Chapter 15
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"I see we're just in time for supper," Adam commented, as he helped Julie off with her coat.
"Sorry, we didn't expect to be this late and…."
And before she could say any more, "Let's not keep everyone waiting and eat first. I'm starving. We can tell them all about our day afterwards with coffee and brandy."
As Julie and Adam sat down at the table, the other three Cartwrights looked at them with curiosity. Joe was bursting at the seams to ask the obvious question, but with a look from Ben, decided it was for Adam to tell them the news, which all three were anxious to hear.
Supper was lacking in witty conversation, but there was talk of what work had been completed that day and ranch plans for the following week. Eventually, all were waiting for Hoss to finish his third slice of pie.
"Come on Hoss," Joe said, irritated.
"Can't be rushed," Joe.
"Well, I need my coffee while it's fresh and hot. Hop Sing just brought it in."
"Okay, I'm done," Hoss said while emptying his mouth of his last mouthful and standing up, leaving everyone staring at him as he made his way to the low coffee table in front of the fireplace and started pouring a cup of coffee.
"We'd better join him," Ben advised.
As they all got up from the table, Julie pulled Adam aside and whispered, "What are you planning on telling them?"
"I've been thinking during supper about it. Leave it to me and just go along with what I say. Okay?"
"I suppose so."
Ben was pouring coffee for everyone. "Are we all having coffee. Julie?"
"Oh, yes please."
Once they were all seated and relaxed, Joe couldn't wait any longer and asked the question that was on everyone's lips.
"So, Adam, what is it you want to tell us?"
Adam wasn't in the mood for any teasing from Joe, so explained without hesitation. "Julie and I have to go to Denver on business. I'm afraid I cannot divulge any information at this time, but Julie needs assistance and I offered my services."
"I see," Ben said. "And when were you planning on doing this?"
"That's what we need to discuss," Adam answered.
"It's not an emergency." Julie spoke up. "We could do it at a later date."
Adam knew what she was doing; avoiding her problem.
"Actually, we were planning on going at the end of the week. You know, weekend to travel and business at the start of the new week. We don't know, at this stage, how long the business will take, maybe a week or even two, but I'll wire you to let you know what's happening and when we will be returning."
Julie just had to voice her own opinion. "It might not be that soon, as I'm sure there must be jobs still need doing that you spoke of at Supper, and we could delay our departure to ensure the work is completed."
At this, Adam gave her a look that told her to hold her tongue and finished his cup of coffee.
"I think Julie is tired and needs to retire early as we'll have further plans to discuss in the morning." He stood up and forcibly, but politely, helped Julie to her feet.
"Goodnight, everyone. Enjoy your brandy."
"I'll be right back. Just escort Julie to her door. And then whispering as they walked across the room, "What did I tell you. Leave it to me, I said. I knew what you were doing, trying to gain time to avoid going to Denver and perhaps even leaving us again."
"Maybe."
"No maybe about it. We cannot discuss this now," he said as he opened her door, "and you leave me no choice but to lock you in this room to ensure you'll be here in the morning." He then reached inside and took the key out of the inside keyhole. "Now you do as you're told, or tomorrow you will be walking around with a sore backside. Understand."
"You are a blackguard and a cur. Goodnight," Julie said through gritted teeth.
"Goodnight," then in a close whisper, "sweetheart."
She went in and closed the door and listened to the sound of the key turning in the lock. She gave a deep sigh and began undressing.
Julie could not sleep. She was so anxious thinking about all that was said that day between Adam and herself. 'He called me Sweetheart' she thought, with a smile. How wonderful that sounded, especially coming from Adam. She knows his 'I'm in charge' attitude drives her mad, but she also loves the way he does it all in the name of helping her and caring for her. Would he really do all this for a female if he didn't care for her in some way. Could he really care for me. She shook her head, "such a stupid idea," she quietly told herself. She was still full of apprehension for allowing Adam to be at risk. If it wasn't for the fact that Simon Attwell was out there somewhere, or at least one of his henchmen, looking for her, she would tolerate Adam's interference in her life. This thought brought a smile to her lips. Tolerate, allow, accept, permit, go along with, happily go along with, would love to go along with his guiding me along the way. And then marriage, but of course, it was only meant as a means of resolving the problem. What else would he have meant. …..
Over the next couple of days Adam and Julie quietly argued over Adam's decision to marry, with Julie constantly telling him how much it would put his life in danger and the possibility of his getting injured or worse. Adam, being Adam, ignored her argument and told her she was to stop her worrying. It was his choice. In the end, Julie gave up fighting him on this. She could see he would not give in,
Friday evening as Adam and Julie were taking a quick walk after supper in the fresh cool air, Adam told Julie to pack a few things she would need, because there would be shopping involved during their visit to Denver. She started to protest, but Adam held up his index finger.
"No arguments please. Just do as I ask."
"Order, you mean."
"You should learn to accept gifts in the spirit in which they are offered. I realize you have looked after and provided for yourself without any help from others for a long time, but it's time to change and once this business, and any aftermaths, are finished, you will then have your own choice of what you wish to do. But until then, please be guided by me to see this through."
"I may not like these arrangements, but I understand now that something should be done about my father's Will, and I do thank you for all you are doing for me."
"You're very welcome." Then with a smirk, he said, "But there is one thing we should practice before we leave tomorrow."
"Oh, and what's that?"
And without any further explanation, Adam turned her to him, tilted her chin up and kissed her. A long slow kiss. She pulled away from him, her cheeks were red with embarrassment.
"What did you do that for?"
"I told you, we need to practise. Monday a judge is going to marry us and likely he'll tell me to kiss my bride. I don't want it to look like our first kiss, or the judge might become suspicious, and he certainly would if he knew what we are going to do straight after, might even call the law in."
"What! Well then, we had better practise some more. I wouldn't want to let you down."
Julie was glad for the evening's cool air as Adam continued with her 'training'. Eventually, time was running out on them, so they made their way back to the ranch. Then after kissing her one last time, Adam opened the front door and allowed Julie through first.
"Be ready nice and early in the morning, we need to catch the 9 o'clock stage to Carson City."
"I will, I promise. I won't run off this time. You are right, this needs to get done. Once again, many thanks and goodnight."
Adam walked her to her bedroom door, where they separated, she to her room and he to his bedroom upstairs. …..
It was 8.30 am by the time they arrived in Virginia City. Ben had come with them, so he could take the buggy back home, after some buying of a few supplies that were needed, or at least that was his excuse.
"You hoping to find out a bit more, Pa, that why you offered to ride with us this morning?"
"No, son. I have some supplies to buy and a bill to settle up."
Adam just smiled at him, as did Julie, who was playing Adam's game. She hadn't slept much the night before, her mind filled with Adam's kisses. How in the world can I ever walk away from him, she thought.
"Don't forget Adam, we're here if you need us."
"We won't forget. Bye, Pa," and he shook hands with Ben. "See you in a couple of weeks."
"Bye, Mr Cartwright."
"Julie, please call me Ben. We've known each other a while now."
"Bye, Ben, and thank you."
"Bye, Julie." He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Bye, you two. Safe journey."
The stage was already waiting for the off and the driver, Len, was dealing with the horses and tackle. Adam escorted Julie to the stage, helped her in and then got in himself. The stage took off on time and Ben watched until it was out of sight, hoping that this 'business' did not involve anything dangerous.