The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

  Joshua stretched his neck like a turtle emerging from its shell. “My father and I have very different methods when it comes to the operation of a business. I believe my own success will arrive much earlier in life.”

  “Do you?” Mrs. Woodfield arched her brows. “Then it seems we all have something to learn from you, young man.”

  Tessa grasped her mother’s hand as she came into the room with Laura. “Tessa has come to say hello before she goes upstairs to enjoy her dinner.” The discomfort in the room was palpable, and she glanced among the group. “Are we interrupting something?”

  “Of course not, my dear.” Mrs. Woodfield extended her arms to the child. “Come give your granny a kiss, Tessa.”

  Rose met Rylan’s inquisitive look with a shrug. She wished she could take him to the library and explain that she wasn’t responsible for Joshua’s dinner invitation, but she’d have to wait until later. In the meantime, she could only hope that Joshua would leave immediately after dinner.

  Chapter 21

  Rylan’s confusion heightened when he arrived for dinner and discovered Joshua sitting in the parlor. Though he’d seen him at the pottery earlier in the day, Rylan hadn’t expected his presence this evening. Rose had given her word that she would be free every evening until they completed their preparations for the contest. It now appeared her promise would hold true only on the Wednesdays Joshua didn’t appear in Grafton.

  Throughout dinner Rylan swallowed his rising jealousy and remained silent except when asked a direct question. Mrs. Woodfield sat to his left, and while the dinner conversation continued, she leaned a little closer.

  “You need not consider Joshua as competition for Rose’s affections, Rylan. I believe she views him as merely an acquaintance.” Rylan’s mouth dropped open at her remark. “No need to appear so surprised. I see how you look at her. Give her time, and she’ll realize, too.” That said, Mrs. Woodfield returned to the conversation swirling around the table.

  At the conclusion of the meal, Rose shifted in her chair. “Rylan and I are going to be working this evening, Joshua, so—”

  “I don’t want to keep you two from your plans, but I was hoping I could see what progress you’ve made thus far. I’d be delighted to give you any insights I might have that could help you, since I have no plans to enter the contest.”

  Rylan stiffened at the comment. The last thing he wanted or needed was assistance from Joshua. He’d be happy to see the man’s back as he left the McKay home. A hint of uncertainty shone in Rose’s eyes as she looked to him for guidance, but he didn’t respond. The question had been directed to her, so she should be the one to answer.

  She gave a slight nod. “I suppose you can join us long enough for a quick view of what we’ve completed, but then we must continue our work. We haven’t time to spare.”

  “Of course. I understand the urgency.” He directed a smug grin in Rylan’s direction before stepping around the table and offering his arm to Rose. “Shall we?”

  Rose took his arm. After thanking Laura and Ewan for their hospitality, the two of them walked toward the library. Rylan attempted to quell his distaste for Joshua as he followed them down the hallway and into their makeshift workspace but was finding the task nearly impossible.

  Though his stomach clenched, he remained at a distance while Rose spread numerous drawings atop the hand-hewn walnut library table. How he wished she’d refused Joshua’s request. Yet he could hardly fault her—she’d looked to him for guidance, and he hadn’t responded.

  “I can see your hand in these, Rose. The drawings are exquisite.” He tapped one of the pages. “I particularly like this one. Hands down, I’m sure it would win. Do tell me this one is your favorite.”

  Rylan leaned to one side to gain a view of the drawing Joshua had chosen. Though it was lovely, it wasn’t the one the two of them had favored thus far.

  Rose turned her head to the side and looked up at Joshua. “Truly? I’m surprised you chose this one. Rylan and I prefer this one.” She shifted the pages and placed another drawing on top.

  Joshua nodded. “Perhaps you’re right. There’s a unique quality to it that I hadn’t noticed.” Though he didn’t examine the drawing for more than a moment, he nodded his head in agreement. “I don’t know why you’d create any further designs. This one is perfect—a sure winner.”

