green beans onto his plate and then passed the bowl to Adaira. “You need not worry about Joshua or the Harkness Pottery. From what he’s told me, they are doing much better than we are. He says their production has increased since he took over, yet he still hasn’t impressed his father enough to get the office position he desires.”

  Laura passed the bowl of mashed potatoes to Rose. “I simply don’t understand how he has increased production while you work so hard and have had little success in gaining new contracts. Somehow it doesn’t seem right.”

  Ewan smiled at his wife. “He’s obviously won some fair-sized contracts, and I’ve not been successful with the bids I’ve submitted for various jobs.”

  Rylan didn’t miss the hint of sadness in Ewan’s voice. He desperately wanted Mr. McKay to succeed. “Mr. Bancock always said that bidding required a little knowledge and a lot of God’s grace. If we can win one or two of the contracts we sent off today, we will be doing much better.”

  “Then we shall be praying that you win those contracts. In the meantime, let’s forge our plans so that McKay Pottery wins the contract being offered by the Franklin Hotels.” Mrs. Woodfield directed her attention to Rylan. “Are you able to go to Pittsburgh on Thursday and be away for several days?”

  He glanced at Ewan. “If Mr. McKay agrees that I can be absent from work.”

  Ewan forked a piece of the pork roast onto his plate. “I have no objection to the plan or to Rylan being away from work for a few days. I believe it could help if the two of you see the interior of the hotel, but Rose should be the one who decides if the time is better spent working on designs or visiting the hotel.”

  They all turned in Rose’s direction. “I think the time will be well spent visiting the hotel. On the way home, Rylan and I can discuss our ideas.”

  Mrs. Woodfield beamed. “Excellent. Then we’re agreed. We’ll leave on the early train Thursday morning.”

  When they finished dinner, Rose asked to be excused. She looked at Rylan as she stood. “Since we’re not going to be planning our designs until after the visit to Pittsburgh, I assume our session for tonight is cancelled.”

  Rylan’s stomach cinched. He glanced around the table, suddenly feeling like an interloper at their dinner table. “I thank you for the fine meal, Mrs. McKay. ’Twas a pleasure joining your family, but I believe I’ll bid you all good-night. As Rose mentioned, our plans are cancelled for this evening, so there’s no reason for me to be here.”

  Rose gaped at him. “Y-you’re welcome to stay, but since we aren’t meeting . . .”

  Rylan shook his head. “I understand. There’s no need to explain.”

  She’d made it clear. He didn’t belong.

  Shame washed over Rose as she climbed the staircase and hurried down the hallway toward the nursery. Though it hadn’t been her intent, her curt comment had caused Rylan to feel unwelcome. The thought that she’d sent such a message to a guest in their home created a rush of bad memories. While in school, she’d experienced the sting of rejection and had promised herself she would never exclude others. But that’s what she’d done this evening. She hadn’t wanted to hurt him, but she had wanted him to leave. Mostly because they seemed to disagree about almost everything.

  When they’d first met, she’d thought him handsome and quite charming, but their differing views had altered her opinion. While she couldn’t fault Rylan’s work ethic or his desire to have the pottery succeed, she abhorred his reluctance to remain open-minded.

  Joshua had at least listened to her ideas and had even concurred with her suggestions. She had hoped he would immediately begin classes for the children in his pottery and institute some of her suggestions for cleanliness, as well. A few weeks ago when she’d inquired about progress, he said his father had forbidden the changes, citing cost as the reason. Joshua’s remorse, especially regarding the school, had been palpable. Though she regretted there would be no schoolroom in Harkness Pottery, Rose had appreciated Joshua’s desire for change and his compassionate attitude. He’d promised that once his father loosened his oversight, there would be changes at their pottery.

  Rose opened the door to the nursery and waved at Tessa. The child had finished her dinner and pointed to her dollhouse. “Let’s play.” Tessa jumped up and hurried across the room.

  Beatrice frowned, obviously annoyed by the intrusion. “I’ll need to get her ready for bed soon.”

  Rose ignored the remark and joined Tessa at the dollhouse. She picked up several pieces of tiny furniture and placed them in one of the rooms. “I think we need to arrange the parlor with more chairs, don’t you?”

  Tessa bobbed her head and gathered several of the small padded chairs and pushed them into the parlor.

  “I thought you and Rylan was supposed to have some sort of meeting after supper. How come you’re up here instead?” Beatrice pinned Rose with a hard stare.

  “We postponed our meeting until after we make a trip to Pittsburgh.” She arched her brows. “How did you know about my meeting with Rylan?”

  The nanny hiked a shoulder. “Ainslee told me. She said you were doing some designs for a contest. I figured she didn’t know what she was talking about until I came downstairs before dinner. I’m thinkin’ that Rylan fella was feelin’ like a fish out of water and things didn’t go so well. That’s why you’re up here with Tessa and me.”

  Rose shook her head. “No, that’s not it at all. We aren’t ready to begin creating the designs yet.”

  “Why not? How do you know when you’re ready to draw something? Do you have to wait until y’er hit with a jolt of lightning or something?”

