The Artisan's Wife

by Judith Miller

  “Why would it be better to wait? The more time we put off discussions with him, the longer you must wait to begin producing the mosaics.”

  He wrung his hands together. “You’re angry. I can hear it in your voice. Surely you can understand my fears about presenting the project to him. If he says no, my dream will disappear. Can you understand how that feels?”

  Her stomach clenched at his question. “Yes, Levi. I realize what it’s like to have someone else make a decision that erases your dreams.” Recognition shone in his eyes as she answered him. “I recall that you advised me to accept my circumstances when I told you about Adaira and my dreams to continue teaching. Didn’t you tell me you were devoted to caring for your brother and that willingness had helped you make peace with your situation?” She met his eyes. “Did that acceptance mean you were willing to give up your dream of living in Philadelphia, but you still held on to your dream of creating the tiles?”

  He frowned, and a deafening silence hung between them for several moments. “When I spoke to you, what I said was true. And it still is. I remain dedicated to living here in Weston so I can make certain my brother receives proper care. I’m willing to give up my dream of ever seeing my mosaics created, but I will still be sad if your brother refuses my ideas. If you were suddenly presented with an opportunity to teach while continuing to manage the tile works, would you not do everything in your power to take advantage of that opportunity?”

  She nodded her head.

  “And if it didn’t come to fulfillment, would you be sad?”

  Once again, she nodded her head.

  “Yet that doesn’t mean you haven’t made peace with your situation and accepted your circumstances, does it?”

  “I suppose not.” She smiled. “I very much want Ewan to accept the idea, and I’m going to do everything I can to convince him. I don’t want your dream to disappear. At least not this one.”

  He arched his brows. “What do you mean? How many dreams do you think I have?”

  She hadn’t planned to mention his pending marriage, but he’d given her the perfect opportunity. “Isn’t your marriage a dream? I’m told you’re engaged to a young lady in Philadelphia. Do you plan to give up that dream for your brother’s well-being, or will she come to Weston after you marry?”

  Her questions were personal and abrupt, but she needed to hear about his intended future with another woman. Her increasing fondness for him would surely dissipate when he affirmed his marriage plans.

  Instead of the solemn countenance she’d expected, Levi chuckled and his eyes glistened with merriment. What was wrong with him? Did he not consider marriage to be a matter of import?

  Ainslee stared at him. “I don’t believe the affections of a young woman are a laughing matter.”

  “You’re absolutely correct. A woman’s affections should never be taken lightly, and I would never do such a thing. I laughed because there is no young woman waiting for me in Philadelphia or anywhere else.”

  Ainslee reared back in her chair. “That can’t be true. On your first night in Weston, the girls came home from the men’s boardinghouse and told me of your engagement. There’s no reason to hide the truth from me. A pending marriage will not influence Ewan’s decision about the tile project.”

  “I’m telling you the truth,” he insisted. “Fred was the one who told them the engagement story. I suppose I should have spoken up and told the truth right then, but when they advanced onto the front porch like a swarm of buzzing bees, I lost my courage and remained silent.”

  Ainslee giggled at his response. “I doubt they’d be pleased to hear themselves referred to as a swarm of bees, but I do know they were sorely disappointed to hear of your pending marriage.”

  She didn’t add that she had felt a sense of relief upon hearing the news—pleased that he could be a friend and nothing more—that he wouldn’t become a reason for her to feel tied to Weston. So much had changed in such a short time.

  “And you? How do you feel after learning I have no marriage plans?”

  She gently tapped the fingers of her left hand atop the wooden desk. “I must admit that I’m somewhat concerned that you didn’t set the matter aright with the ladies.” A momentary pang of guilt stabbed her. Hadn’t she hidden the fact that she hoped to sell the tile works? Was that so different from what he’d done? She pushed the thought aside and met his steady gaze. “While I understand your reason, permitting a falsehood to stand as truth isn’t an honorable quality and can create doubt when discovered.”

