The Potter's Lady

by Judith Miller

  Ainslee couldn’t leave Tessa alone in the nursery, and Rose didn’t want the child to see her mother suffering in pain. What am I to do, Lord?

  She startled when a knock sounded at the front of the house.

  With a quick glance over her shoulder, she gestured toward the door. “I’ll be right back, Laura.” She raced down the hallway and yanked open the heavy door. “Rylan!” Relief washed over her as she shouted his name. “Go and fetch the doctor right away. Laura’s in terrible condition. Tell him to hurry!” Rylan remained fixed in place with his mouth gaping. She placed her palms against his chest and gave him a slight push. “Go! I’ll explain when you come back with the doctor.”

  Her command set him in motion. He turned and ran down the front steps as if he’d been struck by lightning. Rose returned inside and stopped only long enough to tell Laura she’d sent for the doctor. “I’m going to put some water on to boil, and then I’ll be back in to help you.”

  She’d done her best to help Laura out of her blood-soaked nightclothes and had placed folded lightweight blankets beneath her before the doctor and Rylan returned to the house. Black leather bag in hand, Dr. Braden stepped into the room and, much to Rose’s relief, took charge. With a quiet assurance, he directed Rose as she helped with his ministrations.

  A short time later, he shook his head. “I’m afraid you’ve lost the baby, Laura. Now we must concentrate on getting you well. You’ve lost a great deal of blood.”

  “Ewan.” Her voice weak, Laura extended a trembling hand toward the doorway.

  Rose turned and caught sight of her brother. She stepped to his side and lowered her voice. “How did you know to come home?”

  “After he went for the doctor, Rylan came back to the pottery and told me the doctor was with Laura. I came as quickly as I could.”

  “I’m glad you’re here. She needs you.” Rose glanced into the bedroom. “I’ll go and wait in the parlor.”

  Ewan’s eyes shone with concern as he squeezed Rose’s arm and then proceeded into the bedroom. Inhaling a cleansing breath, Rose glanced toward the stairway. She needed to go up to the nursery and tell Ainslee all that had happened in the past hour, but when she spotted Rylan sitting in the parlor, she dismissed the idea.

  Rylan stood and strode toward her. “I know I should have asked you before going to get Ewan, but—”

  “No need for an apology. I’m pleased you went to the pottery. Ewan wants to be with his wife, especially at a time like this. And thank you for going after the doctor.” She took his hand and pulled him toward the divan. “You won’t believe what happened.” Without giving him an opportunity to guess, she continued. “I had just asked the Lord what I was supposed to do about fetching the doctor for Laura, and a few moments later, you knocked at the door.” She looked down at her hand and, embarrassed by her forward behavior, quickly withdrew it from his. “Have you ever had prayer answered so quickly?”

  He smiled and nodded. “Once or twice, but usually it takes much longer, and sometimes the answer isn’t what I asked for but rather the exact opposite. Still, I trust the Lord knows what I need much better than I do.”

  “I hope Laura and Ewan will feel the same way. They were so excited about this baby—it seemed like a miracle. Now I’m not sure what they’ll think.”

  Rylan tipped her chin until their eyes met. “I believe they are stronger than you realize. If they grow weary, they will look to the Lord and find rest in Him.”

  Rose nodded. Although she didn’t possess Rylan’s assurance, she prayed he was right. “I should go upstairs and tell Ainslee. She doesn’t know what’s happened.”

  He nodded but reached for her hand. “You said earlier that you had prayed for help before I came to the door. Why didn’t you send Catherine for the doctor?”

  Rose detailed Catherine’s weekly afternoon of shopping and then added, “Beatrice is off to visit family in Bartlett until tomorrow morning, so Ainslee is looking after Tessa. Didn’t Grandmother Woodfield stop by the pottery and tell you I would be busy this afternoon?”

  “Nay. I’ve seen nothing of her. She must have forgotten.” He chuckled. “But I’d say it’s good that she did. When you didn’t arrive at the pottery as we’d planned, I thought I should make certain there wasn’t a problem. That’s why I appeared at the door.” He stood and held out his hand. “I won’t keep you any longer. With all that has happened, I don’t think we should plan on meeting tonight. I’m sure you’re weary, and I doubt we’d get much work done.”

