Several days had passed. They had been to the theater, they had seen the sunset from a beach, they had attended an opera, and still Shiloh hadn’t told Adam what had frightened her so badly at the Cliff House.
Now, as they were dressing for the mayor’s banquet, Adam stood watching her from the bedroom door. She had gotten quiet over the last few days and just went along with whatever Adam had planned. Oh, she smiled and laughed, though reservedly so and without that warm sparkle in her eyes. Adam was beginning to think that San Francisco hadn’t been such a good idea for their honeymoon. If he had taken her somewhere farther away, surely her troubles wouldn’t have followed her.
She turned back toward the bed to lay her dress out, and noticing he was watching her, she said, “You should start getting ready. We should probably arrive a little early. I’m sure Robert will want us all together when the official announcement is made.”
He took her hands and led her to the sofa in the main room of the suite, sitting down and bidding her sit next to him. “I’m sorry, Sweetheart. I should have taken you somewhere all this trouble couldn’t follow us.”
Smiling and looking at their hands, she said, “I’m not sure there is such a place. It appears that Will is bound and determined to be a part of my life which, in turn, now makes him part of your life. I’m worried that you and he could come to blows. Then there’s this man that’s following me…it seems he would follow wherever you took me. You and he have already come to blows. And now I worry what trouble Daniel Slater will cause you. Evelyn said something to me as we were leaving…that I was to watch out for Daniel…that he had no respect for marriage.” Adam raised his head and looked anxiously at her. He hadn’t heard that, nor had he considered it. “Adam, I’m not as worried for me as I am for you. By marrying me, you’ve put yourself in the middle of all this. I used to think that Will was just after me, but now he has to go through you.”
She stood and walked to the fireplace, and he followed. “Is this all you’ve been thinking about the last few days?”
“It’s hard not to think about it,” she snorted.
“Alright then. After tonight, the rest of our plans take us out of the city. We’ll spend the weekend at Jim’s ranch, and after that, we’ll be taking a clipper ship down to Santa Cruz. There’s a ranch I want to visit near Pescadero owned by an old friend of Pa’s, Moses Meder. He’s turned it into a successful creamery and dairy farm, and he has some impressive fields of crops…right next to the ocean. We won’t be anywhere near Will Stewart or Natalie Peterson, and your shadow will have a hard time following us. I’ve already spoken to the Captain of the clipper, and I’ll be dealing directly with him for our passage. By the time this man following you knows what we’re doing, we’ll be aboard, and he won’t have time to arrange his own passage. Besides, the area around Santa Cruz is wide open. There are very few trees where we’ll be and even fewer people.”
“Can we stay near the ocean, Adam? The sound of the waves is so soothing.”
“What if we set up camp for a few days?”
Her eyes lit up for the first time in several days. “I’d like that. The smell of the ocean and a campfire and the sound of the waves would be wonderful.”
“Then we’ll take a couple of days to camp before we come back. I know we can borrow horses from Moses, and I’m sure he can give us an idea where we can go.”
She tiptoed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Adam, it’s been so long since I’ve slept under the stars.”
He laughed. “If I had known how you feel about making camp, I think this honeymoon would have been a bit different.”
She pulled her arms back. “Adam, I didn’t mean that this hasn’t been a good honeymoon,” she said apologetically. “What we’ve done has been wonderful. It just would have been so much better without my…”
Touching his finger to her lips, he said, “Ssh,” and just before he met her lips, he whispered, “I know what you mean.” This time she pressed her body against his and opened her mouth, enjoying the caress of his lips on hers. “I’ve missed that these last few days,” he said, kissing her again as he held her tightly in his arms. “Your goose bumps are back.”
“Hm. I hate to tell you this, but you have them, too.”
With one arm still wrapped around her, he led her into the bedroom. “I don’t get goose bumps for just anyone. Now, we should get dressed or we’ll be late.”
When the Cartwrights arrived at the mayor’s mansion, the mayor’s footman opened the carriage door. Adam stepped out and turned for Shiloh’s hand, placing it on his arm with his closed hand at the button of his black tailed coat. Tonight he wore his white silk waistcoat and white cravat with the emerald tack, and Shiloh wore an ivory gown with the neck cut low and sleeves that crossed her upper arm, leaving her shoulders bare. She wore a diamond and emerald tiara necklace that Adam had given her just before they left the hotel.
Upon entering, a maid took Shiloh’s wrap, and the butler led them into a large room where he announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cartwright.”
Mrs. Teschemacher welcomed them as well as Robert Slater, who introduced Shiloh as Isabella Whitney to the mayor’s wife. “Well then, we have two honored guests,” she said loudly enough to be heard over the entire gathering; the man who has given the city a magnificent piece of architecture that will surely be admired across the country and the woman who has graced our city with her angelic voice. May I steal your wife, Mr. Cartwright,” she said, leading Shiloh over to a group of women. Adam was left standing with Robert, but it wasn’t long before a number of men had gathered around, asking questions about the plans and what other projects Adam was working on.