  “Perhaps you’re right. If we create too many, we’ll never be able to choose which one to enter.” Rose glanced over her shoulder at Rylan. “What do you think, Rylan?”

  “I think we can discuss it later. We already have an idea we agreed to work on tonight. I believe I’ll wait to offer my opinion.”

  Joshua didn’t appear pleased with his answer, but Rylan wasn’t certain why Joshua should care. The decision they made would have no bearing on him. Unless he hoped to hurry along their process so he could once again begin seeing Rose on Wednesday evenings.

  “Once you complete all of your designs, I’d like to have a look at them. I’m sure I’m not going to change my mind that this one is the best.” He tapped the design he’d recently approved.

  Rose didn’t respond to his request. Instead, she nodded toward the library door. “I don’t want to seem an improper hostess, but we must get to work. Why don’t I see you out?”

  Joshua stepped closer to her side, his movement crushing the skirt of her crimson silk dress into the table. “I have nothing planned for this evening. I promise to be quiet as a mouse if you’ll allow me to sit over there and watch you work.” He nodded to a chair in a far corner of the room.

  Rose shook her head. “Having anyone here while we work would be uncomfortable. I think it’s better if we don’t have an audience.”

  Rylan heaved a sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted was an evening of Joshua sitting across the room evaluating their work. He was pleased Rose had exhibited the courage to send Joshua on his way.

  Rose walked alongside Joshua toward the door. “I’d like a word with you alone before you go.”

  Her comment erased Rylan’s brief moment of euphoria. Since she wanted to speak with Joshua alone, he could only guess that she wanted to make certain he wasn’t unhappy with her or perhaps make arrangements to see him at another time.

  Couldn’t she see Joshua was up to something? Rylan couldn’t be sure, but one thing was certain: Joshua wasn’t here because he cared if they won the contest.

  Rose led Joshua onto the front porch. The sun had descended and the mountain breeze was surprisingly cool. Though it would have been more comfortable indoors, she wanted to speak to him where they wouldn’t be overheard, and where it would be easier for him to depart without embarrassment to either of them.

  Though she didn’t believe he’d be heartbroken by her decision, having others present might wound his pride. Rose stepped onto the porch, then turned to face him as he pulled the front door closed. Before she could say a word, he closed the distance between them and pulled her into a crushing embrace that left her momentarily speechless. Never before had he behaved in such a forward and ungentlemanly manner.

  Placing her palms against his thick wool coat, she pushed against his chest and wriggled free of his hold. “Joshua! What are you doing?” She took several backward steps.

  “I’m sorry, but I’ve missed you so much, and when you said you wanted to be alone, I assumed you had missed me, as well.” He took a step toward her, but she held up her hand and stayed him.

  “I said I wanted to speak with you. You’ve gotten the wrong idea.” His behavior was making this more difficult than she’d anticipated, but she didn’t want to prolong the matter. The crisp air filled her lungs like a cooling balm and infused her with the courage to continue. “I asked you to come out here so I could tell you that I don’t think there is any future for us as a couple. You should turn your attention to some other young lady. I’m sure there are many who would be happy to have you as a suitor, but I don’t believe we’re a good match.”

  He pitched backward
as though she’d slapped him but soon regained his composure. “I don’t know what’s come over you, Rose, but I’m certain you can’t be serious. We’re perfect for each other.” She shook her head and tried to speak, but he touched a finger to her lips. “Let me finish.”

  She brushed his hand away but remained silent while he continued. He detailed everything from the fact that they both were involved in the pottery business to the longstanding friendship of the Woodfield and Harkness families. She thought to interrupt and tell him she was neither a Woodfield nor a Harkness, but he rushed into a litany of affectionate words that infused her cheeks with disconcerting warmth.

  When he once again attempted to draw close, she shook her head. “Though we have some like interests and acquaintances that brought us together, we have nothing more. I believe our goals and beliefs are very different.” She expected him to accept and perhaps even be relieved with her decision. Instead, he appeared determined to debate his cause. She sighed and shook her head. “Joshua! There is nothing you can say or do that will change my mind. I believe it would be best if I go inside and you return to the hotel.”

