The Brickmaker's Bride

by Judith Miller

  “I know you did not think he was worth his salt, but I thought he was smart enough. If you thought he was so bad, you coulda fired him yourself.”

  Ewan’s chest felt as though it would explode. “I’m not going to stay here and argue, but you may recall that when I said I was going to fire him, you told me I had no right because you were the owner and you hired him.”

  Hugh tugged on his mustache. “Seems I do remember saying something like that, but I didn’t figure you’d listen.”

  Ewan gestured to Martin. “Come on. Let’s get back down there and take a look.”

  Before they’d stepped off the porch, Margaret came to the door. “Don’t you leave and go to that brickyard, Hugh. I need your help getting ready for the party.”

  Ewan gave a dismissive wave. “Right you are, Aunt Margaret. Your party’s more important than two kilns of ruined bricks.”

  “I don’t know what’s gotten into Ewan. He used to be courteous and well mannered back in Ireland. Now that he’s running the brickyard, he’s as brash as an Irish fishmonger.”

  His aunt’s words carried on the breeze, but Ewan didn’t turn to respond. Keeping Uncle Hugh away from the brickyard was probably best. He’d only spend his time attempting to justify the fact that he’d hired Rudy. For the life of him, Ewan didn’t understand why he’d not fired the man. Though he’d expected Rudy to be gone when they arrived, he was sitting near one of the kilns, his knees drawn close to his chest.

  He looked up at Ewan with bloodshot eyes. “I’m real sorry, Mr. McKay. I get the shakes if I don’t have me some whiskey every day. I needed a drink real bad. Guess I had a few too many, ’cause I fell asleep. Next thing I knew, Martin was yelling at me and it was morning.”

  “Do you have any idea what you’ve cost me because you got drunk and passed out? If you knew you couldn’t make it through the night without drinking, why didn’t you tell someone? Anything would have been better than allowing two kilns of ruined bricks. Do you understand what you’ve cost us?”

  Rudy remained silent, staring at the ground. There was nothing more Ewan could say, nothing that would change the horrid circumstances. An invisible band cinched around his chest and threatened to cut off his breath as he appraised the situation.

  “I told Mr. Crothers I wouldn’t be good for this work, but he said burners made more money than any of the others in the yard, and I could pay him back faster.”

  The man’s words startled Ewan and he stopped short. “You owe my uncle money?”

  Rudy nodded. “We got into some gambling, and I owed him more than I could pay. He said I could come to work and pay him out of the wages I earned here.”

  Hiring Rudy to pay off a gambling debt might have made some sort of sense to his uncle, but his uncle’s ridiculous decision might cause them to default on their note at the bank. There simply was no end to Uncle Hugh’s poor judgment.

  After telling Rudy he’d have to find some other way to pay his debt to Hugh, Ewan gave the men instructions to let the kilns cool until the ruined bricks could be removed and new arches set. As soon as he’d given the men their orders, he raced back up the hill, mounted his horse, and rode for home.

  He was surprised when he caught sight of his aunt’s carriage and Uncle Hugh’s saddled horse outside the house. He’d expected his uncle to immediately depart for the mansion in order to avoid a confrontation before this evening’s festivities. Perhaps he thought Ewan would remain at the brickyard much longer.

  With a slight kick of his heels, Ewan urged his horse onward. Only moments later, he spotted Rose and the twins sitting on the front porch. Ainslee waved and called to him as he dismounted.

  “You girls enjoying your morning?” He attempted a smile but failed.

  Ainslee shook her head. “Not so much. We’re waiting for Aunt Margaret. She said she needs our help getting ready for the party at the other house. I wish we could stay here and read instead. I don’t know how to fix things for a party.”

  The words had barely escaped his sister’s lips when their aunt stepped onto the porch and locked gazes with Ewan. “I need your uncle’s help. Don’t detain him with talk of the brickyard.” Her sweeping gesture brought all three girls to their feet. “Get into the carriage, girls. We have much to do before this evening’s party.” She sent a warning look in Ewan’s direction. “Don’t forget what I’ve said: I need Hugh’s help. And if you’re not doing anything, you can come and help, as well.”

