12: East and West

It was nearly time for school on the Ranch. Hoss and Joe were cleaning out stables when Violet approached them at the barn.

Hoss and Joe stopped to tip their hats. "Morning Ma'am."

"Morning."

"You look awfully nice, fine hair, clothes and all."

"Thank you, Hoss." Why were they being so nice?

"Oh, it's a school day!" Joe remembered. "We wouldn't want you to be late on account of us!" We should probably stop cleaning this straw and dig out the wagon, right Hoss?"

"Sure thing!"

Instead they took their rakes and Violet started running away. They chased her around the barn, until they both went in different directions. When they were both approaching her at the front of the barn, she ducked and tumbled away, causing them to bump into each other as straw and the rakes landed in different directions. Violet stood up and laughed.

"Boys! What's going on here?!" Ben bellowed as he came out the door. "Look at you two, this place!"

"Sorry." The brothers replied.

He sighed. "Looks like I'll be taking Miss Adams to school. This place better be clean by the time I get back!"

"Sure thing, Pa." Hoss replied. Joe could only nod and hang his head.

As the wagon pulled off, Violet turned to smirk at their disgruntled faces, unbeknownst to Ben.

"You know Hoss? I don't know who's gonna be tougher—her or Adam?"

Hoss just shook his head.

Ben thought to himself. Joseph will be another year older at the end of the week! When will these boys learn?! If Adam were here now... .

The next morning back east, Adam became quite aware of the impression he was making in such a short time. He tossed, thinking someone must be tugging on his covers, when his eyes focused on a child not much lower than his bed.

"Hi!"

"Hello. Looks like someone else had a good night sleep." He sat up in the bed and picked her up before seeing her mother in the doorway.

"Lilly, you're in here again?! I'm sorry she keeps disturbing you." She then went to take Lilly away.

"No!" She whined and clung to him instead.

"You have quite the admirer," noting her daughter embraced him. "Do you have a soft spot for girls, Adam?"

"Well, living on a ranch, with so many men around, girls seem kind of special." He found his hand stroking her back. "Alright Lilly, Thank you for visiting. I'll see you later." To his surprise, she kissed him on the cheek, and he instinctively kissed her back before she returned to her mother's grasp. The latter was nonetheless taken aback.

"Lilly—"

"I'm sorry. I—"

"Breakfast will be ready in a few moments." Without changing her composure, she walked out with her daughter before Adam could respond further.

Adam still sitting up in bed, lowered his head into his palms, pushing back his hair before heaving a heavy sigh.

Adam decided to approach Julia after breakfast, who was beating dough with a rolling pin.

"Ahem!"

Startled, Julia held up the rolling pin and turned after he pulled it from her hand.

"I'm no baker but that dough is taking quite a beating. It's me you're really upset with," he handed the rolling pin back and she folded her arms. "After all, I'm a stranger in your home, who's seemingly captivating your children's attention. I wanted to apologize if I made you uncomfortable. I didn't expect that kind of response, although I'll admit I was touched. You have a very nice family and I like you all very much...but if my presence is concerning, I will not force my way... ."

"Thank you Adam, but that isn't necessary."

He noticed Mrs. Adams entering and added, "I'll be outside."

Meanwhile, David was in the sitting room while Mr. Adams read a story. He followed Adam to the doorway.

"Mr. Adam, are you leaving?" His blue eyes were wide with concern.

Adam turned around. "No, I was just going to get something."

"Could I come?"

"If it's alright with your mother."

"Yes, it's fine." Julia finally responded. David didn't hesitate to open the door.

"Wait, for me!" Emma followed before Adam hoisted her up with his left arm.

Lilly took one look at her mother before taking Adam's other hand.

"I won't keep them too long." Adam promised as he headed out with the three.

Mr. Adams, noticing he hadn't finished reading, "Cinderella," decidedly picked up The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Now it was Mary who folded her arms. "Well, is something bothering you?"

"My children are already attached to Adam—Lilly especially. I know this should make me happy, though I do wonder... ." She stopped.

"If David were here instead." Mary understood. "Julia, I know his absence has been hard for all four of you. I also know you are quite protective of your children and the company you keep. Adam only wants to become family and intends no harm, I'm certain. And perhaps if Lilly has taken to him then she's ready to trust another man apart from her grandfather. Besides you've always complained it's hard for you to get much accomplished with Lilly around you much of the time."

"It's not that I doubt Adam making a positive influence. I only hope they can feel the same way about their father."

"I know dear, but no one is replacing him. In the meantime you can all certainly benefit from the presence of another good man... ."

