The Brickmaker's Bride

by Judith Miller

  Adaira shook her head. “Nay, we were telling the truth. I told Laura about Kathleen crying all the time.”

  Laura’s mother stepped into the aisle and grasped Ewan’s arm. “I was hoping for an opportunity to speak with you and Kathleen. Laura and I have an idea that might prove helpful to all concerned. I was going to invite you to come for lunch, but since Kathleen isn’t here, perhaps you could bring her for tea this afternoon. I trust she isn’t ill?”

  “Nay, not ill. Just a wee bit sad.” Ewan gestured for Rose to take the twins to the rear of the church. “She feared she would break down and cry during church and make a spectacle of herself.” He glanced at Laura. “I would be very pleased to come to Woodfield Manor for tea. I’m sure it would cheer Kathleen, as well.”

  “Tea at Woodfield Manor, is it?” Margaret Crothers had approached as silently as a fox stalking its prey. “Was this an invitation to the entire family I’ve just heard?”

  Laura’s mother didn’t hesitate for even a moment. “I’m afraid today’s invitation is only for a select few, Mrs. Crothers.”

  Margaret glared at Ewan. “I see my sister has decided to remain at home rather than show her face in church. She should know that she can’t hide her sin much longer. Soon it will be evident for all to see.”

  “Aye, that’s true enough, Aunt Margaret. But even if she could cover her mistake, I’m sure you’d not let her forget.” Ewan’s words cut through the air with an icy chill, and his aunt marched out of the church without a backward glance.

  Hugh gave a slight nod to Laura and Mrs. Woodfield, then patted Ewan on the shoulder. “Don’t provoke her too much, Ewan. If we don’t openly disagree with your aunt, perhaps she’ll have a change of heart and realize even she has made mistakes from time to time. Besides, I wouldn’t want her urging me to evict you and the girls from your house.”

  Ewan grunted. “I hope you wouldn’t consider anything so drastic, Uncle.”

  “I’m not sayin’ I would, but it would be best to tread lightly around your aunt Margaret. There’s been no calming her since she found out about Kathleen.” He glanced toward the doors at the rear of the church, sighed, and marched off.

  Ewan hadn’t expected Kathleen’s objections. For the past half hour, he’d done his best to assure her that Mrs. Woodfield wasn’t going to say or do anything to embarrass her. “She said she and Laura had an idea that might be helpful to all of us. You trust Laura, don’t you?”

  Kathleen wiped her eyes and bobbed her head. “Yes, but I barely know her mother. I don’t think I want to discuss my condition with her.”

  “I think you’ll feel better if you get out of the house for a while. I’m sure it will be a pleasant hour. It’s not good for you to sit in your room and brood.” He lightly grasped her elbow and directed her toward the hallway. “I’m going to insist you come with me, just this once.”

  She walked out the front door, still sniffling. “I can hardly refuse, since you’ve been good enough to let me come here and stay with you.”

  He disliked being forceful with Kathleen. Most of her life, she’d had someone pushing her one direction or another, which was probably why she’d been so easily swayed by Terrance O’Grady. Instead of gaining a voice now and objecting to tea at Woodfield Manor, he wished she would have gathered her strength to say no when Terrance had come sneaking around and taking advantage, but there was no need to dwell on that.

  What had happened couldn’t be undone, and Kathleen would have to make the best of the situation. Perhaps by the time the wee one arrived, Margaret would soften her ways. If not, Kathleen was going to have to make some difficult decisions regarding her future and that of her babe.

  Since the weather had cooled, Ewan suggested they walk the short distance to Woodfield Manor. He hoped it would give Kathleen time to compose herself before they arrived.

  Kathleen came to a halt when they neared the front porch of the Woodfield home. “Is my face splotchy?”

  Ewan looked down at her and smiled. “Nay. You look fine, Kathleen.” He grasped her elbow as they mounted the steps. Her shoulders were as rigid as a board. “Try to relax. These are friends, not enemies. I think Laura and her mother want to help you.”

  They hadn’t yet crossed the porch when Laura appeared and opened the front door. “Welcome! We’re so glad you agreed to come for tea. Do come in.”

