The Brickmaker's Bride

by Judith Miller

  “We’ll do what we can, Uncle Hugh, but I wish you would have talked with me first. We already have a lot of orders to fill, orders that will pay our outstanding debts.”

  “Let’s don’t be talking business in front of the ladies, Ewan. There’s time for that tomorrow. Right now, I think we need to be pleased at the good that will come from building this home for them that’s in need. I’m even thinking it might be a place where Kathleen might find a bit of work and be able to care for herself and the wee one.”

  Mrs. Woodfield poured a dollop of cream into her coffee and stirred. “I don’t think you need to worry over Kathleen or the baby. We’re happy to have them living with us. I believe she’s already seeking out her own plan for the future. Not that I’m discounting what you’re doing, Mr. Crothers, but I think Kathleen is going to want to do more with her life than clean and cook in a home for widows and orphans, don’t you?”

  Hugh grunted. “’Tis honest work and nothing shameful about what I’m suggesting. The home will be a fine place, and it will give the wee one other children to play with. There are many living in much worse circumstances. She could make an honest living and not have to worry about safety for herself or the child.”

  Mrs. Woodfield took a sip of her coffee. “That’s true, but Kathleen deserves the opportunity to discover her talents. Of course, the final decision rests with her, but it’s nice to hear that you were thinking of her.”

  “I’m not as coldhearted as you might think, Mrs. Woodfield. If it was up to me, Kathleen would still be living under our roof. But the girl is Margaret’s sister, and I agreed to abide by Margaret’s decision. I was thinkin’ that if Kathleen should go to work at the widows and orphans home, maybe Margaret will one day see the error of her ways and bring Kathleen and the child back home.”

  “I don’t mean to imply you are coldhearted, Hugh, but from what Kathleen has told me, it doesn’t appear your wife will ever accept her back into the family fold.” Mrs. Woodfield trained her gaze upon Hugh. “To return Kathleen and the child to your home could prove painful for both Kathleen and the child, since your wife has been clear about her position. She believes Kathleen and the child are a blight upon the social status of your family.”

  Hugh twirled the end of his mustache. “I will not disagree that Margaret is determined to be accepted into society. I blame her deprived childhood for what you consider improper behavior, and I tend to make allowances where I sometimes shouldn’t. But I must remember that she has had to make allowances for my bad choices, as well.”

  Mrs. Woodfield’s shoulders sagged at his rebuttal. “I do not mean to judge you or your wife, Mr. Crothers. That was not my intent. I only wish to see Kathleen and her child have a peaceful and happy life. I do not think that will happen in the Bartlett Widows and Orphans Home, nor do I think it will happen at Crothers Mansion.”

  Hugh shrugged. “The girl does not have many choices. I doubt you want her to remain under your roof until she dies of old age.” He arched his brows. “Or do you?”

  “I’m pleased to assist Kathleen with her future plans, but I don’t think she will be living here that long.” Mrs. Woodfield gestured toward the parlor. “I can’t ask you to join me for brandy and cigars, gentlemen, but if you’d care to join Laura and me—”

  Before Mrs. Woodfield could finish, Hugh pushed away from the table. “You said you’d ask Kathleen about visiting with me. I’d like to see her now if she’s willing.”

  “Of course. Why don’t you have a seat in the parlor? I’ll go speak with her.”

  Laura escorted the men into the parlor, her discomfort increasing as the minutes slowly ticked by. She grappled to make conversation, but Hugh was more interested in pacing than talking. After Laura’s final attempt to engage Hugh in a polite exchange, Ewan leaned close and whispered, “Please relax. There’s no need to fret.”

  She wondered if he would encourage her to relax if he knew the speech she had planned for him this evening. Even more, she wondered if she would be saved from the embarrassing talk. Maybe Kathleen would want Ewan nearby while Hugh visited with her. Or maybe Kathleen wouldn’t want to see either of them. If that happened, she imagined Hugh would insist the two of them depart. Being rejected by Kathleen would not sit easy with him.

  Laura sighed with relief when her mother finally reappeared. Hugh ceased his pacing and crossed the room in several long strides before coming to a halt in front of Mrs. Woodfield. “Well? May I go and visit with Kathleen?”

