Summary:  Joe attends his first business conference as a representative of The Ponderosa

Rated: K (8,065 words)

Timber Conference

“Pa are you sure?” asked Adam with a worried look at his father. “I mean … he hasn’t ever had that much responsibility … not by himself.”

 

 

 

“Yes I’m sure,” said Ben, leaning back in his chair and resting his chin on his hands thoughtfully. “I think that Joseph is quite capable of doing all that needs to be done in San Francisco and I think it’s time I gave him more responsibility with our business dealings. This negotiating will be good for him.”

 

 

 

“Well yes … I agree with that,” said Adam. “Only can’t you think of a way to give him more responsibility with something that isn’t so important?”  He sat down on the edge of his father’s desk and looked at the man intently. “There’s an awful lot at stake with this conference Pa.”

 

 

 

Ben leant forward. “That’s the whole point Adam. Joseph is looking for approval from us.  He’s been trying so hard to prove that he’s capable and I have to allow him the chance to do that.  If I choose something that isn’t very important, then I’m not really showing my faith in him am I?”

 

 

 

“I suppose not,” replied Adam slowly. “It’s not that I don’t trust him … the kid’s got a good head on his shoulders … but it’s just that he hasn’t had any real experience with this sort of thing.”

 

 

 

“Neither had you when I first allowed you to represent me in business dealings,” said his father dryly.

 

 

 

Adam gave a short laugh and put up his hands in a mock gesture of defeat. “Point taken,” he said. He turned as the front door opened and Joe walked in.

 

 

 

“Hi,” said his younger brother as he threw his hat on his father’s desk and wiped his sweaty face with his bandanna. “Hoss said you wanted to see me Pa.”

 

 

 

“Yes I do,” said Ben, sitting back in his chair again. “Adam and I have been discussing the timber conference that is going to take place in San Francisco next week. We’d like to put in a bid for the Anderson contract.”

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. “That sounds like a good idea,” he said.

 

 

 

“There will be quite a number of contractors there and it will be a good chance to become updated on what’s happening with prices and a few other things,” continued his father.

 

 

 

“Yeah,” said Joe, wondering why he was telling him all of this.

 

 

 

“So we were discussing the possibility of you going along to it,” said Ben, watching his youngest son’s face carefully.

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes widened and he grinned. “That’d be great to get a trip to San Francisco,” he said happily. “Am I going with you or Adam?”

 

 

 

“Neither,” said his father, winking at Adam. “I thought that you could handle this by yourself.”

 

 

 

Joe stared at his father for a moment and then swallowed before replying. “Just me?” he said finally.

 

 

 

“Just you,” said Ben with a smile. “Unless you don’t think that you can handle it.”

 

 

 

Joe stepped forward eagerly. “I can handle it,” he said quickly. “I’m just surprised that you want me to do it by myself.”

 

 

 

“I think you’re capable of handling any negotiations that may be needed,” said his father, grinning at him. “It will be good experience for you.”

 

 

 

Joe flashed Adam a smile and squared his shoulders, standing up to his full height. “That’d be great Pa. I’ll do my best for sure.”

 

 

 

“Well that’s all I ask son,” said his father, standing up and putting his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “Now why don’t you go into town and get a ticket booked for Thursday’s stage and the boat from Sacramento? You’ll need to book yourself a room in the conference hotel in San Francisco as well. You can send off a wire to organise it.”

 

 

 

Joe swallowed again. “You want me to do all that?” he asked.

 

 

 

“Yes,” said Ben, trying to hide his amusement at his son’s obvious pleasure. “This trip is your responsibility Joe. I’m sure you can handle all the details.” Joe nodded at his father and grinned at him before turning away. “Oh and Joe? We’ll need to spend some time in the next two days discussing the details of the negotiations,” added his father. “There will quite a few things I’ll need to fill you in on if you’re going to be representing The Ponderosa.”

 

 

 

Joe swaggered a little and shot Adam another glance. “Fine Pa,” he said. “I’ll make myself available.”  He practically skipped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

 

 

 

Adam snorted. “He’ll make himself available!” he said with glee and then laughed.

 

 

 

“Adam don’t kid him about this,” said his father. “He needs to think that we all have faith in him.”

 

 

 

“I do,” replied Adam. “Only I hope he comes through for us Pa. This conference is mighty important.”

 

 

 

“So you’ve said,” replied Ben as he sat down at his desk again. “Just give your brother a chance Adam.  I’m sure he’ll do well.”

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++

 

Hoss nudged Adam, winking at him as he gestured over to where their father and Joe were seated in the study. Adam grinned and shook his head silently at the sight of their younger brother sitting up straight with such an important look on his face as he listened to their father speak. He made a face at Hoss and then looked back down at the chessboard in between them.

 

 

 

“Younger brother sure is taking this serious ain’t he?” whispered Hoss.

 

 

 

“Well he should,” said Adam softly. “It’s an important undertaking.”

 

 

 

“Yeah. Well better him than me,” said Hoss. He nudged Adam again. “Look at him Adam … ain’t he cute?”

