The Brickmaker's Bride (7 page)

Ewan nodded. Mrs. Woodfield’s behavior surprised him. She seemed to possess more familiarity with business affairs than he’d first thought. Either that or she’d become quite shrewd since meeting Uncle Hugh. Ewan hoped it was the former, for Uncle Hugh could sniff out a bluff in no time. The man had, after all, made his money gambling. He doubted whether Mrs. Woodfield would prove a match for Uncle Hugh, but he would pass along her messages and see what happened. He truly wanted—no, needed—those Percherons. The cost to purchase good work
horses should be enough to at least get Uncle Hugh to Mrs. Woodfield’s doorstep.

The older woman traced her fingers along the bedstead that remained in the largest of the four upstairs bedrooms. “Isaiah insisted upon new furniture when we moved to Woodfield Manor. I wanted to bring this bed and the wardrobe, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said I deserved new furniture in my new house.”

“Sounds as though your husband took pleasure in spoiling you a bit, Mrs. Woodfield.”

Ewan could understand a man wanting to treat his wife well, but he couldn’t imagine leaving all of this fine furniture behind—or the house, for that matter. Though it was no match for Woodfield Manor, this was a fine home. Perhaps those feelings arose from the life of deprivation he’d led in Ireland.

If Mrs. Woodfield planned to leave these furnishings, they could move in immediately. There would be no need to purchase furniture. A fact that would surely please Uncle Hugh.

“This is a fine house with a lovely view, Mrs. Woodfield. Once my aunt sees it, I’m sure she’ll settle in until a new house can be built.”

“That’s good news, Mr. McKay. It has never been my intent to deceive anyone. That was not my husband’s method of conducting business, and it is not mine. I didn’t realize there was any confusion about the ownership of Woodfield Manor until your family appeared on our doorstep.”

Laura stepped to her mother’s side. “Mr. McKay understands, Mother. He doesn’t place any blame on our shoulders.”

From the arch of her brows, she seemed to expect him to agree. “Aye. What your daughter says is true. I do not place any blame on either of you.”

Ewan was careful to exclude his aunt and uncle from his answer. By now, he wasn’t sure what his relatives believed. No
doubt Mr. Hawkins had heard more than an earful of Aunt Maggie’s dissatisfaction and would be pleased to have this misunderstanding settled.

Mrs. Woodfield descended the front steps. “I believe we’re done here, Zeke. Let’s get back to the house. After supper, Joseph can come over and spend the night. By morning, the house will be well aired.”

“Um-hum.” Zeke stroked his chin. “With all them windows wide open, Joseph may be frozen stiff as an icicle by morning.” Zeke helped the older woman into the buggy.

“I’ll send extra blankets. It’s not that cold yet.” She pulled the key out of her pocket and presented it to Ewan. “Here you go. Now, you two should begin heading back to the house soon. If you have time before you start back to Bartlett, come in for a cup of tea, Mr. McKay.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Ewan tipped his hat. “We’ll be on our way in no time.” After Mrs. Woodfield left, he looked at the key and then at Laura. “I was going to lock the door, but with all the windows open, I don’t suppose there’s any need to worry about that.”

She grinned. “You’re right. Besides, it will be easier for Joseph to get in if he doesn’t have to climb through a window.”

Ewan slapped his palm to his head. “I already forgot about Joseph spending the night. I don’t want to make him feel unwelcome.” He offered Laura his arm. “Shall we start back? I don’t want your mother thinking we’ve been out here without a chaperone for too long.”

“I think she trusts you, Mr. McKay.” Laura slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. “I hope you and your family will enjoy as much happiness in this house as we did.”

Right now, Ewan wasn’t worried about the family being happy so much as he feared Aunt Maggie might have found some loop
hole in their contract. If she did, there would be no stopping her. They’d be on the next train out of Bartlett.

They’d walked only a short distance when the sound of hoofbeats thrummed on the road, and they turned to see Winston approaching on horseback. He reined the horse to a stop beside them and then fixed his gaze on Laura’s hand resting in the crook of Ewan’s arm.

Ewan tipped his hat. “Good afternoon, Mr. Hawkins. I hope your meeting with my aunt and uncle went well.”

“Your aunt is not easily swayed. I’m still not certain she believes the contract is valid. When I finally excused myself, your uncle was talking to her.” Concern creased his features as his focus returned to Laura’s hand. “You’re out here without a chaperone, Laura?”