“Tell me, Mr. Cartwright, I understand you’ve signed on with a firm in the city.”
Someone reached forward from beyond the circle that had formed. “Give the man a drink,” said a voice that accompanied the arm bearing a flute of champagne.
“Mr. Cartwright has joined the partnership of Slater and Slater, gentlemen,” said Robert proudly. “We are now Slater, Cartwright and Slater.” Mumbles passed through the crowd, all of them wondering how this young Cartwright fellow had managed to get his name in the middle of that firm.
“Adam Cartwright,” said someone behind him.
When he turned around, he was surprised to see George Hearst. “Mr. Hearst,” said Adam, taking his hand.
“I wanted to thank you for taking care of my wife on the stagecoach from Virginia City.”
“Your wife?”
“Yes, she was the expecting young woman you escorted up the grade. She said your wife was very gracious.”
“You’re welcome. Is your wife here?”
“No, I’m afraid her time is much to close. She’s resting at home. She mentioned that your wife is Shiloh Whitney of the Flying W. I was wondering why she decided not to sell her ranch.”
“The ranch was never for sale. It would seem there was someone who wanted her off the property…probably for the silver.”
“I saw the assay. It appears you have a very rich deposit on that property. If it’s not too presumptuous of me, are you planning to mine it?”
Adam smiled and looked down. “Not at the present time.”
“Yes, well, I know how you Cartwrights covet your trees. But based on that sample, you could own Virginia City.”
Looking over at Shiloh, Adam caught her eye for a moment, making her blush. “Mr. Hearst, I have no desire to own Virginia City. I already have all the riches I need.”
“Ladies, look who we have with us tonight,” said Mrs. Teschemacher.
“Why you’re Isabella Whitney,” said one of the women. “I saw you perform last year here in the city.”
Shiloh smiled. “Yes, I am.”
“Will you be performing while you’re here?”
“No, I’m afraid. Not this trip, but I will be performing sometime this year.”
Mrs. Teschemacher had entwined her arm in Shiloh’s. “Miss Whitney, would you do us the honor of singing something tonight?”
“It’s Mrs. Cartwright now,” she said, maintaining a sweet smile. “But I’ve not prepared anything.” From behind her, Shiloh heard the next name announced by the butler. “Mr. William Stewart and his guest, Miss Natalie Peterson.” She suddenly felt like slowly sinking to the floor and hiding, though none of the ladies saw her discomfort.
“Oh, my dear, I’m sure you have something that you don’t have to prepare for.”
“Perhaps a little later, Mrs. Teschmacher. After all, this is my husband’s night.”
“Well, I’m sure he’d want to show his lovely new bride off.”
Everyone turned around when the mayor was announced. “Ladies and gentlemen, Mayor Teschemacher.”
Turning to the ladies, Mrs. Teschemacher said, “Please excuse us for a moment. I’m sure the mayor would like to meet Miss Whitney.”
Adam observed Mrs. Teschemacher’s iron grip on Shiloh’s arm as she led Shiloh back to the entry of the room. And even though the others in attendance couldn’t see it, he recognized the uneasiness in her eyes. Holding out his arm to her, the mayor’s wife had no choice but to release her. He looked into her eyes and saw a barely controlled fire there.
“Dear, have you met Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright,” said Mrs. Teschmacher.
“Well, Mr. Cartwright, we finally meet. And Mrs.…Oh my, do my eyes deceive me?” Shiloh blushed.
“Mayor, may I present my wife, Shiloh Isabella Whitney Cartwright,” said Adam, smiling.
“Well, my dear,” said the Mayor. “It is indeed an honor to have you both in my home tonight. Tell me, Cartwright, how did you manage both feats?”
“Sir?”
“Winning the most coveted building contract in the city and convincing this lovely young woman to marry you?”
Laughing, Adam answered, “Neither one was easy, I assure you.”
“Robert, I’m glad you’re here. I want to introduce you and Mr. Cartwright to the new city attorney who you’ll be working with for permits and filings.” He reached over and tapped a shoulder. When the man turned around, Adam and Shiloh were standing face to face with Will Stewart and Natalie Peterson.
You know, some people thought this one is the worst of them all…kind of a fantasy that never would have happened. I don’t know about that. All these places really did exist back then. The Lick House was real and accurately described, the Cliff House and the beach, too. And Santa Cruz in the mid-1800s was the way I described it. The Meders were real, and so was their dairy. In fact a couple of those buildings are still there. Thomas Maquire and his opera house in San Francisco and VC were real. Even the San Francisco mayors I have in the stories were all real. This one’s a story back, but Eliza Biscaciante was real and her story was real. She eventually regained her popularity in South America (from Adam’s encouragement, of course!), but she was singing in Gentlemen’s Clubs in San Francisco for drinks at one point. I love working history into my stories.