 

 

 

Adam looked and stifled a chuckle at the very serious expression on his youngest brother’s face. It was very rare that Joe looked like that and the sight of it was highly amusing to both of them.

 

 

 

“Now you can go as high as you feel is necessary,” said Ben. “Only of course we’d benefit from keeping the figures below the ones I’ve outlines here.” He gestured to the paper in front of him. “I’ll leave it to your discretion Joe.”

 

 

 

Joe puffed up. “OK Pa,” he said. “I’ll do my best with it.”

 

 

 

“I’m sure you will son,” replied Ben. “Now you do realise that there’s more than the Anderson contract at stake here. It’s a good opportunity to meet some of my business acquaintances and find out where the timber market is at. Just make sure that you speak to a lot of people and try to find out whatever information you can about things.”

 

 

 

Joe nodded importantly. “Leave it to me Pa,” he said. “I’m good at talking.”

 

 

 

“It’s not so much the talking that’s important,” said his father. “You need to listen a lot and discern whatever information you can. There’s always something to be learned form this sort of gathering. You’ll have three days to make the most of it.”

 

 

 

“You can count on me Pa,” said Joe.

 

 

 

“I hope so Joseph,” said his father. “I’m putting a lot of faith in you son.”

 

 

 

“I’ll make you proud Pa,” Joe assured his father. “You’ll see.”

 

 

 

“I’m sure you will Joe,” said Ben, patting him on the shoulder. “Just make sure that you conduct yourself well and give people confidence in your ability. The good name of The Ponderosa rests with each one of us in these situations and I expect that you’ll uphold it well.”

 

 

 

“I will Pa,” said Joe earnestly.

 

 

 

“Now you’d better go and pack,” said Ben, gathering the papers together. “You’ve got an early start in the morning.”

 

 

 

“OK. Night Pa. Night brothers.”  Joe walked happily up the stairs, whistling to himself.

 

 

 

“He’s sure pleased with himself ain’t he?’ observed Hoss when he’d gone. “Real cocky about going to this conference.”

 

 

 

“He’s feeling pleased that he’s been given the responsibility,” replied his father, coming over to sit next to his two sons near the fireplace. “He’s grown up now and we need to treat him as such.”

 

 

 

“Yeah,” said Hoss. “But he’s still cute when he’s trying ta prove he’s a man, ain’t he?”

 

 

 

“Don’t let Joe hear you call him cute,” said Adam. “Checkmate.”

 

 

 

“Huh?” Hoss looked at the board in wonderment. “How’d you’ do that?”

 

 

 

Adam grinned at him and shook his head. “I’ll think I’ll have an early night,” he said. “Maybe Pa will give you a game and be easier on you.” Hoss gave his brother a dark look as Adam got up. “I might just check that Joe knows what to take with him,” mused Adam. “He might need a bit of guidance with what he’ll need.”  He grinned at Hoss who was still staring at the chessboard and scratching his head. “Goodnight all.”

 

 

 

He walked upstairs chuckling to himself at the look on Hoss’ face and stopped outside Joe’s bedroom door. “All organised?” he asked as he walked into the room.

 

 

 

“Yeah,” said Joe, closing his bag and clipping it down. “I’ve got everything I’ll need.”

 

 

 

“You know that there’ll be more than just the meetings during the day,” said Adam. “There’ll be the social dinners at night too. Make sure that you’ve got …”

 

 

 

“I know what to take,” said Joe testily. I’m not stupid you know.”

 

 

 

“I didn’t say that you were,” said Adam.

 

 

 

“But you think it,” replied Joe huffily.

 

 

 

“I don’t think you’re stupid Joe,” said Adam. “Only you haven’t done this before and I just thought that you could use a bit of advice about what to take.”

 

 

 

“I know what to take,” repeated Joe. “I’ve been to these things with Pa and you before, remember?”

 

 

 

“Yes,” replied Adam patiently. “But that was a while ago. It’s a bit different when you’re by yourself and …”

 

 

 

“Stop treating me like a kid,” interrupted Joe impatiently.

 

 

 

Adam sighed. “Why are you being so testy about this?” he asked. “I’m only making sure that you know …”

 

 

 

“I know what to do and what to take,” interrupted Joe. “Pa has faith in me to be responsible … why can’t you? You always have to go around checking on me!”

 

 

 

“Alright,” said Adam, walking towards the door again. “If you’ve got everything in control that’s fine. Good luck little brother. Goodnight.”

 

 

 

“Goodnight,” said Joe sulkily, smarting over the little brother tag that his brother used so frequently. “I’ll show him,” he muttered under his breath as he took his bag off his bed and placed it on the floor. “I’ll do so well at this conference that he’ll be jealous of my negotiating skills.”

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++

 

 

 

 

 

Joe got out of the carriage that had brought him to the hotel and looked around at all the passing traffic. He always enjoyed the bustle of the city and felt quite excited by the fact that he had the opportunity to experience once again. His enjoyment was only heightened because he was for the first time doing this independently and he vowed once again to himself that he would make it a successful trip not only to prove to his father and brothers that he was capable of it, but also to prove it to himself.

