The Brickmaker's Bride (25 page)

B
eing excluded from the dinner invitation hadn’t pleased Aunt Margaret, and Uncle Hugh had expressed no desire to meet with Mrs. Woodfield. But after he revealed that his afternoon of gambling had resulted in more losses than gains, Ewan pointed out that they were without any other options. Given their state of affairs, his uncle finally relented.

As the two men rode side by side toward Woodfield Manor, Hugh’s agitation steadily increased, and his frown deepened when Ewan wouldn’t reveal the details of his earlier meeting with Mr. Lofton. “I want to know more about this man who’s so willing to help us. There’s got to be something he hopes to gain out of all this. He best not be thinking he’s shrewd enough to pull the wool over my eyes with some complicated contract.”

Ewan bit back a laugh. “Why would anyone ever think such a thing, Uncle Hugh?”

His uncle snorted. “Scorn me if you like, but I’ll not fall prey to the same trickery again.”

“Mr. Lofton wants to propose a way of saving the brickyard, but if you do not like what he has to say, then you can let the
bank have it. Remember, there is likely little room for negotiation and even less time. We must do something right away.”

His uncle scowled. “I know. I know.”

Hugh’s demeanor was less than contrite when they entered the house. As soon as introductions had been made, he did his best to take control. “My nephew tells me you have an offer to make regarding the financial problems at the brickyard.” He glanced at Mrs. Woodfield. “While I do appreciate the offer to have dinner with you, I’d first like to hear the proposal. Otherwise, I do not think my stomach will settle enough to enjoy the meal.”

Mr. Lofton turned to their hostess. “I must leave that decision to you, Frances. You’re more aware of whether the preparations will be ruined if we have our meeting before dinner.”

“I believe we can hold dinner until after the meeting.” Mrs. Woodfield turned to Laura. “Would you let Catherine know we won’t be dining for another half hour?” She arched her brows at Mr. Lofton. “I think that should be sufficient time to go over your idea, don’t you?”

Mr. Lofton nodded. “If we need time for more details, we can continue our discussion after dinner, don’t you agree, Mr. Crothers?”

“Aye. It’s the meat of your proposal I’m wanting to hear before we have dinner, enough so I know if your idea will even bear my consideration.”

Had it not been inappropriate, Ewan would have jabbed his uncle in the side. How dare he make such a pompous remark when there were no other options available?

Mr. Lofton remained surprisingly unruffled. “Indeed, I wouldn’t want you to accept my offer unless you felt it was the best thing for you, your employees, your family, and your business, Mr. Crothers.”

The faint scent of jasmine wafted through the air as Laura returned from the kitchen and sat down in a chair next to Ewan. Her gown of pale green satin heightened the color in her cheeks, and though he did his best to concentrate on Mr. Lofton, her nearness distracted him.

“Are you listening to this, Ewan?” His uncle poked his arm. “Mr. Lofton says he’s willing to pay the bank note in full.”

“Aye.” Ewan nodded.

Mr. Lofton held up his hand. “That’s the first part, Mr. Crothers. Listen closely while I explain the rest, for I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding.” He inhaled a deep breath. “I will use my funds to buy your obligation to the bank. You will then owe me the payments we shall agree upon, which shall not exceed those in your current contract. I will, of course, permit you a greater period of grace to make those payments. You will pay me the same interest you’ve agreed to pay the bank.”

“This sounds like it will work, Mr. Lofton.” Hugh slapped his knee and smiled, but moments later his smile faded and he shook his head. “This is too easy. There’s got to be something more to it that you’re not telling me. Why would you offer to save the company at the same rate of interest, give us a more generous grace period, and not ask for something beyond what we promised in the old contract? It makes no sense.”

Mr. Lofton folded his hands across his protruding stomach and smiled. “Why is it when someone offers something good, we think there must be some hidden scheme? Is it because that’s what we would do in the same circumstance?” Instead of looking at Uncle Hugh as he asked the question, he let his gaze travel among all of them.

Uncle Hugh was first to respond. “Exactly right. So that’s why I’m asking why you’d make such an offer to strangers. You know Mrs. Woodfield, but she won’t lose anything if the
brickyard goes under. So I’m thinking there’s something more to all of this.”

