4: Early One Morning

As Violet was picking out her riding clothes for the following afternoon, she imagined the thrill of being atop a horse again. Back home, they had racetracks and jumped over fences. Here, she imagined the open fields and being unlimited to where one could travel. She wondered if Adam would let her ride the horse she wanted… .

"Oh, no." Adam didn't have long to think of his answer as they were saddling horses a bit later. "Jupiter is much too volatile to be riding now. He was quite testy when I took him out this morning."

Well…Adam was going to be stubborn and bossy… . He can boss around anyone else on this ranch, but we'll see about that! She thought.

Just as Adam was about to unstrap his saddle, she stepped aboard and pulled on the reigns. Jupiter pulled away so fast Adam fell over. He got up, shaking his head, but was nonetheless amused.

She knew she could make the fence up ahead. "Alright Jupiter, let's see what you can do." She pulled and he cleared the fence. Shortly, she spotted a horse and rider rapidly approaching. I can't believe it—He caught up already! She knew she needed to stop soon, but Jupiter would not heed to her commands nor the pulling of his reigns. The other rider was swiftly coming toward her, then approached just to the side of her while extending his hand. She only had seconds to act and pull this off. She got a hold of the other rider and flipped onto the back end of his horse, while Jupiter continued running off.

After catching her breath, the familiar rider looked back to her and commented. "Well, you certainly are fast, and well-trained. You've done this before, haven't you?"

"Yes, Adam. Shadow acted similarly before she was broken in, and my instructor at the time helped me off. I've also helped a few others in similar situations." He nodded his head approvingly. "I'm sorry for losing him," she continued.

"Oh, he isn't getting far. We're going to catch up with him, and I'll need your assistance in catching him."

Could I possibly be earning his respect? She wondered, as she held onto him, with a satisfactory grin.

Not long after Sport was gaining on Jupiter, Adam began giving her directions. "I'm going to need you to take the reigns. When we get close enough I'll catch a hold of him."

As they got closer, Adam began to stand. Being within inches of Jupiter, he made the leap and took over his reigns. He fought for a moment, but Jupiter soon conceded to his rider. Violet lead Sport over to Adam once Jupiter had been stopped.

"Well done, m'Lady." He adjusted his hat as a salute.

"Thank you kindly, m'Lord." She did a curtsied.

Being a little less chivalrous, he added, matter-of-factly. "Now, as I was originally saying, Jupiter is still much too volatile. I was also going to tell you that once he starts, there's no stopping him; but I see you already witnessed that firsthand."

"Now, how did you find me—"

"Oh, you really are a great rider, but even I know every shortcut on this ranch. And now, we must head back to the ranch, since this isn't the horse you were going to use, and I'm going to need my horse back."

"Must you always be so bossy?" She was half-teasing.

"Oh, pardon me, ma'am," he played along. "If I recall correctly, you're from Boston; meaning you're likely very independent and don't appreciate being told what to do. Well, neither do ranchers. Welcome to the West: my ranch, my rules."

"Alright, Sir, if you insist." She let him take the lead. They went back to the ranch and replaced him with Betsy.

"Don't be fooled. Betsy's still a bit quick on her feet. And now, I'd like to show you around, properly. As your 'tour guide' I only ask that you keep pace with me. The best part is at the end… ."

Hmm… .Where could he be taking me?

They raced along at a steady pace, and moved slower in other areas, as the terrain varied. She loved the view of the mountain ranges in the distance. Never had she seen any that high before. They were slowly riding through a grove of trees until he stopped. "We're almost there." He began getting off Sport and helped her off Betsy and they walked, until before her, she could see a large deep blue body of water.

"What's this?" She marveled at its vastness and cleanliness.

"Lake Tahoe. Just on the other side, is California." He tied down the horses and offered his hand. "But that's not the surprise." He brought her down near the shore, where he had already set up a picnic area. Complete with a checkered mat, canteens, and a wicker basket.

Her mouth gaped open, which she quickly covered to save embarrassment. "Well…" she began looking for words. "I don't know if I'm dressed for this… ."

"What you're wearing is fine," he assured her. "And that's not all." They sat down, and he pulled out an Acoustic guitar.

"Music! You thought of everything."

"Just about." He began fingering for a bit, before he began playing a folk song. " 'Early one morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard a maiden singing in the valley below. "Oh, don't deceive me, oh, never leave me, how could you use a poor maiden so?…" ' " (1)

He sings! She was seemingly drawn in with the words as she listened intently to the song. Every thought she originally had, from, I'm not ready for another…What would father think?…What about 'him'?… were tuning out of her head as the baritone's melodic voice was tuning in.