  “Doubt?” Levi pushed away from the desk. “If what happened has given you reason to mistrust me, I apologize. I consider myself an honest man, but I can see how you might believe otherwise after hearing what I did.” He sighed. “I can only tell you that everything I’ve told you about my work and myself is true.” Sorrow clung to his words like a wild vine gripping a tree. “I hope you will believe me.”

  “Thank you for your apology, Levi. My brother will need to rely upon my opinion about you and your abilities. I wouldn’t want to provide him with information that might jeopardize the future of his investment in the tile works.”

  “I understand, but I hope you know that I would never do anything to place your family’s business at risk. It is my hope that what I offer will help the tile works grow, but you must weigh this out and decide if you want to cancel the meeting with your brother.”

  “Cancelling the meeting hadn’t entered my thoughts.” Ewan would be arriving tomorrow afternoon, and she wanted him to see and evaluate the possibilities of creating the mosaic tiles. Still, her brother would expect her to be completely forthright when she presented any business proposal. What would give Levi the best chance at winning Ewan’s favor?

  “What if you told Ewan about your mosaics?” She waited for Levi’s response.

  He inhaled a deep breath and blew it out. “If you think it’s best, I’m willing to speak with him.”

  She smiled and nodded as warmth pooled in her stomach. He was honest, caring, and not betrothed.

  Ewan would value Levi’s honesty. She knew she certainly did.

  The following afternoon, Ainslee arrived at the train station only minutes before Ewan’s train pulled in. When she’d dressed for the day, she’d attempted to find some way to hide her bandage, but wearing a cloak in the middle of summer would have been more conspicuous than the bulky cloth that still surrounded her hand.

  Instead of waiting on the platform, she remained inside the station with her right arm close to her side. With any luck, the folds of her dress would cover the bandage until after their initial greeting. In retrospect, she realized it would have been better to write and warn Ewan rather than surprise him with her hand looking like a misshapen truncheon. From her position, she could see him looking for her on the platform, but forced herself to remain in place.

  After a final look, Ewan strode toward the baggage cart and grabbed his case before heading toward the door. Removing his hat as he entered the station door, his gaze fell on her and he hurried forward and gathered her in an embrace.

  The moment he released her, she turned sideways to hide her arm. “Before you say anything, I need to tell you that I have a slight injury to my hand. Please don’t be alarmed.”

  Only then did she turn enough to permit him a view of her arm. He gaped at the bandage, grasped her elbow, and then led her to one of the empty benches. “Did you injure yourself this morning? You should be in bed. How did this happen?” His eyes shone with concern as he looked around the station. “Did you come alone?”

  “I’m alone, but you need not be concerned. The injury happened several weeks ago. In fact, the bandage will soon be permanently removed. I’m practically healed.”

  He leaned back against the hard wood with a thud. “I can’t believe this. Tell me what happened and why you didn’t let us know.”

  For the next fifteen minutes, she detailed the events leading up to the accident and her subsequent care at the asylum. �
�Dr. Thorenson has proved most capable, and when he replaced my bandage earlier in the week, the wound looked good. There will be a scar, but I’ve learned my lesson.”

  Ewan withdrew his handkerchief and mopped his perspiring forehead. “I canna believe you would be so foolish.” The Irish brogue betrayed how upset he was.

  Several people turned in their direction and Ainslee scooted closer. “You don’t have to talk so loud. I knew you’d be angry, but all’s well that ends well. Don’t you agree?”

  “Do na try to dismiss what you’ve done with a smile and an old saying.” He tucked his handkerchief back into his pocket and shook his head. “Maybe I did make a mistake leaving you here by yourself.”

  “No, Ewan. Just because I injured my hand doesn’t mean that I can’t manage the tile works. All has been going well, and I’m eager for you to meet with an employee about mosaic tiles he’s designed. I think they could breathe new life into the business.”

  He sighed and nodded toward the front door. “Let me get registered at the hotel, and then we’ll talk further.”

