5: Adams Girl

It was another great afternoon in Virginia City. Violet was beginning to appreciate the many beautiful days this time of the year, as she was leaving the general store. She had reason to feel particularly special and by being accepted here. By now, everyone in Virginia City knew her as Adam's girl, instead of the Adams girl. Still she was anxious about her last letter to her parents about him.

A stagecoach was arriving. "Good afternoon Charlie," she greeted the older driver.

"Thank you, ma'am. You as well." The coach halted. "I know just what you're looking for." She didn't even need to ask if mail came for her that day. She couldn't even remember the last time she asked.

"Thank you again."

"For you? Always," he winked. He looked up and noticed a wagon coming. "Just the man I wanted to see." Adam was jumping out of the front leaving his brother, Hoss to steer.

"Good afternoon, Charlie."

"Adam, just in time. I was hoping you could help unload the rest of this lady's things."

"Sure," he obliged.

Charlie handed him two crates. "While your here, you might as well take these." He put his mail at the top of the pile. "You might even get the answer you're looking for."

"Hopefully, if the man agrees." Adam had sent a letter to the Adams earlier.

"Mr. Adams has quite a daughter. He might be choosy, but she'll be worth it."

"Certainly is." He was watching her talk and laugh with a few of the women in town. It was as if she'd known them for a long time.

Adam turned to Hoss. "Hoss, if you don't mind, you can get started grabbing the supplies we ordered. I'll walk this lady home."

"Sure let me do the work," Hoss playfully grumbled.

Violet was shuffling her pile as they walked to the Myers' house.

"Quite the fan mail you have." Adam remarked.

"Well, one is from my parents, another from cousin Henry, working with Uncle Charles in London…another from cousin Mary…my brother David…and...too many to count."

They had reached the house. Abigail let them in as Adam placed the crate on the table.

"Oh, what's in the crates dear?" Mrs. Jones asked.

"Mother, it's none of our business!"

"I imagine it's something good." Mrs. Jones insisted.

Attached to a crate was a letter, from the Old House in Quincy, which Violet read. "Dear Violet: Here's a little taste of home. We miss you and hope to come visit soon. With love, from Mother and Father." Opening the crate, she exclaimed, "apples and pears from the garden!" There were a few varieties of heirloom apples and pears; the apples being red mixed with yellow and green, and the pears green with specks of brown. She bit into a pear, then an apple. "They're ripe! Your welcome to have some," she offered them. She made a basket for Adam, "I couldn't possibly finish these myself. Take these for your trouble."

"No trouble. The others will certainly appreciate it—especially Hoss, for leaving him stranded." Adam walked back to the store, while looking through his envelopes.

Violet sat on the porch swing to read her other letters from Quincy.

My Lovely Daughter, Violet,

If your fruit basket is any indication, you are missed immensely! Your father and I look forward to reading each adventure you face every week. You are braver than I am, I imagine, facing the tempestuous desert with new strangers and wild dangers. I am still trying to decide how to overcome fears of my own—the first of which, is leaving the East Coast!

Your father and I have read your last letter, and additionally received an inquiry from another man concerning you. As I write this letter, your father has closed himself off in his study. We both know what that means… . I have tried reasoning with him. Hopefully he comes around. Nevertheless, I ask you not to worry. Please understand that he is only concerned about your well-being, and it must not be easy for him to recognize how capable you are of making your own decisions. (Make no mention to him I told you so!) I trust that whatever choices you make will be wise, and not just to spite any family tradition. I hope to see you again soon.

Love always,

Mother

She had to close her eyes for a moment before continuing.

My Dear Daughter, Violet,

It has come to my attention that you have yet another admirer. As you may imagine, your mother and I are not the least bit surprised of another man having an interest in you. However, it is rather soon after your previous engagement. We imagine you have not made him aware of this, which I do not think is wise… . Your mother and I are at odds with each other. You are aware I am not fond of Westerners, nor their reckless, brash and generally lawless nature. I will admit, however, this man is quite peculiar to me, with his letter appearing to be well-written and honest. Not to mention, your mother noted, while we have yet to meet him, he has been looking after you. I am inclined to appreciate this gesture. He will certainly be receiving my answer soon.

I look forward to visiting you in Virginia City, the second weekend in September. It should be a more peaceful journey knowing you are happy and well. Your mother will also accompany me.

Please send our deepest thanks and regards to your new friends for keeping you safe. You are, as always, my pride and joy!

With the highest regard,

Father

She was relieved. While not entirely pleased, he wasn't as angry as she expected.

Back at the Ponderosa, Adam was reading his letter from "Peacefield."

"'Peacefield'? Sounds like some manor or mansion."

