2: Little Red Schoolhouse
As it was Sunday, it was time to go to church for many folk in Virginia City—especially for Abigail, as it was her choir day.
"Rise and shine, Violet. Hank is taking us, and he is not a patient man."
If it were up to Violet, she'd likely stay away from religious affiliations. At home, she would attend the same church her family attended for generations. She knew all the members (even without including her cousins), and they knew her since her dedication. They even sat behind the pew her great-grandparents and great-uncle and aunt sat. It was rare she visited elsewhere, perhaps if out of town. But she was a guest in one's home, and she wanted to be accepted in this new community. And if she expected to stay for an extended period of time, it would become a part of her life as it seemed to be for many residents in Virginia City.
Off she went, in the carriage, with Mrs. Jones, and the Myers to the Memorial Chapel, in an unassuming silk red plaid dress, with a shawl and bonnet. There were quite a few young families, a few elderly people wearing hats, men in their best pressed shirts and trousers, and fewer women in their Sunday dresses. As Hank was helping the ladies out of the carriage one by one, she saw another carriage approaching with four well-dressed men.
"I told you she'd come Hoss," Joe whispered to his brother.
"I ain't never said she weren't."
"I was wondering why you were excited to attend church this morning."
"Adam, why didn't you just stay home? Just think, you'd have the whole Ponderosa to yourself without Pa or us around your shoulder."
Before waiting for Adam's answer or for Ben to halt the carriage, Joe had hopped out and ran over to Hank, reaching for Violet's hand.
"Please, Hank, allow me." Hank decidedly obliged, opting to escort Abigail into the building as Joe escorted Violet, and his two brothers looked on in surprise and disgust.
"Ahem!" Mrs. Jones stood by. "I wonder who would be kind enough to escort me?"
"Mrs. Jones?" Ben held out his arm before his sons could answer. "God help me," he whispered.
While everyone shuffled into their seats after greeting each other, Violet couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
"What's the matter?"
"Everyone is staring," noting glances from the men in their direction and women whispering amongst each other.
"They're just admiring a new pretty face, that's all."
Joe made his way to the front row, conveniently skipping the row he often sat in with his Pa, who at this moment was politely not listening to whatever Mrs. Jones was saying. After Joe chose to sit at one end of the pew, Violet sat down next to him, wondering if this was a wise decision, unaware until afterward who was sitting down to her opposite side... . He must have been just as caught off-guard, as he quickly glanced through the pews afterward, noting the sanctuary was full now. He remained as it was his normal place anyway, and didn't particularly mind the arrangement... . His other brother, Hoss was on the other side of him, anyway.
After service was over, there were refreshments being served. During fellowship, Reverend Jordan greeted their new visitor. "Miss Violet Adams, I heard you're the new schoolteacher."
"Yes, hopefully I'll see a few of these faces tomorrow."
"You most certainly will. They're no trouble, certainly not compared to what you might have faced back in Boston."
"Oh, I've seen all kinds...I'll learn them all soon enough." Violet went off to talk to a few of the families.
"No trouble at all—at least not the one's here... ." Adam muttered to his brothers. The troublemakers' folks kept them home since they couldn't sit during service.
"Good thing Little Joe isn't in school anymore."
"I don't know Hoss, I might have liked having her as a teacher."
Violet was now speaking to Ben. "Mr. Cartwright, after talking with the parents and children, I'm really excited to meet them tomorrow. Unfortunately, I just remembered I hadn't truly had the chance to tour the school."
"I could help you with that," Adam offered, overhearing their conversation.
"That might be a good idea," Ben agreed. "Adam was the previous substitute teacher, and knows the kids very well."
"Unless of course, you have some reservations... ."
"No," she responded quietly.
"Well, school begins at eight-thirty. I can pick you up by quarter of eight. That should give us enough time to settle in."
Adam as a schoolteacher? He seemed so reserved, broody, and almost aloof at times. On the other hand, it couldn't hurt receiving guidance from someone else. "Alright," she agreed. Wait, what did I just agree to do?
