Summary:    An ill wind invades the Ponderosa, leaving the Cartwrights unable to take care of themselves while Hop Sing is away.

Rating:  K  (16,900 words)

An Ill Wind

 

Ben straightened up to ease his aching back and turned to face Bert. “It seems like the chores around here just never stop, do they?” he said ruefully.

 

“Nope,” agreed Bert. “Specially when those young’uns of yours are off enjoying themselves instead of being here to help where they belong.” He spat a wad of tobacco onto the ground, much to Little Joe’s delight. The small boy looked up at the man admiringly, wishing that he were allowed to chew tobacco like Bert did.

 

Ben grinned at the other man, secure in the knowledge that Bert didn’t mean a word of what he said. The ranch hand had worked for the Cartwrights for many years and thought the world of Ben’s three sons. Now that Bert was past working at some of the more strenuous tasks on the ranch he had drifted into being the general odd-jobs man about the place and constantly whined if Adam or Hoss were late in completing their chores, moaning that it only made his job harder if they didn’t pull their weight. Yet nothing made him prouder than to see the two eldest Cartwright sons beginning to take their rightful places in the running of the ranch and Ben knew that his whining was only a cover for his true feelings.

 

“Well you must admit that Adam’s not exactly slacking off,” Ben teased him. “Breaking that string of horses ain’t exactly a picnic.”

 

“True,” Bert acknowledged, spitting one the ground again as he picked up a saddle and replaced it where it belonged. “Better him than me.” He sniffed the air for a moment and looked thoughtful. “There’s a wind coming up,” he observed. “It’s gonna be a bad one too.”

 

“A bad one,” Little Joe agreed, knowingly.

Ben didn’t comment, knowing by now that to question Bert’s logic about such things was a waste of time.

 

“I’m gonna break horses when I’m bigger,” Little Joe boasted to the man.

 

“I’m sure ya are, young’un,” said the man, ruffling the child’s curly hair affectionately before picking up a handful of tack that had been dumped into a corner of the barn. “Just like yer big brother.”

 

“Yep,” said Joe. “And I’m gonna do branding like Hoss too.”

 

Ben chuckled as he picked up a rake. “Now you just hold your horses there son,” he said. “Hoss has only just begun to help with the branding and he’s twelve. You’ve got a few years to go until you’re allowed down there with the men.”

 

Joe pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You always say when I’m bigger,” he complained. “But I’m bigger now.” He drew himself up to his full height so that he was as tall as Ben’s hip and glared at his father defiantly. “See?” he challenged the man.

 

Ben placed his hand on the curly hair. “So you are,” he agreed. “Bigger than yesterday when we last had this conversation at least, but you’ve still got a way to go,” he added with a rueful smile. If the truth be known, his heart had constricted somewhat at the sight of Hoss that morning … sitting proud and tall in the back of the buckboard as he left on his very first day working with the men …. and he wasn’t at all ready for his next son to show signs of similar independence just yet. “In the meantime, we need you here to help,” he added, winking at Bert.

 

“We sure do,” agreed Bert. “What would we do without ya help, young’un? I reckon we just wouldn’t get everything done.” He turned sharply as the barn door blew shut with a sudden gust of wind. “There’s that wind,” he said. “It’s come.” He strode over and propped the door open again before turning to Little Joe. “Help me carry these things over to the bunkhouse, young’un. Come on, you’d best earn your keep around here.” He winked at Ben and chuckled as he and the little boy left the barn. Ben shook his head as he continued to work, grateful that Bert was so good with his son. He loved Joe dearly, but there were times when a little bit of the energetic youngster went a long way, for his youngest son seem to bounce his way through each day with boundless energy.

The sound of the buckboard outside made Ben stop work and raise his head, frowning as he considered that it was far too early for any of the men to be returning from the branding yet. He walked to the doorway of the barn to see who it might be, observing as he did so that Bert had been right about the wind. It was blowing quite strongly now and seemed to have come up from nowhere.

 

“Mr Cartwright!”

 

Ben turned instantly to see what was going on. “Matt?” he said to the ranch hand who was jumping down from the buckboard. “What brings you back so soon? Don’t tell me that you’ve forgotten something?”

 

“It’s Hoss, Mr Cartwright,” interrupted the man as he gestured towards the back of the buckboard. “There’s been an accident, sir.”

 

Ben’s heart missed a beat as he dropped the rake in his hand and sprinted to the buckboard. “Son!” he said, noting Hoss lying motionless on a few sacks in the back. “What’s happened? Are you all right?” He reached out instinctively to touch his son but Hoss flinched away, protecting his left arm with his right and screwing up his face in pain.

 

“I’m OK Pa,” said the boy, but his expression showed that he was anything but all right as Ben jumped up onto the buckboard and crawled across to him. “It ain’t serious,” Hoss added, trying to smile at his father.

 

“He burnt his arm,” Matt explained. “Dropped one of the branding irons on it.” He gave Ben an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, Mr Cartwright. Me and the boys were busy and ….”

 

Ben waved his hand to silence the man. “These things happen,” he said dismissively. “It’s no one’s fault.” He looked at Hoss anxiously. “Show me your arm,” he said.

 

Hoss gingerly let go of his arm and allowed his father to carefully roll up his sleeve. “It hurts some,” he admitted, trying not to cry with the pain of it.

 

Ben clenched his teeth at the sight of the badly reddened flesh. “I’m sure it does,” he said. “Matt? Could you ….”

“ … send one of the hands for Doc Martin?” interrupted the man. “No need sir, cause Alf went for him straight after it happened. He shouldn’t be too long.”

 

Ben nodded. “Thank you,” he said. He eased Hoss to a sitting position. “Let’s get you inside while we wait for the Doc,” he said, trying not to sound too worried about the state of the boy’s arm.

 

Hoss hesitated. “Pa?” he said, looking up at his father with a worried expression. “It tweren’t no one’s fault but mine.”

 

Ben nodded. “We’ll talk about that later,” he said, easing the boy off the buckboard.

 

Hoss swallowed, trying not to appear to be in pain as his feet hit the ground. “Are you gonna let me go to the branding again Pa?” he asked. “It was only an accident and I want ….”

 

“I said we’ll talk about that later,” said Ben. He nodded to Matt. “You get back to your work now Matt,” he said. “And tell the men he’ll be fine. Come on son, into the house with you.”

 

At that moment, Little Joe appeared from around the side of the house, carrying an armful of kindling wood. His face lit up as he spied his older brother and he dropped the wood before running at full speed towards them. “Hey Hoss!” he shouted happily. “You done come home!”

 

“Joseph, be careful,” warned his father, placing himself in between his injured son and his excited one. “Hoss has been hurt,” he added.

 

Little Joe’s face immediately fell and he gave his brother an anxious look as their father led Hoss into the house. As Ben eased the boy gently down onto the sofa, Joe leant over and began to stroke Hoss in a comforting way on his good arm. “Does it hurt Hoss?” he asked anxiously.

 

“Some,” admitted Hoss, trying to be brave for his brother’s sake.

 

“I’ll get some cold water to soak it in,” said Ben, standing up. “I think ….” He stopped as he heard the sound of a buggy in the front yard. “Surely that couldn’t be Paul Martin yet,” he said, half to himself. He strode over to the front door and looked out. “Paul!” he shouted as he waved his arm. “In here!” He waited until the doctor had made his way to the porch before adding. “How on earth did you get here so quickly?”

 

Paul entered the living room. “I was on my way to the Pruitt’s when I got the message,” he said. He smiled at Hoss who looked up at him hopefully. “Now then, young man,” he said. “What have you done to yourself?”

 

Hoss gave the doctor an anxious look. “I burnt my arm,” he said, holding it up for the doctor’s inspection.

 

Paul frowned. “So you did,” he said. “Ben, I’ll need a bowl of cold water and some cloths.” He sat down next to Hoss and began to ease off the boy’s shirt.

 

“Joseph, come with me,” instructed his father.

 

“But I wanna stay and see,” said Joe, not budging and wiping his eyes as if it would help him to see even better.

 

Ben grabbed his youngest son by the arm. “Come with me,” he repeated. “Doc Martin doesn’t need you in the way.”

 

By the time they came back into the room, Ben carrying a bowl of cold water and Joe carrying a couple of towels, Paul had Hoss’ arm totally uncovered and was busy inspecting it. “It’s quite a nasty burn,” he said to Ben as he dipped one of the towels into the cold water. “I’ll dress it with some salve and bandage it for now, but it will have to be re-dressed a couple of times each day. Tell Hop Sing to …”

 

“Hop Sing ain’t here!” piped up Joe.

 

Ben nodded in agreement. “He’s in San Francisco,” he said. “Won’t be back for at least a week. I can dress it … show me what to do.”

 

Joe and Hoss watched intently as the doctor washed and dressed the injured arm and then bandaged it expertly. “You’re good at that,” Joe said when it was all done.

 

“Well thank you,” Paul chuckled. “I’ve had a bit of practice. I’ll leave this salve with you Ben. Just remember to do exactly what I did morning and night. I’ll leave a couple of powders with you as well, in case he has trouble sleeping for the next couple of nights.” He stood up and patted Hoss on the head. “The pain will go soon son,” he said. “It’s a nasty burn, but it will settle down in a day or so.”

 

“Will I have a scar?” asked Hoss anxiously.

 

“Probably not,” the doctor assured him. “Just make sure that you do as your father tells you and get it dressed with that salve and bandage when it’s time.” He snapped his bag shut and turned to face Ben. “I’d better be going,” he said. “I was on my way to the Pruitt’s when I got the message to come here.”

 

“No trouble, I hope?” asked Ben as he walked the doctor to the front door. He opened it and a sharp gust of wind blew into the house.

 

“Just checking up on Seth’s head,” said Paul. “It’s getting better after that fall he had last week, but I want to check up on him anyway. It seems that I’ll be making my money this month with accidents,” he added dryly, indicating Hoss. “I’ll put it on my bill Ben.”

 

“As usual,” said Ben, with a smile. “I’ll be in to pay it next week Paul and thanks for all your help.” He closed the front door against the wind and turned to smile at Hoss. “Well young man,” he said. “You’d best go upstairs and lie down for a while.”

 

“Aw Pa!” Hoss protested. “I ain’t tired and it ain’t hurting that much!”

 

“Upstairs,” repeated Ben, pointing to the staircase. He gave Joe a curious look. “You too by the look of you,” he said, noticing how the little boy was rubbing his eyes. “You look like you need a nap.”

 

“Not me Pa!” said Joe, continuing to rub his eyes. “I ain’t sleepy neither.”

 

“Upstairs the both of you,” said Ben, pointing to the stairs again. “Scoot.” He waited until the two boys had reluctantly climbed the stairs before picking up the bowl of water and carrying it to the kitchen. Outside he could hear the wind howling stronger than ever. It seemed that once again Bert had been right about the weather and he wondered how the man always knew what was going to happen with it before it actually did. With a small shake of his head he walked into the kitchen.

