The Brickmaker's Bride

by Judith Miller

Ewan shook his head. “Even if he agreed, we’d never get another contract from him. Who wants to do business with a company that would do what you’ve suggested? Besides, word would quickly spread among all the other builders in Pittsburgh and Allegheny City, and we’d never again be offered large contracts. Without those large contracts—”

  “That’s enough! I do not want to hear any more of your blathering.” His uncle swatted the air. “I know what you think, but you’ve not come up with any way to solve the problem, so don’t be condemning me for trying to find a way to fix it.”

  “What you’re suggesting is not a solution. It’s only going to make the problem worse. Don’t do anything until we talk tonight.” When his uncle turned to study the bricks stacked in the yard, Ewan grasped his arm. “Please! Don’t offer those bricks for sale to anyone else until after we talk this evening.”

  His uncle’s lips dipped in a frown. “I’ll wait until tonight, but unless you can think of something better, I’ll be trying to sell what bricks we’ve got on hand whether you like it or not. ’Tis better than having the bank seize the entire yard.”

  By the time his uncle had ridden off, Ewan was certain there would be no good solution to their dilemma. Not unless Mrs. Woodfield came to their aid. She’d requested he pay a visit this afternoon, but there had been no indication of assistance in her message. Merely a brief note saying it was important she speak with him.

  He’d been praying their meeting would somehow offer a solution to the dilemma, yet why should Mrs. Woodfield help them? Uncle Hugh and Aunt Margaret had done nothing to endear themselves to the woman, and the success or failure of the brickyard would not affect her.

  Still, as he rode to Woodfield Manor a short time later, he continued to hope and pray that Mrs. Woodfield would offer some form of assistance or advice. Zeke hurried to take the reins of his horse when he dismounted. Preoccupied by thoughts of his uncle’s earlier visit to the yard, Ewan didn’t notice Laura sitting on the front porch until he neared the door.

  “Good afternoon, Ewan.” She smiled, and desire swelled in him and melted his resolve to resist her.

  He had no right to feel this way about a woman being courted by another man, but her beauty and compassion were intoxicating. She possessed all of the attributes any man would desire in a woman—in a wife.

  “Good afternoon.” The words stuck in his mouth like thick molasses. “I’m supposed to meet with your mother.”

  She closed her fan and attached it to a silver chatelaine clipped at her waist. “I know. I’m going to join you for the meeting.” Her smile broadened. “I hope you won’t mind.”

  He shook his head in answer but hoped the motion would clear his mind, as well. “No, not at all.” He followed her inside and down the hallway to the library, where her mother sat visiting with a man whom Ewan had never met.

  Mrs. Woodfield greeted him with a pleasant smile. “Good afternoon, Ewan. I’d like to introduce you to an old friend of mine, Herman Lofton.” She waved toward Ewan. “This is Ewan McKay, the young man I’ve been telling you about, Herman.”

  Mr. Lofton stood and extended his hand. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. McKay.”

  Ewan reached forward to shake Mr. Lofton’s hand. “Please call me Ewan.”

  “Good enough. And you may call me Herman, if you’d like.”

  The older man returned to his chair, and Laura stepped across the room and took a seat beside her mother. “Do sit down, Ewan. I believe Mother was going to have Catherine serve some lemonade. Would you like a glass?”

  While Ewan appreciated the pleasantries and knew it would be rude to decline refreshments, he would have preferred to know why he’d been summoned to this meeting. Even more, he was curious to learn about Herman Lofton and why he was there.

  “A glass of lemonade would be most refreshing, thank you.” Ewan sat on the edge of his chair, his arms resting across his thighs, his shoulders hunched forward.

  “You look as though you’re preparing to take flight, Ewan. Do relax. I don’t have plans to do you harm.” Mrs. Woodfield chuckled and glanced at Mr. Lofton before returning her attention to Ewan. “There’s no reason to be on edge. We’re hoping to arrive at a solution to help you save the brickyard from being seized by the bank.”

  Ewan wasn’t certain what to think, but he wanted to believe this was an answer to his prayers. Using his index finger, he waved an imaginary line from Laura to her mother, and then to Mr. Lofton. “The three of you want to help me?”

