Ewan didn’t miss the fact that his uncle had switched from we to you when he mentioned beginning the process today. Now that he’d disclosed yesterday afternoon’s happenings, he seemed eager to depart. Likely because he didn’t want to answer any questions.
“Don’t leave just yet, Uncle Hugh. I want to ask about going to Wheeling with Mrs. Woodfield and her daughter. If you expect me to travel with them, I need to know when they’re planning to go and when we’ll meet with Miss Woodfield to go over their old contracts at the brickworks. It would be good to review those before I try to negotiate new contracts.” Ewan sighed. They needed to accomplish a great deal before they would be ready to begin production next spring. “There’s a lot to be done in a short time.”
His uncle hiked a shoulder. “There’s no denying there’s plenty of work, but I promised your aunt we could return to the house so she could make a list of things she’d be needin’. Once that’s done, I need not tell ya that she’ll be wanting to go shopping. Margaret will keep me busy. She’s unhappy enough that I didn’t manage to get her that mansion, but once she’s settled in the other house, I’ll be able to do more.” He chuckled and placed his napkin on the table. “Besides, that’s why you’re my partner. I can depend upon ya to take over when I’m busy with other matters.”
Ewan inhaled a deep breath. “But I’m not really a partner yet. That’s something else we need to discuss.”
“Heavens above, you sure are one for complaining. You’ll be a partner as soon as the brickyard is turning a decent profit.” Hugh removed his pipe from his pocket and pointed the stem toward Ewan. “The quickest way for that to happen is to get yourself busy hiring some of these men, especially the clay cutters.” His uncle filled the bowl of his pipe with tobacco. “As for meetings in Wheeling and Pittsburgh with the Woodfield ladies, I cannot tell you what I don’t know. If we happen to see either of them while we’re out at the house, I’ll ask.”
Ewan nodded. “And ask them when we’ll go over the contracts, as well. That’s important, Uncle Hugh.”
“Aye.” His uncle patted his palm against his chest. “I’ll carry your many questions close to me heart and report back with the answers.”
Long ago, Ewan had become accustomed to his uncle’s bristly comments and learned he ought not compare the man to his own father. Still, Uncle Hugh’s sarcasm could occasionally cut to the bone. “If you expect me to do the work, then you need to make certain I have what I need. Otherwise you’ll not get the results you want.”
Uncle Hugh furrowed his brows. “Feeling a bit full of yourself this morning, are you?”
“I’m only saying what needs to be said. We both should be working to get the brickyard up and running. There will be more than enough time for shopping later.”
“Tell your aunt Maggie and see what she has to say about that. You can be sure I won’t be giving her that message.” His uncle pushed away from the table. “When you go to the livery, ask the older fellow for directions. Miss Woodfield said some of the men live a distance away.” His uncle stood and glanced toward the stairway. “I need to go upstairs and fetch your aunt. Good luck. I’ll be looking forward to hearing a good report come morning.”
Ewan stared at the list, uncertain how his uncle expected him to return with a good report by morning. Unless these men lived within a few miles of the hotel, it would take at least a week to contact all of them. He pushed aside his anger and strode out of the hotel. Resentment would only blur his thoughts and slow him down, and he needed to keep moving. The thud of his heavy boots echoed on the wooden sidewalk as he rounded the corner of the hotel. He stopped short as he came face-to-face with Laura Woodfield.
She gasped and took a backward step. “Mr. McKay. I’m glad you were more alert than I, or we would have collided.”
As he looked into her sparkling blue eyes, his heart pounded a new beat. He wanted to say that colliding with her would be the best thing that could happen to him, but she’d think him an impolite fool. What kind of man would say such a thing? Especially to a woman he’d just met? He reined in his whirring thoughts and yanked off his cap. “I hope I did not frighten you too much.”
“No, I’m fine.” She pressed her palm down the front of her skirt.