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

“Tired?” asked Ben as he gave Adam an understanding look from the doorway of his bedroom.

 

Adam nodded. “A bit,” he said, giving his father a rueful smile.  “I enjoy breaking horses Pa, but they tend to jar the bones a bit.” He stretched under the covers. “And the muscles,” he added.

 

“Well, you get a good rest son,” said his father. “I’m just off to bed myself.”

 

“Is Hoss OK?” asked Adam.

 

Ben nodded. “Yes. I just checked on him and he’s fast asleep. That powder that Paul left for him really knocked him out.”

 

“You know that he’s worried that he won’t be allowed to ever go to the branding again,” said Adam with a grin. “He told me so after supper.”

 

“I’ll talk to him in the morning about it,” replied Ben. “Accidents happen and I can’t shield him from them.”

 

“Mmm,” said Adam, closing his eyes. “Night Pa.”

 

“Goodnight son,” said Ben. He turned to walk down the doorway, stopping to check on Little Joe before entering his own room. To his surprise, his youngest son was sitting up in his bed in the darkness. “Joe?” he said, going into the room. “You should have been asleep hours ago.”

 

Joe rubbed his eyes fitfully. “I can’t sleep,” he said. “I don’t like that wind outside my window Pa. It’s too noisy.”

 

“It is a bit,” said his father. He walked over and shut the window completely. “There, that should shut it out. Now don’t you worry about it, just try and get some sleep.” He looked down at the little boy. “Why do you keep rubbing your eyes like that?” he asked, for it suddenly occurred to him that his son had been rubbing his eyes off and on for most of the day.

 

“Don’t know,” replied Joe, still rubbing them. “I just do.”

 

Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and turned up to lamp to see better in the semi-darkness. “Bend your head back and show me,” he said. Joe did as he was told. “They’re all gummy,” said his father. “Don’t touch them.”

 

“They sting,” whined Joe, still rubbing them.

 

Ben frowned as he looked at the child’s eyes. “They do look a bit red,” he said. “Most probably because you’ve been rubbing them so much. I’ll take another look at them in the morning.” He pulled the child to a lying down position. “Now stop rubbing them and get some sleep,” he said.

 

Joe rolled over, stuck his thumb in his mouth and shut his eyes obediently. “Good night son,” said Ben, patting the curly hair affectionately. “Sleep tight.”

 

He waited until he heard Joe’s even breathing that told him that the little boy had drifted off to sleep, before standing up and leaving the room. He was bone weary as he undressed and it was only minutes before he himself was snug in his own bed and drifting off to sleep.

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

In what seemed like only a few minutes later, Ben was woken by the sound of yelling. He blinked several times, ascertained that it was indeed morning by the stream of sunlight drifting in the window and then listened to see if the yelling had been his imagination. Sure enough, there was a loud piercing shout from down the hallway and he reluctantly dragged himself to a sitting position, swung his feet over the edge of the bed and reached for his robe. He looked up as Adam appeared in the doorway. “What on earth is all that yelling about?” he said testily. “Are Hoss and Joe having another of their early morning ruckuses? I’m going to …”

 

“It’s Joe,” interrupted Adam. “He’s yelling something about being blind.” Ben stared at his son for a moment, but noticed that Adam didn’t look too concerned, probably because he was used to his little brother’s over-dramatics.

 

“Blind?” said Ben. “What on earth is that boy on about now?”

 

“What’s all the yelling about?” asked Hoss, coming up behind Adam in the doorway. “A fellar can’t sleep with all that ruckus.”

 

“You get back to bed,” said his father as he strode out of the room. “I want you to stay in bed with that arm until later this morning.”

 

“Aw gee Pa ….” Hoss began, but stopped as he realised that his father had already walked away and into his brother’s room.

 

“What is all this yelling about?” asked Ben as he sat down on the edge of Joe’s bed. The little boy was obviously distressed, for his thumb was in his mouth and his free hand was twisting around several of his curls, always a sure sign that he was agitated about something. Tears were trickling down his cheeks and his eyes were tightly shut.

 

“I’ve gone blind Pa!” the child shouted. “I can’t see no more!” He hiccupped a couple of times in his distress and Ben reached over to put him on his knee.

 

“Open your eyes, you silly,” he said.

 

“I … I can’t!” sobbed Little Joe. “They won’t open! I’ve gone blind Pa!”

 

Ben looked at the child’s eyes closely. They were shut tight and encrusted with a thick gooey mess of something. “Show me,” he said, tilting Joe’s head back.

 

“No! Don’t touch em!” shouted Joe, trying to fend his father’s hands away. “They sting!”

 

Ben held the boy’s hands down with one of his own large hands while he tilted the small head back even further. He looked at the closed eyes carefully. “Give me a wet cloth Adam,” he said, holding his hand out. “I’ll see if I can get this muck off his eyes.”

 

“No Pa!” shouted Little Joe. “You’ll make me more blinded!”

 

Ben ignored the child as he began to wipe at his son’s eyes gently with the wet cloth. As he did so, Little Joe gradually calmed down until he was in a state where Ben felt he could let go of his hands. “Feel better?” he asked as he continued to work.

 

“Uh huh,” admitted Joe. He blinked his eyes several times and then opened them tentatively. “I can see now,” he announced.

 

“What is it?” asked Adam, leaning over his father’s shoulder to get a better look.

 

“I’m not sure,” admitted Ben, putting down the cloth. “Probably because you’ve been rubbing them too much,” he said to Joe sternly. “Leave them alone, young man.”

 

“OK,” said Joe happily bouncing off his father’s lap as if nothing had happened. “Hey Hoss!” he shouted to his brother who was standing in the doorway watching the proceedings. “I ain’t blinded no more!”

 

Ben turned around and glared at Hoss. “Didn’t I tell you to get back to bed?” he said, shortly.

 

Hoss shrugged, made a face and then disappeared. “Now,” said Ben, turning back to Joe. “You get dressed … and leave those eyes alone.”

 

“Yes Pa,” said Joe, bouncing on the bed happily.

 

“Now, Joseph!” said Ben firmly, picking up the little boy and depositing him on his feet next to the bed. He stood up and turned to Adam. “You as well,” he said. “I’m going downstairs to start breakfast.”

 

Joe scrunched up his nose and rolled his eyes at Adam as their father left the room. “I sure hope he ain’t cooking them crunchy eggs like we had yesterday,” he said.

 

Adam nodded in agreement, remembering only too well the eggshells that had inadvertently found their way into the scrambled eggs at yesterday’s breakfast. “Pa’s doing the best he can with Hop Sing away,” he said to his little brother. “So don’t you say anything if he does.”

 

Joe nodded. “OK,” he agreed. “But I sure don’t like them crunchy eggs.”

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

 

“So,” said Ben, as he placed the platter of eggs on the table next to the toast. “You’re going to be all day at the corral son?”

 

“Yes,” said Adam, helping himself to a large serving. “Those horses aren’t going to break themselves.” He grinned at his own joke. “Sure wish they would at times though.”

 

“I’ll just take some of this up for Hoss,” said Ben, scooping up a plateful for eggs and toast. “Joseph, stop rubbing those eyes!” He hit the small hands away and looked at his son’s eyes closely. “They’ve gone all red again,” he observed. “Now stop rubbing them or you’ll make them worse.”

 

Joe put his hands down and stared at the eggs on his plate mournfully, for he’d already discovered that they were indeed quite crunchy again today. Reluctantly he picked up his fork and began to eat, making a face at Adam as he did so. Adam took no notice of his little brother, but continued to chew his way through the crunchy eggs as if there was nothing wrong with them and by the time their father had reappeared in the room he was finished his eggs and already spreading some of Hop Sing’s tasty fruit preserves onto his toast.

 

Ben sat down and smiled at his two boys. “Well Hoss is definitely a lot better this morning,” he said as he helped himself to some eggs. “Although it will be a few days yet before he’ll have the full use of that arm.” He made a face as he bit on an eggshell. “I assured him that he would be able to help with the branding again when his arm was better,” he added to Adam. “Joseph! How many times have I told you to stop rubbing those eyes?”

 

Joe gave his father a mournful look between his half-closed eyelids. “I can’t help it Pa,” he whined. “They’re real itchy.”

 

Adam leant forward and stared at his little brother. “They sure don’t look right Pa,” he observed. “They’re going all gummy again.”

 

Joe gave his father and anxious look. “Am I going blind again Pa?” he said in a worried tone. “I don’t wanna go blind!”

 

“Of course you’re not going blind,” said Ben quickly. “Although there’s something not right with those eyes.” He thought for a moment. “I think I’d best get Paul Martin to look at them, but I can’t take you into town and leave Hoss here by himself,” he mused.

 

“Why don’t you ask Bert to go and get the Doc?” asked Adam, helping himself to some more toast. “He could pick up the mail while he’s in there. I’d go myself, but I need to keep going with breaking those horses.”

 

“Yes,” Ben agreed. “I’ll send Bert, that would be the best thing. Thank you, son.” He shook his head. “Paul Martin will be wondering what’s going on out here with two visits in as many days,” he said.

 

“I don’t wanna see no doctor!” declared Little Joe. “I don’t like him!”

 

“You’ll do as you’re told,” said Ben calmly as he bit into a slice of toast. “Now finish those eggs.”

 

Joe scowled at his father as Adam stood up and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Well, I’d best be off,” he said. “You want me to talk to Bert on the way about going into town Pa?”

 

“Thank you, son,” said Ben as he picked up his coffee cup. “Leave those eyes alone,” he said to Joe.

 

Father and son gave each other a stubborn stare from opposite ends of the table.

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

 

Paul Martin straightened up and let go of Joe’s head. “Conjunctivitis,” he said simply.

 

Ben let go of the child’s flailing arms and legs and allowed Joe to slip off his lap where he’d been holding him. “I wonder how he picked that up?” he said, half to himself.

 

“Could have been anywhere,” said Paul as he opened his black bag and looked inside. “It’s highly contagious you know Ben.”

 

“Yes, I do know,” admitted Ben. “So what can we do for it?”

 

“The first thing is to make sure that his eyes are kept clean,” said Paul. “Wash them twice a day with warm water and put these drops in them afterwards. You’d best do it for a week or so and if they’re not improving by then, bring him in to see me.”

 

Ben took the small jar that the doctor held out to him. “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll take care of it.”

 

Paul raised an eyebrow. “I’ve put some on them now,” he said, jerking his thumb towards Joe who was standing glaring at him. “Hopefully you’ll see an improvement in a day or so.” He smiled at Ben. “It never rains but it pours around here, doesn’t it?”

 

“It ain’t raining,” Joe declared as he continued to glare at the doctor. “It’s just real windy!”

 

Paul chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair, causing Joe to simply glare at him harder. “What about my other patient?” he asked. “I’d best go and check on that arm of Hoss’ seeing as how I’m already here.”

