Will Stewart sat down in front of Mayor Teschemacher’s desk just as the mayor’s clerk announced the arrival of Robert Slater.
“What does he want?”
“It is regarding Mr. Stewart’s complaint.”
The mayor thought for a moment. “Send him in.”
“Mayor, I would appreciate the chance to air my grievances in private.”
“Mr. Stewart, the ground hasn’t been cleared for the new courthouse, and you expect me to sit here and listen to grievances before the work has even started. Mr. Slater, if you will take a seat, I’ll get this matter settled once and for all.”
Robert started, “Mayor, whatever Mr. Stewart has told you…”
Mayor Teschemacher held up his hand. “Mr. Stewart has told me nothing, and unless it’s of a legal matter, Mr. Stewart will not be registering his grievance. Gentlemen…” The mayor stood and looked out the window behind his desk with his hands clasped behind his back. “Let me make this perfectly clear,” he said, turning around. “Our builder has gone over those plans and renderings with a magnifying glass and tells me they meet every requirement of our specification and then some. So there can be no complaint about the plans. As far as Adam Cartwright is concerned, as the last act of our recently retired city attorney, he was investigated and found to be so clean he squeaks. Our only requirement of him was to join a local firm, and he has done that, has he not, Mr. Slater?”
“He has, Sir.”
Now, Mr. Stewart, if you have a personal issue with Mr. Cartwright, I suggest you take it up with him. We conduct business in this office. We cannot afford to bring your personal complaints into the most scrutinized office in the city. You are here as an attorney. And I’ve references that say you’re a damn fine one. If you find any legal concerns, I expect to hear about them. Other than that, keep your concerns to yourself.”
“I would have thought that a scandal could be the undoing of this administration, Sir,” said Will.
“If the scandal occurs within the confines of this administration it could, Mr. Stewart. But I don’t care if Mr. Cartwright has two heads or four wives. I want his courthouse.” Leaning over the desk, he finished, “Do I make myself clear?
“Yes, Sir. Perfectly,” answered Will.
“Now get out of my office. I have work to do.” Both men rose. “Mr. Slater, a moment, please.” Will looked at Robert with narrowed eyes before he turned and left the office. “Robert, I don’t want to lose Stewart. He may be a shark, but sometimes in politics that is exactly what is needed. He did well in the Senate. If Stewart tries to make trouble for young Cartwright, can you handle it?”
“Rest assured, Henry, I can handle it. I suggested they get out of the city a bit so that he and his bride can enjoy the rest of their honeymoon. They left this morning.”
“Good. I like those two. Their association with the city can only be good for us. Good day.”
Robert bowed. “Mayor,” he said, then turned and left the office.
Will stood waiting in the lobby for him. “Slater…”
“Stewart, before you say a word, I’ve had a long conversation with Isabella as you call her, and I have information from Edwin Booth to corroborate what she told me. Now unless you want the worst to happen with this information, I suggest you drop this campaign of yours to discredit Adam; unless, of course, you want San Francisco to know just how obsessive the new city attorney can be.” Robert didn’t wait for a response. He turned and left the building.
***
Jim Fischer was standing in the yard of his ranch as Adam and Shiloh’s buggy came up the long drive to the house. The house was a sprawling old adobe left over from the original Rancho San Benito that Jim had cleaned up and repaired. To the right of the house stood the stable and corrals. Fields of grapes grew alongside the road that led to the house, and beyond those were fields of corn, cabbage, greens, strawberries and an apple orchard.
Jim had been grooming Spec, and tied her when the buggy came to a stop in the yard. “Adam, Shiloh, welcome,” he said, reaching for Adam’s hand before he could step out of the buggy.
Adam turned and helped Shiloh down, and Jim held out his arms. “May I hug the bride?”
Smiling, Adam said, “Go right ahead, but I warn you. Don’t do anything foolish.”
“Or you’ll do what?”
“Oh, it won’t be me that does it,” said Adam, laughing.
Jim motioned for some of his men to take care of the bags and buggy, and walked his guests over toward the stable. “I trust you remember Spec.”
“Oh, how could I forget Spec,” said Shiloh. “Jim, you led us to believe this was a small ranch.” Shiloh turned all the way around. “Is all this yours?”
“As far as the eye can see, and then some. I even own part of the beach.”
No one had been paying attention to Spec as she untied herself, and was slowly making her way toward them. Adam caught her out of the corner of his eye, and moved Shiloh out of her path. Spec kept coming, and when she lowered her head to Adam’s chest, he stepped back, and with a little help from Spec, fell backward into a watering trough. Jim and Shiloh jumped back away from the splash, both looking with their mouths wide open at Adam who was holding his hat up in the air.
Shiloh covered her mouth with her hand to stop the urge to laugh, and she ended up snickering loudly while Spec made her way around, coming up next to Shiloh and standing. Shiloh slowly turned her head to the horse. She couldn’t hold back the laughter any longer, and when she howled, Jim howled right along with her. Bending double and with tears streaming down her face, she barely managed to get out the words amidst her laughter, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” sending Jim into fits of laughter again. They both went to help Adam up out of the trough, and when Adam glared at them, they laughed some more.
Adam had to smile when Spec walked up to join them. “A woman scorned, huh?” Spec lifted her head, and licked his face, leaving a wide swath of green. Standing there in the trough with a disgusted frown, he wiped his face with his hand then wiped his hand on his shirt. “That’s just great; a horse that licks.”
“Come on,” Jim laughed. “Let’s get you dried off,” he said, laughing all the way inside. “Shiloh, if you’ll change into some riding clothes, we still have time to take a ride around the property. Then we can go out to the cliffs to watch the sunset.” Still laughing, she nodded. “Your room is at the end of the hall.” She waved back at him as she and Adam disappeared down the hall.
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