As they left Mayor Teschemacher’s home, Adam invited the Slaters to their suite at the Lick House, and the two couples shared a coach. Noticing Shiloh’s sudden edginess, Evelyn asked, “My dear, are you alright?”
Shiloh cleared her throat as she gripped Adam’s hand. “I apologize, Evelyn. I don’t do well in confined spaces.”
“She clenches her hands so tightly in the lift at the hotel, I almost have to peel her fingers back once we’re in our suite,” said Adam.
“Oh, it’s not that bad. The lift is just a short ride. I’m afraid coaches are the worst for me.”
“How do you deal with crowds?” asked Robert.
“I don’t. That’s why I have a reputation for not being very…open…to the public after a performance.”
“Well, you appeared fine tonight.”
“I had my moments, but for the most part, that crowd was tolerable.”
Adam uncurled her fingers that were clenching in his hand. “If you’ll remember, Robert, she stayed at the edge of the crowd the majority of the night.”
“Ah yes, so she did.”
When they arrived at the Lick House, they headed for the lift, but were interrupted by Mr. Shelby. “Excuse me, Mrs. Cartwright, but there’s a gentleman from the Metropolitan Theatre who would like to speak to you about an engagement there.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s there, sitting in the chair facing the doors.”
“Thank you, Mr. Shelby.” Looking at Robert and Evelyn, she said, “Would you excuse me? This should only take a moment.”
Adam grabbed her hand. “Shiloh, you don’t even know who it is.”
“I suspect Tom Maguire sent him.” Adam flared his nostrils, and she answered in kind. “Adam, we’re in the middle of the hotel lobby, and you are right here. Nothing’s going to happen.”
Not wanting the Slaters to think that she couldn’t handle her performance business, Adam reluctantly let her go. When she approached the man, he stood, but still had his back to Adam, who watched carefully, ready to intervene. He hadn’t seen Shiloh take a deep breath. He didn’t know that Shiloh was struggling to remain calm.
“I know you want to run, Isabella, but please wait. I may not get the chance to see you again.”
“I think I’ve made myself clear. There’s really no point in saying anything.”
Reaching for her, he took her arms, saying her name loud enough for the people around them to hear and watch. “Isabella, I miss our time in Boston when you told me you loved me. I gave up my seat in the Senate for you, and now I find that Adam Cartwright has alienated you from me.”
Once Shiloh recovered her jaw in the midst of Will’s well-played dejected lover story, she realized that Adam was dashing over to her rescue. As she struggled to free herself, she said as loudly as he, “Will, this little trick of yours to discredit Adam won’t work. When will you finally leave me alone?”
Breaking free of his grip, Shiloh stepped in front of Adam, just as he was about to step in front of Will. Grabbing his arms, she pleaded quietly. “Adam, don’t. This is exactly what he wants you to do.” He picked her up by her waist and set her aside, but she held on to his arms. “Adam, think. Nothing good can come of you punching him. He won’t fight back.”
Robert had reached them by that time, and grabbed Adam by the shoulders. “Adam, Shiloh’s right. We’ll handle this by legal means.”
“What’s wrong Cartwright?” said Will, looking sure of himself. “Does your wife decide who you assault? Is she worth it? She’s an actress. She fooled me. And apparently she’s fooled you.”
Shiloh stiffened, looked at Robert who had a good grip on Adam’s shoulders, and said, “I, on the other hand, don’t have as much at stake.” Before any of them knew what was happening, she spun around gaining momentum for the slap that sent the new city attorney staggering backwards. “For the last time, Will; leave me alone.”
Speaking so only she could hear, he answered, “Isabella, you’ll never be rid of me.”
“Then I shall file a formal complaint with your employer,” she said loudly, turning back to Adam, who was still fighting mad, but settled enough to walk away. The lobby was filled with people, but was so quiet you could have heard a feather drop.
As the Cartwrights and Slaters headed for the lift, Mr. Shelby approached the straight, stiff figure left behind. “Sir, do you have accommodations at this hotel?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Then I must request that you leave.”
Will picked up his hat that had fallen to the floor when Shiloh slapped him, straightened his jacket, and walked out the door.
Walking through the door of their suite, Shiloh turned to the Slaters. “Evelyn, Robert, I don’t know what to say,” she said, looking as if she was about the cry.
Evelyn stood beside her and put her arm around her, holding the other arm with her hand. “Shiloh, this wasn’t your fault. He drew you over there under false pretenses.”
“Adam, you were right. I need to hear the whole story,” said Robert.
