The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

  “Yes. Eight o’clock will be fine.” Rose stood, and together she and Rylan departed.

  They’d not gone far when she heard the sound of muffled footsteps behind them. Rylan glanced over his shoulder and then came to a halt. Rose turned to see Joshua approaching, his eyes flashing with anger as he drew near. “Don’t think I’m going to permit you to speak to Beatrice alone before she goes into that meeting. What’s her room number?”

  Rose tipped her head to the side. “The fact that you are so interested in speaking to Beatrice only confirms what we already believe: The two of you have joined together and stolen our design.”

  Joshua glared at her, and Rylan wedged himself between them. His jaw muscles twitched, and Rose squeezed his hand. She didn’t want the two of them to end up in a fistfight in the middle of the hotel.

  She tugged on his hand. “Rylan, we only have half an hour.”

  Joshua continued to follow them until they reached the lobby. Still clutching Rylan’s hand, Rose stopped near the stairway. “If you don’t cease following us, I’m going to go to the front desk and request that you be removed from the hotel until it’s time for the meeting, Joshua.”

  His complexion had turned a deep red, and the vein along the side of his neck bulged. “Just like you, I’m a guest in this hotel, Rose, so I don’t think they’re going to toss me out on the street.”

  “Joshua! I’ve been looking for you.” All three of them turned to see Jeremiah Harkness stride toward them with purpose in his step. After a quick greeting to Rose and a nod toward Rylan, Mr. Harkness patted his son on the shoulder and smiled. “Why is it I had to discover you’d entered Harkness Pottery in the contest being sponsored by Franklin Hotels?” Mr. Harkness didn’t wait for his son to answer before continuing on. “And why aren’t you staying at the house with your mother and me? I stopped at the front desk and discovered you’re registered here at the hotel.”

  Joshua swallowed hard. “I-I thought I’d surprise you.”

  “Well, you have! If one of my friends hadn’t shown me a list of the entries and wished me good luck last evening, I would never have known. Which one of the designers created our entry? I want to hear all about it.”

  Rose smiled at Joshua. “Yes, Joshua, do tell your father—and us—who designed your entry.”

  Joshua glared at her before turning to smile at his father. “We’ll talk later, Father. Right now, I have to prepare for a meeting with the committee judges.”

  Mr. Harkness wrapped his arm around Joshua’s shoulder. “You come with me. We’ll find a quiet place to sit, and I’ll help you prepare. I’m sure you can use some sound advice. Now that you’ve advanced this far, I don’t want you to lose this contest.”

  Rose and Rylan turned and hurried up the stairs, thankful Mr. Harkness had provided them an escape. When they neared the top of the stairs, Rose gestured toward the hallway leading to Ewan’s room. “Please go and tell Ewan we need him to come and care for Tessa. That will give me a little time to talk to Beatrice before we go back to the meeting room.”

  Rose’s heart pounded as she approached the door leading into the suite. There was little doubt Beatrice was shrewd. Rose would need to be careful how she approached the nanny. One misstep and Beatrice would rush to Joshua’s aid.

  When Rose entered, Beatrice was reclining against the velvet-covered cushions that decorated a pale green chaise in the sitting room. She looked up from an old copy of Godey’s Lady’s Book. “Look what I found in the lobby.” Keeping her finger between the pages, she lifted it for Rose to see. “The desk clerk said I could bring it to our room to look at.” She hiked a shoulder. “I don’t care if it’s old; I like looking at the fashions.” Her eyebrows arched a tad. “How come you’re here? Mrs. Woodfield said you had a meeting and would be busy this evening.” She didn’t wait for a response. “If you come to check on Tessa, she’s fine. Already asleep for the night, and glad I am for that. Been hard keepin’ her entertained in this place.”

  Rose drew near and sat down opposite Beatrice. “We need to have a brief chat, and then I’d like for you to come downstairs with me. Ewan will sit with Tessa while you’re away.”

  Wariness glimmered in her eyes as she closed the magazine and placed it atop a small table sitting in front of the chaise. “Why you wantin’ me to go downstairs?” She glanced at the table. “I’m not lying. The clerk said I could borrow the magazine.”

