Five~~~    Taking Charge

 

“I thought you were going home with Little Joe.”

A wry smile curled her lips.  “You assumed Little Joe was taking me home.”

“He told me you and he were meeting here at the dance.”

“We meet.  We danced once.  She arrived, and, well, it seems Little Joe has won the honor of escorting the new belle of Virginia City home tonight.”  She titled her head back to look directly into his eyes.  “Apparently the competition was fierce, but you know your brother.  It’s always a sure bet when you put your money on the Cartwright charm.”  Her laughter was brittle and cold.

His eyes darkened.  “Did he tell you that he would take you home?”  His words were clipped and hard.

She shook her curls.  “No, not precisely. Like he told you, we agreed to meet here since I had to help set up the decorations and refreshments. We never discussed leaving at all.”

“Little Joe will be taking you home.”  It was a statement of fact uncolored by doubt.  He turned on his heel.

She had never seen such an adamant look on his face.  Her hands shot out and caught him by the arm.  He actually pulled her forward a few steps before he even noticed.

“No, Hoss!”

Hoss Cartwright stopped and looked over his shoulder.  “That boy’s been taught better, Miss DeLissa.  I’m just gonna go remind him of that.”

“Hoss, you can’t!”

They had begun to attract the attention of others in the room.  They both realized it, and DeLissa released her grip on his tan suit sleeve.  Hoss took a step toward the girl and saw the glitter of tears in her eyes.

“Please don’t, Hoss,” she whispered.

“Iffen you’d rather not be with him, Miss DeLissa, I understand, but maybe you’d let me have the honor of seeing you home.”  His eyes were soft again, and his voice gentle.

“I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have see me home.  Thank you, Hoss Cartwright.”  Her smile reached her eyes this time.

He helped her into her wrap and took her arm.  The boy will be hearing from me about this later.  The thought settled in his mind, and he escorted DeLissa toward the door making a short stop to whisper in his elder brother’s ear.

Ben Cartwright walked up to stand beside his eldest son.

“Did I just see DeLissa leave with Hoss?”

Ben saw the wicked gleam in Adam’s eyes.  “Yes, you did, and if Little Joe comes to tell us the buggy is missing, we’re to tell him that Hoss needed it, and he is welcome to ride Chubby home.”

Ben arched his eyebrow.  “There is an explanation for all of this I suppose?”

Adam’s smile widened.  “Yes, there is, and I intend to have a front seat later when Little Joe gives it.”

Ben shook his head and sipped his gentlemen’s punch deciding to have a front row seat of his own.