A hint of jasmine lightly perfumed the air, the same scent he’d noticed the last time he’d been around Miss Woodfield. “Glad I am for that. I’m thinkin’ I need to slow down going around corners in the future.” He should let her continue on her way, but he couldn’t let her go—not yet. He tapped the pocket where he’d placed the list of possible employees. “I was on my way to the livery. Off to locate some of the workers on the list you gave my uncle. I’m hopeful the stableman can provide me with directions for at least some of them.”
Her lips curved in a winsome smile. “I’d be happy to help. Perhaps we could sit down somewhere and I could write out directions for the men who live some distance from town.”
He plunged his hands into his pockets and tried to tamp down the thought that she might be attracted to him. She was a lady of social stature, and he was nothing more than a Scots-Irish immigrant with no land or money to his name.
Still, he could use her help, and he’d enjoy the added time with her. “We could go back to the hotel and sit in the lobby. There’s a writing desk you could use.”
“That would work perfectly.” She matched his stride as they walked the short distance and then entered the lobby. “I suggest you begin by contacting the clay cutters first. They’re the men you’ll need to hire immediately.” She glanced up at him as she sat down at the writing desk. Ewan pulled a chair next to hers. She withdrew a piece of hotel stationery from the drawer and said, “I’m going to write the names of the clay cutters and their addresses. I’ll do my best to list them in the most direct route so you don’t waste a great deal of time.”
She carefully penned the names and addresses, stopping occasionally to tell him of a worker who might live near one of the clay cutters.
“If there’s a hacker or an edger who lives nearby one of the clay cutters, you might do well to stop and explain that you’ve purchased the brickworks and are going to hire experienced workers in the spring. You could also ask to post a message at the general store. Mr. Lathrop keeps a board for that purpose.”
She glanced at him and her smile disarmed him. He needed to concentrate or he’d forget everything she said before he walked out of the hotel lobby. Ewan forced himself to keep his attention focused upon Laura’s comments, but each time he looked at her lips, his thoughts took flight.
“Explaining the systems would be easier if we had the books in front of us.”
“W-what?”
“I fear I’m boring you, Mr. McKay. I was telling you about the bookkeeping system.”
“Aye, the books.” He bobbed his head. “I suggested my uncle ask you for a time when we could meet to go over the books and review your father’s contracts.”
“Aye. That he did.” Hugh’s voice boomed in Ewan’s ear. He jerked and turned to see his aunt, uncle, and Kathleen surrounding them. “I told Ewan I would speak with you, but I see he beat me to the punch.” His uncle squeezed Ewan’s shoulder until he flinched from the pain. “What have the two of you been talking about without me, my boy?”
“Only what we’ve already discussed, Mr. Crothers.” Laura tapped the piece of stationery. “I’m giving Ewan directions to the homes of the clay cutters so he can contact them today.” Laura flashed a bright smile at the older man. “When did you wish to meet and go over the contracts and books? I’m sure that’s foremost in your mind right now.”
Aunt Margaret spoke up before Uncle Hugh had an opportunity. “We’re eager to move out of the hotel, Miss Woodfield, and I’ve asked my husband to assist me for the remainder of the week. I fear there’s much more to complete than I had anticipated.”
His aunt’s air of authority didn’t surprise Ewan, yet she’d likely need to adjust her behavior if she expected to cultivate
acquaintances among the upper crust of society. Otherwise, Mrs. Woodfield and Laura might think her too overbearing.
Laura dipped her pen into the ink. “That’s not a problem, Mrs. Crothers.” She twisted to look up at Ewan’s uncle. “We’ll set a time to meet without you, Mr. Crothers. I don’t want to interfere with your already burgeoning schedule. I feel certain Mr. McKay will make time to go over the contracts and books.” Her lips tilted in a rather insincere smile. “Besides, there’s no need for you to be in the middle of things, since Mr. McKay will be in charge of contracting as well as hiring and seeing to the operations at the brickyard. Having to arrange for your presence will only slow progress, don’t you think?”
Uncle Hugh narrowed his eyes and stroked his mustache—a sure sign he didn’t know how to respond. “’Tis true I want progress, but I do not want to be left out in the cold.”
