The Artisan's Wife Page 13

  Ewan traced his fingers over the carefully crafted mosaic of a woman hanging clothes on a rope strung between two trees. “Who else has created the designs?”

  Levi hesitated a moment. “My brother. He is an excellent artist.”

  Ewan scooted forward on his chair. “Does he wish to join you in this venture?”

  Levi gave Ainslee a sideways glance and shook his head. “No. At least not in the near future. You see, my brother is a patient at the asylum. He suffers with problems of the mind. The doctors don’t think he will ever again be completely normal, but only God knows what the future holds for him.”

  Ainslee leaned forward and rested her bandaged hand on the desk. “Levi gives art lessons at the asylum every Sunday afternoon. Some of the artwork is very good. And I’m helping establish a library there, as well.”

  Ewan’s head snapped up at the remark. “You’re going inside the asylum and mingling with women who suffer from brain disease?” He shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s safe.”

  “It is quite safe. I’m not around any dangerous patients. I met with a committee of doctors and asylum staff before I began my visits.”

  Ewan shook his head. “I don’t think Laura would approve.”

  “Once she has talked to me or visited the asylum, I think Laura will agree that it is an excellent cause. Most of the ladies in my group are depressed and grieving. Some from the loss of their husbands or children, and some simply due to unhappiness. Being with them has permitted me to discuss literature and poetry, which I greatly enjoy. And we’ve begun to gather ideas to form a library. Of course, we’ll need funds to purchase books, but I’m hoping we’ll receive donations, as well. I’m also going to write to Laura and Grandmother Woodfield to see if they would like to contribute some books from their libraries.”

  “I think we need to return to our discussion of these mosaic tiles. Why don’t you tell me a little about the process, Levi?”

  Levi picked up one of the mosaic pieces. “Once I have a drawing or painting, I re-create it in a simplistic drawing that will work for a mosaic. I enlarge the image and place it on top of a sizeable slab of clay. The image is then traced onto the clay to make an impression. Once that’s done, I remove the paper image and the outline is deepened. This process requires cutting deep into the clay. Then plaster is poured over the clay impression. Once hardened, the plaster mold is removed from the clay.” He traced his finger around the individual pieces that had been pieced back together to form the mosaic. “Smaller pieces of clay are placed in the sections of the mold and tamped into place. The individual pieces are then removed and fired.”

  Ewan shook his head. “I think it would be difficult to remove all of the pieces, fire them, and then be able to place them back in order to form the mosaic. Even if I looked at the drawing while attempting to re-create the picture with these small pieces, it would be impossible for me. It’s like a child’s puzzle, only much more complicated.”

  Levi chuckled. “After my first attempt, I learned that each piece must be numbered on both the drawing and the pieces of clay before they are fired. Then, if I’m confused, I can look at the drawing and see the number of the piece that is needed. After they are fired, the pieces are glazed with various colors and fired again.”

  “This is so much more than flooring or paving tiles. This is art.” Ewan leaned back and looked at Levi. “I think your work is beautiful and it interests me, but I’m not so sure that money can be made with these mosaics. The cost of the materials is not so great, but there is much more time needed to create them.” He hesitated. “I’m not sure something like this would ever be profitable. Who would buy them?”

  Levi hunched forward, rested his arms across his knees, and met Ewan’s quizzical look. They were at the crucial moment in their conversation—his one opportunity to convince Ewan to move forward with this idea. Levi said a silent prayer.

  “These mosaics are as sturdy as any flooring or paving tiles,” Levi explained. “They can be used around fireplaces or to decorate walls. They’re strong enough to be interspersed among regular tiles to embellish the floors of mansions and public buildings. There is no limit to where they can be used. Once they are seen, I believe you will receive more orders than you can imagine.”

  Ewan stroked his jaw. “You may be right, and I am usually a man willing to take a chance on new ideas. ’Twould be good to explore the possibilities and see if interest is as strong as you believe.”