 

 

 

“He’s doing much better,” said Ben as he stood up. “He ….” He stopped speaking as the front door was flung open and a gust of wind entered the house.  “Joe, go and close the door while I show Doc Martin upstairs,” he said. “Come with me Paul,” indicating the staircase as Joe scampered over to the door to shut it. Both men stopped at the bottom of the stairs as Joe’s high-pitched yell assaulted their ears.

 

“Hey Pa!” shouted Joe from the front doorway. “Adam’s home!”

 

“Adam?” said Ben in a puzzled voice. “What on earth ….”

 

“And he’s in the back of the buckboard!” shouted Joe again, trying to hang onto the heavy front door as it swung backwards and forwards on its hinges in the wind. “He’s lying down!” he shouted as Ben walked swiftly across the room. “He’s ….”

 

“Yes, I can see now,” said Ben, putting his hand over Joe’s mouth to shush him. “No need to shout at the top of your voice like that.”

 

“What’s wrong?” asked Paul behind him, as he tried to see what was going on outside.

 

“I’m not sure,” said Ben in a worried tone. “But it doesn’t look good.” He pushed Joe gently inside. “Stay inside Joseph,” he said as he walked out onto the front porch. “Adam? Adam son … are you all right?” he shouted.

 

“He’s had a bit of a fall Mr. Cartwright,” said one of the hands as he got down from the buckboard. “We didn’t know whether or not to get him into town to the Doc or to bring him straight back here.” His eyes widened as he noticed Paul Martin behind Ben. “Oh … the Doc’s here,” he said.

 

“I am indeed,” said Paul Martin. “What happened?” he added as he glanced at Adam lying in the back of the buckboard.

 

“He took a fall,” said the man. “It wasn’t that bad really, but he’s got an awful pain in his back so we weren’t that sure what …”

 

“Let me look at it,” said Paul, brushing the man aside and climbing into the back of the buckboard. Ben stood at the side and allowed the doctor access to his son, even though he was itching to climb up there beside Adam in the doctor’s stead.

 

Adam gave both of them a wry smile. “I’m OK,” he said, his expression belying his words. “I just took a bit of a fall off one of the horses. I’ll be fine in a couple of minutes.” He struggled to get up, but stopped and bit his lip as a small groan escaped him in spite of his efforts not to show how he was really feeling.

 

“You just keep still,” Paul said firmly. “I need to feel around and see if anything is broken.” His fingers expertly felt around Adam’s torso as the young man lay as still as possible. “Nothing seems to be,” the doctor said after a couple of minutes. “Can you wiggle your toes?” Adam dutifully wiggled them as an anxious Ben looked on. “Now move your legs,” instructed Paul. “Good,” he added as Adam’s legs stretched out. “Where exactly is the pain?” he asked.

 

“Here.” Adam pointed to his side. “It’s OK as long as I don’t move too much,” he added. “It’s probably just …”

 

“You let me decide what it is,” interrupted Paul as he felt around the area. “That hurt?”

 

“Mmm,” said Adam, biting his lip again.

 

“I think it’s just a pinched nerve,” said Paul, turning to address Ben. “He probably just fell on it the wrong way. Help me get him off here and inside Ben.”

 

Ben jumped up onto the other side of the buckboard and both men put one of Adam’s arms around their shoulders. “Now when I say,” said Paul. “Go!”

 

Adam winced as he was hoisted up between them and they slid him off the buckboard to a standing position. “I’ll try to walk,” he said.

 

“You’ll do nothing of the kind,” said Paul firmly. “Just lean on us and we’ll get you inside.” They walked him gingerly towards the house as the hand opened the front door for them. “Now let’s get you onto the sofa,” said Paul and they eased him down into a sitting position. “Better?” he asked, looking at Adam closely.

 

Adam nodded his head. “I will be in a minute,” he said.

 

Paul patted him on the knee. “Just catch your breath while I heat up some water,” he said. “We’ll get some hot towels onto that back and it will feel a lot better.”

 

He disappeared into the kitchen as Ben thanked the hand and saw him outside again. Adam leant back on the sofa and gave a low groan and then looked up as he felt a movement next to him.

 

“Are you gonna die Adam?” asked a small worried voice beside him.

 

“Of course I’m not going to die,” said Adam, trying to sound reassuring in spite of his pain.

 

“Joe, move away from your brother,” instructed Ben. “He’ll be fine.” Joe dutifully took a couple of steps away from Adam, but continued to watch both his brother and father anxiously. “Feeling better son?” asked Ben, kneeling beside the sofa.

 

“A bit,” replied Adam. “I’m sorry about all of this Pa.”

 

“Don’t be silly,” said Ben, patting him on the leg. “It’s not your fault. The important thing is that you’re all right.”

 

“I just feel so stupid,” said Adam. “It really wasn’t a bad fall … I’ve had far worse and not hurt myself at all.”

 

“It’s the way you fell, most likely,” said Paul as he came back into the room. “You’ve pinched a nerve or two back there.”

 

“I wouldn’t have thought a pinched nerve could be so painful,” said Adam as the doctor placed the hot towels against his back. “That feels good,” he added with a sigh.

 

“It’ll be a few days before you’re back on your feet, I’m afraid,” said Paul. He turned to face Ben. “He needs complete rest if that nerve is going to right itself,” he added.

 

“Should we get him into bed?” asked Ben.

“The best thing would be for him to sit up as much as possible,” said Paul. “Best put him into the guest room at night so that he doesn’t have to climb those stairs at all.”

 

Ben nodded. “Yes,” he said.

 

Paul shook his head. “What is going on around here with all you Cartwrights?” he asked. “First Hoss’ arm, then Joe’s eyes, now Adam’s back. With Hop Sing away, it’s just as well you’re healthy Ben.”

 

Ben smiled. “Yes, it certainly seems as if there’s something bad going on,” he admitted.

 

“It’s the wind,” interrupted Little Joe.

 

“What about the wind?” asked Paul, with a puzzled look at the little boy.

 

“It’s a bad wind,” said Joe knowingly. “It makes bad things happen.”

 

“Don’t pay him any mind,” said Ben. “Why don’t you go on up and check on Hoss Paul?”

 

“I will,” said the doctor, giving Joe an amused look. “Be back in a few minutes.”

 

“Well,” said Ben, sitting down next to Adam and adjusting the towels behind his son’s back. “It looks as if I’m going to be very busy in the next few days looking after all my boys.”

 

“Did the Doc say what’s wrong with Joe’s eyes?” asked Adam.

 

“Conjunctivitis,” said Ben. “He’ll be fine though. I just have to make sure that I use some eye-drops that Paul gave me and  ….” He reached out and slapped Joe’s hand away from his eyes. “ …. and stop him rubbing them.”

 

Adam sighed. “And Hop Sing is away,” he said. “Not a good time for him not to be here, is it Pa?”

 

Ben smiled. “I’ve coped with worse than this before,” he said confidently. “Hop Sing or no Hop Sing, we’ll manage.”

 

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

“I’m bored!” said Hoss, resting his chin on his good arm and staring into the fireplace. “There’s nuthin to do down here!”

 

“You be thankful that I let you come downstairs at all, young man,” replied his father. “Any more of that whining and you’re going straight back upstairs to bed.”

 

Hoss immediately sat up straight and tried to look more pleasant, for he’d been even more bored upstairs in bed. “Hey, quit it Joe!” he said suddenly, moving his legs away as Joe bumped into them.

 

“I can’t help it,” declared Joe. “I didn’t see your dumb old legs.”

 

“That’s enough from both of you,” snapped their father. “Joseph, if you can’t see where you’re going, then sit down.”

 

Joe sat down on the edge of the coffee table and glared at his father from between half-closed eyelids. “It’s them dumb drops you keep putting on my eyes,” he declared crossly. “I can’t see properly cause of it.”

 

“Those drops are helping your eyes,” replied Ben. “The reason you can’t see properly is because your eyelids keep gumming up. If you stopped rubbing them all the time, it wouldn’t happen so much.” He glanced around the room crossly at his three sons. “Bad enough that we’ve all got problems at the moment,” he said. “But there’s no need for all this carrying on.”

 

Adam looked up from his book. “I didn’t do anything,” he said, a touch defensively.

 

Ben took a deep breath. “No,” he admitted. “You didn’t.” He pointed a finger at first Hoss, then Joe. “But you two need to just settle down a bit,” he said. “It’s hard enough looking after all of you without all of this arguing.”

 

“Yes Pa,” said Hoss contritely.

 

“Joseph?”

 

“Yes Pa,” said Joe, still trying to glare at his father.

 

“That’s better,” said Ben. “Now, I’m going to the kitchen to make some sandwiches for lunch. Hoss, you get a book if you’re bored. You can practise your reading. Joseph, if I see you rubbing those eyes again I’ll tie your mittens on your hands.”

 

“Now see what you done,” said Hoss, as soon as their father had left the room. “That was all your fault Joe! Now Pa’s gonna make me do reading when it’s vacation time!”

 

Joe stuck his tongue out at his brother and screwed up his face at him.

 

“Would you two be quiet?” said Adam crossly. “It’s bad enough that we all have to share the same space all day without all this endless bickering. Pa’s right!” He glanced over at Hoss. “He’s also right about that reading,” he added. “It wouldn’t hurt you to read something occasionally.”

 

Hoss made a face. “Don’t wanna, ain’t gonna,” he said firmly.

 

Joe’s face lit up. “Hey Adam,” he said, standing up and walking over to his brother. “How bout you read us something from that book?”

 

“This book is too hard for you to understand,” said Adam, a touch haughtily.

 

“Aw, go on Adam!” Joe leant close to take a look at his brother’s book as he tried to wheedle him into changing his mind. “Read us some!”

 

Adam drew back away from the boy. “Keep your distance,” he said. “That conjunctivitis is contagious, you know.”

Joe glared at him as much as his swollen eyes would allow him to. “It ain’t!” he said.

 

“It is,” said Hoss. “Besides, you don’t even know what cont … cont … what that means no how.”

 

“Do too!” said Joe, stamping his foot crossly.

 

“Are you two still fighting?” said their father sternly as he came back into the room carrying a tray of sandwiches.

 

“No Pa,” said Hoss quickly.

 

“Adam says he won’t read to us!” said Joe, with a smug look at his eldest brother. “He’s being real mean Pa.”

 

“I’ll read to you after lunch,” said Ben, putting the tray down on the table. He handed Adam and Hoss some sandwiches. “You go and wash your hands before you touch these sandwiches Joseph,” he said.

 

“Why?” asked Joe indignantly. “Them two didn’t have to wash their hands.”

 

“Because you’re the contagious one,” said Adam, biting into his sandwich.

 

“I ain’t neither!” said Joe.

 

“Joseph!” Ben pointed to the kitchen. “Go and wash your hands!”

 

Joe poked his tongue out at Adam before turning on his heel to scamper into the kitchen, knocking into the dining room table as he passed it.

