The Artisan's Wife (Refined by Love Book #3)

4:1

Chapter 1

Grafton, West Virginia

May 1876

A lump the size of a lemon lodged in Ainslee McKay’s throat. Hands shaking, her thoughts whirled while she forced herself to once again read the brief note from her sister. How could Adaira do this? Sisters didn’t run off without a word of warning. Especially not a twin sister. And certainly not with a man who was practically a stranger. There was no way to make sense of Adaira’s impulsive decision.

Ainslee raced down the stairs with the note clutched tightly in her fist, giving no thought to her inappropriate attire. Inside the dining room, she skidded to an abrupt halt.

Grandmother Woodfield’s brows arched high. Did you forget that we fashion our hair and dress for breakfast, my dear?

Although she wasn’t a blood relative, the older woman had been like a grandmother to Ainslee and her sisters when they had arrived from Ireland. Even before Ainslee’s brother Ewan and Laura Woodfield had married, she’d asked that the girls address her as Grandmother Woodfield. And they’d been delighted to accommodate her request.

Ainslee’s sun-kissed light brown locks spilled from the loose ribbon that had held her flowing tresses in check during the night. After tracing her fingers through her hair, she clutched her dressing gown tightly around her neck with her free hand. I apologize, Grandmother, but once all of you read this, I think you’ll understand why I didn’t take time to dress. Flapping the piece of stationery, she turned toward Ewan and his wife, Laura, who sat near his side at the dining table. Did you receive a note from Adaira, as well?

Ewan shook his head. Why would she write to us when we live under the same roof?

That’s just it. We no longer live under the same roof. Ainslee’s voice cracked with emotion. Read this. She handed the missive to her brother and watched his nonchalant expression change to one of utter disbelief.

I canna believe Adaira would do such a thing. She can be a bit flighty, but she’s not a thoughtless girl. Ewan’s words were tinged with Irish brogue as he returned his attention to the note. And yet . . . He handed the piece of cream-colored stationery to Laura.

Ewan’s wife visibly paled. Surely we must have missed some clue along the way. Did you realize she was serious about Chester Mulvane, Ainslee? Had she spoken to you about him?

Before Ainslee could reply, Grandmother Woodfield edged forward and tapped her index finger on the table. "Is anyone going to tell me what has happened?"

Ewan gulped the remains of his coffee and returned the cup to its saucer with a startling clank. Adaira has eloped with Chester Mulvane.

The room fell silent; time stood still.

Grandmother Woodfield was the first to recover. Eloped? With Chester Mulvane? Isn’t he the young fellow from Pittsburgh who was here for dinner last week? Adaira barely knows him, and she’s only twenty years of age. I can’t believe she’d do anything so rash. Let me see what she wrote.

Ewan passed the note to his mother-in-law. Aye, you’re right about Chester. He was here for dinner last week—and a few other times, as well. He’s a nephew of Joseph Horne and works for his uncle. I’m not sure what title they’ve given him, but he does a good deal of buying for the store. He’s placed several large orders for china, and when he was last here, he purchased some of our most expensive specialty pieces for their store. While I value the company’s business, I’m not pleased by this turn of events.

Nor am I. Grandmother Woodfield read the scribbled note and returned it to Ewan. In addition to shopping at Mr. Horne’s department store on several occasions, I’ve attended a few social functions where he and his wife were present, but I don’t recall meeting the Mulvanes. And I don’t recall any of you telling me Chester was related to the Hornes.

Laura motioned for Catherine to refill her coffee cup. I didn’t think Chester’s family history was pertinent, Mother. None of us thought he was anything more than an occasional visitor to Grafton.

Yet he’d called on Adaira, so he likely considered himself a suitor, don’t you think?

Laura stirred a dollop of cream into her coffee. Perhaps, but none of that really matters at this juncture. What matters is that we locate Adaira and discover whether she and Chester have truly married.

The older woman sighed. I’m not sure if it’s better to hope that they’ve exchanged vows or trust they came to their good senses before finding a preacher who would marry them. Either way, there’s bound to be no end of gossip once word gets out.

At the moment, gossip is the last thing that’s on my mind. Ewan pushed his plate aside and turned toward Ainslee. When did you last see your sister?

Late yesterday afternoon. She said she was going to dinner with Chester and then they were going to hear some speaker at the Emporium. She told me it would be late before she returned home. Ainslee frowned at her brother. I mentioned this at dinner last night. Sometimes I wonder if anyone listens to me.