“Mother was here until moments ago. Zeke took her home in the buggy.” Laura dropped her hold on Ewan’s arm.

Winston frowned and his eyeglasses slid from the bridge of his nose. Using his index finger, he shoved them back in place. “Even so, I’m not certain being unchaperoned out here in the woods with this . . . this Irishman would be considered acceptable by anybody.” His eyes narrowed as he turned his gaze toward Ewan.

Anger cinched every muscle in Ewan’s body. He fought off the urge to yank the lawyer off his horse and lash him. How dare he accuse Miss Woodfield of inappropriate behavior. He gritted his teeth as the memory of his promise to never again fight came to mind. Not since he’d made that promise to the Lord had he ever wished he could take it back—until now.

Ewan inhaled a deep breath. “I do not care what you say about me or my Irish kin, Mr. Hawkins, but you owe the lady an apology. She’s as decent a lass as one could ever meet on this earth, and I do not think a true gentleman would ever accuse her of being any less.” Laura held up her hand to protest,
but Ewan shook his head and grabbed the horse’s reins. “Nay, Miss Woodfield. None of us will be going any further until Mr. Hawkins offers an apology.”

In spite of the cool air, perspiration trickled from beneath Winston’s hat. “I apologize, Laura. I’ll see you at the house.” His jaw twitched as he yanked the reins from Ewan and rode off.

“Not much of an apology, but glad I am to see his back.”

The two of them stared down the road for a moment before Ewan offered Laura his arm.

But this time she didn’t accept.

M
oving at a slight angle, Laura managed to create a visible space between her and Ewan. From the wounded look in his eyes, there was no doubt she’d hurt his feelings.

“I hope I haven’t offended you by keeping a distance between us, Mr. McKay. It’s just that Winston was correct. It was improper of me to come out here without a chaperone.” She inhaled a deep breath. “I tend to be careless when it comes to proper etiquette.”

Ewan kicked a pebble along the path. “Is that what
you
think, or what Mr. Hawkins tells you?”

“Please don’t think harshly of Mr. Hawkins. Winston fears my impulsive behavior might one day cause me some sort of social disfavor. He means well. That fact aside, he is only emphasizing what I already know.”

“Since you’re so quick to follow Mr. Hawkins’s orders, I am guessing you’re betrothed to the man.”

Laura gasped. “You have guessed incorrectly, Mr. McKay. I am not betrothed to anyone, and I am not following orders.”

“I did not intend to make you angry, Miss Woodfield.”

“I am not angry.” She enunciated each word.

Ewan grinned and hiked a shoulder. “You sound angry.”

“Well, I’m not, so let’s talk about something else.” Her mind whirled as she attempted to change the course of their conversation. “What about the brickyard?”

“What about it?” Ewan’s brows dipped low on his forehead, but then he laughed. “Now I understand. You want to talk about the brickyard rather than have me ask questions about your Mr. Hawkins. Is that it?”

Laura sighed. “He is not
my
Mr. Hawkins, but you are right. I would prefer talking about the brickyard. I’m sure you have some questions I might be able to answer.”

“Aye, I’m sure there is much you could tell me. You said you sometimes acted as timekeeper for your father. Did you walk about the yard to spot the workers?”

She straightened her shoulders, pleased by his question. Though most women would never want to admit they’d performed a man’s job, Laura took pride in the fact that she’d been the timekeeper at Woodfield Brickworks. The men had respected her and marveled at her uncanny ability to recognize each worker by his gait, clothes, habits, or pace. Each year there would be a group of transient laborers as well as the regulars, but it didn’t take long for her to find some unique characteristic in each one.

“No. I could stand up on the hill as each stint ended and make the notations in my notebook. Of course, it helps to be good at fractions when you work as timekeeper, especially when some of the men work longer than a full day’s stint.” She grinned. “They don’t take kindly to being underpaid.”

“Aye, I’m sure they don’t. I was hoping you could furnish me with a list of your workers—those who came back from the war and might be looking for work.”

“I think I could.” They were only a short distance from Woodfield Manor when Laura turned to see an approaching horse and carriage. “I believe that’s your family, Mr. McKay.”

Ewan nodded. “Aye, that it is.” Ewan waved and walked toward the carriage. “Have you and Aunt Maggie come to see the frame house?” He glanced over his shoulder toward Laura. “Miss Woodfield and I just came from there.”

“We’ve left the windows open to air the house because it’s been closed since last spring. If you’re going to stay the night, we won’t send our handyman over.” Laura gestured toward Woodfield Manor. “I can go home without you, Ewan. You should take your aunt and uncle to the house.”