 

 

 

Joe had always felt very much the younger brother and this was his opportunity to be Joe Cartwright … not just Ben Cartwright’s son or Hoss and Adam Cartwright’s younger brother. He straightened his shoulders and picked up his bag, taking a deep breath as he moved forward to the hotel and his opportunity to be the man that he knew he could be.

 

 

 

As Joe walked into the foyer, he was very glad that he’d taken the opportunity on the boat to change from his comfortable clothes into his travelling suit, for everyone around him seemed to be very well-dressed. Always one to be acutely aware of others, he sized up the elegant women and men around him eagerly, trying not to appear too obvious while he was doing it. He had stayed here before with his father and brothers, but he had never seen it so crowded. Probably due to the convention, he decided.

 

 

 

“Good afternoon sir,” said the desk clerk as Joe put his bag down at the counter. “Do you have a reservation?”

 

 

 

“Yes,” said Joe, smiling at the fact that he’d just been called sir. “Cartwright …. Joe Cartwright.”

 

 

 

“Of course sir,” said the clerk, turning the large book on the counter around to face Joe. “Please sign here. Are you here for the Convention sir?” he asked as Joe bent down to sign.

 

 

 

“Yes,” said Joe.

 

 

 

“Well there are drinks available before dinner in the conference room as soon as you are settled in,” the clerk replied, indicating a room off the foyer. He clicked his fingers and a boy in a uniform appeared. “Please see Mr Cartwright to his room,” the desk clerk said.

 

 

 

Joe bent down to pick up his bag. “I’ll take that for you sir,” said the boy.

 

 

 

“That’s OK,” said Joe. “I’ve got it.”

 

 

 

The boy hesitated. “It’s … it’s my job sir,” he said.

 

 

 

Joe flushed slightly. “Oh … yeah of course,” he said and gave the boy his bag. He berated himself as he followed him up the stairs for not remembering that no one carried their own bags in a fancy place like this, but then he’d never really taken a lot of notice before …. Tending to leave those sorts of details to his father or brothers when he’d been with them. He’d always just done as they’d done and as they told had him too. He made a mental note to be more aware of things this time.

 

 

 

He was very satisfied with his room and after taking a bath in the bathroom down the hallway, felt much better. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and smiled. “Looking good Cartwright,” he said happily. “You’re a sight to behold.”  He flicked an imaginary fleck off the sleeve of his blue suit and straightened his shoulders, feeling very confident about the conference dinner as he left his room. As he walked downstairs to the conference room he thought about his father’s instructions and how he was depending on him to make the best deal that he could.

 

 

 

As he entered the conference room, he was pleased to see that he seemed to be dressed correctly.  All the men were dressed in suits and the few women who were present were in elegant dresses. As he stopped to pick up a nametag and pin it on, he was startled to hear his own name. “Cartwright?” said an older man standing beside him. “Would you be related to Ben Cartwright young man?”

 

 

 

Joe turned to face him. “He’s my father,” he said. “He didn’t come to the conference though.”

 

 

 

“I see,” said the man, looking him up and down appraisingly. He held out his hand. “John Anderson is the name … and you would be?”

 

 

 

“Joseph …” said Joe as he shook the man’s hand. “Joe, sir.”

 

 

 

“Well Joe,” said Mr Anderson. “Is your brother Adam representing your father?” He looked around. “Where is he?  I have some business I’d like to discuss with him.”

 

 

 

Joe tried not to show his frustration with the man. “Actually sir, I’m representing my father this time,” he said.

 

 

 

Mr Anderson’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh,” he said. “I see. Well in that case young man, I suppose you and I had best get better acquainted. Come with me and I’ll introduce you to some of the other timber men.”

 

 

 

Joe spent the next half hour speaking to most of the men in the room about the timber industry. He concentrated on remembering everyone’s names and tried to listen as much as possible in order to absorb what was happening with their businesses, and the effort of doing so made him long for a beer instead of the small glass of champagne that he’d been offered. He supposed that beer wouldn’t have been the popular choice amongst these society people, but he couldn’t help longing that he was in the Silver Dollar saloon right at this moment instead of here in this stuffy room wearing this string tie that was sitting so tight against his collar.

 

 

 

He wondered why no one else was eating many of the small delicacies that the waiters kept bringing around on trays and figured that maybe everyone had eaten before they’d got here.  He wished he’d thought of it, as he was quite hungry and had thought that they’d be getting more for dinner than these small pieces of food. He made sure that he ate quite a few while he had the chance and was surprised when he saw that a few of the men didn’t eat anything at all and were looking at him strangely each time he took one. Maybe city folk just didn’t have big appetites?

 

 

 

“Nice to see a young man with a healthy appetite,” said Mr Anderson, patting him on the back. “Would you like to join myself and my family at our table for dinner Joe?”