Ewan pushed away from the mahogany dining table and massaged his forehead. I do listen, Ainslee, but sometimes I forget what I’ve been told. I now recall that you said she’d be returning home late. He looked at a loss for what to do next. Did you look in her room before you came downstairs?

No. I’ll go up and check now, if you’d like. She thought the note provided enough evidence of her sister’s departure. The idea of checking her room seemed a waste of time, but she wouldn’t argue. She shot an exasperated look in her brother’s direction. I don’t think she’s hiding under the bedcovers.

Ewan sighed. Nor do I, but I do wonder if she took her belongings. I know you’d both been packing for your upcoming departure to Weston, though I’m not sure how she could have removed those heavy trunks from the house without someone noticing. If they’re not in her room, it’s a sure sign she’s not planning to return anytime soon.

Ainslee nodded toward the maid who was removing Ewan’s plate from the table. Adaira knows Catherine goes into town for the weekly shopping on Monday afternoons. Chester could have come to the house then and loaded them into a wagon or even hired someone to come to the house and transport her belongings.

Tessa, Ewan and Laura’s six-year-old daughter, jumped up from her chair. I’ll go upstairs and look for you, Daddy. Without waiting for his approval, the towheaded girl ran from the room and disappeared up the stairs.

Ewan folded his hands together and turned toward Laura. I’m not sure what to do. Should I board a train for Pittsburgh and try to bring her home?

Ainslee gave her brother an enthusiastic nod. Yes. Adaira simply must come home or we’ll lose the tile works. I can’t go to Weston on my own.

Let’s take this one step at a time. Ewan’s lips tightened into a thin line. First we must decide what to do about Adaira. Then we’ll discuss the new business in Weston.

Before another opinion could be offered, Tessa’s footsteps clattered in the hallway. Her trunks are gone.

Ainslee dropped onto one of the silk-upholstered dining chairs as the child’s words seeped into her bones. She and Adaira were scheduled to leave for Weston on Friday and begin work at the tile works on Monday morning, yet her sister never said anything about a plan to elope with Chester Mulvane. Truth be told, Adaira had barely spoken Chester’s name. Granted, she’d mentioned that Ewan had given the young man permission to call on her when he was in town, but there had been no indication that Chester was anything more than a handsome young man who could act as her escort to an occasional party or dinner. In Ainslee’s opinion, he’d been no more than a passing fancy to Adaira, no different than several other young men who had occasionally called on her sister.

How could she have been so blind? Ainslee picked up the engraved piece of stationery and traced her fingers across the imprint of her sister’s name. The personalized notepaper had been a gift from Grandmother Woodfield last Christmas. Ainslee’s name had been inscribed in bold block print, while Adaira’s had been printed in a delicate flowing script—to match their talents and personalities. At least that’s what Grandmother had said when they’d opened their gifts.

Ainslee had agreed with the assessment. Though given to bouts of anxiety, she’d always been the reliable, no-nonsense twin, who excelled in practical studies—whereas Adaira was the carefree, animated member of the twosome who had been gifted with as much creative talent as their older sister, Rose.

Swooping up the note, she crumpled the paper and shoved it into the pocket of her dressing gown. Any idea how we can locate Adaira and bring her home? Ainslee glanced around the table, hoping someone would offer a practical solution.

Grandmother Woodfield touched her linen napkin to her lips. The older woman appeared as unruffled as a peaceful spring day. I don’t see what good it will do to rush off to Pittsburgh. While it seems logical they would go there, they may avoid the city since they likely believe it’s the first place we would look for them. There’s really no telling where they might be.

She leaned back in her chair and met Ewan’s steady gaze. I believe we should send a telegram to his family. Better yet, send a telegram to Mr. Horne at his store and inquire about his nephew’s whereabouts. I wouldn’t mention the possible elopement. Though I’d like to believe the telegraph operator can be trusted, there’s no way of knowing for certain. Best we keep this to ourselves until we know exactly what’s taken place.

Ainslee leaned forward. Tell Mr. Horne ye’r coming to fetch Adaira and bring her home. A bit of Ainslee’s own Irish brogue slipped through in her emotional state.

Grandmother Woodfield shook her head. If they are married, we can hardly force her return to Grafton. Right now, I think you should continue with your plans to depart for Weston without your sister. Don’t you agree?

