After breakfast, they changed into clothes that could take getting wet, and set out for the Presidio, arriving at the café just after noon. They stepped out of the coach into the wind and pelting rain to the sound of the waves crashing against the seawall and ran to the door of the café, stomping and flinging their hands inside the door.
“Come on, get in,” said a woman, sputtering around them to close the door. “Now, get out of those wraps and hand them here. I’ll hang them close to the fire to dry.” Adam took Shiloh’s cape, then shrugged his coat off and turned around with a smile. “Oh, if it ain’t my knight in shinin’ armor!” Flinging her arms around him, she called, “Harold! Harold! Come quick! It’s Adam Cartwright!”
Shiloh stood back and brought her hand over her mouth in surprise just as a man came in from a room behind the counter. “Adam Cartwright,” the man said, shaking Adam’s hand warmly. “What big deal brings you away from the Ponderosa this time?”
“The biggest deal of my life. Mary, Harold, I’d like you to meet my wife, Shiloh.”
Mary’s hands went up to her face as she looked at Shiloh. “Oh my, Adam, such a lovely little thing.” She held her hands out to Shiloh, who smiled and gave Mary hers. “You come on in with me now, and I’ll make you a nice hot cup of coffee and some lunch. Or would you prefer tea?”
“I haven’t had a good hot cup of tea in a long time.”
“How ‘bout with some cream and honey?”
“That would be perfect.”
Harold elbowed Adam in the side as they watched the women walk toward the windows to a table near another fireplace. “I’ll bet you didn’t find that one on the ranch, did ya? She looks like a city girl.”
Laughing, Adam shook his head. “You know better than that. Any girl of mine has to be comfortable around cows and smelly men.”
Walking Adam toward the table, Harold asked, “Well, where’d you get her?”
“She owned the spread right next to the Ponderosa,” answered Adam, sitting next to Shiloh and putting his arm around her. “I’ve known her all her life.”
Harold’s grizzled face smiled. “Ain’t if funny how sometimes you don’t see what you’re lookin’ for when it’s been standin’ right in front of you the whole time?” Turning to Shiloh, he said, “So you’re a rancher. I’d never have known it just lookin’ at ya. But then, you clean up pretty good yourself, Adam. Mrs. Cartwright, it’s very nice to make your acquaintance.”
“Thank you. Please, call me Shiloh.”
Mary returned with coffee and tea. “Now don’t say anythin’ important until I get back with lunch. It’ll just be us today. Not many people will brave this storm to come all the way out here, and the boys at the Presidio will sleep in since they don’t have to work. I won’t be long,” she said, shuffling off to the kitchen.
“Adam is what they’re sayin’ in the newspaper true? About you joinin’ up with a company out here? You the one that came up with that fancy new courthouse?”
Adam mentally cringed at the topic of the newspaper. He had found their copy in the room after breakfast and hid it in a desk drawer, hoping to leave its contents, whatever they happened to be, behind them for the day. “Yes, it’s true, Harold.”
“Well, that means that your wife is that opera singer, don’t it?” Shiloh bowed her head and cut her eyes back up at Adam, biting her lip. “But you said her name was Shiloh.” Adam looked down and let out a deep breath. “It’s alright, Adam. We don’t have to talk about it.”
Placing a hand on Harold’s shoulder, Adam smiled. “She is that opera singer, Harold. Shiloh’s middle name is Isabella. Shiloh Isabella Whitney.”
“Well fancy that,” said Harold, slapping his hand down on the table. “Isabella Whitney right here in our café. Hey, Mama, you ain’t never gonna believe this,” yelled Harold, turning toward the kitchen. Putting his finger to his mouth and slumping just a little, he said quietly, “Mary don’t read, so she don’t know about the article, but she’ll recognize the name. Some of the folks who come here for lunch have spoken of you,” he said, looking at Shiloh. “Said you have a right pretty voice.”
The corner of Shiloh’s mouth turned up as she looked at Adam, thinking how could she not be enamored at the charming innocence of these two people. She reached out for Harold’s hand. “Mr?”
“Oh no, darlin’, it’s just Harold.”
“Harold,” she said, smiling. “I would be honored if you would bring Mary to my next performance here. I’ll make sure the tickets are waiting for you at the opera house, and you can sit in a box seat with Adam.”
Harold looked back at Adam with his mouth open. “Well, I never. She ain’t joshin’?”
“No, she’s serious. But maybe you better keep it to yourself for now. We don’t want Mary falling in the floor.”
Harold chuckled. “You’re right about that, Adam. That she would. You two make yourself to home. I’ll go see what’s keepin’ Mary.”
Looking out the window, Shiloh took a sip of her tea. “Nice people. How did you happen upon them? Mary said you were her knight in shining armor?”
