10: The Conversation

"What—a shooting, you say?!"

"Yes, Father, there was a shooting. Thankfully, no one was hurt."

"Yes, but one could have been. Approaching an armed man is treacherous."

"Mr. Adams," Adam began. "Had she not distracted him, I may not have been able to escape. It was quite bold of her. I would have done the same for her."

"Indeed," Ben joined in. "One must be bold in this kind of frontier."

Mr. Adams paused. "Well I don't mean to appear insensitive, as everything turned out well, and I have no doubt, Adam is grateful for the distraction. However, Adam appears to be no stranger to dangerous situations, and I imagine someone as clever as he would not want my daughter to put herself on the line."

"He didn't expect me to, Father—I put myself there. I wanted to—"

"My dear, it was a brash decision. Consider yourself fortunate he missed. Otherwise, you would have been dead."

"It was my decision! Not that I expect you to understand."

"Elizabeth!"

"Mr. Adams, if it makes you feel any better, I would've preferred if he went ahead and shot me, instead."

"I don't mean to appear ungrateful, Adam. I do appreciate you stopping him. I am however concerned that there might be a time where she might not be as fortunate."

"Your concerns are valid, Mr. Adams. One never knows. However, these are the risks one takes when living out West, for better or worse."

"As I suspected."

Meanwhile Hop Sing was making his way out of the kitchen, apparently arguing with Hoss and Little Joe.

"What's the trouble Hop Sing?" Ben asked.

"Hop Sing spent the afternoon to make dinner. Everyone stand around and arguing and not eating! Dinner is ready."

"Well, everyone," Ben laughed. "You heard the man—dinner is ready."

By dinner, everyone was presentable, forgetting the events of the afternoon for the moment.

"An excellent dinner. I don't regret not having to cook since coming over here."

"Hop Sing would be pleased to hear it, Mrs. Adams," Ben replied. "I know all too well what it's like being on the road, not knowing what or when your next meal would be."

"Perhaps we should travel more often, or as much as my schedule would allow." Mr. Adams spoke up. "The summer is usually better, though when I retire in the next fifteen years, by then I hope to have expanded my travels enough to consider an additional residence."

"What places are you considering?" Ben asked.

"Well, initially I would have considered someplace closer to home…Swampscott, Newport…places the family would visit…initially I wouldn't have minded a place further south such as Annapolis or Charleston, but with the Union and Confederacy being as they are, any place south of the Mason-Dixon would be out of the discussion."

"Ah, yes, it's a shame these two sides can't get along." Ben agreed. "I do like Annapolis' and Charleston's characters…such history there. However, Swampscott is a real gem on the North Shore. I haven't been to Rhode Island as many times, though I recall there are a few beautiful mansions there."

"Yes, an old friend of a friend owned property there. The late William Shepherd Wetmore."

"Wetmore the fur trader…I think that man's adventures inspired me to sail…what was the place called?"

"The Chateau-sur-Mer, as it's called. He left the property to his son and daughter, who permitted us to use the property, if we so desired… ." He trailed off, noting the loss of coloring on William and Violet's faces.

"Ahem!" William covered his mouth to cough from drinking too quickly. "Yes, it's a grand place."

"You've been there, William?"

"Yes, Mr. Cartwright but not recently, with my schedule and all." He took another sip.

"Are you alright, William? You look pale."

"Oh, just fine. I'm a little weary is all."

"In any such matter, I digress." Mr. Adams changed the subject. "I may as well enjoy my travel out here, for now, since I'm not certain how many trips Mary and I can make before Violet's term ends in June."

"Actually, Father I wouldn't mind staying another term, if I may."

Her father paused. "You would what?"

"I would like to extend my term. It's still quite a ways off, but—"

"You intend to stay another year? When was this decided?"

"Mr. Adams," Ben reassured him. "Technically speaking, the board would need to approve an extension, pending reviews of the parents…though if she continues at the rate she's going, there's a good chance we'll ask her back."

"I see, Ben. Thank you, although that isn't my primary concern." He paused again. "We must discuss this further, afterward."

"Yes, Father." She had a feeling this wasn't going to go over too well. However, she had some reassurance, when the man next to her took hold of her hand while under the table… .

It wasn't long after dinner when the rest of the party retreated upstairs to give the Adams some privacy.

"Am I to understand you wish to stay beyond your current term? This is not what we initially discussed. Need I remind you the only reasons I agreed for you to come here were because you accepted before my prior knowledge, you insisted it would be for a short term, and at the time, we felt it best for a much needed change of scenery after such an unexpected turn of events?"