Ainslee gaped at the older woman. Na, I don’t agree. Not in the least. Her stomach roiled at the idea. She had never gone anywhere without Adaira. Did the family truly expect her to continue as though nothing were amiss? She clenched her jaw. I won’t go—not without Adaira.

Ewan sighed. I don’t think there is any other choice, Ainslee. You and your sister pursued this venture and argued the soundness of the idea. While I know it’s uncommon for a woman to be in charge of a business, I recall a strong argument you waged when you and Adaira first came to me with the idea. You assured me you were up to the task of taking charge. You both pointed out that Rose had been given great responsibility at the pottery works and you wanted to receive the same opportunity.

Ainslee frowned. This wasn’t going well. Ewan was dismissing her arguments at every turn. But that was when I thought Adaira would be with me.

Her brother leaned back in his chair. The contract is signed, and we can’t walk away from the tile works. Beyond the moral obligation to abide by the terms of my agreement, a default on the contract would lead to financial disaster for all of us—not to mention the workers at the tile works, who are depending upon us for their jobs. They have families to support, and we agreed to maintain their employment.

Grandmother Woodfield nodded her agreement. While Adaira possesses artistic talent, it was your intelligence and ability to keep a sharp eye on the costs and operation of the tile works that sealed our decision to purchase it. We were clear that without your agreement to oversee the day-to-day financial matters, we would not invest in the company.

She leaned back in her chair. We can locate another artist to replace Adaira, but we know what occurs when an untrustworthy person takes charge of a business. We can’t take such a risk with this venture. We must insist you fulfill your obligation, my dear.

That’s all well and good, but I agreed to go to Weston because it was Adaira’s dream. Ainslee swallowed hard. This wasn’t fair. She needed to convince them they were wrong. How could any of them even think they should place this burden on her shoulders? You must remember that I didn’t want to leave Grafton. I was happy with my teaching position, but Adaira convinced me by saying she would suffocate if she couldn’t put her creative talent to use and become independent. She said we needed to spread our wings.

And you shall. In fact, I believe you’re going to soar like an eagle. Grandmother gave a firm nod.

But I have no desire to soar. I’m the twin who’s content just flapping her wings. It’s Adaira who wanted to fly.

Ainslee hunched forward and wrapped her arms around her waist. If only she could follow her sister’s lead and simply disappear.

Chapter 2

The Thursday morning class at the pottery works school was interrupted when Rose appeared in the doorway and beckoned Ainslee to follow her. Ainslee prayed Rose had brought news of Adaira or word that she could stay at the school rather than go to Weston and begin at the tile works. After a quick word with Miss Odell, the teacher who’d recently been employed as her replacement, Ainslee stepped to the rear of the room.

Shortly after purchasing the pottery, Rose had diligently worked to convince the parents and supervisors that the children who worked at McKay Pottery should receive an education. Though many of the parents longed to see their children educated, the extra wages earned by their youngsters were needed to provide for the family. In addition, the supervisors had objected to the children being away from their work stations when needed. Never one to be deterred, Rose had set up a classroom in a previously unused section of the pottery and developed a schedule that permitted the children’s attendance when they weren’t busy in the workshops. Having her twin sisters return home and elect to teach at the school for the last three years had been an added blessing—to both Rose and the twins—though Adaira had been less content than Ainslee.

Ainslee leaned close to her sister. Please tell me you’ve come to tell me Adaira is returning home.

Rose shook her head. Ewan received a response to his telegram and wants to speak with you.

Ainslee’s heart pounded beneath her blue-striped frock. From the wary look in her sister’s eyes, Ainslee was certain the news wasn’t good. She’s not coming back, is she?

Rose sighed. Ewan didn’t share the contents of the telegram with me.

Then why are you acting so guarded?

Because, just like you, I’m concerned about what’s happened. Adaira was so determined to gain the family’s support for the tile works that I find it difficult to believe she’d run off and marry only days before the two of you were scheduled to move to Weston. This entire matter bewilders me.

If it has that effect upon you, just imagine what it’s done to me. Ainslee’s lips dipped into a deep frown. I’ve told Ewan that I will not go to Weston by myself. I don’t have the courage to take over a business on my own.

Rose grasped Ainslee’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Don’t discount your ability, Ainslee. If it’s courage you’re lacking, you need only look to the Lord. He’ll provide far more than Adaira ever could.