  Still holding his hand, she stood up and he drew near to her side. “Earlier today I was excited to show you some variations I’d made in the design, but I don’t even want to think about them right now. If I don’t make it to the pottery tomorrow, perhaps you could stop by in the afternoon, and we can go over the changes. I hope you’ll like them.”

  Together they walked to the front door. “I’m sure I will.”

  When they neared the front door, he turned toward her and lightly grasped her arms. “I wanted to tell you that I spoke with Ewan earlier today and asked his permission to court you.”

  “You did?” Rose’s exhaustion was replaced by a bubbling exhilaration that left her feeling breathless. “What did he say?”

  Rylan’s lips curved in a broad smile. “He said that as long as you agreed, he would be happy to give his blessing.” He waited a moment and then arched his brows. “So? What do you say, Rose McKay? Are you willing to be courted by a poor Irish potter?”

  She grinned up at him. “I would be proud to have you court me!”

  He touched his thumb to her lips and then gently pulled her close. “In that case, what would you think if I kissed you?”

  She placed her palms against his chest, raised up on tiptoes, tilted her head, and met his gaze. “I think I would like it very much.”

  Chapter 25

  Rose raced down the back stairway and into the kitchen, her swift approach causing a near collision with Catherine. The cook squealed and sidestepped to protect the luncheon tray in her hands. “You need to watch where you’re going, Rose. I don’t have time to clean the kitchen floor. I’m already late getting the noonday meal to the missus.”

  Rose clasped a hand to her bodice and inhaled a breath. “I’m sorry, but I’m looking for my sketch for the contest, and I can’t find it anywhere.”

  Catherine clucked her tongue. “Well, you won’t find it out here in the kitchen. Did you look in the library? Isn’t that where you do your work?” The cook continued out of the kitchen and proceeded down the hallway, Rose following close on her heels.

  “Yes, but I had the final sketch in the bedroom yesterday. I was working on it while Laura slept, before I took her outdoors. I’ve been attempting to retrace my steps. I recall Beatrice came into the room, and we spoke for several minutes. I thought I had placed it on the small chest in the hallway, but I’ve already looked, and it isn’t there.”

  The back door banged, and both of them glanced over their shoulders. Catherine gave a slight nod. “There’s Beatrice now. Perhaps she can help.” The cook sighed and continued on to Laura’s bedroom, obviously pleased she’d be able to deliver Laura’s meal without further interruption.

  Bag in hand, Beatrice stepped through the kitchen doorway. “Did I hear ya speakin’ me name?”

  Rose turned and attempted to hide her surprise. Beatrice was wearing a stunning forest-green dress. The bottom edge of the bodice flaunted ivory trim that matched the trim peeping out from beneath the knife pleats at her wrist. A deep green hat with an ivory feather was perched atop her auburn curls.

  “You look lovely,” Rose said as she walked toward the nanny. “I didn’t realize you owned such beautiful clothes.”

  Beatrice didn’t crack a smile or offer a thank-you for the compliment. Instead, she lifted her nose and sniffed. “I work hard for me money and can spend it any way I like. A nice dress is something needed by every woman. It boosts the spirits, is what I say.”

  Rose me
rely intended to praise the nanny for her choice of attire, but Beatrice had clearly taken offense. “I wholeheartedly agree.” Rose strode toward the kitchen. “I was hoping you might help me recall where I may have placed my contest design. I know I had it in Laura’s room when you stopped by yesterday morning, but . . .” She hesitated and clasped a hand to her chest. “I forgot. You don’t know.”

  “Don’t know what?” Beatrice appeared wary.

  “Laura took a downward turn and lost the baby. It happened shortly after you left for Bartlett. She’s still quite weak, but the doctor says she’ll be fine once she regains her strength.”

  Beatrice looked down the hallway toward the closed bedroom door. “Sorry to hear that. I know she’s likely disappointed, but I can’t say I was lookin’ forward to having another wee one in the nursery.”

