Free The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller Page A

Aunt Maggie might have found some loophole in their contract. If she did, there would be no stopping her. They’d be on the next train out of Bartlett.
    They’d walked only a short distance when the sound of hoofbeats thrummed on the road, and they turned to see Winston approaching on horseback. He reined the horse to a stop beside them and then fixed his gaze on Laura’s hand resting in the crook of Ewan’s arm.
    Ewan tipped his hat. “Good afternoon, Mr. Hawkins. I hope your meeting with my aunt and uncle went well.”
    “Your aunt is not easily swayed. I’m still not certain she believes the contract is valid. When I finally excused myself, your uncle was talking to her.” Concern creased his features as his focus returned to Laura’s hand. “You’re out here without a chaperone, Laura?”
    “Mother was here until moments ago. Zeke took her home in the buggy.” Laura dropped her hold on Ewan’s arm.
    Winston frowned and his eyeglasses slid from the bridge of his nose. Using his index finger, he shoved them back in place. “Even so, I’m not certain being unchaperoned out here in the woods with this . . . this Irishman would be considered acceptable by anybody.” His eyes narrowed as he turned his gaze toward Ewan.
    Anger cinched every muscle in Ewan’s body. He fought off the urge to yank the lawyer off his horse and lash him. How dare he accuse Miss Woodfield of inappropriate behavior. He gritted his teeth as the memory of his promise to never again fight came to mind. Not since he’d made that promise to the Lord had he ever wished he could take it back—until now.
    Ewan inhaled a deep breath. “I do not care what you say about me or my Irish kin, Mr. Hawkins, but you owe the lady an apology. She’s as decent a lass as one could ever meet on this earth, and I do not think a true gentleman would ever accuse her of being any less.” Laura held up her hand to protest,but Ewan shook his head and grabbed the horse’s reins. “Nay, Miss Woodfield. None of us will be going any further until Mr. Hawkins offers an apology.”
    In spite of the cool air, perspiration trickled from beneath Winston’s hat. “I apologize, Laura. I’ll see you at the house.” His jaw twitched as he yanked the reins from Ewan and rode off.
    “Not much of an apology, but glad I am to see his back.”
    The two of them stared down the road for a moment before Ewan offered Laura his arm.
    But this time she didn’t accept.

Chapter 6
    M oving at a slight angle, Laura managed to create a visible space between her and Ewan. From the wounded look in his eyes, there was no doubt she’d hurt his feelings.
    “I hope I haven’t offended you by keeping a distance between us, Mr. McKay. It’s just that Winston was correct. It was improper of me to come out here without a chaperone.” She inhaled a deep breath. “I tend to be careless when it comes to proper etiquette.”
    Ewan kicked a pebble along the path. “Is that what you think, or what Mr. Hawkins tells you?”
    “Please don’t think harshly of Mr. Hawkins. Winston fears my impulsive behavior might one day cause me some sort of social disfavor. He means well. That fact aside, he is only emphasizing what I already know.”
    “Since you’re so quick to follow Mr. Hawkins’s orders, I am guessing you’re betrothed to the man.”
    Laura gasped. “You have guessed incorrectly, Mr. McKay. I am not betrothed to anyone, and I am not following orders.”
    “I did not intend to make you angry, Miss Woodfield.”
    “I am not angry.” She enunciated each word.
    Ewan grinned and hiked a shoulder. “You sound angry.”
    “Well, I’m not, so let’s talk about something else.” Her mind whirled as she attempted to change the course of their conversation. “What about the brickyard?”
    “What about it?” Ewan’s brows dipped low on his forehead, but then he laughed. “Now I understand. You want to talk about the brickyard rather than have me ask questions about your