Summary:  Joe has his hands full trying to manage four girls who are interested in him

Rated: K (18,275 words)

A Good Time

‘So what do you think Joe?’ Emma Rixon paused as she looked at the young man beside her.

Joe shook his head slightly and turned back towards her. ‘Think about what?’ he asked absently.

Emma tapped him on the arm impatiently. ‘My new dress!’ she said impatiently. ‘You haven’t said anything about it yet.’

Joe gave her one of his dazzling smiles. ‘It’s beautiful,’ he said and bent his head towards her. ‘Just like you,’ he whispered in her ear.

Emma looked around anxiously.  ‘Joe, not here!  Someone might see!’

‘So what?’ he said, trying to nuzzle her neck. ‘I don’t care.’

She pushed him away and straightened her dress. ‘Well I do!  Behave yourself please!’  Her eyes sparkled as she tried to sound stern, but failed dismally.

‘You love it!’ he teased.

Emma tried to look serious, but instead returned his smile and then laughed. ‘You are terrible Joe Cartwright,’ she said and slapped him playfully on the arm.

He continued to smile. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘Come on, I’ll walk you home.’

The young couple set off down the street together. ‘So? said Emma when they reached her front gate. ‘I’ll see you on Saturday night?’

‘Sure thing,’ replied Joe and leant towards her again, but she stepped back and held up a finger at him. ‘Just because we’ve been going out for a month now doesn’t mean that you can take liberties,’ she teased. ‘If you’re good I might let you steal a kiss at the dance on Saturday.’

Joe grinned. ‘Well in that case I’ll be here bright and early,’ he said as he tipped his hat. ‘Bye!’

Emma sighed as she watched him disappear down the street again. She couldn’t believe her luck in having the chance to go out with someone like Joe Cartwright. She knew that she was the envy of many girls around town at the moment and she was determined to keep him interested in her for as long as possible.  She turned towards the house, already thinking ahead to tomorrow night and the outfit she planned to wear.

Joe whistled softly as he walked back towards the Main Street.  The day had turned out to be a good one after all. Not only had he managed to evade any work by persuading Hoss that he had other things to do that were more important than loading supplies, but he had seen Emma and spent a very pleasant half hour in her presence. He would just have time to catch up with a few people before meeting Hoss at the Saloon and convincing him to buy him a couple of drinks before they had to return home. Yes, life seemed to be very sweet at the moment!

Life suddenly seemed a whole lot sweeter to the young man and he stopped in his tracks and stared at the vision of loveliness across the street. The object of his attention was dressed in red and was looking in a dress shop window.  Joe gulped as he stared at the young lady and then turned sharply as he heard a voice in his ear. ‘You’d better close your mouth or you’ll catch a fly in there!’

He grinned at his friend Mitch who had come up silently behind him. ‘Hi,’ he said. ‘Well? Who is she?’

‘Annie Davis,’ replied his friend, giving the young lady in question an appraising stare the same as his friend. ‘Her folks bought the old Henderson place and they moved in last Thursday. I’m surprised you didn’t hear about them.’

‘I did,’ replied Joe without taking his eyes off her. ‘But I didn’t know they had a daughter who looked like that!’

Mitch shrugged. ‘She sure is a beauty. Shame you’re taken at the moment.’

Joe frowned at him. ‘What do you mean taken?’ he said. ‘I ain’t taken!’

‘What about Emma?’ replied Mitch. ‘You two have been a bit of an item for a while now haven’t you?’

Joe shrugged. ‘Depends what you mean by an item,’ he said.

‘Well if monopolising a young lady’s attention for a full month is anything to go by, then I’d say you were an item,’ replied Mitch with a grin. ‘Emma seems to think you are.’

Joe shrugged again and continued to give Annie an appraising stare. Mitch looked at his friend. ‘Seriously though Joe, you don’t want to do anything to ruin what you got with Emma.  She’s a real fine girl.’

‘Yeah I know,’ said Joe thoughtfully. ‘I don’t intend to let go of her, but I think I’ll get to know Annie a little as well.’  He smiled at his friend as he stepped off the sidewalk and headed across the street.  Mitch shook his head as he watched his friend go.  Joe sure liked the ladies!

Joe tipped his hat as he approached the young lady near the dress shop. ‘Morning, ‘ he said pleasantly. ‘I don’t believe we’ve met?  You must one of the Davis family.’

Annie smiled at him, her heart fluttering as she saw his charming smile. ‘Yes, I am,’ she said shyly.

‘I’m Joe Cartwright,’ said Joe. ‘Pleased to meet you Annie.’

‘One of the Cartwrights?  Yes, I’ve heard of your family. You’re quite famous around these parts you know.’

Joe tried to look modest. ‘Oh… well, we have lived here for quite a while,’ he said by way of explanation. ‘Most people around here seem to know us. How about I show you around town?’

‘Thank you Joe,’ said Annie, ‘But I really need to meet my mother down at the end of the street.  She’ll be waiting for me.’

‘Then I’ll walk you there,’ Joe replied. ‘If that’s OK with you.’

She smiled again. ‘Yes, thank you!’ she said.

By the time they had reached the end of the street, Annie felt as if she had known Joe for a long time. He was so easy to talk to and so handsome, that she felt quite overcome in his presence. She introduced him to her mother.

‘Oh yes, one of the Cartwrights,’ said Martha Davis. ‘I’ve heard of your family.’

Joe gave her one of his most charming smiles. ‘I was wondering ma’am if you would have any objection to my showing your daughter around the district at some stage,’ he said politely. ‘If there was one thing Joe knew, it was that the key to a young girl was often through her mother and he was an expert at charming older women when he needed to.

Martha smiled back at him, obviously impressed with his polite manners and winning smile. ‘Well I think that would be fine Joseph,’ she said. ‘That is if Annie would enjoy it.’ She looked at her daughter who was obviously delighted with the suggestion and was nodding eagerly.

How about tomorrow morning then?’ said Joe. ‘I’ll pick you up in our buggy about ten?’