Relying on the Lord was an easy answer when you weren’t the one whose life was about to be upended. While Ainslee was single-handedly expected to take the reins of a new business, Rose and her husband, Rylan, would remain in the pottery at Grafton, where they’d been for almost four years now. Nothing in their lives would change. And nothing in Ewan’s and Laura’s lives would change, either. Why, then, did they all expect her to be courageous?

Ewan waved them forward as they entered the office. Come sit down. We have a great deal to discuss.

Rylan was already seated nearby and drew his chair close to Rose. Good morning, Ainslee. He leaned forward and smiled. I hear from several of your young students that they are fond of Miss Odell. I’m sure that pleases you and will make it easier for you to leave the classroom.

She met Rylan’s eyes. "If I leave, it will please me to know the students are content. She shifted in her chair and looked at her brother. Rose tells me you’ve heard from Adaira. When will she return?"

Using only his fingertips, Ewan pushed the telegram across the top of the wooden desk. The overcast skies matched the dreary mood that permeated the office. Ainslee let her attention descend to the wrinkled telegram. Married on Saturday. Letter to follow. Love to all, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Mulvane. She shoved the piece of paper back to her brother. That’s all? Nothing about her obligation to the tile works—or me?

Ewan shook his head. This is all I’ve received, but at least we now know she doesn’t plan to return. He pinned Ainslee with a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. I know you have lots of questions for your sister. So do I. But no matter her answers, they won’t change anything for us.

Maybe not, but her marriage changes everything. Ainslee glanced at all three of them. You all know the tile works was Adaira’s dream, not mine. I don’t have the ability to do this on my own.

That’s why I asked Rose and Rylan to join us. Four minds are better than one or two. I’m hoping we’ll come up with some sound ideas.

Ainslee perked to attention. Maybe Rose and Rylan should move to Weston and take over the tile works.

Ewan shook his head. Nay, they’re needed here in Grafton. Their designs are what have increased our sales and made the business profitable. Instead of solving a problem, moving them to Weston could create new challenges.

Rylan rested his elbows on Ewan’s desk. Would you be able to travel to Weston with Ainslee and stay until she’s settled, Ewan? I know Laura might not want you to stay away too long, but a few weeks might help Ainslee feel more comfortable in her new surroundings.

Rose bobbed her head. That’s a wonderful idea. You could help Ainslee get settled into the boardinghouse, and your presence would likely provide a sense of stability during the transition. There may be some resistance to a woman taking charge of the business. You’ll recall I faced a few problems with some of the men when we purchased the pottery.

Ainslee straightened her shoulders and jutted her chin. I remember those early days. You and Ewan were running the business together. He was always at your side to reinforce your position to the men. And even then some of them objected to taking orders from a woman. Even if Ewan is in Weston for a few weeks, once he departs I’ll face that same opposition.

I don’t think there will be any hostility toward you, Ainslee. You weren’t with Adaira and me when we met with the workers prior to purchasing the company. We asked if any of them would object to women taking charge, and none of them were opposed. They only wanted assurance they would have their jobs and that their wages wouldn’t be lowered. Ewan leaned forward. Other than the seasonal manual laborers, there are only fifteen skilled workers. This isn’t going to be like the pottery operation, Ainslee.

His comment didn’t provide the depth of reassurance Ainslee needed. Truth be told, the only thing that would give her the strength and support she needed was the reappearance of her twin sister. No one seemed to understand her level of fear and frustration. Whether the business was small or not wasn’t the issue. They expected her to move to a town where she didn’t know a soul, move into a boardinghouse with complete strangers, and take over a tile-making operation. With her twin gone, Ainslee felt like half a person, something the rest of her family couldn’t understand.

When she didn’t respond, Ewan stood and stepped to her side. He leaned against the desk and smiled at her. I know Laura will not object if I go to Weston with you. In fact, I’m certain she’ll think it a wonderful idea. I can help you get settled in the boardinghouse Adaira and I visited when we were in Weston. Mrs. Brighton is a fine lady. She owns two boardinghouses that sit side by side, one for women and one for men. Adaira thought the rooms were quite suitable.

I still don’t want to go, Ewan. Her lips trembled, and she bit back threatening tears.

He reached for her hand. I know this is not what you and your sister planned, but I’m hoping you’ll keep your word to me, even if your sister did not. I have no choice but to abide by the terms of the contract I signed. His hand squeezed hers a little tighter. Much depends upon what you will do, Ainslee. I believe you’re strong enough to meet any challenge if you set your mind to it. Think about those unruly boys who attended your classes at the pottery school. You weren’t afraid to set them on a straight path toward behaving and doing their lessons in order to achieve a better life.

