The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

  From young to old, all of the workers appeared anxious as they gathered near the packing house. An air of anticipation hung heavy in the air, as if they knew today marked a new beginning for all of them.

  Chapter 9

  Fairmont, West Virginia

  Early Summer 1872

  After placing a small bag on the rack mounted above their coach seat, Rose sat down beside Mrs. Woodfield. Soon after they’d made themselves as comfortable as possible on the hard wooden seat, the conductor looked at his watch, then signaled the engineer.

  Mrs. Woodfield blew a sigh as the train chugged away from the Bartlett station. “I do wish we could have taken a train that had a first-class car.” The older woman scanned her surroundings and curled her lip. “It doesn’t seem it would be too difficult for the railroad to put a bit of padding on these seats.”

  Rose eyed several male passengers in dirty work clothes wearing mud-caked boots. “I doubt the cushions would remain clean for very long. I am truly sorry Ewan insisted you or Laura accompany me. He doesn’t realize I’m quite capable of traveling by myself.”

  If all had gone according to plan, it should have been Ewan accompanying her to tour the Harkness Pottery Works in Fairmont. Instead, he had already taken over the leadership of their recently acquired pottery works in Grafton.

  The contract to purchase had contained a clause stating Ewan would not take possession of the pottery for two months, as both Mr. Bancock and Ewan had agreed they both would need adequate time to make necessary arrangements: Ewan to purchase a comfortable house and move his family, and Mr. Bancock to notify his customers and fulfill any outstanding contracts.

  The plan had been a good one, but only a week after signing the contract, the pottery owner’s health had taken a downward turn, and the doctor predicted that Mr. Bancock would never again return to work at the pottery. The news had caught all of them by surprise. An immediate takeover of the business wasn’t to Ewan’s liking, but there had been no other option.

  Mr. Bancock’s departure left much resting on the shoulders of the family, Laura in particular. During the days that followed, Laura had compiled a long list of items that needed to be accomplished prior to their move. In the process, she’d managed to delegate several tasks to others. The particular responsibility of escorting Rose to Fairmont had been assigned to her mother.

  Mrs. Woodfield tsked and shook her head. “It isn’t proper, my dear. Just take a look around you. Who knows what advances some of these men might make toward a young woman traveling alone. Ewan believes women need protection, and he’s correct.”

  Rose wrinkled her nose. “I traveled by myself while I was away at school, and I was fine. Nobody ever accosted me.”

  Mrs. Woodfield’s brows furrowed, and her lips drooped into a frown. “Did Mrs. Fisk know you were traveling unaccompanied? She has an obligation to protect the young women who—”

  Rose touched Mrs. Woodfield’s arm and interrupted. “Mrs. Fisk did not know. She would not have approved, but most of the girls traveled unaccompanied from time to time. As for me, if I had waited for an escort, I doubt I would have ever been outside the school.”

  “I think you’re exaggerating, but I’m willing to overlook your indiscretion while you were at school. However, now that you’re back home, you must follow social mores. For you to travel alone is simply unacceptable.” She directed a stern look at Rose. “Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, I understand, but I’ll not say I agree.” She gave the older woman a sidelong glance. “Since I must follow the rules, I want you to know I do appreciate your willingness to come along. I’m sure a tour of Harkness Pottery isn’t of great interest to you.”

  Mrs. Woodfield chuckled. “Truthfully, it is not, but I’ll escort you at least as far as the office. I doubt Joshua will mind if I forego accompanying the two of you for the full tour.” Her lips curved in a sly smile. “He appeared quite taken with you at your party, and I’m sure the two of you would like a little time alone. Not that you’ll be off by yourselves in a pottery filled with workers. Still, it will give you two an opportunity to visit by yourselves before I join you both for supper this evening.”