She was on her way back to the carriage when Joe caught up with her. "Hey, you have any plans this weekend?"
"Plans? My week hasn't even begun!"
"I was wondering if I could take you someplace, seeing as you're new and all, and probably wouldn't mind someone guiding you around... ."
Joe had a way with words, didn't he? "I could agree to that."
"I'll pick you up at about Six on Friday." He put on his hat and walked backwards waving...and bumped right into Ben. "Sorry, Pa, I'm ready to go now."
Ben on the other hand, had an amused grin on his face, and waved at the Myers' carriage as it drove by.
Later on, she decided to get Abigail's opinion and advice, since she was a former teacher.
"This western area is quite vast. As it was, Virginia City itself only became a city a few short years ago, and Nevada Territory began a couple years ago. Like all the families here, the Cartwrights traveled a lot before Ben claimed land out here. Ben and Adam originally came from Boston. Hoss was born near Missouri while Joseph was born in this area, which used to be called Alta California. When I first came here from back east a few years ago, I tutored Joseph, albeit for a short time. When he had gotten into trouble his father or older brother would come down to speak with me. Adam at the time had already went to school back east called the Lawrence Scientific School. He was always so respectful and well-spoken. If he were younger I would've loved to have worked closely with him... ."
Violet gathered Joe was her age and his brothers much older. It also confirmed Adam was well educated. What brought him back West after living East? He was also very much the "big" brother, and more after Abigail also explained Ben became a widower not long after each son was born. He faced this tragedy a few times and had grown a resilience, it seemed. The more she was learning, the more she began to admire him...or respect him, at the very least.
Nonetheless, she had a lot of planning to do for the next day. Curriculum, where would she even begin?
It had rained the night before. By morning it was muddy, and a bit cooler than she was expecting it to be. She normally didn't spend much time picking out her clothes or getting dressed, but for some reason today she was especially nervous. She had first day jitters when she initially started teaching, but she generated enough confidence to know her capabilities. She knew she was a good teacher. She wasn't certain how the kids would take to her, never mind what "he" would think (not that it mattered, anyhow). Speaking of which, "he" would be arriving any minute, and her hair still wasn't done!
Nevertheless, Adam was certainly a man of his word. By quarter of eight, Adam was on the front porch in a black hat and an all-black shirt and pants attire. Mrs. Myers greeted him at the door.
"Adam, you're in town rather early. Why, you haven't visited since—"
"Isn't it obvious, dear?" Her mother chimed in. "You're married, and we have a new guest."
"Well, I figured I could get our new teacher to school on time before I tend to some business in town."
"Any time to sample some sourdough bread? Violet made some yesterday."
"Hmm...quite tempting."
She hardly finished fitting on her bonnet before making her way to the parlor in her white blouse under her dark grey dress. Yet seeing Adam sample a slice of bread caught her off-guard.
"Well, good morning. I hope you don't mind. It's hard to find good sourdough outside San Francisco."
"Help yourself." After all, he already had.
"You look very nice today."
"Thank you."
He escorted her outside. "The school is only a few blocks from the house. We could walk there in about ten minutes, but since the ground is especially muddy, Sport will give you a lift." He playfully ruffled his horse's mane before hoisting her up. "There, light as a feather, isn't she Sport?" This finally made her chuckle. Instead of climbing aboard he decided to walk. "I've been walking in mud all morning anyhow," he reasoned.
"About how early did you have to rise?"
"Well, most mornings, by five. Today I got up around four to help clear the mud in front of the house and stables."
"You men, have quite a job to do!" Noting Hank had already left before she was even awake.
"We most certainly do!" He smiled.
She noted he had long steady hands, broad shoulders and stubble along his dimpled chin. Men out here certainly show more endurance than the men back home. They were so manly, and handsome. Adam seemed to be all of these and intelligent...a rare combination as most men in Boston were either manly but not intelligent; or intelligent, but not particularly manly. Adam had a warm smile. If only he smiled more often... .