 

“I don’t know,” sighed Ben wearily as he sat down in his favourite chair and helped himself to some sandwiches. “I just don’t know what’s got into all of you. I don’t remember it being this hard to look after you before when you were sick.”

 

“Have we ever been sick all at the one time Pa?” asked Hoss as he munched on his sandwich.

 

Ben drew his hand over his eyes wearily. “Not that I can remember, now that I come to think about it,” he admitted. “There was that time when you and Adam both got the measles, but that was before Little Joe was born so there was just the two of you then.”

 

“What about the time Joe got croup and Hoss fell off his horse and hurt his head?” said Adam. “Wasn’t that at the same time that I cut myself with a knife and got an infection?”

 

“That’s true,” replied his father. “But I had Marie and Hop Sing to help me that time. No … this is the first time that ….” He stopped as he heard a crash from the kitchen. “Little Joe?” he shouted. “What’s going on out there?”

 

Joe instantly appeared in the dining room, his hands behind his back. “Nuthin Pa,” he said innocently.

 

“Then come over here and eat these sandwiches,” said Ben testily.

 

“I don’t like cheese,” observed Hoss, looking closely at the plate on the coffee table.

 

“Then don’t eat them!” snapped Ben. “There are plenty of others to choose from for heaven’s sake! Joseph, get off that coffee table and sit on the sofa next to Adam while you eat.”

 

“Does he have to?” said Adam instantly. “I’ve got enough to put up without getting his contagious diseases.”

 

“And I’ve got enough to put up with without all three of you whining at me all day long!” snapped his father in return. “Now the three of you just settle down, eat your sandwiches and give me some peace and quiet!”

 

There was silence for a few minutes as all four of them sat and munched on their sandwiches. Suddenly, Hoss broke the silence. “Ain’t we having nothing to drink with these sandwiches Pa?” he asked. “They’re kinda dry without something to drink with em.”

 

Ben closed his eyes momentarily and took a deep breath. “All right,” he said when he’d opened them again. “I’ll go and get a pitcher of milk.”

 

“I don’t want no milk!” declared Little Joe instantly, but his father ignored him.

 

“Pa’s real cranky today,” observed Hoss as the man left the room.

 

“Well he’s got good cause to be,” Adam said. “The way you two are carrying on, you’re making things difficult for him.”

 

“You are too!” snapped Hoss. “He has to get up and get you things all the time!”

 

“Well it isn’t my fault if I can’t move about,” Adam replied defensively. “It’s all very well for you two … at least you can move!” He pushed Joe away from him. “Can’t you sit on the other side of the sofa?” he said. “You are contagious, you know.”

 

“I ain’t!” declared Joe instantly. He stood up and clenched his small fists indignantly.

 

“Yes, you are,” said Hoss. “So don’t come near me either.”

 

Joe immediately ran around the coffee table and stood next to Hoss, glaring at him. “I can come anywhere I wanna come!” he declared.

 

Hoss pushed him away. “Anywhere but near me,” he said. “Move!”

 

Joe made a face at both his brothers. “I’m gonna tell Pa on you!” he said and turned to run towards the kitchen. Unfortunately, at the very moment he reached the passageway that led to the kitchen, his father appeared carrying a tray with a pitcher of milk and several glasses on it.

 

“Watch out!” shouted Ben, but it was too late. Joe’s head bounced off the tray and everything began to slide off it. In an effort to grab hold of the full pitcher, Ben lost his balance and fell heavily against the wall. Joe took a quick step backwards and watched in fascination as his father landed on his backside, one leg buckled underneath him. The milk made a large pattern as it spread around the floor, under the table and chairs. The glasses shattered in all directions, the noise making everyone jump.

 

“I didn’t mean it!” Joe shouted instantly. He took several more steps backwards and stared at his father on the floor. “Honest I didn’t Pa!”

 

Ben said nothing as he righted himself on the floor. “Are you all right Pa?” shouted Adam, trying to lean forward on the sofa so that he could get a better look. “Hoss! Go and help Pa!” he shouted to his brother.

 

Hoss instantly bounded over and tried to help his father up with his good arm. “Here Pa,” he said. “Lean on me.”

 

“I’m fine,” said Ben, reaching out and taking the boy’s hand. “Just help me up.”

 

“I didn’t mean it!” Joe said again.

 

“Both of you watch your feet with all that glass,” instructed their father, ignoring Joe’s comment. “Ow!” He leant heavily against Hoss as he tried to steady himself on his feet.

 

“What is it?” shouted Adam. “Are you hurt Pa?”

 

“Are you OK Pa?” asked Hoss anxiously as he felt his father’s weight against him. “Are ya hurt?”

 

“It’s just my ankle,” said Ben. “Get me to a chair son.” He leant on Hoss as he hobbled across the floor towards his comfortable chair and sighed as he eased himself down into it.

 

“I didn’t mean it!” said Joe again from his position in the dining room where he hadn’t moved.

 

“I know you didn’t mean it son,” said Ben as he grimly took off his boot and sock to get a better look at his sore ankle. “Come over here away from all that broken glass.”

 

 

Joe dutifully came across the room and stood next to Hoss as they all looked at their father’s ankle.

 

“It looks real swollen Pa,” observed Hoss.

 

“Does it hurt?” asked Joe, curiously.

 

“Just a bit,” said Ben, gritting his teeth. “I just landed on it the wrong way.”

 

“Hoss, get Pa a wet cloth to put on it,” instructed Adam. “Hurry up.” He looked at Little Joe as Hoss went into the kitchen. “Next time be more careful,” he said. “You need to watch where you’re going.”

 

Ben drew the little boy towards him as he noticed his bottom lip begin to quiver at his brother’s words. “It’s all right Joe,” he said. “I’ll be fine. Only next time look where you’re going, all right?”

 

Joe nodded. “Yes,” he said. “Sorry Pa. Is your foot gonna break off?”

 

Ben tried to smile. “No, of course not,” he said. “It’s just going to be badly bruised for a little while. Thank you, son,” he said, taking the wet towel that Hoss was holding out for him.

 

“Maybe we’d better get Doc Martin back out here,” suggested Adam as he observed his father’s ankle. “It really is swelling up Pa.”

 

“I’ll be fine,” Ben assured him as he placed the wet towel on it. “Hoss, are you able to pick up that shattered glass son? And see if you can mop up the milk as well.”

 

“I’ll help him,” said Joe.

 

“You’ll stay right where you are,” his father instructed him. “Sit down here where I can keep an eye on you.”

 

“I’ll sure try Pa,” said Hoss. “But with one arm it’s kinda gonna be hard.”

 

“Just do your best son,” sighed Ben. “And be careful of that shattered glass.”

 

“What are we going to do now?” asked Adam in a low voice. “Look at us Pa. Not one of us is capable of looking after all of the others.”

 

“I’ll be fine in a few minutes,” said Ben grimly. “I have to be.”

 

Adam shook his head. “I’m beginning to think that Joe is right about that wind,” he said. “It certainly seems as if things are against us this week, doesn’t it?”

 

“It certainly does,” said Ben, easing his foot onto the ground. “But we’ll manage. We always do.”

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

 

“Joseph, get over here and do as you’re told,” said Ben sternly, reaching out for the boy and drawing him towards him. He wedged him between his knees and tried to hold him still with one hand while he wielded the eyedropper with the other. “For pity’s sake keep still!” he said in an exasperated tone. “You’re getting these drops in your eyes and that’s all there is to it! Hoss, get over here and sit on your brother for me!”

 

But before Hoss could obey his father’s command there was a knock at the door. “Get that,” said Ben. He tried desperately to hold onto Joe, but the little boy wriggled quickly out of his father’s grasp and took a few steps away from him. As Hoss opened the door to reveal Paul Martin standing on the front porch, Joe gave the doctor a glare and turned to run to the opposite side of the room. Unfortunately he couldn’t see too clearly where he was going and he bumped straight into the sofa, landing with his head on the hard cushions and turning upside down with his legs dangling over the back.

 

“Ow!” yelled Adam from the other side of the sofa where he was being jolted.

 

“Get him!” shouted Ben, sitting forward in his chair and reaching for the boy, but he was too far away for him to grab.

 

Paul surveyed the scene in a couple of seconds, dropped his bag and strode over to the sofa where he scooped Joe up quickly and held the wriggling child under one arm. “What on earth is going on here?” he demanded, staring at Ben. “What have you done to your foot?”

 

“I twisted my ankle,” said Ben. “I was thinking of sending for you but ….”

 

“I came to check on the boys,” said the doctor. “Just as well too, by the look of it. Let me take a look at that ankle.”

 

“Can you just help me get those eye-drops into Joe first?” said Ben. “It’s impossible to do it alone. With Adam being out of action and Hoss only having one arm … and now I can’t ….”

 

“Leave it to me,” interrupted Paul. He placed Joe back on his father’s lap and Ben held onto him.

 

“Hoss!” Ben said.

 

Hoss came over and planted his ample backside on top of Joe who protested loudly. “Get off me Hoss!” he shouted. “Let go Pa!” he added to Ben who was holding him down as well.

 

None of them took any notice of him as they effectively pinned him to Ben’s lap between them. Quickly and efficiently, Paul administered the eye-drops and then they waited until they had sunk into the little boy’s eyes before releasing him. Joe glared at them all, as much as his swollen eyes would allow him to, and then clenched his fists in anger before marching over to sit next to Adam.

 

“Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” said Ben, but Joe simply continued to glare at his father. “Thank you, Paul,” Ben added. “I don’t know how we would have done it if you hadn’t happened along.”

 

The doctor ignored the comment as he knelt down next to Ben and picked up his foot. “That’s a nasty sprain,” he said. “Hoss, bring me my bag please and I’ll get this bandaged up for your father.” As he worked on the ankle he shook his head. “Ben, you can’t go on like this,” he said, glancing at Adam, then Hoss and finally at the still-angry Joe. “This is impossible with Hop Sing away. You’re going to need someone to look after all of you.”

 

“We’ll manage,” replied Ben grimly, wincing as the bandage was wound tightly around his ankle.

 

“I don’t think you will,” insisted Paul. “Adam can’t move, Hoss only has one good arm and you won’t be on your feet for a few days with the state this ankle is in. You need help, so let me ask someone to come out and help you get organised.”

 

“Like who?” said Ben.

 

“Well … there’s Mrs Shaunessghy,” suggested Paul.

 

“Not her!” interjected Adam quickly.

 

Ben ignored the comment. “Paul, we’ll manage,” he said. “I can …”

 

“You can hardly manage when you can’t even stand,” said Paul. “I’m telling you Ben, you need to keep off that foot for a quite a few days if you’re going to give it a chance to heal.” He stood up and walked over to Adam. “Lean forward,” he said and then began to poke around Adam’s back. “Mrs Shaunessghy might be …. well, a might bossy,” he admitted, over his shoulder to Ben as he continued to work on Adam. “But you must admit that she usually gets the job done. You need someone like her here and you know that she’d be glad to do it.”

