The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

  Knowing Grandmother Woodfield would bear the expense of the party eased Rose’s earlier guilt. The fact that the older woman had refrained from telling Rose made the gift even sweeter. Laura was right. This would be a celebration Rose would never forget. “’Tis truly kind of Grandmother. She is so generous to all of us.”

  Laura smiled and nodded. “You’re right. She is wonderful—even if she can be a bit prickly at times.” She turned and stared out the window, her gaze focused on the spring blooms that dotted the flower garden with splashes of color. “I have such fond memories of the party my mother and father hosted for me when I finished my education at Elmira Female College in New York. This is a milestone in your life, and it should be marked with an extraordinary gathering of friends and family.” Laura inhaled a deep breath. “I need to quit reminiscing and get back to our party arrangements.”

  Taking the lead, Laura moved through the rooms and checked off the items that had been completed. When they neared the library, she gestured for Rose to follow her. “I want you to have a look at the guest list.” She smiled. “One name in particular. A young man.”

  Rose startled to attention. Was Laura attempting to play matchmaker? Surely she understood that there would be no time for gentlemen callers, especially after the discussion in the library this morning. Before they’d made their decision to purchase the pottery, Mrs. Woodfield had been clear with Ewan and Laura. She was voting for the pottery and expected Rose to contribute greatly to the success of the business. Knowing she was eager to succeed at their new venture, why would Laura believe she’d be pleased to see any single men on the guest list?

  “Do you think Mr. Bancock will accept the offer Ewan has prepared?” If she reminded Laura of their recent decision, perhaps she’d reconsider any discussion of possible suitors.

  “Although we offered less than he asked, Ewan doesn’t believe Mr. Bancock has any other offers. There’s a possibility he’ll refuse. If so, I imagine he’ll at least send us a counteroffer. We prayed about our decision, and I believe we’ll eventually own the pottery.” Undeterred, Laura withdrew a sheet of paper from her writing desk and traced her finger down the list. “Ah, here it is. Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Harkness and their son, Joshua Harkness.”

  Rose let her gaze drift across the page as Laura pointed to the names. She’d met Joshua Harkness before. His father had conducted business with Ewan on several occasions and owned numerous businesses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Joshua had traveled to Bartlett on several occasions and had even attended church with them one Sunday.

  Rose hadn’t seen him for several years, but she had never considered Joshua as a possible suitor. She was quite certain he would have little interest in her. If memory correctly served her, Rose recalled him as quite handsome and rather aloof. Whether he had changed was irrelevant to her, for once their bid was accepted, she planned to fill all of her time at the pottery.

  “Why do you think I’d be interested in Joshua Harkness?” Rose remained nearby while Laura returned the guest list to her writing desk.

  Laura’s lips curved in a shrewd smile. “I believe Mother mentioned you and Ewan should visit nearby potteries and learn all you can before we take control of our new business.”

  “She did, and I hope that will be possible. I’m willing to travel by myself if Ewan believes the business owners will provide access and meet with an unaccompanied woman.” Rose wrinkled her nose. “You know there are very few forward-thinking businessmen. Most still believe we should have one apron string tied to the cookstove and the other tied to the bedpost. And if women are employed, it’s at a pitiful rate of pay.”

  “Rose McKay!” A look of surprise crossed Laura’s face as the desk drawer closed with a click. “I can only imagine what would be said if anyone overheard your remark. Your reputation could be ruined by such an unladylike comment. You need to be careful as you begin your new position at the pottery. Even though you may not agree with the attitudes of some businessmen, you’ll not accomplish your goals with a fractious approach.”

  Rose looked away as shame swept over her. Laura was correct. To be successful, she couldn’t let her personal beliefs about such matters influence her attitude. But that didn’t mean changes couldn’t happen within the workplace. She hoped she could at least make a wee difference for the people they would employ at the pottery, especially the women and children. However, this wasn’t the time for such thoughts.

  “I’m sorry, Laura. Why did you mention Joshua Harkness?”