  Their ride from the station to the hotel was short, so Ainslee directed the conversation to matters of the family rather than the business. When they arrived at the hotel, she waited in the carriage. Ewan planned to be inside only long enough to register and leave his bags with the clerk, and she needed a few minutes alone to gather her thoughts and regain her composure.

  Ainslee wanted Ewan in the proper mood to meet Levi. Right now, he would likely remain fixated upon her fateful decision to operate the cutting machine, but she planned to turn his attention toward other aspects of the business, such as several new contracts, and letters she’d received from customers praising the reliability of the business as well as the fine quality of their tiles. Then she would introduce him to Levi.

  As he approached the carriage, Ewan gave the driver orders to take them to the tile works before he stepped inside the conveyance. His gaze remained fixed upon her hand until he was seated. “I’m sorry I was so ill-humored with you at the train station. When you told me how you’d been injured, my fear turned to anger. I still would like to know why you didn’t let us know as soon as the accident happened.”

  “There were several reasons. I was ashamed that I’d been so foolish. Also, I feared you’d arrive in Weston, send me home, and take over the business.”

  Confusion appeared in his eyes and he leaned forward on the carriage seat. “Your answer makes no sense to me. I thought the sale of the tile works and a return to Grafton was exactly what you wanted.”

  “That is what I wanted when I first arrived, but I’ve had a change of heart. At least I think I have.” She drew in a deep breath. “Before you take any further steps toward selling the business, I’d like you to talk to Levi.”

  “Levi?”

  “Levi Judson. He has an excellent idea I’d like to implement.”

  Ewan’s brows knit together. “I’m not sure what that means. Are ya telling me you want to remain in Weston and manage the business? I thought you were intent on me selling the place.”

  Her heart pounded a new beat. Maybe Ewan had already secured a buyer. If so, that would change everything. “You haven’t signed a contract to sell, have you?”

  “No, but I’ve had some talks with a fellow who is a good prospect. He’s sent me papers to verify he has the money to purchase the place. All that remains is a visit to view the business and go over the books. He’s coming to meet me here in Weston in a couple days.”

  “You need to send a telegram. Tell him not to come—at least not now. The business is doing well. The ledgers will show you that we’ve been making a profit—not huge, but enough that we can at least try something new. Once you’ve gone over the books, I’d like you to meet with Levi.”

  Ewan expelled a long breath. “I’m not willing to delay the arrival of Mr. Heskett just yet. I don’t doubt what you’ve told me about the profitability of the company. I can review the books later. First let me hear what Mr. Judson has to say, and then I’ll decide if I want to contact Mr. Heskett.”

  “Even though you think you may have an interested buyer, please don’t be hasty. I think you’ll see that there is a great deal of merit to his tile designs. They’re different from any other decorative tiles you’ve ever seen.”

  Her brother gave her a sidelong glance. “I must say that you’ve gained my interest with all this talk of Mr. Judson. I’m curious to meet him, for I’m beginning to think there’s more than tiles that have captured your interest, sister.”

  Ainslee objected, but Ewan’s lips curved in a sly smile as he winked at her. Perhaps her brother knew her better than she knew herself.

  Chapter 14

  An unusual hush in the cutting room caused Levi to turn. Ainslee and a man he assumed was her brother stood in the arched doorway. The afternoon sun beamed over their shoulders and cast long shadows across the dirt floor.

  Levi’s mouth turned suddenly dry. Had he misunderstood? He was certain Ainslee had planned to go over the ledgers with Ewan before the three of them met. Was it worry he detected in Ainslee’s eyes? Had something gone amiss? Had withholding word of her injury caused more difficulty than she’d anticipated? A thousand questions raced through his mind and rendered him speechless. Unsurprisingly, Robert had already moved from the adjacent mixing room and was quick to rise to the occasion and fill the void.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. McKay. A pleasure to see you in Weston. Come to see how well your sister is doing managing your workers?” Robert let his gaze rest on Ainslee’s bandaged hand.