  “She is willing to see you.” When Hugh took a step to the right, Mrs. Woodfield touched his arm. “However, she asked that I be present during your visit.”

  Hugh clenched his jaw. “Why is that? Does she think I’ll harm her? She knows I would never do or say anything to intentionally hurt her.”

  “She thinks it would be improper to receive you in her condition without another woman present. Surely you understand her delicate condition.”

  Hugh grunted. “Delicate? Back in Ireland, the women work until the day their babe is born.”

  “But we’re not in Ireland, Mr. Crothers. Do you want to see Kathleen or not?”

  “Aye.” Deep ridges creased his forehead. “Lead the way, Mrs. Woodfield.”

  Laura’s mother stepped to the doorway, then glanced over her shoulder. “This would be a perfect time for you and Ewan to have your little chat, Laura.”

  Laura’s stomach roiled. Why did her mother have to interfere? Broaching the subject would have been much easier without Ewan knowing she had something specific to discuss with him. Her thoughts scrambled as she attempted to recall her carefully prepared speech.

  Ewan turned toward her, his lips curved in an alluring smile. “What is it you want to talk about?”

  She swallowed hard, her mind reeling. “Will you marry me?”

  Chapter 31

  Unable to maintain his composure, Ewan’s mouth dropped open. He’d been struck dumb by Laura’s unexpected question and could do no more than stare at her. When she finally nudged him, he cleared his throat and rubbed his jaw. “I always thought that was a question a man asked a woman. Are things different here in West Virginia?”

  A deep crimson colored Laura’s cheeks, and she turned away from him. He reached out and gently cupped her cheek, turning her head back until she looked into his eyes.

  “You’re right. A marriage proposal is almost always made by the man, but I was afraid that if I made the speech I had prepared, I’d never ask. So I blurted out the most important question of that speech. I’m sure you think I’ve lost my mind.”

  “I would never think such a thing. I think you’re quite brave, but I must admit that you caught me by surprise.” He chuckled. “Now that you’ve asked the most important question, why don’t you give me the rest of that speech you prepared. I want to know what was important enough to inspire you with such bravery.”

  He leaned back, excited to hear what Laura would tell him. He couldn’t imagine what would have elicited her proposal, but Mrs. Woodfield obviously had known of the plan, which surprised him. After all, he’d already told Laura’s mother of his desire to marry her and had received the woman’s blessing. Although he hadn’t mentioned a specific date for the proposal, he assumed Mrs. Woodfield would let him choose the proper moment. Obviously, he’d been wrong.

  “Recently Kathleen has been making plans for her future and has discussed those ideas with Mother and me.”

  Ewan nodded. “I’m glad she’s giving thought to what she will do once the wee one is born, for there isn’t much time before the blessed event will take place.”

  “Exactly.” Laura twisted her handkerchief between her fingers. “There’s no other way to say this than to be rather abrupt. Kathleen wants us to raise her child.”

  “She does?” Understanding slowly washed over him. “I see. You agreed, and now you have proposed.”

  Laura shook her head. “It’s not exactly like that. I didn’t agree. I knew I couldn’t speak on your behalf,
and I told her we weren’t even engaged, but Mother said you’d already spoken to her and she’d given her blessing, so I told Kathleen I’d ask you about the baby, but then I proposed, and—” She’d not taken a breath yet and inhaled a gulp of air before continuing. “Then I realized I should have made my proper speech, but—”

  He leaned toward her and gently lowered his lips to hers. “You don’t need to say anything more, my love.” Wrapping her in a warm embrace, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. When he finally released her, he looked deep into her eyes. “I would marry you this very night, if it were possible.”

  At the sound of footfalls, they pulled from their embrace and looked toward the hallway. Mrs. Woodfield entered and glanced at the two of them. “I hope we aren’t interrupting the two of you.”

  “We have some additional matters to discuss, but they can wait a bit longer.” Ewan looked at his uncle. “Did you have a good visit with Kathleen?”

