Chapter 1
Early June 1867
Afternoon sun shone on the tops of the massive pines around Adam Cartwright's home, creating patterns of dancing shadows in the yard as a cool spring breeze blew through. Emily Cartwright wrapped her wool shawl more tightly around her shoulders as she sat in the swing on the front porch. Although it was a few weeks until summer there were still some cool days and she took every opportunity to be outside after the harsh Nevada winter. Dinner was keeping warm on the stove so she decided to wait on the front porch for Adam's return home.
This was her second Spring in Nevada. She and Adam had married almost a year and a half ago. Emily couldn't help but smile whenever she recalled those months. Their New Year's Day wedding at the Ponderosa and brief honeymoon in an old family cabin that Adam's brothers had renovated was everything she'd dreamed it could be. Two months later she and Adam left for an extended honeymoon across the country, finishing up in Boston, Adam's birthplace and New York City, Emily's birthplace and where her father, Henry Carter, still resided. When they returned home Adam and his brothers began work on his and Emily's own home which was finished by the end of the summer.
Emily was pulled from her thoughts when she felt a quickening in her abdomen. She smiled and looked downward as she gently rubbed a spot under her ribs.
"I know little one, he's a bit late but he'll be here soon." Just a few months ago Emily found out she was with child and told Adam at the Valentine's Day dance in Virginia City. Since then he had been beside himself with excitement and also very protective of her. Now she was over halfway there and couldn't wait until the baby arrived in late summer. Adam had already finished the baby's room and she was working to decorate it.
A shadow of a frown creased Emily's brow as she reflected on a current conflict she and Adam were having. As she gently swung back and forth in the swing, she tried to find a solution she and her husband could agree on. Since moving to Nevada, Emily had been working a couple of days a week for Hiram Wood as his legal assistant. It was the same type of job she'd held in Sacramento for Theodore Watkins. She was thrilled to be able to continue that work in Nevada and Adam fully supported her. But now, he wasn't so sure. As she moved closer to having the baby Adam wanted her to stay home, near family. Emily argued that if something happened the doctor was in town and he could help her there. Adam had put his foot down, refusing to let her go into town anymore without him and that meant not being able to work for Hiram since Adam was now working on the Ponderosa every day. Emily had even gone so far as to ask Ben to speak with Adam and try to get him to listen to reason. That failed miserably as Adam now resented her bringing his family into their private discussions. Emily sighed not knowing what to do next.
The rhythm of pounding hooves brought her attention back to the present. Emily stood and smoothed out her dress. She put a smile on her face as she stepped out to greet her husband. It felt good to feel his arms around her and his warm lips touch hers. She felt a mild sadness within as they greeted one another. All she wanted was for Adam to listen to her side and not make a snap decision. She became determined to try again after dinner.
Dinner was fairly quiet as Adam talked about his work that day and Emily showed him later what she had accomplished in the baby's room. Afterward, they sat by the fire, Adam reading and Emily knitting. She drew in a deep breath and took the plunge as she put her knitting down.
"Adam, I'd like to discuss something with you."
Adam closed his book and looked at Emily. He noticed she seemed nervous and began to suspect the topic.
"Of course. What's on your mind Emily?"
"Will you hear me out before you say anything?"
"Yes."
"Okay." She clasped her hands together, took a breath and began. "Adam, I'm troubled by the disagreement we are having. I want to keep working for Hiram until Doctor Martin says I shouldn't but you want me to stop now. Adam, I want you to understand that working for Hiram doesn't put any stress on me or the baby and I need to keep my mind active. There is just so much I can do around the house. Also, I feel isolated here. For the few hours I'm in town I get to see other people and meet with some friends. It's only two days a week and that is perfect for me. That is what I want you to understand."
While Emily spoke Adam moved to stand by the fireplace. When she finished he stared at the fire and spoke quietly.
"I didn't realize you felt so isolated up here. I should have considered that. I know you enjoy your work and Hiram very much appreciates it, but I still have to stand by my answer. You're getting much closer to your due date and I don't want something to happen before it's time."
Emily stood and paced around the room. She was trying to be civil but she couldn't take it anymore.
"I don't believe it, Adam! I still have a few months to go and you're acting like the baby could come tomorrow. Paul has said I'm fine and he's fine with me working if it doesn't tire me out. Please Adam. I will go stir crazy if I can't do this for Hiram. I'm used to the city and all the people." Adam turned to look at her then and Emily forged ahead. "Don't misunderstand. I love it here. I'm happy here and I love you. But, well, I just don't know what else to say. I've got to do this, at least for two more months." She turned her back on him and tried to calm herself down.
Adam sighed and dropped his head. He glanced sideways at the back of his wife and rubbed his neck. What was he to do? He took a step toward her, but she moved to the front door.