Adam went to the liquor cabinet, taking out the brandy and the whiskey. “Robert?” he asked, turning so that Robert could see his choices.
“Whiskey, Adam. Thank you.”
After serving the ladies brandy, Adam delivered Robert’s whiskey along with a glass for himself. Everyone turned their attention to Shiloh. She took a sip of brandy, then a deep breath. “Where do I start?”
“At the beginning, Shiloh. I need to hear it all,” said Robert.
Shiloh began to tell the Slaters about her time in Boston, how she met Will, how the courtship began, and then that he asked for her hand. “The mistake I made was telling him that I’d think about it, even though part of me already knew the answer was no. I didn’t want the life of a senator’s wife, I didn’t want to be a decoration, and in the end, I knew I just didn’t love him. I was never engaged to him, and I never told him I loved him. It all plummeted when he came to San Francisco on behalf of the President. He came to Virginia City to see me. Until then, he didn’t know that Adam and I knew each other, and to tell you the truth at the time, Adam and I were…” She looked at Adam, apologizing with her eyes before she continued. “We were…at odds.” Sitting down in a chair, she continued. “I made a mistake. I gave a reporter an interview, and I told him everything about my life as Isabella, including my time in Boston, and including my time with Senator Stewart. I knew the reporter intended to send it to the Boston Herald. Will Stewart resigned his senate seat and came here because of that article.”
“I’m missing a piece of this. Why is he after Adam now?”
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. “Will and I knew each other in college. He was always competitive, and when he saw something he wanted, he was almost unstoppable. We were…politely competitive at the time. Now he’s obsessed with Shiloh.”
“And you’re in his way,” said Robert, nodding. “Adam, is there anyone else who can corroborate this?”
“Edwin Booth.”
“Edwin Booth, the actor?”
“Edwin’s an old friend, and he had a part in guiding Shiloh’s musical education in Boston. He’s the one who warned me of Will’s obsession with her not long after she came home…before she and I…settled our differences. I found out Will was here the day of our wedding from a telegram Edwin sent, but I had no idea he would know we were spending our honeymoon here.”
“He was at the wedding,” said Shiloh. “I told you I saw him.”
“And now he’s the city attorney, and you’re the chief architect of the city courthouse,” said Robert. “You’re right, Adam. I will be dealing with the mayor’s office on this one. And if Mr. Stewart gives us trouble, we’ll go after his job.”
“Robert, under the circumstances, maybe we should nullify our agreement.”
Shiloh bent her head into her hand. “This is my fault.”
Robert stood behind Shiloh’s chair with his hand on her shoulder. “Now Shiloh, none of us could have known this would happen. And I can guarantee you that the city wants Adam’s courthouse more than they will want the trouble that Will Stewart is bound to bring to them, especially if this obsession of his can be corroborated. Adam, do you think Mr. Booth will have a problem if it comes to that?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Then the partnership is going forward. But I might suggest that you two find a way to spend the rest of your time here where Stewart can’t bother you.”
Smiling, Adam said, “We’ll be spending the weekend with Jim Fischer on his ranch outside the city, and then we’ll be taking a clipper ship down to Santa Cruz.”
“Good. Now Shiloh, I don’t want you to worry about this. We can handle Will Stewart.”
She gave Robert a reserved smile. “Please don’t underestimate him. I’m sure he has other’s working for or with him.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because someone was trying to sell my ranch out from under me before Adam and I were married. We suspect Will had something to do with it.”
“Well, the property for the courthouse hasn’t been cleared yet, so we have some time before construction begins. Both of you need to forget about this for now and enjoy the rest of your honeymoon.” He held his hand out to Evelyn.
“Shiloh, if I don’t see you before you leave for home, it’s been a pleasure meeting you, and I’m looking forward to spending time together,” said Evelyn, taking Shiloh’s hand.
After the Slaters said goodbye, Shiloh and Adam stood, looking at each other. “Adam, I’m so sorry. I brought all this down on you.”
He took her hand, and she pulled it back. Looking at it, he gently took her hand again and opened it. It was beginning to bruise from the slap she delivered to Will. “Sweetheart, this isn’t your fault. When are you going to stop trying to take responsibility for Will? He was this way before you met him. He just hadn’t found an obsession before he found you.” He kissed the bruise on the heel of her hand and stepped closer to her, caressing her cheek. “I can understand why,” he whispered.
He bent to kiss her, but she turned and stepped away from him. “I don’t want to be anyone’s obsession. Not even yours.” She left him standing there, went into the bedroom and closed the door.
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