 

 

 

Joe looked across the room to where some waiters were opening a pair of double doors and realised with a start that in the next room there were several tables set for dinner. He swallowed the food in his mouth before replying. “Um … yes … thank you sir.”  No wonder no one else had been eating very much, he thought as he followed him to one of the tables. The food had only been appetisers!  He felt rather foolish as he slid into his seat and then even more so as he realised that everyone else was still standing as if waiting for something. Quickly he stood up again as a couple of women came and were seated at the table.

 

 

 

“This is my wife Martha,” said Mr Anderson. “And my daughter Sarah. Joe … you sit here next to Sarah. I’m sure you young people will have a lot in common.”

 

 

 

“Ma’am,” said Joe, holding her chair out for her and priding himself on his manners. He looked Sarah up and down and thought about how pretty she was, even if she did have rather a sulky look about her. When everyone was seated he noticed the number of knives and forks in front of him and had a sudden anxious moment when he realised that he might not know which ones were needed at which time.  He suddenly remembered Adam telling him that he should just follow everyone else’s lead in situations like this and felt better at once.

 

 

 

“So Mr Cartwright,” said Sarah as the first course was served. “Have you been in San Francisco long?”

 

 

 

“No,” replied Joe. “Just since this afternoon.”

 

 

 

“Are you staying long after the conference?” she enquired.

 

 

 

“No ma’am,” he said. “I’m leaving on Monday.”

 

 

 

“What a shame,” she said with a pretty pout. “I don’t suppose you’ll have the chance to go to the opera then while you’re here?”

 

 

 

Joe nearly choked on his soup. “Opera? Well no,” he said. “I guess I won’t.”

 

 

 

“Who is your favourite composer?” she asked.

 

 

 

“Can’t say as I have one,” he said. “We ain’t too big on opera where I come from.”

 

 

 

“Ain’t?” she said with emphasis on the word. “Oh … you mean that you aren’t too keen on opera?” She gave him a withering look that made Joe blush with embarrassment. “My father said that you’re from Virginia City. I thought that the town boasted quite a large opera house?”

 

 

 

“Well yes it does,” said Joe defensively. “Only I ain’t …. I’m not too keen on it. My brother Adam likes that sort of thing, but then again he’s into Shakespeare and all that stuff too.”

 

 

 

“I see,” she said haughtily. “ And you’re not into all that stuff as you put it, I gather?”

 

 

 

Joe looked at her through narrowed eyes for a moment. “No,” he said shortly. “I’m not.”

 

 

 

“I see.” Sarah said in a condescending tone. She turned to the young man on the other side of her and began to talk to him, ignoring Joe from then on and leaving him feeling a bit out of things. He listened to snippets of the conversations going on around him and realised that he didn’t know much about any of the topics. Suddenly he wished that Adam were there with him. Adam knew so much about the theatre and opera and books and all the things that these people seemed to be interested in, whereas Joe would rather have talked about horses or himself. Somehow he didn’t that either topic would go done well here so he sat and listened to everyone else, taking care to watch carefully which forks and knives to use.

 

 

 

He did quite well, only once using the wrong knife to cut his bread roll with … but quickly covered up his mistake. By the time the ladies had retired to the next room and the waiters were bringing out the cigars and brandy though, he’d had quite enough of the stuffy atmosphere of the company and excused himself to Mr Anderson and the rest of the men at the table.

 

 

 

“I suppose you’re tired after you’re long trip. We’ll see you in the morning then Joe,” said the man pleasantly. “Goodnight.”

 

 

 

“Goodnight,” said Joe, heading up to his room. He didn’t feel at all tired, and what he really felt like doing was going out and seeing a bit of the city … but he couldn’t think of a way to go out the front door without being noticed and run the risk of having someone in the dining room think him rude. So with a sigh, he headed on up the stairs to his room.

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++

 

 

 

 

 

All the next day things were very hectic for Joe as he tried to absorb as much of what was happening at the conference as possible. He had hoped to have some time through the day to go out and see a bit of the city, but even their lunchtime was spent talking business over their meal. He began to appreciate just how much work his father had put into the business side of things with the ranch and to understand with what high regard The Ponderosa and his family were held in. Everyone he talked to seemed to be impressed with the fact that he was a Cartwright and Mr Anderson seemed to accept his suggestions and contract bid favourably.

 

 

 

The only thing was that everyone seemed to be much older than he was and he caught several of the men looking at him occasionally, obviously wondering why someone so young was there.  The looks only made him more determined than ever to prove that he could hold his own in the business talk with them and by the end of the afternoon he felt that he’d been quite successful.

 

 

 

So it was with a cheery outlook that he got ready for the dinner that evening. Now he knew what to expect, he didn’t feel so out of things and the fact that he’d made some acquaintances helped as well. After bathing he dressed in his suit once again and headed downstairs for the usual drinks, wishing that he could take off to another drinking spot out in the town. But his sense of responsibility to do the right thing by his father weighed heavily on him and he forced himself to walk into the room with a smile.

