Chapter 5
The following morning, as Mary kept everyone waiting for breakfast, Adam suggested they go ahead and eat their breakfasts and that he would wait for Mary and have his breakfast with her. They readily agreed. Eager not to have a repeat of yesterday's evening meal.
"What are we doing with Mary today" Ben questioned.
"I thought to take her into Virginia City for the day Pa, and show her around." Adam stated. "Maybe buy her a new dress; the one she has on is pretty well worn. That is, of course if she'll let me!
That got a laugh out of Joe. "I don't envy you that older brother."
"Neither do I," said Hoss, agreeing.
"Well it's agreed then, let's eat and be on our way. We'll leave the hellion with you," Ben said with a smile, knowing Adam was going to have his hands full.
…
Mary eventually arrived down for breakfast and once again made a fuss over the food.
"I suggest you just eat it and forget how distasteful it is to you," Adam told her. How on earth was he going to keep his temper all day with Mary's attitude as it was? "If you lived here and spoke as you do, there would be consequences you wouldn't like. But, if you continue with your attitude, I might just forget that you are a guest."
Afeared he might carry out his threat, Mary indulged him, grimacing all the time she ate.
"Now arrangements for today." Adam began. I'm taking you with me into Virginia City as I don't want to leave you alone in a strange house. Anyway, I think some fresh air will do you good. There's extremely pretty scenery for you to see along the way, and who knows, you may enjoy the ride. Of course, whether you do or not, is up to you."
"If you say so," she grumbled. "But I'm sure I shall be bored all the same."
"With that outlook, I'm sure you will."
….
They eventually made their way into Virginia City using the wagon as Adam had supplies to pick up for the ranch and Hop Sing.
Mary loved the country she was riding through but would never allow herself to voice her thoughts. Inside she rejoiced at the scenery but outwardly complained that this was the bumpiest ride she had ever taken. Adam just smiled to himself and gritted his teeth, playing along with her game, for game it was, he was sure. But keeping his temper under control might become a problem.
They made it into Virginia City by 11 o'clock and Adam told Mary to have a look around the town, especially in the dressmakers window as he was going to buy her a new dress and he was not going to take 'no' for an answer.
"I'm going into the general store to leave the list of our supplies; they'll be ready some time later." Adam announced. "Then I have to go and see Doc Martin"
"Oh you're ill then. I tought so, with such a frowning expression all the time. It's probably a lot of gripe you're havin'." Mary knew just how accurate a diagnosis she had made, all due to her behaviour of course. But it couldn't be helped. Inwardly she apologised.
"My visit is purely a social one; the Doc and I are old friends. I promised him a visit next time I was in town." Adam told her. "You on the other hand may visit where you like, but don't forget your way back to the wagon. Let's say we meet back here in one hour. And don't run off. Your arm is not properly healed yet and might cause you trouble. Better safe than sorry. Maybe Doc Martin should take a look at it to be sure."
"No, that's not necessary," Mary said, too quickly. "My arm is fine and I won't run off."
"Do you promise?" Adam asked.
"No, I never promise anyting. Just expect me back…. or not." Mary replied with a smirk.
They parted and went their separate ways.
Mary was now free to discover what she came for. The church and the school. She took in all aspects of these buildings inside and out and made a mental note of each. Mary then wandered around the town passing the many stores, without looking in any of the windows, and on through the town towards one of the saloons, The Silver Dollar, where she looked over the swing doors to get a picture of the inside and got a few looks from some of the customers there. She gulped and turned quickly around to see what next there was to see.
Then she saw the telegraph office, made her way over to it and went inside. She emerged after a little while and retraced her steps back to the buckboard to wait for Adam, but of course he was already there, having spied her coming out of the telegraph office.
"Had a good look around?" Adam asked. "I hope you looked in the dressmakers window. Did you?"
"Yes," she lied, "I saw nothing that I liked."
"Well, we'll just go back there and this time we'll go inside and buy you a dress, whether you want to or not," Adam said firmly. "The one you have on is almost threadbare."
"I don't want a dress or nuthin' else from you." Mary shouted. "I'm not a charity case."
"I'm not going to argue with you out here on the street. And please lower your voice. You are getting a new dress, period." he said with authority. His temper rising again. "I intend taking you to lunch at the International Hotel and you can't go in there looking as you do." "Now, this way," he said, and taking her firmly by the arm walked her over to the dressmakers, Mary having to practically run alongside to keep up with him.
Mary was told to disappear behind the screens to try on some dresses and to reappear for Adam to approve or not. Mary had tried three dresses on before Adam chose the lemon one with slightly darker lace edging the neck and puff sleeves.
While Mary disappeared again behind the screens, Adam paid for all three dresses and told the dressmaker to have the other two delivered to the Ponderosa and paid her extra for her trouble.
…
Adam and Mary walked down the street towards the International Hotel passing some ladies of the town who looked at them with smiles on their faces. Adam touched the brim of his hat, "Morning ladies." Lunch was going to be a challenge Adam thought, hoping they would get through it without any antagonism. Surprisingly it went fairly well, with, of course, barbs coming from Mary, such as "Well at least it is tastier than other places I know." etc., etc.
After lunch they went back to the general store to pick up the supplies, which were now ready for collection and storing on the wagon. This done Adam assisted Mary up onto the seat, then walked around and climbed up the other side, took hold of the reins and started off.
"As there is no rush in getting back I thought I'd show you some of the pleasant spots on the Ponderosa for you to look at." Adam said, hopefully.
"If you say so, I can't stop you can I. You're drivin'." Mary said.
"Can you never say anything pleasant Mary? I don't believe you are as cantankerous as you make yourself out to be."
"I'll be whatever I want to be. Just shut up and drive. The sooner we get back the better."
But Adam would not be put off by her behaviour and did just what he planned to do by driving her around the Ponderosa. Mary showed no interest in anything she saw. By the time they got back it was starting to get dark. Adam helped Mary down from the wagon and suggested she go on into the house and relax. Maybe lay down for a rest. After all it had been a long day.
"I'll get these supplies off the wagon and put the horses in the barn, rub them down and feed them. Then perhaps I might interest you in a game of checkers. Do you play?"
"Games? Don't be stupid. Only fools play games. I don't play games and if I did I certainly wouldn't play with you." Mary said vehemently. And stormed into the house and up to her room.
Adam thought, 'No, but that is just what you are doing young lady, playing games.' Adam was left standing, feeling anger and sorrow at the same time. Something was forcing Mary to behave as she did, he was sure of it. He turned his attention to the job in hand and hoped by the time he was finished Mary would have calmed down. But surely that was wishful thinking.