11: The Family Man

Adam had remained mellow the next couple of days, not wanting someone to become suspicious… .

"Boston?!"

"Well, your father is hoping to introduce me to some people there…your customs, your way of life… . I imagine the man is testing me, hoping I could meet their approval, first." It was going to be hard to leave her. It was much further than his trip to San Francisco…though his next cattle drive may have been nearly as long. But he wanted to meet the rest of her family, and gain the approval of the Adams' friends.

While Adam went through his clothes, he chided himself. Why couldn't I just ask her? I have his permission already…but what about the rest of her family? He imagined she already had a couple of those experiences already, and he wanted the occasion to be just as special. Besides, he didn't have—

"Nervous?"

Adam turned, relieved to see his Pa. "I can't say I'm not. I'm traveling across the country with a man and woman I barely know. I feel like I'll have to walk on eggshells the entire time. Things are better between Mr. Adams and I since the first day, but I don't want to ruin things."

"You'll be fine. Imagine how he felt traveling here to meet you."

"He didn't seem predisposed to like me, that's certain. Who knows what other members of their society will be like… ."

"Well you know Wendell, and William already, and they're both different."

"Yes, very…although personally I don't think William is horrible. Somewhat pretentious, but that is to be expected, considering his success. I was in his position before, and have an idea of how he may feel."

"Perhaps if you want to make amends, you could reach out to him. The more connections you make, the better you'll do."

"Hmm…perhaps I should. He was and still is closely affiliated with the family. I wouldn't want to ruin any family ties."

"That's a good start," he agreed. He added. "By the way, this came for you on the stage this morning."

Adam looked quizzically at a letter addressed to him from Virginia. "I can't say I know anyone from this place, unless... ." He tore it open quickly. "Dear Adam, I know we haven't officially met. However, a part of me believes at one time we should have known one another, and may have crossed paths before... ." He looked up after reading over the rest. "It's from David."

"Violet's brother."

"He's been in Virginia the past month, but he's nonetheless heard a great deal about me. He'd like to meet me at some point in the future, pending the War's end. In the meantime, he invited me to visit his home outside Philadelphia if I so happen to pass through the area."

"That's nice of him to open his home without getting a chance to meet you first, which is understandable under the circumstances...but what was that about meeting once before?"

"I don't quite know, but from what Violet told me, he also attended Harvard. It's likely we may have been on campus at the same time at one point or another... ."

"Any details on his family?"

"A wife, Julia, and three children. A son, David, age five; and two daughters, Emma, age three, and Lillian, or Lilly, a year and a half."

"A year and a half?! Hasn't Violet told us he's been away two years?"

"That can only mean she was born after the War started. At those ages, I wonder if they remember their father."

"Well, I suppose you'll find out soon enough... ."

Before Ben walked away, Adam thought of something. "Pa?"

"Yes, Adam?"

"I was thinking about Mr. Adams' initial concerns and Violet wanting me to trust her more. I know you intend to keep a watchful eye on her, anyhow… but I'm thinking she'd be better off here for a bit longer."

"Oh?" He was curious.

"When I return, there's something I intend to ask her, but first, there's something I want to figure out beforehand. I know she enjoys visiting, but I want to see if she would really like it here… ."

"I see where you're going with this," Ben nodded. "I think it's a good idea. She seems open to trying new things." He added, "Just suppose, she discovers she doesn't like it much after all…then what?"

"Well…I suppose it won't change how I feel about her… ."

"I see…you're sure about this?"

"I'm sure. I can't imagine going back to the way things were without her… ."

"Well, at least this one will be worthwhile." He embraced his son and patted his shoulder.

"Now, I just need to tell her—"

"Oh, I think I can handle that. I'd like to run it by John, anyhow."

"What's that grin for?"

"Oh, nothing. I just thought of how nice it's been having certain company in the house… ."

Later in the evening, Violet was going through her clothes. What to wear tomorrow before I leave? Must I really? I suppose I should be happy to return to the Myers' house. It's closer to school. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in."

"Packing I see?"

"Yes, Mr. Cartwright. Thank you for having me."