  They bobbed their heads in unison. “Is that so difficult to believe?” Mrs. Woodfield asked.

  “After the way my aunt and uncle have behaved, I can only believe you are an answer to my fervent prayers. Otherwise you wouldn’t attempt to help us.”

  “Helping wasn’t my idea, Ewan. Laura convinced me that I had a Christian duty to lend a hand—and she was correct. While I’m not particularly fond of your aunt and uncle, I know you to be a commendable young man who should not bear the burden of an uncle who makes poor decisions. Besides, far too many people will be affected if the brickyard closes, so I don’t think I can let that happen.” She straightened her shoulders. “That’s why I called upon my friend Herman. I needed the advice of someone who hadn’t been associated with any of the previous dealings regarding the brickyard. I needed someone who could give me unbiased advice, so Herman is the person I called upon to help me—and you.”

  Ewan leaned forward. “I’m eager to hear what measures the two of you have planned.”

  Mr. Lofton chuckled. “I’d hardly say we’ve made any arrangements, Ewan. Much will depend upon you and, unfortunately, your uncle, since he is the owner of the brickyard. We wanted to discuss this first with you and, if you are in agreement, we suggest you have your uncle return with you for supper this evening.”

  Ewan listened as they laid out their idea. Though he would have agreed to most anything they suggested that would save the brickyard, he thought the plan fair and workable. For sure, it was better than anything he or his uncle could devise within the next few days. But whether Uncle Hugh would agree was entirely another matter.

  Chapter 24

  Being excluded from the dinner invitation hadn’t pleased Aunt Margaret, and Uncle Hugh had expressed no desire to meet with Mrs. Woodfield. But after he revealed that his afternoon of gambling had resulted in more losses than gains, Ewan pointed out that they were without any other options. Given their state of affairs, his uncle finally relented.

  As the two men rode side by side toward Woodfield Manor, Hugh’s agitation steadily increased, and his frown deepened when Ewan wouldn’t reveal the details of his earlier meeting with Mr. Lofton. “I want to know more about this man who’s so willing to help us. There’s got to be something he hopes to gain out of all this. He best not be thinking he’s shrewd enough to pull the wool over my eyes with some complicated contract.”

  Ewan bit back a laugh. “Why would anyone ever think such a thing, Uncle Hugh?”

  His uncle snorted. “Scorn me if you like, but I’ll not fall prey to the same trickery again.”

  “Mr. Lofton wants to propose a way of saving the brickyard, but if you do not like what he has to say, then you can let the bank have it. Remember, there is likely little room for negotiation and even less time. We must do something right away.”

  His uncle scowled. “I know. I know.”

  Hugh’s demeanor was less than contrite when they entered the house. As soon as introductions had been made, he did his best to take control. “My nephew tells me you have an offer to make regarding the financial problems at the brickyard.” He glanced at Mrs. Woodfield. “While I do appreciate the offer to have dinner with you, I’d first like to hear the proposal. Otherwise, I do not think my stomach will settle enough to enjoy the meal.”

  Mr. Lofton turned to their hostess. “I must leave that decision to you, Frances. You’re more aware of whether the preparations will be ruined if we have our meeting before dinner.”


  “I believe we can hold dinner until after the meeting.” Mrs. Woodfield turned to Laura. “Would you let Catherine know we won’t be dining for another half hour?” She arched her brows at Mr. Lofton. “I think that should be sufficient time to go over your idea, don’t you?”

  Mr. Lofton nodded. “If we need time for more details, we can continue our discussion after dinner, don’t you agree, Mr. Crothers?”

  “Aye. It’s the meat of your proposal I’m wanting to hear before we have dinner, enough so I know if your idea will even bear my consideration.”

  Had it not been inappropriate, Ewan would have jabbed his uncle in the side. How dare he make such a pompous remark when there were no other options available?

  Mr. Lofton remained surprisingly unruffled. “Indeed, I wouldn’t want you to accept my offer unless you felt it was the best thing for you, your employees, your family, and your business, Mr. Crothers.”

