Summary:  Ben decides to give Adam a welcome home party when he returns from college, but the preparations for it put a strain on everyone

Rated: K (12,480 words)

 

Ponderosa Party

Ben Cartwright beamed contentedly at his three boys as they sat around the table. It had been so long since they’d been together like this that now that it had finally happened Ben felt like his heart was full to bursting. He had been looking forward to this moment for so long that he had to pinch himself to realise that it was finally here, and he revelled in the sound and sight of his three sons all back together again.  He just knew that life was about to get better.

 

 

 

Ben glanced over at the reason why he felt this way. Had it really been four years since Adam had been home?  In many ways it seemed like only yesterday that the boy had left for Boston and yet looking at him now Ben knew that time had indeed marched on.  His eldest son wasn’t a boy any longer, but a young man showing all the signs of the sophistication that living back East had left on him.  He had developed into a mature and intelligent man that Ben knew he was very proud of.  His dark good looks would also set the hearts of the females in the district fluttering when they saw him again, of that he was sure.  Oh yes!  Adam Cartwright’s return home was certainly going to have an impact on the Territory of Nevada.

 

 

 

Suddenly, an idea occurred to him and he bent forward excitedly as he said, ‘Boys! I’ve just had a wonderful idea!’

 

 

 

All three of his sons looked at him expectantly. ‘What?’ they chorused.

 

 

 

‘How about we give a party?’ he suggested. ‘To celebrate Adam’s return?’

 

 

 

Adam smiled broadly. ‘That’d be great Pa,’ he said. ‘It’d give me the chance to meet up with everyone all at once.’

 

 

 

Hoss grinned. ‘Hot diggety!’ he said. ‘Let’s get Hop Sing to cooking right now!’

 

 

 

Little Joe bounced in his chair excitedly. ‘Yes!’ he shouted. ‘A party!’

 

 

 

Ben sat back, pleased at the reaction from his boys. ‘We’ll make it an affair this district hasn’t seen for many a year.’ he declared. ‘It’s about time we did some celebrating around here!’  He nodded in satisfaction as he thought about it. He just knew that this party would be such a happy occasion and one that the Cartwright family would remember for a long time to come.

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

‘What ya doing Pa?’ asked Little Joe as he looked over his father’s arm at the paper he was writing on.

 

 

 

‘I’m making out the guest list for the party next Saturday,’ replied Ben.

 

 

 

‘Have ya got Mitch’s name on it?’ asked Joe. ‘And Seth?  Oh and don’t forget my new friend George who just moved in.  And then there’s…’

 

 

 

‘Joseph this isn’t a party for your friends,’ said Ben as he continued to write. ‘It’s a party to welcome your brother Adam home from Boston.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘Yeah!’ he agreed. ‘But my friends’ll wanna welcome him too!’

 

 

 

‘Son, it’s a grownup party… I thought you understood that.  It’ll be at night time and I’m afraid it will be too late for your friends.’

 

 

 

‘But who will I play with if none of em come?’ asked Joe. ‘That ain’t fair Pa!  Adam and Hoss’ll have their friends here!’

 

 

 

Ben put down his pen and took his youngest son by the shoulders. ‘Joseph I’m afraid you won’t need your friends to play with.  You can come to some of the party, but it will go much too late for you to be there for all of it.  You’ll need to go to bed before it’s finished.’

 

 

 

Joe’s bottom lip dropped. ‘But that ain’t fair!’ he said.

 

 

 

‘What isn’t fair?’ asked Adam, coming up behind them.

 

 

 

‘Pa says I have ta go to bed before the party gets finished!’ said Little Joe indignantly.

 

 

 

Adam gave his father a half-smile. ‘Don’t worry Joe,’ he said. ‘There won’t be much going on that you’d be interested in at that stage. You’ll be glad to go to bed when the time comes.’

 

 

 

Joe crossed his arms over his chest. ‘No I won’t!’ he said. ‘It ain’t fair!’

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ admonished his father. ‘That’s enough! Any more of that nonsense and you won’t be coming to any of the party and you’ll spend the evening in your room instead young man!’ Joe glared at his father. ‘Now get outside and finish your chores,’ instructed Ben. ‘Go on!’  Both Ben and Adam flinched as the front door banged loudly to signal the exit of the youngest Cartwright.

 

 

 

‘Well it’s obvious that his temper hasn’t improved any since I’ve been away,’ said Adam as he sat down. ‘Still the same volatile kid as when I left.’

 

 

 

‘Yes.  Only now he’s older and harder to reason with,’ agreed Ben.

 

 

 

‘How’s the guest list coming?’ asked Adam, leaning forward to read what his father had written. ‘How many people are you thinking of asking?’

 

 

 

‘Just about everyone I can think of,’ said his father as he handed him the paper to check. ‘It’s not every day we put on a celebration like this.  If there’s anyone you can think of that I’ve left off, let me know.’  He watched as Adam quickly skimmed the list.

 

 

 

‘What about the Hendersons?’ Adam asked.

 

 

 

‘They moved back East a year ago,’ replied his father.

 

 

 

‘Oh. Bill Morris?’

 

 

 

‘Denver.’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘Seems I’ve got a bit of catching up to do,’ he said. ‘There’s quite a few names here I don’t even know.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘I thought it would be a good opportunity for you to meet some of the new folks around here as well,’ he said. ‘Seems like there’s new families moving in all the time lately.’

 

 

 

‘So it seems. I don’t know half these people.’  Adam rattled off a few out loud. ‘Bert and Maude Sims, John and Myra Fletcher, William and Frances Miles… you’ve included quite a few single young ladies as well I see?’  He gave his father an amused grin. ‘Trying to marry me off Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben tried to look embarrassed, but failed. ‘Of course not!’ he declared. ‘As if I’d want you to leave home when you’ve just come back again! I just thought…’

 

 

 

‘That it’d be a good chance for me to meet them,’ Adam finished for his father. ‘I understand.’

 

 

 

‘Well otherwise they’ll all be beating a path to our front door in the next few weeks to check you out,’ said Ben with a laugh. ‘I’m just trying to save time for all concerned that’s all.’

 

 

 

Adam laughed as well. ‘Let’s see….who do we have here? Rachel Thomas?’

 

 

 

‘New family who moved into the Henderson place.’

 

 

 

‘Sally Frost?’

 

 

 

‘Daughter of the new Bank Manager.’

 

 

 

‘Sarah Parks?’

 

 

 

‘Bert Parks’ daughter.  You met him yesterday.’

 

 

 

‘Abigail Jones?’

 

 

 

‘The new school teacher.’

 

 

 

‘Mary Read?’

 

 

 

‘Martha Read’s sister.’

 

 

 

‘Well you’ve sure given me quite a few to choose from Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben shrugged. ‘I’ll let you do the choosing son.  I’m just providing the party and I’m determined that it’s going to be a good one.’

 

 

 

The front door banged open again and Hoss entered. ‘What’s wrong with Little Joe?’ he asked. ‘He’s got a face like thunder out there.’

 

 

 

‘It seems our little brother is put out because he’ll have to go to bed before the party is finished,’ said Adam. ‘He’ll get over it.’

 

 

 

Hoss frowned. ‘Don’t see why he’d care!’ he said. ‘By the time he goes upstairs most of the food will be gone anyways.’

 

 

 

Adam grinned. ‘Hoss there’s more to a party than just the food you know. It seems I might just have to take you in hand and teach you some of the finer points of socialising now that I’m back.’

 

 

 

Hoss looked at his older brother seriously. ‘Would ya Adam?’ he asked. ‘I’m not too good at that kind of thing.’

 

 

 

‘Of course I will,’ said Adam generously. ‘What do you want help with?’

 

 

 

‘Everything!’ said Hoss. ‘What to wear, what to say to all them young ladies, dancing and all that stuff….’

 

 

 

Adam laughed. ‘Anything else?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Hoss considered for a moment. ‘I’m not sure,’ he mused. ‘There might be other things I’ve forgotten about.’

 

 

 

Ben smiled at his two boys. ‘Well it seems you might have your work cut out for you Adam,’ he said. ‘Remember there’s only a week to the party.’

 

 

 

‘We’ll start tonight,’ replied Adam. ‘Don‘t worry Hoss… by the time I’m finished with you, you’ll be the talk of the party!’

 

 

 

‘I don’t think so older brother,’ said Hoss. ‘I have a feeling that’ll be you! Folks around here have been talking about you coming home for weeks.’

 

 

 

‘Have they?’ asked Adam, surprised.

 

 

 

‘Sure have!’ said Ben. ‘Seems like my eldest son has caused quite a stir in town without even trying to. The more I think about it, this party is going to be a hit for everyone!’ He sat back in his chair happily. The next week should be an enjoyable one.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

‘Not like that! Put your feet like this!’ said Adam in a frustrated tone of voice.  Ben smiled to himself as he hid his face behind his newspaper and listened to his two eldest sons.

 

 

 

‘I’ve got em like that!’ declared Hoss. ‘See?’