"It is, Hoss." Adam replied.

"You know, Hoss if I had a mansion, I'd have a street for it." Joe told his brother.

"This one is on 'Adams Street'."

"I'm surprised they haven't named the whole town after them!" Hoss seemingly spat out.

"No, Hoss; they already renamed it after another founding relative."

Joe and Hoss stared at each other, with mouths gaped open. "No kidding!" Was Joe's reply.

"What's it say, Adam?" Ben wanted to know.

He reluctantly began. "It reads, 'Dear, Adam Cartwright. I have received your letter regarding your interest in my daughter. Despite the great distance, I am always interested in the company she keeps. I would be honest in admitting I am generally wary of Western men. However, your writing suggests you are different than most Westerners. While I prefer to know her acquaintances ahead of time, I will depend on her favorable opinion to give you the benefit of the doubt—for the moment. In the meantime, I intend to learn more about you, your background, and the Ponderosa, before arriving in Virginia City the second weekend of September. My wife and I would also like to thank you for inviting us to your property. We will be certain to visit during our time. Sincerely, The Honorable John Adams.' Hmm...well, that was a nice way of saying he doesn't approve of me seeing his daughter, if we weren't a few thousand miles away!"

"Well, Adam, he didn't necessarily turn you down. Since he doesn't already know you, I can't imagine that a wealthy, proud, traditional man would have just any man court his daughter."

"I'm not 'just any man', Pa."

"You're right Adam. To him you're a strange man in an unfamiliar territory who captured the interest of his only daughter, over other suitable men. You may as well be the son of General Robert E. Lee."

"He probably thinks all Westerners are outlaws." He was eating one of the apples Violet gave them.

"You're not a criminal. You have nothing to worry about. You'll just have to make a good impression."

"Right. It's a start, I suppose." But wait—worry about what? He began thinking over the decisions he made over the years.

"So, he's a judge?"

"Yes, Pa. He serves on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court."

"Well, Adam, what's the worst that could happen? If he doesn't like you, he can throw you in jail, or impose the death penalty!" Joe snickered.

"Just think Little Joe. It would've been your problem if you continued seeing her."

Joe grew quiet and decidedly replied. "Well, better you than me, since you seem to be the problem solver around here!" He patted him on the shoulder and left the room.

"Hmm… ." Ben thought. "Well, I hope for our sakes it all works out."

"'Our sakes'?"

"Well, I wasn't going to say anything just yet, but I have high hopes with this one. She's a native Bostonian, pretty, smart, from a good family, and her first name is Elizabeth. No pressure on you son, but I hope she sticks around for a while."

"As do I, Pa," he responded quietly.

Ben placed a firm hand on his eldest son's shoulder, before going out the door.

Hoss stood up from his chair. "Y'know, when Pa says there's no pressure—"

"There's pressure alright." Adam knew. His arm and head were leaning against the bookshelf, while thinking, he would have difficulty sleeping that night.

Meanwhile Violet was reading a letter from Boston, with a Beacon Hill address.

My Darling Violet,

It's been quite some time since we last spoke, sweetheart. As you may recall, after coming back from the war, I have yet again been sent home to Boston, with another injury, For the past few months since this unfortunate spring in Fredericksburg, I could barely walk after I had taken quite a blow to the foot.

Nonetheless, I must congratulate you from making it further than I, out West. I imagine it must be an exciting place. I certainly intend to visit, if not to get out of the confines of my house and Dad continually questioning my intentions to re-enroll at Harvard for Law School, after my term ends. While I may be well enough to report again by early next year, my regiment is not hurrying me back any sooner. In the meantime, I plan to spend some of my free time with someone I would very much like to see… if this letter is any indication already! I hope to arrive the second week in September. I look forward to joining you on your adventure on the frontier, my Pioneering Lady!

Very truly yours,

Wendell

Oh, Wendell! What would he make of Adam? Nonetheless, she continued on through the coming weeks, in preparation for her lessons, while Adam had business in San Francisco until mid September. One September afternoon, after the end of the school day, Violet was posting artwork on the back wall. Someone quietly entered behind her, and unassumingly hoisted her up from behind.

"Please, I don't mean to disturb you, but thought you could use some help." The culprit turned her around to face a tall distinguished dark-haired gentleman, in his early twenties.

"Wendell, you're here!"

"As promised, sweetheart!" He twirled her around in a circle and brought her down with a kiss on each cheek.

"Ahem!" Therein was the man she was expecting.

"Adam, you came at a good time!"

"Just in time," he mused quietly as came forward.

"How was your meeting in San Francisco?"