‘Don’t you have work to do?’ asked Martha.

‘Oh my Pa won’t mind,’ said Joe with a confidence that he didn’t feel. ‘He’d likes us to be polite to newcomers.’

‘See you then Joe,’ said Annie and smiled as she turned to follow her mother down the street.  Joe stood for a while and watched her back view as she disappeared. He sighed. This day was getting better and better……..now all he had to do was figure out a way to get Pa to agree to him having tomorrow morning off.

He practically sauntered over to the Saloon, feeling very smug with himself.  Not only did he have the date with Emma to look forward to, but now he had a buggy ride with the beautiful Annie and neither girl needed to be any the wiser. He felt very pleased with the way he had managed everything so far.

As he entered the Saloon he noticed that Hoss hadn’t made it yet, so reluctantly he had to order his own drink while he waited.  Cradling it carefully, he sat at a corner table where he could take in a full view of the whole room and sat back in his chair. He had just taken the first sip when he heard his name mentioned.

‘Well if it isn’t Joe Cartwright!’

Joe turned to see Sally Enright standing behind him and he gave her one of his most charming smiles. ‘Hi!’ he said, delighted to see the Saloon girl. ‘I didn’t know you were working today.’

‘Extra shift,’ she said, sitting down next to him. ‘One of the other girls took sick. So what are you doing in town in the middle of the week?’

‘Getting supplies,’ he replied. ‘There’s always supplies to get for a ranch the size of ours.’

And you’re just the one to get them, aren’t you?’ she said laughing. ‘It just seems to me that someone else actually ends up doing the work for you every time you come in though.  Who did you persuade to do it this time?’

He grinned. ‘My brother Hoss,’ he said. ‘I told him I had more important things to do.’  He leant forward. ‘Like seeing my best girl.’

Sally gave him a knowing smile. ‘Yeah sure!’ she said. ‘You didn’t give me a thought until you walked in here!’

Joe’s eyes opened widely and he gave her an innocent look. ‘Not true!’ he said. ‘You’ve been on my mind all morning, I swear!’

She began to stroke the back of his neck. ‘You sure are sweet Joe, even if you are a good liar,’ she said gently. ‘So will you be in on the weekend?’

‘Of course,’ he said, bending forward and kissing her lightly on the lips. ‘I told you….you’re my best girl.

‘Joseph!’ his brother’s voice behind him made him jump back with a start.

‘Oh….hi Hoss!’ he said guiltily. ‘I’ve been waiting for you!’

‘So I see,’ said Hoss with a frown. ‘Bin keeping yaself busy while ya did eh?’

Sally stood up and smiled at Hoss. ‘Hello Hoss,’ she said sweetly. ‘I’ve just been keeping your brother company while he waited for you.’

‘Ma’am,’ said Hoss, tipping his hat to her. He sat down abruptly, not quite knowing what else to say to her.  Small talk with women was not his strong point. Sally smiled and moved away, winking at Joe as she did so.

‘So where were you!’ demanded. ‘I done got all the supplies loaded already! You said you’d only be a few minutes.’

‘Aw sorry Hoss,’ said Joe, gulping down his beer so as to be ready for another one when his brother ordered his first. ‘I kinda got sidetracked helping a new family in town.’

‘Yeah? Who?’ said Hoss, signalling to the barman. ‘A beer thanks Sam.’

‘Make that two Sam,’ said Joe. ‘The Davis family. I was getting to know the mother and offered to help her out getting settled.’

‘Tomorrow?’ said Hoss. ‘What makes ya think Pa will give ya the day off? He wants ya to start marking that fence line.’

‘It’ll only be for part of the day,’ replied Joe. ‘And leave Pa to me.  Thanks Sam.’ Both Cartwrights began on their drinks.

‘Well you’ll have to do some smart talking to convince him,’ said Hoss. ‘And just what were you up to with that Sally when I came in anyways?’

‘Me? Nothing!’ replied his brother. ‘We was just talking.’

‘Well see that’s all ya do,’ said Hoss suspiciously. ‘You know how Pa’d feel about ya getting involved with a Saloon girl.’

Joe gave him an innocent look. ‘Who said anything about being involved?’ he said. ‘I told you, we was just talking.  How about I go and get the buckboard for you Hoss?  It’s the least I can do seeing as how you loaded all the supplies.’

Hoss grinned at his little brother. ‘Gee thanks buddy,’ he said. ‘I’ll be there in a minute.’

‘Take your time Hoss,’ said Joe patting his brother on the back as he stood up. ‘I’ll wait for you outside.’

Hoss sat back in his chair as he downed the last of his beer. That little brother of his did have his good points after all.  He smiled as he made his way to the door and flipped Sam a coin. ‘Thanks Sam,’ he said. ‘I’ll see ya!’

‘Hold on there Hoss,’ replied Sam. ‘That’ll be another dollar.’

Hoss frowned. ‘What?’ he said.

‘Another dollar,’ repeated Sam. ‘Three beers altogether.’

Hoss grimaced as he handed over the money. ‘That young brother of mine,’ he snarled as he left the Saloon. ‘I’ll get him one day!’

 

 

———-

 

 

‘So I’d like you to start on marking those fences tomorrow Joseph,’ said Ben at the dinner table. ‘You can start in the East Pasture and work your way south.  It should take about a week the way I figure it.’

Hoss watched his younger brother, interested to see how he’d get out of this one. ‘Sure thing Pa,’ said Joe brightly, grinning at his father. ‘I’ll start bright and early!’

‘Good,’ said Ben, turning to Adam. ‘I think we might work on that…..’

‘You know, I met a new family in town today,’ interrupted. Joe. ‘Name of Davis.’

Ben nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I believe they’ve bought the old Henderson place. He turned to Adam again. ‘If we….’

‘Nice woman that Mrs Davis,’ interrupted Joe again. ‘Shame she’s got it so hard though.’

Ben frowned at the interruption. ‘What do you mean……so hard?’ he asked.

