The Cartwrights arrived at the Slater’s home promptly at seven in the evening and were escorted to a well-appointed parlor where they met Robert and Evelyn, Daniel Slater, Robert’s younger brother and the other half of Slater and Slater, and the Slater’s attorney, Mr. Childers. Adam’s own attorney, Jim Fischer, had already arrived and was discussing the paperwork that Adam had already seen. At dinner, conversation quickly turned to Adam and Shiloh.
“Curious, Adam,” said Daniel. “How does a rancher raise a son who wants to be an architect?”
“Well, the idea originally wasn’t architecture. It was engineering. Being in the Sierra, there were some situations that had to be overcome…irrigation, moving timber. And then there was the mining that had begun and the conditions in the mines. Those were mostly gold mines…this was before the Comstock discovery. I had ideas, but didn’t have the knowledge to apply them. Before I left college, I worked on a design for the house at the Ponderosa, a sort of gift to my father for my education. One of my professors saw the drawings and suggested that I also take the architecture curriculum.”
“You and your father are well-known here for your business ventures, and, of course, we’ve all heard of the Ponderosa. Are you still involved with the cattle and timber?” asked Evelyn.
“Yes, I’m still involved with all of it, and now on the Flying W as well.”
“Then how do you expect to have time for this?” ask Daniel guardedly.
“We have a foreman at the Flying W who takes care of the day to day work with cattle. The horses belong to Shiloh,” said Adam, covering her hand. “She manages those quite well on her own. Besides that, she ran the Flying W on her own before we were married, and she brought it back to a profitable state after her father’s illness and death. My father runs the Ponderosa, and he has the help of my two brothers. I can be involved as little or as much as I need to be.”
“Isn’t that a large responsibility to leave with your wife?”
Shiloh sat up straight, but maintained a cool expression as Adam squeezed her hand.
“Daniel, that’s enough,” said Robert. “I apologize, Shiloh. Daniel has no idea who he’s speaking of.”
“Really, Robert. How can the woman run a ranch, train horses and perform?”
An uncomfortable silence settled across the table as Robert and Daniel glared at one another until Evelyn spoke up. “Daniel, you really have put your foot in it.”
“I’m sorry. I just don’t see how this could possibly benefit an already successful company.”
“Daniel, Adam can do more work in one third of his day than you do in a week,” said Robert.
Rising abruptly from the table, Daniel dabbed his mouth with his napkin, threw it on the chair and stormed out of the room.
“Shiloh, Adam, I must apologize for my brother’s behavior. My father spoiled him, and he, unfortunately, stayed that way.”
“Robert, if this is a bad night, we can do this another time. We’ll be here for a month,” said Adam.
“No, we don’t need Daniel. I hold the majority of the partnership. Why don’t we go to the study and get the formalities out of the way? I assume you brought the drawings with you. We’ll want to register them first thing tomorrow. Mr. Childers can handle that.”
Everyone rose from the table, and Evelyn walked around to Shiloh. “Don’t worry Adam. I’ll take good care of her,” she said, smiling reassuringly, walking toward the parlor. “Shiloh, please let me apologize for Daniel again. He’s afraid of Adam. Robert has already begun to take control of the company, and frankly, he’s wanted to find someone else to help him carry the business forward. He was very impressed by what he found about Adam.”
“What do you mean…what he found?”
“Well, he did have Adam investigated.” Shiloh stiffened. “Please don’t misunderstand. When a company offers someone a place in a successful partnership this type if inquiry is the normal course of business. And just to make sure everything is disclosed, he had you investigated. The conclusion is that he’s convinced that Adam can only improve the company. And at least some of that is because of you.”
“Evelyn, I don’t understand. What difference could I possibly make?”
“Adam has strong support at home. You’re intelligent enough to understand his passion for his work, and you’re strong enough to take care of yourself and your home without Adam having to rescue you. That leaves him available to deal with the company when necessary.”
Evelyn led Shiloh back to the parlor where coffee was waiting for them. Pouring a cup and offering it to Shiloh, she continued. “Robert is also happy that you have an established name in horse training and performing.”
“I don’t see how that makes a difference.”
“The people we deal with in this business are those that would appreciate your horses and attend your performances. You will be associated by name with the business, and that can only make the business better known.”
Shiloh smiled wearily. “Evelyn, I’m going to be very honest with you. I’ve been fighting for my privacy since I came home from college, and now I’m seeing it slip through my fingers.”
“Should we interrupt the meeting?”