"Yes, Father, I am aware, and I certainly received the change I needed. Inasmuch as it was a disappointment to announce my broken engagement—"

"Violet, your father and I are still getting your wedding gifts. It has been beyond exhausting returning every single one."

"I'm sorry, Mother, but it wasn't my choice to invite most of those people in the first place."

"Not your choice? We've been acquainted with many of these families before you were born. They invited us to their weddings…it would had been discourteous not to consider them. They were beyond dismayed for you and Will."

"Well you seemed to enjoy the wedding planning more than I have!"

"Elizabeth!"

"Elizabeth don't you talk that way to your mother!"

"Forgive me Mother, but knowing then what I know now some things have changed…while others have not. Will and I are not reconciling. He's informed me on our way back he'll be heading back to New York early tomorrow."

"So, I see… ." Her father paused. "Does this change happen to involve a certain man?"

"Yes, among other things—"

"My dear you must understand simply staying on for another year requires another level of commitment, from more than one individual. Are you assuming you can stay and impose on your host family, the Myers for another year, or are you planning to make other arrangements?"

"Father, when I said, 'hoped', it was merely a desire, I hadn't come as far as to—"

"Elizabeth what you don't seem to understand is you're not at liberty to make such decisions or assumptions, without being in your own charge…your mother and I, along with the rest of your family are back east. You have no relatives or kin out here to support you."

"Father, everyone out here started from back east at one time or another. Even Mr. Cartwright and Adam—"

"You are not one of the Cartwrights or the people out here. They have faced hardships and struggle. You were accustomed to a particularly comfortable lifestyle, instilled with a sense of etiquette and granted certain privileges not available to most. You have a rich heritage, are well acquainted and well regarded amongst larger circles in society, and even received the best education possible—"

"I'm well aware of my pedigree, Father."

"Then you're well aware of how different you both are. I can understand your intrigue with Adam's seemingly lively, yet utterly risqué endeavors, being much different than your own, but your eastern upbringing did not prepare you to handle such harsh circumstances as he can. Certainly if you intend to continue teaching or following your other passions you can do so closer to home."

"But I do feel at home here, in spite of the differences. I enjoy the pace of life and the endless wilderness. And you can't pretend to know how I feel about this man, despite the fact he's westernized and experienced in other areas in life!"

"Elizabeth Abigail Adams! I don't know what kind of experiences you've acquired from this man, but you will not disregard all the opportunities your mother and I have given you in pursuit of a western fantasy!"

"Alright," she tried composing herself. "I'll leave at the end of the term and I won't mention it again. If you could only understand!"

"Elizabeth—"

"Goodnight, Father, Mother!" She bounded up the stairs before either one could see tears streaming from her face, but not before running into someone.

"Hey, what's going on here?" He had his arms around her waist, with a discontented brow.

"It's not going to work Adam. I thought we could, but our families are so different."

"What do you mean?"

"Father won't approve of me staying longer, even if I wanted to. It's simply better if we don't remain attached." She tried pulling away, but he wouldn't let her.

"No, wait. It's not over yet… .You're here until at least June. We'll figure something out… ."

Meanwhile, downstairs the conversation continued. "Must you have been quite so harsh dear?"

"I must, dear. It's the only way she understands I'm doing this for her own good."

"Oh are you? Taking her away from someone in someplace she's grown a fondness for?"

"Are you supporting this whirlwind courtship? It's happening rather quickly for someone who knew nothing of this place a short while ago."

"Sometimes it happens that way dear. Did you honestly think our daughter would come to a new place and not catch anyone's eye, or not find any interest in anyone else?"

"I'm not a fool dear. Adam is a man and I can't be surprised if any man finds her attractive . It's simple to see why she's drawn to him…he's very different from the men she's accustomed to, and the ones I have come across… ."

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Adams." Adam was making his way down the stairs.

"The time has come, hasn't it?"

"Indeed it has."

"I'll go check up on our daughter before going to bed." Mrs. Adams excused herself.

Mr. Adams checked his watch. "Five minutes to seven. You certainly are prompt."

"I aim to be," he remembered some friendly advice.

"I've always said it's better to be a few minutes earlier than later. As I see it, if you arrive exactly on time, you're already running late."

"I suppose that's a fair motto." He didn't want to imagine the consequences of being late.