  “Oh, thank you, Ewan, that’s wonderful news. I know you won’t be sorry.” Ainslee beamed at her brother. For a moment, it appeared she was going to jump up from the desk and rush to his side.

  “Wait a wee minute, Ainslee. You interrupted me before I finished.” Her brother’s eyebrows knit together. “I was going to say that it would be good to explore the idea, if I didn’t already have a meeting scheduled to discuss the sale of the business with a promising buyer.”

  Levi’s chest tightened in an unyielding grip that made it difficult to breathe. Why had Ewan allowed him to get his hopes up? It would have been better to know from the onset that the McKays had located a buyer and planned to sell the tile works. The sale seemed to be news to Ainslee, as well, for her joyful appearance was replaced by a look of gloom.

  “But you said you would contact Mr. Heskett if you thought Levi’s proposal was sound. Didn’t you say that you wanted to meet with him before going over the ledgers so you’d have as much time as possible to cancel the meeting with Mr. Heskett?” She frowned at her brother. “I believe these mosaic tiles will bring both orders and renown to the tile works. How can you simply dismiss something so unique?”

  “Please remember that you are the one who insisted I place ads to sell the business.” Ewan tapped his finger to the side of his head. “If my memory has not betrayed me, you wanted the tile works sold as quickly as possible.” His features softened. “I can see that you’ve had a change of heart, but you waited to tell me until I arrived in Weston—just like you waited to tell me about your injury. ’Tis your own doing that put us in this murky mess, so do na direct your anger at me.”

  Ewan’s Irish brogue had become more pronounced as he continued to state his case to Ainslee. At first, Levi had been certain Ainslee didn’t know about the impending sale, but it seemed he’d been wrong. Why hadn’t she told him their family was attempting to sell the business? Not only did he need to convince Ewan that production of the mosaics would prove to be a good business venture, but he also needed to persuade him to keep the tile works—and he wasn’t sure he was up to the task.

  Levi remained silent as the exchange went on between brother and sister, but his disappointment in Ainslee increased with each passing moment. Though she continued to wage a stalwart battle with her brother, he wasn’t sure he could believe her. Did she truly want to keep the tile works, or was she privately telling her brother she wanted to sell the business? He didn’t know what to believe.

  “Say something, Levi!” Ainslee’s sharp command pulled him from his private thoughts.

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you want me to say.” A heaviness pervaded his body, and he longed to return to the peaceful solitude of his room at the boardinghouse. “I’ve told your brother I think it would be a wise business decision to produce the tiles, but if you and your family have decided to sell the business, there’s nothing more to discuss.”

  “No decision has been made. At least not yet.” Ewan drew his fingers across the tile. “Right now I’m not certain what to do.” He turned toward Ainslee. “Much of the reason for selling the business was because you wanted to return home as soon as possible. Now you tell me you want to remain here and create a library at the asylum and begin making these new tiles. If Levi’s project fails, will you once again want to sell the tile works?”

  Ainslee shook her head with vigor. “No. I give you my word that I’ll remain here and manage the tile works even if we don’t find buyers for the mosaic tiles.” She grinned at Le
vi. “But I don’t think that will happen.”

  “Let me pray about this tonight, and I’ll give you my answer in the morning. If I’m going to cancel my meeting with Mr. Heskett, I need to send a telegram first thing tomorrow.” He pushed up from his chair. “Why don’t both of you join me for supper at the hotel? Afterward, we can return and go over the books. If I decide to meet with Mr. Heskett, I want to have a full understanding of the finances.”

  Levi inwardly shuddered. The idea of a formal dinner at the hotel didn’t appeal. He had little appetite for food or polite small talk. He had hoped for a few minutes alone with Ainslee to ask why she hadn’t told him the business was for sale. Since that wasn’t likely to happen today, he wanted to complete his work and return home.

