The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

  As Rose approached her bedroom door, Mrs. Woodfield came upstairs. “Did you see Tessa? Hasn’t she grown?”

  “She has, indeed.” Rose inhaled a deep breath.

  Mrs. Woodfield hesitated a moment. “Don’t forget that we’re going to have our meeting after supper tonight.”

  The meeting. If she was going to wage a meaningful argument against the brickyard, she needed to be prepared. Before she took time to speak to Laura about Beatrice, she’d write out her reasons why the pottery would be a better investment for the family. Beatrice would have to wait.

  Chapter 6

  Conversation during supper consisted of a barrage of questions regarding school and the award Rose had received. Ewan appeared lost in thought while she detailed several different events in which she’d participated, careful to leave out the unhappy incidents. She hoped that the twins would decide to further their education, so she didn’t want to say or do anything to discourage them. Besides, they’d likely attend school together and have each other for encouragement or help. Though the twins disagreed, Rose thought the advantage of having a twin far outweighed any disadvantage.

  Mrs. Woodfield dabbed her napkin to her lips. “I believe we should plan a trip to Philadelphia in the future so that we can all see the fabrics you designed, Rose. Wouldn’t it be fun?” She glanced around the table, then gave a slight shake of her head. “I do think it was a terrible oversight they didn’t have the divan upholstered prior to your departure.” She tapped her index finger on the edge of the table. “Perhaps I should write a letter to Muriel Fisk.”

  Ainslee leaned forward. “Who’s Muriel Fisk?”

  “She’s the director of the school, and I’ve known her for years. I do believe their lack of attention to your winning entry in the contest was a terrible oversight.” Mrs. Woodfield glanced down the table toward Rose. “They should have allowed enough time to display your work prior to the end of the school term.”

  The last thing Rose wanted was anyone making a fuss over the award. School was now behind her, and nothing would be solved by causing problems for Mrs. Fisk. Besides, the woman had been very kind to Rose, and she wouldn’t want the director reprimanded due to a letter of complaint from Mrs. Woodfield.

  “I have a lovely framed certificate acknowledging my first-place award, Grandmother. I saw the fabric after it had been woven, and that was enough of a prize for me. Please don’t write a letter. I consider Mrs. Fisk a fine director who does everything she can to help the girls attending design school.”

  “Not quite everything, or she would have—”

  “Mother, I believe Rose is quite satisfied. She’s been clear about her wishes, and I’m sure you won’t override her decision.” Laura looked at her mother and arched her brows.

  Mrs. Woodfield inhaled a deep breath and sighed. “I’ll abide by your decision, Rose, but changes don’t take place unless we let our voices be heard.”

  Rose thanked the older woman for her kind understanding, but from her look of defeat, Rose was certain she’d disappointed the woman. No doubt Mrs. Woodfield had planned to sway Rose’s decision. The quietude that followed was deafening.

  Wanting to end the silence, Rose searched for something to fill the void. “I was thinking it would be lovely if Beatrice could attend the party tomorrow evening.” She looked directly at Laura. “I know I should have discussed it with you first, but I was caught up while visiting with her and blurted out an invitation. She declined, saying she had nothing to wear, but I assured her one of my gowns would fit.” They were all staring at her as though she’d lost her senses. She’d even captured Ewan’s attention. Swallowing hard, she continued on before Laura could refuse the suggestion. “Of course, Beatrice said she still could not attend because she needed to be upstairs to care for Tessa, but I told her Ainslee might be willing to sit in for her.” Rose gestured toward her sister. “Ainslee’s already said she didn’t want to remain downstairs for the dance, so I thought it would all work perfectly. Don’t you agree?” She heaved a sigh and forced a smile.

  “The idea is a bit unique, but I suppose if you’ve already extended an invitation, we can hardly tell her she isn’t welcome.” Laura glanced at her husband. “After all, she is extended family.”

  Ewan’s brows knitted together. “Aye. Far removed but still family, I suppose.” He turned toward Rose. “In the future, you should speak to Laura before you extend invitations. I realize this is your party, but adding extra guests without permission is not proper.”