“Since you’ve asked, Mr. Crothers, there is something more that I’ll ask of you. But first let me tell you why I’m going to make that request.” Mr. Lofton met Uncle Hugh’s suspicious gaze. “A long time ago, a businessman helped me when I hit a streak of bad luck. Truth of it was, I didn’t deserve his help or the help of anyone else.”

Uncle Hugh appeared unmoved. “Why’s that?”

“Because in the past, I’d been party to some rather shady dealings. I’d been willing to do whatever it took to get ahead without giving thought to those I cheated along the way. I truly warranted any trouble that came my way. But that businessman said he was still willing to help me as long as I paid him back as promised, and on the condition I’d lend a helping hand to others who might have a need in the future.” He looked at Mrs. Woodfield. “That man was Isaiah Woodfield. I paid him back, and I’ve tried to keep my promise to him to help others whenever I could. So when Frances asked me to consider this loan, I couldn’t refuse.”

Uncle Hugh’s complexion paled, and he pinned Ewan with a hard stare. “Has my nephew been telling tales about me, Mr. Lofton?”

The balding man shook his head. “The only thing your nephew has lamented in regard to your conduct is the fact that you signed your original contract without proper diligence, and that you don’t spend much of your time at the brickyard.”

“’Tis true I rely upon Ewan to run the brickyard while I’ve been building a house for my wife, but I’ll have more time to give to the business in the future.”

As if on cue, Catherine stepped to the doorway and announced dinner. While Hugh and Mr. Lofton continued to discuss a time
when they could sign the contract, Laura leaned toward Ewan. “I hope this will set your mind at ease so you won’t have to worry about the future for yourself and your sisters. Herman is an honorable man, and I know he’ll be fair.”

Laura’s smile and the reference to his sisters warmed Ewan’s heart. “I do not doubt that he’s a good man. When I was alone with him earlier today, he spoke of his past misdeeds. He also told me your father had spoken to him about his belief in the Lord and that your father’s words had convinced Mr. Lofton to change his life and become a Christian. I hope Mr. Lofton can have the same effect upon Uncle Hugh. I’ve tried to point him toward Christ’s teachings, but he will not listen to me.”

“Sometimes it’s easier to listen to a stranger speak the truth than to a relative or close friend. Herman has a way with people, so he may influence your uncle.”

Ewan forked a piece of roasted potato and nodded. “Let’s pray that will happen.”

After dinner, Mrs. Woodfield gestured toward the hallway. “Why don’t we finish our discussion over coffee in the library?”

Laura hesitated a moment. “I don’t believe Ewan and I need to be present. It’s rather warm, so I thought we’d sit in the garden out back.”

When Mrs. Woodfield didn’t object, Laura grasped Ewan’s arm. “I hope you don’t think me bold, but I wanted a few minutes to speak with you alone.”

Ewan’s throat closed around his response. He would like nothing more than to spend time alone with Laura, yet he dare not say such a thing aloud. With his heart pounding in his ears, he sat down beside her on the wrought-iron bench and tried to gather his thoughts. He should thank her for helping arrange
the meeting with Mr. Lofton. He was sure she’d played a part in the arrangement, but when he opened his mouth to speak, she turned toward him, and his thoughts once again muddled.

“There’s something I want to tell you.” She tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear and hesitated for a moment. “Recently I was in town and had occasion to see Winston while I was there. We had a rather heated discussion.”

Ewan’s heart plummeted. He didn’t want to hear about Winston. He forced a smile. “And did you want to tell me about that conversation?”

Laura nodded. “Winston will no longer be courting me. We have far too many differences.” A slight sigh escaped her lips. “Winston embraces many ideas and opinions that I could never accept. We would not make a good match.” She folded her hands in her lap. “I should never have agreed to the courtship, but I wanted to please Mother.”

“Your mother thought he would be a good husband for you?”

“She thought he would be the only man willing to accept me.” When Ewan opened his mouth to interrupt, she held her fingers to his lips. “Let me finish, and then you’ll understand.”

