The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

Rose glanced up from her sketching. “It’s kind of you to ask. She hasn’t been feeling herself for about three months now, but the doctor can find no reason for her bouts of illness. I know Laura’s health problems have caused Ewan a great deal of concern, and Mrs. Woodfield has been worried, as well. She’s insisted Laura see a doctor in Pittsburgh, though I wonder if she’ll be able to make the journey.”

  “’Twould be a difficult journey for someone who’s not feeling well. I’ve been prayin’ for her. She’s a fine lady.”

  “Yes. She’s been a gift to us. She’s like a sister to me and a mother to the twins. I could not have asked for Ewan to marry a more wonderful woman. Family is so important, don’t you agree?” Rose reached for a fresh sheet of paper.

  Rylan’s stomach clenched in a knot. “Aye, a good and loving family is something everyone should experience.” He inhaled a deep breath and pushed aside thoughts of his childhood. He didn’t want to dwell on bad memories.

  At the sound of footsteps in the hallway, he shifted and caught a glimpse of Beatrice’s auburn hair. He thought she was going to turn away, but she stopped short when Rose called her name.

  “Did you need something, Beatrice?”

  “Nay. I didn’t know the two of you was still workin’ in here, and I thought maybe I’d get me a book to read. I been havin’ trouble sleeping.”

  Rose gestured toward the shelves that were lined with books of every sort. They’d moved Mr. and Mrs. Woodfield’s library, as well as the books Laura had accumulated since childhood, to their new home. “Help yourself. There are quite a few to choose from.”

  Keeping his head bowed, Rylan watched as Beatrice meandered along one shelf. She traced her fingers along the spines of several books before she removed a thin volume. After looking at several pages, she returned it to the shelf before continuing around the room. When she’d reached a shelf near them, she sauntered across the carpeted floor and stopped by the desk.

  “Are these the drawings you’re making for that contest you told me about, Rose?” She turned her back toward Rylan as she leaned closer to the desk.

  Rose nodded. “We’re going to do a few more before we decide upon the one we like best.”

  “They all look quite fine to me, but then I know very little about such things.”

  Rylan eased his way around the desk until he could see Beatrice’s face. “Did ya try the chicken and biscuits special at the hotel restaurant the day I saw you there?”

  Beatrice stiffened. “Nay. I’m not much for such a heavy lunch as that, but I’m sure it was good.”

  He hadn’t missed the wariness in her voice, nor the suspicion that shone in her eyes. Rose looked up and tipped her head to the side. “When was this?”

  “’Twas on me day off some time ago. I stopped in the hotel for a bite of lunch, and Rylan was there, as well. I believe you’d been fixin’ to leave about the time I arrived.”

  Rylan nodded. “Right you are. I’m thinkin’ it was on a day when Joshua Harkness was at the hotel. I’d seen him in the dining room.”

  Beatrice stepped away from the desk and turned toward the door. “I best get back up to the nursery in case Tessa wakes up.”

  She hadn’t yet reached the door when Rylan said, “I thought it was a book you were after. Did ya forget, then?”

  “Nay.” The braided loop of auburn hair that rested upon her nape swung back and forth when she turned toward him. “I did not forget, but I need to check on Tessa.” She scurried out of the room before he could question her further.

  “Strange. I didn’t realize Beatrice enjoyed reading. I have some books in my room she might enjoy.” Rose stood and held up the sketch she’d been working on. “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s almost as lovely as the woman who drew it.” He shouldn’t have been so bold, but it was too late to take back the words.

  A bright splash of pink colored Rose’s cheeks. “Thank you for the compliment, but—”

  “I know what I said was improper, and I hope you’ll forgive me, but I spoke the truth. You are so lovely, and I would ask your brother for permission to court you if I was a man of proper social standing—and if you weren’t in love with Joshua Harkness.”

  Her mouth dropped open, and she backed away from him. “In love? I have never declared my love for Joshua or for any other man.”