  Laura’s shoulders relaxed. “Among the many businesses owned by Jeremiah Harkness, one is a pottery in Fairmont. Joshua recently moved to Fairmont to become the head of Harkness Pottery Works. I thought he might possess some helpful information and perhaps offer a tour of their pottery. He might even tell you some of the obstacles he’s had to overcome since taking over.” She hesitated a moment. “When I prepared the seating list for supper, I placed you next to him, but I can change the arrangement if you’d prefer something else.”

  “No. Oh, Laura, that’s absolutely perfect.” Rose rushed forward and wrapped her sister-in-law in a crushing hug. “You think of everything.” A slight groan caused Rose to release her hold. She stepped back and looked into Laura’s eyes. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

  Laura massaged her side. “Only a few broken ribs.” She chuckled when Rose clasped a hand to her lips. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. I’m truly delighted you’re pleased by my choice of your dinner partner.” She gestured toward the kitchen. “I do need to check on preparations, but no doubt you’d rather be off doing something else.” She arched her brows. “Perhaps trying on your gown one last time?”

  Rose smiled and nodded. While there might be time for a final fitting of her own dress, she was more intent upon finalizing her plans with Beatrice, who had taken Rose’s advice and selected the yellow silk. Though Rose was certain it would be a perfect fit, Beatrice had worried the bodice might be too tight. Rose once again thanked Laura before she hurried upstairs. She’d take the dress to the nursery and care for Tessa while Beatrice tried it on. If it didn’t fit, there wouldn’t be time for alterations. They’d have to change their selection.

  Careful to avoid stepping on the hem, Rose trundled upstairs to the nursery. Tessa sat at a small table and chairs with a book. Craning her neck around the billowing dress, Rose smiled at the little girl. “Good morning, Tessa.”

  The little girl waved, then pointed to her book. “Want to read?”

  “Let me help Beatrice and then we’ll read.” Rose turned toward the nanny. “Is this a good time for a fitting?”

  Beatrice beamed at her. “Aye.” Her eyes shone with delight, and she traced her fingers down the yellow silk. “’Tis like setting me eyes upon a field of sunflowers.” Rose placed the dress across Beatrice’s extended arms.

  While Beatrice stepped into the adjoining room that served as her bedchamber, Rose sat down beside Tessa, but the girl quickly picked up the book and moved to Rose’s lap. Tessa snuggled against Rose as she opened the book and began to read.

  A short time later, Beatrice reappeared. Though her hair remained in an unfashionable knot and there was no jewelry to accent the neckline of the gown, she made a striking appearance. The gown fit as though it had been made for her.

  She grasped a handful of fabric in each hand and performed a mock curtsy. “Thank you, Rose. It’s truly beautiful, and the fit is good, don’t you agree?”

  Rose nodded. “Perfect. I have a necklace that is ideal with the gown. You can wear it this evening. Every young man at the dance will take notice of you. They’ll be begging to write their name on your dance card.”

  Beatrice’s smile faded. “I did not think about the dancin’. I don’t know any of the fancy steps.” She grimaced. “I’ll be makin’ a fool of myself if I try to fit in with the fancy folks. You know what they say, Rose. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”

  Rose lifted Tessa onto her chair and then stood. �
�Don’t say such a thing. You’ll fit in just fine. I can show you a few basic steps, and when someone asks you to dance, tell him the truth: You’d be pleased to accept, but you’ve not mastered the art of dancing just yet. You’re so lovely, the fellows won’t mind if you step on their feet.”

  When she finally departed the nursery, Rose was sure Beatrice would be the most sought after young woman at the dance. The thought pleased her. It would be great fun seeing someone else enjoy the party.

  Rose had barely completed her toilette when the guests who had been invited to attend the early supper started arriving. She was descending the stairs when she saw the Harkness family entering the foyer. Several years had passed since she’d last seen Joshua. He’d always been attractive, but he was now more muscular. His shoulders had broadened, and he appeared at least four inches taller. A slight smile played at her lips as she thought of the girls at school who would have swooned to be seated next to Joshua Harkness at a dinner party.