 

 

 

‘Don’t see what ya want to practise that stupid dancing for anyways!’ declared Little Joe. ‘It’s gonna be a dumb party if everyone dances!’

 

 

 

‘Well what do you think people do at a party?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Eat!’ his little brother declared. ‘And play games.’

 

 

 

‘Oh don’t you worry son,’ said his father quietly. ‘I have a feeling that there’ll be plenty of game playing between all the young people there without a doubt!’

 

 

 

‘Yeah?’ said Little Joe. ‘Will it be before I have ta go to bed? Can I play?’

 

 

 

‘I have a feeling Pa is talking about grownup games,’ said Adam with a grin at his father.

 

 

 

Little Joe stuck his bottom lip out again. ‘How come everything is for grownups?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Because it’s a grownup party,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Joe glared at his eldest brother in disgust. ‘Hmph!’ he grunted.

 

Adam turned back to Hoss. ‘Like this!’ he said, moving his feet gracefully and gliding along the floor.  ‘Now you try it.’

 

 

 

Hoss attempted to copy his brother’s actions, but his movements only brought a snort of derision from Little Joe. ‘You look funny Hoss!’ he said.

 

 

 

Hoss stopped. ‘Shut up!’ he said angrily. ‘How would you know what it’s supposed ta look like anyways?’

 

 

 

‘Well I know it ain’t supposed ta look like that!’ said Little Joe gleefully.

 

 

 

‘Joseph, go to bed!’ said his father.

 

 

 

‘How come I gotta go to bed every time things get interesting?’ asked Little Joe indignantly.

 

 

 

‘Because I said so!’ said his father. ‘Now get!’

 

 

 

Joe pouted, but did as his father ordered.

 

 

 

‘Now, try it again,’ said Adam. ‘Here.  Put your arm around me and pretend I’m the girl.’  There was a giggle from the top of the stairs.

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ shouted his father. Little Joe’s head disappeared.

 

 

 

Ben hid his face in his paper again as he tried to smother his own laughter. It sure was proving to be an interesting week!

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

‘Aw come on Hop Sing!’ said Hoss. ‘I’ve got work ta do today!  Can’t all of this wait?’

 

 

 

‘Not if you want party food ready on time!’ said Hop Sing angrily. ‘I got much to do! No one ask Hop Sing before decide party! Need lots more sugar, flour, all things on list!’

 

 

 

‘Well how come I’m the one that has ta go in and get em?’ asked Hoss.

 

 

 

‘Because you’re the one that eats most of it,’ said Adam. ‘Besides, I can’t go into town and spoil the surprise of everyone seeing me before the party now, can I?’

 

 

 

Hoss didn’t look convinced.

 

 

 

‘I’ll come and help ya Hoss,’ offered Little Joe. ‘I don’t mind missing school if it helps get things ready for the party.’

 

‘I’ll bet you don’t,’ said Adam dryly.  In the short time he’d been back it was obvious to him that school wasn’t his little brother’s favourite place to be. ‘You can’t just take days off school when you feel like it Joe.  You’ll never learn anything that way.’

 

 

 

Joe scowled at him. ‘Maybe I don’t wanna learn nothing!’ he said.

 

 

 

‘You don’t want to learn anything,’ Adam corrected.

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said Joe, pleased to see that his brother agreed with him. ‘Anyways, school’s awful what with that new teacher we’ve got.’

 

 

 

‘That’s Abigail Jones isn’t it?’ asked Adam, remembering the name from the guest list. ‘What’s she like?’

 

 

 

‘Real boring,’ said Joe. He thought for a moment. ‘You’d probbly like her though.’

 

 

 

‘Oh? Why is that?’

 

 

 

‘Cause she’s always going on bout the sorts of things that you do,’ replied his brother. ‘Books and history and stuff.’  He put his hand on his heart and fluttered his eyelashes as he rolled his eyes. ‘She says that she lives for Shakespeare.’

 

 

 

Adam grinned. ‘Sounds like my kind of woman,’ he said. ‘Seems like Virginia City is finally attracting refined people for a change.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Oh nothing Pa.  It’s just that once you’ve lived in a big city it’s kinda hard to come back to a small town you know,’ said Adam. ‘I’ve been wondering what I’ll stimulate my brain with while I’m here.’

 

 

 

Ben lifted an eyebrow. He didn’t much care for his son’s remark. ‘Well Virginia City might not be Boston son, but we usually do just fine.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t mean it as a criticism Pa,’ said Adam. ‘It’s just….well you must admit that to a person used to city life like me it can be a bit dull.’

 

 

 

Ben raised the other eyebrow. ‘You seem to forget that I spent the first half of my life living in big cities,’ he said. ‘You’re not the only person in these parts who has experienced life back East.’

 

 

 

Adam took a sip from his coffee cup and was silent, sensing that he’d upset his father.

 

 

 

‘I reckon you can stimlat your brain with Miss Jones Adam,’ interrupted Little Joe.

 

 

 

‘Well I’ll sure be interested to meet her,’ said Adam.

 

‘Off you go now boys,’ said Ben. ‘Joseph you can ride into town with Hoss, then you get straight to school. Adam, I think you can worry about stimulating your brain at another time.  It’s time we got your body stimulated with a bit of post-digging today.’

 

 

 

None of his sons looked very happy with their allotted tasks for the day, but they all stood up and left the table at once.  In the kitchen Ben could hear Hop Sing muttering to himself in Chinese as he slammed the pots and pans around.  He rolled his eyes. ‘I think I might join you son,’ he said. ‘I’m in the mood for a bit of post-digging myself and I don’t really relish staying at home today.’

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

‘Is all this for the party?’ asked Sam Winter. ‘Sure seems like its gonna be a big one.’

 

 

 

‘Sure is!’ said Hoss.

 

 

 

‘Well I’m sure looking forward to seeing Adam again,’ said Sam. ‘Nice of your father to invite me. I’ll get this order filled straight away, but it’ll take a while. Why don’t you come back in about half an hour?’

 

 

 

‘Sure thing Sam,’ said Hoss. ‘I’ll go on down to the Livery while I’m waiting.’  He left the store and headed down the street. After a moment he heard a voice hailing him from across the street and turned to see Betsy-Sue Wilson waving at him.

 

 

 

‘Hoss! Hoss Cartwright!’ she called. ‘Wait!’

 

 

 

Hoss swallowed nervously as he waited for the girl to cross over to him. ‘’Ma’am,’ he said tipping his hat to her.

 

 

 

‘Fancy seeing you here Hoss,’ she said delightedly. ‘Are you shopping for the party?’

 

 

 

‘Yes ma’am,’ he said. He licked his lips. ‘Um…how are you today?’

 

 

 

She smiled at him. ‘Fine thank you Hoss…. And you?’

 

 

 

‘Fine thanks ma’am,’ he said. There was silence as he wondered what else he could say to her.  He was usually tongue-tied at the best of times with girls, but Betsy-Sue seemed to make him more nervous than anyone. She looked at him expectantly.

 

 

 

‘So how are the preparations going for the party?’ she asked finally.

 

 

 

‘Fine.’

 

 

 

She tried again. ‘It seems like everyone around town is talking about it.’

 

‘Reckon so.’

 

 

 

She sidled closer to him. ‘It sounds exciting.’

 

 

 

‘Uh huh.’

 

 

 

Betsy-Sue smiled at him again. ‘Well it’s nice to see you Hoss,’ she said. ‘I always enjoy talking to you.’

 

 

 

‘Do you?’

 

 

 

‘Of course I do.  I wish we could see more of each other.’

 

 

 

‘You do?’

 

 

 

‘Yes.’ She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

 

 

 

‘Well….’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘Would ya like… I mean…. I might see ya at the party then.’

 

 

 

She clapped her hands delightedly. ‘Oh thank you Hoss!  I’d love to come! Excuse me while I go and do some shopping now.  I have to get my outfit organised.’  She swept away happily to tell her friends that she’d just snared an invitation to the event of the year.

 

 

 

Hoss looked after the girl longingly and licked his lips.  Maybe coming into town hadn’t been such a bad thing after all?

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve got another person to add to the guest list Pa,’ Hoss said at the supper table that evening.

 

 

 

‘Oh? And who would that be?’

 

 

 

‘Betsy-Sue Wilson.  I kinda asked her today when I was in town.’

 

 

 

Ben looked pleased.  Hoss was so shy around girls that it was rare for him to even think of talking to one, let alone inviting one out. ‘That’d be fine son,’ he said. ‘I’ll add her to the list.’ Hoss grinned at his father.

 

‘Still don’t see why I can’t invite some of my friends,’ said Little Joe sulkily.

 

 

 

‘We’ve been all through that Joseph,’ said his father. ‘You’ve had your share of parties in the past.  This one is for your brother.’

 

 

 

‘That’s right,’ said Adam. ‘I’m the guest of honour at this one.’

 

 

 

Little Joe studied his brother for a moment silently. ‘My teacher was asking bout you today,’ he said. ‘She was real pleased to get her invitation.’