Riding atop Sport made her think of Shadow. She wondered how she would fare this winter without her... . Meanwhile she looked around and saw people going about their business, shopkeepers, sweeping mud from the front of buildings, horses and carriages trudging through the mucked roadway.
Sheriff Roy Coffee, a tall lean older man with graying hair, was walking out of his office with Deputy Clem Foster, a younger man with darker brown hair, when they saw Adam walking his horse toward the school.
It wasn't long before they reached a little red schoolhouse. Before letting her down, he looked down quickly and saw she noticed his holster. "You'll have to excuse our primitive ways, Miss Adams. We're not quite as civilized a society as the innovators back east. Guns are a part of everyday life around here. Not to worry, we don't carry in church and the children won't have any either...unless they're hunting with their fathers."
"How considerate of them," She went along his sarcasm.
"Oh, I wasn't offended. You're not the first person from back east to notice this. I know it's quite an adjustment." He added quietly. "I can assure you, while some may be rough around the edges, there's good people here."
Adam was helping her off the horse while they faced each other, her skin seemingly glowing with a few loose curls around her face. The initial concern of him being armed became an afterthought, as her delicate fingers glossed down his arm into his large hands. She glanced at him before suddenly pulling her hands away and heading into the one room schoolhouse. "Thank you kindly for lending your horse."
Adam followed behind with a slight grin on his face for the compliment but wondered what she really thought of him.
"Is this the primary school?" She asked upon entering.
"This is Kindergarten through Senior year." While she walked to the desk, Adam continued. "I'm assuming it's much smaller than what you're accustomed to."
"Well, my classroom at my last school, back in Boston, was about this size."
"What was it like there?"
"Well, there were about twenty-five students, mostly poor, some reserved, others affable, and others quite rude...there were barely enough textbooks, paper and ink to go around, in a three story, brick building on a very busy street."
"Sounds like a typical city school—not one I would've liked to attend." He chuckled.
"Very typical of Boston Public Schools at least." She added. "On the other hand, my first school, in a town called, Needham, is precisely like this. Upper Falls School is a cozy red schoolhouse. Back then, I had about fifteen students...some were rowdy, though most were pleasant."
"You'll have about that many here." He began naming where all the kids usually sit. "Susan likes the front...Alice near the window...Tom and Tim are on opposite sides since they can't seem to get along... ."
Gradually students were coming in. There was a great deal of chatter until Adam tapped the desk with a ruler to get everyone's attention.
"Good Morning, Class."
"Good Morning, Mr. Cartwright." The class responded in unison.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet a new friend of mine. This is Miss Violet Adams, your new teacher."
"Good Morning, Miss Adams."
"Good Morning Class. I've come quite a ways from Boston to meet you all. Why don't we start our day by getting to know each other? Let's start with our names... ."
From the front to the back row, each child stood to introduce themselves. Afterward, Adam put on his coat and hat, and told her, "I'll come back before three to see how everyone's coming along."
On his way out, he heard, "Goodbye, Mr. Cartwright." He tipped his hat, smiled and waved before exiting.
"Alright class, before we start our first lesson, does anyone have any more questions for me?"
Multiple hands were raised.
Meanwhile, Adam was going through his usual errands...meeting at the Cattle Exchange, making a bank deposit, ordering supplies from the General Store. It appeared people in town were already curious about the newcomer in town... . Sheriff Roy Coffee and Deputy Clem Foster were no exception.
"Good day Adam," greeted Roy.
"Good morning Roy, Clem," he tipped his hat to them.
"Clem and I were wondering about a certain lady you brought into town."
He saw where this was headed. "What about her?"
"It's not everyday you let someone else ride Sport."
"It's not everyday it rains, if at all, in August, Clem."
"Come on Adam, don't beat around the bush. You're serious about her, aren't you?" Asked Roy.
"I wouldn't be the first around here. I only wonder how she'll fare in our City…?"
"Sounds like she's making quite an impression on you." Clem replied.
He scratched the back of his head. "Well, she's pretty…sophisticated."