"Oh, it's no trouble. Your parents were here already…I imagine you enjoyed your stay?"

"I have. It's quite peaceful here at night."

"Well, I can't say it's always this peaceful, not with three brothers quarreling over who knows what. They're usually on their best behavior when company visits…speaking of which, you wouldn't mind staying a little longer?

"You'd like for me to stay?" Her eyes sparkled.

"Yes, while Adam is away. Your father and I consider it a fair trade. After all, he's borrowing my son…who else should look after his daughter?"

"Mr. Cartwright, I'd love to stay. Although I tried to tell Adam he shouldn't worry about me. I could manage, either way."

"Your father thought you'd say that…which is why he insists you stay here until Adam returns. After what happened Sunday, he wouldn't have it any other way."

"Well! I suppose I have no choice then."

"I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

She found it all rather puzzling. A few days ago, her father wouldn't hear of her extending her stay out west beyond the year. He argued the Cartwrights lived a different lifestyle than she was accustomed to, nor one he wanted for her. Now he entrusted the Cartwrights for her own safety? As strange as it seemed, she couldn't find herself arguing with him…after all, it never got her anywhere.

On departure day, Mr. Adams had some difficult words. "My dear, as much as it pains your mother and I to leave you again, I know you'll be in capable hands." He stroked her hair before hugging her. "You have certainly made us proud."

Her mother embraced her tightly. "Be strong. Take care, darling, until we meet again."

Before Adam entered. "You aren't planning on meeting any old friends while I'm gone, are you?"

"Of course not—with the way you have your Pa and brothers and Mr. Myers 'keeping watch'."

"I couldn't take any chances," he whispered, before kissing her goodbye.

She was trying very hard to hold back tears as the stagecoach traveled off in the distance. Ben offered his shoulder. "I should be happy. Before I was a bit nervous but so eager for adventure…now, it's difficult seeing them leave."

"Winter break will be here before you know it." He held her tightly with one arm. Then he turned to Hoss and Joe. "Now, boys, before you leave on your next ride, what say you to Violet staying with us a few more weeks?"

"You hear that, 'Short Shanks'? We're gonna have ourselves a sister!"

"Hoss, we should do our sister a favor and bring her to school. We wouldn't want her to be late on account of us."

"Right, I'll do it the easy way." Hoss began picking her up and putting her over his shoulder.

"Wait—No—" She gasped before bursting out laughing.

"Boys!" Ben bellowed. "Gentle, now."

"Sorry, Ma'am." He put her down.

She ran a few steps ahead, and stuck out her tongue and resumed when they chased after her.

Ben could only fold his arms and grin in amusement. Sometimes he wondered, if he had a girl… .

Meanwhile, on the stage, Adam was in for a long, bumpy ride with the Adams.'

"I can't recall the last time I traveled east of the Mississippi... ."

"Consider yourself fortunate, Adam. This is my first!"

"There's a first time for everything, Mrs. Adams, like your daughter is now realizing."

"Has it been that long, Adam?" Mr. Adams inquired

"Too long Mr. Adams. If it's as long as I think it's been... .Business normally takes me to San Francisco, Tucson—"

"Pardon, where is Tucson?"

"Good, question. Presently it's in Arizona Territory, although the last time I was there, it was still part of New Mexico Territory."

"Certainly the War must have something to do with that."

"Indeed, it does, which is why at present I try to avoid going there. My brother, Little Joe nearly got killed trying to get to and from Yuma, also part of Arizona Territory."

"Quite strange having travelled here, the sentiments are quite different. I couldn't quite gauge a certain common belief. Back home, the sides are much clearer."

"Indeed, Sir. Though truthfully, I can't be sure what side the people in my area believe and I don't think they know either. I do know they change sides like the sun rising east and setting west, based on which argument appeals to them at the time."

"I imagine around here, it's best to be neutral."

"We try, although we lean Union at the Ponderosa, at least now."

"Hmm...sounds like quite a story."

"It's a long one."

"We have all the time in the world."