 

 

 

‘Was she?’ asked Adam. ‘I’m beginning to really like the sound of this Abigail Jones.’

 

 

 

Ben coughed. ‘I wouldn’t expect too much of her if I were you son,’ he said. ‘I think there are other young ladies around town who might be more suitable for you.’

 

 

 

Adam frowned at his father. ‘Pa!’ he said. ‘I’m twenty-two years old!  I think I’m old enough to decide my preferences as far as women are concerned.’

 

 

 

‘I’m sure you are son,’ replied his father. ‘I’m just warning you that’s all.’

 

 

 

Adam bristled at his father’s tone. ‘Well I think that Abigail Jones sounds like my kind of woman,’ he said, sounding offended.

 

 

 

Little Joe stared at them both. ‘She sure is!’ he said. ‘She’s real boring too!’

 

 

 

Adam gave him a dark look. ‘I’ll thank you to keep your opinion to yourself,’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I was just saying,’ he said. ‘She was asking all bout ya.  I said that you liked books and stuff like she does and she said that she’s looking forward ta meeting you.’

 

 

 

Adam smiled. ‘And what does she look like?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Little Joe thought for a moment. ‘I dunno,’ he said. ‘Like a lady I guess.  She’s got big … um,’ he glanced sideways at his father and indicated his chest area. ‘Up here.’

 

 

 

Ben coughed. ‘That will do Joseph,’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam looked thoughtful, but didn’t say anything. ‘She dresses nice but,’ said Little Joe. ‘With bows and stuff.’

 

 

 

‘Really?’

 

 

 

‘Yep.’

 

 

 

Hoss interrupted. ‘Hey Adam, do ya reckon that we could practise what ta say ta girls tonight instead of dancing? I need ta know how to talk ta Betsy-Sue.’

 

 

 

‘I think that’s a good idea,’ said Adam. ‘My toes would certainly appreciate a break.’

 

 

 

Hoss didn’t appear to have heard him, but stared dreamily into space. ‘That Betsy-Sue sure is a nice gal,’ he said. ‘She likes me too.’

 

 

 

There was a bang from the kitchen and they all jumped. ‘What was that?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Hop Sing,’ said his father. ‘He’s in a bad mood because of the party.’

 

 

 

At that moment the cook entered the room, bearing a platter which he plonked down on the table. Hoss wrinkled his nose. ‘What’s this?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Supper!’ pronounced the cook. They all looked at the rather unappetising fare in front of them.

 

 

 

‘Where’s the roast beef we usually have?’ asked Hoss.

 

 

 

Hop Sing waved his arms around. ‘Hop Sing no got time for fancy supper!’ he shouted. ‘All time do cooking for party.  All time do cleaning for party! No one ask Hop Sing about party before plan! Hop Sing too busy for prepare roast beef for supper! Eat!’  He flounced out of the room again, leaving everyone speechless for a moment.

 

 

 

‘Well I ain’t eating that!’ declared Little Joe after a moment.

 

 

 

‘You’ll eat it and like it!’ said his father firmly as he piled some onto his youngest son’s plate.  He sighed.  It seemed that the week was turning out to be not as pleasant as he had anticipated.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Well how do I know what she likes to talk about?’ asked Hoss.

 

 

 

‘You just ask her a few questions about herself,’ explained Adam patiently.

 

 

 

‘What kind of questions?’

 

 

 

‘Well…. Like what kind of hobbies she likes and what she enjoys doing in her spare time.’

 

 

 

‘And then what?’

 

‘And then you pay her a few compliments.’

 

 

 

‘What kind of compliments?’

 

 

 

‘You tell her how lovely she looks in the dress she’s wearing for a start.’

 

 

 

‘What if she don’t look good in it though?’ asked Little Joe, who was following his brothers’ conversation closely.

 

 

 

‘It doesn’t matter,’ said Adam . ‘You tell her that she does anyway.’

 

 

 

‘Oh,’ said his little brother thoughtfully. ‘So you lie bout it, do ya?’

 

 

 

Ben turned a page of his paper as he began to laugh and then turned it into a cough.

 

 

 

‘No you don’t lie,’ said Adam crossly. ‘You just ….’  He noticed his two brothers listening to him intently. ‘You just bend the truth a little bit that’s all.’

 

 

 

Little Joe looked at Hoss triumphantly. ‘He means ya lie,’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam gave him a dark look.

 

 

 

‘So what other kind of compliments do I give her?’ asked Hoss. ‘Telling her she looks nice takes about one minute!’

 

 

 

Adam sighed. ‘You tell her that her hair looks lovely in the moonlight.’

 

 

 

‘What if there’s no moon?’ interrupted Little Joe again. ‘Or if they’re inside?’

 

 

 

‘Would you be quiet!’ said Adam. ‘Then you tell her that she smells nice and you ask her what kind of perfume she uses.’

 

 

 

‘What if she ain’t wearing none?’ interrupted Little Joe again.

 

 

 

Adam turned on his little brother. ‘Isn’t it time for you to go to bed?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Nope!’ said Little Joe happily. ‘I’ve got lots of time yet. Besides I want to hear how to talk to girls too.’

 

 

 

‘Why? You told me you don’t like them.’

 

 

 

Joe gave his brother a strange look. ‘Well you never know when I might have to talk to one of em,’ he said. ‘Girls can be real tricky.’

 

 

 

Ben coughed again and hid his head behind his paper. Adam ignored his youngest brother and turned to Hoss again. ‘You could always talk to her about the things that you’re interested in as well,’ he said. ‘Girls like to hear about what men do.’

 

 

 

Hoss thought for a moment. ‘Like what?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Well…. What are you interested in?’

 

 

 

Hoss frowned. ‘Um…. branding,’ he said finally. Ben coughed again.

 

 

 

‘Isn’t there something else you like?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Horses?’

 

 

 

Adam smiled. ‘That’ll do!’ he said. ‘Talk to her about some of the horses we’ve got.  And you could ask her if she likes riding.’

 

 

 

‘Why?’ asked Little Joe, but everyone ignored him.

 

 

 

‘Then if she ways yes, you could ask her if she’d like to go for a ride,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘It’d be too dark,’ interrupted Little Joe. ‘The party’s at night, remember?’ He looked at Adam as if he was stupid.

 

 

 

‘I didn’t mean straight away,’ said Adam. ‘I meant for the future.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t know if I could do that,’ said Hoss. ‘I think It’ll be hard enough ta get through the party without asking her out for another date.’

 

 

 

‘Yes son, let him get through one night at a time,’ said Ben.

 

 

 

Adam threw his hands up in the air. ‘I give up!’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Ya don’t know much bout women after all do ya Adam?’ said Little Joe sympathetically. Ben coughed again as his eldest son stomped up the stairs to his room.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Very nice,’ said Adam as he looked at the vest that Hoss held up for his inspection. ‘You chose well.’

 

 

 

‘Well Pa picked it out really,’ said Hoss. ‘It’ll go with my good pants don’t ya think?’

 

 

 

‘You’ll look fine,’ said Adam reassuringly. ‘Don’t you worry about it.’

 

 

 

‘How come I don’t get anything new to wear?’ complained Little Joe.

 

 

 

‘You’ll wear your Sunday church outfit,’ said his father. ‘But as it so happens we did get you something to wear Joseph.’  He held out a string tie for his son’s inspection.

 

 

 

Joe grimaced. ‘I ain’t wearing no tie!’ he declared.

 

 

 

‘I thought you wanted to be like the grownups?’ asked Adam with a smirk.

 

 

 

‘Yeah…. but I don’t see what wearing a tie has got to do with it!’

 

 

 

‘You’ll wear the tie with no complaints,’ said Ben sternly. ‘I want everyone to look their best on Saturday night.’

 

 

 

Joe continued to scowl. ‘Don’t worry Joe,’ said Hoss consolingly. ‘I have ta wear one too and they ain’t exactly my favourite piece of clothing.’

 

 

 

‘This party is turning out to be real annoying,’ said Joe sulkily. ‘I don’t even get to go to half of it, but I have to wear a tie anyway!’

 

 

 

‘You’ll want to look nice when you greet the guests,’ explained his father.

 

 

 

‘Why do I have ta greet em?’ asked Joe. ‘That’s Adam’s job…they’re his guests!’

 

 

 

‘I want you to be in charge of putting the coats in the guest room,’ explained his father. ‘So you’ll need to be right at the front door as people come in.’

 

 

 

‘How come I get to work?’ asked Joe indignantly. ‘That ain’t fair!’

 

 

 

‘We all get to work,’ said Ben. ‘That’s what you do when you put on a party. Each of us will have something to do.’

 

 

 

‘Like what?’

 

 

 

‘Hoss is charge of making sure that everyone’s buggies and horses are taken care of.  Hop Sing is in charge of the refreshments.  Adam and I need to greet the guests and you’ll do the coats.’

 

 

 

‘Sounds like I get the boring job!  I’ll help with the horses.’

 

 

 

‘You’ll do as you’re told,’ replied his father. ‘And while we’re on the subject, tomorrow you’ll all be needed to help tidy up around here and set things up.’

