The Brickmaker's Bride (27 page)

Ewan smiled down at Laura. “I do not doubt your mother’s kindness or her good intentions. I’m thankful she offered to help Kathleen. Rose told me she was a wee bit worried about being alone with Kathleen when her time draws near. This will set Rose’s mind at ease and allay some of the twins’ many questions—at least for the near future.”

“The girls are always welcome here. In fact, I’ll be glad to
have them come after school each day. I’ve been missing their daily visits now that school has begun.”

Ewan reached forward and clasped her hand in his. “I had a few moments alone with your mother recently and asked for permission to court you.” His heart quickened as he awaited her response.

She squeezed his hand. “I can’t think of anything I would like more.”

Her eyes glistened in the afternoon sunlight, and the warm smile that curved her lips melted his heart. Did this woman have any idea of what a treasure she was? She’d stood by him, extended a welcoming hand to his sisters, and now was opening her home and heart to a woman she barely knew—a woman who was carrying an unwelcome child when Laura herself so desperately longed for such a gift.

Stepping closer, he placed his hands on her waist and drew her toward him. He lowered his head and met her soft full lips in a lingering kiss that swept over him like a raging summer storm.

He forced himself to take a backward step. “I’d better go or I may never leave your side.” His voice cracked with emotion as he traced his finger along her cheek, then hurried down the front steps.

A
lthough they remained silent, there was a sense of anticipation and solidarity between Ewan and his uncle as they rode to Bartlett on Friday morning. Today they would meet Mr. Lofton and pay off the existing debt on the brickyard.

Ewan’s optimism mounted as they neared the hotel. Once the money was paid to the bank, he’d finally be relieved of the ongoing anxiety that had plagued him for months. The Bible told him he should cast all of his cares upon the Lord—and he had tried. Night after night, he’d prayed to be released from this weight of concern, but his unease remained. In less than an hour, he’d be free of further financial worry.

As they neared the bank, Uncle Hugh pulled back on his horse’s reins while Ewan urged his horse onward. Leaning forward in the saddle, his uncle hollered, “Where are ya goin’, boy?”

Ewan glanced over his shoulder. “To the hotel. Mr. Lofton said he’d meet us in the hotel lobby, and we’d go to the bank together.”

“Nay. Are ye sure? I thought he said to meet at the bank.”

“I’m sure.” Ewan slowed his horse until his uncle came
alongside. Truth be told, Ewan didn’t think he’d forgotten even one word of those meetings with Mr. Lofton. They’d been far too important to the survival of their business.

As the two men entered the hotel lobby, Ewan darted a glance around the room. When there was no sign of Mr. Lofton, he strode into the restaurant. Perhaps the older man was indulging in a final cup of coffee after breakfast.

His uncle stepped to his side. “He must be waiting for us at the bank.”

Ewan shook his head. “He said to meet him at the hotel.” Turning on his heel, he rushed to the front desk and gestured to the desk clerk. “We were to meet Mr. Lofton in the lobby this morning, but I don’t see him. I need his room number so that I can check on him.”

The clerk traced his finger down the hotel registry, then shook his head. “It appears Mr. Lofton had a reservation, but he never arrived.”

Panic seized Ewan, and he grabbed the book. He had to see for himself. When it was clear Mr. Lofton hadn’t registered, Ewan lifted his gaze and met the clerk’s annoyed stare. “He has to be here. We have a meeting this morning. Is there a message for me?”

The clerk reached for the registry and returned it to its proper place on the desk. “Your name?”

“Ewan. Ewan McKay. Or maybe Hugh Crothers. If you could check under both of our names, I’d be grateful.” He glanced at his uncle as he attempted to hide the grim feeling that had settled in his chest.

The clerk riffled through a stack of messages and shook his head. “Nothing here for either of you, sir.”

His uncle patted his shoulder. “Do na get yourself too worked up, Ewan. I’m guessin’ Mr. Lofton arrived on the early train and
is already waiting for us at the bank. There’s no need to wait around here any longer.”

Ewan agreed there was no reason to wait at the hotel, but he didn’t share his uncle’s thought that they’d discover Mr. Lofton waiting for them at the bank. Strange how the two of them had changed perspective. His uncle was the one who usually adopted a negative attitude. Today, Ewan had assumed that position. As they walked toward the bank Ewan silently prayed God would give him peace and eliminate his increasing dread.

The moment they stepped into the bank, Ewan surveyed the area and shook his head. “Mr. Lofton’s not here. What do you think has happened to him?”

“I do na know, but I’m hoping that he’ll soon appear on fairy wings and set both our minds at ease.”

Winston was already seated in Mr. Swinnen’s office when Ewan and his uncle were directed into the bank president’s office. Mr. Swinnen leaned his ample body forward and gestured toward the two empty chairs. “Have a seat, gentlemen. I’m glad to see you’re punctual with your appointments, even if you’re not going to be punctual with your payment.”

