The Artisan's Wife

by Judith Miller

  Tightness pulled at Ainslee’s shoulders and held her spine as straight as a broomstick. “It seems Aunt Margaret wasn’t nearly as intent upon this meeting as I was led to believe. I hope this isn’t a sign that she can’t be trusted.”

  Laura gave a slight shake of her head. “I don’t think we should draw any conclusions just yet. Let’s wait and see what Ewan discovers.”

  Once again, Ainslee offered a silent prayer that Margaret would keep her word and prove to be a changed woman.

  Ewan returned moments later and shook his head. “There’s no answer at the door. The clerk says she didn’t check out and he didn’t see her leave, but he was away from the desk for a short time so she may have decided to go into the main part of town and do a bit of shopping.” He dropped to his chair and tapped his fingers atop the table.

  “Why would she go shopping when she’s expecting us to join her for the noonday meal? It doesn’t seem logical.” Ainslee doubted her brother was going to wait much longer. He’d shown little enthusiasm for this meeting, and his impatience was increasing by the minute. She lifted the napkin from her lap and stood. “I’m going to see if the clerk will give me a key so I can enter the room. Perhaps Margaret fell asleep.”

  “I would think Ewan’s knock would have wakened her, but I suppose it’s possible she didn’t hear him. Traveling over the past few days and worry about the brickyard and meeting with family could have caused her to fall into a deep sleep. She’s likely not able to hear as well either, what with her age.” Laura leaned forward. “Perhaps you should accompany Ainslee, Ewan. But it might be wise if you wait outside the door until she can assure you that Margaret has dressed for the day.”

  Together, they secured a key from the front desk. Had he not known Ewan, Ainslee doubted whether the clerk would have handed over the key so willingly. Ainslee glanced over her shoulder. “If she isn’t in her room, we can leave and I won’t bother you with this any longer.”

  “If I weren’t willing, I wouldn’t be here, Ainslee. I’m still not making any promises about helping Margaret, but I’m truly willing to listen.”

  Ainslee knocked several times, then placed her ear against the cool wood of the door. Hearing no sound, she inserted the key and gave it a sharp turn. The lock released and she twisted the doorknob while Ewan positioned himself near the entrance.

  Ainslee pushed open the door and shrieked. Margaret lay facedown in the thick pile of the Aubusson carpet, fully dressed and still clutching her reticule.

  Her stomach churning and body trembling, Ainslee backed out of the room, barely aware of Ewan’s hands on her shoulders. She turned to face him. “I think she’s dead.”

  Her throat closed around the words as she slumped into Ewan’s arms.

  Chapter 24

  Ainslee pushed a hand away from her face and shook her head. A terrible odor stung her nose and caused her to sputter and cough. She forced her eyes open and was met by piercing dark eyes bordered with wrinkled lines. Unfamiliar curtains hung at a window not far from the bed. Where was she? Fuzziness clouded her eyes and muddled her thoughts. Once again the dark eyes drew near. She pushed her head deep into the pillow and turned away from the weathered face of a strange man staring down at her and a horrid smell she longed to escape.

  “She’s back with us.” The craggy-faced man leaned back and looked toward the other side of the bed.

  Ainslee rolled her head to the left. “Ewan.” Her voice was but a whisper. “Where am I? What happened?”

  “You had a bit of a fright and fainted. The doctor brought you ’round with a whiff of ammonia.”

  Using her elbows to bolster herself, Ainslee attempted to push up. The doctor shook his head and wagged his finger. “Unless you want to take a chance on fainting again, don’t sit up just yet.” He lifted a white cloth and touched his nose. “You don’t want to smell this again, do you?”

  The doctor smiled when she dropped back onto the pillow. Ainslee gestured for him to move the cloth away from the bed. “How long have I been out?”

  Ewan glanced toward a china clock on the bureau. “Not long. We’re at the Grafton Hotel. Do you remember coming upstairs?”

  A cold rush of fear washed over her. “Aunt Margaret?” She looked up at Ewan. “Is she . . . ?”

  He nodded. “Aye.”