‘Oh….well, you know…….. getting settled in and all,’ replied Joe casually. ‘Seems like its just hard for them getting organised is all.  I was talking to her and I felt right sorry for her.  In fact, I was going to offer to go and help her, but I didn’t want to leave Hoss with the supplies all by himself.  I knew you needed em straight away.’

Hoss choked on a mouthful and Ben turned to him. ‘Are you alright?’ he asked.  Hoss nodded, watching his younger brother with wide eyes as he did so.

‘That was a nice thought son,’ said Ben absently. ‘Maybe I’ll go over there and see if they need anything at some stage.’

‘Pa, you’re too busy what with everything going on around here,’ said Joe. ‘How about I go and do it for you? It’d be right neighbourly if one of us did.’

Ben nodded. ‘That would be nice,’ he said absently. ‘Maybe later in the week you could….’

‘I think I should do it tomorrow,’ said Joe, looking concerned. ‘She looked a bit frazzled if you get my meaning Pa. I think she could do with the help.’

‘I heard the Davis family has three boys,’ said Adam dryly. ‘I don’t know why their mother would need your help if she has three sons.’

‘Oh?’ said Joe innocently. ‘She didn’t mention that.  Maybe they’re only little kids.’

‘Maybe,’ said Adam, raising his eyebrow and looking at his brother suspiciously.

‘Well I’d better go and get my chores done,’ said Joe standing up before his father could say anything. ‘I think Hop Sing needs some more wood brought in.’

Adam and Hoss exchanged a glance as their younger brother left the room. ‘Seems to me he’s mighty keen to get to those chores tonight,’ said Adam.

Ben looked at his eldest son absently. ‘What?’ he said. ‘Oh yes, well it’s about time he was.  Now about tomorrow Adam, as I was saying we…’

 

 

———-

 

 

‘That’s the end of our property line over there,’ said Joe pointing to the top of the mountain across the other side of the lake.

‘All that way?’ said Annie. ‘It’s huge!’

Joe tried to look modest. ‘Yeah.  Well it takes a lot of work to keep it running,’ he said.

‘I’m sure it does,’ she said, looking at him with shining eyes. ‘You sure must be good at ranching Joe.’

‘Yeah.  Pa leaves a lot of it to me now,’ he replied. ‘My brothers help a bit though.’ She stared at him adoringly. ‘Do you want to get down for a while?’ he asked. ‘We could walk down this hill and I’ll show you the shoreline of the lake.  It’s real pretty.’

‘Yes, I’d love to,’ Annie breathed. Joe helped her down from the buggy and walked her carefully down the side of the hill.  As they neared the shoreline she gasped. ‘It’s beautiful!’ she breathed.

He smiled down at her. ‘Yes, it is,’ he said, his eyes intent on her face. ‘Do you want to sit down?’  She nodded and he led her over to a soft spot on the grass and helped her to get settled.

‘Thank you Joe,’ she said, looking up at him. ‘You’re a perfect gentleman.’

He smiled as he sat beside her. ‘I try to be,’ he said. ‘So how are you liking it in Virginia City so far?’

‘Oh it’s wonderful!’ she said. ‘I haven’t met many people yet though……..apart from you that is.’  Her face told him that she was glad she had. ‘Joe?’

‘Yes?’ he asked, sliding closer to her.

‘I was wondering if….I mean would you like to come to supper on Saturday night?  Ma said I could ask you.  Pa and my brothers would like to meet you too.’

‘I’d love to,’ he said, breathing in her fragrance. ‘Is that lavendar?’

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘How did you know?’

‘Oh….I just guessed,’ he said. ‘I like it.  Let me smell it closer.’  He put his nose next to her neck and snuggled against it for a while. She shivered as she felt his face against hers and didn’t draw back as he put his arms around her. Their eyes met and she tilted her head backwards as his lips descended upon hers and they shared a kiss.

After a moment, Annie sat up straight, her face flushed. ‘I think we’d best be going,’ she said.

Joe looked at her. ‘If you say so,’ he said, helping her up. ‘’I’d better get the buggy back to the Livery Stable anyway.’

‘How come you had to hire one?’ she asked as they climbed the hill.  Her thoughts were still on the kiss they had just shared, but she didn’t want to look too distracted.

‘Oh….ours has broken axle.’  The lie came easily to him as he thought about the consequences of his father missing their buggy when he was supposed to be just riding over to the Davis place alone. ‘Come on, I’d better get you back for your lunch.’

 

 

———-

 

 

‘What are you doing back in town?’ asked Mitch as he came across his friend outside the Livery Stable.

‘Just returning a buggy,’ said Joe. ‘What are you doing in here?’

‘Supplies,’ said Mitch, indicating the buckboard behind him. ‘What did you need a buggy for?’

‘I took Annie Davis out for a ride,’ said Joe.

‘Yeah?  Why’d you hire one though?’

‘Long story,’ replied Joe.

‘So what’s she like?’ asked Mitch. ‘As good as she looks?’

‘I have a feeling she’s going to be even better,’ Joe said with a wink. ‘I’m hoping to find out soon enough.  She’s invited me to supper on Saturday night.’

Mitch frowned. ‘Saturday night?’ he said. ‘Aren’t you taking Emma to the dance on Saturday night?’

Joe hit his forehead. ‘Oh!  Yeah, I forgot!’ he said.

Mitch laughed. ‘Well it’ll be interesting to see how you get out of this one!’ he said.

Joe made a face. ‘Hmm…. Well I’ll just have to think on it.  Maybe there’s a way I don’t have to.’

Mitch shook his head. ‘One day Joe that devious mind of yours is going to get you into an awful lot of trouble my friend.’

Joe hit his friend on the back. ‘Yeah, but today ain’t the day!’ he said. ‘How about a drink old buddy?’

Mitch looked at the supplies. ‘Well…..I really should get these home,’ he said.

‘Aw come one Mitch!  Just a couple!’

‘Alright,’ said Mitch with a grin.  The two friends put their arms around each other and headed down the street towards the Silver Dollar.  As they entered, Joe was pleased to see Sally there again.  She gave him a big smile and immediately headed in his direction.