She looked out the window and saw Adam in the yard with the three, taking turns with piggy back rides. She had to admit, he was capable of certain things that she couldn't do herself. "Mary, would you and John mind watching the children this afternoon?"

"Mind? Certainly not!"

Julia eventually came outside to see Adam chopping wood. "I hope you don't mind. I went to put wood in the fireplace this morning, and thought your pile seemed a bit low. I know fresh wood takes several months, but since a couple of these trees are already dead, hopefully they'll be dry enough when the time comes."

"You're too kind."

"It's the least I could do to help." He added. "You may not know, but when Lilly came to me yesterday, she studied me for quite some time. She understands more than we think."

"Look Mommy, Mr. Adam made a cabin!" David excitedly pointed to small dwelling made of sticks and branches. "I'm a soldier like Daddy!" He held out a long branch like a rifle.

"I see!"

"Just be careful aiming—you wouldn't want to scare your mother!"

He put it down to his side and saluted them.

"I had to do something with the old branches." Adam admitted.

Emma and Lilly had a few small cups over a bundle of sticks resembling a campfire.

"What are you doing over there, girls?"

"Making biscuits, and coffee, Mommy." Emma replied.

"Mmm..." Lilly said, putting a cup to her mouth.

"Adam, I'd like to show you around the City this afternoon, if it will help us get to know each other better."

"I'd like that very much."

On a carriage ride toward Philadelphia, Julia could see Adam was taking in the scenery of the mills and farms along the way.

"Quite different than what you have at home?"

"Yes, but there's still beautiful countryside. I can only imagine what it's like in Spring!"

"The grass is quite green, flowers in bloom...Violet tells me you have splendid mountains out there."

"Indeed, the Sierra Nevada. We don't always get as much greenery though."

"If you don't mind me asking, how is it, a man of your many talents, who's strong, successful, and evidently wonderful with children, remains unmarried?"

"That is the million dollar question!" He laughed. "Quite simply, there's not as many women out west, or at least, ones I'd take an interest in." Then he became serious. "I came close to marrying and becoming the father of a girl, who was about David's age at the time... .Unfortunately her mom and I just couldn't agree over certain things... ."

"I can imagine, without knowing this woman personally, she must have some regrets. From a mother's perspective, not all men can bond and truly love another man's child as one of his own; and I suspect that girl hasn't forgotten you, either."

"You know, I never knew the answer to that...they left so soon...but I'll take your word for it."

Adam was soon discovering a few parts of Philadelphia as they went through Germantown, passing by a few eighteen and nineteenth century estates.

"Since I've learned you're such a lover of History, I thought you would appreciate going through some of the most memorable parts of Philadelphia."

They rode down Chestnut Street, passing by the University of Pennsylvania on S. 9th Street.

"If the Towne Scientific School was around when I was applying to college. I might have considered going here instead of the Lawrence Scientific School. However, it was the best school around, and I had a grandfather living in Boston. Having all my other family so far away was really hard for me during the college years."

"I could imagine... . Other than Harvard, what other schools did you consider?"

"Well, there was the Rensselaer Institute in New York, and the University of Western Pennsylvania. But Troy is far from everything, and I didn't know a soul in Pittsburgh. I suppose if I wasn't accepted at my first choice, I might have taken a chance with Pittsburgh, since it at least had a train line even then... ."

Continuing down Chestnut, they reached familiar places and decided to walk around.

"Walking down here and seeing Independence Hall, Carpenter's Hall, and Congress Hall up close makes me appreciate all that happened less than a century ago—It's as if I was there when the Declaration was signed!" Adam thought aloud, while examining the Liberty Bell.

Adam was already impressed, but Julia wanted to take him a few blocks away. The City was a maze to Adam, but Julia was confidently leading him along as if she knew the area well. Then they turned the corner onto the narrowest street Adam ever walked on.

"Welcome to Elfreth's Alley, America's oldest Street."

"I feel like a colonist!"

"I figured you would!" Then she added. "One more stop."

They took a carriage and made a few more turns, passing more blocks until they reached a two story row home on Stamper Street.

"We used to live right around the corner from the Market. Every Sunday from Spring until the beginning of Autumn, I would come to the Farmer's Market."

"It must have been nice being so close to everything," Adam remarked.

"It was...but by the time David was learning to walk and I was expecting Emma, my husband and I became weary of City life." She reminisced. "Our room was in that window. David's was the next one over." She turned around. The Smith's lived on Pine right behind this house. Their daughter would watch David while we attended festivities around town...nights at new restaurants, parties with dancing...but I digress."

"Good memories, I imagine."