I suppose my favorite part of all of this was their time on the beach. I’ve been to that very beach, but it’s not a little hideaway any longer…it’s got quite a surfing crowd these days. But the description of the creek coming off the bluff down through the woods is true as well as the small pool of water on the beach. And you can get stuck on that beach at high tide. The cliffs are so high, you can’t climb out. You either have to swim around the points or you have to wait for the tide to go back out. A lot did happen in this one, but as I said, I think this one is my favorite of them all.
Thanks so much, Marie. I think you have just a little ways to go to the end of this one.
I was in a lot of pain last weekend so I didn’t get to finish it. I’ve been busy all week so I’m looking forward to figuring out where I left off. I love this story. I’m loving the entire series! I love long long stories and a series to boot? What more could I ask for! Okay, off to figure out where I left off before I hurt my back last weekend. 🙂
~ A great way to start a new beginning! I look forward to reading each chapter and commenting about them as I read them. 🙂 I just love this couple!
~ Poor Shiloh, she doesn’t do well on those stage coaches. I don’t think I would have either! I just can’t imagine having to travel via a stage coach to get anywhere. I’m glad they arrived at Sacramento safe and sound…Who is this mysterious man?
~ What an opulent hotel, Adam. Presidential Suite? Very impressive indeed! Who was the gent inquiring about them that didn’t want to identify himself? Hmmmm
~ Adam was very adamant about not letting Shiloh sing even if it was for just one night. I can’t blame him though, they’re on their honeymoon! Somehow I don’t think Shiloh will be in that beautiful nightgown and robe too long after breakfast is over. 😉
~ Oh snap! That witch, Natalie Peterson and Will! I just knew he was the “mystery man”. Those two…ooooooh, this is going to get GOOD! LOL
~ Who is this mysterious thug? No doubt a hinchman for Will. I was hoping Adam would get him and show him a thing or two. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of him, Will, or that nasty Natalie.
~ I sure would have loved to been at dinner! The food sounded divine. Is Adam and Shiloh moving to SFO? I must keep reading! 🙂
~ I don’t like this Daniel guy. Not respecting the institution of marriage. I think he has a thing for Shiloh. He’s trouble indeed!
~ What is that no good Daniel up to? It seems the whole world is after poor Shiloh. First it’s Will, Natalie and the mystery man, now Daniel. Somehow I think their honeymoon is going to be a firestorm!
~ It’s almost like she saw a ghost! Who…or what did she see? The plot thickens. 😮
~ Shiloh is so good to go along with Adam, even though these types of events are what she despises the most. She’s such a trooper. The mayor’s wife was so excited to see they had a celebrity in the house, however, she was quite rude to drag her around like a rag doll. Poor Shiloh. Oh boy, the well just got deep! Will is going to make it tough for Adam and his new firm. I know Adam will work it out. Don’t mess with a Cartwright, buddy! That darn Peterson woman…I can just see her body language now; like she’s got the upper hand and she’s going to make Shiloh’s life a living hell. rrrrr
~ Well, the mayor’s reception went well….Cartwrights 1, Will and Natalie, 0. ROTFL
~ What a powerful chapter. How stupid is Will? I mean to come to the hotel where Adam and Shiloh are staying and make such a scene. Did he think it would end well for him? Now the hotel has his face and he will be escorted out if he tries to step in again. I can’t wait to see what Natalie has up here sleeve. I almost feel sorry for her, though…Natalie, that is…She’s just a pawn in this scheme. I’m not sure if she wants Will or if she wants Adam, but she’s a sad lost soul; I pity her.
~ How cute was this chapter. I loved the “escort” Shiloh had for the banquet hall and the “password”. Pretty clever of shiloh to come up with something only Adam would know. I loved their banter at the breakfast table. Too cute!
~ How sweet are Mary and Harold? The seawall thing was so fun! I don’t think I would want to do it in the dead of winter but it might be something fun to share with your beloved in the summer! I loved this chapter!
~ The Alta California is nothing but a sleazy rag paper. On the front page no doubt. I wonder how much money Will paid them to run that article. He’s such a sleaze bag. I sure hope Shiloh does not find out about this; she’ll be heartbroken thinking she’s caused all of this drama for Adam. What she doesn’t know is if you mess with the Cartwrights, you’re messing with a mighty empire nobody can defend against.