  Perhaps this wasn’t the right time to pursue the topic of Joshua, but there might not be another opportunity. “If you don’t care for him, why do you accept him as a suitor and let him continue to call on you every week?”

  “I didn’t say that I don’t care for him. Joshua has many admirable qualities, but I don’t love him. Right now, I consider him a friend, and I think that’s how he feels about me, as well.” Her shoulders lifted in a tiny shrug. “Who can say what the future holds for us? Laura says that sometimes love can grow out of friendship.” She hesitated a moment. “I don’t know if that will happen between Joshua and me. Sometimes I think he is so determined to succeed and please his father that there is no room in his life for anything or anyone else.”

  “If I had the opportunity to court someone like you, I’d make room in my life and in my heart for her.” His words hung in the air. After a long moment, he cleared his throat and tore his gaze from hers. “But of course, that’s between you and the man who is courting you. It’s certainly not any of my business.”

  “Isn’t it?” Rose whispered.

  “Not as long as you’re being courted by another man.”

  Chapter 20

  Beatrice wasn’t certain if Joshua would show up today, but she held out hope he’d be at the hotel when she arrived. She was growing tired of his taking her for granted and expecting she would appear on the Wednesdays when he might decide upon coming to Grafton. Being left to her own devices, she’d gone to his regular room last week and once again been met at the hotel door by a stranger. She had backed away, saying she couldn’t remember her room number, but she wasn’t certain the man believed her. Her embarrassment continued as he’d watched her walk the length of the hallway and returned downstairs. There’d been no escaping down the back stairway, and she’d silently cursed her circumstances.

  That foolish pottery contest couldn’t be over soon enough to suit her. Maybe then Joshua would return to his regular schedule. Better yet, once she told him about the designs she’d seen in the library, maybe he’d forget about Rose McKay and realize he needed a real woman, a woman like her. She smiled at the thought as she walked along the path behind the livery and up the back stairway.

  She inhaled a deep breath before she lifted her hand and knocked on the door of room number four. At the sound of footsteps inside, she took a backward step and glanced toward the stairs. Best to be prepared for a quick exit if someone other than Joshua appeared.

  When the door opened, she sighed with relief and pushed him aside. “Glad I am it wasn’t another beefy stranger opening the door to me this week.”

  Joshua chuckled as he closed and locked the door. “I’m pleased to hear that you missed me.” He strode across the room, grasped her upper arms, and tried to pull her close.

  She placed her open palms against his chest and pushed away from him. “Not so fast. We need to come to some sort of an understandin’.” When he tightened his grip, she pushed back with all her strength. “I mean it, Joshua. I’m tired of playing this game of ‘is he in the room or ain’t he?’ I’m sticking me neck out to get you the information you want, and you don’t even bother to show up.”

  He released her with an angry grunt. The bed creaked in protest as he dropped onto the edge. “I don’t want to argue, Beatrice.” He crooked his index finger several times and curved his lips in a greedy smile. “Come over here, and I’ll make it up to you.”

  “Nay.” She shook her head. “The only way you’ll be making it up to me is by lining me pockets with some money.”

  He blew out a long sigh. “You’re always talking about money. I’ve never failed to p
ay for the news you bring me. Now come on over here and give me a proper welcome.”

  She longed to rush into his arms, but she remained steadfast. “Payment first, then I’ll give ya a right and proper greetin’.” She glanced over her shoulder at the chest. “Is your money in one of these drawers?”

  He jumped up from the bed, shoved his hand into his pocket, withdrew several bills, and slapped them atop the chest. “There! Take what you think I owe you and tell me your news. You can get out once we’ve finished our business.”

  “You know I prefer me payment in silver coins, not paper money.”

  “Your lack of trust in paper money is unfounded, Beatrice. If you want payment any other way, you’ll have to wait until I go to the bank. Now tell me what’s been happening. Have you managed to discover what design they’re going to use in the contest?”

  With a sigh, she plopped onto the lone chair across the room. Before arriving, she’d been determined to withhold everything from Joshua until she had her money and a promise he’d keep her advised of his comings and goings, but nothing was turning out as planned. For the moment, she’d have to trust him, but when they left this room, she’d tail him to the bank and wait outside for her payment.