  “Nay. I’ve come because she requested my presence. I do not worry about her ability to manage the business or the men who work here. She’s a McKay. I know she will do well at anything she attempts.”

  Robert chuckled. “She didn’t do too good trying to use that cuttin’ machine.”

  Ewan frowned and took a step forward. “Nay, but she had the courage to try. Sometimes our most important lessons are learned when we must suffer pain and failure.” He clapped Robert on the shoulder. “While you may think she knows little about such matters, I can tell you that all of my sisters know a great deal about suffering. We came here from a country plagued with famine and woe, yet they have proved themselves to be made of stern stuff. I’d rank their abilities above most of the men I know.”

  Robert’s cheeks flamed. “I didn’t mean no disrespect, Mr. McKay.”

  “I’m sure you didn’t.” Ewan turned and extended his hand toward Levi. “You must be Levi Judson.”

  Levi nodded and stepped forward to shake Ewan’s hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. McKay.”

  “I believe my sister has arranged for us to meet and discuss a new project, Levi.”

  Ewan’s grasp was firm and his smile warm enough that Levi relaxed a little. He looked at Ainslee for affirmation. Although she smiled, he detected a worried look in her eyes and his concerns heightened anew.

  Neither Robert nor Harold made any attempt to return to their work in the mixing room. Instead, they remained focused on Ewan. With their mouths gaping, both had edged a bit closer, their curiosity obviously piqued by the conversation.

  Ewan glanced at them and gestured toward the large mixer in the adjacent room. “Don’t let us keep you from your work. I’m sure Miss McKay doesn’t want you to fall behind.” He turned back toward Levi. “Let’s go to the office and discuss these ideas of yours.”

  Levi longed for a moment alone with Ainslee to find out why they were meeting so early, but it didn’t appear that would happen. He stepped alongside Ewan as they crossed the courtyard. “I trust you had a good trip from Grafton.”

  “Aye, but I must say I was surprised to see that bandage on my sister’s hand. She tells me your quick action getting her to the doctor prevented the injury from becoming any worse. Please accept my thanks.”

  “Any of the workers would have done the same. I happened to be the first one to realize what had happened. Miss McKay has done her be
st to be a good patient and follow the doctor’s orders.”

  Ewan craned his neck for a glimpse of his sister. “Is that true, Ainslee? Have you followed doctor’s orders? How have you managed to keep the ledgers current?”

  “Levi volunteered to help me. When he has free time during the day, he comes to the office, and we’ve also worked in the evening at the boardinghouse when needed. Mrs. Brighton has given us use of the dining room table after supper.” She grasped her brother’s arm. “If you would have done as I asked and reviewed the ledgers first, you would already know they are in fine order.”

  Her brother pulled open the office door and gestured for Ainslee and Levi to enter. “Given the time constraints and other matters we’ve discussed, I think it’s best to address Levi’s project first.” He motioned for Ainslee to be seated at the desk before he sat down in a chair opposite her. “Ainslee has told me about your tiles. Do you have some of them that I could see? Or at least some of the drawings you’ve made?”

  “I have several sample tiles here in the office, but my drawings are in my room at the boardinghouse.” Levi stepped across the room and lifted a cloth bag from the shelves that lined the west wall. “I believe these will give you a good idea of the finished product. Before coming to Weston, I worked at the Philadelphia Tile Works. The owner, Mr. Kresie, let me make these while I was working for him.”

  Ewan studied the tiles for a short time. “They are beautiful. Well made. Different than anything I’ve seen before.” He leaned back in his chair. “Why didn’t Mr. Kresie make these at his tile works?”

  Levi returned to the straight-backed wooden chair and sat down. “I completed developing the process only a short time before my move to Weston. He didn’t have the skill or knowledge to make these without me. Besides, he isn’t an artist. Except for a few, all of the designs are mine, and so is the technique for creating them.”