Mitch nudged his friend. ‘I think she really likes you!’ he whispered as she approached. ‘Afternoon Sally,’ he said.

‘Afternoon,’ she said to him, but her eyes were fixed on Joe. ‘Two days in a row Joe? I’m beginning to think you meant what you said yesterday.’

‘Of course I did,’ he said, returning her smile. ‘How about a drink?’

‘I’d love one,’ she said.

‘Mitch, that’ll be three instead of two,’ Joe said, grinning at his friend. ‘You don’t mind buying the first round do you?’

Mitch gave him a scowl, but went to get the drinks while Joe and Sally sat down. ‘So,’ she said leaning close to him. ‘I’m still waiting for you to visit with me, handsome.’

Joe swallowed as he tried to appear nonchalant. ‘Just say the word Sally girl and I’m all yours,’ he said.

‘I’ll be off early on Saturday night,’ she said with a wicked look at him. ‘So I guess I’ll see you here around ten.’ He opened his mouth to reply, but at that moment Mitch appeared with the drinks. ‘Thank you,’ she said and downed her whiskey straight away before standing up. ‘See you on Saturday night then, Joe.’  She ran her fingers through Joe’s hair as she passed him and he swallowed again as he followed her with his eyes.

‘Wow!’ said Mitch. ‘She’s really got it bad for you Joe! What’d she mean about Saturday night?’

‘She wants to see me. Private like,’ said Joe as he picked up his beer.

Mitch stared at his friend. ‘You aren’t serious!’ he said. ‘Your Pa would kill you!’

‘What Pa doesn’t know won’t hurt him,’ replied Joe. ‘Do you really think I’m letting a chance like this slip though my fingers?’

‘Well considering you’ve already got a date with two other girls on that night I would have thought so,’ replied Mitch dryly.

Joe frowned. ‘Oh……yeah well I’ve been thinking about that,’ he said. ‘I reckon I can do both.’

Mitch snorted. ‘Yeah…….right! And just how are you going to manage that?’

‘Well, I told Emma I’d pick her up early,’ said Joe.  If I get her to the dance and stay for a bit, I should be able to slip out for a while unnoticed if I have the help of a good friend.’  He looked meaningfully at Mitch. ‘Then I could make it over to Annie’s for a quick supper before going back to the dance. Neither of them would even know.’

‘And Sally?’

‘Well, after I take Emma home I’ll still have time to make it over here for Sally,’ said Joe, pleased with himself.  ‘A perfect night!’

Mitch shook his head. ‘It’ll never work,’ he said.

‘Yes it will,’ said Joe leaning close to him. ‘All I need is your help. Now here’s what I have planned……..’

 

 

———-

 

 

‘She arrived this afternoon,’ said Ben. ‘So naturally I told Roy Coffee that you would be happy to show her around town.’

Joe frowned. ‘But Pa!’ he said. ‘Why can’t Hoss do it?’

‘Because she’s closer to your age Joseph!’ admonished his father. ‘I know you’re keeping company with a young lady at the moment….’

Joe jerked as he stared at his father. ‘Huh?’ he said.

‘Emma Rixon,’ said Adam sarcastically. ‘Or had you forgotten?’

‘Oh yeah…….Emma!  Yeah, well I have been seeing a bit of her,’ said Joe. ‘I’m taking her to the dance tomorrow night.’

‘That’s perfect,’ replied his father. ‘Roy’s niece Amanda will be there as well, so you can take the chance to dance with her a couple of times while you get to know her.’

‘But Pa……..’

‘I’m sure Emma won’t mind,’ replied Ben. ‘After all, Roy is an old friend and it’s not every day his niece visits our town.  I think it’s the least you can do Joseph.  She’ll only be here on a visit for a couple of weeks and I promised him you’d show her around.  Emma will be sure to understand that she needs to share you for a bit.’

‘Yeah but Pa…….’

‘Yes?’

Joe hung his head. Tomorrow night was sure looking more complicated by the minute!  ‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘I’d be happy to help.’

‘Good,’ said Ben. ‘Now how did you go with the fence marking today?’

Joe looked up quickly. ‘Um……fine,’ he said. ‘Why?’

‘No reason.  I was just wondering,’ said his father. Joe made a mental note to catch up on the day’s missed work over the weekend when he had a chance.

 

 

———-

 

 

‘Joe, you’re early!’ said Emma surprised. ‘I’m not quite ready.’

‘Yeah.  Well I’m just anxious to get there, that’s all,’ said Joe. ‘Can’t you hurry up a bit?’  He was anxious to get his evening under way and figured that the earlier he started the more he could spread himself around.

‘Alright!’ she said crossly. ‘Just be patient. I’ll be a few moments.’

Joe paced up and down on the front porch as he waited, trying to get is plans straight in his mind.  The arrival of Amanda had complicated things, but he still thought he’d be able to manage it all.  After all, he only needed to dance with the girl a couple of times. That wouldn’t take all evening!

‘Come on!’ he said impatiently as Emma reappeared. He took her by the arm and began to walk quickly towards the Hall.

‘What’s your rush?’ she asked. ‘I thought we might take it slowly and perhaps get close on the way.’  She edged over towards him and leant against him suggestively, her meaning clear.

Joe frowned in the darkness. ‘Yeah sure,’ he said absently. He put his arm around her and held her close as he kissed her, but his mind was still on his plans for the night. Within a minute he had let her go. ‘Come on,’ he said. ‘We need to get there.’

She pouted. ‘Well, I would have thought you could be a bit more enthusiastic!’ she said. ‘You were the other day!’

‘Of course I am,’ he said, leading her quickly up the steps. ‘I just want to dance first, that’s all.’

They entered the Hall and were immediately caught up in the crowd. Joe pulled Emma straight over to the dance floor, wanting to get his dances with her over so that he could search for Amanda. ‘I kinda have to dance with a friend of the family,’ he explained as they swayed to the music. ‘You understand if I leave you for a bit, don’t you?’

