Leaning back in the bathtub, Adam finally let out long breath and relaxed. He had told Shiloh that he was alright, and that was mostly true, but what he didn’t tell her was that the stranger had kicked him in the ribs. He also didn’t tell her that his knees were killing him because he had brought the man down in an alley paved with setts. He finished bathing, and wrapping his robe around himself, he went in search of Shiloh. Stepping into the main room, he looked around and found her sitting at the desk behind the French doors.
When she saw him, she covered the ink well and put away the pen, then came into the main room. “Did you have a nice soak?” she asked, putting her arms around his torso.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. What were you doing in there?”
“Going over the opera and theater schedules I received before we left Virginia City. I need to pick the dates I want and send them back. There aren’t many openings left.”
“Can’t that wait a few days?
She drew back. “Why?”
“We have a small change of plans,” he said, pulling her back into him. You’ll be meeting Robert Slater tonight at dinner.”
“Oh. I thought we could have dinner here after your little adventure this afternoon.”
He bent and kissed her. “I’m fine.”
“Then why were you limping when you came into the room?”
Taking a deep breath, he said, “Because I banged my knee.”
She stepped in close, looking up into his eyes. “You’re not telling me everything about your encounter with my shadow.”
“What makes you think he’s the same man?” he asked, furrowing his brow.
Moving away, she said glumly, “It’s just a feeling.” She walked to the bedroom, leaving him standing in the main room.
He twisted his mouth. As much as he had tried to leave everything behind, the worst part was following her; first Will and Natalie and now, the man who had been trailing her.
When he walked into the bedroom, she was standing in front of the closet with two dresses, holding one against her in front of the mirror, and then the other. “I understand the attire in the dining room in the evening is formal.”
“Mm hm.” Dropping his robe on the bed, he walked behind her, taking down his gray suit, a white shirt and a light gray waist coat. “Cravat or tie?”
“I think a tie should be sufficient.”
She laid her dress on the bed and sat down beside it, removing her shoes. Before she took them to the closet and changed into her evening clothes, she sat for a moment looking at the floor.
As Adam buttoned his shirt, he walked over and sat next to her. “Sweetheart, I know it’s a disappointment for you that the worst side of life has followed us here, but I need you to be the woman who sets everyone at ease when you meet Robert.”
“This is important to you, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. It’s an opportunity I had all but given up on.”
Smiling and leaning into him, she said, “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. But tell me, does he know me as Isabella Whitney or as Shiloh Cartwright?”
“The last time I spoke to him, he referred to you as Miss Whitney. He knows we’re married, but if he calls you Miss Whitney again, I shall correct him. What name would you prefer?”
“Which name do you like better?”
“You’ve always been Shiloh to me. And if further explanation is required, you are Shiloh Isabella Whitney Cartwright.”
“That’s a mouthful,” she laughed.
“Well, if all goes as I expect, the Slaters will be friends and will call you Shiloh.”
“Does Robert Slater have a wife?”
“Yes, but I haven’t met her. Her name is Evelyn.”
“Well,” she said, patting his leg before she stood. “We should get dressed.”
When the Cartwrights arrived at the dining hall, the host recognized the name. “Mr. Cartwright, you and your wife will be seated in one of our private alcoves.” As he led them to their table, he explained. “You’ll be able to see across the entire dining room, but you’ll be afforded a bit of privacy. When Mr. Slater made the reservation he mentioned that you would be discussing business, so I took the liberty of reserving your table there.”
Arriving at the table, Adam pulled Shiloh’s chair out for her while the host called for the Maitre d’, who came to the table bearing wine. Pouring wine into the glass in front of Adam, Adam picked it up, swirled it and smelled it. He glanced up at the Maitre d’, who said, “Mr. Slater’s choice, Sir.” Adam nodded, and the waiter poured Shiloh’s glass, and then filled Adam’s glass, bowed and left.
“Adam, what was that about?”
“This is Chateau Lafite.”
Shiloh had just lifted her glass, but when Adam said the name of the wine, her eyes widened and she said, “Oh,” as she replaced the glass on the table.
Chuckling, Adam said, “It’s alright. Drink the wine.”
After only a few minutes, Robert Slater and his wife were escorted to the table. Standing, Adam held out his hand. “Robert, good to see you.”
“Adam, I’m happy you were able to make it. I felt we should meet ahead of time to discuss any concerns you might have before we sign the papers. This is my wife, Evelyn.”
“Mrs. Slater,” said Adam, taking her hand. Turning to Shiloh, he said, “My wife, Shiloh.”
“How do you do, Mr. Slater…Mrs. Slater,” she said nodding.
“Forgive me, Mrs. Cartwright, but my wife and I saw your performance here last year. When Adam told us he would be here with his new wife, he told us your name was Shiloh, and we didn’t make the connection until your presence was announced in the newspaper.”
Adam answered. “We have no idea who knew Isabella would be here. We don’t intend for Shiloh to perform while we’re here.” She snapped her head toward him, but maintained a calm expression.