  Panic seized her. “What happened? She didn’t . . . hurt herself, did she? Was she so desperate she took her own life?”

  “Nay. The doctor believes it was a problem with her heart.” Ewan looked to the doctor for confirmation.

  “That’s correct. It was time for her to meet the Maker and receive her eternal reward.” The doctor returned several items into his black leather bag before he once again looked at Ainslee. “I want you to rest here for another half hour or so before your brother takes you home. I’ve got to take care of some other things right now.” He stepped to Ewan’s side. “I’ll see that your directions are followed.”

  Ainslee frowned. “What directions?”

  “Margaret will be buried alongside Hugh in Bartlett. Her body will need to be returned there.”

  The thought made her woozy, and she shrunk back into the bedcovers. “Did she . . . was she . . . already?”

  “The doctor said she probably died an hour or two before we went to her room. There was an envelope on the writing desk addressed to you. Are you feeling up to having a look at it?”

  “Yes. At least I think I am.” She swiped her clammy palm down the bedsheet and was thankful for the cool breeze that whistled through the cracked window.

  Ewan withdrew the envelope from his pocket and handed it to her. “If ya begin to feel lightheaded, let me know. I don’t want ya to faint again. Ya scared me, lass.”

  For a moment, she stared at the handwriting on the envelope, then lifted the seal and withdrew the letter. “This says she wasn’t feeling well last night and that she had doubts she’d make it through the night.” Ainslee looked at Ewan. “I wonder why she didn’t send for a doctor last night.” A gasp escaped her lips. “She says she has a will and testament back in Bartlett and that it’s located at the bank. She changed the contents before coming to see me. This says she left the brickyard to you, Ewan.”

  Her brother’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “Nay, that canna be true.”

  “See for yourself.” She handed Ewan the first page of the letter and continued reading. “Crothers Mansion is yours to live in, as well. She says if you don’t want to live there, you should sell it and send the proceeds to Kathleen.”

  Ewan dropped to the chair beside the bed and raked his fingers through his hair. “I do na know what to say. The woman must have had a genuine change of heart.” He stared at Ainslee. “You told me she was repentant, but I wasn’t sure I believed it was true. Seems the problems at the brickyard caused her to take a long look at her life. I canna think she’d have softened her heart toward me or Kathleen without a strong nudge from the Lord.” Ewan waited while she finished reading the letter. “Any other surprises in there?”

  Ainslee smiled and shook her head. “Just a paragraph thanking me for attempting to help her. Even when Aunt Margaret and Uncle Hugh had lots of money, they weren’t particularly happy, were they?”

  “Nay, but you know ’tis not money that gives us true happiness while we’re on this earth. I regret we didn’t settle the differences between us before she died. I’d forgiven Margaret, but I now realize I continued to let an ember of spite burn in my heart. For that I’m truly sorry.”

  She wrapped her arms about her waist and shivered. “Strange how we all know death is just around the corner for each of us, yet we act as though we’ll live forever. Her death can serve as a good reminder that it’s foolish to think we can wait until tomorrow to heal our differences.” Ainslee pushed to a sitting position. “I think I’m feeling well enough to go home. Is Laura downstairs?”

  “No. I thought she should return home.” He pushed up from the chair and extended his hand to her. �
�Stand beside the bed and make certain you’re steady on your feet.”

  Ainslee did as he requested, then took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m fine.”

  She clutched Ewan’s arm as they entered the hallway. The door to Margaret’s room remained ajar, and though Ainslee didn’t want to look, her gaze was pulled toward the room. The lid of Margaret’s trunk remained open, and her hairbrush and comb sat atop a dressing table.

  Ainslee stopped outside the door. “What about her belongings? We can’t just leave them here.”

  Ewan reached around her and pulled the door closed. “I’ve already spoken to the hotel clerk. I’ll come back later. Her belongings will be sent back to Bartlett on the train. Everything has been arranged. You need not worry.”

  They descended the hotel steps and Ewan hailed a carriage. He hadn’t mentioned a wake or funeral, but she was certain Ewan would notify all the relatives. She wondered how many of them would attend. There was no denying Margaret had become an enemy to most of the relatives who’d come from Ireland to work for Uncle Hugh. And then there was her sister, Kathleen. Would she want to attend the funeral?

