Free The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller

tea.” She gestured to Rose. “Do see if she’s forgotten, dear.”
    Rose scurried down the hallway and into the kitchen. Catherine was leaning against the worktable visiting with Sally, Mrs. Woodfield’s personal maid. They startled and turned as Rose clattered into the kitchen.
    Catherine’s eyes widened and she clasped a hand to her mouth. “I forgot tea for the missus. Tell her the kettle’s boilin’, and I’ll have it to her in a jiffy.”
    Rose offered a hurried thank-you and rushed back to the library. She hoped nothing of importance had been discussed during her absence. “Catherine was delayed, but she’ll bring tea in a few minutes. The kettle is boiling.” Rose glanced at the others. “Did I miss anything while I was gone?”
    “We’re still discussing the advantages of the brickyard.” Ewan leaned forward and rested his arms across his thighs. “After so many years working in a brickyard, I’m thinking we’d be better to invest in what I know. If it will ease your worries, I’ll get answers to all of your questions, and then we can move ahead.”
    Rose frowned. Ewan had turned away from her and was speaking directly to his wife and mother-in-law. She’d been excluded—as though she didn’t matter. She cleared her throat. “I understand Ewan’s concern about investing in an unfamiliar business, but I did want to mention something that has come to mind since I’ve returned home.”
    Catherine tapped on the door, entered the room, and placed the tea tray near Mrs. Woodfield. The older woman thanked the maid and dismissed her before she looked at Rose. “Exactly what is it that has come to your attention, Rose?” Mrs. Woodfield arched her brows.
    “There are already many problems among our relatives who live here and work at C&M Brickyard. If you purchase Mr. Trent’s brickyard, I think Aunt Margaret will believe you plan to compete against her for contracts. And she’ll make certain every member of the family believes the same thing. It will not matter that you’ve left Bartlett and gone to Grafton. You’ll still be able to vie for the same large contracts she hopes to keep.”
    “Dear me, Rose makes an excellent point, Ewan.” Mrs. Woodfield poured a cup of tea. “I’m sure any of your previous business contacts would much prefer doing business with you rather than Margaret Crothers, but we all know that would stir up more than one nest of hornets. How had you planned to convince Margaret you’re not competing against her?”
    “I had not used my time thinking about Aunt Margaret. Instead, I was looking for a business I could operate to support our family. ’Tis true Margaret would likely believe I’m trying to put her out of business or at least cripple C&M, but I know in my heart that is not my intent. Am I to be controlled by what she thinks or by what I believe is best for our family?”
    “First and foremost, we should be seeking God’s guidance when we make our final decision, but I do believe we should honestly discuss any problems that are already evident to us.” The older woman sipped her tea and looked at her daughter. “Don’t you agree, Laura?”
    “I do, but I don’t think we can let Margaret control our future. She could have done right by Ewan and honored Hugh’s word to make him a partner. If she weren’t greedy and vengeful, there would be no need for Ewan to seek another business venture. Should we purchase the Grafton brickyard, Margaret should place the blame on herself, not on Ewan.” Laura smiled at her husband and patted his arm.
    Rose appreciated the show of support and love between the couple, but if she was going to win, she needed Laura on her side. If she didn’t turn the tide now, they’d agree to the brickyard without ever considering the pottery.
    “I agree Margaret has brought this upon herself, but those who work at C&M do not deserve what will surely become a battle for contracts. If Ewan wins the contracts and Margaret decreases