"Now," they sat at the table. "My intention for this conversation was for us to understand one another a bit better. At the moment, however, there is another matter concerning my daughter. In the importance of being earnest, allow me to explain. My daughter's travels to this area was meant to be a temporary arrangement. She had not been working since her engagement. Once her engagement was off, she went looking for work, and unbeknownst to me applied for a position out here. I agreed, only because she insisted I begin trusting her more with personal freedom. She's never been far from home without her friends or relatives. I began wondering if I had made the right decision, praying to the Good Lord above for her safety, until I could venture out here to see things for myself. I'm pleased to see she's doing well, and for that I should be thanking you and your family as well as her other friends."

"Thank you, Sir."

"However, it has been brought to my attention that my daughter wishes to extend her stay beyond her current term. It would be difficult to remain here without having permanent residency, as I can't expect a family, never mind the Myers to take her in, indefinitely."

"Is that all that bothers you, Sir?"

"I do wonder if a young lady with her upbringing can manage out West in the long run. I have no doubt you and your family have had challenges and can likely maneuver your way through danger…which you appear quite clever at."

"Mr. Adams, living out here requires anyone to make an adjustment. What makes you certain your daughter can't?"

"Because she's not like you, Adam. You've faced hardships, and she hasn't."

"I see what this is about. You're afraid, Mr. Adams. Heaven forbid your daughter actually likes it here and prefers to live a comfortable life on a ranch, tending to her husband and children and the household, never lacking for anything, living here, on the Ponderosa, as my wife." As soon as he uttered those final words, he knew couldn't take them back.

Mr. Adams raised his brow. "Your wife? Isn't there something you intend ask me first, Adam, before you plan your and my daughter's future?!"

"Yes, although based on your reaction, had I asked I would not expect a response. I realize I'm overreaching, but if we're in the business of being earnest, you may as well now become aware of my intentions, if you weren't already suspicious."

"You made a wise choice in saying that Mr. Adam Cartwright. You have quite the audacity making certain assumptions concerning my daughter and I! Indeed, a tall order, considering I've only heard of you not so long ago, and had only officially met you for the first time yesterday!"

"And you were willing then to give me the benefit of the doubt."

Dead silence. Mr. Adams closed his eyes as if to compose himself. "Let me make something clear. Violet is my youngest child and only daughter. It took several years for my wife to finally have her and afterward, she was unable to conceive again. Any decisions regarding her future will not be taken lightly." He added. "I may be a hard man for you to understand, but while holding my position in Court, I am foremost a husband and a father. I've made provisions for my wife, instilled enough wisdom and sense for my son to provide for his own family, and I only wish to ensure my daughter is well taken care of."

"I wouldn't expect otherwise, Sir. Believe it or not, I do understand your stance of your daughter belonging here. I had doubts myself. I already had an idea of the kind of lady she was once she arrived. She was too refined and sophisticated. I remember marveling at the delicate manner of her eating mashed potatoes and peas, while my brothers gobbled theirs. I wondered why someone of her class would bother coming out here, and willingly adapt to the culture here, even though she stood out? I knew ladies like her in school who I never had much of a chance with as a "westerner," while their lovers were sons of lawyers, bankers and doctors, aspiring to be the same. Yet, with her, I knew even while she was privileged, things were going to be different… . It was an unshakable feeling that defied all the rationale I had for not getting involved. I've never met anyone with that kind of effect on me. I tried to be the voice of reason, but I fell very hard for her…and I intend to earn your approval."

More silence. The other man's solemn stare made Adam wonder if he was listening to him at all. "Are you finished?"

"Yes, Sir." Adam was suddenly feeling annoyed. "I won't take any more of your time. Am I free to leave?"

"Yes, you may leave."

"Goodnight, Sir."

Adam decided it was better to forget the whole matter until morning. However, morning wasn't much different. Mr. Adams was already at the table apparently ready for coffee when Adam was getting up to make his normal rounds.

"Good morning, Adam."

"Good morning, Sir. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, thank you."

After a moment of silence, once they had coffee, Adam started. "About last night, I wanted to apologize if—"

"Have you changed your stance?"

"I have not, actually—"

"If you have nothing else to say, an apology is unnecessary."

"Alright. I'm willing to ask you more politely—"

"You were clear the first time."

"Ok, Sir. At least allow me to prove my worthiness to you."

"There is nothing to prove. You're either worthy of my daughter, or you're not."

"Ok." Adam was trying to remain patient. "Since I have nothing to prove, I'll let my actions speak for themselves."