  She glanced over her shoulder at Ewan as he helped her into the carriage. “Will we all attend the funeral in Bartlett? If you want me to remain in Grafton and look after Tessa, I’d be willing.”

  Ewan settled on the leather seat beside her. “We’ll talk to Laura. Since her mother is living at Woodfield Manor, Laura may decide to have Tessa come with us. I’m going to telegraph Grandmother Woodfield after I take you back to the house.” He sighed and massaged his forehead. “There’s much that needs to be completed before I lay my head on a pillow tonight.”

  “This has been a day none of us will soon forget.”

  “Aye. And if the letter Margaret wrote to you is true, her death is going to bring about some big changes, as well. The problems at the brickyard will need to be resolved as soon as possible. I can’t oversee the operation from Grafton, and from the bits and pieces Margaret shared with you, there’s nobody to step in as an overseer.”

  “Do you think Laura would be willing to return to Bartlett?” She giggled. “I suppose I should ask if you want to return and take over the brickyard before I inquire about Laura’s wishes.”

  Ewan chuckled. “You are a perceptive young woman. You know I wouldn’t go back unless Laura was in agreement. A sound marriage is more important than the brickyard, yet that place is chiseled in my heart. When I was forced out of the business, I felt as though I’d lost a part of myself. Purchasing the pottery and overseeing the contracts and accounts has helped me to regain some of that loss, but it isn’t the same. Just as I had deep ties to the brickyard, it’s Rose and Rylan who have developed a strong attachment to the pottery. So, yes, I would like to help restore the brickyard to what it was before Margaret took over.”

  She smiled and nodded. “Then I think Laura will support your desire to return.”

  When they arrived at the McKay house, Laura hurried from the parlor. “How are you feeling, Ainslee? I didn’t want to leave you at the hotel, but Ewan thought it best for me to return home to Tessa.”

  “I’m fine. Ewan and the doctor took good care of me.” She removed her cape and hung it on the hall tree near the front door. “I’ve never before experienced a fainting spell.”

  Laura leaned sideways and wrapped Ainslee’s shoulder in a hug. “You can be sure that if I had been the one who walked into that hotel room, I would have fainted, too. Seeing something so tragic and unexpected is enough to cause even the strongest among us to faint.” She directed Ainslee toward the parlor. “Why don’t we sit down in here for a moment?” When Ewan didn’t immediately comply, she waved him forward. “I have a bit of news, so you may want to join us, Ewan.”

  He strode into the room and stood at the end of the divan. “If it’s good news you’re bearing, then pleased I am to join ya, my love. If not, I’d rather be on my way.”

  Laura nodded toward the empty space on the divan. “Please sit down.”

  While he took his place, she reached into the pocket of her blue-and-gold day dress. “A telegram arrived shortly before the two of you returned.” She looked at Ainslee. “It’s from Levi, but I didn’t read it.”

  “Levi!” Fear took hold and the lightheadedness and clammy feeling she’d experienced earlier returned full force.

  “Take a deep breath and relax, Ainslee. I’m sure he’s fine.” Laura retrieved a small bottle from the parlor table. “If you feel like you’re going to faint, you need to tell me. I’ll sprinkle a few drops of spirits of ammonia on my handkerchief and hold it near your nose.”

  Ainslee wasn’t sure if it was the threat of ammonia or Laura’s assurance that Levi was well that caused her to rally, but she straightened her shoulders and reached for the message Laura held in her hand.

  Ewan leaned forward, obviously hoping to keep her in his sights in case she toppled to the floor.

  Ainslee let the telegram drop to her lap. “It’s Noah. Levi asks that I return to Weston immediately.”

  “Does he say what’s happened to Noah?” Laura’s brow creased with concern. “I do hope all the drawings haven’t caused undue strain. I wouldn’t like to think the tile project has worsened his condition in any way.”

  “He’s gone missing from the asylum.” The whispered response stuck in Ainslee’s throat.