"Quite well. The silver miners have agreed to a contract extension."

"Greetings," the other man extended his hand. "I'm Wendell. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. I'm an old friend of Violet and her family."

"Cartwright, Adam Cartwright." He shook his hand firmly. "I imagine your father, is the famed Dr. Holmes?"

"That he is. I'm reminded of such every day." He could see he was only mildly annoyed, as if he partially liked the recognition. "I do take after his love of writing. Pleasure to have met a real cowboy."

"The pleasure is mine I suppose." He never thought much of this terminology until now. "Though around here, we're typically referred to as ranchers."

"I see," he noted. "Are all ranchers as particular about this sort of thing?"

"Particular? I suppose not. For me, cowboys bring about certain connotations."

"You're quite articulate for a rancher, Adam."

"He's very articulate, as you are, Wendell," she commented. "Adam, I'd like to show Wendell around Virginia City and bring him to the Myers'. I shouldn't be long."

"Certainly."

Wendell offered his arm. "Shall we, my dear?"

Adam watched them walk out of the schoolhouse, wondering what to make of this man… .

"So how did you find me?" She asked as they strolled down the main road.

"Oh, everyone here has heard of the schoolteacher, Miss Violet Adams. I checked in and inquired at the Hotel. You are quite popular here, along with a notable family… ." he noted as she waved to a few of her students on the other side of the road.

"It is good to see you again Wendell."

"You as well, dear. You haven't changed since I last saw you…and still wrapped in your books as usual."

"And you with your opinions of everything!"

"How can I be any other way?"

"And how are Amelia and Ned…and Fanny?"

"Fanny is her usual, the quiet bookworm and seamstress. As for my brother and sister, they're happy to be rid of me, I assume. I think they became too accustomed to my absence. I found some of my items in Ned's room the other day! I was surprised to find he's almost as tall as me now. Amelia has asked about you. Mom and Dad of course send their good wishes. Dad would've certainly joined me had the semester at Harvard not started. As usual he has the most students and quite the schedule."

"Who wouldn't want to learn from one of the best in Medicine?!"

"Henry Parker Quincy does. You'll be happy to know he's one of his better pupils in Anatomy & Physiology."

"Always ambitious," she recalled, not that she wanted to remember.

"Oh, I heard from Ben. He says 'hello.' He's also a Captain now."

"Ben Crowninshield? The military runs deep in his bloodline," she added, somewhat annoyed. "What else is new besides the men of my past?"

"Well, then, what am I?"

She rolled her eyes and playfully pushed him.

"Captains David and Charles Adams send their good wishes."

"I'm pleased to hear!" They made their way over to the Myers'.

Abigail and Mrs. Jones were also enthralled by this new visitor, as he received them with kisses on the cheek. He looked over Abigail's old notes from her school days.

"I dare say, Mrs. Myers, your organization and thoroughness reminds me of my tutor Master Dixwell, from Boston Latin. He taught me well, although I wouldn't have minded having you as a teacher."

"Oh, Wendell, you're too kind!"

They spent the evening debating favorite authors and poets. Abigail was tickled pink when he recited one of her favorite poems from Lord Byron. "She walks in beauty, like the night, of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright, meet in her aspect and her eyes… ."(1)

"Oh, Wendell!" She sobbed. "So beautiful!"

Hank on the other hand, was not amused, as he was in quite a mood the following afternoon. A broken barrel hurled at the bunkhouse, startled Little Joe who was otherwise lying comfortably on the porch.

"Hank, what's that for?"

"Him, ever since he came into town."

"Who's 'him'?" Hoss came outside wondering what that ruckus was about.

"That 'old friend' of Violet has been quite friendly with Abigail and my mother-in-law. He's all Abigail talks about now. He's lucky he was a goner before I got home last night!"

Adam was riding onto the ranch, as Ben was opening the door.

"Adam, you're home early."

"I finished my rounds in town already."

"Where's 'she'?"

"Out with a friend, on a carriage ride outside of town. She exposing him to the countryside."

They heard horses galloping toward the house. "There they are now."

"Who is he?" Ben wondered.

"He, is the son of a well-known Bostonian, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes."

"Ah, the successful doctor who also writes poetry—like Old Ironsides." Ben realized. "I always loved seeing the Constitution around the Harbor. To think they would've scrapped it if not for that."

"If his dad's a doctor, he'll know how to take care of him when I'm through with him!" Hank growled.

Ben stopped him. "Hank, a good doctor has a good lawyer. I don't reckon Abigail would want you in jail."

"Well… ."

"Why don't you go and clean up… ?" Ben suggested. Hank obliged.

"Ben, Adam. I told Wendell about the Ponderosa. I was hoping you could show him around."