  A rush of anger swelled in Ewan’s chest. How could she possibly even think he had time to assist with party preparations when they’d just lost two kilns of bricks? Adaira peeked around the side of the carriage, a reminder he needed to keep his temper in check. “I believe the problem at the brickyard will require my time and attention, Aunt Margaret, and I believe Uncle Hugh will feel the same once he hears my report.”

  She tightened her lips into a thin line. “Do not detain him, Ewan. This party means a great deal to me.”

  He longed to tell her the brickyard should mean much more than the party, since that was where she’d gained the funds to pay for her gala. And if they didn’t set things aright with the bank, there would be no more parties, and she’d possibly lose her mansion. However, to say such things at the moment would only cause anger and mayhem. Besides, Aunt Margaret wouldn’t believe him. She thought they had more money than she could ever spend.

  “I’ll talk as quickly as my tongue will permit, Aunt Margaret.”

  When she pursed her lips and gave a tiny shake of her head, he knew she’d heard the sarcasm in his voice. Thankfully, she didn’t offer a retort. He silently chastised himself for the childish behavior, for it would serve no good purpose. He marched up the front steps and crossed the threshold as his uncle was descending the staircase.

  His uncle stopped midway down the steps. “I didn’t expect you back so soon. I hope Martin didn’t know what he was talking about. I cannot believe we lost two full kilns.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll need to believe every word of what Martin said. Both kilns burned far too hot all through the night, thanks to your friend Rudy Banks.”

  His uncle’s face turned ashen. “Now, don’t be makin’ this my fault. There may be some truth to the fact that I didn’t train him well, but you had Martin working with him. If anyone beyond Rudy’s to blame, it’s Martin.”

  “How can you foist the blame on someone else? I told you the man needed to be fired, and when you wouldn’t do it, I begged you to assign him to some other job.” Ewan pointed his finger at his uncle. “You refused to do that, as well, and today I discovered why. Rudy told me about the gambling debt he owes you and how you figured he’d pay you back by working as a burner.”

  Hugh’s knuckles turned white as he tightened his hold on the banister. “I was trying to help the man. He has a family to feed, and I thought—”

  “You thought you’d get your money out of him one way or the other. Your plan made no sense at all.” Ewan tapped his finger to the side of his head. “Did you ever stop to think he was paying you back with your own money?”

  “I’m not a fool, Ewan. I know the pay Rudy received was my money, but he had to work for it. He had no job, and there was no other way to show him that a man has to pay his debts.” Hugh finally descended the remainder of the steps.

  “That’s very true, a man does have to pay his debts. Right now, I’m wonderin’ how we’re going to pay our debt at the bank. Maybe you need to be thinking on that for a while, for we won’t be receiving our money from the contractor in Allegheny City until he has the bricks he’s been promised, and we can’t get two more kilns shipped before the money’s due.”

  His uncle stepped around him. “You worry too much, Ewan. You forget there’s a party this evening. The president of the bank will be attending, and I’ll talk with him. Once Frank knows the money will be coming his way in a month or so, he’ll be fine.” His uncle gestured toward the door. “Now, I need to get over to the mansion, or Margaret will
have my hide.”

  Ewan didn’t believe a few words to the bank president would solve their problem. Frank Swinnen had to answer to a board of directors, who would likely jump at the opportunity to seize the brickyard. “And are you remembering that the contract you signed permits a seizure if we’re ten days late with our payment?”

  His uncle patted his shoulder. “I’m thinking you were born under a worrying star, Ewan. Seems you’re not happy unless you’ve got something to fret about.”

  The condescending comment further irritated Ewan. How could his uncle remain so unconcerned? “You’re not even going to come down to the yard and take a look for yourself?”

  “Going down there will not change anything. Besides, ’tis your Aunt Margaret who’s in need of my help. You take care of the brickyard, and I’ll take care of straightening things out with the bank.”

