The Brickmaker's Bride Read Online Free PDF Page B

their voyage, he’d confided why he’d been in such a rush to leave Coleraine, and now he spoke of it again. “It was a piece of luck that came my way that day, and I took full advantage. That fellow could afford to lose. He didn’t fool me none. He was one of them wealthy Montclairs. He thought he knew how to play a game of cards, but he’d never come up against the likes of me. I know more tricks than any of those fancy fellows. I liked the idea of sitting opposite him—just the two of us—and taking his money every hand. None of the locals had enough money to wager against him.”
    “You did.” Ewan lifted his coffee cup and downed the remaining cold liquid.
    “Aye, but that’s different. I’d been saving from all my gaming over the past year so I’d be ready when an opportunity came along. And thanks be to me, I say. We’d still be sitting in Coleraine if I hadn’t been saving my winnings.”
    “And thanks be to the Lord that Lyall Montclair was a poor shot or you’d be under the ground.”
    “He couldn’t aim that pistol any better than he could play cards.” Hugh guffawed. “Glad I am that he didn’t have my name and we were able to set sail two days later. He’s probably still lookin’ for me.”
    Ewan shook his head. “What you did was wrong, Uncle Hugh.”
    “What’s the matter with you, boy? With Montclair’s money and power, the law would have taken his side against me, and you know that to be true.” He slapped his palm on the table. “All of that is behind us now, and I don’t want you talking about it any more. There’s no good that can come of telling Margaret or anyone else. Understand?”
    Lying, keeping secrets, and finding excuses for his unscrupulous behavior had become a way of life for Uncle Hugh. He enjoyed this game of cat and mouse, and Ewan doubted the man would ever change. He also doubted Lyall Montclair had been dealt even one fair hand of cards.
    “Well?” His uncle nudged him. “You gonna answer or keep staring at me like a dead mackerel?”
    “I would never intentionally cause trouble for anyone, but I told you back then and I’m telling you now, I won’t lie or cheat to keep your secrets. I never wanted to hear any of it.”
    “I know ya didn’t.” His uncle wiped his napkin across his mouth. “If I hadn’t had a wee bit too much to drink, I would have kept me trap shut. Would have been better for the both of us.”
    “Aye, but you didn’t.” Ewan leaned back in his chair. Maybe this was the right time to press his uncle to sign the papers. “What about the brickyard? Aunt Margaret made it clear she’s set on staying here, and I don’t think we’ll find a better place. I think you should pay what they’re asking and sign the papers as soon as possible. We need to hire men and begin digging clay before winter sets in or we won’t be able to make bricks come spring. We’ll lose a year of production if we wait muchlonger. You and I both know it, and so does that lawyer. He’s not going to budge.”
    “If I pay full price and this doesn’t work, it’s gonna be on you. If this turns out bad, there may not be a racetrack or gaming table to make up my losses. You a good enough brick man to earn my money back for me?”
    “If you listen to me, you’ll see more profit than you’re expecting. If not, I can’t promise what will happen.”
    Hugh’s brow furrowed and he narrowed his eyes. “Can’t say as I like giving you so much control.”
    “It’s not my money at stake, but my future depends upon making the yard a success. I’m giving you my word that I’ll do everything I can to make the company the best brickyard in all of the state.” Ewan hiked a shoulder. “You have my word. There’s nothing more I can offer.”
    “Make it the best brickyard in all the country, not just this state.” Hugh grinned and extended his hand. “We’ll go and see the lawyer in the morning and sign the papers.”
    Ewan shook his uncle’s hand,