"That she is… . She seems to fare well by your side," Roy remarked.
"Thanks, fellas." As Adam got back on his horse, and waved goodbye, Roy chuckled to Clem. He knew Adam and his family quite a while, and what he was really thinking, but wouldn't say. Roy Coffee wasn't a fool. Neither was Adam. Few single women came to town these days. Most who were already in town were too young, old, or were unattached for good reason...even they still attempted to show him their interest, when he would not reciprocate. It wouldn't be long before other men would be calling upon her; though unlikely they could meet her standards... . Could he? Nonetheless, her arrival perplexed him and he himself wanted to know why... .
Within a few minutes of three, Adam was walking back into the schoolhouse as Miss Adams was reading a chapter in a story. He couldn't recall the last time those kids had been this quiet and engaged when he walked in on classes before. He leaned on the doorway and watched her read with expression and emphasis at certain parts.
"...'Go, then, and at the peril of your life, bring me back the Golden Fleece.'
'I go,' answered Jason, composedly. 'If I fail, you need not fear that I will ever come back to trouble you again. But if I return to Iolchos with the prize, then, King Pelias, you must hasten down from your lofty throne, and give me your crown and sceptre.'
'That I will,' said the king, with a sneer."(1)
Seeing Adam in the doorway, she looked at the time. "Alright class, that's all the time we have for today. We'll have to continue tomorrow." Groaning ensued. "Don't forget to complete your worksheet for addition and subtraction, and to practice the spelling words from your lists. Class dismissed!"
After the kids filed out of the school, the two walked out of the building.
"I take it the class went well?"
"Very well, for the most part." She recalled reminding them to settle down a few times, stopping Tim and Tom from starting a fight during recess and all the questions they had about her hometown, her eye color, and the like.
"Well, the sun is out, and the ground is clear. I was wondering if you wanted to sit down somewhere to talk and eat?"
Well, she wasn't expecting this. "Well, this is thoughtful of you... . I suppose after the milk spilled in my lunch pail resulting in a soggy sandwich and pie for lunch, I certainly wouldn't mind."
"I was hoping you'd say that. Hop Sing packed a few things for us. I was planning to swing by around lunch, but something came up at the ranch."
They sat at a picnic table beside the school, having meat pies and iced tea. For a late summer afternoon, it hadn't even looked like it rained.
"I'm surprised most everything is already dry."
"Yes, this is typical for rain. It doesn't come often, but it doesn't stick around for long, either."
"That doesn't happen often in New England. I could become accustomed to this, I think," she thought aloud.
Adam smiled slightly between bites at the suggestion. "You seem to be faring better than one of our last teachers. The kids had her tied to the flagpole around this time!" They both laughed over that. "By the way, was that 'Jason and the Golden Fleece' you were reading?"
"Yes, a version from Tanglewood Tales, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. He's one of my favorite local authors, along with Longfellow and Thoreau."
"Henry Wadsworth Longfellow…I've read many works from him... .One of my favorite works,
Walden is from Henry David Thoreau... . As for Hawthorne, well, we don't read his works around here...I remember reading his works in college, however."
"Oh, perhaps that was a mistake."
"Oh no, the kids seemed very into it. I don't recall Tanglewood being much like his other works. So long as you're not planning on reading The Scarlett Letter."
"No, I wasn't but I'll keep that in mind," she winked.
"Well, I've been meaning to ask, Miss Elizabeth Abigail Adams—that is your name, isn't it?"
"It is. I just don't often use my full name on most occasions, but what did you wish to ask?"
"Why, only your reasons for choosing to come here as opposed to a different city? I imagine with the amount of travel, and coming from a well established family, your great-grandfather having been President and his son following in his footsteps—"
"Pardon, me, but what exactly would he and my great-uncle have to do with my choices in life?"
"Well, you'd have certain connections most people wouldn't have… . Oh, did you say great- uncle? That's right, he was married to your Aunt Louisa, from London. If I hadn't remembered your great aunt was a foreigner, I would've thought he was your grandfather."