"Indeed, we do." Adam went on to explain how a stranger with Confederate sympathies tried taking advantage of his younger brothers' southern heritage on his mother's side, and how it nearly tore the two of them apart.

"Were you really planning on going all the way to New England, on a horse?" Mrs. Adams asked.

"Well, sort of. I was angry. New England was the furthest place I could think of. But I realized shortly thereafter I just wanted to blow off some steam... ."

"When we're angry we don't see things clearly. But perhaps subconsciously, you do like New England."

Adam was wondering how much things had changed the last time he was there... .

Needless to say they were still a long ways from there, and Mr. Adams had plans once the stage lines ended.

"Adam, do you perchance happen to own another tie?"

"No Sir. Why?"

"Oh, nothing in particular... ." Then he added. "Out west you may wear certain things. However, once reaching east, we must find you a proper tie and shoes. Perhaps even a hat."

Apparently string bow ties, cowboy boots and his favorite hat weren't proper attire. At least he left his hat in his suitcase.

It had already been a couple weeks on stage before reaching a train outside Kansas City, Missouri. While in St. Louis, Adam tried to remember the last time he wore an ascot tie, and oxfords. But here he was, trying them on.

"It suits you nicely." Mrs. Adams commented.

"Thank you ma'am."

"Yes, a good start, indeed." Mr. Adams agreed. "The suit will wait for another day... ."

"What is wrong with my suit Sir?"

"Oh, nothing, in particular. I understand there's less need for a suit in most occasions out west, consider yourself making a fresh start when wanting to make an impression among new people."

"What my husband means to say, while you certainly wear a suit well for a man of such stature, I imagine you'll look even grander in a multitude of different suits."

In other words, everything was wrong with it! Adam concluded. "Are you trying to make a man of me, Sir?"

"You're already a man, but of course not just any man. I wouldn't bring any man back with me to Boston."

He admitted it wasn't often he needed a suit tailored, but perhaps it was best to do as the Romans did when in Rome. He was certain his favorite black shirt wasn't getting much use out of this trip.

Now begged the next question, Top hat or Bowler hat? Adam also found a black woolen frock coat appropriate for cooler weather.

Traveling from St. Louis would be smooth sailing until they stopped in Philadelphia. In the meantime, they took a carriage to through Old City and Society Hill. "David used to live in Society Hill. After his son was born he moved out to Upper Darby, in an area known as Drexel Hill."

"Reminds me a bit like Beacon Hill." Adam noted, looking at the brick row homes along the way.

"Somewhat, perhaps, though the people here may be a notch friendlier."

They traveled west of Philadelphia, passing several mills along the way. They eventually came across a large two-and-a half story colonial with a central fireplace and a larger fireplace along the far right wall.

"Here we are." Mr. Adams announced, as they were getting out of the carriage.

While Adam began wondering how he would be received, a well dressed young brunet boy raced out the door.

"Grandpa! Grandma! I saw the carriage from the window."

"My boy!" His grandfather hugged him, while his grandmother kissed him. "I told you we'd come back this way."

Two little girls, the elder, a brunette, and the younger, a blonde, in lace dresses, came rushing to embrace and kiss their grandparents. They were followed by a slender blonde woman in a house dress, with her hair tied in a bun.

"I'd like you to meet someone." Mr. Adams turned to Adam. "Children this is Mr. Adam Cartwright, a new friend of your Aunt Violet. Adam this is our daughter-in-law, Julia."

"Pleasure to finally meet you." He extended his hand.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Cartwright." She was looking up while shaking his hand. "I heard about you from my sister-in-law. My husband was hoping you'd come this way soon." Up close her blue eyes seemed a bit tired on an otherwise pleasant, smiling face.

One by one, Adam tested his knowledge of the kids. "Let's see now," Adam squatted to their level. "You're David, Emma, and Lilly."

"How did you know our names?" The blue-eyed boy gasped.

"Your father told me. He invited me here. And your aunt told me a few things about you."

"Are you the cowboy?" Emma asked.

"Yes, I am!"

"Mommy reads Auntie's letters. You really are tall!" Emma's brown eyes grew wide.