"Yes," she said assuredly, and smiled. He could tell she appreciated having someone to talk to.

"I had hoped I wasn't boring you."

"Oh, no, I'm imagining myself what it must've been like to live here. You painted a good picture."

"Surely you wouldn't mind stopping for a bite to eat?"

"You've read my mind!"

They purchased bread, cheese, and a few other items to make sandwiches at Head House ate their sandwiches in nearby Penn's Landing and watched the ships pass by.

"You take a fascination to ships, I see... ."

"Well, my grandfather was a Sea Captain, and my father his First Mate, in Boston. Yet my father always envisioned moving west. I try to imagine what it was like for them to set sail... ." He trailed off.

"Have you ever imagined yourself sailing sometime?"

"Sometimes... ."

"I'd wager it would come naturally to you, having had two generations in your blood... ."

"Perhaps... ."

"Before we return home I'd like to make one more stop." They went to find a carriage and reached an establishment on Drury Street.

"The Bell in Hand?" Adam read a sign.

"Ah! No one calls it that unless they're not from around here! To locals it's McGillin's."

Adam discovering they were in a bar, wondered how Julia would've known about this establishment.

As if reading his mind, she told him while getting a table. "I suppose I could've chosen someplace fancier, but you don't strike me as ostentatious."

"You read people well." He ordered a beer. "A pint of the house favorite please."

"Make that two please."

"Okay," Adam nodded, curiously. He was slowly sipping his beer, while watching Julia drink all of hers down before resting an empty glass back on the table. Them he amusedly rested a hand underneath his chin.

"I'm not the conventional type, as you can see. This place opened a few years ago, and I was anxious to try it. When my husband first went away, it was quite an adjustment...my friends had similar struggles...some hardship, and another loss... . One time, I needed to be away—from everything, everyone...even Violet understood."

"It's a lot to handle."

"It's not easy...but we must press on." Her eyes seem tired again, but Adam held one of her hands and squeezed it gently. "Thank you." His thoughtful hazel eyes reflected his answer, as she confidently resumed. "No one knows me here, and people in my old neighborhood usually wouldn't dare go to an Irish establishment."

"You know Julia, I'm beginning to like you more already. You're easy to get along with, when you're not preoccupied."

"You mean a frazzled housewife!"

"No, I see a woman solely managing a household and three young children for the past two years, and learning she also needs a break once in a while. It takes a strong woman to do what you're doing, and a stronger one to realize she's human."

"Thank you for not judging me."

"Not a problem at all." He added. "So, Julia, what's your story?"

"I grew up east of the Delaware in Princeton. I came from a family of naval officers and lawyers. I was the oldest and had two brothers, but they being born later had me grow close to my father. As a naval officer, he wasn't home much, but when he was, he would tell me of his seafaring adventures and occasionally share his drink with me, unbeknownst to my mother. I've had family between here and New York, though I prefer Philadelphia slightly. I went to Boston for a weekend with some friends, as I hadn't been there at the time. I went to a restaurant, ordered the same as I did now, and a young man there with his own friends was curious about me. We wrote to each other and I came with my parents to meet his family. He would've came to meet me, but his family wasn't pleased he met a strange girl at a restaurant, when he had previously courted a daughter of a good friend. My parents however, liked him very much. His father thought I was decent, but his mother, not so much. She still wanted him to reconcile with his old sweetheart. She was also a distant cousin, and he wasn't interested in marrying a relative. He also made it quite clear to his mother he was going to marry me. She would not speak to me until shortly before our wedding day."

"Interesting," Adam replied. "Mrs. Adams doesn't seem to take issue with me...but Mr. Adams had."

"Oh, once you get to know them, they love their children; but David is very much Mary's son, and Violet is John's little girl."

"I can see that."

"Mary has mellowed since we've had children, and it's a wonder I allow her in my kitchen today! There was something 'off' with my roast chicken, my steak was cooked too rare...even laundry was folded wrong." When she saw Adam chuckle she added, "I see she's adopted you as another son."

"Not if Mr. Adams has something to say about it... .The man knew everything about me before he arrived!"

It was her turn to laugh. "Well, you seem to have outlasted the others! John has always been thorough. He was quiet to me at first, but still nice. He would even offer me a drink if I needed a moment from Mary."

"Hmm...I can't seem to call him 'John' yet."

"Give him time. If Mary came around for you, and John came around for me. It can happen."

"So, how long did you know Violet?"

"She was just thirteen when I met her. Very imaginative, absorbed in her books, and racing her horse all around the place. I remember her being excited about Wendell courting her...I told her he was a nice boy, but not to be taken seriously, as I had seen his type before. She didn't believe me...but when she needed to visit to talk about the frustrations about boys and men, I was there to lend an ear and offer advice."Adam and Julia continued to chat while enjoying Sheppard's pie and another pint.