  His uncle walked out the front door with a wave and a jaunt to his step that left Ewan speechless.

  Could this be retribution for his uncle’s offense with Lyall Montclair back in Ireland?

  Though he’d worked hard throughout the day and every muscle in his body ached, Ewan knew he would not be excused from this evening’s party. No amount of cajoling would gain a pardon from his aunt. She expected to show off her new home in fine style, and there would be questions if Ewan wasn’t present, inquiries that would doubtless lead to talk about the brickyard rather than her garishly decorated mansion. And that would never do.

  When he descended the stairs, he was pleased to see his sisters sitting in the parlor, each of them dressed in finery he’d never before seen. He stopped in the parlor doorway. “The three of you look lovely. I am guessing Aunt Margaret took you shopping.”

  Ainslee stood and twirled in front of him. “She insisted on dressing Adaira and me in the same dresses, even though we asked for different ones. She said people think it’s darling to see twins dressed alike.”

  Adaira curled her lip. “Maybe when the twins are babies, but not when they’re our age. I feel silly.”

  Ewan grinned. “You’re not so terribly old, and you look very nice. Maybe if you stand on opposite sides of the room, no one will notice there are two of you in the same dress. As I recall, you used to enjoy using your matching appearance to play tricks on everyone.”

  Rose stood and motioned to her sisters. “Come along. Let’s be on our way. Aunt Margaret will be angry if we’re late. She said we should all be at the mansion before the first guests arrive.”

  Ewan glanced around. “So they’ve already dressed and gone?”

  “Yes, they left about a half hour ago,” Rose said. “Kathleen asked to wait and go with us, but Aunt Margaret wouldn’t let her.”

  The carriage ride to the mansion took only twenty minutes. Ewan pulled out his pocket watch when they arrived and checked the time. “We’re here fifteen minutes early, so we shouldn’t be in any trouble.” He followed the girls inside, where his aunt was shouting commands to anyone who drew near. “Maybe it would be wise to hide somewhere until time for the party.”

  The twins giggled and Adaira grasped his hand. “I know. We can go to the upstairs sitting room and watch out the window to see when the first carriage arrives.”

  Ewan was more than happy to agree to the plan. After today’s events, he needed a bit of peace and quiet before joining the evening’s festivities.

  Chapter 21

  Laura walked down the stairs, surprised Winston had arrived so early. She hadn’t expected him for another half hour. Wearing his black tailcoat, heavily starched white shirt, low-cut black vest, and tidy white bow tie, he looked the perfect gentleman.

  “You’re fortunate I’m not one of those women who is always late, or you’d likely become very bored waiting on me.”

  “You look lovely, as usual.” His comment didn’t sound sincere, but she’d become accustomed to the disingenuous remarks he made to everyone—including her. “I thought we’d have time to visit for a short time before going to the party.” He grimaced. “I do dread spending an evening with those people.”

  Laura slipped her hands into a pair of lace gloves. “Exactly who are you referring to when you say ‘those people’?”

  Winston waved a dismissive hand. “All of them. I find their company boring, and I can’t imagine that Crothers woman has the slightest ability when it comes to hosting a dinner party and ball. Then again, perhaps it will provide an opportunity for a bit of laughter and a chance to hear how Ewan McKay plans to solve the dilemma of paying his banknote.”

  Laura stepped into the parlor and sat down. “What are you talking about? Why would there be a problem with the bank? Ewan secured ample contracts for the brickyard to sustain itself in fine fashion.”

  “I’m surprised you haven’t heard. As often as those McKay girls visit, I thought you’d have already heard the news.” Winston sat down on the divan. “You’re correct about the orders, but his uncle isn’t a very clever businessman, and that will likely prove to be McKay’s downfall.” Winston went on to explain what had happened at the brickyard and the contract clause that permitted seizure of the business with only a ten-day default.