Adam laughed while reaching out to Lilly, but the blonde blue-eyed girl decided to hide behind her mother's skirt, instead. "Well, your aunt said you were shy."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cartwright. Lilly is quite wary of new faces."

"You don't look like a cowboy!" David remarked.

"David, mind your manners, please." His mother warned.

"Well, you see we're back east. My cowboy clothes would stand out around here. I should've known you'd ask. You're the outspoken one in the family!"

David scowled, while Emma laughed.

"Children, why don't we let our guests come inside and get settled? Then we can finish talking."

As Adam was bringing the luggage inside, he overheard David saying, "Why couldn't Auntie come back with Grandpa and Grandma?"

"You know why. Auntie isn't done with school yet."

"But I thought Uncle Will—"

"David, for the last time, Auntie and Uncle Will aren't together anymore!"

"Auntie moves real fast!"

Smack! "As does your tongue! Upstairs young man!"

David was crying while rubbing tears from his eyes and took one look toward Adam before running up the stairs.

"Let me talk with him," Mr. Adams followed him up the stairs.

"Davey's in trouble."

"Emma, no teasing your brother."

"David is a tough customer," Adam remarked as the rest made themselves at home in the sitting room.

"He's never been one to take changes easily," his grandmother admitted, while playing with Lilly on her lap. "Does he remind you of someone?"

"Very much so," but Adam wouldn't say who... .

"Mr. Cartwright I made a picture." She pointed to a few stick figures, her mother, brother, her sister, herself, and one more on the far side of the paper. "That's Daddy. He's really far away."

"I see...did you do all of these?" He noted a pile on the small table.

"Well I did this one, of Auntie and... ." she rubbed over the other figure. "Never mind."

He nodded, understanding who the other figure was... ."Is that her favorite dress?" He noted the purple chalk scribbles over her 'aunt'.

"Yes, in Auntie's favorite color."

"Emma will draw all day if you let her." Her mother came into the sitting room.

"Yes, someone told me she likes to draw, and chat."

"You know what Mommy likes? She likes to dance."

"I used to, dear."

"She dances and sings in the kitchen when she's cooking."

Her mother's face went from flush back to firm. "Emma likes to say more than she should, but someone probably told you that already."

"Well she also told me her sister-in-law is a nice woman, who puts her family first, but is a bit of a worrier and needs to take it easy once in a while."

"She's said too much." She then paused as if she remembered something. "I'll be back."

"Looks like I'm stepping someone's toes."

"You haven't said anything she hasn't been told already...more than once." Mrs. Adams smiled.

Adam noticed the little girl in her lap kept looking in his direction as he spoke, but when he addressed her, she would once again turn her head away.

Adam tried to imagine what was going on in her head, but Emma interrupted his thoughts.

"Lilly is scared of boys, except our brother, and grandpa."

"Scared is not the word I would use Emma, but she's not accustomed to most men I'm afraid. You thought my husband was a challenge...you'll have your work cut out for you winning over a few in this house."

"Yes, I'm beginning to see that."

David and Mr. Adams made their way down the stairs. The boy sulkily faced Adam. "I'm sorry Mr. Cartwright, for being rude to you earlier."

"Alright. Apology accepted."

"Grandpa says I should say sorry to Mommy, too." He made his way to the kitchen.

"David has quite a property out here," Adam remarked.

"Yes, he purchased it from a Quaker a few years ago. It's a lot to upkeep, but Julia insists on managing much of the house. What she can't a friendly neighbor might help."

"No nanny for the children?"

"She fired one, another quit the last time we were here."

David came back. "Mr. Cartwright, Mommy isn't done with dinner, but she wants me to show you to your room, and around the house."

"Can I help?" Emma spoke up.

"I guess," her brother shrugged.

Emma used both hands to grab hold of one of Adam's and led him around the house, with her brother while Adam played around with a worried expression.

Meanwhile, Lilly got off of her grandmother's lap, and followed behind her siblings.

Mrs. Adams came into the kitchen. "Julia dear, are you planning to change out of that house dress before supper?"

"Certainly. Although I don't recall you being concerned when you came this way earlier."

