The Artisan's Wife

by Judith Miller

  “Aye. For sure, she’s a sad creature who needs much prayer.” Ewan signaled the waiter for more coffee. “Laura and I have been talking a great deal about the future and what we should do with the brickyard.”

  “Have you come to any decisions?” Ainslee leaned forward, eager to know what they had been thinking.

  “We have. After a lot of prayer, we’ve decided to return to Bartlett, and I’ll take over the brickworks again. It’s going to take time to get it reestablished and regain its old reputation, but I believe it can be done. I talked to a few of the workers the last time I was in Bartlett, and they’re willing to return if I come back. The business is important to both Laura and me, so we’re going to move back to Woodfield Manor.”

  “What about Crothers Mansion?”

  Ewan shook his head. “Kathleen has written to Laura stating that she has no desire to return to Bartlett. She asked that the house be placed for sale. I’m not sure how quickly a buyer will be located, but you never know—there may be someone who has the money to purchase it. For Kathleen’s sake, I hope it will sell. She wrote that if there are sufficient funds from the proceeds, she’d like to purchase a small home in New York.”

  “That would be nice. Kathleen deserves some happiness in her life. Is she continuing to work for the milliner?”

  “Aye. She likes the work. Laura suggested she might want to purchase a shop of her own, but she says she’s content working for someone else. I don’t think she wants the extra worry and responsibility of owning her own business.”

  Kathleen’s life had been difficult from the time she’d arrived in Bartlett. If she was now happy working in a millinery shop and desired nothing more than a small home of her own, Ainslee was pleased to know that some of Margaret’s money would one day provide a bit of stability for Kathleen.

  “What do Rose and Rylan think about your decision to leave them in Grafton to run the pottery on their own?”

  Ewan’s lips tipped in a smile. “We both know that Rose has always considered that pottery to be her venture into the business world—and so have I. In truth, I haven’t been needed to help manage the pottery since the day she married Rylan, but they’ve let me believe I was necessary.”

  Ainslee leaned back as the waiter arrived and placed a steaming plate of pork chops in front of her. “I think your role in the pottery was much more important than you’ll admit, but I’m pleased that Rose and Rylan aren’t going to object to your decision. That would make it all the more difficult.”

  Ewan carved into his pork, took a bite, and murmured with delight. “For sure, my stomach is thankful for some good, warm food.” He tapped the edge of his plate with the tines of his fork. “What this hotel lacks in style, it makes up for with its fine restaurant.”

  “The food is good, but no better than what Mrs. Brighton serves at the boardinghouse.”

  “Aye, Mrs. Brighton. How is she doing? Still requiring notice if you aren’t going to be present for the evening meal?”

  Ainslee giggled. “Indeed, she is, but she’s proved a caring woman. Levi and I recently asked her to go a bit beyond her normal routine for us and she’s been most helpful.”

  “How so?”

  “You’ll recall that I sent a telegram when we located Noah and told you he was lucid and doing well.”

  Ewan bobbed his head. “Aye. You said he’d continued with his drawings. Has he had a setback?”

  “From time to time he’s experienced some problems, but Dr. Thorenson says that’s to be expected. If Levi is able to hold Noah’s attention and redirect him, he comes around, so we have not sent him back to the asylum. Levi and I both fear returning might cause him to decline. Dr. Thorenson had us meet with a group of doctors. Some of them agree with our plan, others don’t, but we haven’t been swayed by those who don’t agree.”

  Ewan’s brow creased. “’Tis good to listen to the advice of doctors. They have studied and know more about such ailments than we do.”

  “I know, but Dr. Thorenson agreed with our plan, and Mrs. Brighton has helped us carry it out. So far it has been working surprisingly well.”

  “So what is this plan?”

  Ainslee smiled and then detailed their decision to have Noah live with Levi at the boardinghouse and work at the tile works during the day. “Levi rented a larger room so the two of them could share. Noah takes his evening meal with the rest of the men, and Mrs. Brighton packs his lunch each day, just as she does for her other boarders. Levi supervises Noah here at the business, and he has been doing excellent work. He’s even learning how to make the plaster molds.”