  Rose mumbled her apologies and thanked Laura for her kindness before turning toward Ainslee. “Are you willing to look after Tessa during the dance? I’m sure she’ll be asleep, so you can read a book. I’ve brought home several you might enjoy.”

  Her sister agreed to the arrangement as the maid entered the room with a layered peach cake for dessert. Rose clasped a hand to her midsection. “Oh, my favorite.”

  Once they’d all been served, Rose dipped her fork into the moist confection and was thankful the delicious dessert created enough excitement to dispel further mention of her inappropriate invitation to Beatrice. When they’d all finished their cake, Ewan leaned back in his chair.

  “I believe we have a meeting to attend, ladies.” He winked at the twins. “I’m sure the two of you can find something to occupy your time while we discuss some business matters.”

  The girls were pleased to make their escape to the backyard garden. The scent of lilacs drifted through the French doors as the two of them departed. While Rose inhaled the familiar fragrance, she glanced across the table at Laura and realized her timing during supper had been ill conceived. After discouraging Mrs. Woodfield from writing a letter to Mrs. Fisk and extending an improper invitation to Beatrice, Rose wondered if she’d be able to win the two ladies to her side regarding the pottery. For sure, she hadn’t done anything to align herself with them during supper.

  After they’d all taken their seats in the library, Ewan gave the ladies his impressions of the brickyard. “Since Rose didn’t accompany me, she’ll not have an opinion about the yard, but from what I’ve told you, I think you’ll agree that it would be an excellent investment. Mr. Trent is eager to sell, and I think I could get him to lower the price a little.”

  Rose perked to attention. “But you told me on the train that Mr. Trent has no VerValen Machine and he’s never had any sizeable orders. If that’s the case, his operation would be too small to support the family or to secure contracts as you’ve managed in the past.”

  Mrs. Woodfield arched her brows. “Rose is correct. You’d be able to contract only small orders that wouldn’t bring in sufficient income.” She lifted her shoulders in a slight shrug. “Then again, there’s no reason we couldn’t purchase a VerValen, is there?”

  “My hope would be that if Mr. Trent would lower the price, we could purchase the brickyard and a VerValen for no more than the price originally set.”

  “Do you truly believe he’d lower his price that much?” Mrs. Woodfield pursed her lips. “I can’t imagine a man so anxious to sell that he’d take a loss. If that’s the case, I wonder if there’s something he’s hiding. Did you have a look at his books, Ewan? What level of profit has he been making these past few years? Did he say why he’s selling?”

  Rose’s shoulders finally relaxed. Until Mrs. Woodfield had asked her pointed questions about Mr. Trent’s profits and his reason for selling the brickyard, Rose was certain Ewan had gained the older woman’s allegiance. Now it appeared she wasn’t completely convinced.

  After answering Mrs. Woodfield’s many questions, the older woman glanced toward the door and sighed. “I thought Catherine was going to bring tea.” She gestured to Rose. “Do see if she’s forgotten, dear.”

  Rose scurried down the hallway and into the kitchen. Catherine was leaning against the worktable visiting with Sally, Mrs. Woodfield’s personal maid. They startled and turned as Rose clattered into the kitchen.

  Catherine’s eyes widened and she
clasped a hand to her mouth. “I forgot tea for the missus. Tell her the kettle’s boilin’, and I’ll have it to her in a jiffy.”

  Rose offered a hurried thank-you and rushed back to the library. She hoped nothing of importance had been discussed during her absence. “Catherine was delayed, but she’ll bring tea in a few minutes. The kettle is boiling.” Rose glanced at the others. “Did I miss anything while I was gone?”

  “We’re still discussing the advantages of the brickyard.” Ewan leaned forward and rested his arms across his thighs. “After so many years working in a brickyard, I’m thinking we’d be better to invest in what I know. If it will ease your worries, I’ll get answers to all of your questions, and then we can move ahead.”

  Rose frowned. Ewan had turned away from her and was speaking directly to his wife and mother-in-law. She’d been excluded—as though she didn’t matter. She cleared her throat. “I understand Ewan’s concern about investing in an unfamiliar business, but I did want to mention something that has come to mind since I’ve returned home.”