On their way back home, Julia made a confession. "Adam I believe I owe you an apology. I admit before you came I wasn't certain how my children would react to a new person, but I hadn't seen any man fair so well with them so quickly. As you can imagine David vaguely remembers his father, Emma has an idea of his existence, but Lilly and her father have only seen each other in pictures. With my father gone and her uncles serving, you can imagine she only knew her grandfather until now. She certainly surprised me, and I imagine you as well, but I'm pleased my children can trust and appreciate a good man. We enjoy your company."

"Thank you." He could sense a trust in her, one that he truly wanted if he hoped to fit into this family.

When they came back to the house, the girls helped Julia pick out a dress, a puffed sleeved blue off shoulder satin dress, with white gloves; her hair tied in an elaborately twisted bun with pearl earrings and a brooch necklace to match. Julia made her entrance escalating down the stairs.

"You look pretty, Mommy, like Cinderella!" Emma couldn't contain her enthusiasm.

"I haven't worn this since—"

"You look ravishing dear."

David's mouth dropped open, while his youngest sister giggled excitedly.

Adam was at the foot of the stairs, already in his black suit with his new tie and frock coat; his tall hat and a wine bottle in his other hand. There was certainly a transition between their first meeting, this afternoon and this evening...she was a striking woman when dressed for an occasion.

"Well, Adam I suppose I wouldn't have minded escorting this exquisite woman had you not volunteered... ."

"Well I'm certainly honored, Sir." He winked and offered his arm.

"Mr. Cartwright," David attempted to deepen his voice. "Take good care of her!"

"You have my word!" He put on his top hat in acknowledgment.

"Now, remember bath and bed before we return!" Julia kissed her children on the forehead upon hearing their groans.

"If I must say Julia, I can see why your husband fell in love with you. You're a strong and graceful woman."

"You're being too kind."

"And you're being rather bashful for a woman capable of finishing a pint before me!" He noticed her smirking. "I hope you have a chance to enjoy yourself."

"Well Mr. Cartwright, perhaps you should be less concerned about me and more interested in the impression you'll make on Old Philadelphians."

"See you're enjoying yourself already!"

They arrived at a three story home home, which according to Julia was the largest home in the neighborhood. "This was the home of the late Dr. Physick... .His daughter Sally, is a good friend of George and Jane Smith, and offered their home for the evening."

As they entered the double doors into a large foyer, Adam noted many well tailored men in suits, and women in elaborate ball gowns. Their varying conversations were unintelligible apart from the occasional laugh, yet there were quite a few glances in their direction when the guests came through. Julia introduced him to guests she was already familiar with, including the former Chief Justice Ellis Lewis, and the Mayor of Philadelphia, Alexander Henry.

The Smiths, an older couple in their fifties with dark graying hair, seemed to like Julia's guest. They spoke in the front parlor, near the fireplace under the chandelier.

"Where did you happen to meet such a man, Julia?" Mrs. Smith remarked while glancing at his height.

"Adam Cartwright is close to my in-laws, my sister-in-law in particular."

"Cartwright... . I can't say we hear the name much around here...where did you say you were from, Sir?"

"Nevada Territory. Mr. Smith." He added when he looked confused, "On the way to San Francisco."

"Oh, I see. And what line of work are you in?"

He paused. "Business... ." He decided it was best to be vague, not expecting them to know much about Ranching, Timbering and Mining.

"Hmm... ."

Julia introduced him to quite a few more people including her friend Heloise, and her three bearded brothers Francis, Anthony and Joseph Drexel; noting they were a family of Bankers.

"You go to San Francisco often, Mr. Cartwright?" Anthony asked. "Quite the town I've heard."

"Yes, it's a City, and a favorite of mine for business."

"We had a branch out there, but closed it earlier this year. There's not much between there and Chicago, I'm afraid. Where did you say you were from?"

"Oh, my family owns land roughly between Chicago and San Francisco."

"Wait, Mr. Cartwright have you heard of the 'Ponderosa?' The branch in San Francisco had quite a few transactions with that name if I'm not mistaken."

"Yes, that's our property."

"How much?"

"Oh, six hundred forty thousand acres, give or take."

He paused. "Your family must do quite well."

"Well, we manage as best we can."

The distinguished, but younger woman, told Julia. "If I were your sister-in-law, I should be so lucky...I'm jealous. Your husband best return home sooner than later!" She winked.

"Heloise!" She laughed.