"You do have a new guest here. Take pride in being the Matriarch of this fine estate!"

"I do, but I'm not out to impress anyone."

"Who said you're 'out to impress anyone'? Surely you wish to represent your husband well!" She then grew closer as Julia was stirring something over a stove. "I know you don't have many visitors and this may have been a surprise, but try to enjoy yourself a bit dear." She kissed her on the cheek.

"I just hope the children aren't too much. They are very lively."

"I'm sure Adam will be fine."

Meanwhile, the children were now touring the kitchen.

"Don't pull too hard Emma," Julia cautioned.

"I'll be fine, I hope!" Adam grabbed the entryway on his way out, feigning desperation.

Julia covered her mouth to conceal a smile, but nearly bumped into the stove behind her.

Meanwhile upstairs, the children had finished touring the children's rooms and one of the guest rooms. "This is Mommy and Daddy's room..."

Adam scanned the room to find a Queen sized poster bed, chairs, and a dresser with pictures...one with a distinguished man in a uniform.

"That's our Daddy! Mommy lets us kiss it if we really miss him!"

Adam, pondering that statement for a moment, wiped his eye to ensure nothing was there.

"Emma, we're not supposed to be in Mommy and Daddy's room unless they're in here!"

"Well, Daddy's never here, and Mommy's busy."

"C'mon, Emma let's go!"

"Fine, but stop being so bossy!"

"Well I'm the oldest!"

Adam began to grin slightly, at such familiar remarks...but wait—wasn't someone else following them?

Finally, they reached the final guest room. "This is your room. Auntie usually stays here, but Mommy changed the sheets because the blanket had flowers on it."

"Thanks David."

"How's it coming along?" Julia stood through the doorway.

"Fine," they replied in unison.

"I was coming to say dinner is almost ready." Then she added, "David, Emma, have you seen your sister?"

I knew it! Adam thought, while the others went to search the other rooms. He had a sneaking suspicion as he went down the hall. If I were so small, where would I go? He peered into the doorway of the parents' room, and sure enough, there was Lilly on tiptoe reaching for a picture atop the dresser. Not wanting to frighten her, Adam treaded slowly.

"Lillian!" Her mother gasped.

No sooner had Lilly turned around to her mother's words did she topple, falling into Adam's arms. The shock on the blue-eyed girls face was short-lived as her mother seemingly snatched her from Adam's grasp.

"Thank you," she managed, before scolding her little one. "Lilly, you scared me! We do not climb chairs!"

Adam decided it was best to leave until he noticed the picture of the man in uniform on the ground, the frame shattered, but the picture intact. He placed it back on the dresser.

Yet Lilly's eyes were following the man who was leaving the room, and began wailing once out of sight.

Smack!

Adam decided to get his things and perhaps freshen up a bit.

Soon, however, he heard knocking on his door. It was Emma. "Mr. Cartwright, what happened? Is Lilly alright?"

"Lilly will be fine. She almost took a tumble." Emma went back to her room, but now David was at the door. "Hey, Mr. Cartwright, I watched you. Thanks for saving her."

"It's no trouble."

"Do you like saving people Mr. Cartwright?"

"Sure, if I can...your aunt saved my life once."

"She did?"

"Back in Virginia City, close to my home, a man wanted to shoot me, but she distracted him so I could stop him."

"Auntie is brave!"

"Sure is!"

"You really like her, don't you?"

"Of course I do...say, why the change in tune? You weren't happy to see me when I got here.

"Well, you're different Mr. Cartwright. You talk to us, you play with us...you're cool!"

"Well, I'm a cowboy!"

"But where's your hat?"

"Ok, 'Doubting Thomas!' " Adam took out his hat and accessories.

"Those are the pants you guys like to wear!"

"They're chaps...and I almost didn't bring them—they're heavy, see?"

"Say, you really are a cowboy!"

Julia came to check on them in her evening gown. "Are you ready?"

"Hey, Mommy, did you know Mr. Cartwright has two younger brothers? He's lucky!"

"I don't know—we annoy each other sometimes. But there's nothing we wouldn't do for one another!"