Ewan lowered himself into a chair that afforded a view of the street where he’d be sure to see Mr. Lofton if he should arrive.

Hugh glanced at Ewan. “You go ahead and do the talkin’, Ewan.”

Ewan jerked around and gave his uncle a questioning look. What could he possibly say to the banker? His stomach roiled as Winston and Mr. Swinnen turned to face him. He cleared his throat and once again sent a silent prayer heavenward. “My uncle and I had made arrangements to pay off the debt this morning. However, there’s been a bit of confusion and our meeting will need to be rescheduled for a later date.”

Instead of Mr. Swinnen taking the lead, Winston moved to the
edge of his chair. His eyebrows pulled together and deep creases settled across his forehead. “Do you honestly expect us to believe you’ve located a benefactor who is willing to pay off your debt?”

“Aye. I expect you to believe me, because it’s the truth I’m telling you. I’m sure you both have your doubts, but if you’ll give us a bit more time so we can discover what’s happened, you can be sure the debt will be paid.”

Winston rubbed his forehead. “We agreed before you arrived this morning that the bank is willing to give you two weeks to move from the property. We believe that amount of time is extremely generous. Though I doubt you have a benefactor or you’ll have the money to pay off your debt, we won’t extend that period of time. In truth, you should likely use the time to begin moving from the property.”

Winston and Mr. Swinnen exchanged a quick look before the banker took up the conversation. “I understand you want additional time, but in order to protect the stockholders, we must have the property on the market as soon as possible. I simply cannot agree to more than the two weeks. Either you pay off your debt by then, or you must vacate the premises.”

Winston steepled his fingers and leaned forward. “Tell me, Ewan, who is this benefactor you’ve mentioned?” His lips curled in a wry smile. “I’m trying to think of anyone you may know who is financially capable of paying off your debt. For the life of me, I can’t think of a soul.” His brows dipped low, and he hesitated for a moment. “Please tell me Frances Woodfield hasn’t decided to fund the brickyard she sold you less than a year ago.”

Ewan pushed up from his chair. “Put yourself at ease, Winston. It isn’t Mrs. Woodfield, but I’ll say nothing more about our benefactor.”

Winston guffawed. “Well, one thing is certain—he’s as invisible as a snowstorm in July.”

“Let’s go, Uncle Hugh.” Ewan nodded to Mr. Swinnen. “We’ll be back with the money before the two weeks is up, so don’t make any plans to sell the business.”

The banker cleared his throat. “I feel I should tell you that we’ve located a prospective buyer, Mr. McKay. He’s eager to take possession of the brickyard, so don’t be late with your payment.”

“And who is this buyer, Mr. Swinnen?” Hugh jumped to his feet. “Seems strange there’s someone chompin’ at the bit to buy the brickyard when Winston was having a terrible time trying to sell the place when we were looking for a suitable brickyard.”

Winston didn’t give Mr. Swinnen an opportunity to respond. “When the yard was sitting idle, it was a hard sell. But now that you have it up and operational, there’s greater appeal.” His words carried an undeniable air of pomposity.

“I didn’t hear a name mentioned in your answer, Mr. Hawkins.” Hugh turned toward the door. “Or is your buyer as invisible as a snowstorm in July?” Hugh snorted and waved to his nephew. “Come on, Ewan.”

Winston stood and frowned. “Joke while you may, Hugh, but it’s I who will have the last laugh.”

They’d walked only a few steps out of the bank when Winston called Ewan’s name. He turned and waited as Winston stalked toward them. He glanced at Hugh. “I’d like a word alone with Ewan.”

The older man arched his brows in question. When Ewan gave a slight nod, his uncle returned the gesture. “I’ll meet you back at the hotel.”

“What is it you want, Winston?” Ewan’s world was crumbling around him. He truly didn’t want to talk to Winston. If the man hoped to ply the name of their benefactor from him, he was going to be very disappointed.

“It’s Laura that’s been trying to help you arrange for payment
of the bank loan, isn’t it?” His words were laced with venom. “I know she fancies you, and you may think you’ve won, but you haven’t.” His eyes shimmered with hatred. “I’d wager Laura hasn’t told you she can’t ever bear you a child. Believe me, she’s not the prize you think she is.” He sneered and gave Ewan a slight shove. “Go ahead and ask her. She’ll know I’ve told you, and she’ll have to admit the truth.”

Ewan shook his head. “You’re a pitiful shell of a man, Winston. Laura has already told me about the accident that happened years ago and what the doctor told her parents. None of that matters to me. I love Laura and hope to marry her. Whether she can have a child is not what influences my love or desire to spend my life with her. With or without children, I believe our love will sustain us.”