“I met Mary on the wharf. She had gone to purchase fish for the café and had stayed too late. The wharf is no place for a woman…or an able-bodied man…to be after dark. She had been attacked and was being dragged into a brothel when I heard her screaming for help.”
Shiloh smiled. “And you were her knight in shining armor.”
“Well, only partially. I delayed the inevitable until the police arrived. If they hadn’t, she’d still be in the brothel, and you probably would have never seen me again, at least until I was old and no longer useful on a ship. She’ll tell you a slightly different story that excludes the police.”
“Look at the waves, Adam. Think about what might be if you could somehow harness the raw power of those waves. Oh, look…do you see?” she said, jamming her finger against the glass. “Why is that ship not tipping over? It rights itself every time.”
“It’s a rough ride, but the waves in the bay aren’t big enough to capsize a ship that size,” he said, smiling, watching her marvel at the angry sea.
“I don’t think I’d like to be on that ship. What happens when you fall off?”
“In the bay here, you have a chance to make it to shore, though a small one. In the open water…” he shook his head and pushed his bottom lip up. “You’re not likely to make it.”
She shuddered. “Then I would drown.”
“No, not you. You’re too stubborn to drown. You’d swim long after you were worn out.”
She turned her head slightly toward where he was sitting behind her. “No, I wouldn’t. Even though I’m comfortable in a bath, and even in a rainstorm, I’m afraid I wouldn’t do well in the ocean.” She took a deep breath. “I never learned how to swim.”
Looking at the back of her head, his jaw dropped slightly. Then he realized that would have been something Micah would have taught her had he been there. “Well then, young lady, you’re long past due. This summer, I shall teach you to swim.”
Harold and Mary came in, setting a steaming pot in the middle of the table. “Shiloh, come over and sit next to your husband so you can see out the window. Now this is fish chowder. And the way we eat our fish chowder is out of one of these.”
Smiling curiously, Shiloh glanced at Adam, and then back to the round loaf of bread Mary was holding. When she looked back at Mary, both Mary and Harold laughed. “I get this from Mr. Boudin, the baker,” she said as she took the top off the bread revealing the hollowed-out middle. Shiloh’s smile turned into delight as Mary spooned chowder into the bread bowls, placing one in front of each of them while Harold poured wine. “Careful now, it’s hot.”
Shiloh watched as Adam filled a spoon with chowder and blew it before he took a bite. Smiling at Mary, he said, “It’s as good as I remember it.”
Expectant eyes turned to Shiloh who, after taking a bite, closed her eyes and savored the flavor. “Mary, it’s wonderful and perfect for a day like today.”
The four dined and laughed and watched the sea spray from within the cozy, warm little café with the spectacular view. By the time they were ready to leave, Shiloh’s cape and Adam’s coat had all but dried. It didn’t matter because Harold had to know if the woman his friend had chosen was, indeed, the right woman for him. “Now Shiloh, it’s said out here by the sea, if a woman won’t stand at the seawall with her man, she’s not worth having.”
“What’s so significant about standing at the seawall?” she asked.
“A fisherman makes his livin’ from the sea in good weather or bad. He has to know that his woman will stand by his side through the worst of it.”
“Well, I’ve run through the rain with him, and I’ve even sailed into a mud puddle, though that was before we…never mind.” She turned to Adam. “Well, don’t just stand there, let’s go stand by the seawall.”
Cocking his head, he narrowed his eyes at her. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Adam, what harm could come of it? Besides, I don’t want to disappoint Harold,” she said, looking back at Harold and winking.
Taking her hand, he led her out the door to the front of the café and down the shore to where the seawall rose to her waist. Mary and Harold stood at the window of the café, watching as Adam turned Shiloh so they could see her face. “Adam,” Shiloh yelled to be heard over the noise of the storm. “I don’t understand. What’s so difficult about standing at the seawall?” He didn’t answer but rather watched a wave come in, and just before it hit the seawall, he grabbed her arms to steady her. For a moment, the two almost disappeared as the tip of the wave came over the seawall, bathing them in ice cold salt water. Shiloh’s hands clamped down on Adam’s arms, and when the wave had withdrawn, her eyes were like saucers as she blinked and sputtered, looking up at Adam who had thrown his head back in laughter. Looking in the café window at Mary and Harold, who were both excitedly clapping their hands, Shiloh shook her head to clear the water out of her face, then threw her arms around Adam’s neck and kissed him, just as another wave hit the seawall. They were still kissing when the wave receded, and Harold and Mary settled into a happy embrace, then watched as the two young people laughed and waved goodbye, making their way back to the street and to the Presidio where they would hire a coach back to their hotel.
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