 

 

 

‘But it’s Saturday!’ declared Joe with an anguished look. ‘It’s my free day!’

 

‘Not this week it isn’t.  I told you… you’ll be needed to tidy up.  Hop Sing shouldn’t be expected to do it all.’ Joe slumped down in his chair. ‘And you can get that look off your face straight away young man,’ said his father. ‘I’ll have none of your nonsense. Having a party means that we all have to do our part and you’re expected to help.’

 

 

 

‘Yes Pa,’ Joe said mournfully as he thought about his cherished Saturday slipping away from him.

 

 

 

‘It won’t be so bad Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘As soon as all the guests have arrived you’ll be able to enjoy the party.’

 

 

 

Joe pouted again. ‘Yeah right!  By then it’ll be time for me to go to bed and how can I enjoy nothing when I’ve got no friends there?’

 

 

 

Ben smiled at his youngest son. ‘I’ll tell you what son,’ he said. ‘How about you and I pack up some of the leftovers the next day and make a day of it fishing?’

 

 

 

Joe sat up straight in his chair again. ‘Ya mean it Pa? That’d be great!’

 

 

 

Ben pointed his finger at his son. ‘Well it all depends on you behaving yourself of course,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I will Pa!’ said Joe, smiling.

 

 

 

‘Well I guess there’s a first time for everything,’ said Adam dryly.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

Ben came out of the barn and smiled to see the activity in the front yard. Adam and Hoss were up on ladders hanging up a variety of Chinese lanterns and Joseph was busy sweeping the front porch. Hop Sing was bustling between the kitchen and the tables that had been set up, carrying plates and glasses.

 

 

 

‘Well everything is beginning to look very festive,’ said Ben happily. ‘Good work everyone!’

 

 

 

Adam smiled down at his father from his position on top of the ladder. ‘We’re just about done here,’ he said. ‘Here Hoss, catch this!’ He threw a hammer at Hoss who caught it nimbly.

 

 

 

Ben turned to Hop Sing. ‘Need anything done?’ he asked.

 

 

 

The Chinese cook waved his arms around. ‘Much still to do!’ he declared. ‘No time!’  He uttered a string of Chinese phrases. ‘No one ask Hop Sing about party!’ he said. ‘Hop Sing do all work… no one care!’

 

 

 

Ben tried not to look frustrated at the words he’d heard all week from the man. ‘We’re very appreciative Hop Sing,’ he said soothingly. ‘Whatever you want us to do to help, then we’ll do it.’

 

 

 

Hop Sing merely waved his arms around again and went into the kitchen, continuing to shout in Chinese. ‘He’s been telling me what to do all day,’ said Little Joe unhappily. ‘Anyone’d think he was in charge of the party!’

 

 

 

‘Well he may as well be,’ said his father. ‘We couldn’t do this without Hop Sing.  I hope you’ve been doing as you’re told!’

 

 

 

‘Yes Pa,’ replied Joe unhappily. ‘I’ve finished here.  Can I go now?’

 

 

 

Ben checked out his youngest son’s appearance. ‘No you can’t,’ he said. ‘It’s just about time for us to get ready. Come on into the wash house and you can have the first bath while your brothers are finishing up here.’ Joe’s face displayed his displeasure at his father’s instructions. He opened his mouth to protest, but Ben cut him off before he could speak. ‘Don’t even bother to say it Joseph,’ he said firmly. ‘The answer is that you do have to have a bath and you do have to have it now.’ He swatted the boy on the backside as he steered him towards the washhouse. ‘Come on.’

 

 

 

Adam smiled as he got down from the ladder.  He looked around with a great deal of satisfaction at their handiwork. ‘Well I must say that I agree with Pa,’ he said. ‘It sure looks fine.’

 

 

 

Hoss sighed as he got down from his ladder as well. ‘Yeah,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘What’s wrong with you?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Hoss sighed again. ‘Everything,’ he said. ‘You know I’m not good at these kind of things Adam.  I’ll only make a fool of myself.’

 

 

 

Adam put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. ‘No you won’t,’ he said encouragingly. ‘You’ve got a great outfit, you’ve practised your dancing until you’re quite good at it, and you know what to say if you get talking to a girl.  You can’t go wrong brother.’

 

 

 

Hoss looked mournful. ‘I don’t look that good,’ he said. ‘And you know I still keep treading on your toes when we practise dancing. And as for the talking part…well I just know that I’ll forget all them fancy topics you taught me!’

 

 

 

‘No you won’t,’ declared Adam. ‘You just have to learn to relax around girls that’s all. You’ll do fine.’

 

‘How do you do it Adam?’ asked Hoss. ‘You got lots of style around women. What’s ya secret?’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘There’s no secret,’ he assured his brother. ‘You just have to keep your head and be calm that’s all. Remember that no girl is worth getting uptight about.’

 

 

 

‘Well I’ll sure try,’ said Hoss.

 

 

 

Adam patted his brother on the back. ‘That’s the idea!’ he said. ‘Now let’s go and drag our little brother out of that tub and make use of it ourselves.’  The two brothers picked up their ladders and walked over to the barn together.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

‘Here, try some of this,’ said Adam, handing Hoss a small blue bottle. Hoss sniffed it suspiciously. ‘It’s bay rum cologne,’ explained his older brother. ‘The girls really like it.’

 

 

 

Hoss splashed a small amount on his neck. ‘Smells kinda nice,’ he admitted. ‘I’ll take anything that might help.’

 

 

 

Adam smiled. ‘I told you that you’ll be fine,’ he said. ‘Now let me take a look at you.’  He took hold of his brother’s shoulders and pushed him back to arm’s length as he appraised him. ‘Very nice!’ he declared.

 

 

 

‘You look mighty fine yaself,’ said Hoss. ‘Like a city feller with that fancy suit.’

 

 

 

‘Grandpa bought it for me in Boston,’ said Adam as he splashed some cologne on himself. ‘Wow Pa!’ He stared into the mirror at his father’s reflection as the man entered the room, resplendent in a dark suit with a silver vest and tie. ‘You look great!’

 

 

 

Ben smiled at them both. ‘Well I don’t get the opportunity to dress up very often,’ he said. ‘I must admit it feels good.’  He nodded in satisfaction at his two boys. ‘Very nice,’ he said. ‘I think we’ll do the Cartwright family proud tonight.’

 

 

 

‘Speaking of which, where is the youngest member of this happy group?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘I sent him downstairs,’ replied his father. ‘He’s making a fuss about wearing that tie, so I told him to go downstairs and help Hop Sing while he waits for us.’

 

 

 

As if on cue, Little Joe came bursting into the room.  He was wearing his Sunday pants, a crisp white shirt and the dreaded tie. His curly hair which had only moments before been painstakingly slicked down by his father was already springing up in little tufts around his head as if it had a life of it’s own.  ‘Pa!’ he cried.

 

 

 

‘Joseph, I thought I told you to go downstairs and help Hop Sing,’ said his father sternly.

 

 

 

‘But he ain’t there!’ declared Joe in a rush.

 

 

 

‘What do you mean he isn’t there?’ asked Adam. ‘Of course he’s there!’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head vehemently. ‘No he ain’t!’ he said. ‘He got real angry cause….’ He hesitated for a moment. ‘Cause a plate of cakes got spilt, and he went outside. He said he was going to China.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned at the boy. ‘And did you have anything to do with the spilt cakes?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe swallowed. ‘It was a accident,’ he said. ‘I didn’t mean to do it!’  He stared at them all defensively.

 

 

 

Ben shook his head in frustration. Honestly!’ he said. ‘I don’t need this now!  Come on boys, let’s see if we can catch him!’  He turned to leave the room and then hesitated. ‘And you,’ he said, pointing to Little Joe. ‘I want you to sit on this bed and not move a muscle until I come back for you. Is that understood young man?’

 

 

 

‘Yes Pa,’ said Little Joe, sitting down on the bed quickly.  He watched as his father and brothers left the room, then stood up and reached for the blue bottle on Adam’s dresser.  He took off the stopper and poured a liberal amount onto his hand before smearing it all over his face, neck and hair.  Sniffing the air appreciatively, he replaced the stopper and began to whistle a tune as he bounced on the bed in time to it.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

‘He’s nowhere Pa!’ said Adam urgently as they met up in the front yard again. ‘One of the horses is missing though.  He must have taken off like Joe said.’

 

 

 

Ben ran his fingers through his hair in a frustrated fashion. ‘We don’t have time to get after him now,’ he said. ‘We’ll just have to manage without him tonight.’

 

 

 

‘But Pa!’ said Hoss. ‘He told Joe he’s going back to China!  We can’t let him!’

 

 

 

‘Don’t worry son,’ said his father. ‘You know he says that every week without fail, but he never actually does it.  He’ll be staying with his uncle in town.  Tomorrow I’ll go in and calm him down and I’m sure he’ll be back by dinner time.’

 

 

 

‘Yes but how are we going to manage tonight?’ asked Adam anxiously. ‘We can’t do this without him!’