Shiloh looked toward the hearth and sighed heavily. “No. This partnership is important to Adam. I won’t ruin it for him.”
***
“Robert, I won’t agree to one-third,” said Adam. “Not after Daniel’s performance at dinner. I can make a bigger investment, but I won’t throw good money after bad. Daniel is loose cannon, and I won’t risk my investment with him ahead of me. If I invest in this partnership, I’m coming in second, not third.”
Childers whispered in Robert’s ear, and after a moment of thought, Robert agreed. “Daniel is my brother. But I can’t in all good conscience deny that he could bring this company to its knees. Second it is then,” said Robert, extending his hand.
“There’s another thing, Robert. I want our compensation based on performance. We should set a minimum performance level with subsequent levels after that. That way Daniel can’t sit back, watching the two of us build this company and expect more out of it than he puts into it.”
“Will you be disturbed if the minimum is enough for him?”
Adam chuckled. “No. If that’s all he wants, it’s all he’ll ever get. If you and I build the company, we reap the rewards. Daniel can have his part of that if he wants it. This puts it entirely in his hands.”
Smiling, Robert said, “I like the way you think, Adam.” He bent over the desk and signed the agreement, pushing it over to Adam, who also signed. “Childers, make the changes in the partnership bylaws with Mr. Fischer. Adam and I will sign them as soon as they’re available.”
***
“What about children?” asked Evelyn. “Robert and I would love to have children. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet been blessed with them.
Shiloh shook her head. “We want children, but honestly, I haven’t thought about them seriously. We left Virginia City the morning after the wedding, and we’ve only been here a few days. Adam and I haven’t had time to discuss how we’re going to handle anything yet. So this comes at a good time.”
“How do you mean?”
“It will be part of the whole discussion.”
“Ladies, we have good news,” said Robert, walking into the parlor with Adam and the attorneys. “Evelyn, break out the brandy.”
Both women rose, Evelyn heading for the liquor cabinet with Robert and Shiloh going to stand beside Adam, who was smiling confidently. When he winked at her, she knew they had reached an agreement.
Once everyone had a glass, Robert lifted his. “To a profitable future…Slater, Cartwright and Slater Architecture and Engineering.”
Adam laughed when Shiloh looked at him wide-eyed. Robert moved behind her and leaned to her ear. “Your husband drives a hard bargain. This is going to be profitable for all of us, starting with the courthouse.”
She turned and smiled. “That’s good to hear.” When she turned back, looking down at the drink in her hands, Adam watched her smile slowly fade.
“Well,” said Adam, “it’s getting late. We should be going.”
On the way out the door, Daniel reappeared. “Before you go, I would like to apologize for my behavior at dinner. Taking Shiloh’s hand, he raised it to his lips while looking into her eyes, causing her to look away uncomfortably. When she pulled her hand away, Adam’s nostrils flared, and he glared at Daniel even as he felt Shiloh’s hand slip into his.
“Robert,” Adam said, shaking Robert’s hand. He took Evelyn’s hand and bowed. “Evelyn, thank you both for your hospitality. As soon as Jim lets me know the paperwork is ready, I’ll be in touch.”
Evelyn walked Shiloh out the door ahead of the men. “You have no idea how happy I am to have another woman involved in this partnership. One bit of advice.” She leaned in to whisper. “Stay as far away from Daniel as you possibly can. He has no respect for the institution of marriage.”
As they were walking to their coach, Jim walked with them. “Adam, you are bringing Shiloh out to the ranch while you’re here, aren’t you?”
“When would you like us to be there? The only thing we have set in stone is the mayor’s banquet next week.”
“How about next weekend? You can come out Friday morning and stay until Monday when I have to be back in the office. Shiloh, I can’t wait for you to see my stable, and I know a few people who would like to meet you.”
“I look forward to it, Jim.”
“I can give you copies of those performance contracts while you’re there. If we have time, we can go over them and decide which one to use.”
Looking up at Adam, she snickered. “Jim, I’ve been forbidden to do anything that might look like ranch work, horse work or performance work.”
“I think I can make one more exception; if we have time,” said Adam with his chin raised.
“Good. I’ll send directions to the ranch over to your hotel before the end of the week. Congratulations, Adam. You made one heck of a deal in there tonight,” said Jim, shaking Adam’s hand.
“Good night, Jim.” Once Jim was in his buggy, Adam helped Shiloh into the carriage, climbed in behind her and pulled the carriage blanket up over their laps. “The Lick House, please.”
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