Mrs. Crothers’s haughty look suggested she still bore a degree of animosity, and Laura realized her presence would only make matters worse for Ewan. Woodfield Manor was within sight, and she’d ventured much farther than this on her own. Though Winston would likely upbraid Ewan if he discovered she’d walked the short distance unescorted, she didn’t plan to tell Winston or her mother.

Ewan shook his head. “I think I should go with you. My horse is still at Woodfield Manor. I can escort you the rest of the way and ride my horse back. It won’t take long.” He glanced at his aunt, but she merely pursed her lips in a tight knot and remained silent.

“I’ll have Zeke bring your horse over. He won’t mind. That way you can return to Bartlett with your aunt and uncle.”

The knot in Mrs. Crothers’s lips relaxed and then disappeared. “I think that’s the best idea, Ewan. Come along and let me have a look at the hovel your uncle has provided for me.” Sarcasm coated her words.

Before turning to leave, Laura said, “Should you have any questions after you’ve toured your new home, please stop at
Woodfield Manor. I’m sure my mother would enjoy visiting with you, Mrs. Crothers.”

“Indeed we will. In fact, you may count on it. I believe your lawyer is going to be speaking with your mother about several matters that need attention.”

Laura forced a smile and strode away without another word. She didn’t want to make an unkind remark, but when she couldn’t think of a pleasant response, she decided it best to head toward home. No need to fuel the woman’s fire of hostility.

When she entered the house, muffled voices drifted from the parlor and she followed the sound.

Her mother looked up and smiled. “Ah, Laura. I’m pleased to see you’re back. I was beginning to get a little worried. Winston said he’d stopped and spoken with you. We both thought you would have returned before now.”

Why had Winston needlessly worried her mother? “There was no need for concern. Besides, I’m sure Winston would have sought me had he been concerned about my safety.” She turned her narrowed eyes on him. “Wouldn’t you, Winston?”

“Yes, of course. And where is Mr. McKay? Has he ridden off without as much as a thank-you or good-bye for your mother?”

Laura crossed the room and sat down beside her mother. “No. His horse is still tied out front. His aunt and uncle met us on the path, and he went back to the house with them. I told him I would have Zeke take the horse over to the other house.”

“I do hope she’ll like it.” Laura’s mother set aside her needlework. “Winston tells me he had quite a time with Mrs. Crothers after they returned to Bartlett. She’s insisting that I lower the price they had already agreed to pay. What do you think?”

“I’m your lawyer, Mrs. Woodfield, and it’s my advice that you lower the price and we complete this matter as expeditiously
as possible. There is no pleasing that woman unless she gets her way.”

“I disagree.” Laura folded her hands in her lap and met Winston’s gaze. “They had every opportunity to go over all terms of the contract. The fact that they didn’t inquire about the house is no fault of ours. Surely she realizes we would have been asking a far greater price had this house been included.”

“Do you think I haven’t already told her that, Laura? I am, after all, accustomed to negotiating contracts.”

Laura frowned. Winston’s condescending tone startled her. “I’m aware you have a greater knowledge of contract law, Winston, but I don’t think Mrs. Crothers comprehends the fact that our sale price is fair.”

“Laura wasn’t questioning your ability as a lawyer, Winston. She’s merely stating what we all know: Mr. and Mrs. Crothers hope to gain the very most for their money.” Mrs. Woodfield patted Laura’s hand. “Of course, Laura and I want a fair price for our property, and I believe that is what we received under the terms of our contract.”

Winston frowned and shook his head. “But Mr. Crothers signed the contract believing this house was included, so I think you should renegotiate, Mrs. Woodfield.”

The older woman leaned forward. “Perhaps you should return to Bartlett, Winston. If Mr. and Mrs. Crothers return, I don’t think there’s any need for a lawyer. I believe we’ll be able to come to an agreement that will satisfy all of us.”

Winston argued against such a plan, but when Laura’s mother didn’t relent, he stalked from the room. “When this entire sale falls apart, don’t say that I didn’t warn you.”

Mrs. Woodfield followed him to the door. “To tell you the truth, I don’t understand why you think the sale could go amiss, Winston. We have a signed and witnessed contract that you
prepared. With your expertise, I’m sure any court would find in my favor.” Mrs. Woodfield handed him his hat. “I think that after I’ve spoken with Mr. Crothers, he’ll see things my way.”

