Here is the next chapter. Thank you all so much for your reviews. Very much appreciated.
Chapter 7
Once Adam had left, Abby and Samantha hugged each other. Then they talked while there was time before Adam returned.
"I'm so sorry to have let you down. Adam has made me realise how good a friend you've been to me."
"I've only done what I thought was best for you. I just had to tell Adam, who I knew would make things right."
"And he did, much to my shame."
Samantha saw Adam come through the door. Abby had her back to him, so she decided to continue on with their conversation.
"So Adam has saved you yet again." She stated.
"Yes, though I wasn't too enamoured with his method."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I can't sit down."
"He spanked you?!"
"Yes, Sam, he did, the snake. And I'm going to feel it for some time. How I'm going to endure the ride home I don't know."
Samantha was smiling now, not so much at Abby but at Adam's raised eyebrow.
"I think you should be careful what you call him, especially when he can hear everything you say."
"What?!" Abby turned and saw Adam standing there. "Oh, Adam, I was just apologising to Sam here for the way I've blamed her for everything."
"So I heard." He said. "And I think, if it's alright with Samantha, that we should spend the night here," Abby's eyes opened wide. Adam continued, "you with Samantha and me at the hotel. We'll travel home in the morning."
"Oh that's fine, Adam." Samantha said. "Will you join us for dinner here and for breakfast before you leave?"
"That would be nice." Adam answered. "Thank you."
"My pleasure." And then with a smile, she said, "I think Abby could do with a lie down to recover as much as she can before travelling tomorrow."
Abby was silent during this as she was thinking of Adam's possible reaction to the 'snake' comment.
"Then I'll leave you two. Hopefully, Abby will be fit enough for the journey tomorrow." Adam crossed the room towards Abby, who took a step back. He smiled as he approached her. "Don't panic, I'll not spank you again today." He leaned down and gave her a chaste kiss. "See you a little later," he said, and left the two alone.
"Oh, Abby, he likes you."
"Yes, and I don't know why, with all the trouble I've caused him, but yes, he does. He told me so."
"And do you like Adam?" Samantha asked.
And after a little hesitation, "yes, I do. More than like."
"How wonderful. You and Adam Cartwright. How marvellous. You will be the envy of all women of Virginia City."
Abby was blushing now. "Well, we'll see how things go." …
Dinner was a fairly quiet affair, with Abby sitting on a well padded seat. It was a simple meal of ham, green beans, potatoes and a cheese sauce, followed by apple pie and cream, as well as coffee. Wine had been provided by Adam.
"You are costing me a fortune in buggy rental, you know," Adam jokingly said.
"You can always add it to what I owe you, Sir." Abby countered.
"We'll see. I don't think Samantha will want to hear us arguing. Let's keep this a pleasant evening."
Sam coughed. "May I ask what plans you have for Abby, Adam?"
"You don't want to know, Sam." Abby answered for Adam.
Adam chuckled. "I think I can safely say I'll be keeping my eye on her. It's much warranted." Both Samantha and Adam laughed, but Abby didn't join in, knowing she was the butt of their amusement.
"When you've both quite finished."
"Sorry, sweetheart," he said, "I couldn't resist. I am a snake, after all," he said this as he touched Abby's hand with his own and smiled.
"Oh, you did hear, and thanks Sam. I think now you knew he was eavesdropping on our conversation."
"I confess it, I did and I apologise." Samantha said.
"I don't stand a chance with you two conspiring against me." Abby stood, now annoyed. "I think I'll retire now and leave you two to your machinations. Maybe, Adam, you should think about Sam a bit more. She'd certainly be more obedient than me."
Adam stood, realising Abby was indeed annoyed with him. "Abby, don't leave. I'm sorry."
Samantha also rose. "Why don't I take these dishes out to the kitchen and leave you two to make up."
"I don't think so, Sam." Abby said.
"I'm sure you can be persuaded by Adam's charms." She left them alone.
"You're ready to scold me for the 'snake' comment? Or are you going to give me a repeat performance of this afternoon?"
"Neither." Adam held out his hand to her. "Come," he said, "let's sit a while and talk things over."
"No thanks. I'll stand. Thanks to you, it'll be a while 'til I favour sitting again."
"I've got a better idea," he said as he caught hold of Abby's hand and lightly pulled her over to the sofa where he sat down and placed Abby on his lap with her bottom over the edge. "That feel okay?" She nodded. "I'm not going to apologise for spanking you. You thoroughly deserved it."
Her "I know," was barely audible.