  “This has nothing to do with the magazine.” Rose smiled and leaned forward. “I need you to speak to the contest judges, Beatrice. There is a question about two of the entries. The one from our pottery and the other from Harkness Pottery.”

  Beatrice visibly paled. “What’s that got to do with me?”

  “I understand you and Joshua Harkness have formed a very close, shall we say, friendship. I’m sure it would have been difficult to refuse his request for help. From what I’ve gathered thus far, it appears you took my drawing to Joshua, and he traced a copy of my design.”

  “So he’s placing the blame on me, is he? Well, he’s the one who was set on winning the contest and stealing them bids so he’d make lots of money and his da would be proud of him. I can tell ya it will be freezin’ in the middle of summer if he thinks I’m gonna sit back and let him point a finger at me. Sure, and my head was turned by thoughts of marryin’ him, but anyone can see that I had nothin’ to gain by taking that drawing. ’Twas Joshua who wanted to win that silly contest, not me.”

  Rose’s thoughts reeled upon hearing Joshua had not only convinced Beatrice to steal the drawing but had somehow gained access to their bids so he would be awarded contracts. No wonder he had been so successful while they’d struggled to gain only a few meager deals. His success had nothing to do with hard work or knowledge of the pottery trade. He’d gained his achievements by cheating others. She shivered at the thought that she’d once thought him worthy of courting her.

  Careful to use a soft voice and calm demeanor, Rose offered a quick smile. “I think it would be wise for you to meet with the judges and tell the truth, Beatrice. They may chastise you for helping Joshua, but they can do no more than reprimand you.”

  The nanny’s eyes shone with suspicion. “You’re sure they won’t be calling the constable to haul me away?”

  “No. Your actions against me and my family were dishonest, but it was Joshua who submitted work that was not his own.” Rose didn’t want to say much more. If she told the nanny that some of her actions might indeed be considered criminal, Rose would never get her downstairs.

  Moments later Ewan and Rylan arrived. Rylan arched his brows. “We need to get downstairs or we’ll be late.”

  Rose nodded and stood. “Ready, Beatrice?”

  “I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” Her lips drooped as she walked toward Ewan. “Sure I am that this will be the end of me job with you.”

  Ewan returned a sad smile. “We’ll talk about your future when you come back from the meeting, Beatrice. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been a part of this.”

  Joshua was waiting near the staircase when the three of them arrived in the lobby. He lost no time rushing to Beatrice’s side. Clasping his hand around her wrist, he tugged her close. “We need to talk before the meeting.”

  Rylan stepped in front of Joshua. “There will be no time for you to speak with her. We’re near to late already. You need to release her arm.” He pointed to the large clock behind the front desk. “The judges expect us back on time. I don’t think they’ll be happy if you cause any further delay.”

  Beatrice tugged her arm free, and Rylan immediately stepped between Joshua and the nanny. Rose took hold of Beatrice’s hand and nodded toward the hallway. “Come along. We need to hurry.”

  Much to Rose’s delight and Joshua’s obvious dismay, the judges requested a private meeting with Beatrice. “After we’ve talked to Miss Murphy, we’ll have the three of you come in if we have further questions.”

  Joshua pinned Beatrice with a hard star
e. “I’m sure Miss Murphy will confirm everything that I’ve told you. She knows the design I entered is my own, don’t you, Beatrice?”

  The nanny’s features tightened in confusion as she looked first at Joshua and then at Rose. The look of uncertainty on the girl’s face set Rose on edge. “Just tell the truth, Beatrice. That’s all that matters right now.”

  Mr. Caldwell sighed with displeasure. “Please! No more discussion with Miss Murphy.”

  Joshua moved his chair to the opposite wall, where he could have a clear view of the door when it opened and a clear view of Rylan and Rose. “I plan to tell the judges you influenced Beatrice before she went in there.”

  “Are you now so worried that you’re already making plans for additional deception, Joshua?” Rose shook her head, disgusted by his ongoing deceit.

  “There you are, my boy!”

  The boisterous greeting caused all three of them to turn and peer down the hallway. Joshua groaned as his father strode toward them, a broad smile on his face. He gestured toward the door as he drew closer. “Why are you sitting out here? Has the meeting not begun?”