‘Who is the friend?’ she asked.

‘Sheriff Coffee’s niece,’ he said.

‘Oh? I didn’t know he had a niece.  Where is she?’

‘I don’t know what she looks like,’ he replied, looking over her shoulder to see if he could spy the sheriff anywhere.

‘I thought you said she was a friend of the family?’ said Emma. ‘How could that be if you don’t know what she looks like?’

‘He’s a friend of the family, not her!’ Joe explained. ‘There he is. That must be her next to him.’  He gulped as he looked at the plain girl standing next to the sheriff.  He hoped his Pa appreciated his sacrifice in doing this! ‘Come on! We’d better get this over wi…. I mean we’d better go and be polite.’

He edged Emma over to the Sheriff and his niece. ‘Evening Sheriff Coffee,’ he said politely. ‘This must be Amanda.’

Roy Coffee grinned at the son of his best friend. ‘It sure is,’ he said proudly. ‘Amanda, I’d like you to meet Joe Cartwright.  And this here’s Emma Rixon.’

‘Hello,’ said Amanda, smiling and showing a mouthful of protruding teeth.

Joe swallowed. ‘Um…..would you like to dance?’ he asked.

‘Yes. I’d love to!’ said Amanda delightedly. ‘If Emma doesn’t mind.’

‘Not at all,’ said Emma graciously. ‘Would you like to dance Sheriff Coffee?’

‘Well I sure would!’ said the Sheriff delightedly. ‘Thank you for asking Miss Emma.’

Joe took Amanda reluctantly onto the dance floor and held her as far away from him as he could while he twirled her around the floor. He wondered how long he would need to keep her out here without seeming impolite before taking her back.  He glanced at the clock.  It was getting late and he wanted to be on time for Annie.

Joe looked around anxiously for Mitch, but couldn’t see his friend amongst the crowd.  Just as he was beginning to panic, he saw him walk through the door and wink at him.  Joe smiled at his friend over the head of Amanda.  So intent was he on his own thoughts, that he failed to hear her comment. ‘What?’ he said.

She looked up at him, her teeth very close to his nose. He drew back as she spoke. ‘My uncle says that there’s a church picnic tomorrow.  Will I see you there?’ she asked again.

‘Oh.  Yeah I guess so,’ he answered absently as he watch Mitch. ‘My family is going.’

‘Oh good,’ she replied. ‘I thought it might be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other a bit.  My uncle said that you’d agreed to squire me around while I’m in town.’

‘Um….yeah,’ said Joe, motioning to Mitch with his eyes.  His friend grinned at him and headed towards the drinks table. The music stopped and Joe practically pulled Amanda back towards her uncle. ‘Here,’ he said as he pushed her towards the man. ‘Thanks for the dance,’ he mumbled.

Amanda gave him a smile, showing her teeth again. ‘Thank you Joe,’ she said. ‘Perhaps we’ll be able to have another one later?’

‘Yeah sure,’ he said without much enthusiasm. He turned around startled as Emma pulled don his arm. ‘My turn now,’ she said brightly. ‘Come on Joe.’

Joe felt himself being pulled onto the dance floor again and began to dance with Emma, looking desperately for Mitch as he moved to the music. ‘You seem very jumpy tonight,’ said Emma, looking at him strangely. ‘What’s the matter?’

‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘Have you seen Mitch Devlin?’

‘No I haven’t,’ she replied. ‘I’ll be packing a special picnic basket for us tomorrow Joe.  I’m bringing all your favourite foods.’

‘What?’

‘The church picnic tomorrow,’ she said patiently. ‘Have you forgotten?’

‘Oh.  No….I haven’t forgotten.’

‘Good.  Well……..’

‘Mitch!’ shouted Joe. ‘Hi! We’re over here!’

Mitch sauntered over to them. ‘Evening,’ he said. ‘How are you Emma?’

‘Fine, thank you,’ said Emma.

Joe glared at his friend. ‘Yes?’ he said hopefully.

Mitch continued to smile at them but said nothing. Finally Joe said it for him. ‘Oh.  You want a dance with Emma.  Is that it?’

‘I’d be honoured,’ said Mitch. ‘Emma?’

‘Oh.  Thank you,’ said Emma, somewhat reluctantly. Joe let her go with a flourish and stared meaningfully at his friend. ‘Have a few,’ he said. ‘I’ll get to know Amanda a bit while you do.’

He waited until they were twirling to the music before making his way to the door.  Once outside he sprinted down the steps and ran full pelt down the street until he reached the Davis house.  Panting with exertion, he knocked on the front door and tried in vain to catch his breath while he waited for it to open.

‘Joe!’ said Annie as she opened the door. ‘We were beginning to worry about you!’

‘Sorry,’ he said, still trying to catch his breath. ‘I….. my horse slipped a shoe and I had to walk him into town.  It took longer than I thought.’

‘Oh.  Well, no harm done,’ said Annie as she ushered him into the dining room. We haven’t started yet. Mama you’ve met of course.  This is my father Simon Davis and my brothers Jacob, Daniel and George.’

Joe smiled at everyone as they stood up, becoming anxious as he looked up at her three tall and muscular brothers. ‘Hello,’ he said faintly. ‘Sorry I’m late, but my horse….’

‘We heard,’ said Mr Davis as he shook Joe’s hand with a tight grip. ‘Have a seat young man.’

Joe sat down tentatively and looked around him.  He felt somewhat uncomfortable as he felt himself under the scrutiny of the four large men around the table and tried to smile pleasantly.

‘So,’ said Mr Davis as he handed around the plates ‘Tell us about your family Joseph. I believe your father owns a large ranch?’

Joe nodded and began to talk about The Ponderosa as he filled his plate.  He took a very modest serving, hoping that he could get though it as quickly as possible and was dismayed to see the four men piling their plates with servings that would have made Hoss proud. It seemed like this was going to take longer than he had thought!  He sure hoped that Mitch was keeping Emma occupied back at the dance and that Roy Coffee wasn’t looking for him.