  “I am pleased to hear he is doing well, but what if he begins to have difficulty? Do you have a plan if that should happen?”

  She nodded. “He goes to see Dr. Thorenson once a week. If he begins to have problems and needs to return to the asylum, we’re right here in town and they will readmit him.”

  Ewan lifted the bowl of applesauce and dipped another spoonful onto his plate. “You are an amazing young lady, Ainslee.”

  “Levi’s the amazing one. He’s so loving and kind. Once we made our decision, he talked to the other workers and explained Noah’s problems. He asked that they treat Noah with kindness, but if there were any problems, they should immediately come and tell him. So far there have been no complaints. I’m pleased to say that the men seem quite fond of him. They have seen his drawings, and he’s proved to be a good worker. The men admire his talent and willingness to help where needed.”

  “Then it sounds as though your decision was a good one. And if the two of you marry?”

  “Ewan!”

  “Don’t tell me you haven’t considered the possibility. What would happen to Noah then?”

  “If that were to happen, he’d be part of our family, just as I was part of yours.”

  “Good.” Ewan grinned and wiped his mouth with the linen napkin. “I’m eager to see how much you and Levi have been able to complete.”

  She lifted her napkin from her lap and placed it on the table. “It’s really Levi, Noah, and the other workers who have been hard at work. I’ve merely been keeping the workers informed as to how much must be completed to keep us on schedule with the mosaics and making certain we meet the contracts for our regular tiles.” She smiled. “And, of course, maintaining the books. We’ve been requested to bid on two contracts for our quarry tiles, but I wanted to talk to you and see whether you think it is wise to send out new bids right now.”

  Ewan pushed away from the table. “I’ll be pleased to take a look at how things have been progressing in both areas of the business. You must remember that we don’t want to let the mosaics take over to such an extent that the regular tile business falls off too much. We can’t predict how much business will come to us for mosaics in the future, but we do know there will be ongoing demand for the other tiles.”

  Ainslee knew he was right. While she and Levi were tempted to devote all of their time to the beautiful mosaics, they needed to be wise in their decisions. On the short buggy ride to the tile works, Ainslee mentioned her recent letter from Adaira.

  “She seems to love being in Paris. In her letter she said she’d been helping Chester with some of his purchases for the store. I think she must enjoy being able to pick out beautiful items and order them without the worry of paying. Adaira said she and Chester are treated like royalty when they are on their shopping excursions.”

  Ewan nodded. “Her letters to us haven’t been frequent, but she does sound happy. I’m glad the two of you have mended your differences. I know that while you’re separated, it’s impossible to regain what was lost by her actions, but I’m thankful you’ve both made that first step. When she returns home, I hope the two of you can draw close again.”

  “So do I, Ewan.” Ainslee hadn’t had time to give much thought to Adaira recently, but she did miss her sister and wished her only happiness.

  Ainslee inhaled the scent of fallen leaves as they descended the road to the tile works. W
inter would soon be on their doorstep. She’d need to determine how much more clay they needed to dig before the ground became too hard. The clay for next year’s tiles would need to weather throughout the winter months, and she didn’t want to run short next year.

  How odd to feel so excited about a future at the tile works. God truly worked in unusual ways.

  Levi peered out the office windows as the buggy approached the front of the tile works. While he greatly admired Ewan and welcomed his advice, today’s visit was different. Today wasn’t entirely about business. If Ewan objected to Noah’s employment, Levi would need to rethink his own future. Before she’d departed to meet the train, Ainslee had assured him his worries were unfounded.

  Ewan had admired Noah’s artwork and agreed to have his drawings made into tiles, but accepting Noah’s daily presence in the tile works was another matter and could easily meet with Ewan’s objection. Levi remained still as a stone until Ainslee and Ewan entered the building. His breath caught as Ainslee closed the distance between them. Her beauty and assurance never failed to captivate him. Her eyes glimmered and her lips curved in a generous smile that helped ease his uncertainties.

  She stepped close and whispered in his ear. “No need to worry. Everything is fine.”