  Joshua stood and pulled his father aside. Keeping his voice low, he spoke to him for several moments. “There’s no need for you to waste your valuable time, Father. I’m sure Mother would prefer to have you at home with her this evening.” Joshua grasped his father’s elbow and endeavored to propel him toward the lobby, but his father resisted the attempt and sat down.

  “I think I’d prefer to wait and experience this with you firsthand, Son. I realize I haven’t had enough time with you since you’ve taken charge of the pottery, but this is an opportunity for us to share an exciting event that will impact the future of the pottery for our family.” The older man glanced across the narrow distance and met Rose’s steady stare. “Of course, we wish you and your family good luck in your quest to win the contest, as well, Miss McKay.” He leaned forward a modicum. “I am truly sorry that you and Joshua decided you wouldn’t be a good match. My wife is quite fond of you and had hoped you’d one day become the daughter we never had.” He glanced over his shoulder at Joshua. “Of course, I understand that matters of the heart can’t be dictated by parents, so we’ve accepted the decision. But I wanted you to know we’re quite fond of you.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Harkness.” She considered adding that she was certain the younger Mr. Harkness didn’t share in such fondness for her or in his father’s good wishes, but Joshua already appeared so uncomfortable, she decided to keep that thought to herself. Soon enough, Mr. Harkness would discover this wasn’t an event that would generate pride in his son.

  As they continued to wait, the discomfort became palpable. Rose couldn’t imagine why it was taking so long. Then again, Beatrice might be spinning quite a tale for the judges. Her thoughts raced at the idea, and a sense of panic seized her. She glanced at Rylan who sat beside her, his eyes closed and his demeanor as peaceful as still water. She followed his example and lifted up a silent prayer that God would reveal the truth to the judges and they would make a decision that would reward honesty. As she prayed, her panic was replaced with feelings of peace as well as a measure of sorrow for Joshua and Beatrice.

  Her gaze settled on Joshua, who sat rigid in his chair. How had he become so hardened that he would irreparably hurt others in order to get what he wanted? While Beatrice had struggled through years of hardship before coming to this country, Joshua had enjoyed a life of privilege. He’d never wanted for food or shelter, yet something deep inside was longing for more. A vacuum that needed to be filled—perhaps by his father’s time and attention, but for sure there was a hole that required filling by the Father above.

  The clicking of the door latch interrupted Rose’s thoughts, and she turned to see the dull-eyed nanny exiting the door. However, her lackluster appearance was quickly replaced by one of curiosity when she spotted the older man sitting alongside Joshua. “They’re waiting inside for the lot of ya.” She directed a sorry smile at Joshua. “What I said didn’t change things for ya. They knew I’d borrowed the drawing and given it to ya.”

  He stiffened and leaned close to her ear. “They didn’t know for sure. That’s why they wanted to speak to you, you idiot. Now you’ve gone and ruined it for sure.”

  She stepped away from him, her lips twisted in anger. “Don’t be talking to me like I’m some lass you’ve never courted with sweet words. Is that your da sitting there? Have ya told him about our plans to marry?” She gestured with a flick of her head that sent her red hair bobbing in the older man’s direction.

  Joshua gaped at his father. “She’s daft. Don’t believe a word she says.”

  Rose couldn’t believe her ears. Joshua and Beatrice were planning to wed? Was this the man Beatrice had been talking about when she mentioned a wedding veil? Rose’s thoughts were cut short when Mr. Caldwell cleared his throat. “Didn’t Miss Murphy tell you that I wanted to speak with the three of you?”

  “Aye. That she did.” Rylan lightly grasped Rose’s elbow and nodded to Joshua. “I think we best be going in and see what they have to say.”

  Chapter 29

  The judges’ solemn demeanor remained steadfast as they took their chairs. Mr. Caldwell folded his hands atop the long table and let his gaze travel and briefly rest upon each of them before he spoke. “What began as a simple request to judge entries in a pottery contest has become akin to solving a rather sordid mystery, Mr. Harkness.”