"My grandfather was dead before I was born, but Uncle Quincy was more like my grandfather when I was a girl. He used to tell me I took after his mother... ." Seeing she was digressing, and that he had a self-satisfied smirk on his face, she continued, not being amused. "Now what exactly are you trying to discover, Mr. Cartwright?"
"Well, I'm hoping to know more about you, if you'll allow me to—"
"You must think I'm a novelty, Mr. Cartwright. I hope you find my background amusing, because I certainly don't think you are."
"I do, but not for the reasons you think. Why, you're not like anyone I've ever met before—"
"Because my last name happens to be 'Adams'?!" She retorted, getting up.
He also rose. "No, because you're the most sophisticated woman I've ever met! You're well-educated, have travelled extensively, and you must obviously race if you own a Thoroughbred. You're quite accomplished for a lady. I imagine you're not much older than Little Joe, who's about twelve years younger than I am."
Taken aback, she began sitting back down. "I'm nearly twenty one, if you're wondering."
"Then, you are his age... ." He sat back down. "You see, people with your accomplishments don't travel this far. They stay in the cities back east, or they head straight to San Francisco. Now, I can read about your ancestors, marvel at the fact you still wear Abigail's necklace, and have your middle name after her, but I'm not going to understand what draws you to Hawthorne, to moving out west, or your passion for horses, from a text book."
"Well, you've done your research." She paused, stunned he noticed these details. "When did you learn—"
"Oh, not long after you left that night you first came. I looked over your resume, saw the name and started piecing things together... . When I saw Abigail's picture in my old history book, I was certain her necklace matched the one you were wearing... . Come to think of it, your Uncle Quincy was right. You do resemble her, except for the eyes." He could see she was no longer annoyed, as if she had heard this before. "Wheaton is a fine school, by the way."
"Indeed it is," she agreed. "I believe I owe you an apology, Adam. That was quite rude of me. It seems most people treat my last name like a novelty of sorts, and act as if they know all about me, before even meeting me."
"Understandable. That's how everyone treats us out here. Where you're from, your name matters. Out here, you make a name for yourself. And when you do, they'll never forget it."
She smiled and resumed eating. "Oh, I didn't answer your question... . Ever since I was a girl, I had this dream of living somewhere which I could ride my horse for miles. That must sound foolish."
"No, not at all... ." It sounded like the dream he and his father had for coming west. "Go on." He continued listening.
"As you must have guessed, I'm not too fond of the schools in Boston. I prefer schools outside of the City; but those positions are hard to come by. Naturally, I went with what was available. Schools in other large cities remind me of Boston, not to mention the rigidity of what one can teach." She decided to skip over details she didn't think would be pertinent now. "I found this position, not knowing what this area was like, and decided on someplace different." She decided to change the subject. "And now, I have a question for you Adam, concerning your education and New England Heritage... ."
Intrigued, Adam leaned back slightly, and folded his arms across his chest. "Well, the table turns. Someone else has done their research... ."
"Well, Mrs. Abigail Myers may have told me a few things... ."
"Apparently I'm not the only one interested... ."
"Perhaps...I was interested in what you studied, and what brought you back here?"
"My pa and grandpa were seafarers in Boston. I was born there, but left shortly after my mother died. We travelled throughout the Midwest and what is now California before settling here. I studied at the Lawrence Scientific School for Engineering. I'm certain you've heard of the College it's affiliated with… . I also took Architecture courses on the side. I received offers from a couple firms upon graduation, but since my pa and brothers are here, I wanted to continue helping my father build his ranch."
"You built that ranch?"
"Yes, I designed it my final year and constructed it after college. I also thought of going back one day, but things happened on the ranch, and I stayed and hadn't thought too much about it afterward."
"Hmm...she hadn't told me that."
"I'm sure she told you more than I or my brothers wanted you to know, already."
She could only grin... .
Once they made it back to the Myers' house, Abigail and her mother were peeping through the window as Adam was dropping her off.
