How does Adam try to get out of picking up Flora and what is the outcome?

Adam tries to get out of his obligation of picking up Flora by feigning an attack but is out-staged by Meriam, the hired girl, who goes into labor with her fourth illegitimate child. With no choice left, Adam does his practice runs in the buggy, led by the gelding, Viper, to and from the train station before his last journey to pick up Flora.