 

 

 

Joe found himself seated at a table with some older men and their wives for dinner and spent his time listening to their stories about their families. He had been brought up to always be polite to his elders, so even though their conversations bored him senseless he prided himself on the fact that none of them would ever had guessed it. He noticed several young ladies seated at the other tables and wished he had placed himself closer to them, but figured that they might be snobs like Sarah had been last night anyway.

 

 

 

After dinner he excused himself to the men’s room for a few moments and then stood watching the crowd of people who had begun to dance from a corner of the room behind a large pot-plant. The music from the small band was lively and he wished that he knew one of the young ladies well enough to ask her to dance. He wasn’t sure if it was the done thing in the city to ask someone to dance if you didn’t know them, but he decided that he’d never find out if he didn’t try. He was just looking around for a suitable partner when he overheard a conversation between two of the older women seated at a table on the other side of the pot plant near him.

 

 

 

“I noticed that you were seated near that handsome young man during dinner,” said one. “He’s Ben Cartwright’s son, I believe?”  Joe pricked up his ears at the mention of his own name and in spite of himself leaned closer to hear the conversation.

 

 

 

“Yes,” said the other woman. “My husband says that the Cartwrights are very well off. Apparently they have huge land holdings in Nevada.”

 

 

 

The other woman sniffed. “Nevada? Well that would explain it then,” she said. “He’s quite a personable young man, but quite the country lad … don’t you think?”

 

 

 

“How so?”

 

 

 

“Well you would think with money like that his father could afford to dress him correctly,” continued the other woman. “Haven’t you noticed how he’s been wearing the same suit both evenings?”

 

 

 

Joe went red as he looked down at his suit. It hadn’t occurred to him until she’d said it, but he supposed that everyone else had dressed differently for both dinners.

 

 

 

“And his boots,” the woman continued in a haughty tone. “Did you ever see the like of them?”  Joe looked down at his boots. Granted they didn’t quite match his suit as they were his travelling boots and really went with his travelling suit, but he hadn’t thought that anyone would really have been looking at his feet. Suddenly he felt very out of place and embarrassed, and all thoughts of dancing left his head. All he wanted to do was creep away quietly where no one could see him.

 

 

 

The first woman laughed. “Oh he’s just a country boy,” she said. “He’s quite a nice young man, although he’s not sophisticated in any way. He probably hasn’t had much experience with the finer things in life, that’s all.”

 

 

 

Joe slunk away from the plant, not wanting to hear any more. His embarrassment was overpowering him and he made his way towards the door of the room, wanting nothing more than to get out of there quickly. As he walked, he looked around him at all the elegantly dressed men and women and wondered how many of them had been laughing at him behind his back all this time.

 

 

 

“Joe!” Reluctantly, he turned to see Mr Anderson beckoning to him and he had no choice but to make his way over to the man and his group of friends. “You’re not going already, are you?” asked the man. “Why you haven’t even had a dance yet. A young man like you must surely want to take a spin on the dance floor with a young lady.”

 

 

 

“No … I’m fine,” mumbled Joe, hoping that his face wasn’t quite as red as it felt. It was a new experience for him to feel this way, for normally he was so confident and at ease in social situations. “I’m off to have an early night,” he added, turning away.

 

 

 

”Nonsense,” said the man, putting his hand on his shoulder. “The night has only just begun.”  He held onto his daughter’s hand and placed it in Joe’s. “Here you go … Sarah would be happy to dance with you, wouldn’t you Sarah?”

 

 

 

Sarah looked anything but happy to dance with him, but neither of them seemed to have a choice and so she graciously nodded her head and allowed Joe to lead her out onto the dance floor. He put his arm around her and they danced stiffly together for a minute or two, neither of them speaking. “I’m sorry about that,” said Joe finally.

 

 

 

“That’s alright,” she said. “I’m happy to help you feel comfortable. It must be hard for you being so far out of your depth at a function like this.”

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes narrowed at what he took to be an insult. “I’m doing fine, thank you,” he said stiffly.

 

 

 

“I must say I’m surprised that you dance so well,” she said.

 

 

 

“We do dance in the country you know,” muttered Joe, trying not to sound indignant.

 

 

 

“Well yes … I’m sure you do,” she said sweetly. “But not this type of dancing surely?”

 

 

 

Joe decided not to pursue the conversation in case he said something that he might regret and as soon as the music finished he walked Sarah back to her father and turned to make a quick getaway. “Just a minute young man,” said Mr Anderson. “I wanted to invite you to my estate tomorrow afternoon. We’re having a get-together for some of the representatives and I’d be most pleased if you would join us.”

 

 

 

“Tomorrow?” said Joe. “Well I’m sorry sir, but the conference …”

 

 

 

“Oh things will wind up here about lunch time so everyone will have the afternoon free,” he said. “We’d love to have you see our estate, wouldn’t we Sarah?”

 

 

 

Sarah turned to face her father. “What? Oh … yes of course,” she said and turned away again to watch the dancing.

 

 

 

“Sarah will have some young friends there,” Mr Anderson continued, smiling at Joe. “We’re going to make a social afternoon of it and it will be a good chance for you to meet some young people instead of all us old men. What do you say, eh?” He put an arm around Joe’s shoulder and smiled at him so kindly that Joe felt he had no option but to accept.