  Relief washed over him as he helped her remove her coat, and then greeted Ewan with a hearty handshake before taking a seat. “I’m glad you were able to arrive before the meeting with Mr. Harrington. I’m eager to show you our progress.”

  Ewan nodded. “I trust Noah is going to join us since he’s become an important member of this project.”

  “I’ll go and get him.” Levi jumped to his feet. The jarring motion sent his chair toppling to the floor, and he scrambled to set it aright. “Sorry, my enthusiasm got the best of me.” He grasped the back of the chair in a tight hold. How clumsy of him. Heat climbed up his neck.

  Ainslee reached across the short distance that separated them and placed her hand atop his. “Why don’t you stay here with Ewan and arrange the drawings? I’ll go fetch Noah.”

  Levi glanced at Ewan, whose gaze was fastened upon his sister’s hand. Levi’s discomfort mounted, and he immediately slipped his hand from beneath her grasp.

  Ewan folded his arms across his chest. “Aye. Let Ainslee go and fetch your brother. I’d like a wee bit of time to visit alone with you.”

  Apparently Ainslee hadn’t noticed her brother’s stiff posture and tight voice, for she merely offered him a bright smile before donning her coat. As soon as Ainslee had cleared the doorway, Levi stepped toward the desk, but Ewan gestured to the chair.

  “Sit down, Levi.”

  The moment Levi sat, the older man scooted his chair forward until they were almost knee to knee. Ewan’s piercing blue eyes shone like two fiery arrows. “From what I saw a moment ago, it appears there’s more than a friendship going on between you and my sister.” Levi opened his mouth, but Ewan shook his head. “I’ll do the talking. You listen. When I finish, you can say your piece.”

  Levi clamped his lips into a thin line. He hadn’t expected to have this conversation today. He had planned to speak to Ewan about his love for Ainslee, but their meeting today was supposed to be about the tiles. Though they didn’t need Ewan’s approval of the remainder of the drawings that he and Noah had completed thus far, his opinion would likely be similar to that of Mr. Harrington.

  “I am guessin’ ya know that coming to Weston was difficult for Ainslee. This tile works wasn’t her dream. I told her I would seek a buyer, but things have changed and she has developed an excitement about the business. And from what I just saw, I’m guessin’ she’s also developed an affection for you.” His brows dipped low. “I will not tolerate a man who toys with my sister’s affections or does not treat her like a lady. Are we clear?”

  “Yes, we’re clear.” Levi nodded.

  “That’s good.” Ewan dropped back in his chair.

  “May I speak now?”

  Ewan grinned. “Aye. Say your piece.”

  “I know that I should have asked your permission to court Ainslee, but I didn’t think a telegram was a good way to ask.” He glanced at the floor. “We’ve become extremely close while working together, and my love for her has increased day by day. I hope she will agree to marry me once we complete the museum tiles. I love her so much that I’d like to marry her tomorrow, but I think such a big change in our lives would make it difficult to concentrate on the project.”

  “Aye, ’tis wise to wait. Arranging a wedding and beginning a new life together while working on the museum job would be too difficult. So are ya asking me if you can continue to court my sister, or are ya asking if I’m willing to have ya marry her?”

  “Both. I haven’t yet asked her to marry me, but when the moment is right, I’d like to know you have no objection.” He held his breath. What if Ewan was worried about Noah’s disability and voiced the same objections Ann’s parents had given Levi when he asked for permission to marry her? In spite of the coolness inside the office, a rush of heat washed over him. He swiped his sweaty palms down the front of his pant legs.

  “Though I haven’t had much time to become well acquainted with you, I’m impressed with what I’ve seen thus far. Is there anything you feel I ought to know?”

  Levi swallowed hard. He didn’t want to elaborate upon Noah’s problems, but he didn’t want Ewan later to regret they hadn’t discussed the matter. “So you have no concerns about . . . about possible mental deficiencies if we should have a child. I mean . . . you don’t think that’s a reason to object to our marriage?”

