Only an hour into the trip, Shiloh was fighting sleep. Adam watched as her head bounced forward, then jerked up. Passing the basket she was holding in her lap over to Annie, he put his arm around her and turned her into him so she could lay her head on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Adam. This wobbling is putting me to sleep.”
“It’s alright, Sweetheart. I nap on stagecoaches all the time.”
She closed her eyes. “How long will it take to get to Sacramento?”
“Nine or ten hours if the road is clear. But there was snow last night, so we may have to wait at one of the stops until they can clear it.” Adam looked down, realizing she hadn’t heard that last part. She was already asleep.
“Adam, how much time will I have to make my connection?” asked Annie.
“Don’t worry,” he said, squeezing her hand. “I made arrangements for them to wait if you were late.”
Sitting back, she looked at him disbelievingly. “How did you do that?”
“It’s not important. I want you to relax and enjoy your trip.”
“What have you done?”
He winked at her. “Just consider it thanks for taking such good care of Shiloh.”
The three waited in the stagecoach at the first three stops, Shiloh barely waking up. It might have felt good to stretch their legs, but the warmth they shared under the blanket the driver sent into the coach was worth more to them than the stretch. In the end, they were able to straighten their legs when the other three passengers opted to step out of the coach.
At the fourth stop, exiting the coach was not an option. They were just below Echo Summit, and with the extra load of trunks and baggage, the horses couldn’t make it up the steep grade even with ropes tied to the harnesses and the coach to pull it up. The passengers would have to walk up to the top of the grade.
The driver and the pull station master waited until the passengers were up before they began to pull the stagecoach. Adam made sure Annie and Shiloh’s capes where clasped tightly with their hoods up, then flipped up the collar of his overcoat, put on his gloves, and pushed his hat down firmly on his head. Another storm was upon them and the wind whipped fresh snow around them, making it almost impossible to see the road ahead. Standing in the middle of the road, Adam had the girls stand on either side of him and wrap an arm around his, but Shiloh took the other woman’s hand and put her arm around Adam’s, going over to the other side with Annie. Taking the rope that had been tied to the harness, Adam walked them up the slope using the rope as a guide.
When they arrived at the top of the slope, there was nowhere for them to wait out of the storm. The pull station wasn’t a way station, its only purpose being to pull the stagecoach up the grade. It amounted to no more than a one room cabin. Still, the station master felt sorry for the women, and asked them to wait inside.
“That’s very kind of you, but no thank you. I’ll wait out here with my husband.”
“No you don’t. Go inside,” said Adam.
“But Adam…”
“Don’t argue. I have a jacket underneath my coat. I’m fine,” he said, as he herded her to the door. “It’ll only be few minutes, I promise.”
Inside, Shiloh introduced herself to the woman travelling with them. “My name is Shiloh Cartwright, and this is Annie Walters.”
“Phoebe Hearst. Thank you for helping me up the road.”
Shiloh smiled. “Your time must be very near.”
“Yes, sometime toward the end of next month. George, my husband, wanted me to be at home in San Francisco for the birth.”
“Your husband is George Hearst…of the Ophir Mine?”
“Yes. He had some business to finish before he joins me at home.”
“You must tell him that Shiloh Whitney sends her regards and apologies for any misunderstanding.”
“Does he know you?”
“We’ve never met, but he was interested in purchasing my ranch, the Flying W.”
Mrs. Hearst’s eyes brightened with recognition. “Oh, I thought George would never settle down after that. He was so eager to purchase the property. Why did you decide not to sell?”
Shiloh snorted. “Well, it was never really for sell, but that’s a long story.”
“I thought you were the other man’s wife.”
“I am. We were married yesterday.”
“Congratulations then. Cartwright…of the Ponderosa?” Shiloh nodded. “Perhaps we’ll meet again while you’re in San Francisco.”
The three men stood next to the shack, using it to block the wind while they watched the stagecoach slowly ascend the grade. The stage driver held onto the harnesses as the horses walked up the slope, but he slipped in the snow, agitating the horses. Adam hurried down and grabbed both harnesses, calming the horses while the driver regained his footing.
“Slim, you alright?”
Taking one of the harnesses, Slim answered, “Thanks for the help, Mr. Cartwright. I’m fine. I think it’s the wind that’s got the horses spooked a bit.” Both men walked up the grade on either side of the horses, and once they were at the top and the ropes were released, the passengers were hurried back into the coach.
Slim handed Adam another blanket. “Thanks again for the help, Mr. Cartwright. We should be outta this snow in another hour, and then we’ll be able to make up some time.”
Adam doubled the blanket, then climbed in, closing the door behind him. Moving Shiloh to the center of the seat, he said, “I know this is uncomfortable, but it won’t make that much difference with the curtain closed. You’ll be warmer in the middle.” Sitting across from the woman on the other side, he handed her the blanket. “Ma’am, tuck one side of this between you and the window. It’ll be warmer that way.”
She nodded and glanced over at Shiloh, who smiled and nodded back. “Thank you, Mr. Cartwright.”
Adam looked at her thoughtfully and tipped his hat, then tucked their blanket around Annie to block some of the cold from the window. He tucked the other side around Shiloh.
“Adam, there’s plenty of blanket for all of us. Please.”
“I have another jacket on, remember?” She frowned, and he turned sideways and pulled her into him. “Slim said another hour and we’ll be out of the snow. It’ll get warmer as we get closer to the valley.”
Annie uncovered the basket and offered food to the other passengers, who were all hesitant to take any. “Please, take something. We won’t be able to eat it all,” said Annie. The food at the way station hadn’t been very appetizing, and they all had barely touched their meal. By the time the stagecoach arrived in Placerville, everyone had eaten something from the basket. They all stepped out now comfortably warm in their coats and capes.
Once on the way again, Shiloh asked, “Adam, how far behind are we?”
“We’re not really behind. We’re booked on the late steamer in Sacramento, and Annie’s ship doesn’t leave for Panama until early in the morning, so we’re fine. You look a little pale.” When he tried to remove her cape from her gloved hands, he realized that her hands were clenched and probably had been for most of the trip. Flattening one hand on her lap and holding the other, he looked at her ruefully. “I’m sorry, Sweetheart. I know this part of the trip is hard for you.”
Annie took her other hand and smiled sympathetically. “We’ll be in Sacramento in just a few hours. Adam, will we be separated on the steamer?”
“I’ve arranged for a late dinner in our cabin for all of us. Your cabin adjoins ours, so you can change into something more comfortable before we eat if you like. We’ll be able to get a little sleep before we arrive in San Francisco.”
One of the men seated across from them had been watching Shiloh the entire trip. He’d occasionally glance over, and at times, Adam caught him staring at her. This particular time, Adam gave him a severe look, prompting the man to explain himself. “I apologize for staring, but have we met before?” he asked, addressing Shiloh.
“No, I don’t believe we have.”
“I know I’ve seen you before,” he said, casting his eyes upward in thought. Shiloh looked warily up at Adam, who slightly shook his head. “You say you’re going to San Francisco? I’m sure it was in San Francisco that I’ve seen you.” He smiled. “Well, perhaps it will come to me.”
From that point, the trip went according to schedule. The three enjoyed dinner on the steamer, then slept until the porter knocked to tell them they would be arriving at the San Francisco wharf in a few minutes.
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