  Joshua’s note inviting Rose to tour the pottery last week had also included an invitation for Rose and her chaperone to join him for supper at the restaurant located in the Grand Hotel. Laura and Mrs. Woodfield were certain the invitation indicated an interest far beyond a tour of the pottery, but Rose wasn’t so sure. She’d not voiced her thoughts about Joshua or the invitation, as she’d not change the opinion of either Laura or her mother.

  Instead, Rose decided she’d bide her time and see if Joshua was simply fulfilling the promise he’d made during the party. Of course, there had been no need to include an invitation to supper. The offer could simply be a courtesy extended to visitors from out of town.

  Though she thought Joshua quite handsome and kind, Rose expected nothing more than what had been included in his invitation: a tour of the pottery followed by supper at the hotel. Her years at school had taught Rose not to raise her expectations, especially where men were involved.

  She didn’t intend to change her attitude at this juncture, not when Ewan was depending on her assistance with the pottery. Right now, she wouldn’t consider Joshua anything more than a friend. She silently repeated that caveat when she stepped off the train a short time later and looked into Joshua’s coppery-brown eyes.

  Her memory had betrayed her. He was even more handsome than she recalled. He greeted her with unexpected enthusiasm and warmth that both surprised and pleased her. Lightly grasping her elbow, he led Rose and Mrs. Woodfield past the baggage carts and toward the station door.

  “You ladies can wait in here while I see to your luggage.” He nodded toward the small case Rose held in her hand. “Let me take that for you.” A surprising chill raced up her arm as his hand lingered on hers for several moments. When she looked up and met his gaze, his eyes twinkled with pleasure.

  She silently chided herself, but she was unable to look away from his muscular frame as he strode out the door.

  “He’s quite handsome, don’t you agree?”

  Mrs. Woodfield’s question pulled Rose from her private thoughts. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  The older woman chuckled and shook her head. “I don’t believe that’s the whole truth, Rose. My eyesight isn’t perfect, but I didn’t miss the glimmer in your eyes when Joshua greeted you. And I didn’t miss the look of admiration in his, either.”

  Heat raced up Rose’s neck and settled in her cheeks. She wanted to deny Mrs. Woodfield’s comment, but to do so would only lead to further remarks and more embarrassment.

  “I arranged for your baggage to be delivered to the hotel. Would you ladies like to go directly to the pottery, or do you prefer to go to the hotel first?” Joshua’s forehead wrinkled into deep ridges when he turned toward Rose. “Are you not feeling well? Your cheeks are bright red.”

  “I’m fine. Just a little warm.” She gestured to the older woman. “Which would you prefer, Grandmother?”

  “I generally suffer from headaches when I travel, but I’m feeling quite well right now. Why don’t we go to the pottery, and you can complete your tour. There should be time to rest afterward, don’t you think, Joshua?”

  “Of course. We don’t have to tour all of the pottery today. We can do as much or as little as you’d like. There will be time to return tomorrow if you’d prefer.”

  Mrs. Woodfield sighed. “I suppose so, but we planned to leave on the two o’clock train tomorrow.”

  Joshua escorted the two of them out of the train station and into an awaiting carriage. Before stepping inside, he signaled the driver. “Take us back to the pottery, Henry.”

  “Your pottery must be quite successful, Joshua.” Mrs. Woodfield settled against the leather-cushioned upholstery.

  He rubbed his chin and gave a slight shake of his head. “What would make you assume the pottery is profitable, Mrs. Woodfield?�
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  “Why, the fact that you have an expensive coach and driver.” She gestured toward the interior of the carriage. “I can’t imagine that anyone struggling to make ends meet would have such luxuries.”

  “The carriage belongs to my father, and Henry has been a driver for the family for many years. He agreed to move when Father sent me to Fairmont. At least that’s what I was told. In truth, I think Father sent him along to keep an eye on me and report any problems.”

  “And have you had any?” The silence that followed caused Rose to hastily rephrase her question. “What I meant was, have you had any problems at the pottery?”