~ What a lighthearted chapter. It was so good to see Shiloh smile and be childlike again. I was so sorry Adam couldn’t fully enjoy it with her. 🙁 I hope she is able to get him to feel the inner child he never got to experience. I was just glad they were finally free of all the drama which had encapsulated them in SFO. I just wonder if there is not drama around the bend….
~ Will is a scoundrel! Thank goodness the mayor sees through his stupidness and told him to keep his personal life out of his professional one. I have a sneaking suspicion good ole Will is going to amp it up a notch to try and discredit Adam with not only SFO but with Shiloh, too! Spec, Spec, Spec…She’s a character! I love that girl! ROTFL
~ Sounds like they’re finally going to be able to have the honeymoon they were expecting. The little town they are going to visit sounds delightful. The thought of Shiloh getting kidnapped by Will…makes me shiver.
~ Okay, I don’t know if I was stone cold drunk would I try a fried grasshopper. LOL but wow, that was too funny! The food sounded fantastic, however, I don’t do any seafood or fish, but I do love empanadas! Loved seeing them having such a great time in Spanishtown, even if the jerk who’s following them showed up.
~ What is Daniel up to and what does he want with Will? Those two along with Natalie; a deadly combo. 🙁 Shiloh seeing Micah? What?? Oh poor thing. She wants so much for her brother to be alive. :'(
~ I feel so bad for them, they can’t seem to catch a break on the drama left behind at SFO. Hopefully their time in Santa Cruz will be more enjoyable. The clipper ship sounded lovely.
~ Shiloh’s so cute. She’s a feisty thing and Adam has her hands full. I can understand her frustration with Adam not being forthright about the accusations Will thrusted upon him trying to get the Mayor to take away the contract for the courthouse, but at the same time I see Adam’s point, why burden her with the nonsense when he knew there was no merit to it and the mayor dismissed Will’s claim? She has so much already on her plate and what purpose would it serve her for him to tell her about Will’s ridiculous attempts to try and hurt him and the new company he is with.
~ What a great chapter. It seems maybe they should have gone to Santa Cruz for their honeymoon instead and just let everyone think they were going to San Francisco. LOL Loved how she got a bit tipsy again. Very cute! “Liar,” she said. ROTFL Loved it!
~Somehow I don’t think Shiloh’s to keen on learning the ropes of a dairy farm. LOL She did seem to enjoy the trip to the Meder farm though. 🙂
~ Interesting on how they made cheese and butter back then. I don’t think I like the whole rennent thing though. 🙁 Thank goodness I wasn’t born back in the 19th century or on a farm. I’m too much of a city girl! LOL
~ Why do I feel something is going to happen while they’re camping? Sounds blissful though…If you like camping and fishing. Seems it’s right up Shiloh’s alley!
~ I think Adam may have trouble getting Shiloh to leave their little private slice of heaven. I loved this chapter. I’m glad everything is going so well…for now. 😉
~ Shame on you, Adam Cartwright, for making Shiloh…no forcing her to face her fear of the water the way you did. He needs to realize you have to slowly let someone adjust to a fear. Help them in a safe environment. He’s lucky it didn’t backfire on him and her fear become worse when she was knocked about by the wave that took her under. I’m a good swimmer and that’s happened to me on more than one occasion and it’s scary as heck! Oh, Adam, I’m not happy with you. 🙁 Thank goodness Shiloh is strong and is willing to try it again.
~ My heart stopped when Adam called for Shiloh and she didn’t answer. I thought I can only imagine the fear that set in to him as he called her and no answer came. I can breathe again.
~ Ick…I don’t know if I would want to wake up to raccoons, skunks, and rabbits in my camp. LOL
~ Awe, I wonder if she is pregnant. She’ll make a great mom. She just doesn’t know it yet. 🙂
~ I never thought Ben would be such a “traditionalist” not wanting to move The Ponderosa forward. I can see how that would frustrate Adam. He’ll have to use his ingenuity at the Flying W.
~ I hope she’s not going to have issues having children. They’ll both make great parents. I kind of hope she is with child. 🙂
~ This poor couple haven’t had much of a honeymoon when they’ve been in the city. I guess that’s why Shiloh enjoyed the beach and Santa Cruz so much. Nobody knew them and most of all, they were away from Will!
~ Wow! What a great ending! Such a great opportunity for both Adam, Shiloh, and both ranches to be involved with the railroad. I know it was hard for Shiloh to have Adam sign the contracts instead of her now that she was married to him. I’m glad those times have changed! While I still am somewhat of a traditionalist at heart, I believe a woman can stand firmly on her own and share equally in a marriage partnership. It seems Shiloh and I think a lot alike. 🙂
Looking forward to the next story in the series!
Thanks for such a sweet tender story. I hope we get to see Will and his sidekick again. I love seeing them make fools of themselves. LOL