 

So intent was he on shovelling his food down, that he didn’t hear Mrs Davis when she asked him a question. ‘Pardon ma’am?’ he said.

‘I said that I believe that there is a church picnic on tomorrow?’ she repeated patiently.

Joe nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. He looked around the table at the six pairs of eyes that were upon him, obviously waiting for him to say something more. ‘Um…I suppose I’ll see you there,’ he said finally.

Martha Davis smiled. ‘That would be lovely Joseph!’ she said. ‘I’m sure Annie would love to have lunch with you.  Thank you for asking!’  They all smiled at him and began to eat again.

Joe gave his head a slight shake.  He really couldn’t remember asking her, but didn’t dare contradict Mrs Davis considering the size of the men surrounding him.  He was beginning to wish he hadn’t come after all. Just at that moment though, Annie gave him a beautiful smile and he changed his mind.

As he watched the four Davis men holding their plates out for seconds, he began to wonder how he could get out of here without seeming to be rude. Suddenly it came to him. ‘Would you like a second helping Joseph?’ asked Martha Davis kindly. ‘You’ve hardly eaten anything.’

‘No thank you ma’am,’ he said. ‘I’m not a big eater.  Although it was delicious.’  He gave her one of his charming smiles and she thought what a lovely young man he was. As he sat and waited for the others to finish, Joe began to squirm around in his seat.

‘Are you alright dear?’ asked Martha anxiously after a few moments.

‘Actually I’m not feeling too good,’ he replied and felt guilty when he saw the look of concern on her face immediately.

‘Oh dear!’ she said. ‘I hope it’s nothing to do with the food.  Does anyone else feel queasy?’

The four Davis men all shook their heads and continued to eat. ‘Perhaps I’d better get some fresh air,’ said Joe as he stood up.

‘Yes, of course dear,’ said Martha. ‘Annie, you go out with Joseph on the front porch for a few minutes.’

‘No!’ said Joe. ‘It’ll be better if I’m just by myself for a bit.  I just need some fresh air that’s all.’  He headed for the front door and opened it before anyone could object. As soon as he was outside he began to run back towards the Hall again, sprinting up the front steps and mingling the crowd as if he had never left.

‘Where have you been?’ He turned to see Emma standing behind him.

‘Entertaining Amanda of course.  What did you think?’

‘I’ve been stuck with that Mitch Devlin for the past forty minutes,’ she said angrily. ‘If I didn’t know better I’d be suspicious of you and Amanda.’

Joe made a face. ‘Oh for heavens sake Emma! You’ve seen her haven’t you?  How could you think that!’

Emma glared at him. ‘That’s not very nice!’ she said. ‘The poor girl can’t help her teeth being like that!’

‘I didn’t mean anything by it!’ said Joe crossly.  The dinner he had consumed was threatening to come back up again after all the running he had done and he wasn’t in the mood for arguing. He pulled Emma onto the dance floor again and concentrated on keeping the contents of his stomach down as they swayed to the music.

Emma leant in towards him. ‘Well, I’ll try to forgive you,’ she said. ‘If you’ll be nice to me.’  She smiled up at him and Joe gave her a half-hearted smile back as he concentrated on his stomach.

After a couple of dances Joe suggested they sit down. ‘Why?’ asked Emma. ‘You always love to dance.  I’m usually the one who says they’ve had enough.’

Joe was beginning to get desperate. ‘I’m …I’m just not feeling too good,’ he said. ‘Do you mind if we go now?’

‘Go?’ said Emma. ‘But…….’ She looked at her escort. He really didn’t look very well.  In fact he looked rather pale, as if he were about to throw up. ‘Of course,’ she said. ‘If that’s what you want.’

Joe smiled at her relieved. ‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘Come on.’ He pulled her towards the door none too gently.

As soon as he had deposited Emma at her house he turned once again towards the Davis home.  Ignoring his churning stomach, Joe sprinted along the street and ran up the front steps two at a time just as the front door opened. ‘Joe?  Are you alright?  You’ve been out here an awfully long time.’ Annie stood in the doorway peering out into the darkness.

‘I’m fine,’ said Joe, trying to catch his breath. ‘Let’s get back inside.’

Once inside he seated himself at the table with a grin. Martha looked at him concerned. ‘Joseph dear, are you alright?’

‘I’m fine again now ma’am,’ said Joe with confidence. ‘The fresh air did me the world of good.’

She patted him on the shoulder. ‘That’s good to hear. Eat up your dessert now.’

Joe looked at the plate in front of him, dismayed to see it piled with a creamy dessert. ‘I’m not much of an eater,’ he said as he tried to still his churning stomach.

‘Nonsense!’ said Mr Davis. ‘A growing boy like you needs all the nourishment he can get! Mine all do.’  He looked around at his three sons proudly. ‘Eat it up boy!’

Joe reluctantly picked up his spoon and began to eat. This night was certainly turning out to be an interesting one!

 

 

———-

 

 

An hour later Joe was once again on his way, this time towards the Silver Dollar Saloon. However, just as he was about to enter it, Sheriff Coffee who was walking Amanda home hailed him from across the street. ‘See you tomorrow at the picnic Joe!’ the man called. ‘Your Pa has asked us to join your family.’

Joe smiled weakly and waved back.  He preferred to let tomorrow take care of itself, as he had other things on his mind for tonight.  As he entered the Saloon he spied Sally leaning against the bar. ‘And just where have you been?’ she asked impatiently. ‘I thought we said ten o’clock?’

‘Yeah.  Well I’ve been at the dance.’

‘Everyone left there ages ago!  I suppose you’ve been seeing some young thing home,’ she said testily.

Joe leaned over her. ‘I told you before….you’re my best girl,’ he said softly into her ear.

She smiled at him, overcome by his charm. ‘Yeah?  Well I’m about to give you the chance to prove it Handsome,’ she said playfully. ‘How about up in my room?’

He smiled at her and took her arm as they drifted across the floor towards the steps at the back of the Saloon.  As they entered her upstairs room, Joe once again felt the effects of all the food he had eaten and the running he had done combine in a way that made him anxious, but he tried to ignore it and concentrate on the woman next to him.