  Joshua’s lips curved in a lopsided grin. “The pottery has been nothing but problems. My father believes I should have it operating at a profit within a year. His expectations are unrealistic, and I’ve told him as much.” He shifted on his seat. “The way things are going, I doubt this pottery will ever make a profit.”

  Rose scooted forward on the carriage seat. “Then you must develop something special that will help the business change course.” The idea of receiving such a challenge excited her. It was the same feeling she’d experienced when Mrs. Fisk had described the Excellence in Design contest. “I’m sure you’re capable of meeting the challenge your father has issued.”

  “You may be right, but working in a pottery isn’t where I planned to make a name for myself.”

  Mrs. Woodfield arched her brows. “And exactly where did you hope to achieve fame and fortune, Joshua?”

  “I thought my father would want to have me work alongside him in his office so I could learn about all of his businesses. If I’m going to take over one day, I need to know about more than operating a pottery.”

  Mrs. Woodfield folded her hands in her lap. “Your father is a successful businessman, so I’m certain he gave your placement a great deal of thought. He likely believes it’s best to learn about his companies by dealing with the difficulties of each business firsthand.”

  Joshua offered a lackluster smile and appeared relieved when the carriage came to a halt. “Ah, here we are.” He exited the carriage and held out his hand to assist Rose. As she stepped down, he swooped his hat across in front of him and gave a mock bow. “Harkness Pottery awaits you, my lady.”

  Rose giggled. His performance inspired her to play along, and she dipped into a slight curtsy. “Thank you, kind sir.” She stepped aside so Joshua could assist Mrs. Woodfield.

  “No need to bow for me. My bones would creak too much if I attempted a curtsy.” Mrs. Woodfield gestured toward the front door of the pottery. “Just show me to a chair in the office where I can sit and listen to you explain the workings of the business. Once you’ve finished, you and Rose can take your walking tour while I remain behind and read my book.”

  Rose quickly surveyed the area before Joshua led them inside. From her observation, the pottery was situated in a good location. There was river access, and though it would have been better to have been situated a little closer to the railroad, it wasn’t terribly far. Still, it did mean that any goods being shipped by rail had to first be loaded onto wagons and transported several miles to the depot.

  Rose had taken note of several businesses located close to both the river and the railroad tracks located a short distance to the north. Once they’d entered the office and been seated, Rose motioned over her shoulder in the direction of the distant railroad tracks. “I wonder why the original owner didn’t locate the pottery with better access to both the railroad and the river.”

  Joshua shrugged. “I’ve wondered the same thing. I checked some of the land records and discovered that he could have purchased the land where the lumber mill is situated. One of the men working in the clay pit says it’s because the clay deposits were better here, but there are large clay deposits on much of the nearby land.” He leaned back in his chair. “I think he was trying to save money. In the end, it didn’t work out that way.”

  He cast a look at the ledger books, and Rose wondered if the pottery was suffering greater financial woes than Joshua cared to admit. If so, he’d truly need to discover some innovative way to either increase profits or decrease his losses.

  Mrs. Woodfield cleared her throat. “You may begin, Joshua. I’m eager to hear about Harkness Pottery.”

  Rose thought that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but at least the older woman listened and asked questions as Joshua gave a brief overview of the company. He carefully avoided financial details and information regarding contracts, but Rose hadn’t expected him to reveal such private information. She gave him her full attention, though her real interest was in discovering what lay beyond the office door. How many employees worked for the company, what products were created, what sold best, what were the working conditions like, and were there any different methods used that would improve their own pottery in Grafton?

  “I think I’ve covered most aspects of the business, but if you have questions, I’d be glad to try to answer them, though I may have to pass them along to some of the employees if they’re difficult.”

  He chuckled, but Rose thought there was likely some truth in his remark. Joshua had been at the pottery for some time now, but his lack of interest in the business was obvious. Instead of being hidden away in a pottery, he wanted to be sitting at an oversized desk in Wheeling or Pittsburgh.