  He stared at her for a moment. “I know that once I’ve left, you’re going to regret this, Rose. You can contact me at the hotel or write to me once you’ve had time to think this through. And I won’t hold it against you. I know how impetuous women can be.”

  His disdainful response sent a wave of anger coursing through her and affirmed her conviction that she’d made the right decision. She opened her mouth to tell him as much but changed her mind. With a forced smile, she nodded and bid him good-bye.

  After giving a brief nod, he squared his shoulders and descended the porch steps. Rose blew out a long breath and returned inside. Once the latch clicked into place, she leaned against the front door, closed her eyes, and let the tightness in her neck relax. The exchange with Joshua had taken every ounce of courage she could muster, and she needed a moment to gather her thoughts.

  She jumped when Mrs. Woodfield stepped around the corner into the hallway. “I’m sorry, my dear. I didn’t intend to frighten you.” She patted Rose’s arm. “You look as though you’ve done battle. May I ask if you won or lost?” A slight smile played at her lips.

  “I suppose it depends upon whom you ask. I’ve bid Joshua farewell. He isn’t the man for me, and there’s no sense expending his time or mine on a relationship that will end in naught. Don’t you agree?”

  “I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Her smile broadened. “And how did young Mr. Harkness take the news?”

  Rose gave a slight shrug. “He believes I’ve made a terrible mistake and that I’ll see the error of my ways in short order. He’s willing to take me back once I come to my senses.”

  “My, but he is full of himself.”

  Rose chuckled. “Indeed. He said he knows ‘how impetuous women can be.’”

  “How very insulting. I do believe you’ve made a wise decision, my dear.” Mrs. Woodfield glanced over her shoulder. “As I recall, you have another young man waiting for you in the library, and I’m going upstairs to visit with Laura and Tessa.”

  Rose strode down the hallway, eager to return to Rylan and their work, but when he looked at the clock with a scowl, her spirits plummeted. “Is there a problem?” She hurried toward the drawings still spread across the library table.

  “Do you see how much time has been wasted this evening? We’ll never complete the drawing. We were at dinner longer than usual. Then Joshua took up more time with his review of our work—which I did not appreciate or want—and then you left to bid him good-bye and were gone for almost half an hour. I can say good-bye in less than a minute.” He folded his arms across his chest and jutted his chin.

  “I should have told you it would take me longer than usual. I had an important matter to discuss with Joshua.” When his stance didn’t soften, she added, “I wanted to tell him that I no longer want him to call on me.”

  Rylan’s eyebrows dipped low at the comment. “You told him you were ending your courtship?”

  “Yes.” Feeling somewhat self-conscious, she whispered her reply and averted her eyes.

  “That is the best news I have heard in a long time.” The frown had been replaced by a broad smile, and his eyes seemed to twinkle when she looked up at him.

  His response delighted her, yet she hadn’t expected him to react with such undeniable happiness. “My decision appears to please you, but I’m not certain why it makes you so happy.”

  “You’re not?”

  Did she dare believe it? She wanted to think that during their time together he’d grown to care for her as more than a friend and that he now understood she was not someone who wanted to change things merely for the sake of change. As they’d worked side by side, he’d told her he understood now that the changes she’d instigated had been to make the pottery a safe, pleasant, and profitable company for all of the employees and for her family.

  They shared a deep devotion to this contest, but they’d grown beyond that, too. Rylan was one of the most kind, honorable, and true men she’d ever met. And even though he’d most likely not admit it, he was a man of vision, but he needed a little help becoming a man of action. That, she hoped, would be her job.

  In the past Rylan had indicated he would court her if it weren’t for Joshua. Now she would see if that was really true.

  Chapter 22

  Beatrice hadn’t expected Joshua to return this evening, but since she had nothing else to occupy the remainder of her day off, she waited in the hallway of the hotel until the young boy who delivered their meals appeared. It had taken only a promise of a tip to convince him to bring her a key to Joshua’s room.