 

 

 

Ben hesitated. ‘I’ll ask Martha Devlin to round up some of the ladies when they arrive,’ he said. ‘I’m sure they won’t mind serving the food when it’s time.  It’s all ready to go.’ He lifted his eyes to the upstairs bedroom window. ‘In the meantime, I think I’ll just have a few words with the youngest member of this family.’

 

 

 

Adam caught at his father’s arm. ‘Pa, they’re coming!’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben glanced up at the bedroom window again. ‘Hoss go upstairs and get Joseph please and then get organised with the horses. I’ll save my talk with that young man until later.’  He put an arm around Adam’s shoulders. ‘It’ll be fine son.  Just relax and enjoy yourself now. It’s going to be a welcome home party to remember.’ He walked forward to greet the first of their guests.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

Ben looked around him with a sense of satisfaction.  So far everything had gone extremely well, in spite of Hop Sing’s disappearance. The guests had just about all arrived and everyone seemed to be having a good time.  After giving Joseph a severe look, Ben had concentrated on making sure that the guests were all settled and made to feel comfortable. He noticed with satisfaction that Adam seemed to be the centre of attention, particularly with all the young ladies who were hovering around him, and the young man had given his father a happy look as he passed.

 

 

 

Ben entered the house in time to see Little Joe staggering under a pile of coats into the spare room.  He took a few from his son’s arms and followed him into the room as Little Joe threw them onto the bed. Ben gave his youngest son a pat on the shoulder. ‘Good work son,’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe looked up at his father, his face a mixture of tiredness and frustration. ‘I neva knew coats was so heavy!’ he said with a sigh. ‘How come everyone wears such big ones?’

 

 

 

Ben smiled. ‘I think you’re just about done now,’ he said. ‘Come on into the kitchen and we’ll see if we can help Mrs Devlin.’

 

 

 

Joe sighed. ‘More work!’ he said unhappily. ‘I thought this was sposed ta be a party?’

 

 

 

Ben sniffed the air. ‘What is that smell?’ he said thoughtfully. ‘Someone has really overdone it with the cologne.’  He stared down at the boy in front of him. ‘Have you been using your brother’s bay rum cologne?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe looked at the floor. ‘Well he said he was gonna let Hoss use it,’ he said. ‘I didn’t think he’d mind if I did too. I only used a bit.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘A bit!’ he said. ‘I think you’ve put on more than a bit son.  It’s supposed to be used very sparingly.’

 

 

 

‘Why?’

 

 

 

‘Never mind.  Just make sure you don’t get too close to Adam smelling like that and make sure you ask next time all right?’

 

 

 

‘OK Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben steered the boy into the dining room where he found Martha Devlin talking to another women. ‘Need some help Martha?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘No need,’ she replied as she motioned into the kitchen. ‘See for yourself.’

 

 

 

Ben steered Little Joe into the kitchen, anxious to see what the woman meant. He heard a clatter of pots and was surprised to see Hop Sing in the middle of the room, arms flailing as he moved things around. ‘Out!’ he cried when he saw Ben. ‘Hop Sing no work when people in kitchen!’ Ben smiled at the cook, pleased to have him back again.  He might have known the man wouldn’t let him down. ‘Little boy stay out of kitchen this time!’ continued Hop Sing. ‘Out!’  He glared at Little Joe and pointed his finger at the boy, who slunk behind his father and peeked out at Hop Sing silently.

 

 

 

Ben pulled his son back into the dining room and said with a serious expression on his face. ‘You heard him.  If you don’t want to cause any more trouble, then stay out of there young man!’

 

 

 

Joe nodded his head. ‘I sure will!’ he said. ‘Do I havta do more coats now Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘No.  I think everyone is just about here now. You go off and have some fun while you can.’

 

 

 

Joe walked away, shaking his head. ‘Fun!’ he muttered. ‘How am I sposed ta have fun with a bunch of grownups?’

 

 

 

Ben chuckled to himself as he looked around. At that moment he spied Hoss standing talking to Betsy-Sue in the corner and wondered if Adam’s tuition was working for him.  He sidled up to his son quietly and listened from behind the stairs.

 

 

 

‘You look right nice tonight Miss Betsy-Sue,’ said Hoss with a silly grin.

 

 

 

‘Thank you Hoss,’ she replied.

 

 

 

‘Um…ya smell nice too.’

 

 

 

‘Thank you.’

 

‘Um…what do ya like to do?’

 

 

 

‘I beg your pardon?’

 

 

 

‘I mean …. well… hobbies and such. You know.’

 

 

 

‘I see. Well I like lots of things.  How about you?’

 

 

 

Hoss swallowed. ‘I like…. I mean….well….um… branding?’ Betsy-Sue made a face. ‘Um…. I like horses too,’ said Hoss, trying again. ‘Do you like to ride?’

 

 

 

The girl smiled at him. ‘I certainly do!’ she said. There was silence for a moment. ‘I’ve heard you’ve got some nice horses here on The Ponderosa,’ Betsy-Sue said meaningfully.

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ replied Hoss. There was another silence.

 

 

 

‘Do you think I could see some of them?’

 

 

 

‘Yeah.’ There was another silence.

 

 

 

‘Now?’

 

 

 

‘In the dark?

 

 

 

‘Why not? You’ve got a lamp in the barn don’t you?’

 

 

 

‘Why sure. Um… OK.’ Hoss led her to the door as Ben smiled. It seemed like Betsy-Sue was determined to get to know Hoss tonight.  He just hoped his son could cope with the girl’s attention.

 

 

 

Ben turned to see Adam standing behind him. ‘He seems to be doing OK, don’t you think Pa?’ his son asked.

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘He’ll be fine,’ he said. ‘How about you son?  You seem to be having a good time so far.’

 

 

 

Adam smiled. ‘I sure am,’ he said happily.  ‘I’d forgotten how many nice people live around here.’  His eyes wandered over to where a group of young ladies were clustered near the doorway smiling at him. ‘The only one I haven’t met so far is Joe’s teacher.  That Abigail Jones.  You haven’t seen her have you Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘No I haven’t yet son.  But don’t worry, she’ll be sure to find you when she arrives.’  He tried to hide a smile. ‘Come on.  There are a few more people arriving.’

 

 

 

He led his son over to the front door and began to greet their guests again with Adam by his side.  Suddenly he heard a strident voice on the porch. ‘Why Mr Cartwright!  How lovely to see you!’  Ben looked up to see Miss Abigail Jones in all her splendour advancing upon them and he glanced over at Adam who winced at the sight of the angular woman in her bright red and green dress that was covered with blue bows.

 

 

 

‘Hello Miss Abigail,’ said Ben politely. ‘I’d like you to meet my eldest son Adam. I don’t believe the two of you have met yet?’

 

 

 

Abigail took Adam’s arm, giving him a toothy grin and brushing close against him as she replied. ‘No we haven’t,’ she gushed. ‘Although I must say that I feel like I know you already Adam. Young Joseph has told me so much about you.’

 

 

 

Adam swallowed as he pulled away from the woman. ‘Has he?’ he said lamely.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ gushed the schoolteacher. ‘I believe we share an interest in the Classics and fine literature.’

 

 

 

‘Oh?’

 

 

 

She batted her eyelashes at him. ‘Young Joseph has also said that you have a fine singing voice.  I’ve been told I have a great deal of talent in that area as well.’  She clung onto his arm possessively and pulled him toward her.  Adam gave his father a beseeching look. ‘How about we find a quiet place to get acquainted?’ said Abigail as she pulled on Adam’s arm.

 

 

 

Adam tried to disengage himself. ‘I’m sorry ma’am,’ he said. ‘But I’m rather occupied at the moment greeting my guests.’

 

 

 

Abigail let go of him. ‘Of course,’ she said with a disappointed tone in her voice. ‘Well when you’ve finished just come and look for me.’  She gave him another toothy grin. ‘I’ll be waiting for you!’

 

 

 

Adam swallowed again as he watched the woman walk away from him. ‘Pa!’ he said in a whisper. ‘You could have told me!’

 

 

 

‘Told you what son?’ asked his father.

 

 

 

Adam gave his father a disgusted look. ‘You know!’ he said. ‘What she’s really like!’

 

 

 

‘Isn’t she your type of woman?’ asked Ben innocently. ‘It sounds to me like you both have a great deal in common.  Besides…you told me that you were old enough to work out your own tastes in women.  Remember?’  He turned to greet another guest, leaving Adam to stare at his father’s back in a frustrated fashion.

 

 

 

‘I think I’ll go and have a few words with young Joseph,’ said Adam between his gritted teeth as he searched the area for his youngest brother angrily.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

‘He’s beautiful Hoss,’ said Betsy-Sue as she patted the chestnut. ‘Such a fine animal.’  She drew close to him and breathed heavily into his ear. ‘I do so admire big strong animals,’ she said softly.

 

 

 

Hoss drew away from her. ‘That’s nice,’ he said, not knowing what else to say. He swallowed as he glanced over to the door of the barn. ‘Don’t you think we should be getting back to the party now?’