While Adam played, he occasionally looked over from his fingering. He often grew carried away with music, but noted she was seemingly mesmerized as the violet-blue hue of her eyes glistened. After a while he slowed a bit when he was trying to recall the remaining lyrics, but it didn't appear as if she noticed. Instead she was seated while leaning against a trunk as if she had become comfortable. I know this song like the back of my hand. Why am I suddenly nearly forgetting the words? It wasn't like him to get nervous over a familiar song. She was drawing nearer to him as he was getting to the final verses of the song…or was that him doing that? After he finished the song, he scarcely placed his guitar down before leaning in for a kiss and embraced her. Neither one was letting go… .

After they had finished the last of the victuals, they admired the scenery and enjoyed each other's company. Adam had propped himself against a large rock, while Violet leaned against his chest.

"You know, from my house, I could see the garden and the apple blossoms from my window."

"Oh?"

"I'd pick one off the tree and sit on the porch and read or write as I ate. To think this is your yard, your view." She marveled.

"Mhmm," he agreed.

"I hadn't realized it's been several thousand miles since I've seen a large body of water. And to think I was only a few miles from one until recently."

"You should see it in the winter, with snow capped trees and mountains in the distance. It's like a dream. When we ice fish, Hoss would always find the biggest ones." He had her in his arms, toying with her curls with one hand, and using his other hand to paint the picture for her. "Of course, if I really want to see the ocean, and have a little fun, I travel to San Francisco on occasion."

"What's it like there?"

"Oh, it's a lively hilly Western town, with lovely victorians, Spanish history, and shady palm trees. And it never gets cold there!"

"Never?"

"Not compared to the snow and freezing temperatures of the Midwest and Northeast."

"Hmm…sounds like a lovely place."

"Perhaps I should take you there one of these days."

She seemed to like the idea. She also thought to ask him something. "Would you ever consider coming back to Boston again?"

"With you?"

"Well, I mean, if you had any interest at all? Do you ever really think of going back there?"

"Well, sure… . Sometimes, maybe more now than I did before…I always appreciated the community's attempt to preserve its history, if at all possible. The people there are so much more interesting to talk to regarding different subjects."

"Only if the subject at hand interests them. I find where I live, at least in my circle, nearly everyone assumes you have an education and likes to compare. In my family, and amongst family friends, it's fairly easy to relate since nearly everyone has an Ivy League education, works for a prestigious firm, or has a private practice or other business… . It all becomes quite monotonous, really."

"I'm going to assume you come from a family of professionals."

"Yes, father, brother, uncle, cousins, friends…" she stopped. "…And acquaintances. Lawyers mostly. Actually, my brother David decided to leave the law to serve in the War…apparently he's one of the few exceptions, as well as my hero."

"Hopefully for your sake this War ends soon… ."

"And they call this a 'civil' war! It's already been two years… ." He noticed while sharing her thoughts she became seemingly distressed. She sat up a bit for a moment.

"Are you worried?"

She paused. "I think about him everyday. I thought by coming here and doing something different, something for myself, it would take my mind off things, and my father wouldn't worry so much about my own future and…" concern himself with who I'm going to marry… . She said the last part in her own head. She suddenly felt embarrassed, pouring out her emotions on a man she didn't know very long. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to—"

"It's alright—it'll be alright." He pulled her close and felt warm teardrops on his shirt. He kissed the top of her crown and caressed her hair. While Adam was looking at the position of the sun to keep track of time, he imagined how lost and alone she must have felt. Often being one to assume responsibility when no one else would or could, not knowing her father or brother, nor where they were, he felt a duty—a necessity, rather—to take care of her, while she was here.

While still lying comfortably, her head underneath his cleft chin and admirable stubble, she soon felt very safe with him; having forgotten that not long ago she thought of him as aloof and all too inquisitive. Nonetheless, he was a deep thinker and compassionate—not the type she'd expect in these parts at all. With both his hands now around her waist, she intertwined her fingers with his and watched the sun.

Eventually, when they made the journey back to the homestead, she was in better spirits. Hoss and Joe were on the porch.

"I see y'all finally made it back. Little Joe an' I were about to come looking for you."

"Thank you for your concern, Hoss," she said, playfully giving him a hug and a kiss. Hoss in turn blushed like a tomato.

"Hey, no fair!" Joe grunted. She gave him a quick peck to keep him from feeling left out, which he accepted.