  The faint scent of jasmine wafted through the air as Laura returned from the kitchen and sat down in a chair next to Ewan. Her gown of pale green satin heightened the color in her cheeks, and though he did his best to concentrate on Mr. Lofton, her nearness distracted him.

  “Are you listening to this, Ewan?” His uncle poked his arm. “Mr. Lofton says he’s willing to pay the bank note in full.”

  “Aye.” Ewan nodded.

  Mr. Lofton held up his hand. “That’s the first part, Mr. Crothers. Listen closely while I explain the rest, for I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding.” He inhaled a deep breath. “I will use my funds to buy your obligation to the bank. You will then owe me the payments we shall agree upon, which shall not exceed those in your current contract. I will, of course, permit you a greater period of grace to make those payments. You will pay me the same interest you’ve agreed to pay the bank.”

  “This sounds like it will work, Mr. Lofton.” Hugh slapped his knee and smiled, but moments later his smile faded and he shook his head. “This is too easy. There’s got to be something more to it that you’re not telling me. Why would you offer to save the company at the same rate of interest, give us a more generous grace period, and not ask for something beyond what we promised in the old contract? It makes no sense.”

  Mr. Lofton folded his hands across his protruding stomach and smiled. “Why is it when someone offers something good, we think there must be some hidden scheme? Is it because that’s what we would do in the same circumstance?” Instead of looking at Uncle Hugh as he asked the question, he let his gaze travel among all of them.

  Uncle Hugh was first to respond. “Exactly right. So that’s why I’m asking why you’d make such an offer to strangers. You know Mrs. Woodfield, but she won’t lose anything if the brickyard goes under. So I’m thinking there’s something more to all of this.”

  “Since you’ve asked, Mr. Crothers, there is something more that I’ll ask of you. But first let me tell you why I’m going to make that request.” Mr. Lofton met Uncle Hugh’s suspicious gaze. “A long time ago, a businessman helped me when I hit a streak of bad luck. Truth of it was, I didn’t deserve his help or the help of anyone else.”

  Uncle Hugh appeared unmoved. “Why’s that?”

  “Because in the past, I’d been party to some rather shady dealings. I’d been willing to do whatever it took to get ahead without giving thought to those I cheated along the way. I truly warranted any trouble that came my way. But that businessman said he was still willing to help me as long as I paid him back as promised, and on the condition I’d lend a helping hand to others who might have a need in the future.” He looked at Mrs. Woodfield. “That man was Isaiah Woodfield. I paid him back, and I’ve tried to keep my promise to him to help others whenever I could. So when Frances asked me to consider this loan, I couldn’t refuse.”

  Uncle Hugh’s complexion paled, and he pinned Ewan with a hard stare. “Has my nephew been telling tales about me, Mr. Lofton?”

  The balding man shook his head. “The only thing your nephew has lamented in regard to your conduct is the fact that you signed your original contract without proper diligence, and that you don’t spend much of your time at the brickyard.”

  “’Tis true I rely upon Ewan to run the brickyard while I’ve been building a house for my wife, but I’ll have more time to give to the business in the future.”

  As if on cue, Catherine stepped to the doorway and announced dinner. While Hugh and Mr. Lofton continued to discuss a time when they could sign the contract, Laura leaned toward Ewan. “I hope this will set your mind at ease so you won’t have to worry about the future for yourself and your sisters. Herman is an honorable man, and I know he’ll be fair.”

  Laura’s smile and the reference to his sisters warmed Ewan’s heart. “I do not doubt that he’s a good man. When I was alone with him earlier today, he spoke of his past misdeeds. He also told me your father had spoken to him about his belief in the Lord and that your father’s words had convinced Mr. Lofton to change his life and become a Christian. I hope Mr. Lofton can have the same effect upon Uncle Hugh. I’ve tried to point him toward Christ’s teachings, but he will not listen to me.”

  “Sometimes it’s easier to listen to a stranger speak the truth than to a relative or close friend. Herman has a way with people, so he may influence your uncle.”

  Ewan forked a piece of roasted potato and nodded. “Let’s pray that will happen.”