  The tension in Kathleen’s shoulders eased when Laura reached for the girl’s hand. “It’s kind of you to invite us. I didn’t want to intrude, but Ewan insisted. He said you and your mother want to talk to me.” She leaned a little closer to Laura. “Does she know about the baby?”

  Laura nodded. “She does, but it’s fine. There’s no reason to worry about Mother.”

  A short time later as they were drinking their tea, Mrs. Woodfield settled her gaze on Kathleen and gently proposed she move into Woodfield Manor for the remainder of her confinement. “As time progresses, you can decide about your future. Laura and I will be glad to help in any way we can, and my physician will see to your care. Besides, Rose has her hands full with the twins.”

  “You’re right,” Kathleen agreed. “It isn’t fair to burden Rose, and even though Ewan says it doesn’t matter, I know it’s improper for me to live in the same house with him. I’ve already done enough to bring shame on the family. I don’t want to do any more harm by injuring Ewan’s reputation.” Bright pink colored her cheeks.

  Ewan leaned forward and rested his arms across his thighs. “You do not need to worry yourself about me, Kathleen. You make your decision based upon what you want to do. If you think you’ll be more content at my house, then we’ll not worry about what anyone has to say, but if you’d like to come here to Woodfield Manor, then I’ll bring your few belongings from my house and gather the rest from your sister and deliver them. Whatever you decide is fine with me.”

  Kathleen looked back and forth between Mrs. Woodfield and Laura before she finally turned to Ewan. “I think it would be best for all of us if I stayed here with Laura and Mrs. Woodfield.”

  Ewan gave a slight nod. “If you’re sure that’s what you want.”

  Kathleen forced a feeble smile. “I think it’s best for all of us.”

  “Then I’ll go home and get Rose. Together we can go to your sister’s house, pack up your clothing and other belongings, and bring them back here before nightfall.” He glanced at Mrs. Woodfield. “Is that arrangement fine with you?”

  The older woman gave a firm nod, and once they’d finalized their plans, Laura escorted Ewan to the front porch. “I’m so glad Kathleen decided to stay with us. I know Mother will see that she has the best medical care. Mother sometimes seems a little brusque, but she’ll make certain Kathleen is well settled and as happy as she can be, given the circumstances.”

  Ewan smiled down at Laura. “I do not doubt your mother’s kindness or her good intentions. I’m thankful she offered to help Kathleen. Rose told me she was a wee bit worried about being alone with Kathleen when her time draws near. This will set Rose’s mind at ease and allay some of the twins’ many questions—at least for the near future.”

  “The girls are always welcome here. In fact, I’ll be glad to have them come after school each day. I’ve been missing their daily visits now that school has begun.”

  Ewan reached forward and clasped her hand in his. “I had a few moments alone with your mother recently and asked for permission to court you.” His heart quickened as he awaited her response.

  She squeezed his hand. “I can’t think of anything I would like more.”

  Her eyes glistened in the afternoon sunlight, and the warm smile that curved her lips melted his heart. Did this woman have any idea of what a treasure she was? She’d stood by him, extended a welcoming hand to his sisters, and now was opening her home and heart to a woman she barely knew—a woman who was carrying an unwelcome child when Laura herself so desperately longed for such a gift.

  Stepping closer, he placed his hands on her waist a
nd drew her toward him. He lowered his head and met her soft full lips in a lingering kiss that swept over him like a raging summer storm.

  He forced himself to take a backward step. “I’d better go or I may never leave your side.” His voice cracked with emotion as he traced his finger along her cheek, then hurried down the front steps.

  Chapter 27

  Although they remained silent, there was a sense of anticipation and solidarity between Ewan and his uncle as they rode to Bartlett on Friday morning. Today they would meet Mr. Lofton and pay off the existing debt on the brickyard.

  Ewan’s optimism mounted as they neared the hotel. Once the money was paid to the bank, he’d finally be relieved of the ongoing anxiety that had plagued him for months. The Bible told him he should cast all of his cares upon the Lord—and he had tried. Night after night, he’d prayed to be released from this weight of concern, but his unease remained. In less than an hour, he’d be free of further financial worry.

  As they neared the bank, Uncle Hugh pulled back on his horse’s reins while Ewan urged his horse onward. Leaning forward in the saddle, his uncle hollered, “Where are ya goin’, boy?”