  Laura motioned her forward. “Do you remember Joshua Harkness, Rose?”

  Rose gave a slight nod. “Of course. I believe you attended church services with us when you last visited Bartlett several years ago.”

  He smiled. “I don’t recall attending church, but I do remember you.” He grinned. “You became angry when I asked if you had as many thorns as the roses in my mother’s garden.”

  “I had forgotten you were one of the many who teased me about my name.” Rose chuckled. “You need not tremble in fear. I no longer lose my temper when jokes are made about thorns and roses.”

  He pretended to wipe perspiration from his forehead. “I’m relieved to hear that. I was preparing to run for the door.”

  They entered the large parlor and continued to visit while the remainder of the guests arrived. When dinner was announced, Joshua expressed pleasure that they would be seated side by side. “I must admit I didn’t want to come to this party, but my parents insisted. I confess that I’m glad I gave in to their wishes.”

  Rose was unaccustomed to the flattery of men, and her cheeks warmed in embarrassment as Joshua complimented her eyes, her dress, and her sense of humor. How had she ever thought him aloof? While they dined, Rose suddenly understood how the girls at school had become captivated by the attention of young men. During the soup, salad, and main course, Joshua remained responsive, his interest in her never waning. He agreed to have her visit the pottery, but quickly added he’d much prefer to take her to a social gathering in Fairmont or Wheeling. Never before had she experienced the giddy feelings that now swirled through her midsection. Though she disliked acting like the girls at school, there was no denying the fact that Joshua Harkness would be quite a catch.

  He leaned closer as fluted dishes of snowball custard were served to each of the guests. “Perhaps I should write my name on all the lines of your dance card before we finish dessert.”

  At his mention of the dance, Rose was struck by an idea. Even though she’d given Beatrice a few lessons, the nanny remained fearful she’d appear foolish on the dance floor. She took a sip of water and turned toward Joshua. “I wonder if I could ask another favor of you.”

  “Two favors in one evening?” He grinned. “For you, I may be able to manage two. Other than visiting my pottery, how else may I be of service to you?”

  Rose quickly explained that she’d invited Beatrice to the dance, and the nanny’s fear of making a mistake on the dance floor. “I would be so grateful if you would dance with her several times throughout the evening. She’s a distant relative, and since she’s had few opportunities to attend formal parties, I want her to enjoy the evening.”

  “Few opportunities or none at all?” Joshua gave her a sidelong glance. “Is this her first time at a formal dance?”

  “Yes, but I did practice with her a wee bit, and she’s really quite agile. You need not—”

  He held up his hand to stay her. “I only inquired so that I might know exactly what to expect. I had hoped to have the first dance with you, but if you think it would be more helpful to . . .” he hesitated. “What is her name?”

  “Beatrice Murphy.”

  He nodded and continued. “If you think it would be more helpful to Miss Murphy, I’ll sign her card for the first dance. And others if you’d like.”

  “Oh, would you, Joshua?” Rose’s excitement mounted. “Your offer is truly generous.” She couldn’t believe her good fortune. Not only had Joshua agreed to have her tour his pottery, he was also going to dance with Beatrice. He was a kind gentleman, and she owed Laura a debt of gratitude for inviting him to her party. “Perhaps you could sign her card for the first two dances so she will feel comfortable if others don’t immediately ask her to dance.”

  His brows dipped into a frown. “Why wouldn’t they? Is she unappealing?”

  “Quite the opposite. When you see her, I think you’ll agree that she is lovely. But since she isn’t known to anyone other than our family, I worried the young men wouldn’t approach her.”

  He tilted his head back and grinned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you hadn’t attended many parties, Rose.”

  His question set off her internal alarm. What had she said or done that made him think she was still a novice at social events? Doing her best to appear coy, she fluttered her eyelashes, a technique the girls at school often practiced. “Why would you say such a thing, Joshua? You attended a private school and know there are parties and dances every month.”

