Free The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller Page B
Authors: Judith Miller
distasteful, for it’s my hope that one day Margaret will mend her relationship with her sister.” She sighed. “The day will come when Tessa will be told the truth about her adoption. When that time arrives, it would be wonderful if Kathleen could return and meet her child and reunite with her sister, as well. At least that’s been my prayer.”
After hearing Mrs. Woodfield’s explanation, Rose was uncertain whether the older woman’s reasoning constituted a sound business decision, but that didn’t concern Rose. All that mattered right now was the knowledge that Mrs. Woodfield was on her side. Once Mrs. Woodfield mentioned her concerns regarding Tessa, she was certain both Laura and Ewan would agree to the decision. Excitement raced through her like a bolt of lightning. Soon, she’d begin her new adventure.
At the sound of footsteps in the hallway, Mrs. Woodfield touched Rose’s hand. “Let me explain my concerns to Ewan and Laura, but remember, if we purchase the pottery, I expect great things from you. I have no doubt Ewan can invigorate a failing brickyard into a prosperous business that can support the family, but I’m not as certain he can do the same with the pottery. That will rest on your shoulders, Rose. So tell me now if you have any uncertainty about your ability to make this pottery works into a thriving business.”
Though a dart of fear shot through her, Rose straightened her shoulders and avowed their pottery would become the finest and most prosperous in all of West Virginia.
Chapter 7
A gnawing guilt followed Rose from room to room as Laura revealed the menu and the elaborate decorations she had planned for the party. Laura stopped and pointed to an area in the parlor just beyond the dining room where four upholstered chairs had been discreetly arranged behind potted plants and a flowing drape.
“During dinner, a string quartet will provide music. They’ll be out of sight while we eat. After supper, the palms and draping will be removed, and additional musicians will join them to provide music for the dance.” She smiled at Rose. “I hope you approve. I know it would have been much more fun if you could have helped with the plans, especially the guest list.”
Rose shook her head. “The décor is beautiful and the guest list is perfect, Laura. Had I been here, I couldn’t have even imagined such perfection, much less accomplished the task.” She grasped Laura’s hand. “I’m overwhelmed you’ve gone to such expense.”
“Your graduation is an important event and should be marked by a celebration you’ll never forget.” Laura squeezed her hand. “And you need not worry about the expense. It’s my mother’s gift to you. She’s very proud of all you accomplished at school. She loves you and the twins. When Ewan and I married and she asked you and your sisters to address her as Grandmother Woodfield, she assumed that role.”
Knowing Grandmother Woodfield would bear the expense of the party eased Rose’s earlier guilt. The fact that the older woman had refrained from telling Rose made the gift even sweeter. Laura was right. This would be a celebration Rose would never forget. “’Tis truly kind of Grandmother. She is so generous to all of us.”
Laura smiled and nodded. “You’re right. She is wonderful—even if she can be a bit prickly at times.” She turned and stared out the window, her gaze focused on the spring blooms that dotted the flower garden with splashes of color. “I have such fond memories of the party my mother and father hosted for me when I finished my education at Elmira Female College in New York. This is a milestone in your life, and it should be marked with an extraordinary gathering of friends and family.” Laura inhaled a deep breath. “I need to quit reminiscing and get back to our party arrangements.”
Taking the lead, Laura moved through the rooms and checked off the items that had been completed. When they neared the library, she
After hearing Mrs. Woodfield’s explanation, Rose was uncertain whether the older woman’s reasoning constituted a sound business decision, but that didn’t concern Rose. All that mattered right now was the knowledge that Mrs. Woodfield was on her side. Once Mrs. Woodfield mentioned her concerns regarding Tessa, she was certain both Laura and Ewan would agree to the decision. Excitement raced through her like a bolt of lightning. Soon, she’d begin her new adventure.
At the sound of footsteps in the hallway, Mrs. Woodfield touched Rose’s hand. “Let me explain my concerns to Ewan and Laura, but remember, if we purchase the pottery, I expect great things from you. I have no doubt Ewan can invigorate a failing brickyard into a prosperous business that can support the family, but I’m not as certain he can do the same with the pottery. That will rest on your shoulders, Rose. So tell me now if you have any uncertainty about your ability to make this pottery works into a thriving business.”
Though a dart of fear shot through her, Rose straightened her shoulders and avowed their pottery would become the finest and most prosperous in all of West Virginia.
Chapter 7
A gnawing guilt followed Rose from room to room as Laura revealed the menu and the elaborate decorations she had planned for the party. Laura stopped and pointed to an area in the parlor just beyond the dining room where four upholstered chairs had been discreetly arranged behind potted plants and a flowing drape.
“During dinner, a string quartet will provide music. They’ll be out of sight while we eat. After supper, the palms and draping will be removed, and additional musicians will join them to provide music for the dance.” She smiled at Rose. “I hope you approve. I know it would have been much more fun if you could have helped with the plans, especially the guest list.”
Rose shook her head. “The décor is beautiful and the guest list is perfect, Laura. Had I been here, I couldn’t have even imagined such perfection, much less accomplished the task.” She grasped Laura’s hand. “I’m overwhelmed you’ve gone to such expense.”
“Your graduation is an important event and should be marked by a celebration you’ll never forget.” Laura squeezed her hand. “And you need not worry about the expense. It’s my mother’s gift to you. She’s very proud of all you accomplished at school. She loves you and the twins. When Ewan and I married and she asked you and your sisters to address her as Grandmother Woodfield, she assumed that role.”
Knowing Grandmother Woodfield would bear the expense of the party eased Rose’s earlier guilt. The fact that the older woman had refrained from telling Rose made the gift even sweeter. Laura was right. This would be a celebration Rose would never forget. “’Tis truly kind of Grandmother. She is so generous to all of us.”
Laura smiled and nodded. “You’re right. She is wonderful—even if she can be a bit prickly at times.” She turned and stared out the window, her gaze focused on the spring blooms that dotted the flower garden with splashes of color. “I have such fond memories of the party my mother and father hosted for me when I finished my education at Elmira Female College in New York. This is a milestone in your life, and it should be marked with an extraordinary gathering of friends and family.” Laura inhaled a deep breath. “I need to quit reminiscing and get back to our party arrangements.”
Taking the lead, Laura moved through the rooms and checked off the items that had been completed. When they neared the library, she