"It has been a pleasant evening, Adam, though I hadn't realized it was so late. I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important."
"I don't mind. Of, course, so long as you don't mind me accompanying you again tomorrow."
"I don't wish to keep you from your obligations."
"I'll make the time."
"Well," she managed, suddenly lost for words. "You're most welcome."
"Thank you, Ma'am." He tipped his hat, "See you tomorrow."
Violet had barely opened the front door when Abigail and Mrs. Jones hastily plopped themselves into seats in the parlor.
"Good evening, dear, did a student keep you late?" Mrs. Jones asked.
"Oh no, I was with someone." She was being intentionally cautious, thinking they were up to something.
"A certain gentleman, perhaps, named Adam Cartwright?" Abigail inquired.
"Perhaps." Both ladies became more eager.
Abigail seemingly couldn't hold her curiosity. "Are you planning on seeing him again?"
Sigh. She wasn't getting through this house without any details was she? "Yes, tomorrow."
"Just as I told you Abigail! Now she'll get to decide between Adam and Little Joe."
Joe! That was right. She was supposed to be meeting him later in the week. What was she doing having lunch with one brother, when she's supposed to be seeing another? Did it matter? She wasn't intending to be meeting anyone new, anyway... . She began wondering what kind of a reputation she was creating, and how she could manage without breaking anyone's heart. This was certainly not becoming... .
Meanwhile, back at the Ponderosa, Ben, Hoss, and Joe were sitting at the dinner table.
"Pa, do we have to wait any longer?" Joe moaned.
"It just ain't like Adam to run late for supper," Hoss mused.
"Don't worry boys, knowing your brother, he has a good reason." Ben replied. "At least he'd better have a reason if this steak gets cold!" He muttered quietly.
No sooner had he finished his statement had Adam casually strolled through the door. "Well, I'm sorry I'm late. I was longer in town than I expected." He slid into his chair.
"Clearly. You don't seem disappointed." Joe noted his rather cheery disposition.
"Come on, Little Joe, I'm starved!" Hoss dove right into his plate soon after blessing the food.
Ben noted Adam only took a few sips of his drink, and a few bites of his food.
"Is anything wrong, Adam?"
"No, everything's fine. I'm just not too hungry since I had kind of a late lunch."
Hop Sing came out to refill their glasses. "Yes, Hop Sing make lunch for Mr. Adam and special lady."
Ben's brow raised. "Hop Sing knew about this?"
"Yes. Oh—and Hop Sing? She sends her compliments." Hop Sing beamed at his reply.
The rest of the men, however, were staring at Adam, awaiting explanation. "Well, I was trying to help Violet feel welcome. We talked, got to know each other and I asked how everything went that day... it went well."
"The luncheon or the school day?" Ben inquired.
"Oh, the school day also turned out well. The kids seem to like her already."
"Yeah, the kids like her... ." Joe muttered.
"So I see," Ben scratched his chin, while glancing at Joe and Adam.
"Yes, well, if you don't mind, I'd like to excuse myself. The supplies I ordered should be arriving at the general store tomorrow." Ben nodded as Adam got up. "Here Hoss," he plopped the rest of his food on his brother's plate. "You could eat enough for both of us."
"Thanks, Adam—wait, what you mean by that?" He thought about it for a second, shrugged, and continued eating.
"I wonder if she remembers we made plans this weekend?"
"Oh, you made plans?" Ben asked Joe slowly, as if processing.
"Yeah. I asked her Sunday. There is this nice restaurant I was planning on taking her to, and I was planning to take her around town afterward."
"Well, I hope your plans include finishing your chores before carrying out your plans for the weekend."
"Yes, Sir." He knew when his father was being kind, but still meant business. Joe hastily finished his food and dismissed himself from the table.
"So, Hoss," Ben resumed eating. "Do you have any plans?"
"Humf. Don't I wish… ."
"Well, that makes two of us."
Ben secretly began wondering how this could possibly end well, while he resumed eating.
(1) From Tanglewood Tales: "Jason and the Golden Fleece"