Invitations All Around

Sibella pulled her robe closer about her before she entered the kitchen. As she was descending the stairs, she could hear men talking and recognized Adam's laugh. Even Mrs. George was laughing. Saturdays, Mrs. George came early to prepare enough food for the weekend as Sunday was a day of rest with no work of any type. Sibella had told Adam they should have hired a Chinese cook who had no qualms about working Sundays as the Ponderosa always had a fried chicken dinner after church. "You know we have a standing invitation for Sunday dinner," Adam had replied, not taking his eyes from the page. "Just say the word."

Sibella entered the warm kitchen with its various smells—coffee, biscuits, bacon and eggs. It was such a welcoming place yet she felt most unwelcome among the camaraderie. Moss, seeing Sibella, almost jumped up from the round table and said, "Mornin', ma'am." Chauncey quickly rose as well, acknowledging her with a nod. Sibella told them it wasn't necessary to stand and to sit back down.

"Please, finish your breakfast." She tried to look pleasant although she was certain, by Moss' response, that she looked disapproving.

"Well, Missus," Chauncy replied, "we need to get about our day anyway. I'll go saddle up your horse. Mr. Cartwright." He and Moss picked up their hats from the counter and left through the back door after thanking Mrs. George for the fine breakfast. Moss said he'd never been fed that well in his life and was looking forward to lunch. Mrs. George glowed in the compliment.

"What would you like for breakfast?" Mrs. George asked Sibella. There were still three biscuits left on the plate and Sibella decided she could pick at one of them.

"Nothing, thank you. Just coffee." Sibella sat and Adam leaned over and kissed her cheek. His lips were still warm from the coffee and there was a tinge of gray below his eyes; he was tired.

"I have to leave too," Adam said.

"Business on Saturday? Going to the Ponderosa?" Sibella asked while Mrs. George cleared Moss and Chauncey's plates. According to Sibella's calculations, Adam had only been home with her, at least awake, for a little over two hours.

"No, not the Ponderosa. I need to drop my shirts and striped suit at the laundry, then stop by the Woods. My father wants Hiram to look over the contract, especially the penalty for late delivery." Mrs. George brought Sibella a thick-walled mug of coffee as the men had used; things were much more casual in the kitchen, no fine china or silverware, just steel cutlery and ironstone dishes.

Sibella almost asked Adam if the contract was a mere excuse to see Betty Mae, but after last night, after their exquisite lovemaking, it seemed a ridiculous question. But then Adam had said men didn't care who they had sex with. And he and Betty Mae had known each other for years, so maybe…. No, she told herself, she was being foolish; there was nothing between Adam and Betty Mae except friendship, and if there ever had been, surely, one of his brothers or even his father, at some point, would have let it slip.

Adam stood up to leave but paused before kissing Sibella goodbye. "I was thinking, you mentioned inviting Alan and Culhane for dinner before they left town so what about Monday night? I can stop by the hotel and ask them, even encourage Culhane to bring Betty Mae along. And we haven't had Morgan and Esther over in ages, so I thought I'd ask them too. Of course, that leaves Alan as odd man out or, considering how close you two are, me." Adam addressed Mrs. George. "Can you cook up a feast for 7 people Monday?"

"Of course!" She looked up from the dishes she was washing. "Nothing I like better than fixing up some fancy food. If you want a specific menu, Mrs. Cartwright, just write it down and Chauncey or Moss can drive me into town early Monday morning to pick up anything we need. But what comes to mind is prime rib or a pot of short ribs simmered in red wine and rosemary cooked with onions, carrots and peas. Oh, this is getting exciting! A houseful of guests for dinner! And for dessert, I can make rum tarts and clotted cream!" Mrs. George was bubbling with excitement although Sibella lacked her enthusiasm.

"It's all right with you, isn't it, Sibella?" Adam asked, a half-smile on his face. "You always liked parties. And I assume you haven't changed your mind about having your friends over."

Sibella frowned. "No, it's fine, and how kind of you to consider me in your plans," she said, warming her hands on the mug of coffee.