  His uncle twisted the end of his mustache. “She is content here at Woodfield Manor, and I can see she is cared for quite well. I thought she would be pleased to hear about the widows and orphans home, but it seems she’s satisfied with the plans she’s already made for her future. She did say that if her arrangement didn’t go as hoped, she would give my suggestion consideration.” His uncle shrugged his shoulders. “She wasn’t willing to share her plans with me. Seems all of it isn’t quite settled just yet, but she said when everything was in order, she’d give me the details.”

  Ewan gave Laura a sidelong glance. “Does Aunt Margaret know that you planned to see Kathleen this evening?” Although his uncle had told Aunt Margaret of his plan to donate bricks, Ewan doubted she knew he was coming to Woodfield Manor or that he would speak with Kathleen.

  Hugh shook his head. “And don’t you be tellin’ her, either. The last thing I need from Margaret is another tongue-lashing.” He waved for Ewan to follow him. “Come along, boy. Time we went home.”

  Ewan remained beside Laura. “You go ahead, Uncle Hugh. It’s not far for me to walk. Laura and I haven’t finished our talk, but I’ll want to visit with you at the brickyard in the morning.”

  His uncle hesitated. “About the bricks for the widows and orphans home?”

  “That and another matter, as well, but it can wait until tomorrow. Better you get home to Aunt Margaret than to have her worrying about where you might be spending the evening.”

  “Right you are on that one, my boy.” He donned his hat as Mrs. Woodfield escorted him to the front door.

  When she’d returned to the parlor, she sat down opposite Ewan and Laura. “I trust you two have had your talk and can now set Kathleen’s mind at ease regarding her child.”

  Ewan smiled at her. “We’ve gotten as far as me accepting Laura’s marriage proposal, but you and Uncle Hugh returned before we’d actually agreed upon raising Kathleen’s babe.” He reached for Laura’s hand. “But I think Laura knows me well enough to realize that I’d be more than happy to call the wee one our own.” He inhaled a deep breath. “So since we are soon to become parents, I think the wedding should be taking place as soon as possible.” He glanced at Mrs. Woodfield. “Don’t you agree?”

  “We don’t have much time with the baby due to arrive in early March—at least that’s what the doctor has predicted.” Mrs. Woodfield sighed. “There won’t be adequate time to prepare for the elaborate wedding I’ve always hoped to give Laura.”

  “I don’t want a large wedding, Mother. Something small and intimate here at home would be my preference.” She turned to Ewan. “What do you think?”

  “I think whatever pleases you will please me. You just tell me the day, time, and place, and I’ll be there. Unless you need my help, I’ll let you ladies take charge of the wedding.”

  For the next hour the three of them discussed the wedding, but before Ewan departed, he and Laura went to Kathleen’s room and shared their decision with her. The young woman beamed with pleasure when Ewan told her how much he would enjoy raising her child. “Be it boy or girl, Laura and I will raise the babe like our own, Kathleen. You’ve made a difficult and unselfish decision that will bring us great joy. We can’t thank you enough.”

  Kathleen wiped away a tear. “Thank you both for being so kind and generous. I hope that one day I’ll make all of you proud of me.” She rested her hand on her stomach. “I know Margaret will never forgive me, but I’ve asked God to forgive me, and I’ve asked Him to show me what was best for the baby and for me. I believe He wants only the best for this child, and I think the two of you are His answer to my prayers.”

  Ewan stepped forward and placed a kiss on Kathleen’s cheek. “You’re a brave young woman, Kathleen. I know this has not been easy for you. I’ve been praying that Aunt Margaret will soon see that she’s made a terrible mistake and the two of you can reconcile.”

  “Whether we reconcile or not, I plan to carry through with the arrangements Mrs. Woodfield is making for me. And no matter what, I know the baby will have a good home with you and Laura.”

  Laura took Ewan’s hand. “I think we should let Kathleen rest. It’s been a long evening for her.”

  Ewan bid the young woman good-bye and walked beside Laura toward the front door. “I think I’d best get back home to the girls. I’m sure they’re trying to convince Rose to let them stay up as long as possible.” Ewan placed his hand on the ornate bronze doorknob. “Do you want to tell them the news or should I?”

  “Why don’t we wait and tell them together?”