 

 

 

Betsy-Sue drew even closer to him. ‘What’s your hurry?’ she asked. ‘Don’t you like being with me?’

 

 

 

Hoss swallowed again. ‘Um…. well yeah.  Of course I do,’ he said. ‘It’s just that…’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘Well I think we might be missed that’s all.  It kinda ain’t…well it ain’t proper fer us to be out here like this all alone.  Don’t ya think?’

 

 

 

Betsy-Sue put her arms around his waist. ‘Don’t be silly Hoss,’ she said. ‘Who’s to know?’

 

 

 

Hoss tried to extradite himself from the girls’ grasp. ‘Well my Pa might notice,’ he said. ‘He wouldn’t approve.’

 

 

 

‘Approve of what?’ she asked as she lightly kissed him. ‘Surely you’re not scared of your Pa are you?  A big strong boy like you?’

 

 

 

Hoss stared at her with wide eyes. ‘Yes ma’am,’ he said. ‘I mean… no ma’am…. I mean… Oh Lordy!’  His eyes got bigger as she planted another kiss on his cheek and he blushed a bright shade of red.

 

 

 

Betsy-Sue smiled up at him. ‘I do like you Hoss.  I hope you know that.’

 

 

 

‘Yes ma’am,’ he said happily.

 

 

 

‘Would you like to take me inside to dance?’

 

 

 

‘I don’t like…. I mean I ain’t much good at dancing,’ he said, still blushing.

 

 

 

‘That doesn’t matter.  I’ll show you how,’ she said.

 

 

 

‘I’ve been practising,’ he said as they left the barn. ‘Oh. Hi Adam!’

 

 

 

Adam’s eyes widened as he saw his brother coming out of the barn with the young girl hanging on his arm. He hesitated for a moment and then said,’ Um… have you seen Little Joe Hoss?’

 

 

 

‘Little Joe? No. What’s he done now?’

 

 

 

‘Never mind,’ said Adam as he glanced around. ‘I’ll find him.’

 

 

 

Hoss shrugged as his brother strode away.  ‘Come on,’ he said as he patted Betsy-Sue’s arm. ‘Let’s try some of that fancy dancing.’  He walked happily into the house, thinking that maybe this woman thing wasn’t so bad after all.

 

 

 

Adam entered the kitchen and to see Hop Sing busily piling food onto large platters. ‘Have you seen Little Joe Hop Sing?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘No seen little boy.  If Hop Sing see little boy Hop Sing hit on head! Little boy always cause trouble!’ replied the cook angrily. ‘Much to do!  Get out of kitchen now!’

 

 

 

Adam exited quickly, knowing well how difficult Hop Sing could be when under pressure.  He preferred to keep his distance from the man when he was like this. He re-entered the dining room and saw that the dancing had begun.  The musicians were in fine form and he was amazed to see that Hoss and Betsy-Sue were one of the first couples onto the dance floor. Hoss was doing quite well, although he did notice that Betsy-Sue made sure that she held him at a considerable distance in deference to his twirling feet.  Adam gave a small chuckle and then stopped as he heard an unmistakable giggle from under the table.  He glanced under the tablecloth to see his youngest brother sitting cross-legged on the floor as he inspected the dancers in front of him.

 

 

 

Little Joe looked up happily and grinned at Adam. ‘Hoss sure looks funny don’t ya think Adam?’ he said with another giggle. ‘His arms is all over the place.’

 

 

 

Adam pulled the young boy out from under the table and onto his feet. ‘I’ll give you all over the place!’ he said angrily. ‘Just what have you been telling your teacher about me?’  He sniffed the air suspiciously. ‘And what is that smell?’  His eyes narrowed. ‘You’ve been stealing my cologne haven’t you?’  He shook the boy.

 

 

 

‘Aw come on Adam!’ replied Little Joe as he tried to wriggle away. ‘I was only borrowing some!’

 

 

 

‘Some?’ said Adam. ‘You smell as if you’ve tipped the whole bottle over yourself! Who told you that you could have any of it?’

 

 

 

Little Joe wriggled again. ‘Let me go!’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I’ll let you go when you’ve come clean about what you said to Abigail Jones!’ said Adam, his temper beginning to rise. ‘Tell me what you said!’

 

 

 

‘I only told her bout all the stuff you like,’ declared Joe. ‘All the boring books and music and stuff that you’ve been talking bout with Pa that’s all.  She wanted to know what kind of woman you liked, so I said…..’ he clamped his hand over his mouth as he realised what he was saying.

 

 

 

‘You said what?’ Adam gave his little brother another shake.

 

 

 

‘I only told her that you were looking forward to meeting her and that you said that she sounded like your kind of woman.’

 

 

 

‘You what?!’

 

 

 

‘Well you did!’

 

 

 

Adam took a deep breath. ‘You weren’t supposed to repeat that to her!’ he hissed. ‘Especially as now I find out what she looks like!’

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes widened. ‘What do ya mean?  I told you she dresses real fine with bows and stuff.  Don’t you like that?’

 

 

 

Adam shuddered as a mental picture of the plain woman in her garish dress flashed across his mind. ‘You had no…’

 

 

 

‘Adam!’ said a shrill voice behind him and he turned to see Miss Abigail smiling at him broadly. ‘I see you’ve finished greeting your guests now. Hello there Joseph.’  She gave the boy a stern look. ‘Isn’t it about time you were in bed?’

 

 

 

Joe swallowed as he backed away from the couple. ‘No ma’am,’ he said. ‘My Pa said I can stay up later tonight.’

 

 

 

‘Well I’m sure you can find something to do,’ replied Abigail. ‘Your brother and I have a lot to talk about.’  She held onto Adam’s arm in a determined fashion. ‘Do you like dancing Adam?’ she asked.

 

 

 

Adam tried to look polite. ‘Yes,’ he said shortly.

 

 

 

‘I’d love to!’ Abigail declared as she pulled him onto the dance floor.  Joe giggled as he regained his place under the table again.  It seemed to him that he had just found a very valuable weapon in the form of his brother that might come in handy for the future.  School wasn’t Joe’s favourite place to be by any stretch of the imagination and anything he could find to make Miss Abigail Jones feel kindly towards him and perhaps soften in her attitude to disciplining him would be useful.  Older brother Adam might well prove to be a powerful piece of ammunition in that regard.  He settled himself contentedly on the floor again.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

‘Thank You Hop Sing,’ said Ben as he surveyed the table in front of him. ‘Everything looks wonderful.’  The table contained so many delicacies that he could almost hear it groaning under the weight of the food.  Hop Sing grunted at him and turned towards the kitchen again, but Ben wasn’t fooled by the man’s curt demeanour.  He, more than anyone, knew that it was the cook’s way of masking his own feelings.  Hop Sing was proud of the Cartwright family and would have done anything to make sure that Adam’s party was a success, and would have felt a good deal of satisfaction at knowing that people were enjoying themselves.  And enjoying themselves they certainly were!

 

 

 

Ben looked around appreciatively.  His house hadn’t been so full for many years and the happy sound of so many people enjoying themselves did his heart good to hear it.  It was almost like the old days when he and Marie had entertained so often.  He sighed as the thought of his late wife crossed his mind and his eyes misted over for a moment.  Marie would have enjoyed this night so much and she would have been so proud of all their boys.  Ben’s eyes travelled over to where Hoss was standing with Betsy-Sue as they ate.  He seemed to be engrossed in the girl’s conversation and was happily listening to her while he was concentrating on the plate of food that he held.

 

 

 

Ben’s eyes sought out Adam next and he stifled another chuckle as he saw his eldest son wedged between the wall and the formidable figure of Miss Abigail Jones who was talking non-stop at him.  Adam wore a resigned expression as he stood fiddling with his tie and listening to the woman, almost like a small animal at the mercy of a larger and more ferocious one.

 

 

 

Ben glanced around looking for his youngest son, suddenly aware of how late it was getting.  It occurred to him that he hadn’t seen Joseph in quite a while and he wondered where the youngster could be.  Probably hiding somewhere trying to avoid being sent to bed, he thought.

 

 

 

At that moment a quick movement caught his eye and he was startled to see a small hand appear from under the table and disappear just as swiftly as it grasped hold of a cake.  He pulled up the tablecloth and raised his eyebrows to see his youngest son sitting on the floor surrounded by a variety of tasty goodies, sampling his latest acquisition. Little Joe looked up at his father guiltily and tried to smile as he swallowed the cream cake that he was stuffing into his mouth. ‘Hi Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben frowned at him. ‘Hi yourself,’ he said. ‘Are you sure you have enough to eat there?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded as he looked at the cakes and sandwiches on the floor. ‘I think so,’ he said. ‘But I could do with a drink.  It’s kinda hard to get one from down here.’

 

 

 

Ben reached in and pulled the boy to his feet. ‘Is it absolutely necessary to eat under there?’ he asked. ‘Look at the mess you’ve made! Why couldn’t you come up here and eat like everyone else?’