  Rose chuckled. “No, but it does help to have some ideas in mind before you sit down and try to draw a design. This project is important, so we want to be sure we submit our very best work.”

  Beatrice crossed the room and picked up several of Tessa’s wooden blocks. “What kind of contest is it that y’er entering?” She placed the blocks inside the toy chest.

  The nanny’s curiosity surprised Rose. Never before had Beatrice shown any interest in the pottery or Rose’s work, but perhaps this was Beatrice’s attempt to establish a friendlier relationship. Though she didn’t go into great detail, Rose told her the contest was being sponsored by the owner of the Franklin Hotels.

  Beatrice sat down and gave Rose her undivided attention. “That sounds excitin’. What’s the prize if ya win?”

  As Rose revealed the prize, Beatrice rubbed her hands together and smiled. “That’s a mighty good reason to make the best drawings ya can. That money would sure come in handy.”

  “The money would be nice, but the contracts would be even better. That’s the part of the prize that will help everyone working at the pottery.”

  “Aye, that’s true enough. How’d ya come to hear about the contest?”

  Rose mentioned the letter she’d received from Mrs. Fisk.

  “So can anybody enter, or is it open to only certain potteries?” Beatrice leaned forward, her eyes glimmering with excitement.

  “The entries must come from potteries able to produce the dishware, since the first prize is a contract to make all of the dishware for the Franklin Hotels
.”

  The girl nodded her head as if she understood, the glimmer still sparkling in her eyes. Did Beatrice somehow believe she could draw a design and win the cash prize?

  “No one can enter simply to win the cash prize. All those who enter must verify they can produce the dishes.” Rose spoke slowly, still not certain Beatrice grasped the entirety of the process.

  Once again she nodded. “Sure, and I understand, Rose. I know I cannot enter, if that’s what’s worrying ya. Even if I could make the dishes, I couldn’t draw a picture if me life depended on it. I was just dreamin’ about that prize money.” She leaned back in her chair. “What are you thinkin’ might be a good idea for your design?”

  “We’re not sure. Grandmother Woodfield is going to escort Rylan and me to Pittsburgh so we can visit the main hotel and gather some ideas. We’ll be leaving on Thursday morning.”

  Beatrice’s eyes opened wide. “That Rylan fella is going to Pittsburgh with you and Mrs. Woodfield? For sure, that’s quite a piece of news.” Her eyes clouded with a faraway look. “I’d like to see Pittsburgh one day. Maybe when I get married, I’ll go there with me husband.”

  The remark surprised Rose. She didn’t realize Beatrice had a beau. “I didn’t know you were planning a wedding.”

  “Not yet, but a lass needs to have her plans in mind, so when the right fella comes along, she’s prepared. What about you and Joshua Harkness? I bet the two of you are making some plans for the future, what with him traveling to see you every Wednesday.”

  For someone who’d been eager to get Tessa ready for bed, Beatrice had certainly done a turnaround. “Right now, we’re not making any plans. I have no idea what the future might hold, but I do know we won’t be seeing each other on Wednesday evenings for a while.”

  Beatrice startled at the remark. “Why’s that?”

  Rose divulged her plan to curtail visits with Joshua while she worked on the designs. “I’m sure he can use the additional time to complete work at his own pottery. Though he doesn’t complain, I imagine being absent every Wednesday creates a hardship for him. This will give him a much-needed break in our routine.”

  “You mean he won’t be coming to Grafton for a whole month? That’s a mistake, for sure. Not seeing a man for that long will lead to a wandering eye. You should give that idea some more thought.”

  Rose chuckled and patted Beatrice’s hand. “No need to worry. I think our relationship will survive. If it doesn’t, it wasn’t meant to be.”

  Chapter 16

  When the train arrived at the Grafton station on Wednesday morning, Beatrice was waiting near the entrance leading into the waiting room. At first she’d considered going inside. She’d even given thought to waiting on the platform, but eventually common sense prevailed. She knew Joshua would be unhappy she was anywhere near the railroad station, but she’d convince him that no one would question an inadvertent meeting between the two of them. And if any questions arose, she’d merely say she had been expecting a visit from one of her relatives in Bartlett.

  Never before had she dared to meet Joshua’s train, but today was different. All night she’d worried he might not come or that he’d catch a later train. Only once had he failed to arrive on the early train, but with her luck, it would happen again today. She needed all the time she could squeeze into today’s rendezvous. Unless she could convince Joshua to continue his visits to Grafton each Wednesday, she wouldn’t see him for another month. She didn’t think she could survive without her Wednesday meetings with him, and she wanted the extra money he furnished her. Caring for a two-year-old simply didn’t provide the excitement or money she craved.

  When Joshua stepped onto the brick sidewalk outside the station, Beatrice hurried toward him. His forehead creased with concern when he caught sight of her. “What are you doing here?” He scanned the area and then looked over his shoulder. “Someone could see us.”

  His harsh tone implied anger, but she ignored the warning and stepped closer. Once he understood the importance of her news, his attitude would change. “I wanted to make sure I got to see you today. I have something mind-bogglin’ to tell ya, and since I might not see you for a month, I decided to take me chances and come to the station.”