Laura’s smile broadened. “We will be sure to include you if winter arrives early. We wouldn’t want you to freeze.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kathleen appeared completely confused.
“Don’t worry yourself, Kathleen. I understand what Miss Woodfield is sayin’.” Hugh returned her smile, then slapped Ewan on the shoulder. “And my nephew knows what I’m sayin’, as well, don’t you, boy?”
His uncle didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he shepherded his wife and sister-in-law out of the hotel.
“Your uncle is an interesting man. I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone quite like him,” Laura said. “I hope you don’t think I was too forward with him, but I thought if someone else pointed out his misplaced priorities, he might see the error of his ways. He acts as though he’s no more than a silent partner.”
Ewan chuckled. “I don’t think you could ever call Uncle Hugh silent. Believe me, he’ll have his say about everything I do.”
“And when the brickyard is a huge success, I’m sure he’ll step front and center to take full credit. There are more than a handful of businessmen who act in the same manner. I’m thankful to say my father was not one of them. There wasn’t a job in the yard he couldn’t perform if needed. I saw him do everything from cutting clay from the hillside to sitting up at night to keep watch over the fires in the kilns.” Laura handed Ewan the list of names she’d prepared.
“Thank you for this.” He nodded toward the piece of paper. “I agree that it’s a wise man who knows every measure of his business, but my uncle brought me along so he doesn’t have to worry about those details.”
Laura raised her eyebrows and pushed away from the desk. “I hope you don’t let him take undue advantage, Mr. McKay.”
“Laura! What are you doing here?” Winston Hawkins strode toward them. “I’m surprised to see you alone in the hotel lobby with Mr. McKay.”
Laura’s cheeks flamed a bright shade of pink as other guests in the lobby turned toward them. “You need not worry over my whereabouts, Winston. I believe my mother still claims that duty.”
Winston’s features went slack, obviously surprised by Miss Woodfield’s terse reply, while Ewan fought off the urge to laugh aloud. He doubted Mr. Hawkins would be pleased by any form of levity.
Hoping to lighten the mood, Ewan hastened to explain that he and Laura had met by chance outside the general store.
He planned to tell Winston how they’d arrived at the hotel, but Laura interrupted him. “No need for all this explanation, Mr. McKay. We are conducting business in a public place in the presence of many people. We’ve not breached any rules of etiquette.” She looked up at Mr. Hawkins. “And should someone think my behavior improper, it does not concern me.” Turning around, she picked up her pen. “Now, where were we?”
Ewan hoped her remarks would be enough to send Mr. Hawkins on his way, but the lawyer did not budge. Instead, he pulled a chair to Laura’s right and sat down.
Lofty sycamores and poplars shaded the hillside where Ewan and Laura stood. Their position offered a clear view of the towering banks along the Tygart River, where the clay cutters he’d hired only days ago had begun their work. Ewan walked down the hill a short distance and shaded his eyes against the sun. No Irishman could slice into the face of a clay deposit with any greater skill. These brawny West Virginia clay cutters he’d hired were a sight to behold. They stomped on the rims of their razor-sharp hand shovels, and with the precision of acrobats, they balanced themselves just long enough for the shovel to cut through the layer of clay. The strokes were as fast and neat as those of an expert surgeon. Then, with a strong flip of the wrist, the heaping shovelful of clay would land in the dump cart. The driver held the reins taut, careful to keep the horses steady while the cart was being filled.
“They’re good men. Treat them fair and you’ll get a good day’s work. When you begin production next spring, most of them will work an extra stint. They’re always glad for the added wages.” Laura stepped closer and pointed toward a muscular Negro man. “I’m pleased to see Jessie Sprolls down there. He’s the best clay cutter in the state. I thought maybe he went to work over at the coal mine.”
“He did. But when I told him I wanted to hire him, he said he’d rather work at the brickyard. Said working in a coal mine didn’t suit him. He’s the best cutter I’ve ever seen. Where’s he from?”