Mr. Adams merely took one last sip of his coffee. "Good day, to you, Adam. You will have my answer before my trip is over."

Frustrated, Adam decided to take the time to finish his own coffee in peace, before his father decidedly joined him.

"How did things go with Mr. Adams last night?"

"Not too well, I imagine."

"Oh?"

"I told him how I felt, about her, at least." He added. "Ok, I didn't exactly ask for his permission, and he hasn't said much to me since."

"I see, you were bold. And what happened this morning?"

"I did everything I could to reason with him." He pounded the table. "It's no use, Pa. The man won't flinch!"

"Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy."

"He's impossible, Pa! There's no way we could ever have a life together if I can't earn his trust."

"Are you going to give up?"

"No, but he simply won't budge!"

"His daughter has had two eligible bachelors chase after her, and she's turned both of them down. At some point, he'll decide what's best. If it's meant to be, it'll work itself out. Give it time, Adam."

Adam hoped his father was right. He usually had good sense. "Well, I better get a head start on my chores before I take Violet to school."

Later on, Adam was in the barn pouring oats for the horses, when he noticed a woman's shadow on the ground.

"Hello."

"Hey," he picked her up. "You're ready already?"

"Not yet, I just wanted to greet someone I haven't had much time with."

"Indeed. Just what I needed."

"Why?"

"Well it's a long story." He changed the subject. "Have any plans tonight?"

"Nothing other than planning midterm exams later this week."

"Oh, I'm sure you could spare some time. Once the sun goes down."

"That late—on a school night?"

"Trust me, you won't mind at all." He went to give her a kiss.

"Ahem!" Mr. and Mrs. Adams were standing behind them. "Violet, may I speak with you? You don't mind, Adam?"

"No Sir," he let her go.

Mrs. Adams watched them go back into the house before facing Adam. "Morning." Adam tipped his hat in reply. "John told me about the conversation you both had last night."

"I'm not so sure I'm getting through to your husband, Ma'am."

"He's stubborn as a mule, I suppose." She added. "I was young once, being courted by a man any family would approve of. Smart, handsome, and from a very prominent family. His roommate, however, somewhat disheveled, often took to the bottle, and had a habit of gambling. We ran into each other several times. Once at a party, I could smell the alcohol on his breath when he suddenly approached me and apparently confessed to being in love with me, declaring he'd marry me someday. I merely laughed, but my lover wasn't amused. They had quite a brawl which nearly got them both expelled. The roommate however, must have been serious. He cleaned up his appearance, and was much more coherent when he spoke to me or anyone else. By the end of that year, my lover was proposing marriage and I told him 'no', discovering I was more interested in someone else. The man showed up at my door, introducing himself to my father as Mr. Adams' son. He thought he meant Charles, who had a better reputation. My father was none too thrilled to discover he was his cousin, and I already knew who he was. He must have slammed the door on him on more than one occasion. Yet he kept knocking, and finally my father invited him in. Sooner, rather than later, we were married."

"You mean Mr. Adams…?"

"Yes," she laughed. Contrary to what you may think of him, he has mentioned to me he appreciates you don't share some of his old habits."

"Thanks, Mrs. Adams," appreciating her encouragement.

"You won't mention I told you this. He's still quite embarrassed about those days."

"Not a word," he winked.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adams and his daughter were sitting on the settee. "Well, here's my girl—the same one who used to run out the front door to greet me after work. It's been a while since we've spoke on matters concerning the heart. Whenever you were interested in a young man, you were never afraid to speak to me about it. Remember Billy?"

"Yes, Billy O'Brien. The Irish boy who was serving Mother, Aunt Abigail, cousin Mary and I at a restaurant in Boston. He was eighteen. It was my sixteenth birthday. He slipped me a note about how pretty I was, and hoped to see me again. I used to take Mary with me to the restaurant to see him. Then I invited him to the house."

"And after he introduced himself, I casually asked him if his papers were in order. He grew quite nervous and mentioned a court date. I asked which one, since I could probably find it. He didn't stay long after that. He seemingly disappeared. You were quite angry with me at the time for being unfair. Yet, once your cotillion was approaching, Dr. Holmes' son began expressing an interest in an old friend, and Billy was forgotten. And now, we have Adam. I see you feel strongly about him… ."

"Yes. I know it must seem foolish, and I know it all seems rather sudden, but I've never met anyone who challenges me like he does, and makes me feel so safe and secure. I do love him, even though we're from different worlds."