His thoughts whirred as she told him that Winston’s only aspiration was to become a politician and he believed children would be a hindrance to his political career. “Mother thought we would make a good match because . . .” Her voice faltered. “Because I cannot have children. I fell from a horse years ago, and the doctor informed my parents the injuries were such that I could not bear children. I know this isn’t something I should speak about with you, but eventually Winston would have told you, and I feared you would feel I’d been hiding the truth from you.”

Ewan let her words seep into his consciousness. “So your mother decided no other man would find you acceptable because you could not bear children?”

He appeared to find her explanation unthinkable. “Think about it, Ewan. I don’t know any man who doesn’t want to have a son—an heir to carry on the family name. After spending time with you and your sisters, I know family is very important to you. The same is true of most men. Even when they marry for love, they also hope for children. When that hope is snuffed out before marriage . . . well, you can see why my mother thought Winston and I would be a good match.”

Laura’s eyes reflected a haunting pain, and he wanted nothing more than to erase her fears.

He reached for her hand. “If you believe I would not marry a woman because she could not have children, then you do not know me very well.”

“Ewan, you deserve to have a family.”

“I have a family.” He squeezed her hands. “And Laura, it is more important to me that true love exists between husband and wife than any expectation of children. Besides, who can say what God will do in such a situation?” He reached up and cupped her cheek in his hand. “I am pleased to know Winston is no longer competing to win your heart. That is one job I do not want to share with any other man.”

He leaned forward and lightly brushed her lips with his. When she made no move to stop him, he embraced her and deepened his kiss, wishing the moment could go on forever.

H
is uncle reined his horse close to Ewan’s as they started toward their homes. “I suppose you’re waiting for me to say I owe you some thanks for this evening’s turn of events.”

Ewan gave a slight shrug. “I think your thanks should go to Mrs. Woodfield, Mr. Lofton, and Laura. Without all three of them, saving the brickyard would have been impossible.”

“For sure, I owe Mr. Lofton a debt of gratitude, and I understand Mrs. Woodfield is his friend and she asked him to help, but why am I to feel thankful toward Laura Woodfield?”

Ewan thought he might be joking until he noticed his uncle’s baffled look. “Because Laura is the one who convinced her mother to seek help for us. If she hadn’t gone to Mrs. Woodfield, you wouldn’t have been able to sign a new contract this evening, and we wouldn’t be meeting Mr. Lofton at the bank next Friday to pay off the debt.”

“I’ll admit this evening’s events have given me a lot to think about. After hearing Mr. Lofton tell about his past and the changes he’s made, I was feeling my own shame for having left Ireland with Lyall Montclair’s money in my pocket. Maybe
that’s why things have gone awry with the brickyard.” He arched his brows. “Do you think that might be true?”

The horses continued their slow gait along the dirt road. “There’s no way of knowing, but I’m certain our situation was worsened by your gambling and the hiring of Rudy Banks.” Ewan had given thought to the incident regarding Lyall Montclair, as well. Still, there was no way to be sure if his uncle’s behavior had truly caused their problems at the brickyard. However, Ewan could at least use this moment to emphasize the ill effects of gambling. “There’s nothing good that comes from gambling, Uncle Hugh. I’m hoping that what’s happened has finally brought an end to your time at the gaming tables.”

“I told Mr. Lofton I’d do my best to stay away from gambling in the future, but I can’t say it will never happen again. I can’t explain what it’s like for me, except to say that there’s a real sense of excitement when the wager could end in financial disaster. If you’ve never had the experience, you can’t understand what it does in here.” Hugh placed his fist against his chest. “Your heart beats so fast and hard you think your chest will explode, and then when you win . . .” He expelled a long breath. “There’s no greater thrill.”

Ewan had hoped the problems at the brickyard would be enough to break his uncle’s gambling habit, but hearing him talk about his love of the gaming tables only served to deepen Ewan’s concern. Gambling had a stranglehold on his uncle, and along with prayer, Ewan would need to keep a close watch over his uncle and the business.

“Come back to the house with me before you go home, and we can give Margaret and Kathleen the good news. It will be more enjoyable if you’re there when I tell them.”

Though he would have much preferred to part ways at the fork in the road and head for home so he could share the news
with Rose and the twins, he didn’t want to deny his uncle’s request. If Ewan was to see changes in his uncle, he’d need to be accommodating, even when it wasn’t convenient.