 

 

 

‘Cause I thought you might send me upstairs if ya saw me,’ explained the boy.

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘Which is exactly what I’m going to do,’ he said as he patted him on the behind. ‘Now get!’

 

 

 

Joe wiped the cream away from his mouth with his shirtsleeve and Ben wondered how the boy could have possibly become so dirty in such a short space of time when he hadn’t even been outside.  His shirt, which had started off being so crisp and white now seemed to be an off-white colour and was spotted with stains of various foods. His hair was in disarray, the unruly curls springing up all over his head and his face was smeared with traces of food and dirt.   Ben sighed.  The boy just seemed to attract dirt as he attracted trouble…with very little effort and a great deal of ease.

 

 

 

‘Aw Pa!’ said Little Joe. ‘It ain’t late!’

 

 

 

‘It’s late enough for you young man,’ said his father sternly. ‘Go upstairs please!’

 

 

 

Joe put on his best pleading look. ‘But I ain’t finished yet!’ he said. ‘There’s still lots to eat and drink… and….’ His eyes travelled over to Hoss again. ‘And things to do,’ he finished.

 

 

 

Ben swatted him again on the backside. ‘I said upstairs Joseph!’ he repeated.

 

 

 

The boy sighed and dragged his feet as he headed towards the stairs.  Ben watched him go with a grin and then turned as he heard a voice behind him. ‘Wonderful party Ben.’

 

 

 

He turned to see Dr Paul Martin standing behind him. ‘Paul!’ he said with a smile as he shook the man’s hand. ‘I’m so glad you could come!’

 

 

 

‘So am I,’ replied the doctor. ‘I’m never sure if I’ll be free for socialising or if someone is going to need me at the last minute and stop me from coming.  Adam looks well.’  He glanced across at the young man who was still hemmed in against the wall by Abigail.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Ben. ‘Although I was just thinking of rescuing him.’

 

 

 

Paul laughed. ‘He sure looks as if he would appreciate it,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben strode over to his eldest son, who watched his approach thankfully. ‘Excuse me Miss Abigail,’ said Ben. ‘But I need to borrow my son for a few moments.’  He took Adam by the arm and steered him into the centre of the room as he cleared his voice. ‘Excuse me everyone,’ he began and waited while the room hushed and everyone turned to him expectantly. ‘First of all I’d like to thank you all for coming this evening.’  There was a general murmur of approval at his words. ‘And secondly I’d like to take this opportunity to formally welcome home my eldest son Adam.  Many of you remember him as the boy who left for Boston some four years ago and he stands before us now as a young man of whom I’m very proud.’  He lifted his glass. ‘To my son Adam,’ he said, with shining eyes. ‘May he stay with us now for many happy years to come.’

 

 

 

There was clapping and voices raised in agreement as many glasses were lifted to toast the young man.  Ben put his arm around his son’s shoulder and pulled him close, his eyes saying all that was in his heart. ‘Thanks Pa,’ said Adam, his own eyes misting over as he stared into his father’s eyes happily.

 

 

 

‘Now let’s get back to the eating and dancing!’ announced Ben and watched as everyone happily did just that. He turned to Adam again. ‘If I were you I’d head that way,’ he said. ‘I’ll head off Miss Abigail for you son.’

 

 

 

‘Gee thanks Pa,’ said Adam. ‘I could do with a break from her.’  He turned to make a hasty retreat and then turned. ‘And Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Yes son?’

 

 

 

‘Forget what I said earlier tonight. I think I could still do with your help when it comes to women.’

 

 

 

Ben chuckled as he turned towards the schoolteacher who was trying to pass him. ‘Miss Abigail!’ he said. ‘Come over here and let me introduce you to a few people you haven’t met yet!’  He steered her in the opposite direction, seeing with satisfaction that Adam had escaped onto the front porch where a group of young ladies waited for him.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

Hoss and Betsy-Sue sat on a couple of chairs and watched the dancers in front of them. ‘I’ve had such a wonderful time tonight Hoss,’ said Betsy-Sue, giving him a lovely smile.

 

 

 

‘So have I,’ said Hoss, thinking how strange it was that he meant it.

 

 

 

‘It would be nice to see you again some time,’ she said meaningfully.

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ he said.

 

 

 

Betsy-Sue frowned. ‘Well?’ she said.

 

 

 

‘Huh?’

 

 

 

Betsy-Sue sighed. ‘Well…could I see you again?’ she asked.

 

 

 

‘I guess so.’

 

 

 

There was silence for a few moments. ‘When?’ she asked finally when it was clear that Hoss wasn’t going to say anything else.

 

 

 

‘Oh. Um…how about…um … do you like to ride?’

 

 

 

She smiled at him. ‘I sure do!’ she said.

 

 

 

‘Well how about… um… how about we go for a ride then?’

 

 

 

‘I’d love to Hoss!  How lovely of you to suggest it.’

 

 

 

Hoss grinned at her. There was another silence. ‘When?’ asked Betsy-Sue.

 

 

 

‘Huh?’

 

 

 

‘When will we go riding?’ she asked patiently.

 

 

 

‘How about next Saturday?’

 

 

 

‘That would be lovely.’

 

 

 

Hoss’ grin became wider and his eyes widened as Betsy-Sue leant forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. As their lips parted, Hoss heard a sound behind him and he glanced up to see his little brother grinning down at them from above, where he had apparently been hiding behind the Indian blanket that was hanging from the landing of the staircase.

 

 

 

‘Hoss and Betsy-Sue are kissing!’ declared Little Joe delightedly. ‘They’re in love!’  He grinned at them both again and began to make small kissing noises with his mouth as he rolled his eyes at them and giggled.

 

 

 

Hoss stood up, his face red from the kiss and the embarrassment of being caught by Little Joe. ‘I’m gonna pound ya little brother!’ he declared. ‘You’re dead!’ He reached up to grab hold of his younger brother, but only succeeded in pulling the blanket down from the banister instead and tipping over his chair with a bang.  A small nightshirt-clad figure scampered up the stairs as everyone in the room stopped and stared at Hoss who was by now covered with the blanket, his arms flailing widely as he tried to get out from under it.

 

 

 

‘What is going on here?’ asked Ben as he pulled the blanket off his middle son.

 

 

 

‘It’s that pest Little Joe!’ spluttered Hoss. ‘He’s been spying on me!’

 

 

 

Ben tried to keep a composed look as he smiled at his guests and waved them away. As the music began again, he said quietly to Hoss, ‘Leave him to me.  You go on outside son and forget about your brother.’

 

 

 

Hoss led Betsy-Sue away as Ben headed up the stairs, determined to give his youngest son a piece of his mind.  As he entered Joseph’s darkened bedroom, he heard the muffled giggles of the boy under his blankets. ‘Joseph!’ he said. The giggles stopped. ‘Joseph!’ he repeated. ‘I know you’re awake. Answer me.’

 

 

 

‘Yes Pa?’ a small voice answered.

 

 

 

‘Come out from under those covers please.’

 

 

 

A small tousled head appeared from under the blankets.

 

 

 

‘Did I not tell you to go to bed?’ asked Ben severely.

 

 

 

‘No you didn’t,’ replied Joe defensively. ‘You just told me to go upstairs is all.’

 

 

 

Ben took a breath. ‘You know what I meant,’ he said. ‘You had no right to embarrass your brother like that Joseph. Now I expect you to stay in this bed and not get out of it again this evening.  Is that understood?’

 

 

 

‘Yes Pa.’ The tousled head disappeared under the blankets again.

 

 

 

Ben left the room, being careful to shut the door behind him.  He made a mental note to check on this young scallywag of his before too long, to ensure that he was indeed asleep.  Where Joseph was concerned, Ben had learned from bitter experience that you could never be too sure of anything.

 

 

 

As he rejoined the party he was pleased to see Roy Coffee entering the room. ‘Roy!’ he said. ‘I didn’t think you’d be able to get here!’

 

 

 

Roy shook his friend’s hand. ‘Well it’s kinda quiet in town,’ he said. ‘So I thought it was safe to leave Clem in charge for a bit while I came out here.  I can’t stay long though.’  He looked around. ‘Seems like the whole district is here.  No wonder town is so quiet.’

 

 

 

‘Come and have a drink,’ said Ben. ‘Here.’  He handed the Sheriff a glass and pushed him towards the door.  ‘Let’s go outside away from everyone for a while and talk.’

 

 

 

The two men went onto the porch and sat down. ‘Nice night for it,’ said Roy as he stared up at the clear sky. ‘Seems like a right good party Ben.’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ replied Ben. ‘I think everyone is enjoying themselves. It’s about time The Ponderosa dressed herself up for a celebration.’

 

 

 

‘Adam sure seems to have grown up a heap,’ said Roy as they spied the young man standing near the corral with a young lady. ‘So does Hoss too, now that I think about it.’  He motioned towards Ben’s middle son who was walking with Betsy-Sue near the barn.

 

 

 

‘They both are,’ said Ben with a sigh. ‘Before I know it they’ll probably both be thinking of going off and starting lives of their own.’