 

Ben nodded ruefully, knowing that the man was right. “I suppose so,” he said. “I honestly don’t know how I’m going to get these eye-drops into Joe twice a day without help … and as for meals …” He put his hands up in a gesture of defeat. “I suppose we do need someone,” he admitted.

 

“But Pa,” protested Adam, as the doctor gently pushed him back on the sofa again. “Not her!”

 

“Yeah,” agreed Hoss. He walked across to the doctor who was motioning to him and allowed him to begin undoing the bandage on his arm. “She’s too bossy!”

 

 

 

“Don’t you remember last year when she insisted on staying for a few days after Marie died?” said Adam. “I thought that Hop Sing was going to hit her with his rolling pin in the end.”

 

Hoss giggled. “He sure was upset with her,” he added.

 

Ben nodded, the memory of the indignant cook and the self-righteous woman all too clear in his own mind still. “Yes,” he admitted. “But Hop Sing isn’t here this time and we do need someone,” he said. “Unless either of you can come up with someone else, I’m afraid that she’s it.”

 

“She is a good cook,” mused Hoss thoughtfully as he watched Paul re-bandage his arm.

 

“Thank you, Paul,” said Ben. “I would appreciate you asking her for me.”

 

“I’ll call in there on the way back to town,” said Paul, standing up and reaching out for Joe who immediately drew back on the sofa away from him. Paul drew the child to him and held onto his arms as he peered into the green eyes. “These are still bad,” he said. “We need to keep those drops going for a few more days yet … and try to stop him from rubbing them.”

 

Ben snorted. “Well that’s easier said than done,” he said. “But I’ll try.”

 

Paul let go of Little Joe, who backed away from the doctor. “I don’t like you,” he declared angrily.

 

Paul shrugged as if that was nothing new and then stood up. “Well, I’d best be off,” he said. “Unless there’s something that I can do for you while I’m here?”

 

“No,” said Ben, glaring at his bandaged foot in a frustrated fashion. “You’ve done enough Paul. Thank you!”

 

Paul picked up his bag. “All part of the service,” he said with a short chuckle. “You might not be thanking me when you get your bill though. It’s sure going to be a big one this month!” He put on his hat. “I’ll get Mrs Shaunessghy out here as quickly as I can,” he said. “And I’ll visit again in a day or two.” He pointed at Ben’s foot. “You stay off that,” he said meaningfully and turned towards the door. As he opened it, a sharp gust of wind caught his hat and he grabbed it as it was about to be blown off his head. “I wonder how long this wind is going to last?” he mused. “It sure is a strong one.”

 

“It’s a bad wind,” Joe informed him solemnly.

 

The doctor gave the little boy an amused look, smiled at them all and then shut the door behind him as he left.

 

“Aw Pa!” protested Adam. “Do we really have to have that Shaunessghy woman? You know what she’s like!”

 

“We don’t have any choice in the matter,” replied his father. He pointed a finger at each of his boys in turn. “And I don’t want to hear any more about it. If she’s good enough to come out here and look after us then I expect you to be polite to her and do as she says. You hear me?”

 

“Yes,” said Adam, grumpily.

 

“Yeah Pa,” said Hoss, just as grumpily.

 

Ben looked at Little Joe. “Joseph?” he said.

 

“What?” asked Joe.

 

“You mind your manners with Mrs Shaunessghy, you hear?”

 

“Yes Pa,” said Joe, grumpily.

 

Ben sighed.

 

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

 

 

There was a swift rap on the door which made all the Cartwrights look up quickly. “Hoss, would you please ….” began Ben, but before he could complete the sentence the door opened and a tall woman entered the room.

 

“I hope you don’t mind me letting myself in,” she said abruptly. “But that wind was nearly knocking me off my feet out there.” She looked around the room at each of them in turn. “Well, it certainly looks as if you do need my help,” she observed as she put down her bag and took off her bonnet. “Doc Martin told me everything that’s been happening around here.”

 

“I’m very grateful that you could come and help out Mrs Shaunessghy,” said Ben. “Please forgive me not getting to my feet, but my ankle is ….”

 

The woman waved a hand at him dismissively. “No trouble at all,” she interrupted. “I’m glad to help. And call me Shaunessghy. Everyone does.” She frowned at Adam who was propped up on the sofa. “That’s no way for you to be sitting,” she said. “It’ll take the strain off that back of yours if you put your feet up.”

 

“No, really,” said Adam quickly. “It’s better if …”

 

“Nonsense,” she interrupted as she grabbed hold of his feet and swung them up onto the end of the sofa. Before he knew what was happening, she had pushed him back so that he was in a half-lying position. “We’ll have you back on your feet in no time,” she said, pulling him slightly forward and propping a couple of cushions behind him. “Just do as I say and you’ll get better much quicker. Now, doesn’t that feel better?”

 

Adam nodded, giving her a stunned look. “Well, actually it does,” he admitted. “I think …”

 

She patted him on the leg. “No need to think,” she said. “That’s what I’m here for.” She turned to Ben. “What’s wrong with him?” she asked abruptly, indicating Little Joe who had banged into the bottom of the staircase in his haste to get away from the woman’s sharp tone as soon as he’d heard it. “Something wrong with his legs?” she asked as Joe turned from the staircase and bumped into the coffee table.

 

 

“It’s his eyes,” Hoss explained. “He’s got conjuk … conjuckavitis.”

 

“Conjunctivitis,” Ben corrected. “I’m afraid that he needs eye-drops twice a day and it’s just about impossible to …”

 

“Nonsense!” interrupted Shaunessghy. “I’ll get him sorted out as soon as I’ve unpacked.” She pointed to first Ben and then Hoss. “And I’ll get those bandages seen to as well,” she added. “Now, I’ll put my things in your room Ben, so that I’ll be close to the two youngest boys if they need me in the middle of the night.”

 

“My room?” said Ben weakly.

 

“Yes,” she said firmly. “You won’t be climbing those stairs for a while, so I’ll move your things down to the guest room here.”

 

“But … but I’ve been sleeping there,” said Adam, in an equally weak tone.

 

“Nonsense!” she said. “You’d be best to sleep on the sofa.” She patted the arm of the sofa admiringly. “It’s nice and hard which is exactly what you need for that back of yours.” She picked up her bag. “I’ll go and get unpacked and then I’ll get started,” she said. “Good thing I’m around, or I don’t know how you’d get on.” Without another word, she climbed the stairs, leaving a stunned Cartwright family reeling behind her.

 

“Well,” said Ben finally, trying to sound cheerful. “She sounds as if she’s going to cope with everything.” He looked around at his three boys. Adam rolled his eyes, Hoss screwed up his nose and Little Joe looked positively awe-struck with his mouth hanging open as he stared at the top of the stairs where Shaunessghy had disappeared. “It will be fine boys,” said Ben, trying not to let his own feelings show plainly on his face. Mrs. Shaunessghy was known as a capable woman, but the widow was also known as an unabashed busybody and he only hoped that they would all weather the storm of her being here in one piece.

 

As if to answer his thoughts, the wind outside howled even fiercer than before and the windows all rattled. “That’s a bad wind,” said Little Joe, coming to squash next to his father on his chair and cuddling against him. “I don’t like it.”

 

Ben ruffled his youngest son’s hair affectionately as he glanced towards the staircase where Shaunessghy had re-appeared. The woman tied an apron around her waist as she came downstairs and the glint in her eye told each of them that she meant business.

 

“Now,” she said, rubbing her hands together as if relishing the prospect of hard work. “Where to start? Let me think ….” She looked around the room. “This place could do with a bit of a tidy up and from what I’ve seen of upstairs I’ll be very busy here.”

 

Ben shrugged and gave her an apologetic look. “Hop Sing is away and I’ve been very busy with the boys,” he said.

 

“Quite,” she said briskly. “Don’t you worry, I’ll get it all in order.” She looked around again. “But first things first,” she continued. “I suppose you men are all hungry? Men usually are.”

 

Hoss’ eyes gleamed and he sat forward on his chair. “Sure are ma’am,” he said, enthusiastically. “We ain’t eaten nothing since lunch!”

 

“Well considering it’s only just past four o’clock you aren’t doing too badly,” she replied, unsympathetically. “I’ll get some supper together and then I’ll attend to your bandage,” she said and strode out to the kitchen without another word.

 

Ben looked at Adam, who looked at Hoss, who looked at Joe. Joe looked up at his father and cuddled in towards him even more. There was silence in the room as each Cartwright contemplated the bleak future ahead of them.

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

 

“There!’ said Shaunessghy, taking away the plates. “A good feed should make you all feel better.”

 

“Sure does ma’am,” said Hoss enthusiastically as he tried to grab the last roll on the plate before she removed it. “They was a real good supper ma’am,” he added.

“I’m glad you liked it,” she said. “Now you come with me and I’ll change that bandage of yours.”

 

“Yes ma’am,” said Hoss standing up to meekly follow her to the kitchen.

 

“Well I must admit that she can cook,” said Adam, from his position on the sofa. “That supper was wonderful.” He eased his back forward and plumped up a couple of the pillows that Shaunessghy had put behind him. “I can hardly wait for breakfast,” he added.

 

“Mmm,” agreed Ben. “Joseph, stop rubbing your eyes.”

 

“But they sting,” protested Little Joe crossly.

 

“Nevertheless, stop rubbing them,” insisted his father. “You’re not going to do them any good by touching them all the time.”

 

“Besides,” added Adam. “Didn’t you hear what Doc Martin said? They’re contagious, so we don’t need you spreading your disease everywhere.”

 

Joe looked puzzled. “What’s con … con … tash … us?” he asked.

 

“It means that you can make other people sick if you keep touching your eyes,” said his father, swatting the small hands away. “So stop doing it.”

 

Joe gave a loud sigh and sat down on the coffee table. “I’m bored,” he whined. “There’s nothing to do. Can I go outside Pa?”

 

“No,” said his father. “That wind would just about knock you off your feet if you did, besides it’s dark out there now. You’ll stay inside with the rest of us young man.”

 

“It’s a bad wind,” Joe informed him.

 

“Why do you keep saying that?” asked Adam. “Who says it’s a bad wind?”

 

“Bert,” answered Joe knowingly.

 

Adam looked thoughtful for a moment. “You know Pa?” he said finally. “He might be right at that.”

 

“What?” said Ben, looking startled. “Since when do you believe in such nonsense?”

 

“Well, think about it. The moment that wind blew up, all our problems started,” explained Adam with a teasing grin. “First Hoss burns his arm, then Joe’s eyes, then I fall off that horse, and then you twist your ankle. You know what they say.”

 

Ben looked puzzled. “What?” he asked.

 

Adam sat forward and pointed his finger at his father. “It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good,” he said in a solemn voice.

 

Both of them chuckled as Joe looked from one to the other in a puzzled way. “What’s that mean?” he asked finally.