  “Surely the bank won’t attempt to seize the business if they’re only ten days late. I can’t believe Mr. Swinnen would do such a thing.” She straightened her shoulders. “You’re on the board of directors. You can speak with the others and convince them their money will be forthcoming.” She exhaled a small sigh. “I feel better already, knowing you’ll be able to help.”

  “I’m not so sure I can do that, Laura.”

  Winston reached for her hand, but she jerked back at his response. “Why couldn’t you? There’s no logical reason for the bank to move so quickly. It’s unfair.”

  “Not according to the contract Hugh Crothers signed. He agreed to the terms, and the bank has every right—in fact, every obligation—to seize the brickyard if they can’t make their payment on time. The members of the board are required to protect the bank’s stockholders.”

  “I think a word of assurance from you would help a great deal, Winston. If Ewan McKay was your friend, you’d do everything in your power to help. I know you would.”

  “Ah, but it’s you that he’s befriended, Laura—not me.” His eyes flashed with spite before he looked down and tugged on the corner of his black vest.

  On several occasions after the purchase of the brickyard, she and Winston had argued about the time she devoted to helping Ewan and Winston’s desire that she refrain from going to the yard. When Laura didn’t acquiesce to his request, he’d gone to her mother and planted the idea that her time at the brickyard could cause people to talk and possibly place a blot on Laura’s good name. When her mother didn’t immediately agree, he’d gone a step further and said he couldn’t marry a woman whose reputation might cast embarrassment upon him and jeopardize his political career.

  Mother had done her best to convince Laura that any hint of scandal would end her future with Winston, but Laura hadn’t been swayed. She’d promised to help Ewan and refused to go back on her word. Now Winston was going to use his position at the bank to punish both Ewan and her.

  “We’ve discussed this before, Winston. The time I spent with Ewan was to help acquaint him with the paper work and to show him how Father had run the brickyard. You’ve made our acquaintance into something it isn’t.”

  “Acquaintance? I think it’s more than an acquaintance. I see the way he looks at you, and his sisters are over here all the time. Whether you care to admit it or not, there’s more going on than meets the eye. I’m no fool.”

  “Is that what you think? That I’ve been making a fool of you? If that’s the case, why have you continued to court me?” Her simmering anger had reached the boiling point. “You’re even more controlling than I suspected if you believe I should refrain from visits with the McKay girls just because they’re Ewan’s sisters.”

  Winston pushed his glasses tight against the bridge of his nose. “I didn’t say yo
u were making a fool of me, and I certainly do not consider myself to be controlling, but I didn’t approve of you keeping company with Ewan at the brickyard, and I think it unwise for you to form a bond with his sisters.”

  “How can you be so callous?” Laura shook her head and frowned. “Have you considered what it must be like for those three girls to be living in a new country with no mother or father, their brother working long hours, and Margaret Crothers treating them like excess baggage?”

  “No. I’ve given no thought to that at all, and neither should you. Those girls aren’t your problem, and they certainly aren’t mine. Let them spend their time with some of those relatives Hugh brought over here to work at the brickyard.”

  “Some of those relatives you intend to put out of work! Have you taken into account how many people will be affected if the bank seizes the brickyard, Winston? There is much more wisdom in giving Ewan time so that he can fulfill the orders and pay the banknote than there is to seize the yard.”

  Winston leaned back and looked down his nose at her. “You simply don’t understand the fine details of banking, Laura. There’s so much more involved, and I don’t want to tax you with the boring details. Suffice it to say, the die is cast. Unless Hugh Crothers or Ewan McKay can pay their banknote within ten days of the due date, the brickyard will be seized.”

  He’d spoken to her as though she possessed little more intelligence than that of a gnat. “Then suffice it to say that I will do everything in my power to make certain the bank isn’t successful.”

  He blanched, but before he could respond to the curt retort, her mother fluttered into the parlor. “Dear me, have I kept you waiting? I could have hurried along if I’d known.” She glanced back and forth between Winston and Laura. “Has something happened? The two of you look positively piqued.” Her eyebrows dipped low as she focused on Laura. “Is there something we should discuss in private before we depart?”