  Catherine tapped on the door, entered the room, and placed the tea tray near Mrs. Woodfield. The older woman thanked the maid and dismissed her before she looked at Rose. “Exactly what is it that has come to your attention, Rose?” Mrs. Woodfield arched her brows.

  “There are already many problems among our relatives who live here and work at C&M Brickyard. If you purchase Mr. Trent’s brickyard, I think Aunt Margaret will believe you plan to compete against her for contracts. And she’ll make certain every member of the family believes the same thing. It will not matter that you’ve left Bartlett and gone to Grafton. You’ll still be able to vie for the same large contracts she hopes to keep.”

  “Dear me, Rose makes an excellent point, Ewan.” Mrs. Woodfield poured a cup of tea. “I’m sure any of your previous business contacts would much prefer doing business with you rather than Margaret Crothers, but we all know that would stir up more than one nest of hornets. How had you planned to convince Margaret you’re not competing against her?”

  “I had not used my time thinking about Aunt Margaret. Instead, I was looking for a business I could operate to support our family. ’Tis true Margaret would likely believe I’m trying to put her out of business or at least cripple C&M, but I know in my heart that is not my intent. Am I to be controlled by what she thinks or by what I believe is best for our family?”

  “First and foremost, we should be seeking God’s guidance when we make our final decision, but I do believe we should honestly discuss any problems that are already evident to us.” The older woman sipped her tea and looked at her daughter. “Don’t you agree, Laura?”

  “I do, but I don’t think we can let Margaret control our future. She could have done right by Ewan and honored Hugh’s word to make him a partner. If she weren’t greedy and vengeful, there would be no need for Ewan to seek another business venture. Should we purchase the Grafton brickyard, Margaret should place the blame on herself, not on Ewan.” Laura smiled at her husband and patted his arm.

  Rose appreciated the show of support and love between the couple, but if she was going to win, she needed Laura on her side. If she didn’t turn the tide now, they’d agree to the brickyard without ever considering the pottery.

  “I agree Margaret has brought this upon herself, but those who work at C&M do not deserve what will surely become a battle for contracts. If Ewan wins the contracts and Margaret decreases wages or men lose their jobs, she’ll point the finger at Ewan. Wouldn’t it be the right thing to simply avoid competition with her? If we had no other choice but a brickyard, it might be understandable. If we choose the pottery, the family cannot hold any of us responsible if C&M fails. Is that not worth the risk, Ewan?”

  He rested his forehead in his palm, his features now twisted with apprehension. “I know what you say is likely true, Rose, but I feel no confidence in anything other than a brickyard.”

  “But I’ve said I’ll do whatever it takes to help you. If Rylan and the other workers remain, I don’t understand your fear. You know how to operate a business, and I’m sure you’ll quickly discover the process for winning contracts, just as you did when you took over C&M.”

  He shook his head. “I had Laura’s help in order to make the proper contacts when Uncle Hugh purchased the brickyard. There is nobody who—”

  Mrs. Woodfield picked up her cup. “I don’t think you need worry in that regard, Ewan. A word here and there among our friends will connect us with the proper contacts, but until you are confident and eager to try something new, I feel conflicted about the proper path. Perhaps we should all give the matter further thought and prayer.”

  Rose scooted to the edge of her chair. “When do you propose we meet again? There isn’t much time. Ewan promised he’d send word within ten days.”

  The sun had gone down, and the twins had gone upstairs at least an hour ago. Concern shone in Laura’s eyes. “With the party tomorrow night, there will be a great deal to accomplish before our guests arrive.” She looked at Ewan. “Perhaps if the four of us ate breakfast here in the library, we could finish our discussion and come to an agreement.”

  Ewan nodded. “We can meet for breakfast, but if we need more time, I’ll wire Mr. Trent and Mr. Bancock. I don’t want to be rushed into a decision.”