 

Ben reached over and ruffled the boy’s surly hair. “Adam’s just teasing,” he said. “He’s saying that the wind has caused all our problems.”

 

Joe nodded wisely. “I reckon he’s right,” he said. “Bert says it’s a bad wind and it is!” he pronounced.

 

“Now look what you’ve started,” said Ben, rolling his eyes at Adam.

 

“All done!” said Shaunessghy as she entered the room with Hoss. She put her hands on her hips. “I’ll get started on that kitchen tomorrow,” she announced to Ben.

 

“Kitchen?” said Ben. “What’s wrong with it?”

 

“What’s right with it, more to the point,” she said. “It needs a good clean out. Just as well you sent for me to help. Lord knows you can use it around here.”

 

“I don’t think that Hop Sing …” began Ben, but his words were drowned out by her strident voice.

 

“Now I’ll get those eye-drops organised,” Shaunessghy said firmly, looking at Little Joe. “Come on little one. Your turn.”

 

Joe shrunk away from her and looked at his father. “It might be better if I …” began Ben.

 

“Nonsense!” she said, marching over and swooping Joe up in her arms without hesitation. “This is what I’m here for. You just rest that foot of yours while Joseph and I handle this. Isn’t that right?” she said to the child in her arms. Joe opened his mouth to yell and then shut it again as she turned quickly with him and strode out to the kitchen.

 

All three Cartwrights braced themselves for the shouting that they knew was about to come from the kitchen, but to their surprise there wasn’t a sound.

 

“Do you think she’s smothered him?” chuckled Adam after a moment.

 

Ben looked worried. “Hoss,” he said. “Go out and check that …” He never finished the sentence as at that moment Shaunessghy came back into the room, leading Joe by the hand. She had a determined look on her face and Joe was munching on a cookie as she dragged him back into the room.

 

“There!” she said, pushing the little boy towards Ben. “All done. I may as well get started on that kitchen now.” She looked at Adam. “And I’ll get a hot brick for you while I’m at it.”

 

“No really, I’m fine,” protested Adam quickly. “I don’t need any …” But his words were lost as she disappeared once again into the kitchen. Adam held up his hands in a gesture of defeat.

 

Joe sat down on the coffee table and quietly munched on his cookie without a word. Ben looked at Adam, who looked at Hoss, who looked back at his father. Finally Ben, spoke. “Little Joe?” he said. “Are you all right?”

 

“Yep,” said Joe, continuing to munch on his cookie.

 

“Then how come you didn’t yell or nothing like you always do, when she put them drops in your eyes?” enquired Hoss.

Joe shrugged. “Cause she told me not to,” he said.

 

Adam frowned. “But we told you not to as well when we did it,” he said.

 

Joe shrugged again, but said nothing as he looked around the room at all of them.

 

“Well I’ll be,” said Ben. “It seems as if Shaunessghy has the magic touch with some things.”

 

“I’m bored,” announced Little Joe again as he swallowed the last of his cookie.  “There’s nothing to do in here!

 

“He’s right,” agreed Hoss mournfully. “There ain’t.”

 

“Go upstairs and get one of your story books,” suggested Ben to Joe. “I’ll read it to you. And you, young man,” he said, pointing to Hoss. “I told you before that it wouldn’t hurt you to read something as well.” Hoss wrinkled up his nose and swung around to face the fireplace, obviously not about to take his father up on the suggestion.

 

“Here we are,” said Shaunessghy, bustling once more into the room and holding something rolled up in a towel. “I’ve warmed up a brick for you to put against your back.” She looked down at Adam. “Pull up your shirt and I’ll put it right against your skin.”

 

Adam did as he was told, knowing that it was useless to protest. Shaunessghy frowned. “Take off that shirt,” she said. Adam undid the buttons and slowly took his arms out of the shirt, wincing as a shot of pain overcame him for a moment. “Now lean forward,” the woman instructed. “Slowly.” She bent over Adam and began to arrange the pillows behind him. “Well this won’t do,” she said, standing up again. “That undershirt is in the way.” She looked at him critically. “It’s not enough to just take your arms out if it. It’s all bunched up at the back. Take the whole thing off.”

 

Adam gave her an appalled look. “But it’s attached to my …. um … long-johns,” he said.

 

“So?” she said, putting towel-wrapped brick down on the coffee table and bending down to take off one of his boots. “What’s that got to do with it? Put your foot up here and I’ll take that other boot off for you.”

 

Adam went slightly red. “But ….” he said.

 

Shaunessghy patted him on the thigh. “Now don’t you worry,” she said. “I’ve seen it all before. Now let’s get these trousers off so that you can slip them down. You’ll feel the effects of that hot brick much more against your bare skin.” She reached over to undo Adam’s belt, but the embarrassed young man pushed her hands away instantly.

 

“I can manage,” he said, going a deeper shade of red and giving her an embarrassed look.

 

“Well!” she said in a huffy tone. “I’m only trying to help!”

 

“And we’re all very grateful to you,” said Ben quickly, giving Adam a meaningful look. “Only Adam might feel more comfortable getting himself … organised … that’s all, Shaunessghy.”

 

Shaunessghy snorted softly. “Well!” she said, placing her head on one side and giving Adam a penetrating look. “If you insist. I’ll wait in the kitchen until you’re ready.” She gave them both a last offended look before turning and walking away.

 

Hoss giggled. “She was gonna look at your butt,” he said.

 

“It wasn’t only my butt I was worried about,” said Adam grimly as he tried to slide his trousers down. “Come and help me, will you Hoss?”

 

Ben watched as Hoss tried with one arm to help his brother get his trousers and then his long-johns off.

 

“Hey!” shouted Little Joe as he appeared at the top of the stairs and noticed what was going on. “How come Adam’s got his trousers down in the middle of the living room?” He stared at his eldest brother as he bounced down the stairs, with a large book under his arm. “Is he gonna get a tanning Pa?”

 

“Do you all have to look at me while I do it?” asked Adam crossly as he pulled his trousers back up again. He did up the buttons at the front and gave them all an offended look. “Haven’t you ever seen someone’s backside before?”

 

“Not in the living room,” said Hoss.

 

Joe stood and stared at his eldest brother intently with his head on one side, causing Adam to go red again. “What?” he said, crossly.

 

“Joe, bring your book over here,” said Ben quickly, before Joe could reply. Joe settled onto the chair next to his father, still staring at Adam all the while.

 

“Hoss, ask Mrs. Shaunessghy to come back in now please,” said Ben, when Adam had slipped his trousers back on again.

 

Hoss did as he was bid and in another moment Mrs. Shaunessghy was back in the room organising the hot brick behind Adam’s back. “There,” she said. “Now doesn’t that feel good?”

 

“Yes,” acknowledged Adam reluctantly. “Actually it does.”

 

There was a sudden burst of strong wind, which rattled the windows, and Joe leaned in towards his father. “I don’t like that wind,” he said and put his hands up to rub his eyes.

 

“Don’t you dare rub those eyes after I’ve just put the drops into them,” said Shaunessghy sternly and Joe instantly dropped his hands and swallowed as he stared at the woman. “Right!” she continued, satisfied that he wasn’t going to touch them. She turned to Hoss. “Now if you’re so bored, I’ve got a cure for that,” she said. “You can come with me and help me clean out that kitchen.”

 

Hoss looked disgruntled. “But I only got one good arm,” he protested.

 

“So, I’ll give you a one-armed job,” Shaunessghy said in a determined voice. “Come on, march out to the kitchen and we’ll get started.”

 

Hoss gave his father a pleading look, but Ben simply shrugged at him, so with a loud sigh the boy stood up and walked after Shaunesseghy to the kitchen.

 

“Boy am I glad that I can’t move off this sofa,” said Adam, trying to stretch his legs. “Poor Hoss.”

 

“Read the book Pa,” said Joe, leaning towards his father as another gust of wind shook the windows yet again.

 

Ben sighed.

 

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

 

“That really was a nice supper,” said Ben, sitting back in his chair and sighing. “Thank you.”

 

Shaunessghy sniffed as she took the tray from his lap. “Much better than that Chinese slop that you usually get I suppose,” she said haughtily.

 

“Hop Sing don’t cook Chinese slop,” protested Hoss, from the table. “He cooks all sorts of things and they’re real tasty too.”

 

Shaunessghy gave the boy a look as if she didn’t appreciate his remark. “All the same,” she sniffed as she picked up Adam’s cup. “I don’t know how he cooks anything at all, given the state of that kitchen.”

 

“There’s nothing wrong with the way Hop Sing organises that kitchen,” said Adam, bristling at the slight to their beloved cook. “He manages things around here just fine.”

 

“If you say so,” said Shaunessghy with another sniff. “Still, I’m sure he’ll appreciate me cleaning it out for him while I’m here.” She turned towards the kitchen again with the cups in her hands. “I’m nearly done with it,” she added to Ben over her shoulder. “Tomorrow I’ll be able to give those rooms upstairs a good spring clean.”

 

“Please don’t exert yourself,” said Ben quickly. “You don’t need to bother.”

 

“Oh indeed I do,” the woman declared firmly before disappearing into the kitchen. “Besides, I may as well keep busy while I’m here.”

 

“Hop Sing ain’t gonna like her messing with everything around here,” observed Hoss.

 

Ben raised his eyebrows and said nothing.

 

“He sure isn’t,” said Adam. “Why can’t she just leave everything alone? Why does she have to mess with the house?”

 

“It’s cause she’s bossy,” said Little Joe. “What?” he added as everyone looked at him. “She is so bossy!”

 

“You ain’t sposed to say it,” said Hoss. “Is he Pa?”

 

“No,” agreed Ben. “Mrs. Shaunessghy has been good enough to come and look after us, so the least we can do is let her do what she wants around the house.”

 

“Well that’s one way of looking at it,” observed Adam dryly. “Anyway, I have the feeling that she’d do exactly what she wanted whether you told her not to or not Pa.”

 

Ben raised an eyebrow again and said nothing.

 

“Well, she ain’t the boss of me,” said Hoss grumpily.

 

Adam snorted. “I have the feeling that she’s the boss of all of us for the time being,” he said. “After all, we’re not exactly equipped to stand up to her … even if she’d take notice of us anyway.”

 

“Pa? Does she have to sleep upstairs with me and Joe tonight?” asked Hoss.

 

“Yes,” said Adam. “And while we’re talking about that, do I have to sleep on the sofa?”

 

“I’m afraid so boys,” said Ben wearily. “It would be for the best if we just …. Shaunessghy,” he said, quickly changing the subject as she entered the room again. “That truly was wonderful coffee.”

 

Shaunessghy tilted her head in recognition of his remark and a broad smile spread across her face. “So you said before. Well it’s nice to have a family to cook for,” she said, then clapped her hands. “Now, I think it’s time for you two to get ready for bed. Come along Hoss.” She swooped down on Joe and took him up into her arms before the boy knew what was happening to him. “I’ll get this one ready for bed,” she said to Ben.

