Chapter 14
“Careful, it’s hot,”Charlie said as her two helpers slid the tray of bricks out of the kiln with the wooden spatulas made for that purpose.
Once it was clear, Charlie slid two wooden poles through the slots underneath, and the lads Joseph had enlisted to help her carried the tray over to the bench.
Charlie leaned over and examined her handiwork. The bricks were still too hot to touch but from a cursory inspection, she could see no cracks or other imperfections that might compromise their strength.
She grinned suddenly. “A perfect batch! I reckon that deserves a high five!”
She held up her hand but the two lads—Samuel and Albie—stared at her without comprehension.
“Just hold your palms up,” she told them.
When they did, she slapped each one in turn. “Good job!”
They grinned, pleased with the praise. Albie leaned close and examined the bricks. “So ye think we’ll be able to use these to build houses?”
“That’s the plan.”
Charlie knew there was more to Albie’s question than idle curiosity. They were brothers and their family was one that had been displaced when MacAllister threw them off his land. Those families were currently living in the barn but they couldn’t stay there indefinitely. These bricks offered hope that those families might soon have homes of their own.
She’d managed to increase her capacity to make twenty-five bricks in one firing. It was a start, but she knew they would have to make many, many more if they were to have anywhere near enough.
Her thoughts were stilled by the sound of the door opening. She turned to see Niall standing in the doorway. Her heart did a little flip at the sight of him, even if he did look a little worse for wear. There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked a little rumpled. Perhaps he’d slept as badly as she had.
Stay.
The memory of that single word he’d spoken to her yesterday sent a tingle down her spine.
Samuel and Albie went rigid at the sudden appearance of the laird and then gave awkward bows.
Niall waved away their obeisance. “Easy, lads. Can I have a word with Lady Charlotte?”
Charlie brushed her clay-stained hands on her apron as the boys slipped out of the room, leaving her alone with Niall. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
“What is it?” she asked.
Niall took a step closer, his expression serious. “We need to talk.”
Something about his tone made her uneasy. She motioned for him to follow her over to a small stool in the corner of the room.
Once they were seated, Niall reached into his plaid and pulled out a crumpled piece of parchment. He held it out to her, his eyes never leaving her face. “Read this.”
Charlie took it from him, smoothing it out on her lap. Her eyes scanned the headline and then the text below it.
“This is...this is...” Her gaze flew to his. “Is this what everyone is saying about me?”