"Why, sweetheart, you gave me the idea yesterday. Just trying to make you happy," Adam said, tilting her chin up with one hand. "You can even wear your ring, flaunt it before Esther and Betty Mae." He then kissed her mouth a bit too long for a simple goodbye and her heart started pounding again. Were they alone, she'd lead him back upstairs or to the drawing room couch. But they weren't alone and Mrs. George cheerfully broke into "Bringing in the Sheaves" as she busied herself about the kitchen. Sibella picked up her mug and followed Adam to the foyer where he strapped on his shoulder holster and then slipped on his trail coat. But before he left, he bent over and kissed her again. Then he grabbed the sack of laundry.

"I won't be late, Sibella, and I'd prefer you stay at home today."

"Why? I'm not a child."

"Then why are you pouting?" Adam put on his hat.

"I'm not…just don't be late again. Promise."

Adam pulled out his pocket watch, glancing at it. "I'll be home by 4:00. Love you." He quickly kissed her again and walked out. Sibella held the door, watching him and noting in particular the way his hips moved, almost as if the joints were liquid. Chauncey led out Adam's saddled horse. The men exchanged words while Adam pulled the mail and magazines from one saddlebag. He handed them to Chauncey who stepped back while Adam tied the laundry sack to the saddle horn, checked the cinch, mounted, and rode away. And as always, whenever he left, Sibella's heart fell until his return. She told herself she needed to learn to love him less, to need him less; she'd be happier that way. Maybe there was an article about that in the latest Revolt magazine. Then she stepped into the yard to meet Chauncey and retrieve the mail.

~ 0 ~

The laundry was loud, steamy and hot but since it was owned by one of Hop Sing's uncles, or so he claimed, Adam's clothes were quickly sorted and counted by a young Chinese girl who then handed him a claim ticket. "Xiè Xiè," she said, nodding with a quick smile. And even as early as it was and above the noise of workers shouting to one another, fussing and complaining, Adam could hear the exuberant noises of a Fan-Tan game in the back.

Now that his first chore was completed, Adam strode to the hotel and quickly took the stairs to the second floor, easily finding 212; the desk clerk had said Culhane was in 211. Adam stood for a second before knocking on Alan's door. It was quickly opened and Alan registered surprise and also, Adam would have sworn, horror.

"Adam…I, well, won't you come in. I didn't expect you. Why are you in town?"

Adam walked in noticing the open suitcase on the bed that held some socks and a shirt. "Leaving?" Adam asked.

"Well, yes. I've been away from Sacramento long enough and my mother tends to worry; she fears I can't handle myself well, not that it's unfounded as I've been in a few altercations in my time and didn't represent myself well. So, I think two weeks is long enough."

"Two weeks?" Adam asked. "I wasn't aware you'd been away such a long time."

"Well, yes…." Alan was flustered; Thorne had told him to keep his mouth shut, not to reveal anything to anyone but he didn't know whose wrath he feared more—Thorne's or Adam's. "You see, although my intent for my trip was to see Sibella and deliver the jewelry set, well, when I saw Thorne in Sacramento—I had no idea he was back-he asked to come along; I couldn't very well refuse, and I always enjoy a traveling companion." Alan weakly smiled. "And when we reached Carson City, well, Thorne was surprised at how much it had grown now that it's Nevada's state capitol and insisted we spend three days there, you know, just more or less exploring the place. So, my short trip was extended and I think I need to head back now. I was planning on seeing Sibella before I left and saying goodbye."

"Well, she is home today but she was hoping you and Culhane would come for dinner Monday night; she hasn't spent much time with her friends and was hoping both you and he would come. Culhane isn't leaving today, is he? Isn't he having dinner with Betty Mae Wood and her father tonight?"

"Yes, he is. I believe he's planning on sticking around for a few more days, perhaps longer depending on…well, Thorne likes charming women as Miss Wood is. I think they'll get along fine, perhaps develop a romance." Alan sat down on the bed. He was in his shirtsleeves and although it was a cool day and the window was open, He had sweat through his shirt and his forehead glistened.