"Ahem!"

Everyone stopped in their tracks when Ben had opened the door, apparently watching. "Young lady, while we all appreciate your grand gestures, your charms have been drawing much attention and conversations on this ranch. If you are taking an interest in one of my sons, I'd appreciate it…if you would join us for Sunday dinner tomorrow."

"I'd be delighted, Mr. Cartwright." She stood on tiptoe to plant a kiss on his cheek.

"We could probably use a sister in this house, if it makes him this easy-going," Joe chuckled.

"I think it's time I took you home." Adam set her up in a carriage.

"Boys, what did I agree to do?" Ben still didn't know what came over him, as they were riding away.

"I believe, Pa, you made her the guest of honor at Sunday Dinner." Hoss replied.

"So I did." Ben was beginning to feel satisfied with himself for his not so foolish action… .

Back at the Myers' homestead, Adam had stayed for supper, per Abigail and Mrs. Jones' requests, apparently willing to act on the behalf of Violet's family whom everyone had yet to meet.

"It's about time you've stayed for supper Adam. This time, you didn't hesitate."

"Well, it was a gracious meal, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Myers, Violet."

"Oh, it's Violet's family recipe." Abigail remarked.

"My mother's roast beef! It's a crowd pleaser at dinner parties." Violet commented.

"I can see why… I should probably pass it along to Hop Sing." Adam turned to Hank. "So, Hank. How are you enjoying your new 'member of the family'?"

"Well, we certainly have more visitors, especially with you guys keeping me awake at night!"

"You know Hank, for your troubles and your hard work, we were going to offer you a raise."

"Really?"

"I know the boss," he winked.

"Well, Abigail doesn't mind the visits," he eased.

Later, after Adam left, Mrs. Jones remarked about him. "I've always liked him. He's such a nice man, smart and sensible. I once thought he'd fall in love with Abigail…but he was only putting in a good word for Hank."

"He's quite popular around the area… .I'm not certain if it would be polite to ask, but I do wonder how he remains a bachelor?"

"Oh, Adam is quite choosy. He's had a few interests but none were taken seriously since a certain widow with a young girl, whose husband died in a horsing accident, I believe. He courted her for a time, and she wanted a proposal of marriage; eventually, after some prodding they became engaged… but nothing became of it and their engagement sharply ended." Mrs. Jones recalled.

Was he fearful of commitment? She wondered. "Well, I suppose you can't make someone marry if they're not willing… ."

"Not willing?" Mrs. Jones remarked. "No dear, you're greatly mistaken. He not only proposed once, but twice to prove his sincerity. He secretly planned to build a new home for his intended family; but after a temporary ailment she subsequently fell for and ran off with his cousin."

"That's terrible!"

"Indeed. I think it broke his heart even if he doesn't express it otherwise. He's even more selective now, though it seems he's quite fond of you… ."

Perhaps it was wrong to jump to her own conclusions on a more personal matter…never mind that now… . There was no more denying her feelings. She was definitely quite fond of him. Perhaps it all was happening too soon, but she never knew anyone else quite like him; confident, seemingly rugged, yet compassionate and sophisticated. The Cartwright men certainly had their charms, and he was no exception. What would happen if…if what? She wasn't in Boston anymore. Throughout the coming weeks, she continued enjoying her time in Virginia City, with the Myers', Mrs. Jones, the community, the Cartwright men, and Adam. She was accustoming herself to life out west. For a time, she decided, this could be home… .

Adam meanwhile had a great deal on his mind. "I have to meet them," he told his pa. "If only it were that easy... ." It was exactly how he feared, by courting her and meeting their approval. How would he go about convincing them?

Ben asked. "Adam, when you were still in college back east, didn't you tell me you met a girl in Boston from a certain society?"

"I'd rather not go down memory lane, Pa. I knew that wasn't going to work out anyway."

"What makes this time different?"

"I can't answer that...I suppose at the moment I'm going against logic. Realistically, the two of us being together doesn't make sense."

"What 'makes sense' is not always right, and what is right will not always 'make sense', but it will always be right, son."

Earlier that same morning, Clem came into the Sheriff's office. "Hey, Roy, this wire just came from Boston."

"What's it about?"

"An inquiry on... you'll never guess...Adam Cartwright."

"Adam Cartwright! What for...?"

"I don't know, but Judge Rand received something similar... ."

"Hmm..." Roy read the wire. "Adam sure has his work cut out for him, now." He chuckled.

(1) From "Early One Morning."