"My dear, you've grown." He hugged her and twirled a loose curl on her face. "I should heed more while I can." He kissed her on the forehead. "Do you mind if your mother and I observe class today?"

"I can't see why not. During my first week, Adam observed, claiming he was making sure I was settling in nicely."

"He wasn't observing the class… ." They both chuckled. When Violet went outside to the buckboard, Mr. Adams called for Ben. "Pardon me Ben, but you don't mind if I ask a question regarding Adam?"

"No, what's on your mind, John?"

"It's concerning his schedule… ."

After William was well on his way back east, and the day was nearly over, Adam was trying to figure out how he could sneak out of the house without Mr. Adams knowing. He went to their door and listened. Snoring. Good. He was about to knock on Violet's door, before she opened it.

"Well, perfect timing. Are you ready?" Adam had his guitar.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

They rode Sport and Betsy to Lake Tahoe. It was a beautiful, clear night, as Adam was serenading his lady with folk songs such as "Sweet Betsy from Pike," and "Oh, Shenandoah."

After packing up his guitar, he said. "I suppose we didn't need to travel this far, but I figured we'd get some privacy."

"That's alright. It was greatly appreciated."

"So, about earlier…I'm curious…when was the wedding supposed to be? I already know the location."

She hesitated. "This weekend. The tourist season would be over in Newport. The Chateau isn't far from the shore. It would have been a nice getaway."

"Meaning, by now, you could've been living in that townhouse in New York. Instead you chose here… ."

"You think that's strange?"

"Well, you're not like most women."

"And you're not like most men… ." She was drawing close. That was his invitation to come nearer…and no one around to stop them this time… .

Once they reached the barn, Adam began unsaddling the horses. Stifling a yawn, Violet decided to lay down on a bale of straw. By the time Adam was finished, someone was falling asleep. With his guitar on his back, he carried her inside.

"Lovely night, isn't it?" Asked a voice.

Adam was afraid his sudden jolt would wake her up. "Yes. Trouble sleeping, Mr. Adams?"

"Oh, no. I heard horses and figured you might be awake. I checked in on Violet and noticed her bed was empty."

"You enjoy sitting in the dark?"

"Oh, I've done this with David many times. He tended to sneak out."

Adam chuckled nervously. "Pardon Sir."

"Oh. Proceed. Goodnight." He waited until Adam was upstairs, before following him with a slight grin on his face.

The next morning, Adam was treading lightly down to the stairs. From the landing, he scanned the great room, and the table. What about behind him? No one else was around. Satisfied, he continued down the stairs sitting at the table.

"Adam?" Adam fell out of his chair, when Mr. Adams stepped out of the kitchen. "Good—you're awake! I hoped to surprise you. These mornings have become habitual."

"Well, thanks, I'm certainly surprised… ." He muttered, "although you seem to appear at the most inopportune moments."

"You sound just like my son."

Son?!No wonder he moved away! Adam thought.

"Well, I've come to a decision. I understand it's difficult to get to know someone in a short amount of time… . However, I've decided it would be best for you to come back with me, to Boston. It's important for you to establish connections, to meet some of our friends, and to learn our customs, if you intend to become a part of our family."

"Wait, Sir, are you saying—"

"Must I repeat myself Adam? You wish to marry my daughter?"

"Yes." He wondered if something was in his coffee… .

"Good. It's settled. You have my permission. Now, at the end of the week—"

"Wait, Sir."

"Wait what?"

"I—"

"He's speechless, John." Ben was coming down the stairs. "I forgot to tell you Adam. I'll be managing your meetings with Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Brown about their shipments. Hoss and Little Joe will travel for the next cattle drive. And they'll be back in time for the next roundup."

"You knew?"

"Yes. As he said, it's settled. Enjoy your trip." His father folded his arms and gave him that stare…whenever he was pushed into something unexpected.

"Adam, you were saying?"

"I—am, honored, Sir… . Also, will we have time to look for something?"

"You have something special in mind?"

"I may… ."

"Ah, I think I know just the place. I imagine you're also thinking… ."

"Yes, that as well… ." He grinned. He became serious again. "Sir, what was it that made up your mind?"

"Well, I discovered while my daughter needed someone not only to care for and provide for her, but also to protect her, as well. Despite certain differences you were the only man who has shown me to be capable of all three."

"I see." He realized who he sounded like… . Boston! As excited as he was, Adam began to wonder what he was getting himself into… ?