  Once inside, she returned the key to him—along with her order for dinner and instructions to have the restaurant place the cost on Joshua’s bill. He’d likely object, but it was the least he could do for her since he’d gone off to enjoy dinner with Rose and her family.

  Hours later, the rattling of the doorknob startled Beatrice awake, and she jumped to her feet as Joshua pushed open the door.

  His eyes widened, then flashed with irritation as he stepped inside. “Beatrice! How’d you get in here?” He tossed his hat on the bureau and frowned. “Have you added picking locks to your assortment of abilities?”

  The sneer in his tone set her on edge, and she anchored her hands on her hips. “I ain’t heard none of your objections to my talents when there’s something you want to know about the McKay Pottery. You wouldn’t have won all them contracts if it wasn’t for me snooping through Ewan’s papers late at night.” She gave his shoulder a light shove. “In answer to your question, I don’t know how to pick locks, but I do know how to convince folks to do my bidding.”

  “Only some folks, Beatrice, not everyone.” He dropped to the side of the bed and loosened his necktie. His gaze settled on the tray of dirty dishes on the floor. “I see you ordered food. Did you put that on my bill?”

  “Aye, that I did. Figured you’d want me to have a nice meal since you left me high and dry to fend for meself when I was expecting to have the entire day with you.”

  “This was my opportunity to learn more about those designs Rose is creating. Did you think I’d pass up that chance?”

  She drew herself up to full height. “Nay, but I didn’t think you’d expect me to go without me supper, either. And in case it’s slipped your mind, ya never did pay me the money you owe me.” She grabbed her reticule, opened it, and sat down beside him on the edge of the bed.

  He reached into his pocket and tossed the money atop the bed. Without a word, she scooped it up and tucked it inside. “So what did ya find out? Have they decided on a design?”

  “They’re working on one more drawing tonight. If they don’t pick it, I have an idea which one they’ll choose. I told them which one was my choice, and I think Rose agreed. Of course, Rylan wasn’t committed to the one I liked. My guess is that they’ll make a decision by tomorrow or the next day and
then produce the one they like.” He yanked off his tie. “If they don’t like it, then I’m sure they’ll create another. I can only hope they’ll soon decide.”

  “No need to look so sad.” Beatrice reached for his lips and attempted to push them into a smile. When he jerked away, she frowned. “Don’t take yar anger out on me. I’ve been doing my best to help ya. I can quit doing me bit if you ain’t wanting me around.”

  “I didn’t say I wanted you to leave. I’m going to need your help more than ever.” He massaged the back of his neck. “It’s been a bad evening.”

  After a little prodding, Joshua related the evening’s events. When he had finished, Beatrice grasped his hand. “Don’t ya worry none. I’ll do whatever ya tell me. We’ll make sure you win that contest.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m the kind of woman ya need. Rose would never be able to make ya happy. But me?” She leaned to the side and kissed his neck. “I know how to please ya.”

  He turned toward her. Placing his fingers beneath her chin, he lifted her head until their eyes met. Her stomach quivered in anticipation, but he didn’t lower his head to kiss her. Instead he squeezed her chin between his thumb and index finger. “You know how to please me when I’m putting money in your pocket. Otherwise, I’m not so sure you’d be willing to do anything for me.”

  Beatrice placed her palm atop her heart. “Now ya’ve really hurt me feelings, Joshua. Do ya think I care nothing for ya at all?” She lifted her hand and touched her finger to his chest. “I think it’s you that has a cold heart. I don’t think ya care about Rose McKay or about me. You were courtin’ Rose for what you’d gain if you married her, and the only reason you have anything to do with me is because I’ll do your bidding, for a price. Once you pay me, you can forget ya ever knew me.” She narrowed her eyes. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

  “You’re right. At least about Rose. She would prove to be a proper wife for me.” He touched Beatrice’s cheek. “But she would never possess your passion. A marriage to Rose would be dull. You, on the other hand, would make my life exciting.” He sighed. “But you would never be accepted by my family or by society.”