  Ewan glanced over his shoulder. “To the hotel. Mr. Lofton said he’d meet us in the hotel lobby, and we’d go to the bank together.”

  “Nay. Are ye sure? I thought he said to meet at the bank.”

  “I’m sure.” Ewan slowed his horse until his uncle came alongside. Truth be told, Ewan didn’t think he’d forgotten even one word of those meetings with Mr. Lofton. They’d been far too important to the survival of their business.

  As the two men entered the hotel lobby, Ewan darted a glance around the room. When there was no sign of Mr. Lofton, he strode into the restaurant. Perhaps the older man was indulging in a final cup of coffee after breakfast.

  His uncle stepped to his side. “He must be waiting for us at the bank.”

  Ewan shook his head. “He said to meet him at the hotel.” Turning on his heel, he rushed to the front desk and gestured to the desk clerk. “We were to meet Mr. Lofton in the lobby this morning, but I don’t see him. I need his room number so that I can check on him.”

  The clerk traced his finger down the hotel registry, then shook his head. “It appears Mr. Lofton had a reservation, but he never arrived.”

  Panic seized Ewan, and he grabbed the book. He had to see for himself. When it was clear Mr. Lofton hadn’t registered, Ewan lifted his gaze and met the clerk’s annoyed stare. “He has to be here. We have a meeting this morning. Is there a message for me?”

  The clerk reached for the registry and returned it to its proper place on the desk. “Your name?”

  “Ewan. Ewan McKay. Or maybe Hugh Crothers. If you could check under both of our names, I’d be grateful.” He glanced at his uncle as he attempted to hide the grim feeling that had settled in his chest.

  The clerk riffled through a stack of messages and shook his head. “Nothing here for either of you, sir.”

  His uncle patted his shoulder. “Do na get yourself too worked up, Ewan. I’m guessin’ Mr. Lofton arrived on the early train and is already waiting for us at the bank. There’s no need to wait around here any longer.”

  Ewan agreed there was no reason to wait at the hotel, but he didn’t share his uncle’s thought that they’d discover Mr. Lofton waiting for them at the bank. Strange how the two of them had changed perspective. His uncle was the one who usually adopted a negative attitude. Today, Ewan had assumed that position. As they walked toward the bank Ewan silently prayed God would give him peace and eliminate his increasing dread.

  The moment they stepped into the bank, Ewan surveyed the area and shook his head. “Mr. Lofton’s not here. What do you think has happened to him?”

  “I do na know, but I’m hoping that he’ll soon appear on fairy wings and set both our minds at ease.”

  Winston was already seated in Mr. Swinnen’s office when Ewan and his uncle were directed into the bank president’s office. Mr. Swinnen leaned his ample body forward and gestured toward the two empty chairs. “Have a seat, gentlemen. I’m glad to see you’re punctual with your appointments, even if you’re not going to be punctual with your payment.”

  Ewan lowered himself into a chair that afforded a view of the street where he’d be sure to see Mr. Lofton if he should arrive.

  Hugh glanced at Ewan. “You go ahead and do the talkin’, Ewan.”

  Ewan jerked around and gave his uncle a questioning look. What could he possibly say to the banker? His stomach roiled as Winston and Mr. Swinnen turned to face him. He cleared his throat and once again sent a silent prayer heavenward. “My uncle and I had made arrangements to pay off the debt this morning. However, there’s been a bit of confusion and our meeting will need to be rescheduled for a later date.”

  Instead of Mr. Swinnen taking the lead, Winston moved to the edge of his chair. His eyebrows pulled together and deep creases settled across his forehead. “Do you honestly expect us to believe you’ve located a benefactor who is willing to pay off your debt?”

  “Aye. I expect you to believe me, because it’s the truth I’m telling you. I’m sure you both have your doubts, but if you’ll give us a bit more time so we can discover what’s happened, you can be sure the debt will be paid.”

  Winston rubbed his forehead. “We agreed before you arrived this morning that the bank is willing to give you two weeks to move from the property. We believe that amount of time is extremely generous. Though I doubt you have a benefactor or you’ll have the money to pay off your debt, we won’t extend that period of time. In truth, you should likely use the time to begin moving from the property.”

