The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller

gestured for Rose to follow her. “I want you to have a look at the guest list.” She smiled. “One name in particular. A young man.”
    Rose startled to attention. Was Laura attempting to play matchmaker? Surely she understood that there would be no time for gentlemen callers, especially after the discussion in the library this morning. Before they’d made their decision to purchase the pottery, Mrs. Woodfield had been clear with Ewan and Laura. She was voting for the pottery and expected Rose to contribute greatly to the success of the business. Knowing she was eager to succeed at their new venture, why would Laura believe she’d be pleased to see any single men on the guest list?
    “Do you think Mr. Bancock will accept the offer Ewan has prepared?” If she reminded Laura of their recent decision, perhaps she’d reconsider any discussion of possible suitors.
    “Although we offered less than he asked, Ewan doesn’t believe Mr. Bancock has any other offers. There’s a possibility he’ll refuse. If so, I imagine he’ll at least send us a counteroffer. We prayed about our decision, and I believe we’ll eventually own the pottery.” Undeterred, Laura withdrew a sheet of paper from her writing desk and traced her finger down the list. “Ah, here it is. Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Harkness and their son, Joshua Harkness.”
    Rose let her gaze drift across the page as Laura pointed to the names. She’d met Joshua Harkness before. His father had conducted business with Ewan on several occasions and owned numerous businesses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Joshua had traveled to Bartlett on several occasions and had even attended church with them one Sunday.
    Rose hadn’t seen him for several years, but she had never considered Joshua as a possible suitor. She was quite certain he would have little interest in her. If memory correctly served her, Rose recalled him as quite handsome and rather aloof. Whether he had changed was irrelevant to her, for once their bid was accepted, she planned to fill all of her time at the pottery.
    “Why do you think I’d be interested in Joshua Harkness?” Rose remained nearby while Laura returned the guest list to her writing desk.
    Laura’s lips curved in a shrewd smile. “I believe Mother mentioned you and Ewan should visit nearby potteries and learn all you can before we take control of our new business.”
    “She did, and I hope that will be possible. I’m willing to travel by myself if Ewan believes the business owners will provide access and meet with an unaccompanied woman.” Rose wrinkled her nose. “You know there are very few forward-thinking businessmen. Most still believe we should have one apron string tied to the cookstove and the other tied to the bedpost. And if women are employed, it’s at a pitiful rate of pay.”
    “Rose McKay!” A look of surprise crossed Laura’s face as the desk drawer closed with a click. “I can only imagine what would be said if anyone overheard your remark. Your reputation could be ruined by such an unladylike comment. You need to be careful as you begin your new position at the pottery. Even though you may not agree with the attitudes of some businessmen, you’ll not accomplish your goals with a fractious approach.”
    Rose looked away as shame swept over her. Laura was correct. To be successful, she couldn’t let her personal beliefs about such matters influence her attitude. But that didn’t mean changes couldn’t happen within the workplace. She hoped she could at least make a wee difference for the people they would employ at the pottery, especially the women and children. However, this wasn’t the time for such thoughts.
    “I’m sorry, Laura. Why did you mention Joshua Harkness?”
    Laura’s shoulders relaxed. “Among the many businesses owned by Jeremiah Harkness, one is a pottery in Fairmont. Joshua recently moved to Fairmont to become the head of Harkness Pottery Works. I thought he might possess some helpful