  “True. But some of the fellows who weren’t particularly good-looking or lacked personality never attended a social function while at school. I imagine that would be true for some of the girls, as well.” His lips curved in a generous smile. “My earlier comment was rather obtuse. I should have said that if Beatrice is attractive, the men will flock to her, and you need not worry.”

  When dinner came to an end and they made their way into the other room, Rose excused herself to fetch Beatrice. While ascending the stairs, she contemplated what Joshua had meant by his earlier remarks. Did he believe she hadn’t attended many parties because he thought her unattractive or dull? He’d been attentive throughout dinner, but his words struck a chord that took her back to humiliating events at school. Events she longed to forget.

  Making her way to the third-floor nursery, Rose pushed the unpleasant thoughts from her mind. She didn’t want to ruin the evening with thoughts of school. Those days were behind her.

  Ainslee sat in an overstuffed chair with Tessa snuggled beside her. “We’re having a bedtime story.” Ainslee motioned Rose closer. “Wait until you see Beatrice.”

  Before she could say anything more, Beatrice stepped into the nursery. Rose’s breath caught as Beatrice turned in a circle, the yellow gown spilling at her feet like dazzling sunlight.

  As she followed the nanny downstairs, Joshua’s words rang in Rose’s ears. She need not worry about Beatrice. Men would flock to her.

  Instead of taking Joshua’s hand for the first dance, Rose was escorted by her brother onto the dance floor. The stringed instruments and flickering candlelight provided a pleasing ambiance that revealed Laura’s close attention to every detail of the party. While circling the room in her brother’s arms, Rose’s gaze drifted to the vision in yellow silk, who was smiling at Joshua. He returned her smile as they navigated the fringes of the room. A strange twinge of jealousy caught Rose by surprise. How silly. She barely knew Joshua and she’d asked him to dance with Beatrice. Why should she feel anything other than delight? Joshua had done exactly as she’d requested, and from all appearances, he was acting the perfect gentleman.

  As the final strains of music resonated throughout Woodfield Manor, Ewan squeezed Rose’s hand. “Has someone claimed the next dance, or shall we continue?”

  “Laura might desire the next dance with you.” Just because she’d asked Joshua to dance the first two dances with Beatrice was no reason Laura should give up dancing with her husband.

  “I doubt I’ll manage even one dance with
her tonight. Her dance card was full before I ever attempted to sign it.” He grinned. “If I know my wife, she’s gathering names of contacts who can possibly help us with the pottery business.”

  Rose glanced toward her sister-in-law and observed her deep in conversation with a businessman from Pittsburgh. “I know I could never influence many folks, but I did manage an invitation to visit the Harkness Pottery Works in Fairmont.”

  As they began the next dance, Ewan gave a slight nod. “I noticed you two talking all through supper. I was surprised he didn’t claim the first or second dance with you.”

  Rose smiled as she detailed the arrangement she’d made with Joshua. “He’s signed my card for the next dance, but I was grateful for his help.”

  Ewan turned his attention toward the couple. “From what I can see, I don’t think you unduly burdened the lad. Both he and Beatrice appear to be having a fine time.” As they continued to circle the floor, Ewan nodded in Beatrice’s direction. “What you did for Beatrice was a kind gesture, but I hope you’ve told her she won’t be attending parties in the future. She’s been employed to care for Tessa, and I’m sure this could cause some jealousy among others who work in the house.”

  Rose’s cheeks flamed. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t given thought to Beatrice’s appearance at the party creating additional problems. I’m sure Beatrice understands, but I’ll talk to her in the morning just to be clear.”

  Moments later the dance ended, and Ewan took Rose’s hand and escorted her to Joshua’s side. “I’ve delivered my sister, Joshua. I believe you have the next dance with her.”

  Several young men now surrounded Beatrice, all of them vying to sign her dance card. One of them nudged Joshua’s arm. “You’ve certainly taken more than your share of dances with Miss Murphy.”

  He leaned close to Rose’s ear. “Only as a favor to you.”

  “In that case, I’m sure you can resolve the frustration of these young men and cross your name from her dance card.”