Winston snorted. “Love? We’ll see how long that lasts. Have you taken time to consider that the two of you have nothing in common? She is a woman who has had many advantages, and her associations are with people of a different—shall we say higher—class than you and your family. Do you truly think she will remain happy in the surroundings you’ll provide?” He shook his head and sneered. “Whether you’re able to pay off your debt or not, I see the makings of a disaster.”

“Disaster?” Anger welled in Ewan’s chest, and he squeezed his hands into tight fists. He longed to wipe that sneer off Winston’s face, yet such behavior would be breaking his promise to God. Violence in any form would only reinforce Winston’s misguided beliefs. There was nothing Ewan could say or do that would change the man’s skewed thinking. Ewan shrugged one shoulder. “Bring your prediction to me after we’ve been married for ten years. Then we’ll see who is right.”

Under other circumstances, Ewan might have spoken with more conviction. But after this morning’s debacle, he wondered
if Winston was right. Once Laura learned Mr. Lofton hadn’t appeared and the brickyard was still in jeopardy, would she still consider a future with him? He wanted to believe it wouldn’t matter, yet he knew she was committed to the success of the brickyard. And there was no denying she was accustomed to a life of ease among the wealthy. He couldn’t expect her to marry him if they lost the brickyard.

Panic and sadness took hold as he continued toward the hotel. If Mr. Lofton didn’t keep his word, how would they survive? He could seek work as a brick burner at one of the brickyards they’d surveyed during their journey to West Virginia, but he hadn’t come to America to work as a brick burner for the rest of his life. He’d never earn enough money to own his own business or give his sisters the life he’d promised them.

“Pick your lip up off the ground, boy. We’ve got only two weeks, so we do na have time for sulking and cryin’ over spilt milk.” Hugh grasped Ewan by the arm. “Leave your horse. We need to make a stop before we head for home.”

Side by side, the two of them walked the short distance to the telegraph office, where the operator prepared and sent a message to Mr. Lofton. Ewan’s insides roiled as he dictated the message. What if Mr. Lofton didn’t respond? Surely he’d intended to meet them, or he wouldn’t have made a reservation at the hotel. Ewan clung to that tiny thread of hope as they departed the office.

His uncle donned his hat and straightened his shoulders as though nothing had gone amiss. “We should hear something back within the next couple of days. With the two weeks the bank gave us, there’s still plenty of time to get things settled before Winston comes knocking on our door with his legal papers.”

His uncle’s affable conduct was so out of character that Ewan
came to a halt. “Do ya not realize how serious this is, Uncle? What if Mr. Lofton has decided he doesn’t want to help us?”

“Now don’t be talking such nonsense, Ewan. I don’t recall the last time I was so impressed by a man. I’m thinking he had some sort of urgent situation and missed his train. Once we hear from him, we’ll have the matter settled.” His uncle chuckled. “If not, I may have to break my word and go back to the gaming tables.” Ewan opened his mouth to protest, but his uncle held up his hand. “Don’t get yourself all riled up. I was only joking with ya.”

Ewan gave his uncle a sideways glance. “I hope so, Uncle Hugh. The gaming tables will only cause more problems.” After mounting their horses, Ewan came alongside his uncle. “I think I’ll stop at the orphanage. Laura’s helping there this morning. She may have some idea of why Mr. Lofton didn’t appear.”

Hugh nodded. “I might as well come along. I’d like to know what she has to say, as well.”

“If she has any advice, I’ll stop by your house on my way home.” Ewan hoped to talk to Laura alone and discover whether this turn of events would affect their future. If Mr. Lofton didn’t pay off their debt, Ewan feared losing more than the brickyard. But broaching the subject of their future with Laura would be impossible if Uncle Hugh was at his side.

“Na. ’Tis easier if I come along with ya. I’ve never been in the orphanage, so it will give me a chance to have a look at the place.”

His uncle’s desire to look at the orphanage was as strange as his demeanor had been when they’d sent the telegram. Ewan considered questioning the inexplicable changes he’d observed in his uncle’s behavior but decided this wasn’t the right moment; he simply didn’t have the strength.

The bell over the front door of the orphanage brought Mrs.
Tremble scurrying to the entrance. She smiled at Ewan. “So good to have you with us again, Mr. McKay.” Though he’d only visited the orphanage with Laura on a couple of occasions, Mrs. Tremble greeted him as though he’d been a frequent visitor.

She glanced in Hugh’s direction. “Good morning, sir. I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Sophia Tremble, the director of the orphanage.”

“Hugh Crothers,” Hugh said with a smile. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Tremble.”

“I was hoping to have a word with Laura, Mrs. Tremble. Is she in the other room?” Ewan glanced over the director’s shoulder.

“She is. It’s story time, but I can get someone to take over for her. If you’ll wait for a moment, I’ll tell Laura you’re here.”

Ewan nodded, but Uncle Hugh stepped forward. “I’d be pleased to have a look around, Mrs. Tremble. If it wouldn’t interfere too much.”