 

 

 

“Thank you,” he said graciously. “I’ll be happy to come.”

 

 

 

Mr Anderson patted him on the back. “Good,” he said. “There’ll be riding as well. Wear some suitable clothes and you can try out some of my stock. I’ve heard from your father that you’re quite an expert rider, so I’ll be interested to get your opinion on some of my mounts. I’ve arranged for some carriages to take my guests from the front door of the hotel straight after lunch, so I’ll see you out there then.”

 

 

 

Joe nodded and walked away from him, his heart sinking. He really didn’t feel at all comfortable with these people and now he had to spend another afternoon in their company when he could have spent a pleasant few hours exploring the city instead. His heart was heavy as he left the room.

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++

 

 

 

 

 

As soon as the conference lunch finished the next day and Joe could excuse himself, he ran quickly upstairs and changed into his normal clothes, feeling much better as soon as he put them on. There was something about his everyday clothes that made him feel more like himself and he started to look forward to trying out those horses that Mr Anderson had spoken of the night before. If there was one thing Joe prided himself on, it was knowing horses and at least this afternoon there would be one thing he’d enjoy.

 

 

 

He felt quite good about the way the conference had ended, with many of the men thanking him for his input and asking him to remember them to his father. He knew that he should have felt good about things, but he still had a knot in his stomach about this afternoon and knew that he would relax more when it was over. There was something about these people that made him uneasy and he suddenly had great admiration for his father and Adam who did this sort of thing all the time.

 

 

 

As soon as he got downstairs, he realised with dismay that he hadn’t understood Mr Anderson’s comment about the riding. Everyone else seemed to be in casual, yet good, clothing and he felt out of place immediately. He was about to turn and disappear upstairs again, when he was hailed by Mr Anderson. “Joe! Good to see you boy.” The man looked him up and down. “I see you’re really ready for that ride.”

 

 

 

Joe blushed. “I think I’d better go back and change,” he said lamely. “I didn’t realise … I mean … when you said riding …” He indicated a few people standing near them who were giving him amused looks. He blushed, knowing that he didn’t have anything really suitable to wear and would have to change into his travelling suit. He silently cursed himself for not being prepared for this sort of thing.

 

 

 

“Now don’t you worry about that,” said Mr Anderson kindly. “There’s no time.  Besides … you can show these people how a real cowboy rides eh? You certainly look the part.”  He put his arm around the young man’s shoulders … sensing his embarrassment …. and smiled at him.

 

 

 

“I think I’d better …” began Joe, but Mr Anderson had already turned away from him and was ushering some of his guests into one of the carriages. Joe bit his lip and got into the second carriage, trying not to look embarrassed as he did so. On the way to the estate he sat quietly, trying not to appear too uncomfortable but wishing that he were anywhere but where he was. If he’d been dressed properly then he wouldn’t have minded so much, but he caught the looks that some of the other guests gave him and he wished that he could just sink through the floor of the carriage in his embarrassment.

 

 

 

The Anderson estate was a very large one and Joe could see as they drove up the front drive that the man obviously had money. There were tables and chairs set out on the grassy area in front of the main house, around which several people … including Sarah … were already seated. As he got down from the carriage, Joe didn’t miss the look of distain that the young woman gave him and heard her say something to the two girls nest to her which made the three of them giggle. With his head held high, he walked over to the refreshments table and pretended to find the food displayed there interesting … anything rather than let everyone know how uncomfortable he felt.

 

 

 

“Well young man,” said Mr Anderson, coming up behind him. “If you don’t mind talking a bit of business I’d like to see you for a moment.”

 

 

 

Joe followed him gratefully across the lawn, happy to have something to do other than stand around and try to look as if he was fitting in. When they had left the others behind, the man turned to him, holding out an envelope. “I’d like you to deliver this to your father please Joe,” he said. “I’ve studied your bid at great length this morning and I’m happy to go with it.”

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes lit up. “Really?” he said happily. “I mean … thank you sir. Pa will be very pleased to hear that.”

 

 

 

“Tell your father I’m looking forward to doing business with him,” said the man. He put his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “You’ve conducted your business here very well young man,” he said. “I think your father would be proud of you.”

 

 

 

Joe smiled at him as he put the envelope into his pocket. “Thanks you sir,” he said.

 

 

 

“Now come over here and Sarah can introduce you to some of these young people.”

 

 

 

Joe’s heart plummeted again as he followed his host towards Sarah and her friends. He didn’t have the heart to tell the man who was being so kind to him that he would not meet them as he didn’t have anything in common with them, so he simply smiled when he was introduced. As Mr Anderson walked away, Sarah looked Joe up and down. “So …” she said. “You’re ready to have a ride are you?” The rest of the group laughed and Joe felt himself blushing again.

 

 

 

“Yeah,” he said simply.

