Free The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

thought. Either that or she’d become quite shrewd since meeting Uncle Hugh. Ewan hoped it was the former, for Uncle Hugh could sniff out a bluff in no time. The man had, after all, made his money gambling. He doubted whether Mrs. Woodfield would prove a match for Uncle Hugh, but he would pass along her messages and see what happened. He truly wanted—no, needed—those Percherons. The cost to purchase good workhorses should be enough to at least get Uncle Hugh to Mrs. Woodfield’s doorstep.
    The older woman traced her fingers along the bedstead that remained in the largest of the four upstairs bedrooms. “Isaiah insisted upon new furniture when we moved to Woodfield Manor. I wanted to bring this bed and the wardrobe, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said I deserved new furniture in my new house.”
    “Sounds as though your husband took pleasure in spoiling you a bit, Mrs. Woodfield.”
    Ewan could understand a man wanting to treat his wife well, but he couldn’t imagine leaving all of this fine furniture behind—or the house, for that matter. Though it was no match for Woodfield Manor, this was a fine home. Perhaps those feelings arose from the life of deprivation he’d led in Ireland.
    If Mrs. Woodfield planned to leave these furnishings, they could move in immediately. There would be no need to purchase furniture. A fact that would surely please Uncle Hugh.
    “This is a fine house with a lovely view, Mrs. Woodfield. Once my aunt sees it, I’m sure she’ll settle in until a new house can be built.”
    “That’s good news, Mr. McKay. It has never been my intent to deceive anyone. That was not my husband’s method of conducting business, and it is not mine. I didn’t realize there was any confusion about the ownership of Woodfield Manor until your family appeared on our doorstep.”
    Laura stepped to her mother’s side. “Mr. McKay understands, Mother. He doesn’t place any blame on our shoulders.”
    From the arch of her brows, she seemed to expect him to agree. “Aye. What your daughter says is true. I do not place any blame on either of you.”
    Ewan was careful to exclude his aunt and uncle from his answer. By now, he wasn’t sure what his relatives believed. Nodoubt Mr. Hawkins had heard more than an earful of Aunt Maggie’s dissatisfaction and would be pleased to have this misunderstanding settled.
    Mrs. Woodfield descended the front steps. “I believe we’re done here, Zeke. Let’s get back to the house. After supper, Joseph can come over and spend the night. By morning, the house will be well aired.”
    “Um-hum.” Zeke stroked his chin. “With all them windows wide open, Joseph may be frozen stiff as an icicle by morning.” Zeke helped the older woman into the buggy.
    “I’ll send extra blankets. It’s not that cold yet.” She pulled the key out of her pocket and presented it to Ewan. “Here you go. Now, you two should begin heading back to the house soon. If you have time before you start back to Bartlett, come in for a cup of tea, Mr. McKay.”
    “Thank you, ma’am.” Ewan tipped his hat. “We’ll be on our way in no time.” After Mrs. Woodfield left, he looked at the key and then at Laura. “I was going to lock the door, but with all the windows open, I don’t suppose there’s any need to worry about that.”
    She grinned. “You’re right. Besides, it will be easier for Joseph to get in if he doesn’t have to climb through a window.”
    Ewan slapped his palm to his head. “I already forgot about Joseph spending the night. I don’t want to make him feel unwelcome.” He offered Laura his arm. “Shall we start back? I don’t want your mother thinking we’ve been out here without a chaperone for too long.”
    “I think she trusts you, Mr. McKay.” Laura slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. “I hope you and your family will enjoy as much happiness in this house as we did.”
    Right now, Ewan wasn’t worried about the family being happy so much as he feared