  Joshua blanched. “I assume that remark is meant for all of us, since I’m not the only party being subjected to this inquiry.” He glared at Rose and Rylan. “I can assure you that what I’ve told you is the truth. Miss McKay had time alone to speak with Miss Murphy prior to escorting her downstairs. I’m certain Miss McKay made promises of financial gain in order to attain the cooperation of her employee.”

  Rose reeled at the remark. Joshua seemingly had no boundaries. He was intent upon convincing these men that the design was his own. Mr. Caldwell leaned forward and looked up and down the table. The judges all gave a nod.

  “After speaking to Miss Murphy, we had our misgivings about whether you would concede, Mr. Harkness. Although we believe the original design was created and submitted on behalf of McKay Pottery, we are willing to give both you and Miss McKay a sketch pad so that you may re-create your designs as submitted to us.” Mr. Caldwell leaned back in his chair and arched his brows. “Miss McKay?”

  “I’m more than willing to do so.”

  “Mr. Harkness?”

  Joshua’s jaw tightened. “What did Miss Murphy tell you? Did she say that I created that design on my own?”

  Mr. Caldwell arched his brows. “Before I divulge what Miss Murphy had to say, I’m going to require your answer, Mr. Harkness. Do you want to sketch the design for us, or would you prefer that we make our decision based upon the information we have at hand?”

  Joshua hesitated for a moment and then extended his arm. “I injured my hand earlier in the week and haven’t recovered full use. I couldn’t possibly draw a sketch of the design at this time.”

  “You are quick with your excuses, Mr. Harkness, but I would point out that you’ve made no mention of any such problem during our earlier visits, and your handshake was quite strong.” Mr. Caldwell looked at the other judges. “Would you agree, gentlemen?”

  All of them nodded and murmured their agreement. Joshua’s jaw twitched, and his eyes flashed with anger. “It appears you gentlemen have elected to accept Miss McKay’s design. Although I disagree with your decision, I am going to withdraw my entry.”

  Before the judges could make further remarks, Joshua jumped up from his chair and exited the room. Mr. Caldwell shrugged and looked at Rose and Rylan. “That means we have accepted your entry as the original, and it will be placed with the other entries for final judging. I am sorry for this difficulty.”

  Rose nodded. “I do hope none of this will reflect upon our entry. I know these meetings have caused undue hardship, and I fear it might i
nfluence your decision against us.”

  “I believe we can be fair, Miss McKay. Thank you for your cooperation.” He looked at Rylan. “And you, as well, Mr. Campbell.”

  As they left the room Rylan looked at her, and love radiated from his eyes to the generous smile that curved his lips. “I’m very proud of you. Never did you let anger or fear take hold of you. I truly believe we will win the contest, and when all of this is over and we have a sizeable contract, we can talk about things that are important to our future—as husband and wife.”

  Rose met his tender gaze. “I would like that very much. In fact, I can think of nothing I would like more. I know Ewan and Laura will be pleased to know our plans go beyond courtship.” She stopped short at the sound of arguing as they neared the lobby. “That’s Beatrice. And Joshua.”

  Rylan nodded. “And Mr. Harkness. We may be able to avoid them if we go directly up the stairs.”

  Rose agreed, but their plan was foiled when Mr. Harkness spotted them at the end of the hallway. “Both of you! Come here!”

  They looked at each other, Rose uncertain whether to flee for the stairway or follow Rylan’s lead when he turned toward the older man. He took her elbow. “Come along, Rose. We may as well set things straight before tomorrow. We don’t want the contest and Mr. Franklin’s award ceremony ruined by a scuffle with Joshua or his father.”

  As they drew near, Mr. Harkness gestured to a small parlor off the main lobby. Once they were together in a more private setting, Mr. Harkness tugged at his collar and brushed nonexistent lint from his waistcoat. “I apologize for my uncivilized behavior, but after hearing all of these unbelievable tales, I’ve lost patience. I do hope the two of you can shed some light on this entire matter, because my son and Miss Murphy have somewhat conflicting stories.”

  Rose couldn’t detect who was the angriest: Joshua, Beatrice, or Mr. Harkness. Joshua and Beatrice sat with their arms folded across their chests, their lips sealed tight, and their jaws jutted in defiance. She turned her attention to Mr. Harkness. He was, after all, the one who had initiated this angry gathering. “What is it you wish to know?”