  “Thank you for the invitation, Mr. McKay, but there’s a rule at the boardinghouse about missing meals without giving Mrs. Brighton or Miss Hanson notice. Due to your arrival, I’m sure they’ll overlook your sister’s absence at supper, but I don’t think they’ll be as willing to excuse me.” He gestured toward the cutting room. “I have some work I want to complete before day’s end. It’s been some time since you’ve visited, so I’m sure your sister would enjoy catching up with you.” Levi pushed to his feet and picked up his tiles. “Thank you for your time. I look forward to your decision.”

  Ewan’s chair scraped on the wooden floor as he shifted around. “I want you to join us, Levi. Ainslee tells me you have created some new glazes for other decorative tiles as well as the mosaics. I’d like to hear about those tiles as well as the glazes. I’ll speak to Mrs. Brighton. I don’t think she’ll make a fuss.”

  Levi sighed. Had there been no mention of selling the business, he would have been delighted to talk for hours about his designs for low-relief and brocade tiles. He longed to discuss the glazes and enamels he’d developed while working long into the night at the Philadelphia Tile Works, but not when such talk could once again lead to disappointment.

  He shook his head. “I thank you, Mr. McKay, but until you’ve made a decision to keep the business, I don’t think it serves any purpose. You mentioned you were going to pray about what you should do. I believe I’m going to spend my time praying the Lord will reveal what is best for all of us.”

  Ainslee stood and drew close to his side. “This is your opportunity to convince Ewan to keep the tile works and produce the mosaics, Levi. You should join us for supper.” When he shook his head, she sighed. “You’re making a mistake.”

  He leaned close to her ear. “Ainslee, spending time in prayer is never a mistake.”

  Chapter 15

  When midmorning approached, Ainslee stood, strode across the room, and peered out the office window. Dark, heavy clouds sat on the distant horizon. They appeared to be resting before moving westward to empty their fullness onto the valley below. She had hoped to see Ewan arrive before now, but with the threat of heavy rains, perhaps he’d decided to wait at the hotel until the storm passed.

  Her thoughts remained fixed upon Ewan’s decision, and she’d accomplished little since her arrival. Instead of worrying, she should complete her work or spend her time in prayer. What was that verse that Grandmother Woodfield sometimes quoted from the book of Matthew?

  When she recalled the verse, she recited it aloud: “‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.’” She needed to take that verse to heart. Worrying wasn’t going to accomplish anything, and there was work that needed her attention.

  The skies were still overcast when Ewan strode into the office an hour later. “Sorry I’m late. Time got away from me.”

  “I was remembering the verse Grandmother Woodfield used to recite when one of us would fret about one thing or another.”

  Ewan chuckled and nodded. “I well remember. She still points those who worry to Matthew 6:34.”

  “Thank you. I hadn’t been able to remember the chapter and verse.” She pushed aside the ledger. “I will say that I am curious about what took you so long.”

  He crossed the room and stood beside the desk. “Maybe we should get Levi in here before I go into detail. Then I will have to tell it only one time.” Ainslee started to push up from the desk, but Ewan gestured for her to remain seated. “I’ll get him.”

  Ainslee remained at her desk, her thoughts skittering to and fro. Ewan seemed in a good mood, but he might have flashed that charming smile of his to hide the fact that he still planned to meet with Mr. Heskett. But she hoped his good mood might be due to the fact that he wasn’t going to destroy Levi’s dream.

  She tapped the fingers of her left hand atop the desk as she stared at the bandage on her other hand. The doctor had given her hope that she’d be free of the thick wrapping once he examined her tomorrow. Though she would miss having Levi help her each evening, she longed to be free of the bandage. The doctor had mentioned the possibility of nerve damage, but she wouldn’t let herself dwell on that possibility. She was murmuring Matthew 6:34 when Levi and Ewan opened the door.

  “Talking to yourself?” Ewan grinned as he entered the room.

  Ainslee returned his smile. “Myself and God. I’m still reciting Grandmother Woodfield’s favorite verse.”

  She turned her attention toward Levi. With disheveled hair and sad eyes, he appeared as downcast as a stray dog on a rainy day. Ewan gestured toward the two chairs on the other side of her desk.