"Yes," Adam replied, "Miss Wood is charming and well-off. But in the past, she's had her heart broken and that makes a person vulnerable; they either continue to search for love or want nothing to do with it." Alan looked up, caught off guard; Adam could have been talking about him. "So, what should I tell Sibella? Will you be there Monday? We eat rather early here, about 7:00 with no mind to what's fashionable and I'm sure Sibella would be happy to have you stay the night with us. You could leave for Sacramento, for home, Tuesday morning."

"Oh," Alan stood up, "that would be wonderful!" Relief washed over him. "You see money has been a problem of sorts and this hotel, although not as expensive as the one in Carson City, still requires payment." Alan laughed nervously.

"Then we'll expect you Monday," Adam said.

"Yes," Alan replied. "I'll be there with bells on!"

Adam chuckled; he had never heard a man utter that phrase before. "Do you know if Mr. Culhane is in?" Adam asked. "I'm to extend the invitation to him as well."

"No, no, he's out for some reason or another—he never tells me where he's going or his intentions." Alan looked at Adam and couldn't help but compare the two men; they were both dangerous, but Adam was physically intimidating. But Thorne, he found your weakness and then used it to get what he wanted. Adam would beat you to death if you harmed anyone he loved. And Thorne loved no one more than himself and should you cross him, he would destroy your life.

~ 0 ~

"Well, Mr. Adam, how nice to see you! You haven't visited since, well, since about when you came home from the war, you came to dinner." The woman who answered the door had worked for the Woods since Mrs. Wood had died, so she was well familiar with any comings and goings, especially those of guests. "Please, come in, come in!'

Adam pulled off his hat and stepped into the small but tidy parlor; he hadn't expected such a warm welcome. It wasn't that he expected a brusque, curt greeting but the last time he had been there was also the last time Hiram tried to match Betty Mae with the Cartwright scion so his daughter would be set for life and he could stop worrying. "Hello, Rosie. It's good to see you too; you brighten the house." Rosie blushed while smiling like a coy schoolgirl-he was so handsome. "Is Hiram in? If not, may I leave a contract for him to examine? My father's not quite sure we should sign it as it is."

"No, he's not home at the moment; went to the bank when they opened and who knows where else. The man likes to be out and about which is good since he's in that office all week—no sun, no fresh air. I tell him he can't stay cramped in the house on the weekends. But please, come in. I'll put that contract in his office, in the proper place. He allows no one, not even Betty Mae to touch his papers or move anything around as he's so organized! The man is a fuss-budget!" Her criticism was affectionately lodged.

Adam smiled. "That's what makes a good lawyer." He handed the folder to Rosie. "Thank you." He considered how to ask after Betty Mae since he had seen her just the day before, but Rosie solved the problem.

"Oh, please, Mr. Adam, stay to have some coffee and a piece of my rhubarb pie. Miss Betty Mae is to home and I'm sure she'd like to join you."

"Well, I…" He hadn't been able to see Thorne, but he could invite Betty Mae and suggest she ask Thorne to accompany her. He wasn't quite sure if all women were alike, but he knew that if Sibella were invited to dinner at a possible rivals' home, she would certainly want an escort. Adam started to say he would stay when Betty Mae walked in.

"Adam! I'm pleased to see you again" Betty Mae smiled in her usual repressed manner. "After lunch yesterday, I realized how much you raise my spirits so I hope you came to see me?" She put out her hands and Adam took them in his while Rosie raised her eyebrows; Mr. Adam was married so just why did he and Miss Betty Mae have lunch? She would certainly need to eavesdrop more

"I came to drop off a contract for your father but had hoped to see you as well. Rosie just talked me into coffee and pie and hopefully, you'll keep me company. We can catch up."

~ 0 ~

Adam kept his horse to a plodding walk. The Graham house wasn't far from the edge of town and he needed to consider matters before he arrived as the reason for inviting Morgan was far different from the others.

Betty Mae had been as charming as she knew to be and after pouring the coffee and slicing the pie, Rosie hurriedly left the kitchen; their conversation would be guarded if she lingered and she wanted to know the details of the aforementioned lunch; far better to serve up the pie and coffee and then busy herself dusting within earshot of the kitchen. Perhaps Betty Mae and Adam Cartwright could yet be romantically joined if that wife of his would agree to a divorce; it was said she was "modern" and thought marriage was provincial. Time would tell.