  For the next hour, she told him what she’d seen and heard while browsing through the library in the office at the McKay home. The entire matter would have gone much more quickly had Joshua not continually interrupted her with questions that caused her to forget details that she was now required to add in a haphazard manner.

  “So they’ve created numerous designs, but they haven’t made a decision on which one they’ll submit just yet?”

  “Aye. That’s what I’ve said to ya. I think I saw about eight different ones, but I’m thinkin’ they’re gonna make all of them and see which one they like the most.”

  Joshua raked his fingers through his hair. “This isn’t working out like I hoped. I need to see which one they’re going to enter in the contest. Did you copy any of the drawings?”

  “What’s that y’er asking?” Beatrice snapped to attention, astonished by the foolishness of his question. “Do ya think I could have just pranced meself over to the two of them and said, ‘Hold up, Rose and Rylan. I’d like to make me a copy of these drawings for Joshua so he can best ya at the contest?’”

  He pointed toward her and frowned. “I don’t welcome your mockery, Beatrice.” The censure in his voice and the anger flashing in his eyes instantly erased her smile. “I want those drawings. You’ll need to trace them onto tissue paper and bring them to me.”

  “Just how do ya think I’m gonna be able to do that? The designs for the urns was real fancy with lots of squiggly lines and such. Besides, there’s too many for me to copy all of ’em. I told ya there’s at least eight different drawings.”

  “I’ll have to think of something. Maybe I better go to the pottery this afternoon and see about visiting with Rose. Perhaps she’ll tell me if they’re close to making a decision.” He gave a firm nod of his head. “That’s exactly what I’ll do. I’ll go and see Rose. Maybe she’ll invite me for dinner tonight once she sees I’m in town.”

  A buzz of jealousy whirred in Beatrice’s head like a swarm of angry wasps. She had hoped to return to the hotel this evening and have Joshua pay for a fine meal from the restaurant. Even if she couldn’t sit with him downstairs, they could share a meal in his room. Besides, it was more intimate being alone with him in his room. She needed more time to heal some of the angry words they’d exchanged.

  “I thought we’d meet back here for dinner tonight, but it sounds like you’d rather be with Rose.”

  “You know this is important, or I wouldn’t go.” He traced his finger along her pouting lips. “If she doesn’t invite me, I’ll be right here waiting for you.”

  She waved him toward the door. “Come on, then. Best you get to the bank.”

  Though he encouraged her to remain in the room until he returned with her money, she declined. “I’ll follow a ways behind and wait on the bench outside the bank so you can slip me the money on your way out. And don’t try to cheat me, either.”

  Together they departed down the back stairs, although Beatrice waited in the doorway for a short time before following Joshua. After rounding the corner, she strolled along the board sidewalk and settled on a small wooden bench outside the bank. She turned with anticipation each time a customer departed the bank. Why was it taking so long? When Joshua finally reappeared, she heaved a sigh of relief and jumped to her feet. She hurried toward him, her hand extended.

  He frowned and gestured with one hand, but she continued forward and grasped his arm. “Get your hand off me.” His lips remained in a tight line as he commanded her to release his arm.

  She dropped her hold and was prepared to upbraid him but instead, turned and followed his gaze. Rose! What was she doing in town? Beatrice had barely formed the thought when Rose was at her side.

  Glancing back and forth between them, she arched her brows. “I didn’t realize you two had become such good friends.”

  Joshua shook his head. “We’re not friends. I was in the bank and . . .”

  When he faltered, Beatrice smiled and completed the explanation. “I sat down out here to rest me feet for a wee bit before doing any more shopping. You know how tired a lady can get trying to find just the right piece of lace or fabric.” She dropped to the bench to emphasize her weariness.