‘So?’ said Sally giving him a grin as they shut the door. ‘How about showing me some of those feelings you have for me Handsome?’

Joe grinned as he walked towards her. As he bent his head to nuzzle her neck, he felt another wave of nausea hit him and he straightened up again. ‘Maybe we’d better leave it until another time,’ he said faintly. ‘I ain’t feeling too good.’

Sally pulled him towards her. ‘Well I’ve got just the medicine to fix whatever ails you Handsome,’ she said playfully and pushed him onto the bed. ‘I’ll show you.’  She bounced down beside him and the movement sent the bed rocking.

Joe sat up gagging. ‘I’ve really gotta go!’ he said urgently as he stood up and headed towards the door. ‘I’ll be seeing you Sally.’

Sally pouted. ‘When?’ she said.

‘Um….soon,’ he said, desperate to get away. ‘See ya!’  He ran down the stairs and out into the back alleyway where he threw up the Davis’ supper and the drinks he had consumed at the dance.  As he leant against the wall breathing in huge gulps of fresh air, Joe closed his eyes and considered his night. Four girls……he thought. Maybe I’m stretching myself a bit too thin after all.

 

 

———-

 

‘Joseph?’ repeated Ben, shaking his son by the shoulder. ‘We’re here.’

Joe sat up and blinked in the strong sunlight. His head was throbbing from lack of sleep and his stomach was still reacting from all the punishment he had given it last night, not to mention this morning’s breakfast that his father had insisted he ate. Now it seemed that the buggy ride into town was over all too quickly and he had to face whatever the day might bring.

Considering what last night had brought, he thought ruefully as he climbed down from the buggy, today surely couldn’t get much worse.  The thing was though, he mused as they entered the church, in spite of all his running around last night, it had still been quite enjoyable and he knew that each of the girls was worth it.

All except maybe Amanda, he thought ruefully as he spied the plain young woman sitting with her uncle.  She turned to give him a toothy grin and he felt Adam smirking beside him. ‘Well there’s obviously an attraction there,’ his older brother whispered and Joe gave him a filthy look, which only caused Adam to grin wider.

As the congregation stood for the first hymn, Joe sensed someone’s eyes upon him, and he looked over to see Emma smiling at him from behind her hymnbook. He returned the look, thinking as he did so just how lovely she was.  So caught up he was in thinking about her that he failed to sit when everyone else did, and had to be pulled down onto the seat by his father. ‘Pay attention!’ whispered Ben angrily into his ear. ‘What’s the matter with you?’

Joe shrugged sheepishly at his father and tired to concentrate on what the Minister was saying, but his thoughts soon returned to Emma again and he spent the rest of the sermon playing eye games with her. When the Service ended he hurried to be one of the first out of the door in order to speak to her, but felt himself being pulled back by the collar.  ‘Not so fast young man,’ said his father in his ear. ‘Where are your manners?’

Joe winced. ‘Sorry Pa,’ he began. ‘I was only….’ He turned to see Sheriff Coffee and Amanda standing in the doorway. ‘Hello Joe,’ said Amanda brightly. ‘I’m looking forward to our picnic together.’

‘So is Joe,’ said Adam coming up beside his brother. ‘Aren’t you Joe?’

‘Um…well….’

We’re joining your family,’ continued Amanda as she turned to follow her uncle. ‘I’ll see you there.’

Joe frowned after her. ‘What’s the matter with you?’ said Adam. ‘She seems lovely in a …toothy way.’ He spluttered in his hand, his amusement showing.

‘Shut up!’ said Joe. ‘Who invited them anyway?  I’m supposed to be having lunch with Emma (and Annie, he thought suddenly…then pushed that thought aside for later consideration).

‘Pa did,’ replied Adam. ‘And if I were you I’d make my apologies to Emma.  You know how Pa feels about us all eating together at these things.   Especially when we have guests. Particularly ones such as the lovely Amanda!’  He took a step back before his brother’s fist connected with his face. ‘Steady now Joe!  It’s alright you know….I’ll leave her all to you younger brother….she’s all yours!!’

‘Unfortunately!’ said Joe under his breath as he headed out into the crowd. He spied Emma standing by the front gate and headed straight towards her. ‘Hi!’ he said.

Emma looked at him concerned. ‘Are you alright today?’ she asked. ‘You seemed awfully unwell last night.’

‘Yeah.  Well I’m sorry about that,’ he said. ‘I’m fine now.  Sorry I spoiled your night.’

‘Oh you didn’t spoil it,’ said Emma.  I had a couple of dances and Mitch kept me busy while you weren’t there.’

Joe frowned. ‘Oh yeah…I forgot about him.  Nice of him to look after you I guess.’

‘Yes, wasn’t it?’ she replied. ‘So?  Are you looking forward to lunch?  I have all your favourites packed.’

‘Well…..it’s a bit difficult,’ began Joe. ‘You see Pa has promised that we’ll all eat together.’

Emma frowned. ‘But you promised!’ she said sulkily. ‘What am I supposed to do with all the food I’ve packed?’

‘Well I didn’t know he was going to do this!’ protested Joe. ‘It’s all on account of that Amanda.’

‘What’s she got to do with it?’ asked Emma. ‘I’m beginning to think you’re a bit sweet on her the way you keep talking about her!’

‘Yeah right!  As if!’ said Joe sarcastically. ‘It’s just that she’s Sheriff Coffee’s niece.  He and Pa are good friends, you know that!  And he just feels obligated for me to look after her that’s all.  Hey!’ an idea suddenly formed in his head. ‘How about you joining us as well?  Pa wouldn’t mind that!’

Emma frowned. ‘Are you sure?’she asked. ‘If you’re having the Sheriff and his niece it doesn’t seem right.’

‘Sure I’m sure!’ said Joe. ‘And after lunch we can take a walk or something.  Maybe down by the lake?’  He leant towards her, his meaning clear.