In the dining room, they enjoyed finger sandwiches and other hors d'oeuvres with their wine glasses. Oysters...It's been quite a long time I had these...though he knew enough to eat one at a time delicately as possible. Tasty but not satisfying on its own. Another particular dish, a dark colored soup with meat of a chewy texture Adam couldn't make out, left Adam with a thoughtful expression.

"This soup is quite good!" Is it...?

"Snapper Turtle soup is quite the local favorite!" Julia whispered to him.

Turtle...hmm...not quite like the kind I've had in New Orleans...or even what Hop Sing would make once in a blue moon. If the type of cuisine in Boston was at all similar it would take some getting accustomed to (again).

There was some soft music playing. Julia had a thoughtful expression. "Chopin's Waltz in A Minor... ." She mused.

"Would you like to dance?"

"Here?! Now?!"

"Why not?" He offered his hand.

Even while getting up, Julia whispered, "I can't—"

"You can—you already know this piece!" He whispered back.

She sighed. "If I fall, you'll fall with me."

"No one's falling!" He insisted.

They started slow, but gradually she took his lead. Before long, it was Adam keeping pace with her as he twirled her around and she became comfortable. It was only after dancing did she realize many had stopped to watch, and applauded. Instead of being surprised, she laughed before continuing with the next piece... .

As they returned to the home, Julia said, "I must say, for your first time you've done quite well. You were certainly captivating to quite a few guests... ."

"Well, I had the help of a local... . If you hadn't told me Mayor Henry was part of the Gettysburg Campaign, I'd never know."

"Yes, he loves to mention it." They were both on their way up the stairs before she faced him. "Thank you for a wonderful time."

"Well I should thank you for inviting me."

She came close to him and suddenly paused, decidedly embracing him and kissing him on the cheek. "It seems you made an impression on all of us." She bid him goodnight before heading up the stairs. He followed slowly feeling satisfied with his progress.

Julia peeked in on the children before heading to bed. The girls were both asleep. Before closing the door to David's room, she heard a voice.

"Mommy, is that you?"

"Son, how are you still awake?"

"I was sleeping, I heard the carriage out front, honest."

"Mommy, does Mr. Adam leave tomorrow?"

"Yes, dear, he leaves with your grandparents in the morning. They have much planned for him."

"Will he come back?"

"I certainly hope so... . Alright now, go back to bed." She playfully ruffled his hair.

Back in the room, Adam loosened his tie and thought of another event he would've attended back home... . How were they, and she, enjoying themselves?

Back at the Ponderosa , lanterns and banners were strewn among the trees. Joe Cartwright was checking himself in the mirror, applying cologne and fastening a string tie. Smoothing his hair again, he forced a smile before sighed before the door knocked.

"Come in!"

Ben entered somewhat cheerily. "Well, between you and Violet, I was wondering who would finish first. Looks like she beat you to it."

"I'm just about done, Pa."

"Something wrong, son?"

"You know, Pa, not that it matters, but, I kind've miss Adam not being here."

"I think we all feel the same." He touched his shoulder. "I'll tell you one thing. This year will be better than last year!"

"Last year?!"

"You don't remember? You didn't even come to your own party!"

"Oh, right." How could he forget... ?

The festivities were finally underway. Joe received a new saddle from Pa, and new boots from Hoss.

"You might even be few inches taller now, 'Short Shanks'!" Hoss teased.

From Violet he unwrapped a copy of The Gift of 1845.

"'The Purloined Letter—' the third of Poe's Detective Dupin stories!" He glanced through the pages.

"Someone told me you liked mysteries... ."

Lastly, Joe unwrapped something with a letter: "Little Joe: I am conflicted with having to be absent on your special day. Even if I still see you as 'little,' I do realize you're becoming more a man each year. I hope you will enjoy adding this to your collection; after all, you still have my other one! Adam." Joe revealed a rifle and pretended to test it out. Say, this is better than the one he lost in that horse bet!" He grinned.

The Great Room had no shortage of food, punch, and dancing guests. Violet in her lavender dress and favorite necklace had no shortage of dance partners. Hoss had taught her square dancing which she ultimately enjoyed, but she noted his father was quite the waltzer.

However, there was someone else she would've liked to dance with...but her thoughts were interrupted.

"Can you spare one more dance for the Birthday Boy?"

"Certainly."

After a few twirls around the room, he added, "I know I'm not Adam, but if he were here now, I don't think he would've given me the chance."

"You and Hoss are great company." Especially when you're in trouble!

"Yeah, we like having you too... ." Even if you're Pa's new favorite!

If they could only read each other's minds... .