Adam removed his tie, then slipped his black jacket off and hung it in the large closet of the suite bedroom. Shiloh had removed her hat and dress jacket, and now stood in front of her trunk, pulling out dresses, blouses and skirts, hanging them in the closet. Next, she started unpacking one of her bags and pulled out the gown and robe Mrs. Lewis had ordered.
Rolling up his sleeves, and unbuttoning the top buttons of his white shirt, Adam watched her unpack. “That’s very pretty.”
Shiloh snorted. “I was supposed to wear this on our wedding night.”
“Why don’t you wear it now? We’re not leaving, and you won’t have to wear your corset all day.”
“I don’t know that I’d be comfortable wearing nothing but this all day.”
Sitting down on the bed, he pulled her down in his lap. “Why not?”
She looked away for a moment, deciding whether she should voice her uneasiness about the suite…about the whole situation. “Adam…” She paused, looking for the right words that wouldn’t make him feel as if she didn’t appreciate the time and effort he must have put into planning this trip. “I don’t generally wear a nightgown all day, even though this particular one is…for that purpose in our specific…situation.” Charmed, Adam sat, listening and smiling. “In fact, Adam, I don’t think I know how to just sit…and do nothing.”
“We won’t be doing nothing. We do have plans. Just not today. What would you wear at home if you stayed in all day with nothing in particular to do?”
“I always have something to do.”
He took a deep breath. “Humor me.”
“Probably my britches.”
“Tell me you didn’t pack your britches,” he said, frowning.
“No, I didn’t. I know they wouldn’t be appreciated among your friends and acquaintances here. But I did bring riding clothes.”
“Good, because Jim Fischer wants us to spend a day or two at his ranch outside the city.”
She stood up. “Adam, all this…the suite, the service…the call button. This is more opulence than I’m used to. I don’t need to be waited on hand and foot.”
Grabbing her hand, he pulled her down to the bed on her back, then leaned over her, nuzzling her neck. “I know it’s not what you’re used to, but try it.”
She closed her eyes and smiled at the touch of his lips playing with the lobe of her ear. Just as he rose up to kiss her, they heard a knock at the door. He gave her a quick kiss, and then stood. “That would be breakfast,” he said, heading toward the bedroom door. “Change. I want to see it.”
Winking, he closed the door behind him, leaving her lying on the bed, looking at the ceiling, grimacing with her mouth twisted as she tried to answer for herself why this was so uncomfortable. I’m in a private suite. No one but Adam will ever see me, except for the occasional attendant and maid, and I’m sure they’ve seen women in their gowns and robes as a matter of the course of their day. Why is being waited on hand and foot so hard? Then it dawned on her. This was exactly the way she expected her life to be with Will. It was something she wanted no part of. But this isn’t going to be life with Adam. It’s just the honeymoon. “I hope.” She rose from the bed, removed and hung her travel clothes, removed and put away her underclothes, then slipped on the gown and robe. Listening at the bedroom door, she waited until she heard the suite door close, then quietly opened the bedroom door and stood, waiting for Adam to turn around.
When he did, his mouth opened slightly, and his jaw crooked. The robe was made from the same fabrics as the gown, the solid fabric of the robe strategically placed to cover parts of the sheer fabric or lace of the gown. Both were white and covered with intricate embroidery. Smiling, he pulled out a chair at the table that had been rolled into the room. “Your breakfast is served, my love.”
Smiling timidly back, she accepted the seat, and waited for him to be seated on the other side. “It’s as if we just got up,” she said, looking toward the windows where the morning light was just making its appearance. The mantel clock chimed seven times.
Shiloh studied the bowl of cut fruit on the table, while Adam poured the coffee. “Why don’t you have some bacon and eggs before the fruit, Sweetheart?” She distinctly remembered telling him that she wasn’t hungry, but the aroma of the ham and bacon, and the look of the steaming, hot biscuits made her stomach growl. Smiling, she loaded her plate.
Adam laughed. “I thought you weren’t hungry. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you put that much food on your plate.”
“Adam, I’ve been fretting about all this,” she said, waving her fork in a circle in the air, “from the moment we stepped foot in the hotel. I realize the amount of time you spent planning this. I should at least try to enjoy it.”
“That’s my girl,” he said, grinning.
Standing, she went to each flower arrangement, pulling the cards out, then looked around, walked into the office and came back to the table with all the cards and notes. “I know all these names except for this one,” she said, handing an envelope to Adam. “It’s addressed only to you.” Adam took the envelope, glanced at it and laid it on the table. “Aren’t you going to open it? Who is Mr. Slater?”
“It’s not important. I’ll open it later.”
“But who is Mr. Slater?” She put her fork down and looked adamantly at him. “Does this have something to do with whoever was trying to sell the Flying W?”
Adam stopped eating as well. “I thought we were going to leave that behind for the next month.” She withdrew and began to push her eggs around on her plate. “Shiloh, it has nothing to do with the Flying W.”
“But it’s something you…can’t…share with me?”
Breathing loudly through his nose with his lips drawn into a tight line, he watched her play with her food, then said, “It’s something I’ve been working on that’s not finalized, and I didn’t want to tell you until it was, just to make sure it goes through.”
She nodded, and continued to eat, opening the envelope on the top of the pile. “Tom Maguire would like me to make a special appearance…one night only…to whet his patron’s appetites for another appearance in the summer.”
“No.”
“Adam, it’s only one or two songs on one night. What harm could that do?”
“We have plans.”
“It would be easy. I’ve already worked with his musicians at both of my performances. And they learned some music that we never performed. Besides that, Edwin gave me Genevieve as a wedding present. He wants me to perform it with you,” she said, looking up at him without raising her head.
“No.”
Unable to hide her disappointment, she sighed. “Well, it’s likely never to be performed again then.”
Adam raised an eyebrow. “No.”
Sighing, she picked up the next envelope. “Mr. Stanton sends his well wishes and hopes to see us at…” She looked up at Adam. “…at the mayor’s banquet to celebrate the ground breaking for the new city courthouse? Have we been invited to Mayor Teschemacher’s banquet?”
“Yes,” he said, continuing to eat heartily.
She propped her elbow on the table and rested her jaw in her hand, eyeing him suspiciously for a moment. All she could get out of him was a smile and a wink. Opening the next envelope, she read, “My dear Miss Whitney…no, by this time, it is Mrs. Cartwright. I trust this finds you well and happy. Please accept my invitation to spend a few days at my ranch where I hope to show off the rest of my stable of horses and introduce you and Adam to friends who are interested not only in your horses, but also in Adam’s skills as an architect, especially in light…” she glared at him, “…of his latest success?”
He stopped in mid-chew, avoiding her eyes, then said, “Why don’t you put those away for right now and enjoy the morning?” while raising his eyebrows and looking innocently at her.
“I hate secrets,” she said, mildly exasperated.
“Try some of the fruit, Sweetheart. There are pears and melons, strawberries, grapes and apples.”
“Do I at least get to know what we’re doing tomorrow?”
“Why not,” he said, smiling. “We’re having an early breakfast, and then we’re taking a carriage ride to the Cliff House for lunch. After that, we’ll spend the afternoon on the beach. That is, if it’s not raining.”
“And if it’s raining?”
“Then we’ll have lunch in the city and spend the evening at the theater.”
She sat back, smiling. At least tomorrow, she’d be occupied.
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