  He motioned her to a small alcove at the far end of the station. “What are you talking about? Why wouldn’t you see me?”

  “There’s far too much I have to tell ya to stand out here in the open. I’ll meet you at the hotel in half an hour. Did you reserve your usual room?”

  He nodded. “Come up the back stairs and knock on the door.” When she turned to depart, he grasped her wrist. “You haven’t found someone else to occupy your day off, have you?”

  She curved her lips into a tempting smile and traced her fingers down the sleeve of his suit jacket. “How could I find anyone who could take your place?”

  He shot her a warning look. “You couldn’t. I’ll see you in half an hour.”

  She remained outside the station until he was out of sight, then made her way across the railroad tracks and eventually wound through town. After a stop at the general store, she walked past the livery, the smell of hay and manure now heavy in the air. As she turned onto a path leading to the rear of the hotel, her stomach rumbled. She hoped Joshua had ordered lunch delivered to their room when he checked in.

  As she rounded the corner of the hotel, she turned toward the sound of footfalls and crackling undergrowth. Her breath caught when she spotted Rylan Campbell on the path behind the livery. She ducked her head and fled inside the back door of the hotel, her heart drumming beneath the bodice of her green print dress. He didn’t appear to have seen her, but she couldn’t be certain.

  She raced up the steps and knocked on the door with a stenciled number four on the center panel. “Joshua! Hurry and open up. It’s me, Beatrice.”

  Moments later, the door creaked open. An old lady with white hair piled high on her head stared at Beatrice through narrowed eyes. After directing a scathing look at Beatrice, the woman glanced over her shoulder. “Henry! There’s a girl here looking for someone named Joshua. What’s this all about?”

  Beatrice backed away from the door and waved her hand. “I have the wrong room. No need to bother your husband.” She hastened away from the doorway and down the stairs before the woman could create a commotion that might draw other hotel guests into the hallway.

  Once she reached the foot of the stairs, she circled around and stepped into the small alcove below the stairway and inhaled a deep breath. What was the matter with Joshua? She’d specifically asked him about his room. Did he think she’d be amused by his antics? If so, he was sorely mistaken.

  After a moment to compose herself, Beatrice marched down the hallway and approached the front desk. Her frazzled condition was further aggravated when she discovered the hotel clerk absent from his post. When she could find him nowhere in sight, she continually pressed her palm up and down on the bell in rapid succession. The incessant dinging brought the clerk running to the desk.

  He rushed behind the counter and grabbed the bell from beneath her hand. “How may I be of assistance, miss?” He held the bell tight against his chest and glared at her.

  Beatrice didn’t flinch. “If you’d been at your desk, I wouldn’t have had to ring. I need the room number for Joshua Harkness. He registered a short time ago.”

  The clerk shook his head. “We don’t give out the room numbers of our guests unless they advise us to do so.”

  Beatrice narrowed her eyes until they were mere slits. “Then check for his instructions, because he’s expecting me.”

  “There’s nothing written by his registration.” He looked down his nose at her. “I cannot give you his room number.”

  Beatrice blew out a long breath. “He’s a friend of mine, and either ya tell me his room number, or I’ll take meself up those stairs and knock on every door until I find him.”

  “I can’t allow you to do—”

  “Beatrice! Are you here t
o enjoy lunch on your day off?”

  She whirled around and found herself face-to-face with Rylan Campbell. Blimey! Now what? She stepped away from the counter and hoped the clerk would be thankful she was out of his hair for the moment.

  “Aye. Sometimes I like to enjoy a bite when I come into town.” The tightness in her voice alarmed her. If she didn’t relax, he’d know she was up to something. “What about you? On yar lunch break from the pottery?”

  He nodded. “They usually have creamed chicken on biscuits on Wednesdays, so I stop by sometimes. If you haven’t eaten, you should try them.”

  “I’m not so sure I’m all that hungry.”

  “If ya change your mind, you might ask to be seated with Joshua Harkness. I saw him enjoying the chicken and biscuits while I was in the dining room.” He arched an eyebrow. “You do know Joshua, don’t ya?”

  She could feel the heat climb up her neck and spread across her checks. No doubt her creamy complexion was now sporting bright red splotches. “I shared a few dances with him at Rose’s party when she lived in Bartlett, and I’ve seen him at the house when he comes callin’ on Rose.”

  How did Rylan know she and Joshua were acquainted? She tried to recall if Joshua had ever mentioned Rylan. Her mind raced as she tried to sift through all that had happened since that first dance with Joshua, but the two of them had talked about lots of things. She simply couldn’t recall, and that was enough to make her nervous.

  When Rylan made no move to leave, she nodded toward the dining room. “I best get into the dining room and order me lunch.” She forced her lips into a smile, gave a slight wave, and walked into the dining room.

  Instead of approaching Joshua, she gave a slight nod as she walked past him and sat down at a nearby table. She ordered coffee and a sandwich rather than the special. Chicken and biscuits didn’t hold any great appeal. Before her order arrived, Joshua approached her table, slipped a note atop her napkin, and left the dining room. He’d printed Room 6 on the paper.