 

“Put me down!” said Joe indignantly as he squirmed. “I can get ready for bed myself!”

 

Shaunessghy simply stared at him for a moment and the youngster stopped struggling in her arms. “That’s better,” she said. “Now upstairs Hoss. I’ll re-bandage your arm after I put some more of those eye-drops in Joseph’s eyes.”

 

“Yes ma’am,” said Hoss, before giving his father a mournful look and following the woman up the stairs. Joe merely looked at his father and brother over Shaunessghy’s shoulder as she carried him on her hip.

 

Adam gave a short chuckle as they all disappeared around the top of the staircase. “Well, she certainly has those two under control,” he observed. “I’ve never seen either of them go to bed so quietly before.”

 

“Mmm,” said Ben. “I hope they’ll be all right tonight without either of us up there.”

 

“I’m sure they will be,” replied Adam. “It’s not as if we’re not going to be in the house at all … and she’s tough, but she’s not unkind with them. Did she ever have any children of her own Pa?”

 

“A son who died many years ago,” said Ben. “And two daughters, but they both moved back East. I think she’s a very lonely woman in many ways.”

 

“Well then, why doesn’t he move back East to be closer to them?” asked Adam. “Surely that would make sense.”

 

Ben shrugged. “I’m not sure,” he said. “It’s not our business Adam.”

 

Adam raised an eyebrow at his father’s remark. “I’ll keep my nose out of her business if she keeps her nose out of ours,” he remarked. “You know what she’s like Pa, always wanting to know about everything.”

 

“Shh!” said Ben as she appeared at the top of the stairs again. Both of them smiled at her as she came downstairs again, rubbing her hands together.

 

“Well, both of them are in bed,” she announced. “Joseph’s eye-drops are in and Hoss’ arm has been re-bandaged.”

 

“That was quick, how do you do it?” asked Adam. “Every time I try and get either of them to go to bed I have nothing but arguments.”

 

“They know that I mean what I say,” Shaunessghy said with a sniff. “Children need to know who’s in charge at times like this.”

 

“Oh,” said Adam, slinking back on the sofa as she eyed him off. He had the distinct feeling that she classed him as a child too, and the feeling wasn’t a pleasant one.

 

“Now, I’ll get you two organised,” Shaunessghy said, rubbing her hands together. “Mr. Cartwright? I’ll help you into your room and get you settled into bed and then I’ll be back to get you organised,” she said, pointing to Adam, who shrank back even further on the sofa at the thought of what exactly that might mean.

 

“I’ll be fine,” said Ben hastily. “Honestly, I appreciate your help Shaunessghy, but I can ….”

 

“Nonsense!” she interrupted him. “Here, lean on me and I’ll walk you to your room.”

 

Ben stood up gingerly, finding that he no choice but to comply with her instructions as she grabbed him around the waist and literally pulled him towards the guestroom.

 

 

Adam tried not to laugh at the sight of his father being man-handled in such a way, however his amusement was tempered by the thought that he would be next in her sights.

 

“Adam!”

 

Adam looked up and saw Hoss’ face peeking out warily from the top of the staircase. “What are you doing up?” he said. “I hope Joe’s not there with you.”

 

Hoss shook his head. “No,” he whispered. “She done tucked him into bed so tight that he can’t get out from under the covers.” He looked around the room. “Where is she?”

 

“Getting Pa settled in the guest room,” said Adam, and discovered to his surprise that he also was whispering. “Get back to bed before she sees you, or you’ll be sorry!”

 

Hoss nodded. “OK. Night!” His head disappeared just in time as Shaunessghy came out from the guest room.

 

“Now!” she said, rubbing her hands together as she eyed off Adam. “Next!”

 

Adam slunk back on the sofa and swallowed as Shaunessghy approached.

 

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

“These eggs sure are mighty fine ma’am,” said Hoss, licking his lips as he reached for more.

 

“Yeah,” agreed Joe, as he spooned some into his mouth. “They ain’t crunchy or nothin!”

 

“Whoever heard of crunchy scrambled eggs!” Shaunessghy snorted. “I suppose that’s the type of slop you usually get from Hop Sing?”

 

“Nope,” answered Joe. “That’s the type of slop we usually get from Pa.” He winced. “Ow! What did you kick me for Hoss?”

 

“You ain’t sposed to say that Pa cooks slop,” Hoss said. “It ain’t polite Joe.”

 

“It’s all right Hoss,” replied their father from his position in front of the fireplace. “I know that my cooking isn’t the best.” He smiled at Shaunessghy. “Which is why we appreciate your cooking even more,” he added.

 

Shaunessghy snorted, but Ben noticed that she puffed out her chest a little at the compliment. He also noticed that Joe was sitting quietly, eating his breakfast and not constantly rubbing his eyes. “Joseph?” he said. “Are you all right son?”

 

“Sure,” said Joe, continuing to spoon eggs into his mouth as he watched Shaunessghy out of the corner of his eye. “I’m just eating up all my breakfast Pa,” he added.

 

Ben nodded. “So I noticed,” he said, thinking how unusual that was for a start. He looked at his son closely. “There’s something different about you,” he said.

 

“He ain’t rubbing his eyes,” volunteered Hoss.

 

“Nope, I ain’t,” said Joe quickly, glancing at Shaunessghy again, who nodded her approval. “I don’t rub my eyes no more ever,” he added, for her benefit.

 

Ben nodded. “Yes,” he said. “But … there’s something else.” He studied the child again and then clicked his fingers. “I know!” he said. “Your hair …. It looks … different somehow.”

 

“Shaunessghy brushed it,” replied Little Joe.

 

“I certainly did,” the woman said. “And I’ve never seen the like of it before. Those curls badly needed attending to.”

 

Ben smiled at her weakly. “We’ve always sort of liked his curls,” he said, observing his youngest son’s slicked down hair with the meticulous part down the middle of it.

“Curls are for girls,” Shaunessghy sniffed. “A boy shouldn’t be fussed with anything like that.” She patted Joe on the head as she stood up and began to clear the breakfast dishes. “And you’ve had enough to eat,” she said to Hoss, taking his half-full plate out from under him. “If you continue to eat like that you’ll end up as big as a house.”

 

Hoss scowled at her as she walked away. “I don’t eat too much,” he declared to his father and brothers. “I’m just a growing boy, that’s what you always say … ain’t it Pa?”

 

“And I ain’t a girl!” declared Joe. “Am I Pa?”

 

“No son,” Ben chuckled. “You’re certainly not a girl and Hoss …. you’re certainly growing. Did you both sleep well last night boys?”

 

Hoss nodded. “Yeah,” he said. “Only that wind was real bad and kept me awake at first. She did too,” he added, pointing to the kitchen. “She kept coming in and shining a lamp in my face to see if I was asleep.”

 

“Me too,” chimed in Joe. “And I couldn’t turn over to get away from it cause she tucked me in too tight. I was stuck.” He rubbed the back of his head ruefully. “I got a sore head cause I had ta lie on my back all night.”

 

“You’ll live,” said Adam. “At least neither of you had to sleep on this hard sofa all night,” he said. “I’d do anything to get off this thing.” He looked down at the sofa grumpily. “I always thought it was too hard to sit on, but now I hate it.”

 

“That was Marie’s favourite piece of furniture,” said Ben, his eyes misting over slightly at the thought of his dead wife. “She ordered that fabric from San Francisco and had it made up especially.”

 

Adam sighed, recognising that the expression on his father’s face meant that he was likely to suddenly become depressed about the loss of his wife. “How come you’re not rubbing your eyes anymore Joe?” he asked, quickly trying to change the subject.

 

“Cause she told me not to,” said Joe, as if that explained everything.

 

“I certainly did,” said Shaunessghy, coming back into the room. She held a couple of brooms, several cloths and a bucket in her hands. “Now come along you two,” she said, motioning to Hoss and Joe. “You’re going to be very busy this morning.”

 

“Doing what?” asked Hoss tentatively.

 

“Cleaning out your rooms,” replied Shaunessghy. “I noticed last night what a disgrace they were.”

 

“But I’ve only got one good arm!” protested Hoss.

 

“One arm is enough,” she said firmly. “It’s amazing how much cleaning can be done with one arm. Come along.”

 

“But I’m blinded,” protested Little Joe, half-closing his eyes for effect.

 

“You’ll be able to see just enough to clean up,” she said, pulling him off his chair. “I have no sympathy for a boy with a messy room. Now come along.”

 

Both boys gave their father a mournful look, but when he only shrugged in reply they shuffled slowly up the stairs after Shaunessghy.

 

Adam chuckled. “I’m glad that my room is tidy,” he said. “She might have even dragged me up there too … sore back or no sore back. You know Pa? I think that Joe’s a bit scared of her. Did you notice the way he kept looking at her during breakfast.”

 

“I did,” replied Ben. “Still, it won’t hurt him to have a bit of extra discipline. That boy usually wheedles his way out of things far too much for his own good.”

 

“Has she ever been in the army?” chuckled Adam. “She’d make a great sergeant.”

 

Ben laughed in spite of himself. “That she would,” he admitted. “Shh!”

 

They both smiled as Shaunessghy came downstairs again with a large basket in her hand. “Now those two are all organised for the morning,” she said. “That will keep them busy. I told them I’d be up to inspect their rooms later.” She dumped the basket onto Adam’s lap. “I found this upstairs and thought that you may as well keep busy too,” she said.

 

Adam looked into the basket. “Socks?” he said in a puzzled tone.

 

“Yes, socks,” she said firmly. “And all of them needing darning. I’m going to be busy cleaning upstairs this morning, so you can make a start on them.”

 

Adam gave her an appalled look. “But … but … I’ve got no idea how to darn socks!” he declared.

 

“Then it’s time you learnt,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at him. “Every man should be able to look after his own clothing and not be dependent on a woman to do it for him. Isn’t that right Ben?”

 

Much to Adam’s dismay, his father instantly nodded. “Indeed it is,” he said. “I’m a pretty good darner myself.” His eyes took on a far-away look as he added. “I had to do all my own sewing when I was at sea and looking after you boys when you were younger before Hop Sing joined us … well, a man gets quite good at such things when he has to.” He reached out. “Here, give it to me son. I’ll be happy to do it.”

 

Adam thankfully handed the basket to his father and watched in amazement as Ben expertly threaded a needle and began to darn one of Hoss’ holey socks.

 

“See?” said Shaunessghy, giving Ben a broad smile. “You take a lesson from your father young man. He knows about such things.” She patted Ben on the arm. “I’ll go and start on the upstairs,” she said.

 

“This is a side of you I’ve never seen before Pa,” observed Adam as he watched his father continue to darn.

 

“Your father has many talents that you’re not aware of Adam,” said Ben smugly. “This is only one of them.”

 

“So I’m beginning to suspect,” said Adam. “You’d better watch out though Pa. Shaunessghy will have her eye on you if she thinks that you’d make a great husband.”