  After dinner, Mrs. Woodfield gestured toward the hallway. “Why don’t we finish our discussion over coffee in the library?”

  Laura hesitated a moment. “I don’t believe Ewan and I need to be present. It’s rather warm, so I thought we’d sit in the garden out back.”

  When Mrs. Woodfield didn’t object, Laura grasped Ewan’s arm. “I hope you don’t think me bold, but I wanted a few minutes to speak with you alone.”

  Ewan’s throat closed around his response. He would like nothing more than to spend time alone with Laura, yet he dare not say such a thing aloud. With his heart pounding in his ears, he sat down beside her on the wrought-iron bench and tried to gather his thoughts. He should thank her for helping arrange the meeting with Mr. Lofton. He was sure she’d played a part in the arrangement, but when he opened his mouth to speak, she turned toward him, and his thoughts once again muddled.

  “There’s something I want to tell you.” She tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear and hesitated for a moment. “Recently I was in town and had occasion to see Winston while I was there. We had a rather heated discussion.”

  Ewan’s heart plummeted. He didn’t want to hear about Winston. He forced a smile. “And did you want to tell me about that conversation?”

  Laura nodded. “Winston will no longer be courting me. We have far too many differences.” A slight sigh escaped her lips. “Winston embraces many ideas and opinions that I could never accept. We would not make a good match.” She folded her hands in her lap. “I should never have agreed to the courtship, but I wanted to please Mother.”

  “Your mother thought he would be a good husband for you?”

  “She thought he would be the only man willing to accept me.” When Ewan opened his mouth to interrupt, she held her fingers to his lips. “Let me finish, and then you’ll understand.”

  His thoughts whirred as she told him that Winston’s only aspiration was to become a politician and he believed children would be a hindrance to his political career. “Mother thought we would make a good match because . . .” Her voice faltered. “Because I cannot have children. I fell from a horse years ago, and the doctor informed my parents the injuries were such that I could not bear children. I know this isn’t something I should speak about with you, but eventually Winston would have told you, and I feared you would feel I’d been hiding the truth from you.”

  Ewan let her words seep into his consciousness. “So your mother decided no other man would find you acceptable because you could not bear children?”

  He appeared to find her explanation unthinkable. “Think about it, Ewan. I don�
�t know any man who doesn’t want to have a son—an heir to carry on the family name. After spending time with you and your sisters, I know family is very important to you. The same is true of most men. Even when they marry for love, they also hope for children. When that hope is snuffed out before marriage . . . well, you can see why my mother thought Winston and I would be a good match.”

  Laura’s eyes reflected a haunting pain, and he wanted nothing more than to erase her fears.

  He reached for her hand. “If you believe I would not marry a woman because she could not have children, then you do not know me very well.”

  “Ewan, you deserve to have a family.”

  “I have a family.” He squeezed her hands. “And Laura, it is more important to me that true love exists between husband and wife than any expectation of children. Besides, who can say what God will do in such a situation?” He reached up and cupped her cheek in his hand. “I am pleased to know Winston is no longer competing to win your heart. That is one job I do not want to share with any other man.”

  He leaned forward and lightly brushed her lips with his. When she made no move to stop him, he embraced her and deepened his kiss, wishing the moment could go on forever.

  Chapter 25

  His uncle reined his horse close to Ewan’s as they started toward their homes. “I suppose you’re waiting for me to say I owe you some thanks for this evening’s turn of events.”

  Ewan gave a slight shrug. “I think your thanks should go to Mrs. Woodfield, Mr. Lofton, and Laura. Without all three of them, saving the brickyard would have been impossible.”

  “For sure, I owe Mr. Lofton a debt of gratitude, and I understand Mrs. Woodfield is his friend and she asked him to help, but why am I to feel thankful toward Laura Woodfield?”

  Ewan thought he might be joking until he noticed his uncle’s baffled look. “Because Laura is the one who convinced her mother to seek help for us. If she hadn’t gone to Mrs. Woodfield, you wouldn’t have been able to sign a new contract this evening, and we wouldn’t be meeting Mr. Lofton at the bank next Friday to pay off the debt.”