 

 

 

“Is this what a real cowboy looks like then?” asked one of the young men, fingering Joe’s green jacket. “I can’t really see the look catching on here can you?” he asked his friends as he smoothed down his own immaculate colour co-ordinated riding jacket and trousers and they all laughed again.

 

 

 

Joe pulled away from the man’s touch. “Leave the jacket alone,” he said shortly.

 

 

 

“So …. You think you’re a pretty good rider I suppose cowboy?” the man sneered.

 

 

 

“Pretty good,” said Joe angrily. “What’s it to you?”

 

 

 

They all laughed. “Nothing really,” the man said. “Only in a getup like that I suppose you’re trying to create that impression.”  He smoothed down his own jacket again. “Well I’m for a ride. Let’s see just how good you are cowboy shall we?”  He walked over to where one of the horses was tied and Joe glared after him.

 

 

 

“What’s the matter cowboy?” asked one of the other young men. “Scared that we’ll show you up with our expert skills?”

 

 

 

Joe snorted and said nothing, but simply walked over to one of the horses and did the no-feet swing mount on which he prided himself. It was strange how he felt so much better just being in a saddle. He had an ease on a horse that always made him feel confident and just seeing the look on their faces at his mount was enough for him to feel that is embarrassment had been worth it. He gave a mock salute at the small group and turned the horse as he laughed. “Just be careful not to choke on my dust won’t you?” he said cheekily. He laughed as he kicked his horse forward and galloped away.

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++

 

 

 

 

 

Joe leant over the railing of the boat and watched San Francisco gradually disappear into the distance. Even though he loved the city, this time he couldn’t wait to see the back of it and he felt a deep satisfaction that he was on his way home. In spite of his success at the conference he felt an empty feeling in the pit of his stomach that he couldn’t shake and he longed to be home with his family again.

 

 

 

He hadn’t had a chance to see anything in the city at all and he began to appreciate that these business trips that he’d always envied Pa and Adam for taking weren’t quite what he’d thought they were. He wouldn’t be pestering his father to attend many more of them that was for sure! He had enjoyed the actual business side of the conference and he knew that his father would be pleased with the outcome, but still he had wanted more. He desperately wished that he’d felt more at ease in the company, and wondered what he had done that had made those people scornful of him.

 

 

 

His father had always brought him up to be polite to people and to reach out to those in need, so for the life of him he couldn’t understand how others could behave so differently. With a shake of his head he turned from the railing and walked away from the sight of the disappearing city.

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++

 

 

 

 

 

“Well it sounds as if you’ve done very well son,” said Ben, putting his arm around Joe’s shoulder and hugging him. “I’m mighty proud of you Joe.”

 

 

 

“Thanks Pa,” said Joe, trying to smile at his father. Try as he would, he couldn’t help but feel empty about it all. The memory of his embarrassment was still raw and for some reason he didn’t feel like telling his father how he had really felt.

 

 

 

Ben looked at his son for a moment, sensing that something wasn’t quite right. “Is something the matter Joe?” he asked.

 

 

 

“No,” replied Joe with a forced smile. “I’m glad you’re proud of me.”

 

 

 

“Well you’ve certainly proved that you’ve got a good business head on your shoulders,” said his father proudly. “Adam couldn’t have done any better than you did.”

 

 

 

“No I couldn’t,” admitted Adam. “Well done Joe.”

 

 

 

“Thanks,” replied Joe, smiling at his brother. He knew he should have been feeling much more positive about all he’d achieved in San Francisco, but he still help but feel that it was a hollow homecoming in spite of everything that had gone so well.

 

 

 

“According to this letter that Tom Anderson sent me he was mighty impressed with you,” continued Ben. “You certainly made an impression son. You’ve certainly proven that you can represent The Ponderosa now. You can take a turn at other venues from now on.”

 

 

 

Joe smiled, but said nothing and Ben gave him a puzzled look. “Well, I’d better get on up to bed,” Joe said finally. “It’s been a long day and I’m tired. Goodnight everyone.”

 

 

 

“Goodnight son,” said Ben. “And well done.”

 

 

 

“Thanks,” said Joe listlessly and then headed up the stairs towards his room.

 

 

 

“I wonder what was that all about?” asked Adam thoughtfully.

 

 

 

Ben stared at the top of the stairs where Joe had disappeared. “Something isn’t quite right,” he said. “He’s not his usual self.”

 

 

 

“I thought he’d be cocky about doing so well,” said Hoss. “But it’s as if he’s failed or something.”

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. “Maybe he’s just tired,” he said thoughtfully. “That might be all it is.”

 

 

 

“I don’t think so,” said Adam. “Do you think he might open up to me about it if I try and get him to talk about it?”

 

 

 

“You can try,” said his father.

 

 

 

Adam headed up the stairs after his brother and stood in the doorway of Joe’s bedroom, staring at him for a moment. “You OK?” he asked finally.

 

 

 

Joe turned from the window that he’d been staring out of. “I’m fine,” he said shortly.

 

 

 

Adam raised an eyebrow as he walked into the room and sat down on the bed. “You don’t look fine,” he observed. “And you didn’t sound it down there either. Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

 

 

 

Joe sighed and came to sit next to his brother on the bed. “It was San Francisco,” he said finally.