  Rose’s emotions ascended and fell as swiftly as a fiddler’s bow. Even if she won a battle or two, she feared she was going to lose the war. Now that Ewan said he wouldn’t be rushed into a decision, she doubted the wisdom of insisting upon tomorrow’s meeting. She’d need to spend a great deal of time in prayer, but she’d first go up to the nursery and tell Beatrice she’d been allowed to attend the party.

  When Rose arrived in the library the following morning, Mrs. Woodfield was already seated and finishing a cup of coffee. The older woman nodded toward the windows. “I do believe we’re going to have a beautiful day for your party, Rose. The sunrise has been lovely.”

  Rose glanced at the clock. “When I saw you drinking coffee, I thought I might be late.”

  “As a matter of fact, you’re early. I doubt Ewan and Laura will be down for at least another fifteen minutes. I’m glad for this time alone with you. I had hoped we would have an opportunity for a private chat.” She placed her cup in the saucer. “Would you like coffee, or should I have Catherine bring a pot of tea?”

  Why would Mrs. Woodfield want to speak with her alone? Rose wasn’t certain, but she didn’t want their time alone interrupted by the delivery of a tea tray. “Coffee will be fine.” She’d never acquired a taste for coffee, but with enough sugar and cream, she could force down a swallow or two. “What would you like to discuss, Grandmother?”

  The older woman pressed her fingers along the folds of her silk-taffeta day dress. “I’m impressed by your enthusiasm for the pottery, and I know you’re eager to use the skills you’ve learned in school.” She hesitated a moment. “However, if we purchase Bancock Pottery Works, I will expect a great deal from you. Ewan has expressed his discomfort with a new venture, which has made me hesitant, but after much prayer, I do feel purchasing a brickworks would create a permanent breach within the Crothers and McKay families. A matter I find extremely distasteful, for it’s my hope that one day Margaret will mend her relationship with her sister.” She sighed. “The day will come when Tessa will be told the truth about her adoption. When that time arrives, it would be wonderful if Kathleen could return and meet her child and reunite with her sister, as well. At least that’s been my prayer.”

  After hearing Mrs. Woodfield’s explanation, Rose was uncertain whether the older woman’s reasoning constituted a sound business decision, but that didn’t concern Rose. All that mattered right now was the knowledge that Mrs. Woodfield was on her side. Once Mrs. Woodfield mentioned her concerns regarding Tessa, she was certain both Laura and Ewan would agree to the decision. Excitement raced through her like a bolt of lightning. Soon, she’d begin her new adventure.

  At the sound of foots
teps in the hallway, Mrs. Woodfield touched Rose’s hand. “Let me explain my concerns to Ewan and Laura, but remember, if we purchase the pottery, I expect great things from you. I have no doubt Ewan can invigorate a failing brickyard into a prosperous business that can support the family, but I’m not as certain he can do the same with the pottery. That will rest on your shoulders, Rose. So tell me now if you have any uncertainty about your ability to make this pottery works into a thriving business.”

  Though a dart of fear shot through her, Rose straightened her shoulders and avowed their pottery would become the finest and most prosperous in all of West Virginia.

  Chapter 7

  A gnawing guilt followed Rose from room to room as Laura revealed the menu and the elaborate decorations she had planned for the party. Laura stopped and pointed to an area in the parlor just beyond the dining room where four upholstered chairs had been discreetly arranged behind potted plants and a flowing drape.

  “During dinner, a string quartet will provide music. They’ll be out of sight while we eat. After supper, the palms and draping will be removed, and additional musicians will join them to provide music for the dance.” She smiled at Rose. “I hope you approve. I know it would have been much more fun if you could have helped with the plans, especially the guest list.”

  Rose shook her head. “The décor is beautiful and the guest list is perfect, Laura. Had I been here, I couldn’t have even imagined such perfection, much less accomplished the task.” She grasped Laura’s hand. “I’m overwhelmed you’ve gone to such expense.”

  “Your graduation is an important event and should be marked by a celebration you’ll never forget.” Laura squeezed her hand. “And you need not worry about the expense. It’s my mother’s gift to you. She’s very proud of all you accomplished at school. She loves you and the twins. When Ewan and I married and she asked you and your sisters to address her as Grandmother Woodfield, she assumed that role.”