  Rose was taken aback by the nanny’s callous reply, and an awkward silence fell between them. Turning to walk off, Rose suddenly remembered the lost drawing. “I was telling you about having misplaced my drawing for the contest. I haven’t had it since before you departed for Bartlett. Do you happen to recall what I might have done with it?”

  Beatrice lifted her bag a few inches. “I need to take this upstairs, but I’ll try to recall. I remember you had the drawing, ’cause we talked about it. Give me a wee bit of time to put on me thinkin’ cap, and I’ll see if I help ya.”

  After her unsympathetic remarks about Laura, Beatrice’s offer of help came as a surprise. Though she didn’t want to worry Laura with the unsettling possibility that the design was lost, Rose couldn’t tamp down the panic that had been plaguing her since early this morning. While she didn’t believe she’d left the drawing in Laura’s room, Rose couldn’t be positive, but she’d searched the entire house. She stood near the doorway and weighed her decision. Catherine had delivered the noonday meal only minutes ago, and Laura should be awake, yet searching for the design might cause undue worry. Dr. Braden had left orders that she should rest and be protected from any troublesome news.

  Perhaps Rose should go in and offer to relieve Mrs. Woodfield. Then again, she wanted to go to the pottery, and such an offer interfered with that idea. Still, she couldn’t bear this feeling of dread that had taken hold since she first realized the drawing was missing. After another moment of contemplation, she decided to give her room one more thorough search. If she didn’t find the drawing there, she would come back and discreetly search Laura’s room.

  She kneeled beside her bed and lifted the dust ruffle to make certain the drawing hadn’t somehow been pushed underneath. When a knock sounded at the door, she quickly turned.

  Beatrice giggled. “That’s not the most becoming headpiece I’ve ever seen,” she said, pointing at the dust ruffle that covered Rose’s head like a flowing veil.

  Rose forced a smile, although she didn’t find the incident amusing. Truth be told, she was annoyed Beatrice had bothered her. “I’m rather busy. Did you need something?”

  “Nay, but I think you were wantin’ this.” She pulled her hand from behind her and lifted Rose’s drawing in the air.

  Rose stared at the sketch, unable to believe her good fortune.

  Beatrice sashayed across the room, her hips swaying in an exaggerated motion. “I’m thinkin’ ya could offer me a word of thanks, and a little extra in me pay would be appreciated, as well.” She tipped her head to the side and winked. “I can always use a few extra coins to help me family with their expenses.”

  Rose wasn’t sure if Beatrice wanted the extra funds to help her family or to put toward another new gown, but she didn’t voice her thoughts. Instead, she accepted the drawing and offered her genuine thanks before promising she’d mention the matter to Ewan, who managed the household expenses. “Where did you find it? I’ve searched everywhere I could think of since I misplaced it.”

  Beatrice gave a slight shrug. “’Twasn’t so difficult. I remembered you’d placed it on the chest in the hallway before we went outdoors with Tessa.” She gestured toward the lower hallway. “I moved the chest, and there it was. Had a wee bit of dust on it, but I wiped it off, and it’s none the worse for wear.”

  Thoughts of Rose’s earlier search rushed to the forefront of her mind, and she frowned. “I know I looked behind that chest. That’s where I thought I’d put it, but when I looked, it wasn’t there.” She arched her brows, waiting for some further explanation.

  The nanny’s lips tightened into a thin line, and she glowered at Rose. “If ya want me to put it back where I found it, just be sayin’ the word. Instead of being grateful, y’er acting as though ya wish I’d failed.”

  As Rose shook her head, she attempted to shake away the feelings of doubt that assailed her. Given the importance of the drawing, it was difficult to accept she’d been less than diligent in her search.

  “I do appreciate your assistance, Beatrice. I’m sorry my words or actions insulted you. I won’t forget to mention your help to Ewan.”

  Beatrice gave a slight nod and stalked off, clearly not convinced.

  Rose hurried downstairs and tapped lightly on Laura’s bedroom door. Moments later, Mrs. Woodfield opened the door. “Do come in, Rose. Laura’s awake, and I’m sure she’d enjoy visiting with you.”