 

 

 

“It sounded like everything went very well,” said Adam. “You achieved everything that Pa hoped you would. Why are you so flat about it all?”

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. “It wasn’t all that,” he said. “I mean …. The business and all …. It was more … well, the people I guess.” Adam waited. “You were right,” said Joe in a low voice. “I should have listened to you.”

 

 

 

“Right about what?”

 

 

 

“The things I needed to take,” said Joe sadly. “I didn’t have the right clothes. At least … not enough of them … and I didn’t know how to act. They had these fancy dinners and I didn’t know which forks and stuff to use … and one time there was this riding afternoon and they were all dressed up real fancy. I felt dumb and I heard some of em say that I was just a cowboy.”  He went red at the memory of the sheer embarrassment of it all.

 

 

 

Adam put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. “I see,” he said. “Why didn’t you tell Pa?”

 

 

 

“I guess I was too embarrassed,” admitted Joe. “Some of them made me feel really stupid and I guess I just felt out of place.”

 

 

 

Adam nodded. “Hmm,” he said. “Well it’s easy to feel like that in strange situations. I have many times.”

 

 

 

“You?” Joe stared at his older brother in amazement. “But you’re so … sophisticated and all. You’d never feel like that!”

 

 

 

Adam snorted. “Don’t you believe it,” he said. “Everyone feels like it at some stage. I remember when I first went to college in Boston and I felt exactly like you’ve just described.”

 

 

 

“Really?” said Joe in amazement. He found it hard to think of his confident older brother at a loss in any situation.

 

 

 

“Sure did,” continued Adam. “Your mother Marie had given me a few pointers about how to behave in society. She was very good at that sort of thing. I had the impression that I was going to do really well, but it didn’t quite turn out that way.” He smiled wistfully as he thought back to his difficult early days in the big city. “I was treated very much as a country boy and I really felt it,” he said.

 

 

 

“How did you cope?”

 

 

 

“Not too well at first. I thought I was going to set the world on fire you see. I’d always been told by everyone that I was really clever and I expected to find thing easy there, but everyone there was just as bright as I was and I was just one of the crowd.  Being from the country didn’t help either. Pa had done his best to outfit me, but I didn’t have a lot of suitable clothing that I needed to go to many places.”

 

 

 

“Why didn’t you write and ask him for more money then?” asked Joe.

 

 

 

“I couldn’t have done that. He didn’t have a lot to start with and sending me to college had really stretched his finances. There was no way I was going to ask for more.” Adam smiled ruefully. “I came to be known as a bit of a country bumpkin.”

 

 

 

“That’s how I felt in San Francisco,” said Joe sadly.

 

 

 

“I soon learnt how to behave in society,” Adam continued. “But not after I’d made a lot of mistakes along the way. After a while my grandfather realised that I needed a few extra suits and other pieces of clothing and he gave me some for birthday and Christmas presents. I managed a lot better after that. In fact … I ended up feeling quite at ease there.”

 

 

 

“That’s probably why you’re so good at it now,” said Joe. “Why do people have to treat other people like that Adam?”

 

 

 

“They’re just ignorant,” said his brother. “I learned real fast that it’s not how you look that’s important, it’s how your manners that count. Unfortunately not everyone realises that fact.” He smiled at his younger brother. “Mr Anderson and the other men seemed to be impressed with your business dealings didn’t they?”

 

 

 

“Yeah … I think so.”

 

 

 

“And you made lots of contacts and got lots of information for Pa?”

 

 

 

“Yeah.”

 

 

 

‘Well that’s all that matters then. You had a very successful trip by all accounts and achieved what you went there for. That’s what you should focus on.”

 

 

 

Joe nodded. “Yeah,” he said. “I know you’re right. Only it would have been nice to fit in a bit more. Not feel so awkward … you know?”

 

 

 

“That will come in time,” said Adam. “Its just experience … you’ll soon learn how to act and what to do.”

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. “I don’t know if I want to find out,” he said ruefully. “Maybe I’ll be happy from now on to let you and Pa do these things. I’ll just stay here where I’m happy.”

 

 

 

Adam frowned. “Joe don’t let this experience spoil things for you,” he said seriously. “There’s whole world out there to be experienced and if you don’t ever get out and try things you’ll miss out on an awful lot. Next time will be easier … you’ll see.”

 

 

 

“I hope so,” said Joe ruefully. “I should have listened to your advice Adam. I’m sorry that I was so short with you.”

 

 

 

Adam laughed. “That’s OK,” he said, standing up. “Next time I’m happy to give you advice on what to take. Goodnight kid.”

 

 

 

“Goodnight,” said Joe, for once not minding the term kid. “Hey Adam?”

 

 

 

Adam turned from the doorway. “Yes?”

 

 

 

“Can you teach me about all them knives and stuff too?” asked Joe hopefully.

 

 

 

“Sure can,” said Adam with a smile. “Night.”

 

 

 

 

The End