  “You always have the best ideas.” He gathered her in his arms, leaned down, and tenderly kissed her lips.

  “I think your idea was even better than mine.”

  He chuckled and pulled her close. “Then I’d better have one more kiss before I leave for home.” Happiness swelled in him as she melted into his arms.

  When Hugh didn’t appear at the brickyard the following morning, Ewan waited until noon. After placing William McDougal in charge, Ewan advised the foreman that he’d be at Crothers Mansion for a short time. Moments later, Ewan mounted his horse and rode off. His thoughts churned as he urged the horse to a trot. Why did Uncle Hugh have to be so cantankerous? Ewan had been clear last night. He’d told his uncle that he needed to talk to him this morning, so why couldn’t the man do as requested this once? Ewan thought they’d parted on good terms last evening, but perhaps his uncle had been angry when Ewan didn’t leave with him. By the time he arrived at his uncle’s house, Ewan thought he’d considered every possible scenario, and none of them was worthy of his uncle’s failure to keep his word.

  He lifted the brass knocker on the front door and banged it several times. Melva was out of breath when she pulled open the heavy door. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Ewan, but I was cleaning the silver.” Though Ewan had told Melva several times that she didn’t need to call him Mr. Ewan, Margaret insisted on the practice. Having a distant relative address him in such a manner seemed foolish and demeaning to the woman. Melva stepped close and lowered her voice. “You picked a poor time to come visiting. Mr. Hugh and the missus are having quite a row.” She glanced over her shoulder as the sound of escalating voices drifted down the hallway. “You want to come back later?”

  Ewan shook his head. “Nay. I want to talk to Uncle Hugh. He was supposed to meet me at the brickyard this morning, but he never showed up.”

  “Of that, I’m sure. He’s been arguing with the missus ever since she came downstairs this morning. I heard Kathleen’s name mentioned, and the missus went into one of her tirades.”

  Ewan nodded. Margaret had been known for her mean-spirited behavior long before she left Ireland, and those who had suffered her wrath stayed clear of her whenever possible—all except her husband, of course. “Do you want to tell Hugh I’m here, or shall I enter unannounced?”

  Dread shone in Melva’s eyes. She likely feared she’d become the target of Margaret’s fury if she interrupted the couple. “If you do not mind, I’d rather not be the one to d
isturb them. If you’re determined to see Mr. Hugh, you’ll find him in the library.”

  “Thank you, Melva.” Before he could change his mind, she scurried off toward the dining room to complete her silver polishing. Ewan shook his head at the idea of Margaret having a maid polish silver. How much her life had changed since moving to West Virginia.

  He stood outside the library until there was a slight lull in the argument before he tapped, then immediately opened the door. “Good afternoon.” Hoping to ease the tension in the room, he greeted them with a broad smile.

  Margaret glared at him. “What are you doing here? Where’s Melva? I told her we were not to be interrupted.”

  Ewan shrugged. “I told her I wouldn’t leave. She did her best, so direct your anger at me, not Melva.”

  “Don’t you think I won’t. And maybe it’s good that you’ve showed your face, because I have more than a few words to say to you, too. I hear you were over having dinner with Hugh and the Woodfields last night.” She turned an angry look on her husband. “Seems Hugh can’t get enough of being charitable, what with building an orphanage and offering to give Kathleen a job and a place to live.”

  Ewan rested his hip against the large library table. “I don’t know what difference it makes if he offered help. She refused, so nothing has changed.”

  Margaret wagged her index finger back and forth. “It is the principle, Ewan. If you can’t see that, then you’re not as smart as Hugh thinks. Were you in there talking to Kathleen, too?”

  Ewan gave a nod. “I talked to her after Uncle Hugh left the house. She’s doing quite well.”

  “I don’t give a whit how she’s doing.”

  Hugh cleared his throat. “Maybe it would be best if you let us finish in private. I’ll come down to the brickyard later this afternoon.”

  “You said you’d be there this morning. This won’t take long, and Margaret might just as well hear it, too. Laura Woodfield and I are going to marry within the next six weeks. I want you to move forward with our partnership prior to the marriage. I’ve been more than patient, and I think it’s time for an agreement to be signed.”