Shiloh’s hand found Adam’s, and they each clasped the other tightly as if reminding each other to remain calm.
“Will, this is Mr. Cartwright, the architect chosen for the new courthouse, and his wife,” said Mayor Teschemacher. He looked from Will to Adam, noticing an absence of cordiality in their demeanor.
Will spoke first. “Mayor, Adam and I know each other from college.”
“Well then, old friends.”
“And Miss Whitney…oh, excuse me,” said Will. “It’s Mrs. Cartwright now, isn’t it? We know each other from her college days. Miss Peterson knows both of them as well.”
“You’ll be working closely again then,” said the mayor.
“No, Mayor. Mr. Slater will be handling the permits and licensing. I’ll be available if the builder has questions,” explained Adam.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I should say hello to the other guests before dinner.” Bowing, the mayor left their company, and at the same time, Adam took Shiloh’s arm, both turning their backs on Will and Natalie.
“How rude of them,” hissed Natalie.
Will patted her hand. “Calm down, my dear. The evening is still young. Now remember, we’re not here to cause Isabella any embarrassment. What we want to do is goad Adam into taking some physical action. Once he does, his popularity won’t last long. There, you see, he’s left her with Mrs. Teschemacher again. Why don’t you go see if you can make him uncomfortable?”
Halfway across the room, Adam told his new partner in a low voice, “Robert, we may have a problem.”
“Oh, what’s this about?”
“It’s a long story, but Will and I are not friends. As a matter of fact, someone looking from the outside in would call us enemies.” Adam smiled and nodded as a couple walked by.
“This is serious, Adam,” said Robert, leaning in. “It wouldn’t be good for the chief architect of the city courthouse and the city attorney to be at odds.”
“That’s why you need to represent this project at the mayor’s office. I’ll deal with the builder.”
Robert smiled and nodded at another passerby. “Before the night is out, Adam, I want to know the whole story.”
“Shiloh needs to be part of the conversation.”
“Why?”
Adam looked at Robert from under his brow. “You need to hear it from her, so it won’t seem one-sided; not from Will or me. She’s what it’s all about.”
“Adam, it’s nice to see you,” said Natalie, wrapping her arm around his. “I do hope Shiloh can keep things civil tonight. I don’t think the ladies here would appreciate the fact that she attacked me in the streets of Virginia City.”
Adam gently removed Natalie’s hand from his arm. “Any accusations you make about that can be easily disputed. You didn’t exactly leave any friends behind in Virginia City.”
“That might be true, but it can’t be verified tonight. First impressions, you know.”
“Natalie, you need to be careful. I can hold Shiloh in check, but that doesn’t mean I will.” He began to walk away and turned back. “Next time, I just might let her feed you a mud pie.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please.” The crowd quieted down and all eyes turned toward the mayor’s wife and the piano. “Mrs. Cartwright has graciously agreed to sing for us tonight.” A low muttering began spreading through the room. “Now, before you start thinking that you have to endure a pitiful performance let me introduce her as if she were performing on stage. I give you Isabella Whitney.” The crowd perked up, talking excitedly as Shiloh positioned herself on the bench.
“I’ll be singing a fairly new arrangement of an old song. This was performed for the first time several months ago at the new opera house in Virginia City. The accompaniment was originally stringed instruments. I’ll attempt to do it justice with the piano.”
Robert and Evelyn found Adam and stood next to him, Evelyn leaning in to whisper, “This is a treat.”
Shiloh began to play the guitar notes along with a delicate bass line, lightly touching the keys. Her voice was soft and sultry as were her eyes fixed on Adam. As she sang, the music slowly became more intricate until she reached the break where she played all the parts, her fingers gliding over the keys in a succession of runs, harmony and melody. Adam lowered his head, gazing up at her, his chest filled with pride and the deep desire she aroused within him.
Robert and Evelyn, each standing on either side of Adam, leaned slightly forward, both glancing up at his face, and then smiling at each other.
Shiloh reached the verse the chorus would have sung, and singing alone she filled the room with a perfect blend of voice and music, dropping to the lightness of the guitar line, playing the individual notes again and singing the last verse in a soft, wispy voice, coming to a quiet, elegant conclusion.
The attendees smiled, politely clapped and whispered their approvals.
Will moved his attention from Shiloh to Adam and back, his lip unknowingly curled.
Natalie saw him; saw the loathing on his face as he looked at Adam and the obsession as he looked at her. As long as she’s alive, he’ll never be mine. Taking a flute of champagne from the tray being served in the room, Natalie headed toward the piano, but Will caught her movement out of the corner of his eye and swiftly intercepted her, taking her out of the room and down a hall. “Don’t you dare,” he spat through clenched teeth. “If you do anything to embarrass her here, I’ll leave you standing on the docks.”
Natalie’s answering smile was more like a scowl. “You wouldn’t. You need me.”
“Natalie, let me make one thing perfectly clear. You provide me with the same commodity I can get from a common whore off the wharf. Your advantage is a guarantee of cleanliness. Nothing more.”
Natalie’s breaths rattled in her chest and her chin quivered, not from the need to cry, but from barely controlled rage. She straightened, set her jaw, and stormed to the front door, asking the butler to send for a carriage to take her home. Yes, she would go to their home, and both of them would eventually calm down. He needed her, if only to be his eyes and ears. She would no longer give him anything else so willingly.
The banquet itself was surprisingly pleasant for Adam and Shiloh. She held the attention of the women and Adam, the attention of the men. Will only drifted in and out of conversations, barely paying attention as he watched Shiloh, glowering as he saw how Adam doted on her, their quiet whispers and winks, his gentle caresses of her arms and shoulders, and her loving glances back, promising him a pleasant end to the night. In one evening, Adam won the confidence of the mayor and his peers along with the admiration of the women, and Shiloh’s talent and grace would be a subject of discussion for months to come. They had become San Francisco’s favorite couple.
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