"That's not a problem. Adam?"

"Certainly."

"Ah, 'Guy Ranch'." Wendell mused while Adam took him around the stables and bunkhouses. "Made and entirely run by men! I've never seen such a wide array of land so effortlessly run."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Tell me Adam, you know this place better than I do. Violet has been telling me about 'the Opera House.' Would you recommend it? She seems to be interested in seeing a show there."

"Is that so?" I've been meaning to take her there. "Well, I'm not certain I can compare it to the Boston Music Hall, as I imagine you're familiar with…but it is a sophisticated, high class place with good seating. Actors and actresses perform there before moving their shows to San Francisco."

"It sounds like it after all."

"Well, it's closest you'll find around here for several miles… ."

"I see…it is quite different out West…though Violet takes to it, and is well received."

"She has. In fact, at the last School Board meeting, she integrated a History project of the students' personal history and background. Virginia City is still a fairly new place. Everyone came from somewhere else. The citizens have given her a lot of support."

"Violet the flower: taking new roots, blooming where she is planted. She flourishes everywhere she goes—I always loved that about her."

"That she does," he could agree.

Upon returning to the Ponderosa, Wendell and Violet stayed for supper.

"So Wendell, Violet tells me you're from Beacon Hill. Quite a prestigious area, from what I recall."

"Yes. As a matter of fact, I'm a few blocks from Violet's Uncle Charles and her cousins who have a residence there. We're good neighbors, or at least I like to think so." They laughed. "I hear you're from Boston Mr. Cartwright, as well as Adam."

"Yes, I sailed in and out of the Harbor with my father-in-law. Adam was born there."

"I should have guessed. He carries that New England reservedness and a certain air of intellectual superiority."

Adam's brothers were laughing until he cleared his throat. "Ahem. Wendell, other than the War, what keeps you occupied?"

"Well, typically I enjoy festivities. I enjoy going to parties, and taking time to travel, or debate philosophical fallacies of Plato, and writing poetry to my admirers. I used to call Violet the 'shrinking violet', when I towered over her when we were young. Now she's the lilac blossom, or the lady with the amethyst eyes."

"Used to, you still do!"

"And now, Violet has become Red." He noted her blushing. Ben and the brothers laughed. Even Adam was mildly amused.

"You must have known each other a long time." Ben commented.

"Dr. Holmes knew my Great-Uncle, the President." Violet mentioned. "He introduced young Wendell to him shortly before he passed. He became a rival and later a friend to my cousin Henry. I only saw him occasionally until he enrolled at Harvard and associated more with Henry, although he'd often ask Henry about me. He escorted me at my cotillion, and began writing and calling on me not long afterward. We attended each other's parties and other events, as we were close… ." She paused. "Shortly before graduation, Wendell signed up for the War. He left shortly after graduation and has been back and forth ever since."

"Yes," Wendell chimed in. "For the past two years I've been at war, I've been unable to remain healthy. One shot to the chest…the last was in my foot. I don't know how I survived, but I imagine you men are built better than I am! It must be the beef around here." They laughed.

"At least they gave me a Captain's badge for dignity's sake. When my three year enlistment ends next year. I'm not quite sure what I'll do yet. Dear old Dad wants me to return to Harvard…perhaps I'll travel a bit more. Maybe to Europe. Henry tells me interesting stories about London."

"It must be nice to have options." Adam quietly sipped his drink.

"Adam, you would do well in the War I imagine."

"Well, ranchers get the same exemption as farmers. Someone needs to mind the cattle and sheep besides Little Boy Blue and Little Bo Peep. But thanks for serving our country. It must make your father proud to earn something entirely on your own."

"Thank you, Adam. I can assure you despite my feebleness I did earn it on my own merit… ." He sipped his drink and eyed him warily.

"I didn't say otherwise," he quickly replied, putting his drink down. "So, you two have quite a history together." Adam mused.

"Well, of course." Violet replied. "I did say we were close, and knew each other a long time."

"Of course."

Joe chimed in. "Hey, Wendell, Adam is into the Arts, Classics, and Poetry himself. He has a whole library of books…mostly Shakespeare."

"Ah, the Shakespearean Cattle Rancher." Wendell said to Adam.

"Why yes, Civil War Captain, Aristotle." Adam shot back.

"Perhaps Adam wouldn't mind showing you one day… ." Violet cut in.

"Yes, perhaps." Adam replied eying him.

"Speaking of the Arts, I had asked Adam about the Opera House. Violet and I would like to see Lotta Crabtree tonight."

"Lotta Crabtree?! Joe exclaimed. "She's back in town?"