"I'm going outside to get some fresh air. It's gotten a bit stuffy in here." With a withering look at her husband she pulled her shawl off the hook and left.
Adam stared at the closed front door and scratched the back of his head. He kicked at the hearth then moved to his office to do some paper work.
Outside, Emily stood by the corral and watched hers and Adam's horses nibble some hay. Starlight lifted her head to smell the air then walked slowly over to the fence where Emily was. She nuzzled her mistress and nickered a greeting.
"Hello, girl. How I wish I could just saddle you and ride away for a while." Emily reached for some hay on the ground and held it out for her mare. As she stroked the sleek black neck and white blaze, she remembered how Adam had surprised her with the horse on Christmas Day just before their wedding. Starlight was aptly named for her black body and a few white spots on her rump. She and Emily had bonded almost immediately.
Starlight pushed against Emily's shoulder then turned back to her grazing. Just then Jake Thompson, their foreman, came out of the barn.
He leaned his arms on the fence rails and greeted Emily.
"Evening Mrs. Cartwright." He noticed she wasn't her cheerful self. "Is everything alright? Anything I can do for you?"
"Oh, no Jake, I'm fine." She watched Starlight and Sport chase each other around the corral, a bit envious of the freedom the two horses shared. At that moment she made up her mind. "Actually, Jake, would you ready the buggy for me? I need to go for ride."
"Uh, of course ma'am. Will Adam be joining you?"
"No, Jake. It'll just be me. I'll wait here while you get it ready."
Her cool look at him told him not to ask any other questions. He did what he was asked and brought the buggy around by the corral.
He helped Emily into the buggy then took a chance to ask, "May I ask where you're riding to, Ma'am?"
"I'm going to see Mr. Cartwright." Then she flicked the reins and was gone.
A little later, Adam found Jake in the barn bedding the horses down for the night.
"Evening Adam. I'll just finish here then head on home if that's alright."
"Sure Jake." Adam looked around the barn.
"Adam, you looking for something?"
Adam coughed a little and let out a look of chagrin. "Yeah, my wife. Have you seen her?"
Jake didn't meet Adam's eyes but nodded. "Yeah, a little bit ago. She was over by the corral."
Adam studied his foreman's face. "And? Well, out with it man."
"Dang it all, Adam. I didn't know what to do. She looked at me so steely-eyed. She took the buggy and went to your Pa's house."
"She WHAT?!" Adam stormed around the barn letting out a few choice words, making Jake and the horses nervous. Finally he calmed down and took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry Adam. I tried to talk her out of it but she seemed to be in a mood, and… well." He ran his hand through his thick brown hair and looked forlornly at Adam. "Anything I can do to help?"
"No Jake. Thanks. I know it's not your fault." Adam had to laugh. "Emily can be intimidating sometimes with that look she gets. Listen you go on home. I'll saddle Sport and head on over to Pa's. Good night Jake."
" 'night Adam. Hope things work out okay for you two." He offered his hand to Adam.
Adam shook his hand and couldn't help but smile at Jake's sincerity and friendship. "Thanks. I'm sure they will." Adam just hoped that was true.
As Adam saddled Sport and road to his father's house he was trying to figure out just what he wanted to say. When he walked up to the front door he hadn't come up with anything. He knocked a couple of times then opened the door. What he saw made his heart melt. Emily was sitting in Ben's red chair and Ben was sitting on the low table holding her hands and trying to get her calmed down. Both of them turned toward Adam when he opened the door.
"Hi Pa, Emily." Adam fingered his hat nervously. "I, um, came to make sure you were alright Emily. Uh, Pa, can we have a moment. Please?"
Ben took the cue. He squeezed Emily's hands and smiled at her, then went into the kitchen. He glanced at Adam as he walked by but Adam was too focused on Emily to notice.
Both stared at each other for a while then Adam finally found his voice. He walked toward the hearth as he spoke. "I was worried about you. For a while I didn't know where you were until Jake told me you were here. Are you alright?"
Emily nodded. "I had to come, Adam. I needed to talk to someone who would listen to me. Among the many traits you got from your father, it seems that wasn't one of them."
Adam bristled at that comment. For an instant he felt like giving a retort but held it back. "I listened to you. I just don't agree with your assessment."
"So you think that gives you right to dictate what I can do?" Emily stood up and moved away from the fire and Adam. "I just want to go home Adam. I'm not mad at you. I'm frustrated. I think it best we get some sleep and try again tomorrow to discuss this."
Adam opened his mouth to speak but Ben interrupted him. "I think she's right Adam. It might be best to get a good night's sleep and start with a fresh perspective tomorrow."
Adam just nodded and walked past Emily to open the door for her. She gave Ben a kiss on the cheek then walked out with Adam following behind. No more words were spoken. As Ben watched his son and daughter-in-law head home he said a small prayer that they would let their love for each other guide them through this storm.