Laura hiked a shoulder. “He just showed up one day looking for work. If you’re wondering if he was ever a slave, I don’t know, but I do know he fought in the war. He left Bartlett about the same time as my father. He has several children. They sometimes came and brought him lunch.” When Ewan made no move, Laura touched his sleeve. “We should begin going over the books. I don’t think Mother will want to stay here too long.”
He gave a slight nod. “I’d much rather go down and shovel clay, but you’re right. I need to begin learning.”
Laura’s mother had settled in a chair near one of the office windows overlooking the brickyard. She looked up from her knitting when Laura and Ewan entered the frame building. “Good morning, Mr. McKay. I know you’re a trustworthy young man, but I thought I should come along to act as Laura’s chaperone. I wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression.”
Ewan grinned. Laura must have mentioned Winston’s comment at the hotel several days ago. “I’m happy to have you join us, Mrs. Woodfield. I’ll do my best to learn quickly.”
“Laura didn’t want to move all of the papers and books to the house, but if I grow weary, I fear you’ll have to humor me. Unlike my daughter, I’ve never enjoyed being out here. I much prefer my home.”
Several hours later, Ewan’s shoulders ached from bending over the books. He stretched his arms and leaned back in his chair. “It’s a good method you have, but I’m not as quick with figures as you.”
She chuckled. “In time, it will become easier; it takes practice.”
The click of Mrs. Woodfield’s knitting needles ceased. “If you’re going to continue working, I suggest we go back to the house. It’s nearly time for lunch. Catherine will be worried if we don’t return soon.”
Laura sighed. “You could return home, have lunch, and ask Catherine to pack a basket for us. I’d like to finish today, Mother. The only person who might come here would be someone looking for work. As I said earlier, I don’t think you need to worry about maintaining social mores out here in the brickyard. There were many days when I worked alone in this office while Father was off negotiating contracts.”
“Well . . .” Wrinkles creased the older woman’s forehead. “I suppose you’re right. Though I don’t want to shirk my duty as a mother, I do want to go home for a while.” She packed her yarn and knitting needles into a cloth bag. “If I decide I’m too tired to return, I’ll have Zeke bring a basket lunch out, and he can stay here for the afternoon.”
Laura stood, kissed her mother’s cheek, and walked her to the door. “Whatever you think best, Mother.”
Watching the love and friendship between the two women was a lovely thing, but as they bid each other good-bye, Ewan was struck with an un
deniable longing for his three sisters. Leaving them in Ireland had been the most difficult decision of his life. Had his uncle not promised to bring the girls to America as soon as possible, he would have remained in Ireland. His sisters needed him. And he needed them.
“You appear to be pondering something significant. Is it my fractions, or has something else captured your thoughts? Something regarding your uncle, perhaps?”
Ewan forced himself back to the present. He didn’t want to admit the fact that his thoughts had nothing to do with the business. She’d think him as indifferent as Uncle Hugh. “There is another matter you might help with. My uncle is still unhappy there is only one VerValen machine. He’s determined to have at least two. I believe it’s a matter of pride. He wants to have more and better machinery than other brickyards. I’ve convinced him to wait until we’ve secured orders, but he wants to move forward so the money is available once there’s a need. He doesn’t want a delay down the road. Earlier, Mr. Hawkins mentioned he would help with a loan, but when my uncle mentioned it to him, he said we should wait. Is there someone else who might help?”
“I feel sure Winston will reconsider and change his mind. He’s on the board of the Bartlett National Bank. Since he’s familiar with the sale of the brickworks and your uncle’s financial status, there should be no problem. I’d be happy to speak to him. I’m sure he’ll change his mind.”
Ewan didn’t like the idea of asking for Winston’s help, but he’d ask for her recommendation. He could hardly ask for another without giving a good reason. He could say he didn’t like Winston because he feared the man was vying for her attentions. But such a comment might guarantee he’d never again see Laura Woodfield.
And he didn’t want that to happen.
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