Standing on the dock, Shiloh looked out at the little town of Santa Cruz. To her left, gray sandstone cliffs rose from the sea topped with fields of tall grass and wildflowers waving in the breeze. To her right, Monterey Bay, its white foam rushing to the beaches from the blue-green of its depths. In front of her lay a white sand beach littered with small skiffs and fishing nets laid out to dry. Purple flowered vines grew in every nook and cranny of pier or rock with tendrils grabbing, twisting and clinging to anything to avoid being blown away by the constant light wind.
Further down the shore, she could see the remains of a shipwreck, the main mast the only one still attached to the ship and leaning at a frightening angle toward a row of small shacks. Two boys, with bare legs and hair bleached light from the sun, balanced on a mast lying from the broken hull to the beach, their arms outstretched as they balanced up the mast to the ship, putting one foot in front of the other.
Looking above them at the town, rows of white adobe buildings lined the streets, and above those more neat white rows of homes clung to the terraces that rose to the mountain where a forest of tall, grand redwoods reminded her of the stately Ponderosa Pines from home.
The weather was pleasant…sunny, but windy with plenty of blue sky dotted with white puffy clouds. Santa Cruz was a clean town, quiet and sleepy.
Adam stood behind her, watching her take it all in. It had been some time since he’d been in Santa Cruz. He remembered how he had been taken with the peacefulness of the town, not only in its people, but in its fresh appearance. “Look there, right in the center,” he said, leaning down to her shoulder and pointing to the center of the town. “That’s the old mission. And above that and further back is the Terrace Hotel where we’ll be staying tonight and the night before we sail back to San Francisco.” She smiled reticently and nodded.
Once in the room of their hotel, she walked straight to their private arched terrace and looked out at the view of Santa Cruz below them, Monterey off in the distance to the left, and the Pacific Ocean from one side of the vista to the other.
She heard Adam talking to the young boy who had helped with their bags, then heard the door close. Walking back inside the room, she removed her cape and began to look through her bags for another dress, something lighter than the heavy traveling skirt and jacket she was wearing. “Adam, are we staying in or going out for dinner?”
“Do you feel well enough to eat something substantial?”
“I’m famished. I could eat a whole side of beef.”
Laughing, Adam answered, “I thought we could walk down the hill through the town. I remember a restaurant that serves fresh lobster, if you’re up for that.” She smiled coolly again, and busied herself with her bags. “While you’re doing that, I’m going to send that telegram to Hop Sing. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” After she gave him a curt nod, he left.
When he returned, she was on the terrace again looking out at Santa Cruz. She wore a pale yellow skirt and white blouse and had tied several yellow ribbons in her swept up hair. She looked as crisp and neat as the town. Walking up behind her, he put his arms around her underneath hers, causing her to raise her arms which she held up while looking down at his hands clasped in front of her. She tried to step out of his embrace, but he held her against him. When she lowered her arms onto his, he loosened his hold just a little.
“What did I do this time?”
She slumped in his arms. “This time? You make it sound like I blame you for the rain.”
“Don’t you?” he asked, smiling impishly, though she couldn’t see his face to appreciate it.
“Adam, why didn’t you tell me about the article and the complaint? I thought we agreed you wouldn’t keep things from me.”
“Shiloh, I’m not going to tell you about everything little thing that happens with the business of the partnership. You have enough to deal with and worry about without adding anything else on.”
“Not even when it affects me?”
“And how does that affect you? Will filed a complaint about me, probably in the hopes that the city would fire the company. Robert assured me that wouldn’t happen, and I left it in his hands. There’s really nothing to say about it.”
“It had to do with Will.”
“But it had nothing to do with you. I have no problem discussing the business of the ranch or the timber or even the horses if you want to discuss them, but you have no knowledge or experience in architectural engineering nor the business of it, and I’m not about to bring that home to you.”
“I’m not an idiot, Adam.”
“I never said you were.”
“Anything you do concerning Will Stewart concerns me. The only reason he would give you trouble is because you married me. I don’t need to be sheltered from that. I need to see it coming before it knocks me flat, whatever it happens to be.”
“And I will tell you long before anything comes at you. This wasn’t one of those things.”
“Adam….”
He turned her around to face him, trapping her between him and the terrace handrail. He raised his chin and looked down at her, and she rolled her eyes and looked off to the side. “I’ve allowed you a wide berth when it comes to discussing everything that’s been happening since we were married.” She opened her mouth wide and furrowed her brow in dismay. “I’m drawing the line here.”
“What do you mean ‘you’ve allowed?’”
“Precisely that. I appreciate that you’re intelligent, that you have a good head for business, and that you tend to handle people well, but I have no intention of worrying you with every issue that comes up as a result of this new partnership, whether it has anything to do with Will Stewart or not. I’ve left the horses and your performances to you. I expect you to leave the partnership to me. We’ll deal with the ranch and timber together. And if we decide to pursue the mining, we’ll discuss how that will be handled then.”
She didn’t know whether to be hurt or angry. Not that it had anything to do with what he said about the partnership, but rather that he allowed her to be involved with the rest.
He watched her stew, knowing exactly why she was stewing. “Now, shall we go for that walk?” he asked, removing his arms from around her and stepping to one side so she could walk past him to the door.
She mumbled as she went, “If I’m allowed to.”
“I didn’t hear you.”
“Good,” she muttered again, taking a shawl from the bed and walking out 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