Free The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller Page B

Mr. Hawkins. Is that it?”
    Laura sighed. “He is not my Mr. Hawkins, but you are right. I would prefer talking about the brickyard. I’m sure you have some questions I might be able to answer.”
    “Aye, I’m sure there is much you could tell me. You said you sometimes acted as timekeeper for your father. Did you walk about the yard to spot the workers?”
    She straightened her shoulders, pleased by his question. Though most women would never want to admit they’d performed a man’s job, Laura took pride in the fact that she’d been the timekeeper at Woodfield Brickworks. The men had respected her and marveled at her uncanny ability to recognize each worker by his gait, clothes, habits, or pace. Each year there would be a group of transient laborers as well as the regulars, but it didn’t take long for her to find some unique characteristic in each one.
    “No. I could stand up on the hill as each stint ended and make the notations in my notebook. Of course, it helps to be good at fractions when you work as timekeeper, especially when some of the men work longer than a full day’s stint.” She grinned. “They don’t take kindly to being underpaid.”
    “Aye, I’m sure they don’t. I was hoping you could furnish me with a list of your workers—those who came back from the war and might be looking for work.”
    “I think I could.” They were only a short distance from Woodfield Manor when Laura turned to see an approaching horse and carriage. “I believe that’s your family, Mr. McKay.”
    Ewan nodded. “Aye, that it is.” Ewan waved and walked toward the carriage. “Have you and Aunt Maggie come to see the frame house?” He glanced over his shoulder toward Laura. “Miss Woodfield and I just came from there.”
    “We’ve left the windows open to air the house because it’s been closed since last spring. If you’re going to stay the night, we won’t send our handyman over.” Laura gestured toward Woodfield Manor. “I can go home without you, Ewan. You should take your aunt and uncle to the house.”
    Mrs. Crothers’s haughty look suggested she still bore a degree of animosity, and Laura realized her presence would only make matters worse for Ewan. Woodfield Manor was within sight, and she’d ventured much farther than this on her own. Though Winston would likely upbraid Ewan if he discovered she’d walked the short distance unescorted, she didn’t plan to tell Winston or her mother.
    Ewan shook his head. “I think I should go with you. My horse is still at Woodfield Manor. I can escort you the rest of the way and ride my horse back. It won’t take long.” He glanced at his aunt, but she merely pursed her lips in a tight knot and remained silent.
    “I’ll have Zeke bring your horse over. He won’t mind. That way you can return to Bartlett with your aunt and uncle.”
    The knot in Mrs. Crothers’s lips relaxed and then disappeared. “I think that’s the best idea, Ewan. Come along and let me have a look at the hovel your uncle has provided for me.” Sarcasm coated her words.
    Before turning to leave, Laura said, “Should you have any questions after you’ve toured your new home, please stop atWoodfield Manor. I’m sure my mother would enjoy visiting with you, Mrs. Crothers.”
    “Indeed we will. In fact, you may count on it. I believe your lawyer is going to be speaking with your mother about several matters that need attention.”
    Laura forced a smile and strode away without another word. She didn’t want to make an unkind remark, but when she couldn’t think of a pleasant response, she decided it best to head toward home. No need to fuel the woman’s fire of hostility.
    When she entered the house, muffled voices drifted from the parlor and she followed the sound.
    Her mother looked up and smiled. “Ah, Laura. I’m pleased to see you’re back. I was beginning to get a little worried. Winston said he’d stopped and spoken with you. We both thought you would have returned