"Let's not talk of that, but of the future. Our future." He kissed her gently on the lips. "I'm hoping you've had a change of heart."
"I may have," she said quietly.
"Well, that's a good sign."
"But I'm still thinking on it."
Adam thought to change the subject. "We'll take a leisurely journey home in the morning, after breakfast, and we'll discuss this further then. Now let's enjoy the rest of the evening.
"Very well."
The rest of the evening was quietly entertaining, talking of the new buildings going up in Virginia City and of the coming summer dance. But all good things come to an end and Adam left to go to the hotel. ….
The following morning Adam arrived in the buggy with Sport and Buck tied at the back.
"Good morning, ladies," he said as he entered the house. "And how are we this morning?" He asked.
"One of us is fine, the other is not." Abby said, with a forced smile.
"Oh," Adam said in a surprised tone, "and which one is not fine?" He asked.
"As if you didn't know." Abby quipped. "Just come on in and have your breakfast. The sooner you do, the sooner we can journey home." Then added in a whisper, so as to not be heard, "not something I'm looking forward to."
"That's no fault of mine," Adam stated. She turned abruptly and stared at him. "I've told you, my hearing is excellent." He said as he sat at the table. "This all looks good, Samantha."
"Thank you Adam. Now let's eat." …
Breakfast over, Adam and Abby got themselves ready for the journey home.
"Bye, Sam and thanks for everything." Abby hugged and kissed her cheek. "I'll see you again, and soon." She said this while giving Adam a look to say, 'try and stop me, Mister'.
"Bye, Samantha. Thank you so much for all you've done." Adam said, giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek. "Perhaps you could come out to the Ponderosa for a meal, sometime soon."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. You tell me if say next weekend is convenient and I'll make arrangements to get you to the Ponderosa." Adam told her.
"Well, that sounds very nice. Thank you. I shall look forward to seeing the Ponderosa since I've heard so much about it. This weekend is convenient, if that's okay with you."
"Oh yes," Abby cried. "It will be so good to have someone on my side present."
"Abby?" Adam scolded. "You know very well that we're all on your side. I wish you'd believe me."
"Well let's not get into an argument. Can we just go, please?" Abby said, making her way to the door. Once outside, Abby could see a cushioned seat in the buggy. Adam thinks of everything, she thought. But it's quite a journey. I hope it works.
Adam helped her up into the buggy and then got in himself. "Bye, Sam/Samantha," they both called together and waved. Then they were off.
After travelling for almost half an hour, Abby was again feeling sore. "Do you mind if I lie down. The road is bumpy and it hurts?"
"Lie down then, if you can." Adam said with a lop-sided grin. And was shocked by her response.
"Can you stop a moment, please?" She asked. Adam did so. Then Abby took a deep breath and boldly turned on her side and laid down with her head in Adam's lap. His grin now developed into a full smile.
"Are you more comfortable now?" He asked.
"For the time being, yes." She replied.
"Okay." Adam then started off again. "If you want to nap, feel free. I'll wake you as we near home."
"Fine."
Adam spoke gently, saying, "you now know the truth that I love you for all the things you are."
"Oh, and what are those?"
"Your hidden kind nature, your humour, when you choose to show it, your loyalty to those you love, your sacrificing yourself for others. But most of all for the love you have shown to me."
"How did I do that, when all I've ever done has angered you enough for you to punish me like a ten year old."
"You were ready to give up your virginity in the worse possible way, for me. That is love, Abby."
"I'm really such a dope."
"But a lovely dope and you're going to be mine."
"Maybe." She teased.
"Stubborn as ever."
"Well at least that is something we have in common, yeah?" She countered.
"Touché. You win that one. Now you rest."
And so they journeyed on and Abby did fall asleep. Adam was thinking that Abby wouldn't have done this if she had not trusted him. Maybe she has indeed had second thoughts. He hoped so.
As they neared home, Adam gently shook Abby's shoulder. "We're nearly there. You should wake up now and return to your seat." She did so.
"What are you going to tell everyone?" She asked.
"That you'd gone to your friends for the night."
"Without telling anyone?" Stunned by the thought of Adam lying to his family. "NO. You're not lying to your family any more. "I'm going to tell them the truth about me."
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Well, I do. If they take against me then so be it. I'll leave and move away, get a job so I can pay back what I owe."
"And what about us?" Adam was getting anxious now.
"Well, then I think that will solve our problem and you will be free to find a more suitable wife. You can't possibly want everyone knowing you married a thief."
"Let's wait on that."
"No. My mind's made up." Abby sat up straight now as she could see they were approaching the yard.
"You are a stubborn woman."
