Free The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller Page A

wages or men lose their jobs, she’ll point the finger at Ewan. Wouldn’t it be the right thing to simply avoid competition with her? If we had no other choice but a brickyard, it might be understandable. If we choose the pottery, the family cannot hold any of us responsible if C&M fails. Is that not worth the risk, Ewan?”
    He rested his forehead in his palm, his features now twisted with apprehension. “I know what you say is likely true, Rose, but I feel no confidence in anything other than a brickyard.”
    “But I’ve said I’ll do whatever it takes to help you. If Rylan and the other workers remain, I don’t understand your fear. You know how to operate a business, and I’m sure you’ll quickly discover the process for winning contracts, just as you did when you took over C&M.”
    He shook his head. “I had Laura’s help in order to make the proper contacts when Uncle Hugh purchased the brickyard. There is nobody who—”
    Mrs. Woodfield picked up her cup. “I don’t think you need worry in that regard, Ewan. A word here and there among our friends will connect us with the proper contacts, but until you are confident and eager to try something new, I feel conflicted about the proper path. Perhaps we should all give the matter further thought and prayer.”
    Rose scooted to the edge of her chair. “When do you propose we meet again? There isn’t much time. Ewan promised he’d send word within ten days.”
    The sun had gone down, and the twins had gone upstairs at least an hour ago. Concern shone in Laura’s eyes. “With the party tomorrow night, there will be a great deal to accomplish before our guests arrive.” She looked at Ewan. “Perhaps if the four of us ate breakfast here in the library, we could finish our discussion and come to an agreement.”
    Ewan nodded. “We can meet for breakfast, but if we need more time, I’ll wire Mr. Trent and Mr. Bancock. I don’t want to be rushed into a decision.”
    Rose’s emotions ascended and fell as swiftly as a fiddler’s bow. Even if she won a battle or two, she feared she was going to lose the war. Now that Ewan said he wouldn’t be rushed into a decision, she doubted the wisdom of insisting upon tomorrow’s meeting. She’d need to spend a great deal of time in prayer, but she’d first go up to the nursery and tell Beatrice she’d been allowed to attend the party.

    When Rose arrived in the library the following morning, Mrs. Woodfield was already seated and finishing a cup of coffee. The older woman nodded toward the windows. “I do believe we’re going to have a beautiful day for your party, Rose. The sunrise has been lovely.”
    Rose glanced at the clock. “When I saw you drinking coffee, I thought I might be late.”
    “As a matter of fact, you’re early. I doubt Ewan and Laura will be down for at least another fifteen minutes. I’m glad for this time alone with you. I had hoped we would have an opportunity for a private chat.” She placed her cup in the saucer. “Would you like coffee, or should I have Catherine bring a pot of tea?”
    Why would Mrs. Woodfield want to speak with her alone? Rose wasn’t certain, but she didn’t want their time alone interrupted by the delivery of a tea tray. “Coffee will be fine.” She’d never acquired a taste for coffee, but with enough sugar and cream, she could force down a swallow or two. “What would you like to discuss, Grandmother?”
    The older woman pressed her fingers along the folds of her silk-taffeta day dress. “I’m impressed by your enthusiasm for the pottery, and I know you’re eager to use the skills you’ve learned in school.” She hesitated a moment. “However, if we purchase Bancock Pottery Works, I will expect a great deal from you. Ewan has expressed his discomfort with a new venture, which has made me hesitant, but after much prayer, I do feel purchasing a brickworks would create a permanent breach within the Crothers and McKay families. A matter I find extremely