Once again I wish to thank you all for your reviews and good wishes. I'm probably causing some frustration in stretching my story out, but you'll have to have patience. All will be revealed at some point.
Chapter 7
The days began to fly by. A whole week had gone by and Julie had observed many jobs the brothers did and of course she went to see the stallion, who was beginning to know her as the bringer of apples. One day, perhaps she might manage to run her hand down over his forehead. She knew they liked being rubbed there between the eyes. She had learned to speak low and and slowly to a new horse and let him feel her breath on his nose so he gets to know her scent, all things to making friends with a new horse. I bet Adam never thought of that, she thought and smiled to herself.
"What's amusing you, Miss Julie?" Hoss' voice brought her out of her reverie.
"Oh, nothing Hoss. I was just feeding him his daily apple and laughed to see how eager he was to grab it." She lied. Again. Lying was becoming easier as time passed, but how miserable it made her feel.
"Well, it's nearly lunchtime. You wanna come in with me?"
"Of course, I'd be honoured. Thank you, Hoss." And he offered his arm to escort her to the ranch house. "How well mannered you all are. Ben has certainly done a marvellous job with his sons." …
The next day was Sunday, and Adam offered to stay home with Julie as Ben felt it was too long a drive for her at the moment and without Mrs Shaughnessy's support, he felt perhaps another week before venturing into Virginia City. Mrs Shaughnessy had returned home a few days earlier knowing full well Julie was almost fully recovered and able to do for herself. So as Adam and Julie sat at the table following breakfast Julie was feeling anxious.
"So, Adam, what are you going to do with me today?"
"Up to you. What would you like to do?" He asked.
"You don't have to keep me company, Adam. I'm sure you must have something you have to do."
"I do, and I'm doing it. Keeping you company is my job for today."
"Keeping an eye on me, you mean. Daddy's instructions, no doubt?" She said sarcastically.
"Nope. I offered to stay home with you today. As Pa mentioned to you, he felt it was too long a journey for you at this time," he replied.
"Why did you offer and not oner of the others?"
"Both Joe and Hoss offered, but I won the debate."
"Yeah, well, it's still us as to what to do today."
"I had the idea of taking you on a buggy ride since the weather is sunny, but cold, obviously, so all you need to do is wrap up warm and you'll be fine. I'd like to show you a bit of the Ponderosa."
"Really?" She asked suspiciously, and immediately she thought it was a good idea as she could see the layout of the land and start planning her escape.
"Yes, really. I told you before, I always say what I mean. Don't you trust me?"
"Of course I trust you. Sorry. How could I not trust you after all you've done for me, and I am so grateful to you. I hope. I've never thanked you properly. Many thanks, Adam. I guess I wouldn't be here if not for you."
"You're welcome. If I hadn't come along, you probably wouldn't have survived and I'm glad you are here with us now."
"True," and then quietly to herself, "but at least my troubles would be over."
"Why don't you tell me of your troubles. Maybe I can help you."
"No, but thanks. Let's just go and enjoy the buggy ride."
Frustrated with her reply, Adam was determined to find out what was troubling her at some point.
"Okay, then. Go and get into your warmest clothes."
"The ones you bought for me? Okay, but I owe you for them and will repay you when I can."
"No you don't. They were a gift. Such a gift I would give to anyone in similar circumstances."
"Yes, I believe you would. You, and indeed, your whole family would."
"Less talk now," Adam stated. "Get yourself dressed appropriately and we'll go. We can talk more as we ride along."
"Right." Julie left Adam for her bedroom and dressed in the large thick warm coat, scarf and gloves she found in the chifforobe.
While Julie was getting ready, Adam was rigging up the buggy and horse. And just as he was leading the horse out of the barn Julie was walking out the front door. He helped her up into the buggy then climbed in himself.
"Good idea bringing a couple of blankets," Adam said.
"Since I didn't have a hat I thought I might need one as a head covering."
"And the other blanket?" Adam queried, with a wicked grin.
"In case we need one to cover our legs."
"Again, good idea, Julie," Adam agreed. And with that Adam tapped the reins on the horse's rump and they were off.
They had been driving for nearly an hour during which time Adam told Julie about the sites and names of the sites they were passing. They were then starting to return toward the main house, when Adam stopped the buggy, jumped down and walked around to help Julie down.
"Thought coffee was now due before we take a stroll around this area. Do you like this area?" He asked.
"It's very beautiful and how are you going to produce coffee? Out if thin air?"
"Actually, I'd asked Hop Sing to make up a hamper for a snack and coffee."
"Oh, so you have again thought of everything."
"Still sarcastic, I see," Adam said, with a half grin and a wink.
"Sorry. It's really very nice of you, and of course Hop Sing. He's wonderful, isn't he?"
"Oh yes, he's like family to us, but we can't get him to sit down for a meal with us."
"That's a shame. Does he not feel worthy, do you think?"
"Oh no, I don't think it's that."
"Then what?"
"It's part of their custom that keeps him that way. But one day I'm going to get him to sit down with us."
"Why not try on Christmas Day?"
"That would be difficult, as he goes to his family in Virginia City for two days. He's set everything up for us but we have to fend for ourselves on that day."
"So he has done all the hard work the day before, is that right?"
"Yep. But we very much appreciate all that he does for us.
"Now no more talk for a minute." Adam told her. "Just go for a short walk around here while I set everything up. Okay?"
"Okay." Julie turned away from Adam and walked a few yards off to admire the view. It was stunning. The beautiful lake with the majestic mountain in the distance. Her mind started to wander. No wonder they love living here. Who wouldn't. I'll be sorry to leave here, but leave I must. I cannot bring the wrath of Simon Atwell down on them, she thought. Then she heard Adam calling and made her way back to the little camp site where she found that Adam had laid down one of the blankets and the coffee was heating up nicely on a little fire he had started.
"This looks grand, thank you Adam."
"My pleasure. Please sit and we can start on the sandwiches and cake."
"Um, Adam. Do you think I can have a cup of coffee first. I'm quite thirsty."
"Are you all right?"
"Oh yes. Just thirsty."
"Then of course you can. There are no rules set aside for what you eat or drink here," he said, with a chuckle, which made Julie laugh too.
"It's nice to hear you laugh. I hope you're enjoying the day."
"Oh yes, it's been a lovely change from being stuck in all the time."
Adam poured Julie her a cup of coffee and had one himself, after which they both enjoyed Hop Sing's been sandwiches and cake.
"This is truly a beautiful part of the Ponderosa. It takes my breath away. What name is given to this area, Adam?"
"Actually, it has no name at the moment, just 'Adam's Domain'. Pa has granted us each a piece of land to call our own and this was my choice."
"It's a wonderful spot, so peaceful. So you come here a lot then, Adam?"
"Whenever I need a break to feel free from worries and work and think."
"What do you have to worry about?"
"Oh, you'd be surprised."
"Enlighten me."
"I don't think so. I like to keep my trouble to myself, just like someone I know."
"Touché." Julie blushed and drank down the last of her coffee. "Well this has been so nice, but all good things come to an end and I think we should make our way back now."
"Of course. You must be tired and in need of a little rest and it's getting colder now to stay here any longer."
So together they gathered up everything and packed it all back in the hamper. Adam then helped Julie back in the buggy and soon they were headed back home. There was hardly any conversation on the way back and as soon as they arrived Adam helped Julie down and said, "You go on in and warm up and get some rest. I'll put up the buggy."
"Thank you, Adam. It's been a pleasure. Thanks." And with that Julie headed into the house and the safety of her room.