"It takes one to know one."
Adam chuckled at that, but his mind was in overdrive. He didn't want to lose her.
As they neared the house, Ben and Joe came out of the house.
"Well, it's good to see Adam found you." Ben said, as he helped Abby down from the buggy. "Let's go into the house."
"I'll help Adam with the buggy and horses." Joe offered. And the two of them made their way over to the barn.
"So you found her," Joe was eager to learn what happened.
"Yes." Adam answered, giving nothing away. "Let's leave the questions for now. We'll tell all once the children are in bed this evening.
"I gotta wait 'til then? That's along time to have to wait." Joe grumbled.
"Call it a lesson in patience." Adam gave him a smile and manoeuvred the harness from the horse which drove the buggy.
So between them they stabled all the horses, fed them before leaving them and heading to the house. When they entered coffee was being served around the great fireplace. Adam kept quiet on the story front. …..
Later that evening, following dinner, they once again congregated around the fireplace. The older children wanted to hear stories while the younger ones were settled in their parent's laps and trying to stay awake, but not succeeding. Adam was a good story teller, so it was up to him to entertain the others. With Beth settled on his lap and Mags on Abby's lap, he began….."Once upon a time, there lived an old hermit….."
The sound of his voice brought little eyelids to close and all the children were carried upstairs to their beds. Some twenty minutes later all the adults were again grouped around the fireplace. Abby stood up and addressed them all.
"I think the time has come to tell you all the truth." She stared at Adam daring him to interfere.
"No, this is your choice. I won't interfere." He said.
How come he always knows what I'm thinking, she thought. She took a deep breath and began her story. By the time she'd finished she saw faces of disbelief, anger, and frustration at not being told before, especially from Ben.
Joe spoke first. "I can't believe you were the pickpocket."
"You must be very grateful that your friend Samantha got Adam involved," Ben stated.
"Yes, but at first I was very angry with her."
"I bet." Hoss added.
Susannah and Alicia both remained silent not knowing what to make of this confession.
"I understand what you all must be thinking so now I'll leave you to your discussion and I'll go and pack up my belongings." The men stood up as Abby made her way across to her bedroom. Adam followed her to the door.
"You'll not be going to town tonight. I'll see you in the morning." He said and he leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Goodnight." Abby went in and closed the door. Adam returned to his seat with the others.
Once they were all comfortably sitting again, Ben spoke for them all. "Well that was some confession, Adam."
"And what a brave lady she is to have told us of her past." Hoss said. "Not an easy thing to do. I admire her for it."
"Here, here." Joe said in agreement. "And going to work in a br…"
"That's enough Joseph." Ben said, firmly.
Then everyone started talking at once and came to the only conclusion they could all reach. Susannah and Alicia stood and together they said, "we love her and want her to stay within this family."
"I think that statement is welcomed by all of us, Adam." Ben added.
"I thank you all," Adam replied, "and you don't object to my marrying her, that is if I can persuade her to marry me."
"No objections, son, none at all." Ben stated, knowing he was answering on behalf of everyone.
"She'll suit you just fine," Joe teased.
"And keep you on your toes," Hoss put his two cents worth in too.
"You'll want to live back in your own home and we can all help getting your house organised too." Alicia said.
"Yes," Susannah agreed.
"It's not all cut and dried yet." Adam told them. "I need to talk to my girls first. Mags will be overjoyed, but I'm not so sure about Beth."
"What?" Hoss asked. "She doesn't like Abby?"
"Well, it's not quite that bad, but she has issues with having Abby around, but we'll overcome that hurdle, I'm sure." Adam told them.
"I think we all need our rest," Ben announced, "and in the morning, we'll keep Abby here while you take Beth and Mags out for the day."
"I think I need to get Abby's answer first. No need for the girls to get involved until I have an agreement from Abby." Adam said, as he stood. "But you're right, Pa, a good night's rest is needed for all of us. So I'll say goodnight." And with that he made his way up the stairs and went into his girls' room to check on them before making his way to his own room. As he lay in bed he wondered whether Abby would agree to be his wife now that everyone knew of her past. I'm sure Pa will put her mind at rest about how much they love her and want her to stay, he thought. Sleep was long in coming, but finally he managed to sleep.
Abby was still wide awake and thinking of how she had now lost the love of her life and that of his family. I'll miss the girls too. Her sleep was spasmodic with so much on her mind. ….
The following morning, after breakfast, Adam asked Abby if she would take a walk with him before she decided to leave. She agreed.