That’s not the same thing as going to a new town and taking charge of a business. Besides, Adaira has always been with me when I faced any new challenge.

Ewan smiled. I understand, but now you must stand on your own. I promise I’ll do everything I can to help you, and I’ll begin searching for a new buyer right away. If I can manage to sell the business without a great loss, I’ll do so.

You will? Ainslee straightened her shoulders and stared at her brother. Ewan’s offer to place the tile works for sale buoyed her spirits like nothing else she’d heard all morning. You’ll place the business for sale and attempt to locate a buyer?

Aye, but I doubt it will be a quick process. You need to remember the business had been for sale for more than two years when we bought it. His brow furrowed. I do na want you going to Weston with the idea that we’ll soon be selling the business, but I’ll do whatever I can to find a suitable buyer as soon as possible. In exchange, I need to know that you’ll work to maintain a profit. If you don’t, we’ll have all the more trouble trying to find a suitable buyer.

Ainslee beamed at him. I understand, and I’ll do my best. I promise.

The revelation that she wasn’t going to be banished to Weston to perform office work and supervise the business operations at the tile works for the remainder of her life was enough to give Ainslee the spark of hope she needed. With Ewan’s promise tucked in the back of her mind, she would set about creating a profitable business that would appeal to a host of investors in short order. At least that would be her goal.

When they walked into the hallway outside Ewan’s office, Rose pulled Ainslee aside. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you change your mind so quickly, Ainslee. I do hope you’re sincere in what you’ve promised Ewan.

Ainslee stopped short. Why would you think otherwise? I’m not one to break my word.

Rose drew near and hugged her. No, of course not. Her sister loosened her hold and leaned back with her lips curved in a grin. But I do recall how much you and Adaira enjoyed playing pranks on all of us. In fact, when Ewan first told me about Adaira’s disappearance, I thought it was just another bit of mischief on her part.

If only it had been. Ainslee sighed. I do feel much better now that Ewan has agreed to sell the tile works, but I wish I had gone along when he and Adaira traveled to Weston and toured the business and boardinghouse.

Why didn’t you? Rose asked.

Ainslee shrugged. The tile works was more Adaira’s dream than mine, so I decided to remain behind to conduct classes at the school since the new teacher hadn’t yet arrived.

I know you worry over the tile-making process, but there are employees already trained to perform the work. Besides, from what Ewan tells me, there’s not much in the way of artistic design in what the business produces. I know Adaira hoped to bring some new ideas and designs into the business, but you can set those ideas aside. If you keep a good set of books and are careful about your costs, you’ll succeed. Rose glanced over her shoulder. Ewan truly understands your position, but with the recent expansion of the pottery, he needs to be here to oversee the growth. The tile works is so much smaller that it would make no sense for him to move to Weston.

Ainslee didn’t disagree with her sister’s assessment, but she wondered if Rose would be so pragmatic if she had to leave suddenly and live out someone else’s dream.

As they exited the building, the sun slanted through the thick trees that dotted the hillside. Unfurled leaves would soon spring to life and fill the stark branches in the coming weeks. A surge of sadness washed over her as a bird twittered overhead, searching for the perfect branch to build a new home. Soon she’d be just like that bird—looking for a new place to call home.

I understand Ewan can’t move to Weston, but I am pleased he’s willing to come along and help me get settled. Having him there for the first few weeks will be a relief. While I don’t doubt my ability to complete the accounting portion of the business, I’ll need his oversight until I learn the entire process.

You might ask Ewan about the previous owner’s wife. Adaira told me Mrs. Ploughman worked in the office with her husband. She may be able to give you some guidance, if you ask. Rose leaned forward and placed a fleeting kiss on Ainslee’s cheek. I’m really proud of you and I’m confident you’re going to succeed. Rylan and I will do our best to come and visit for at least a day or two when we finish our special spring orders.

Receiving her older sister’s encouragement eased Ainslee’s fears a modicum, but she still didn’t possess the confidence the manager should exude. What if the employees or customers attempted to take advantage of her vulnerable position? Could she summon the courage to put them in their place? Dealing with an occasional troublemaker at the school was one thing, but handling complaints from workers or customers would be another. The troublesome thoughts caused her insecurities to resurface as she trudged up the path toward the