  “Nay. ’Tis not my job to consider such an issue. My wife worried about the matter of children before we married, but her worries were for naught. The good Lord sent a wonderful little daughter into our lives. I’m sure the Lord will handle the matter of children for you and Ainslee, as well.”

  A whoosh of air escaped Levi’s lips. He reached forward and shook Ewan’s hand as the door clicked open and Ainslee and Noah entered the room.

  Ainslee stepped toward them, a question glistening in her blue eyes. “Did the two of you reach some sort of agreement while I was gone?”

  Levi grinned and nodded. “We did, but it’s not one we can talk about right now.”

  Chapter 29

  A few days later, anticipation ran high among every employee in the tile works as they waited for Mr. Harrington to arrive for his inspection of the completed tiles. Although their contract for the tiles was binding, a negative response from Mr. Harrington would create complications. The men had worked with Levi to create a system to produce the tiles. It was a method they weren’t keen to change at this point. Each man had his assigned task, had learned it well, and had trained at least one other worker to perform the job in his absence.

  The men had initially thought it a waste of time when Levi insisted upon having at least two employees who could perform each task, but it had soon proved beneficial when one of the piece workers became ill and another man had to step into his position and re-create the mosaic picture from the final glazed pieces. If another worker hadn’t already learned the process, Levi would have been required to step in and take over.

  At the sight of an arriving carriage, Levi ceased his preparation and one final time thumbed through the stacks of drawings to make certain each one was in proper order.

  Ewan stepped to Levi’s side. “You have gone through those stacks at least five times since I arrived this morning. No one has touched them. You need to take a deep breath and calm yourself. Mr. Harrington is going to be pleased with what you’ve accomplished.” Ewan glanced over his shoulder. “And you, too, Noah.”

  Noah fiddled with the collar of his shirt. “I would rather go out to the tile shop. You don’t need me to be here for this meeting.”

  Levi spun around and shook his head. “You do need to be here. Many of these drawings are yours, and if Mr. Harrington has questions or wants any changes, I want you to be here. You’re an important part of th
is project.”

  Noah beamed, though he slowly took several backward steps. By the time Mr. Harrington entered the tile works, Noah was plastered against the rear wall, once again fidgeting with his collar. Perhaps he shouldn’t have insisted Noah remain at the meeting. His brother wasn’t accustomed to meeting with strangers, and being forced into an uncomfortable situation might cause him to go into a downward spiral, but it was too late to send him back to the tile shop now.

  Levi leaned close to Ewan’s ear. “Who is that with him? I didn’t know he was bringing anyone else along. Did he tell you?”

  “Nay, but I’m guessing it’s one of the men helping finance the museum. No need for worry.” Ewan turned and gently propelled Levi toward the visitors. “Go and greet them.”

  “Good morning, gentlemen.” Levi extended his right hand to Mr. Harrington. “We’re glad you could come and review our progress.” Levi glanced toward the other man and then looked back at Mr. Harrington.

  Mr. Harrington turned toward his companion. “I’d like to introduce all of you to my friend and a fellow contributor to the museum, Malcolm Withers. Malcolm is most interested in your work, Levi. Not only the mosaics, but your brocade tiles, as well.”

  “I’m happy to hear of your interest.” Levi nodded and then introduced him to Ainslee, Ewan, and Noah.

  While he was always pleased to visit with potential customers, Levi hadn’t scheduled time for such a meeting today, and Levi was a man who liked a schedule. Mr. Withers’ arrival was going to interfere with his detailed plans for the day.

  Ainslee stepped close and offered Mr. Withers a bright smile. “If you would like a tour of the tile shop while Mr. Harrington reviews the drawings, I’d be pleased to accompany you. I don’t make the tiles, but I believe I could answer most of your questions.”

  The balding man hesitated, then glanced at Josiah Harrington. “I don’t think you were looking for my opinion on the drawings, were you, Josiah?”

  Mr. Harrington chuckled. “No, I plan to choose what I believe is best. If I give you an opportunity to express your judgment, the other contributors will think they should do the same. We’d never get anything accomplished. You go ahead with Miss McKay. She knows everything there is to know about this tile works. She and Levi are quite a team.”