  Mrs. Woodfield shook her head. “No questions. You and Rose go on with your tour, but don’t be gone more than a few hours. I’ll be ready for a rest by then.”

  “Unless Rose is extremely interested in some area of the pottery, we shouldn’t be gone long at all. I doubt she’ll want to go to the clay pits or kilns.” He turned toward Rose. “Am I right?”

  “You’re correct that I don’t want to see those areas, but if you have a large decorating shop, I may want to spend some extra time there.” She stood and glanced at Mrs. Woodfield. “Are you certain you’ll be all right here? Joshua’s driver could take you to the hotel if you’d be more comfortable there.”

  “Since I really don’t need to act as your chaperone on the tour, perhaps it wouldn’t be unseemly for me to return to the hotel.” She pinned Joshua with a stern look. “I’ll expect you to be the perfect gentleman and return Rose to the hotel as soon as she’s completed the tour.”

  “You can trust me to deliver her back to you safe and sound. Just let me speak to Henry, and you can be on your way.”

  Once Mrs. Woodfield departed, Joshua escorted Rose to the clay shop. “This is where the clay is prepared and molded into a variety of different products. I think you’ll discover it’s much like the place Ewan has purchased.”

  Rose nodded as they passed the perspiring, muscular men heaving large wedges of clay; the skilled jiggermen creating plates, cups, and vases; and the youthful, unskilled mold-runners and batters-out. She surveyed her current surroundings with the same critical eye she’d used at Bancock Pottery and was surprised to discover that Harkness Pottery came up short.

  While she’d thought the situation at Bancock Pottery quite dirty and unsanitary, Mr. Bancock did employ two women who cleaned the shops each night. Here at Harkness Pottery, layers of clay dust coated all of the work areas. The dust on the floors was so thick it quickly coated her shoes and the hem of her skirt.

  When they entered the area where the warehouse women were dusting dirt from the ware, Rose looked in on women and children cleaning the ware while breathing the clay dust that filled the air. The whisking of brushes on bisqueware accompanied the labored breathing, coughing, and wheezing at each workbench.

  “I thought the work areas at our pottery were terrible, but I believe your pottery is far worse, Joshua. Do you hire any janitors to clean?”

  He leaned against the doorjamb, careful to keep his nose turned toward the fresh air. “My father wants me to turn this into a profitable business. I’ve cut expenses wherever I can. I’ve told the workers in each shop to clean up after themselves before they leave for the day. Seems they’d rather work in the du
st and dirt than stay and clean the place.” He shrugged. “It’s their choice.”

  Rose didn’t concur, but she remained silent. She wanted to see the remainder of the pottery. If she criticized too much, Joshua might curtail their tour. “I’m told that most of the potteries have difficulty keeping all but the skilled workers for long periods of time. Is that true for you, as well?”

  “I don’t keep up with the comings and goings of those who work for the skilled workers. They hire their own unskilled workers and pay their wages, so I never see their names on my payroll. I do employ the rest of the unskilled workers, and they quit more often than I’d like. They don’t give a reason for why they’re leaving, but I think they find the work more tedious than they expected.”

  Rose agreed that stamping the company trademark onto the bottom of the ware for ten hours a day would be tedious, but she suspected many of the unskilled workers became sick from breathing the clay dust or dipping the ware into glaze that contained lead. After touring Bancock Pottery, she’d spoken to Dr. Balch, their physician in Bartlett, and discovered there were already existing medical studies detailing the dangers of lead.

  As they entered the decorating shop, Rose scanned and silently counted the number of workers. Unlike Bancock Pottery, the worktables in the Harkness Pottery employed more than twenty decorators, who were hand-painting intricate designs onto plates and serving pieces while several other employees gilded large urns and vases. She approached one of the worktables for a closer examination. Though she’d been impressed to see so many decorators, none of them possessed Mr. Wheeler’s creativity and skill.

  “You have a lot of decorators. I believe there’s a good profit to be made selling high-quality items that are hand-painted by skilled artists.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Do you agree?”