The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

post a message at the general store. Mr. Lathrop keeps a board for that purpose.”
    She glanced at him and her smile disarmed him. He needed to concentrate or he’d forget everything she said before he walked out of the hotel lobby. Ewan forced himself to keep his attentionfocused upon Laura’s comments, but each time he looked at her lips, his thoughts took flight.
    “Explaining the systems would be easier if we had the books in front of us.”
    “W-what?”
    “I fear I’m boring you, Mr. McKay. I was telling you about the bookkeeping system.”
    “Aye, the books.” He bobbed his head. “I suggested my uncle ask you for a time when we could meet to go over the books and review your father’s contracts.”
    “Aye. That he did.” Hugh’s voice boomed in Ewan’s ear. He jerked and turned to see his aunt, uncle, and Kathleen surrounding them. “I told Ewan I would speak with you, but I see he beat me to the punch.” His uncle squeezed Ewan’s shoulder until he flinched from the pain. “What have the two of you been talking about without me, my boy?”
    “Only what we’ve already discussed, Mr. Crothers.” Laura tapped the piece of stationery. “I’m giving Ewan directions to the homes of the clay cutters so he can contact them today.” Laura flashed a bright smile at the older man. “When did you wish to meet and go over the contracts and books? I’m sure that’s foremost in your mind right now.”
    Aunt Margaret spoke up before Uncle Hugh had an opportunity. “We’re eager to move out of the hotel, Miss Woodfield, and I’ve asked my husband to assist me for the remainder of the week. I fear there’s much more to complete than I had anticipated.”
    His aunt’s air of authority didn’t surprise Ewan, yet she’d likely need to adjust her behavior if she expected to cultivate acquaintances among the upper crust of society. Otherwise, Mrs. Woodfield and Laura might think her too overbearing.
    Laura dipped her pen into the ink. “That’s not a problem,Mrs. Crothers.” She twisted to look up at Ewan’s uncle. “We’ll set a time to meet without you, Mr. Crothers. I don’t want to interfere with your already burgeoning schedule. I feel certain Mr. McKay will make time to go over the contracts and books.” Her lips tilted in a rather insincere smile. “Besides, there’s no need for you to be in the middle of things, since Mr. McKay will be in charge of contracting as well as hiring and seeing to the operations at the brickyard. Having to arrange for your presence will only slow progress, don’t you think?”
    Uncle Hugh narrowed his eyes and stroked his mustache—a sure sign he didn’t know how to respond. “’Tis true I want progress, but I do not want to be left out in the cold.”
    Laura’s smile broadened. “We will be sure to include you if winter arrives early. We wouldn’t want you to freeze.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Kathleen appeared completely confused.
    “Don’t worry yourself, Kathleen. I understand what Miss Woodfield is sayin’.” Hugh returned her smile, then slapped Ewan on the shoulder. “And my nephew knows what I’m sayin’, as well, don’t you, boy?”
    His uncle didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he shepherded his wife and sister-in-law out of the hotel.
    “Your uncle is an interesting man. I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone quite like him,” Laura said. “I hope you don’t think I was too forward with him, but I thought if someone else pointed out his misplaced priorities, he might see the error of his ways. He acts as though he’s no more than a silent partner.”
    Ewan chuckled. “I don’t think you could ever call Uncle Hugh silent. Believe me, he’ll have his say about everything I do.”
    “And when the brickyard is a huge success, I’m sure he’ll step front and center to take full credit. There are more than a handful of businessmen who act in the same manner. I’mthankful to say my father was not one of them.