"Where they goin'?" Mags asked, wanting very much to go with them. She had risen from her seat and was making her way over to the door. Hoss was the one who stopped her.
"They need a little time alone and in peace and quiet, away from you." He picked her up, tickled her and kissed her cheek. "They'll be back in a little while."
"Come, Mags, and finish your breakfast." Susannah called, and Hoss brought her back to the table.
Ben noticed Beth had just got on with her breakfast. Adam was right, he thought, she is not too happy with Abby taking up her father's time. A might jealous? …..
"Let's sit by the stream. A favourite place of yours, I think." Adam had forgotten to bring along a blanket, but luckily the day was bright and sunny and the ground dry. He sat down and offered his hand to help Abby sit.
"Why have you brought me here?" She asked. "I was ready to leave."
"I don't want you to leave, if fact, no-one in this family wants you to leave. They love you and want you to stay."
"What?! That can't be right."
"Believe me, Abby. It's true." Now he took an uneasy breath. "I've brought you here to once again ask you if you love me as I love you."
"I think you know the answer to that. Yes I do. But it does not alter the….."
Adam stopped her mid sentence with a passionate kiss. She came away, breathless, and tears forming in her eyes.
Then looking into her watery eyes, he said,
"Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Silence. Adam could tell she wanted to say yes, but was holding back.
"You still want to marry me, especially after last night?"
"I've told you, your past means nothing to me and now I'm telling you my whole family feels the same and want to welcome you into our family." Adam gave her a little more time to think about that before he'd try again.
"Please say yes. I want very much to live our lives together, with the girls, and who knows maybe other children as well, in time."
"How can I refuse. You mean everything to me. Even after our terrible beginning." She paused, just to tease him a bit more. Then, "Yes, I'll marry you."
Adam stood up and pulled Abby up from the ground and into his arms and swung her round. "You've made me the happiest man in Nevada." Then putting her back on the ground he said, "but before we officially announce it to the others, I want to take the girls out for a picnic and tell them first."
"I understand, Adam. There might be some objection, though, I suspect, from Beth."
"I think she just feels worried about my not wanting her anymore. I must find a way to reassure her that that will not be the case."
"I do hope she comes round, as I love her very much, as well as Mags, who I know likes me well enough."
"Oh yes, she's not afraid to speak her feelings, whereas Beth is a lot like me and keeps her feelings to herself until she is forced to reveal them. She will be fine. It may take a while, but I know everything will turn out well."
"I rely on your powers of persuasion. Let's go back to the house. I could do with another cup of coffee, or even something stronger."
"At this time of the day, I think not."
"Still the bossy pants, I see."
They walked back to the house, but not before Adam gave her a playful swat to her backside. "Beware how you talk to me, Madam," he teased and gave her a quick kiss.
They entered the house to find that breakfast had been cleared away. Ben was sat at his desk reading over a new contract and keeping a watchful eye on the children, who were playing or reading, as in Beth's case, over by the sofa, while Hoss and Joe had finally got themselves over to the barn to saddle their horses, ready for the workday ahead. The ladies were in the kitchen with Hop Sing, clearing up.
"Hi, Pa. Abby is wanting some more coffee." He stated.
"Well the ladies are in the kitchen and I'm on baby watch. Abby, why don't you go into the kitchen and make some coffee for all of us. I think I could do with some more myself." He winked at Adam and understood what his father was getting at.
"I can do that," Abby said, as she made her way to the kitchen.
Adam came across to his father's desk and quietly told him Abby had agreed to be his wife. The smile on Ben's face was pleasing to see.
"So I'm going to get my girls and take them on a lunchtime picnic."
"I understand, son. This is all going to turn out well, I just know it."
"I hope so, Pa." Adam went across to the sofa where his girls and the other children had congregated. "Beth, Mags, I've decided we three should go on a lunchtime picnic. What say you?"
"Oh yes, Daddy," Mags said with enthusiasm as she jumped up and down.
"That sounds nice," Beth said.
Beth knows what this picnic is all about, I'm sure, he thought. After all she has brains, just like her father, if I say so myself. He grinned.
"Okay, I'll ask Hop Sing to make us a lunch basket while you two get ready, but take your time."
"Okay, Pa." And Mags ran to the stairs with Beth walking behind.
"How many times must I tell you Mags don't…."
"I know…..don't run." She stopped and turned and mouthed 'sorry' and continued on her quest.
Adam sighed. Will she ever learn, he thought. My hair is going to turn as white as my father's soon. He heard chuckling behind him coming from his father.
"I know. Patience is the thing."
"And to think I once had to go through all that, but I survived," Ben said grinning.