The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller Page A

tracks, hoping to see the caboose come into sight. With each passing coach and boxcar, his fear mounted. His thoughts raced from one horrible event to another, each one worse than the last, until he finally glanced heavenward and realized he needed to pray, not worry. For what seemed an eternity, he asked God to protect Mr. Bancock until he could get to him. He asked God to hurry the train, and he asked God to make him fleet of foot once the train passed by.
    When he opened his eyes, the caboose had flown by, and Rylan found himself staring across the tracks at Mr. Bancock and Mr. McKay. Filled with a surge of gratitude, Rylan uttered a quick prayer of thanks as he waved to the two men and waited for them to cross.
    Mr. Bancock’s bushy brows knit together above his deep-set eyes. He was only halfway across the tracks when he shouted to Rylan, “Where are you going? Did you leave the office unlocked?”
    His voice was tinged with a harshness that surprised Rylan. “You are never late, and I thought you might need help. I was going to your house to see if you’d suffered some unexpected sickness during the night.”
    As the two men came alongside Rylan, Mr. McKay nodded. “How kind of you to worry about your employer, Rylan.” His lips curved in a bright smile. “Good it is to see you again.”
    “Good to see you, as well, Mr. McKay.” Rylan turned toward Mr. Bancock. “I didn’t know Mr. McKay was paying a visit today, or I wouldn’t have worried about you.”
    Mr. Bancock ducked his head and avoided Rylan’s eyes. “I thought it might be best to keep the news to myself. Never know when the train will be late or something might happen to change circumstances. I didn’t want things getting all stirred up among the workers.”
    When they arrived at the office, Rylan withdrew his key and unlocked the door. He hesitated as the two men stepped inside. “Do you want me to go and pick up the time sheets, Mr. Bancock?”
    The owner’s face tightened with confusion. “Of course not. I want you here in the office so you can learn about the future of the pottery.” He waved toward the exit. “Close the door. I don’t want anyone able to listen in on our discussion.”
    Rylan closed the door and sat down in the remaining chair, pleased Mr. Bancock chose to include him.
    “I asked Mr. McKay to return because I want the workers to meet him and know he will be the new owner of the pottery. Today we will sign the papers to make everything official.” Mr. Bancock looked at Mr. McKay. “I know this trip was inconvenient for you, so I thank you for making this extra effort. To tell the workers together will be much better for both of us, I think.”
    “Aye. For sure, I want your workers to stay on after I take over. Making pottery is a new business for me, so their experience will be needed. I told my family Mr. Trent’s brickworks would be a safer choice for me, but they were thinking it was time to try something new.” Ewan glanced around the office as though he still wasn’t at ease with the decision. “I will be pleased to join you when you tell the workers I’ve bought the business. You should be clear when you tell them their jobs are secure.”
    Mr. Bancock gave a slight shake of his head. “I think you should tell them that part, Mr. McKay. They’ll have no doubt if they hear those words from your lips.”
    Ewan nodded. “You’re right. I want to be certain there’s no doubt in their minds.”
    Rylan inched forward on his chair. “Sounds like you’re not planning on changing things here at the pottery, Mr. McKay.”
    Ewan leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. “I’m thinking there will be some changes, Rylan, but we won’t know what will be working best for us until we’ve been here a wee bit. Once I study things for a time, I’ll know more about what might need changing. Even so, I plan to make certain those who worked for Mr. Bancock will have a job with me if they want one.” He