  “I’m not going to keep you waiting any longer. I’ve already apologized to Levi for my late arrival.” He glanced at Ainslee. “I told you both that I planned to spend time in prayer last night.”

  “I did a great deal of praying, too.” Ainslee looked at Levi. “I’m sure Levi did, as well.”

  “I did.” Raindrops spattered on the windows as Levi turned in his chair. “Did your prayers help you with a decision, Mr. McKay?”

  “Aye. As I prayed, I recalled something that allowed me to make my decision. I’m sure the Lord brought the remembrance to mind.”

  Levi leaned toward Ewan. “What did you recall?”

  “Josiah Harrington, a wealthy businessman in Wheeling who is a friend of the family and was also a good customer when I was operating the brickworks, is partially financing and overseeing the construction of a museum in that city. He attended the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia when it opened in early May and was inspired by what he’d seen. After visiting with any number of influential people, he came to a decision that he should construct a museum where area residents could view paintings, sculptures, and historic artifacts. He has commitments from many of his wealthy friends to assist with the finances, so the project is taking shape.”

  Ainslee stared at her brother, wishing he’d reveal whether he’d made a decision. While construction of a museum was interesting, she didn’t know what it had to do with anything they’d been discussing.

  She gestured for her brother to continue. “And? I’m not sure how this was an answer to prayer.”

  “I believe Levi’s mosaics could be interspersed with regular tiles and provide the flooring throughout the museum. The museum would provide a showplace for your work and the publicity would bring in more work than we could likely manage without additional workers.”

  “We? Does that mean you’ve decided to keep the tile works?” Levi spoke so softly that Ainslee had to lean forward in order to hear him.

  “Aye! Although it was late, I managed to convince the clerk at the hotel to give me the name of the telegraph operator. I went to his home and asked him to return to the telegraph office and send a message.”

  Ainslee’s mouth gaped open. “And did he agree?”

  Ewan laughed. “For a few extra coins. I would have paid whatever he asked since I wanted to be sure that the telegram reached Josiah as soon as possible. I waited this morning in the hopes I’d receive a response before I came here.” He beamed at Levi. “And I did. Josiah’s excited by the idea and is coming here to see samples of your work. He plans to arrive next Wednesday
.”

  “But how does that resolve anything, Ewan?” Thunder rumbled overhead, and a flash of lightning ignited the sky outside the office windows. Ainslee rolled her chair a little farther from the windows. “Mr. Heskett is arriving before then.”

  “I also had the telegraph operator send him a message last night—and cancelled our meeting.”

  Ainslee sighed. “I’m confused. What if Mr. Harrington sees the mosaics but decides they aren’t what he wants in the museum and doesn’t place an order? Will you then try to reschedule a meeting with Mr. Heskett?”

  Ewan shook his head. “Nay. You’ve given me your word that if I agreed to keep the tile works, you would stay here and manage it to the best of your ability. If Josiah doesn’t want the mosaics, we’ll produce enough so that we can advertise them for sale and we’ll see what happens. I believe the Lord is going to open doors for these tiles to be sold.”

  “I don’t want to sound proud, but once these tiles are seen, I fully believe there will be a demand for them.” Levi’s downcast appearance had been replaced by one of excitement and confidence. “If Mr. Harrington doesn’t select them for the museum floors, we’ll need to develop another plan so they can be seen by large groups of people. I think that’s the key to success. Because they are unique, the tiles can’t be fully appreciated unless they are seen.”

  “You are probably right, Levi, but let’s try to remember that verse in Matthew. We’ll do what we can today and let tomorrow take care of itself. Agreed?” Ewan glanced back and forth between Ainslee and Levi.

  They both nodded and offered their enthusiastic agreement. Ewan rubbed his hands together. “Since we are unified in our plan, I think the next step must be to offer Josiah a plan for the tiles. Do you think the tiles should be tied together by some sort of theme or basic concept?”

  “Yes, a theme that would keep the visitors interested as they walked through the museum. I would want it to be something exciting, yet simple enough that even young visitors would soon see what was being presented.”