Winston shook his head. “You may convince him, but you’ll never convince his wife.”

Laura didn’t want to agree with Winston but feared he could be right. Maybe they should lower their price a little. Then again, she’d wait and see what transpired when Mr. and Mrs. Crothers arrived on their doorstep.

When a knock finally sounded at the front door, Catherine was preparing supper. Laura jumped to her feet. “I’ll go to the door, Catherine.”

Mrs. Woodfield patted her hair. “I was beginning to think they weren’t going to come. Shall I invite them for supper?”

Laura shook her head. “Not immediately. Let’s first see what they have to say.” She hurried down the hallway to the front door and stopped short when she saw Ewan and Mrs. Crothers departing in the carriage. “Mr. Crothers, your wife is not joining us?”

He doffed his cap. “Nay. Ewan said you wanted to speak with me, and I thought it might be better if my wife went back to town. She has a way about her that sometimes makes conversation difficult, especially when it comes to business.”

Mrs. Woodfield waved him inside. “Do come in. I’m glad Ewan passed along my message.” She gestured toward Laura. “I believe you saw my daughter not long ago.”

“Aye, that I did.” He nodded to Laura and then sat down. “The other house is to my liking, though it doesn’t much please my wife. She wants something grand like this house. But the frame house will suit us until we build.” He cleared his throat.
“I think you’d have to agree that a man who thinks he’s buying this fine mansion and then ends up with a small frame house might feel like he’d been cheated a bit, wouldn’t you?”

Laura stiffened, but her mother only smiled. “I am not sure how I would feel, Mr. Crothers. I do know you had every opportunity to examine the contract, and you could have easily had another lawyer look at the papers and explain them, if you’d so desired.”

“I don’t hold much stock in lawyers. Most of the ones I’ve met are just like that Hawkins fella. They say what they think you want to hear, but later deny what they told ya. I’ve been around my share of double-dealers, and Hawkins fits in with the rest of those charlatans.”

As Laura listened to Mr. Crothers disparage Winston, a surge of irritation swelled inside her like a river overflowing its banks. “Mr. Hawkins is a fine lawyer, and he’s highly respected by members of the surrounding area. In fact, he has been nominated to run for a seat in our state senate.”

Mr. Crothers tipped his head to the side. “Looks like I stepped on your toes, Miss Woodfield. You sound like a woman in love. I wouldn’t have spoken so plain if I’d known you and Mr. Hawkins were . . .” He let the sentence hang there like a preacher waiting to hear
I do
.

“I defended Mr. Hawkins because your generalizations do not apply to him. He prepared a contract that was fair. You read and signed it. Rather than making him a charlatan, I believe you’ve shown yourself to be a poor businessman.”

“Laura!” Mrs. Woodfield frowned and shook her head. “Mr. Crothers is our guest, and you will treat him with respect. If you cannot do so, please go out to the kitchen and help Catherine, or go up to your room.”

Laura leaned back in her chair. “I plan to stay here. I won’t
say anything more, but I do want to listen so that Mr. Crothers can’t later accuse you of double-dealing.”

Hugh laughed. “You’re a feisty young woman, Miss Woodfield, but you’re no match for the likes of me. I don’t plan on anyone double-dealing this evening, but I do plan on getting matters settled so that everyone is happy. Right now, my wife is unhappy, and so am I.”

“Perhaps I can help with that, Mr. Crothers. Though I don’t feel you’ve been cheated, I do believe I can help ease your unhappiness.”

“You going to give me some of my money back?” He rubbed his thick hands together.

“No, not one cent. However, I do have two fine Percherons that are trained to work the pug mill. You are welcome to look them over. They’re worth their weight in gold in that brickyard—unless you’ve already purchased horses.” Her mother’s lips curved in a gentle smile.

“No matter how fine the horses, I don’t know that they make up for the difference between the two houses. No offense, but I was hoping to hear something better than what you’ve offered.”

Laura clenched her fists, then forced them to relax. Open and closed, open and closed. Over and over, she repeated the movement until she regained a sense of calm. Her father had taught her the maneuver years ago. Though Laura had never imagined her father a man with a quick temper, he’d told her otherwise. When he’d seen her become angry with a worker at the brickyard, he’d gently chastised her and then explained his past. The facts had alarmed her. Never had she pictured her father attempting to resolve disagreements with his fists, but she’d learned that during his early years he’d given and received many a blow. Only after he’d studied the Bible and made a choice to follow the teachings of Jesus had he changed.