“I can’t stay long. I promised Ainslee and Adaira I would be home before they went to bed.”

“Aye. We’ll give them the good news as soon as they greet us at the front door.” They rode in silence for the remainder of the distance to Crothers Mansion. A short time later they dismounted and tied the horses near the front of the house. Hugh strode up the front steps and entered the front door, with Ewan following close on his heels.

“Margaret! Kathleen! Where is everyone?”

Fia peeked around the corner of the kitchen, then hurried toward them, her eyes wide with fright. “The missus and Kathleen are upstairs. They’ve been having a terrible row. I don’t know when I’ve ever seen the missus so angry.” Fia cowered, as though she expected Margaret to appear at any moment.

Hugh expelled a long sigh. “I’m sure there are plenty of times I’ve seen her temper flaring far more than it is tonight, Fia.” He waved toward the stairs. “Go up there and tell them Ewan and I are down here and we have good news to share with them.” When she hesitated, he frowned and stomped his right foot. “Go!”

Fia scuttled up the steps like a frightened rabbit with its ears laid back. The sound of high-pitched voices drifted down the steps, followed by clattering footfalls as Fia returned at breakneck speed. “The missus says they’ll be down straightaway and you best be prepared for some bad news to go along with any good news you have for her.”

“You should thank the good Lord you’re still single, Ewan. If you ever take a wife, you’ll soon discover nothing is ever the same. Truth is, there’s no end to the commotion a woman brings
to your life.” Hugh raked his fingers through his dark hair. A door slammed upstairs, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. Moments later, the two women came down the stairway. Margaret first and then Kathleen. Their faces were blotchy and their eyes swollen. There was no doubt they’d both been crying.

At the bottom of the stairs, Margaret gave her sister a slight push toward the parlor. “Go on in there and tell your brother-in-law what you’ve done to disgrace this family.” When Kathleen didn’t move, Margaret grasped her sister’s arm and directed her toward the other room. “I said, go into the parlor!”

“It appears there’s a bit of a problem, and I’m thinking I should go home so the three of you can talk in private.” Ewan took a backward step toward the door.

“Stay right here, Ewan.” Margaret’s shrill voice echoed in the wide hallway. “You’re a part of this, too.”

Ewan didn’t know what part he might have in the argument between Kathleen and Margaret, but making any further attempt to leave would only make matters worse. He looked at Hugh and shrugged as they followed the two women into the parlor.

Margaret pointed to the hallway. “Close the pocket doors, Hugh. I don’t want Fia or any of the other servants hearing this.”

“Do you think they’ve not already heard you screaming at me for the past hour, Margaret?” Kathleen reached for her handkerchief and blotted her eyes.

Margaret’s shrill voice could be heard as clearly as a screeching red-tailed hawk, but Hugh did as he was instructed and closed the doors leading into the hallway.

After taking a position in front of the large windows covered with specially made brocade draperies that darkened the room even on the brightest summer day, Margaret folded her arms across her chest. She glared at Kathleen, her face now contorted
with anger and disgust. “Tell them how you’ve shamed this family.”

Kathleen pulled her shoulders together and hunched forward, appearing to wilt before their eyes. “I’m going to have a baby.”

She’d spoken so softly, both Hugh and Ewan had to lean forward to hear her. Hugh remained silent, obviously uncertain what he should say, but Ewan moved to the divan and grasped Kathleen’s hand. “You’re sure?” She nodded. “Is Terrance the father?”

“Of course Terrance is the father.” Margaret stomped forward and came to a halt in front of the divan. “And you took her over there to be with him, Ewan. What were you thinking?”

Kathleen turned toward Ewan. “It didn’t happen the night you took me to meet Terrance, but she won’t listen to me.”

“Shouting and pointing blame will do none of us any good, Margaret.” Ewan squeezed Kathleen’s hand, hoping he could transmit a bit of strength to the trembling woman. “I’m sure Kathleen is feeling enough remorse without all of us adding to her heartache.”

“I know this is not the best of circumstances, Kathleen,” Hugh said, “but there’s been many a wee one born to a couple before they’ve been married for nine months. Folks forget these things and the child is loved no matter when it arrives. Have ye already talked to Terrance and made some arrangements for a preacher to perform a quiet weddin’?”