"I see Sibella at our meetings," Betty Mae said, "but they aren't conducive for private conversations; I have to depend on gossip or my father to find out how you and your family are doing, especially you. And I've been wanting to invite you and Sibella to dinner some time; she is such a lovely child."

Adam let the "child" comment slide as Sibella was almost 12 years younger than Betty Mae. And Mary Parson who had come between Betty Mae and her fiancé Jerome Bell, was also much younger than Betty Mae; it was tragic Mary had been murdered at such a tender age but then she never should have spread her legs for Bell. But looking at a future with a cold, passionless fiancée such as Betty Mae, Adam could see how Bell was quick to bed anyone who aroused him.

Having later paid a consolation visit to the Woods, Adam had been puzzled by Betty Mae's attitude toward the loss of her fiancé; she must have loved Jerome but at the time, it seemed Betty Mae regretted more, looking like a dupe and although she never stated it, Adam felt she reveled in the poetic justice. Mary Parson fell from Indian Leap and Jerome fell from the balcony of the hotel and of the three, Betty Mae remained alive and not a broken, shattered corpse.

"So, how is your family? We've missed your father at church-actually, all of your family except for Joseph. He's been squiring Nora Gustav, such a pretty girl and people are talking and Father waiting for the banns to be read. Anyway, Joseph said your father's been ill. I hope he's better."

Adam assured her he was and Betty Mae asked about Cartwright & Sons. He gave a superficial answer but Betty Mae hung on every word. Adam realized she wanted his company, wanted to keep him there as long as she could. He could understand it as they had a long history. For years, Hiram had sought ways to bring his daughter and Adam together, requesting he ask Betty Mae to social situations such as covered basket picnics, dances and even providing tickets to touring opera companies for the couple. As for the many dinner invitations, more from politeness than anything else, Adam would comply. He did like Betty Mae but she didn't arouse him, cause him to be hard despite her willingness, even desire to be kissed and fondled. And when he would leave Betty Mae at her door, he didn't long for her, didn't desire pulling her under him and pushing into her wetness while hearing her moans and cries of pleasure. No, he never felt the urging to leave his seed deep within her.

That afternoon, Adam noticed the only time, Betty Mae became distant was, when leaving, he mentioned Sibella wanting to ask Thorne and Alan over for dinner Monday night. He had stopped by the hotel but unfortunately, Culhane hadn't been in. Adam told her he was stopping at the Grahams to invite Morgan and Esther before he headed home and perhaps, Adam suggested, Betty Mae would come with Thorne. Would she mention it to Thorne, pass on the invitation at dinner that night? The more people the better and it would give both her and Sibella a chance to get to know each other outside of committee meetings. Betty Mae, her smile never flagging, responded she would love to attend and would pass on the invitation. With Sibella wanting Thorne to attend, he certainly couldn't refuse. "After all, past lovers often hold a special place in their hearts for each other." Adam was jolted and Betty Mae noticed. "Yesterday, Thorne spoke warmly of Sibella and told me of their past engagement. You haven't said, Adam, but what do you think of Thorne?"

If he told Betty Mae his true opinion as he had Sibella, Betty Mae could very well cancel that evening's dinner with Culhane, beg off with a headache, perhaps-every woman's favorite excuse-and Thorne might leave town. Although using Betty Mae was distasteful, Adam needed her to ensure Thorne's appearance. "I've only met him that once so I can't really say."

"But he and Sibella were once engaged."

"Yes, they were."

"And you're not the least bit jealous?"

Betty Mae watched him carefully; she was clever and people often underestimated her, but Adam didn't. He weighed his answer. "Jealous? No, not really. Perhaps a bit envious as Culhane knew Sibella when she was young, a bit naïve, and dewy. Thank God, he left her that way." Adam quickly checked the cinch, mounted up and turning his horse tipped his hat to Betty Mae. She quietly whispered as he rode away, "I was young and dewy once too, Adam. You could have had me then so easily—so very easily."