Ben chuckled. “There’s no danger of that,” he said.

 

Adam looked around. “Oh, I don’t know,” he said. “She might be quite happy here …. Big house and all … and you must admit that she knows how to keep Hoss and Little Joe in line.”

 

Ben raised an eyebrow. “That’s enough of that,” he said gruffly. “Here, take a sock and watch how I do this.”

 

Adam caught the sock that his father threw to him and sat looking at it. “I never thought that I’d be darning socks,” he mused. “I’m glad that none of the fellars can see me doing this.”

 

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

 

 

“Well it’s been a nice quiet morning,” said Ben, stretching as he put down the last of the socks. “Too quiet in fact. I wonder how things are going upstairs?”

 

“I know what you mean,” said Adam, his tongue hanging slightly out of the side of his mouth as he intently concentrated on the last of his socks. “I never thought I’d say this … but those two have been far too quiet today. I’ve missed the noise.” He put down his sock. “There, all done!” He grinned at his father. “You know what Pa? I almost enjoyed that.”

 

Ben raised an eyebrow in reply, but said nothing and they both turned as Hoss and Little Joe clattered down the stairs, followed by Shaunessghy. “All done!” she called out. “You wouldn’t recognise upstairs now.”

 

Ben gave her a small smile. “I really wish you’d take it easy,” he said. “I’m feeling quite guilty sitting here while you clean.”

 

“Think nothing of it,” she said briskly. “I enjoy it. Besides …. That’s what I’m here for.” She looked at both Hoss and Joe. “You two need to wash up for lunch,” she said. “I’ll go and get it ready,” she added and disappeared into the kitchen.

 

Joe leaned on the edge of his father’s chair and looked at the man mournfully. “She’s real bossy Pa,” he informed his father.

 

“Yeah,” agreed Hoss. “I may as well be at school with all the work she gives to do. “When’s she leaving Pa?”

 

“When we’re up and around,” answered his father. “And in the meantime, you two are to do as you’re told. Understand?” They both nodded their heads and sighed. “Things are running smoothly around here and that’s all that matters,” Ben added, trying to convince himself that he was right.

 

“Well I’m telling you one thing,” said Adam. “If she comes at me with a chamber-pot again like she did last night, I’ll …”

 

“She what?” laughed Ben.

 

“Don’t laugh Pa,” said Adam, going a little red. “It was embarrassing!”

 

“I’m sure it was son,” said Ben, trying to control his laughter.

 

“Did you two hear me when I said that you need to wash up?” demanded Shaunessghy, appearing in the dining room with a large wooden spoon in her hand. “I’d hate to use this on anyone’s backside!” she added, waving the spoon around. Hoss and Little Joe immediately scampered off into the kitchen while Shaunessghy walked over to Ben. “I’m making a stew for lunch,” she said. “Is that all right?”

 

“Fine thank you,” said Ben. “I’m sure that it will be delicious.”

 

“Just one thing,” she said, pointing the wooden spoon at him. “That middle boy of yours need to have his eating controlled or he’ll have a weight problem when he’s older. I’m going to curtail his eating while I’m here.”

 

Ben sat up straight in his chair and frowned. “I don’t think ….” he began.

 

She waved the spoon at him. “Don’t thank me,” she interrupted. “Think nothing of it. I’m glad to help.”

 

“But Hoss ….”

 

“Needs good wholesome food. None of those baked goods I found in the kitchen last night,” she interrupted again. “I got rid of them so he won’t be tempted.”

 

“You threw out Hop Sing’s baked goods?” said Adam incredulously.

 

“Of course not!” she snorted. “I wouldn’t waste good food. I merely handed them over to the men in bunk house. Very pleased they were about it too.”

 

“I’m sure they were,” said Adam, thinking sadly of the pies and sweet rolls that Hop Sing had thoughtfully baked for them before he left. “Tell me you didn’t give them all the fruit preserves too?” he asked hopefully.

 

“No,” she said. “Not all of them … just the majority of them. The way they licked their lips when they saw them makes me think that they’d be already gone by now.”

 

“But they were to last the winter,” protested Ben.

 

“Precisely. And you can thank me during the colder months when your boy isn’t tempted with them,” she sniffed. “I believe in good wholesome food, not that sweet rubbish. Now, I’ll go and get the stew started.”

 

“Hop Sing is going to kill her when he gets back,” observed Adam.

 

“Best not think of that now,” said Ben, putting his head on the back of his chair and looking up at the ceiling.

 

“I’m beginning to think that Joe was right about that bad wind blowing us all bad luck,” observed Adam. “It’s an ill wind all right … and its name is Shaunessghy!  She’s blowing through this house like a gale Pa! Can’t we get rid of her?”

 

“In time son,” said Ben wearily. “In time.”

 

 

ÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈÇÈ

 

“Well the time has certainly flown,” Shaunessghy observed as she walked through the front doorway, followed by a limping Ben and his three sons. “Are you sure that you’ll be able to manage on your own now?”

 

“Quite sure,” said Ben quickly. “I can get around now as long as I’m careful and the boys are all doing much better thanks to you.”

 

“Well, all right then,” she said. “But you be sure to call on me if you find that you’re not coping.”

 

“I will,” said Ben, vowing to himself that he would cope no matter what. “I really can’t thank you enough,” he added as he escorted Shaunessghy towards the waiting buggy. “I don’t know what we would have done without your help these past few days.”

 

“Think nothing of it,” the woman replied. “Glad to be of service.”

 

“Well if there’s anything I can ever do for you in return, you only have to ask.”

 

Shaunessghy put a hand on Ben’s arm and looked deep into his eyes. “You don’t need to repay the favour,” she said. “Consider us even after all you did for me when my Albert died.” Her eyes misted over and she looked off into the distance. “Besides,” she added. “It’s been lovely to have been part of a family again. It gets lonely living by yourself.”

 

Ben cleared his throat, suddenly feeling very guilty about wishing her gone from their lives. “Quite,” he said.

 

“You and your boys needing me has given me more joy than I can tell you,” she went on. “Everybody needs to be needed, Ben.”

 

Ben nodded and patted her shoulder. “I know,” he said, feeling even more guilty as he wished that she would just leave and be done with it. “Are you sure that I can’t get one of the hands to take you home?” he asked.

 

“Very sure,” she said, swinging herself up into the buggy before Ben could help her. “I’m quite used to looking after myself. Goodbye boys, look after yourselves! You take it easy with that back Adam, Hoss …. Remember what I said about eating too much, and Joseph …. Keep that hair slicked down and tidy.”

 

“Yes ma’am,” they all chorused.

 

Adam waved and then nudged Hoss until he did the same. “Thanks for everything,” he called after her.

 

“Thanks for going,” muttered Hoss under his breath as the woman disappeared around the side of the barn.

 

“What was that young man?” asked Ben, leaning against the hitching rail to support his bandaged foot as he looked at Hoss.

 

“Nuthin Pa,” muttered Hoss, looking down at his boot as he dug it into the dirt. “I’m just glad that she’d gone is all.”

 

“Me too,” declared Little Joe as he began to swing around on the rail happily. “She was real bossy!”

 

Ben raised an eyebrow and said nothing, not feeling inclined to dispute the remark. “Well, at least we can get around now and look after ourselves,” he said. “My ankle is just about better.”

 

“And my arm is just fine,” said Hoss, swinging it around happily. “And Joe ain’t bumping into things no more neither.”

 

Ben ruffled his son’s fair hair. “True,” he said. “His eyes are just about right.”

 

“And I’ll be sitting back on one of those broncs within a couple of days,” added Adam, stretching to show that his side felt a lot better. “It sure feels good to get outside again.” He sniffed the air. “Smells like rain might be on the way,” he said.

 

“I’ll take rain or snow or anything that comes,” said Ben. “Anything would be better than that terrible wind we’ve had these past few days. At least that’s died down now.”

 

“And things will get better,” said Joe as he continued to swing, his hair becoming more messed up with every turn. “The bad wind’s gone away now.”

 

“Yes,” said his father with a chuckle. “I think …”

 

But they never did find out what their father thought, for at that moment their ears were assaulted with a shrill shriek from Little Joe.

 

“Joseph!” said Ben sternly. “Is it necessary to shout like that in all our …”

 

“But Pa!” shouted Joe again as he pointed to the barn. “Hop Sing! Hop Sing’s come home!”

 

Ben turned to see Hop Sing riding slowly into the front yard on a mule. “So I see,” he said, giving the man a broad grin and waving to him.

 

“Hop Sing!” shouted Joe again as he tumbled off the hitching rail and ran towards the man. He hugged him tightly around the legs as Hop Sing slid off the mule onto the ground, and grinning up at him. “You came home Hop Sing!”

 

“Don’t I always?” said the man gruffly, although Ben noticed a fond look in his eyes as he gazed down at the youngest Cartwright. “Where else I go?” he added.

 

Joe continued to gaze up at the man adoringly as Ben, Adam and Hoss all gathered around. “Good to see you Hop Sing,” said Adam.

 

“Yeah,” agreed Hoss. “We’re right glad you’re home Hop Sing.”

 

“Hoss got a burnt arm and Adam fell off a horse,” Joe informed the man. “Pa got a sore leg and I been blinded too!”

 

Hop Sing gave the boy a curious look and then glanced around at them all. “So Doctor Martin tell Hop Sing when arrive in town,” he said. “Is why I get mule to hurry home and fix things.”

 

Ben shook his head. “Well this time you’re a bit late,” he said. “We’re all on the mend now.”

 

“We had that bossy Shaunessghy lady telling us what to do all the time,” said Hoss. “She cooked for us too … but she weren’t as good a cook as you Hop Sing,” he added hastily, knowing that was what he would be expected to say.

 

Hop Sing sniffed. “Well, Hop Sing home now and feed family better,” he said. “All be fixed now.” He tried to walk towards the house, but with Joe still clinging around his legs it was impossible for him to move.

 

Ben drew Joe away from the man and smiled at Hop Sing. “It’s been a bad few days,” he admitted to the cook. “We’re all glad that you’re home again Hop Sing.”

 

Hop Sing nodded. “Will get lunch prepared,” he said, turning towards the house.

 

Ben blinked a couple of times. “Um … actually there’s a couple of things we need to talk about first,” he said. He put his arm around Hop Sing’s shoulder and steered him gently towards the house as he continued to talk to him.

 

“You reckon he’s gonna tell Hop Sing about what she done to the kitchen?” asked Hoss as the three Cartwright boys watched them disappear into the house.

 

“Yep,” said Adam. “And I’m not going in there for quite a while until he calms down either.” He winced as they all heard a loud yell come from the direction of the kitchen. “I think I’ll check on my horse,” he said and turned to disappear into the barn.

 

“Me too,” said Hoss quickly and followed his brother.

 

Joe stood looking at the house for a moment, shrugged and then scampered into the barn after his two brothers. Behind him, the air was still …. without a breath of wind to be felt.

 

 

The End