Hugh’s kindness stunned Ewan, and his compassion created a new flood of tears from Kathleen, which surprised him even more. “There’s no need for more tears, Kathleen. Uncle Hugh is merely suggesting a quick wedding would be best.”

Tears streamed down Kathleen’s face as she looked at her sister, who stood before them with her hands perched on her hips. “Go on. Tell them.” Margaret glowered at Kathleen.

“Terrance won’t marry me. He’s already engaged to a girl who lives in town.” Her voice quivered. “They were courtin’ before I ever met him, but I didn’t know about her until I went to town with Laura.”

Ewan sparked to attention. “Laura? How did she become involved in this?” And why hadn’t she mentioned it to him this evening when they’d been alone in the garden?

Kathleen explained how Laura had taken her to meet with Terrance and offered to help in any way she could. “I made her promise she wouldn’t tell anyone.” She glanced at her sister. “I didn’t want Margaret and Hugh to hear this from anyone else.”

Margaret snorted. “Not that it makes it any easier hearing it from your own lips. I can’t believe my own sister would find herself in this horrid situation. Ever since we arrived, I have worked very hard to establish a good name so that we would be accepted in the proper social circles. Now, with your unseemly behavior, you’ve managed to wipe out everything I accomplished.”

“I doubt everyone is so small-minded they’ll consider Kathleen’s impropriety a reason to banish you from their parties and sewing circles, Aunt Margaret.” Ewan forced a smile.

“Easy enough for you to say, Ewan. You can distance yourself from all of this.” She waved her hand toward Kathleen, then moved to a nearby chair. “She lives under our roof, so Hugh and I must bear the embarrassment of her unseemly conduct.”

Each time Margaret spoke, Kathleen’s weeping intensified until Ewan could no longer bear the situation. “I have a solution to your problem, Margaret.”

“What’s that? Are you going to marry her? That would be the gallant thing to do. I’ve thought the two of you should marry since before we sailed from Ireland.”

Ewan shook his head. “Marrying Kathleen might be the gallant thing to do, but I don’t love her and she doesn’t love me. The
marriage would be unfair to both of us. However, I’m going to take Kathleen home with me. She can stay in her old room, and she’ll have Rose and the twins to keep her company.”

Margaret’s face creased in a haughty sneer. “It isn’t proper for her to be staying in the home of an unmarried man. That would only give rise to more rumors and gossip.”

“Rose and the twins are there, so I don’t think anyone would find it unusual for me to stay there.” Kathleen’s voice hitched and immediately sent her into a bout of uncontrollable hiccoughs.

Margaret snapped open her fan and waved it at a frantic tempo. “This is all too much for me. I feel as though I might faint.” When no one responded, she glared at her husband. “Did you hear me, Hugh? I said I feel faint!”

Hugh tugged on the end of his mustache and pierced her with a stern look. “Anyone who has enough breath to shout isn’t about to faint, Margaret. Now, gather yourself together and quit acting like you’re the one in trouble. It’s Kathleen who’s faced with a problem, not you.” He turned to look at Kathleen. “I say if you want to go and stay with Ewan, that’s fine, but the decision is yours.”

“It is not her decision. I’ve already told her that I don’t want her living under this roof bringing any more shame on me.”

Ewan shrugged. “If you’ve already told her to move out, then you should not be offering objection to her living with my sisters and me. This is your sister and she’s in need of help. If you don’t want to give it, then I will.” He released Kathleen’s hand. “Go and fetch what you’ll need for tonight, and you and Rose can return tomorrow to gather the rest of your belongings.” The three of them sat in silence as Kathleen departed the room.

Moments later, Hugh shifted in his chair and frowned at Margaret. “Sure and you’ve taken the wind out of my sails. I come home thinking to tell you that an agreement has been
reached to save the brickyard, and I’m greeted by nothing but angry words and a family divided.”

“Did you expect me to keep all of this to myself?” Margaret returned her husband’s frown.

“I know better than to think you’d keep bad news to yourself.” He shook his head. “Remember what I told you, Ewan—there’s no end to the commotion a wife brings to your life.”

Before Margaret could respond, Hugh stood and stalked out of the room.