"Yes, I hear tickets are going fast."

"Y'know, Little Joe here was once stuck on Lotta." Hoss chuckled. "Adam, too."

"Oh is that so?" Violet eyed a solemn Adam. "Perhaps you'd like to come?"

"Oh, no," Adam declared. "I'd rather not revisit those memories."

"Hey Pa," Joe started.

"Joseph!" Ben didn't flinch.

"Yeah, count me out." He looked down at his plate.

"Oh, you two must have 'quite a history'. Wendell looked directly at Adam who was squeezing his utensils until his knuckles were white.

"What time is this show?"

"Doors open at half past six. Curtains open at seven. We probably should be leaving soon if we hope to find our seats."

Violet turned to Adam. "Adam, if you don't mind, before I leave, I'd like a word with you, outside."

"Yes, ma'am." He followed her to the porch.

"Well, that's something. Adam is taking orders from a lady!" Joe chortled. Wendell and Joe clanked glasses.

Once they were outside, she started. "I know what's on your mind. Out with it."

"An 'old friend'…there's more to it than that, isn't there?"

"Yes, an old friend." She reaffirmed.

"He's quite the romantic type, isn't he?"

"Well, he is a poet." Seeing the smirk on his face, she added. "Adam, I know he's quite the flirt. He always has been. If you've known him as long as I have…we'll you don't need to worry."

"It's not you I'm concerned about. He certainly came quite a long way just to say 'hello.' "

"Well, if you insist, he courted me once upon a time—"

"Ah, so there was something there—"

"Adam, we were not too serious, and we were probably too young, but father approved because he likes Wendell and our parents know each other well. After all, my father and Dr. Holmes regularly attend social clubs together. I'm also a friend of his sister, Amelia. We've been friends longer than we were lovers."

"Then, why not mention it before?"

"Well, I suppose it would have been quite awkward to introduce you to a former beau as anything other than a good friend. Besides, you're not introducing me to any of your old admirers."

"I'm not typically friends with women I've courted, but that's for different reasons."

"Oh? I suppose you don't think I can be friends with a man, even though I also have lady friends. At least Wendell isn't afraid of coming out here. It's not quite so simple when your friends continue with their festivities and you're not there to join them."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Are you? You don't seem pleased with him at all."

"Well, you've been acting like quite the couple this evening, more than we have recently." Her appalled expression made him regret his words.

The door was opening. "Adam, I enjoyed our banter this evening. I look forward to more, but tomorrow's another day. Shall we?" Violet looked back at Adam as if to say something, but changed her mind, before leaving.

Hoss and Joe were sitting by the fireplace laughing at the events of the evening. Joe started.

"Remember when Wendell practically told Adam he was a 'Boston Snob'? I can still see the look on his face!"

"And to think Adam let that 'city slicker' waltz in here and take his girl to a fancy club that he was fixin' to take her to himself!"

"Pipe down you two! That's none of your business!"

"Adam, what are you upset about? You're not jealous, are you?" Joe asked.

"Jealous of what? He's a charming, handsome, privileged man who's also my present lady's former lover, and not only do they and their families get along well, but he's captivated my own family in one day!"

"Alright, if you say so Adam." Hoss replied quietly.

His brothers by now were staring at him. Realizing he was nearly shouting at them, he issued an "I'm sorry," and went back outside.

Adam was ferociously hacking away at a pile of lumber, when Ben approached."You know, Adam, I think we have enough wood now to last us into next winter." Ben reasoned.

Adam spliced his final splint so hard, the two parts were far-flung in opposite directions.

"I just can't stand him! I don't quite know why; but I can't stand myself either for the way I acted!"

"I know son. It's not easy dealing with competition when you're not accustomed to having it and share many things in common, Adam."

"Oh, he's also distinguished, witty, and well-educated. Except he's also from the same society as her. Lord Byron of Beacon Hill doesn't even have to work for her father's approval, and it doesn't sound like he would work much at all if not for the draft."

"You generally have no trouble landing women of interest to you, which you no doubt inherited. But you must realize her social standing offers her choices. And you'll likely find many other privileged and even arrogant men who will try to prove themselves. You'll match their wit and intelligence, and then you'll remember why she wanted you. Believe me, I've been there before."

Adam went back into the house, this time, more composed. He stood by the door, looking at his brothers, wondering what he should say to them.

"Y'know, Adam. We were just messin' with you earlier."

"Right Adam." Seeing he wasn't reacting, Joe added. "What's on your mind, older brother?" Joe asked.

Adam paused. "I never thought I'd say this, but I may need your help."

(1) She Walks in Beauty, Stanza 1; Lord Byron