  “Since I don’t see any packages, I’m not sure why you would be so fatigued. Seems you may have had a wasted morning. Except for seeing each other, that is.” Rose’s lips curved in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m sure neither of you would consider your chance meeting to be wasted time.” She settled her gaze on Joshua’s arm for a moment—exactly where Beatrice had been clinging to him.

  Beatrice popped to her feet like a jack-in-the-box that had been wound too tight. “Sure, and it was nice to see Mr. Harkness, but if you two will excuse me, I think I’ll be on my way. I’ve a lot of errands to complete before day’s end.” She gave a slight nod before she hurried down the street, with an empty reticule and a worried mind.

  Rose forced a smile as Mrs. Woodfield came to a halt outside the doorway leading into the parlor. How was she going to get Joshua to leave?

  The older woman glanced at the threesome—Rose seated between Joshua and Rylan—before she stepped into the room. “I’m surprised to see you, Joshua. Rose didn’t mention you were coming to town. What brings you to Grafton?” Before hearing his response, she turned to Rose. “Have you and Rylan completed your work?”

  “No. There’s much to be done before we’re ready.”

  Grandmother Woodfield was well aware they weren’t done with their preparations. She also understood the prior arrangement Rose had made with Joshua.

  “Well, then, I’ll return to my original question, Joshua. What brings you to Grafton?”

  “I know I agreed to give up my Wednesday visits, but then I decided to come to town unannounced and see if I could persuade Rose to spend a little time with me.”

  Rylan shifted in his chair. “Unless I’m mistaken, you’ve already been in Rose’s company for several hours. Weren’t you in the decorating shop with her this afternoon?”

  “You can’t fault me for wanting to be with her as much as possible while I’m in town.” He pinned Rylan with a scathing look.

  “I must say I think it’s rather odd that you would simply appear and hope that Rose would have time to spend with you.” Mrs. Woodfield crossed the room and sat down on the divan. “A reasonable person would have inquired beforehand so he wouldn’t waste time. I assume you take time away from your own workday when you come to Grafton, Joshua. Or am I unaware of some business your family owns here in Grafton that requires your attention?”

  Joshua glanced at Rose as though he hoped she’d rescue him, but she remained silent. Like Grandmother Woodfield, she wanted to hear why he’d appeared in Grafton today. Even after she’d attempted to di
ssuade him, he’d come to the pottery and had even managed to finagle a dinner invitation from Ewan. His presence in the decorating shop had been unwelcome and intrusive. He’d peppered her with myriad questions about her contest designs as well as the variety of decorating techniques used in the shop. In the end, his presence had been so distracting Mr. Wheeler had insisted he leave the shop after only an hour.

  For the remainder of the afternoon, Rose’s thoughts had been a jumble as she’d attempted to recall the numerous events that linked Joshua and Beatrice.

  In the past, she had chosen to ignore or accept without question the various explanations given by Beatrice and Joshua. She’d chosen to believe Beatrice when she said the letter from Joshua was merely to help her brother locate employment, and Rose had ignored Rylan’s comments about having seen the two of them together. Even after observing Beatrice clutching Joshua’s arm earlier that day, Rose’s reaction hadn’t been one of anger and betrayal, but rather one of surprise.

  By afternoon’s end, Rose had reached the conclusion she simply didn’t care about Joshua as a suitor. She’d inhaled a deep breath as she departed the decorating shop, pleased by the recent revelation. Her relief, however, had been short-lived, for as she rounded the corner of the main building, she’d spied Joshua standing alongside Ewan with a grin on his face.

  After several long moments, Joshua cleared his throat. “I don’t have any business endeavors here in Grafton, but we weren’t particularly busy at the pottery, so I thought it would be a good day to visit Rose.” He ended the remark with a weak smile.

  “Seems to me you should be exceedingly busy.” Mrs. Woodfield met Joshua’s gaze. “From what I’ve heard, you’ve been quite successful gaining numerous contracts for your pottery.” She touched her fingers to the brooch fastened to her lace collar. “I would think your oversight would be much needed in Fairmont. As I recall, your father always maintained close supervision of his businesses. That practice has certainly benefited him. Don’t you agree?”