  Ewan reached for the telegram. “He does na say when his brother went missing, but I’m sure Levi is filled with worry and grief. The lad needs you there to manage the tile works so he can give his full attention to locating his brother. There won’t be a train to Weston until morning, but you must go to him, Ainslee. There’s nothing more you can do for Margaret, and Levi needs you.”

  She nodded her head. The moment she’d read the telegram, she knew she must return, but Ewan’s affirmation helped ease the guilt of leaving him with all that must be done. Had she not brought Margaret to Grafton, Ewan wouldn’t be in this position. Yet they had at least talked the day before Margaret’s death—and that was a good thing. Ainslee prayed Ewan owning the brickyard again would prove to be a good thing as well.

  Ainslee bid her good-byes to Tessa and Laura at the house the following morning while Ewan brought the carriage around. Ainslee had enjoyed only a little time with Tessa, but she promised to visit again once their lives returned to normal.

  She leaned forward and waved from the carriage until Laura and Tessa were out of sight. “I hope that by the time I get home, Noah has returned to the asylum. Levi will never forgive himself if something terrible has happened to his brother.”

  Ewan slapped the reins and urged the horses to a trot. “Levi should not hold himself responsible. If his brother was able to leave the asylum without being seen, it’s the people who care for him who are at fault.”

  “I know you’re right, but Levi will still hold himself accountable. And with Noah creating all of the designs for the foyer and main hall, it makes this all the worse. I hope his recent sketches are still at the asylum. If not, we may have difficulty meeting Mr. Harrington’s schedule.”

  “There’s plenty of time before any of the tiles will be needed. They’ve just finished preparing the site and begun the foundation. Don’t stack unnecessary worries on top of each other. First you must get back to the office and relieve Levi of the day-to-day duties. You need to make sure the orders for the standard tiles are completed and shipped on schedule. Once Noah has been found, Levi can return his attention to the mosaics.”

  “Yes, but . . .”

  Ewan stayed her. “Please listen to what I’m telling you, Ainslee. If you return to Weston and you skitter about like a cat on hot bricks, you’ll be no help to Levi or the business. You need to keep your wits about you and remain calm so he’ll do the same.”

  She nodded her head. “I’ll do my best.”

  The train hooted in the distance as they arrived at the station. Ewan helped her down from the buggy and had her trunk delivered inside. “I wa
nt ya to send word and let me know when ya locate Noah. And if there’s any other problems brewin’, send a telegram.” He grasped Ainslee’s elbow and directed her toward the platform.

  “Where do I send the telegram? Bartlett or Grafton?”

  He sighed. “Unless you hear from me saying we’ve returned to Grafton, send it to me in care of Woodfield Manor in Bartlett. Right now, I’m thinkin’ we may be there for a good while. I’ll be seeking the Lord’s direction about the future for all of us.” His lips curved in an encouraging smile. “You do the same.”

  “I will.” She lifted to her toes, brushed a kiss on his cheek, and boarded the train. She settled in her seat and waved, though she could barely see Ewan through the coal-smudged window.

  A young girl clung to her mother’s skirt and giggled with excitement as they sat down opposite Ainslee. The child wriggled with delight when the train blasted a whistle and chugged out of the station. Ainslee stared across the narrow aisle and recalled the excitement of riding the train with Rose and Adaira when they’d arrived in America. It seemed so long ago that she and Adaira had run into Ewan’s arms when they’d first arrived in Bartlett. She’d had not a worry or care in the world. How quickly all of that had changed.

  Chapter 25

  The journey to Weston had been fraught with worrisome thoughts of Noah and his unexpected disappearance. While the wheels squealed and clattered along the railroad tracks, Ainslee weighed and measured every word Levi had reported concerning Noah and the drawings. There had to be some explanation for his behavior, yet she could think of nothing. Noah had been elated when asked to create the sketches for the entry hall. From that day forward, he had eagerly set to work. As time passed, his passion had never waned. The doctor had enthusiastically reported a miraculous transformation in Noah’s behavior since beginning the project. So why would he disappear? It made no sense.