 

 

 

‘Well you’ve still got young Joe for a few years to come,’ said Roy. ‘It’ll be a while before that youngster is off your hands.’

 

 

 

Ben sighed. ‘Sometimes I wonder if I’ll live that long,’ he said. ‘That boy is going to be the death of me Roy.’

 

 

 

Roy laughed. ‘What’s he done now?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Nothing in particular,’ replied Ben. ‘Just being Joseph that’s all.’  He turned as he heard a noise behind him. ‘Oh. Hello Miss Abigail.’

 

 

 

The schoolteacher smiled at him anxiously. ‘Have you seen Adam, Mr Cartwright?’ she asked. ‘I seem to have lost him.’

 

 

 

‘He’s just…’ began Roy.

 

 

 

‘He’s just gone inside I think,’ interrupted Ben with a look at his friend. ‘You’d best look for him in there.’

 

 

 

‘Thank you.’  The woman retreated again.

 

 

 

Ben shrugged at Roy and smiled. ‘It is Adam’s party after all,’ he said. ‘I think he deserves to enjoy it don’t you?’

 

 

 

‘I guess so,’ said Roy. ‘She sure is a determined one ain’t she?  So Adam is her latest target eh?  Poor youngster.’

 

 

 

‘Well I think Joseph may have had something to do with it,’ said Ben. ‘That boy seems to have a finger in everything that goes on around here.’

 

 

 

Roy chuckled. ‘Well if I were Adam I’d stay away from Miss Abigail Jones,’ he said. ‘The last young man she got her hooks into ended up having to move to San Francisco just to get away from her.’

 

 

 

‘Oh I’m sure it’s nothing more than a passing crush,’ said Ben. ‘In a few weeks she won’t even remember who he is.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t know about that,’ said Roy pleasantly. ‘Once that woman gets her mind made up… well, I have a feeling that the Cartwrights might be talking about this relationship for a good while to come.’

 

 

 

Ben chuckled. ‘I hope not!’ he said.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

Ben descended the stairs again with a smile.  Joseph was finally asleep and he felt that he could now relax and enjoy himself without the worry of what that youngest son of his might be up to when he wasn’t looking. He smiled as George and Martha Phillips came up to him. ‘Wonderful party Ben,’ said George. ‘Thank you!  We have to be going now though.’

 

 

 

‘So soon?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘Afraid so,’ said Martha. ‘We can’t leave the youngsters alone too late. See you in church tomorrow.’ They walked away to say goodbye to other friends.

 

 

 

Ben left the house and stood on the front porch as he watched a few people drifting away to their buggies. ‘Thank you for coming!’ he shouted. They waved back happily.

 

 

 

More people began to leave the house and for the next half hour he was caught up in saying his goodbyes and listening to their thank yous. He noticed Hoss putting Betsy-Sue into her carriage and waving goodbye to her. ‘Have a good night son?’ he asked as he came to stand beside him.

 

 

 

‘I sure did Pa,’ replied Hoss. ‘That Betsy-Sue is a right nice girl. We’re going riding next Saturday.’

 

 

 

Ben patted his son on the back. ‘I’m pleased,’ he said. ‘I told you it wasn’t that hard.’

 

 

 

Hoss smiled back at him. ‘Reckon it wasn’t,’ he acknowledged. ‘Seems like Adam had a good time too.’  He indicated his brother standing by the barn with a girl.

 

 

 

‘Who is that?’ asked Ben, peering into the darkness.

 

 

 

‘I think its Mary Read.’

 

 

 

‘Oh.  I was afraid for a moment there it might be Abigail Jones,’ said Ben with a twinkle in his eye.

 

 

 

Hoss frowned at him. ‘Ya ain’t serious Pa,’ he protested. ‘I caught a look at her and she’s awful!’

 

 

 

‘Just kidding son,’ replied his father. ‘Come on.  Let’s go inside and help Hop Sing clean up a bit.’ Father and son put their arms around each other and walked into the house again.

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

Ben approached the dining room table for breakfast and frowned to see a couple of legs sticking out from under it. ‘Hop Sing?’ he said warily as he noticed the slippered feet.

 

 

 

Hop Sing’s head emerged from beneath the tablecloth and he frowned. ‘Clean up under table!’ he said angrily. ‘Plenty mess left by little boy!’

 

 

 

Ben helped him to his feet and noticed the dustpan full of cake and sandwich crumbs in the man’s hand. ‘Here,’ he said. ‘Let me do it.’

 

 

 

Hop Sing shook the man’s hand away. ‘All done!’ he declared as he turned towards the kitchen again. ‘No one ask Hop Sing about party. Plenty work!’  He uttered a few more Chinese phrases as he left the room.

 

 

 

‘Is he still carrying on?’ asked Adam as he came over to stand next to his father. ‘I thought he’d have given up on that by now.’

 

 

 

‘He enjoys it,’ said his father, helping himself to a cup of coffee from the pot on the sideboard. ‘How are you feeling after last night?’

 

 

 

‘Great!’ said Adam as he sat at the table. ‘What’s for breakfast?’

 

 

 

‘Leftovers I think,’ said Ben as he sat down next to him.

 

 

 

‘Hot diggety!’ said Hoss as he came to join them. ‘I hope there’s plenty!’

 

 

 

‘How can you possibly be hungry after everything you ate last night?’ asked Adam. He turned as Little Joe reached the bottom of the stairs with a thump as he jumped the last three in one bound. ‘Do you have to do that?’

 

 

 

‘What?’ asked Joe as he slid into his chair.  He grinned at them all. ‘What did I miss last night after I went to sleep?’

 

 

 

‘I wouldn’t ask if I were you Joseph,’ said Ben. ‘Neither of your brothers are too happy with you.’

 

 

 

Joe stared at his father. ‘Why? What did I do?’

 

 

 

‘You were spying on me for a start!’ said Hoss angrily.

 

 

 

‘And you were interfering in my love life!’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Hop Sing is angry with you too after the mess you made under the table,’ said his father.

 

 

 

Little Joe’s face became wary. ‘Oh,’ he said. ‘What’s for breakfast?’ he said, trying to change the subject.

 

 

 

‘Leftovers,’ said his father.

 

 

 

‘But I thought we was gonna take the leftovers with us when we go fishing this afternoon Pa?’ asked his youngest son.

 

 

 

‘You honestly expect to go fishing after what you got up to last night, do you?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Yeah shortshanks. You certainly don’t deserve it,’ added Hoss.

 

 

 

‘Well look at it this way boys,’ said their father casually. ‘If Joseph and I don’t go fishing, he’ll be here at home with both of you all day.’

 

 

 

Adam and Hoss exchanged a glance. ‘He wasn’t that bad,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ agreed Hoss. ‘You take him Pa.’

 

 

 

‘Fine,’ said Ben. ‘Joseph, go and ask Hop Sing to pack some of those leftovers for us please.  We’ll go straight from the Church to the lake.’

 

 

 

‘Sure Pa!’ said Little Joe happily and slid off his seat again.

 

 

 

‘Well come on boys,’ said Ben. ‘We don’t want to be late for Church do we?’ He got up from the table and surveyed the mess around them. ‘Well it seems like there’s a lot of work ahead of someone to get this house back to normal after the party,’ he said. ‘Seems a shame that I won’t be around to help you both today.’

 

 

 

‘Huh?’ said Hoss.

 

 

 

Ben patted both his sons on the back. ‘Don’t worry boys,’ he said. ‘Hop Sing is sure to give you both instructions about what’s to be done. Joseph!’ he called. ‘Hurry up with that food!’

 

 

 

He strode out of the house, leaving his two sons open-mouthed behind him.  ‘I think we’ve just been had,’ said Adam, shaking his head.

 

‘I think you’re right,’ agreed Hoss. ‘How did that happen?’

 

 

 

There was a crash behind them in the kitchen and Hop Sing’s shrill voice could be heard yelling. ‘Little boy get out of kitchen!  Make plenty mess to clean up!’

 

 

 

Adam grinned at Hoss. ‘I think we’d better get out of here ourselves,’ he said. ‘We wouldn’t want to be late for church.’  He put an arm around his brother. ‘After all, Betsy-Sue might be there.’

 

 

 

Hoss grinned back at him as they went out to the porch. ‘Not to mention Miss Abigail,’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam frowned. ‘Don’t even think about it brother!’ he said as they watched Little Joe running to the buggy, followed by an irate Hop Sing who was waving his arms in all directions while uttering a string of Chinese phrases. ‘That’s one woman I’d like to forget. With any luck she’s set her sights on someone else by now.’

 

 

 

‘I wouldn’t count on it,’ said Hoss, chuckling as he got up onto the buggy and pushed Little Joe to one side.

 

 

 

Ben hitched the team forward and the four Cartwrights lurched forward towards church, leaving Hop Sing still waving his arms around behind them. ‘No one ask Hop Sing about party!’ the cook muttered as he headed back towards the house. ‘Plenty clean up work to do now!’ He closed the kitchen door with a bang.

 

 

 

 

 

The End