  Winston and Mr. Swinnen exchanged a quick look before the banker took up the conversation. “I understand you want additional time, but in order to protect the stockholders, we must have the property on the market as soon as possible. I simply cannot agree to more than the two weeks. Either you pay off your debt by then, or you must vacate the premises.”

  Winston steepled his fingers and leaned forward. “Tell me, Ewan, who is this benefactor you’ve mentioned?” His lips curled in a wry smile. “I’m trying to think of anyone you may know who is financially capable of paying off your debt. For the life of me, I can’t think of a soul.” His brows dipped low, and he hesitated for a moment. “Please tell me Frances Woodfield hasn’t decided to fund the brickyard she sold you less than a year ago.”

  Ewan pushed up from his chair. “Put yourself at ease, Winston. It isn’t Mrs. Woodfield, but I’ll say nothing more about our benefactor.”

  Winston guffawed. “Well, one thing is certain—he’s as invisible as a snowstorm in July.”

  “Let’s go, Uncle Hugh.” Ewan nodded to Mr. Swinnen. “We’ll be back with the money before the two weeks is up, so don’t make any plans to sell the business.”

  The banker cleared his throat. “I feel I should tell you that we’ve located a prospective buyer, Mr. McKay. He’s eager to take possession of the brickyard, so don’t be late with your payment.”

  “And who is this buyer, Mr. Swinnen?” Hugh jumped to his feet. “Seems strange there’s someone chompin’ at the bit to buy the brickyard when Winston was having a terrible time trying to sell the place when we were looking for a suitable brickyard.”

  Winston didn’t give Mr. Swinnen an opportunity to respond. “When the yard was sitting idle, it was a hard sell. But now that you have it up and operational, there’s greater appeal.” His words carried an undeniable air of pomposity.

  “I didn’t hear a name mentioned in your answer, Mr. Hawkins.” Hugh turned toward the door. “Or is your buyer as invisible as a snowstorm in July?” Hugh snorted and waved to his nephew. “Come on, Ewan.”

  Winston stood and frowned. “Joke while you may, Hugh, but it’s I who will have the last laugh.”

  They’d walked only a few steps out of the bank when Winston called Ewan’s name. He turned and waited as Winston stalked toward them. He glanced at Hugh. “I’d like a word
alone with Ewan.”

  The older man arched his brows in question. When Ewan gave a slight nod, his uncle returned the gesture. “I’ll meet you back at the hotel.”

  “What is it you want, Winston?” Ewan’s world was crumbling around him. He truly didn’t want to talk to Winston. If the man hoped to ply the name of their benefactor from him, he was going to be very disappointed.

  “It’s Laura that’s been trying to help you arrange for payment of the bank loan, isn’t it?” His words were laced with venom. “I know she fancies you, and you may think you’ve won, but you haven’t.” His eyes shimmered with hatred. “I’d wager Laura hasn’t told you she can’t ever bear you a child. Believe me, she’s not the prize you think she is.” He sneered and gave Ewan a slight shove. “Go ahead and ask her. She’ll know I’ve told you, and she’ll have to admit the truth.”

  Ewan shook his head. “You’re a pitiful shell of a man, Winston. Laura has already told me about the accident that happened years ago and what the doctor told her parents. None of that matters to me. I love Laura and hope to marry her. Whether she can have a child is not what influences my love or desire to spend my life with her. With or without children, I believe our love will sustain us.”

  Winston snorted. “Love? We’ll see how long that lasts. Have you taken time to consider that the two of you have nothing in common? She is a woman who has had many advantages, and her associations are with people of a different—shall we say higher—class than you and your family. Do you truly think she will remain happy in the surroundings you’ll provide?” He shook his head and sneered. “Whether you’re able to pay off your debt or not, I see the makings of a disaster.”

  “Disaster?” Anger welled in Ewan’s chest, and he squeezed his hands into tight fists. He longed to wipe that sneer off Winston’s face, yet such behavior would be breaking his promise to God. Violence in any form would only reinforce Winston’s misguided beliefs. There was nothing Ewan could say or do that would change the man’s skewed thinking. Ewan shrugged one shoulder. “Bring your prediction to me after we’ve been married for ten years. Then we’ll see who is right.”