"Dinner is served." She was pleased at them getting along.

After dinner, Adam wanted to show his gratitude.

"Thank you for dinner, the chicken was very good."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." She grinned before turning to do the dishes.

"Are you sure you don't need help cleaning up, Julia?"

"I'm fine Adam."

"Don't worry Adam, I'll help her," Mrs. Adams assured him. "Why don't you play the children a song? They've never heard a guitar before."

"Well in that case, it would be my treat."

Mrs. Adams helped with the dishes until she took out a small envelope inside her dress. "Julia, what's this?"

She turned. "Where did you find that?"

"On your desk. I was making sure the bills were paid on time, and I found this invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Smith's Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary. Didn't they live around the corner from you in Society Hill?"

"Yes, and they still live there."

"Are you going?"

"No. I don't even know why they invited me. They know David's been away."

"It says 'guest,' not 'husband.' When was the last time you've been out besides going to the market, bank, or running your usual errands?"

She sighed. "Even if I go, who would I bring?"

"Hmm...such a lovely young lady in a lovely house, and she happens to have a nice young man as a guest in her home."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I'm married and he's courting my sister-in-law!" She paused, hearing someone singing, "Oh Susanna," in her sitting room. "He has a nice singing voice," she remarked quietly.

"Alright...I'll ask him!"

"No!"

Mrs. Adams walked into the sitting room, with Julia trailing behind her. "Adam, surely you enjoy parties..."

He raised a brow, wondering where this was going. "Well, of course."

"...as well as dancing and music?"

"Certainly."

"Well, Julia happened to be invited to a lavish party tomorrow evening in Society Hill. Would you be so kind—"

"Mr. Cartwright, let me apologize. It's very last minute, you are under no obligation to accept—"

"I'd be happy to escort you, if you'd like."

Julia's mouth dropped. She covered it quickly. "Thank you."

"Well, that settles it then." Mrs. Adams was satisfied. "Now let's get you children off to bed!"

Adam had dozed off and woken up. He was certain he saw a small figure entering the doorway.

"Hey." He sat up and squatted down to this little person. "What are you doing up so late?"

"Adam?" Said a little voice he hadn't heard before.

"Yes." He paused. "Lilly?"

"Yes. Up, please." He could see her little arms raising in the dark.

He picked up the little girl and lit a bedside lamp. "So, you do talk! I knew you'd come around."

The little girl stared at him with her intense blue eyes. Her little fingers slid through his curls on his head. She touched the creases of his brow, the sides of his face, and suddenly pulled back.

"Tickles!"

"Looks like I'll need to shave come morning."

She giggled, but then grew serious again, stroking his neck, which made Adam jerk and her laugh again. Then she laid her head on his shoulder. He could hear sniffling and feel warm teardrops through his robe.

He held her tightly. "I'm not the man in the picture, but someday you'll see him soon. Very soon!" Adam wondered if he should be making such a promise, but at the moment he lost all rational thought, wanting to do anything to make this little girl happy. He never thought a little girl would steal his heart (again), but it happened as she wrapped her arms tighter around him in confirmation of hearing his words. "Can I sing you a song?"

"Yes, please."

Adam thought of a song that came to mind: "When the blackbird in the Spring, on the willow tree, sat and rocked, I heard him sing, singing Aura Lea. Aura Lea, Aura Lea, maid with golden hair; sunshine came along with thee, and swallows in the air... ." (1)

As he sang the words he could hear the sniffling stop and feel his robe was drying. Her arms were loosening and her head was settling under his neck. He figured she was falling asleep.

When he carried her back to her room, he could see her mother in the hall, watching in disbelief, as he put her back to bed, sound asleep.

"Well, Mr. Cartwright—"

"You can call me Adam."

"Adam, you certainly have a gift with children."

"I try." He chuckled. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

Julia went to bed wondering about this man in her home, and what should occur if he were to leave... .

Adam went back to bed thinking of all that had transpired and the impact he felt he was making on this family...or were they making an impact on him? Family Man? Sleep on it. He decided.

(1) Aura Lee