Read Online The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller - Free Book Online

Men who knew how to handle a shovel. He wanted to dig before the first freeze so the clay would have exposure to as many freeze-and-thaw cycles as possible. Bricks made of thoroughly weathered clay made stronger bricks and were less liable to warp in the kiln. Ewan wanted to produce sound bricks.
    Come spring, he wanted the clay weathered and ready for the pug mills. He walked off in the distance to the two horse-driven mills. Here, the clay would be ground and mixed with liquid to form a malleable mixture before delivery to the VerValen machine, where it would be formed into bricks. Then they would be set to drying in the shed before they could be fired.
    They would need more drying sheds as they increased production, but there was still enough time to consider those plans. Late afternoon shadows draped the yard, and Ewan turned toward the hillside. If he didn’t get back to Woodfield Manor soon, the ladies would be preparing for supper.
    Riding toward the house a short time later, he spied Miss Woodfield on the porch. He removed his hat and waved in her direction. She stood and drew near the railing.
    “We meet again, Miss Woodfield. I hope you do not mind, but I told my uncle I would take a look at the house he purchased. Is there any chance I could bother you for the key and directions to the place?”
    Laura’s lips curved in a generous smile. “Certainly. I’ll go with you, if you’d like.”
    “I cannot think of a thing that would please me more, Miss Woodfield. Will you be riding a horse?”
    “It’s not far. If you don’t mind walking, I’ll get the key and my bonnet.”
    “A walk sounds good.” Ewan swung down from the horse and tied the gelding to the post. “You behave yourself while I’m gone.”
    “Do you often talk to your horse, Mr. McKay?” Laura asked, coming from the house.
    Ewan laughed. “Indeed. He listens and does not give any unwanted opinions.”
    Laura tied the strings of her bonnet. “Then I must remember to listen and give my opinion only when requested.”
    “Your ideas would always be treasured by me, Miss Woodfield.”
    “Is that a bit of the Irish blarney I’ve heard about, Mr. McKay?”
    “Not at all. I’m speaking the truth. I value your opinion.” He smiled and then gestured toward the dirt pathway. “The first time I came along this path, I wondered why your father had not lined it with bricks. My poor horse nearly lost a shoe in the thick mud.”
    “That’s a good question, Mr. McKay, but I don’t have the answer. Perhaps he didn’t think it important, since the main road isn’t much better. I’m afraid the trail leading to the house where you’ll be living needs a bit of work, as well.”
    They’d walked about a half a mile when Laura pointed to a narrow trail leading off to the right. “This leads to the house. Mother is having the groomsman bring her over so she can go through it with us.” She glanced up at him. “Mother wasn’t happy I’d consented to an unescorted walk, but since I’d already told you I would go, she didn’t fuss overmuch.”
    Ewan stopped short. “She could have walked with us. Did you not invite her?”
    “She can’t walk long distances. Her legs give out. And she didn’t want to keep us waiting while Zeke hitched the carriage for her. No doubt she’ll rush Zeke and be here soon.”
    “Is that the house up there in the distance?” Ewan gestured toward a hillock.
    “Yes. It’s a lovely setting. You can see most of the valley. The trees hide the brickyard from view, but you can see the river from two of the upstairs bedrooms.” Laura turned at the sound of an approaching horse. “It appears Mother is going to get to the house before we do. That will please her. She would be completely disappointed in me if we entered the house unchaperoned.”
    “Aye.” Ewan grinned and nodded. “I would not want to be the one causing your mother grief—or you, either.”
    They stepped to the side as the buggy approached, and