Summary:  A letter written from one sister to another regarding two of Nevada’s most eligible bachelors.

Rated: K+ (1,180 words)

The Morning Post

Dearest Maggie,

I’m so glad to have finally gotten a letter from you. There is far too much space between Nevada and New York, and I believe that the postal system actually enjoys delaying letters. Speaking of enjoyment, I adored the pictures you drew of father’s new foals; seeing them almost made me wish that I was there again, at least for the summer. I am sending you a few books as well as some of the new silk mother and I purchased – a little taste of home for you out in the middle of nowhere as it were. Still, I can’t help but think that you rather enjoy it since you haven’t told me whether or not you’re going to stay on there for a few more months or come back in the fall, although that may have more to do with the young man you mentioned in your last letter than your appreciation for the environment.

So you’ve fallen under the Cartwright spell like every other girl in Virginia City, have you? And just like every other girl, you’re destined to pine away until you meet some other man who almost fits the bill – but not quite – and you decide that’s as good as you’re going to get. It’s really for the best anyway; those Cartwrights are nothing but trouble. Surely you know that Ben Cartwright lost three wives? Poor luck like that must run in the family.

And before you ask and then have to wait six months for a reply, I’ll tell you that yes, I did fall for one of them myself. I supposed you can guess who, but I won’t make you; my eyes saw none but Adam. He was a good deal older and more mature than the Little Joe that you seem so infatuated with if I remember right, and of course I do. You never forget a Cartwright after you’ve had him. Don’t look so shocked, Maggie, as I know you probably do. The Cartwrights aren’t all stone and grit in their castle of masculinity. Of course they would never buckle to a man trying to steal their land or rip their family apart, but to a woman who knows what she’s doing, they are quite assailable.

And so if you think your Little Joe is worth it, I can give you some advice on how to go about it if that’s what you want. I needn’t tell you not to mention this to mother – or father if you want the youngest Cartwright to maintain his current state of health.

First of all, you must understand one thing, and this goes for all men, not just the Cartwrights (though it is magnified a good bit in that family). Here it is: all men are arrogant. The most proud woman in the world can never hold a candle to the most humble man. Tell a man he can’t do something, and you can be sure that he’ll try to do it. (And would we women have it any other way?) As I said, this is especially true of the Cartwrights, and (if memory serves) of your Little Joe. So this is my first piece of advice to you: act as though he can’t have you. Your young man is hot headed and thinks he’s every woman’s dream. While this may be true (at least to you) you can’t let him know that you think this. So when he talks to you, let your eyes roam a little so that he thinks you’re not quite engaged. It will make him work harder for your attention. Which brings me to my second point.

Men like to think that they earn everything that they have, especially your Cartwrights. I’m sure you’ve heard the speech about how they carved their kingdom out of the Nevada mountains. And trust me they go about their women the same way. Don’t make it easy for the fellow. I remember when I was with Adam it was months before I even smiled at him. But let me tell you, my smile was all the sweeter for that. It nearly melted him. Although I have got a rare smile you know. You do too Maggie. You just need to learn how to use it properly. Smiling is an art form, you know; you can smile with your mouth, with your eyes, with your hands, with the way you walk, with your body, or with any combination of those. But it’s important not to give him more than one at a time for starters. As I said, make him work for it.

We have to fool them, you see. We have to make as if they are the ones reeling us in while actually we’re simply letting them think they’re the ones in control as they slowly realize that they can’t live without us. And that, my dear sister, is the beauty of being a woman.

Now for a few more pointers: make sure that he thinks you need him once you get past the initial stage of playing hard to get. A man needs to be needed. And, you won’t have a problem with this seeing as how protective Papa is, but keep things feeling like an adventure, even if it means keeping how close the two of you are getting a secret. As I said, I recommend this anyway. And remember dear, the Cartwright men are special. They broke the mold with each of them. They require special women, which is precisely what you are. He’s lucky that you noticed him. Keep this in mind when he starts sweet talking you. Because your knees will drop from beneath you, and you won’t be able to breathe, you’ll be shaking so much. One look in his eyes will drown you. But keep your wits about you, and remember what I’ve said.

I hope you can put this letter to good use, and I wish I could be there with you now. The city is so lonely without you. After you’ve had your run and gotten the Cartwright fever out of your system (if that’s possible; I’m still not sure) you really should come back. There’s plenty of men in New York, you know, even if they’re not quite the caliber that you’ve grown used to. If you get the chance ask Adam about me; I’d love to know what he says. With any luck he’ll blush and mumble something about being old friends.

Oh, one last thing. If I remember correctly, Joe’s favorite color is blue, so I would wear a blue dress when you’re around him. Besides, it brings out your eyes.

Your loving sister,

Olivia

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.