  “Has there been any improvement?” Rose glanced into the room.

  “Indeed. Her color is much better, and she’s feeling stronger this afternoon.”

  “While I’d like to take time to visit, I was hoping to go to the pottery and show Rylan the changes I’ve made on my design.”

  At the mention of Rylan’s name, the older woman winced. “I do apologize. I forgot to stop by the pottery and give him your message yesterday.” She sighed. “Yet it does seem my poor memory proved advantageous since he appeared when you needed help.” She looked over her shoulder toward the bed. “You go on to the pottery. I know you’re eager to return to your work, and I’m pleased to keep Laura company.”

  “Thank you. Tell Laura I’ll stop and visit before dinner this evening.” Rose hurried out of the house, her excitement mounting at the thought of seeing Rylan. As she entered the building and caught sight of him in the office, she was reminded of the first time she’d seen him. Exactly when had her feelings for Rylan changed? She tried to recall those first moments when she’d thought of him as more than just another employee at the pottery. They’d certainly had their difficulties while visiting the Franklin Hotel, and that hadn’t been so long ago.

  She smiled at the thought of how drastically her opinion of Rylan had changed in such a short time. While preparing for the contest, she’d observed so much more than a man who disliked change. Hearing stories of his childhood had given her a deeper understanding of why he now longed for consistency in his life, and after sharing his fears with her, he’d embraced small changes, especially once the benefits were made clear to him. His willingness to make those attempts, along with his strong beliefs and his unyielding desire to see the pottery become successful, had melded together and caused her to appreciate him, first as a friend and now as a suitor.

  When Rylan glanced out the office door and saw her, he jumped to his feet, his face beaming. His smile warmed her heart, and she grinned in return. She lifted the rolled-up drawing and waved it back and forth. “I’m eager for you to see these changes. At first I thought I’d show them to you this evening, but I couldn’t wait any longer.” She sighed. “Especially after I thought I’d lost it.”

  His forehead creased, and his eyes shone with concern. “Lost the drawing? How is that possible?” Lightly grasping Rose’s elbow, Rylan led her across the room to a chair near his desk. He sat down opposite her and intently listened while she detailed the incident.

  “I’m thankful Beatrice found the sketch. I simply wouldn’t have been able to paint the urn with all the details without this drawing.”

  Rylan leaned back in his chair and nodded. “’Tis a wee bit strange that Beatrice was able to locate it in such a short time after you’d been looking all ov
er the house for hours. And you say you’d already looked in the hallway?”

  “Aye, but it may have slipped further down and lodged beneath the chest. In my haste, I may not have looked as well as I thought. Besides, I was so pleased to have it back, I didn’t care where she’d found it.”

  Although Rylan agreed, she didn’t miss the shadow of worry in his eyes. She reached out and squeezed his hand, and he smiled. “Sorry, my mind was racing with unpleasant thoughts.” He tapped the sketch. “I’m more than eager to see what you’ve done.”

  When she revealed the added colors, he agreed they enhanced the drawing, but it was the addition of the Scripture reference that truly pleased him. “It’s perfect! Why didn’t I think of that?” He chuckled as he spread the drawing on his desk for a better look.

  “I wondered if we might be able to include the Bible reference somewhere on the plate, as well. What do you think?”

  He massaged his forehead. “I think it would be perfect, but I’m not sure how it would look. The design you’re painting on the urn is more intricate, and the reference can be added with a refined touch, much the way it was done in the frieze. Since the design on the plate is rather plain, I think it would overpower the delicate flower and simple strand of ribbon.”

  His observation was correct. While designing the plate, they had agreed the plate would be centered with one flower that matched the bouquet on the urn and a flowing ribbon that would bear the simple inscription “Franklin Hotels.” To add anything further would create an imbalance to the design.

  “What if we place it on the back of the plate?”

  Rylan shrugged. “We could do that, but who would see it? The guests don’t see the underside of their plates.”

  “I suppose not, but I think we should have it somewhere on the plate to reveal the fact that we thought it important and wanted continuity in the design.”