“Understandable, Adam. After all, this is your honeymoon, isn’t it?”
Chuckling, Adam answered, “Yes.”
“Well, Mrs. Cartwright, hopefully, we’ll be able to get this business wrapped up so you can enjoy the rest of your time here.”
“Please, call me Shiloh. And having a nice dinner with my husband’s friends is a wonderful way to spend our evening.”
“Thank you, Shiloh. Now, why don’t we go ahead and order. Adam, the steak here is mouthwatering if you haven’t tired of it, having Ponderosa beef available to you.”
“Robert, I would never pass up a good cut of beef.”
Mr. Slater looked to the side, getting the attention of the Maitre d’, who hurried over to take their dinner orders.
Seated next to Shiloh, Evelyn turned to address her. “‘Robert tells me that you ran the Flying W ranch as well as trained horses.”
“Yes, I still do.”
“Run the ranch or train horses?”
“Well, Adam and I haven’t sat down and talked about the ranch, but our foreman takes care of most of the day to day business with cattle and the work associated with them. I will still train horses.”
“Adam, have you told her anything about why you’re here?”
“Well, I’m here for my honeymoon, but no, I haven’t told her yet about…you. I planned to tell her tonight as a surprise.”
“Well, why don’t you tell me?” asked Shiloh with raised eyebrows and a curious smile.
“If we start at the beginning, we’ll have to start with plans for the new city courthouse.” Shiloh met Robert’s eyes, giving him her full attention. “Adam submitted plans that the city chose, but they required that the plans have a firm behind them. We also submitted plans that weren’t chosen, but knowing that Adam wasn’t part of a firm, we checked his credentials and decided to offer him a partnership. It’s really not just about the courthouse plans. My brother and I have had to turn work away that the two of us just didn’t have time to handle. We were already planning to add a partner, and when Adam’s plans were chosen, it made sense to offer the partnership to him.” Looking back at Adam, Shiloh’s lower jaw dropped.
Adam smiled. “After tomorrow evening, it will be Slater, Slater and Cartwright Architecture and Engineering.”
Shiloh laughed. “I don’t know what to say.” Looking at Robert, and then Evelyn, she said, “I was about to be upset with him because we were receiving cards and flowers from friends here mentioning his latest success, and one that mentioned the mayor’s banquet for the ground breaking at the courthouse, but he wouldn’t tell me anything. I guessed that it was his plans chosen for the courthouse, but I had never imagined a partnership. He’s always seemed happy with life on the Ponderosa.” She held her hand out to Adam, who took it and kissed it. “Congratulations, Adam. You and I have a great deal to discuss, don’t we?”
“And what would that be?”
“Schedules, living on and running a ranch…no, two ranches in Nevada.”
“I’ve got an idea of how we’re going to handle everything.”
“I can’t wait to hear,” she said, giving him her sweet smile that he knew was just a little too sweet.
When dinner was delivered to their table, the chef accompanied it, serving each one at the table personally. He spoke in broken English and was very hard to understand until Shiloh spoke up. “Excusez-moi, mais vous n’avez pas été en Amérique du très long, vous avez? Peut-être que je peux aider.”
“Ah, mademoiselle, vous parlez français. J’ai bien peur que non. Je viens d’arriver de France.”
Looking around the table, Shiloh explained. “I asked if he had been in America very long, and he replied that he just arrived from France.” Shiloh continued to translate as the chef introduced each part of their meal.
“Adam, you didn’t mention that Shiloh was cosmopolitan,” said Robert.
“Oh, goodness, I’m not,” said Shiloh, laughing. “I’ve never been abroad. French and Italian were required as part of my musical education. I’m afraid I only know enough Italian to sing.”
“I would have thought that with your success you would have trained abroad,” said Evelyn.
Adam squeezed her hand. “No, Shiloh spent two years at the Peabody Institute where visiting European singers offer their time to train the few that are accepted. She continued her musical training at the Boston Academy of Music.”
“So you went to college back East?” asked Evelyn.
“Yes. Vassar.”
“Now that is unusual,” said Robert. “Oh, not that you went to college, Shiloh, but rather being a married couple out here in the West, both of whom are college educated. I imagine that lends itself to some stimulating discussions.”
Cutting his eyes back toward Shiloh, Adam answered, “You could say that.”
“Now, Adam, have you had a chance to read through the partnership agreement, and do you have any concerns?” asked Robert.
“I asked our attorney, Jim Fischer, to take a look at a few points, but nothing major. I’m sure we can discuss those tomorrow evening.”
Robert creased his brow, considering the name. “Jim Fischer…I don’t believe I know him.”
“Jim has only recently moved to San Francisco from Boston. I know him from college,” explained Adam.
After a dessert consisting of poached pears, baked in a deliciously light and flaky pastry drizzled with chocolate sauce, the Slaters and Cartwrights parted company until the next evening.
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