She smiled at him. ‘Well….maybe,’ she said. ‘Alright, I’ll see you there.’

Joe smiled as he turned back towards the Cartwright buggy, but frowned just as quickly as he saw his father and brothers talking to Mr and Mrs Davis.  He quickly walked over to them. ‘Hi,’ he said warily. ‘I see you’ve all met.’

‘Oh Joseph,’ said Martha quickly. ‘Are you feeling alright now dear? He hasn’t been well,’ she said to Ben. ‘I was a bit anxious about him.’

Ben looked at Joe for a moment puzzled. ‘Joseph?’ he said. ‘What’s all this about?’

‘Oh, I’m fine thank you ma’am,’ said Joe. He hoped to deflect his father’s attention by adding. ‘I hope you’ve settled in well now.’

‘Well yes,’ said Mr Davis. ‘We have.’

‘I hope Joseph was of some help,’ said Ben politely.  He wondered why the couple gave him a strange look.

‘He’s a lovely boy,’ said Martha Davis, not knowing what else to say. ‘Annie sure thinks so.’

‘Annie?’ said Ben.

‘Yes. Our daughter. So nice of you to invite her to lunch today,’ said Martha. Before Ben could reply, she added. ‘Oh, here are the children now.’

The four Davis children came up and were introduced to the Cartwright.  As Joe stood beaming at Annie she smiled at him and Hoss nudged Adam.

‘Well we’ll see you at the picnic grounds,’ said Ben, somewhat confused. ‘Come on boys. What was all that about?’ he asked Joe as they got into the buggy. ‘Why did she think you’d been sick Joseph?’

Joe sighed. ‘It must have been all the work I did over at her place,’ he said. ‘I was a bit tuckered out.’

‘Yes, with three puny boys like that she probably was really relying on your help,’ said Adam sarcastically. ‘I can see how you’d have been the one to do all the heavy lifting.’

Joe shot his brother a filthy look, but didn’t have time to reply before his father spoke again. ‘And what’s all this about inviting Annie to eat with us?’ he asked. ‘Why on earth would you do that?’

‘I can think of one reason,’ said Adam under his breath. ‘Pretty little thing isn’t she?’

Joe shot him another look before replying. ‘Well I didn’t really,’ he said truthfully. ‘She kind of invited herself.’

‘Well it’s going to be a bit awkward with Amanda as well,’ said his Ben angrily. ‘Still it can’t be helped now.’

It’s going to be even more awkward than you think! thought Joe as he slid down in his seat and thought of Emma and wondered what to do about her.

 

 

———-

 

 

‘Well isn’t this lovely!’ said Amanda as she settled herself down on the picnic rug. ‘Nice and cosy just the few of us.’

‘Yes isn’t it?’ said Adam with a huge grin and settled himself back to enjoy what he thought was about to unfold at his little brother’s expense. ‘Joe thinks so, don’t you Joe?’

Joe glared at his older brother. ‘I’ve just about had enough of your……’ his voice trailed off and he gulped as he saw Sally Enright coming across the field with a picnic basket hanging from her arm.

‘Yes?’ said Adam, following his gaze. ‘My what?’

‘Nothing,’ said Joe and stood up. ‘I’ll be back in a minute.’

‘Joseph!’ called his father. ‘Don’t go too far.  We’re going to eat in few minutes.’

Joe headed towards Sally and stood in front of her, blocking her view of his family. ‘What are you doing here?’ he said.

She gave him an innocent look. ‘I’m having a picnic.  What does it look like?  I’ve got a right to haven’t I?  Just because you don’t see me in church every Sunday doesn’t mean that I can’t take a picnic basket and have lunch whenever I feel like it.’

‘You know what I mean!’ said Joe. ‘You aren’t coming near my family, are you?’

‘I don’t know, Handsome,’ she said sweetly. ‘I think I just might sit over there near them now that you come to mention it though.’

‘Why are you doing this?’ he said in a low voice.

‘Well it seems to me that you’re all talk Sweetheart,’ she said. ‘You keep saying how I’m your best girl, but you never do anything about it. I just thought you might like to introduce me to some people around here and we could get to know each other that’s all.’

He glared at her. ‘You know I can’t,’ he all but hissed at her. ‘What do you really want?’

‘I want you, darling,’ she said, leaning close to him. He took a step back and looked around to see if anyone was watching them. ‘I’ll leave you alone in public if you promise to come and see me tomorrow.  And I mean really see me this time.’  She looked at him knowingly.

‘Yeah sure,’ he said. ‘You know I want to!  It’s just that…’

‘No buts, Handsome,’ she said. ‘Now I think I’ll just go and eat my lunch.  Remember I expect to see you tomorrow.  No excuses this time.’

Joe looked after her as she sauntered towards his family group, but stopped short of them and sat down under a tree.  He breathed a sigh of relief and turned to hurry back to them, but heard his name called before he could take a single step. ‘Joe?  Are you looking for me?’

He turned to see Annie Davis standing behind him. ‘Oh,’ he said. ‘There you are.’

She smiled sweetly at him. ‘Yes.  Here I am,’ she said. ‘Where are we sitting for lunch?’

‘Over here,’ he said faintly and indicated where his family, Sheriff Coffee and Amanda were seated.

‘Who is that?’ asked Annie, indicating Amanda.

‘Oh.  That’s Sheriff Coffee’s niece,’ he replied. ‘She’s……um…. she’s kind of going out with my brother Hoss.’

‘Oh,’ said Annie. ‘I’d like to meet her then.’

‘Yeah well, there’s my brother Adam’s girlfriend joining us too,’ said Joe in a rush.  He didn’t know how else to explain Emma to her.

‘Well we’re going to be quite a group then aren’t we?’ said Annie happily. Joe rolled his eyes heavenward as he followed her over to the picnic spot.  After the introductions he sat down, careful to place himself between the two girls who both immediately began to pile his plate with food.  Adam and Hoss watched amused.

Just as Joe was beginning to think that everything would work out alright, he looked up to see Emma standing in front of him with a an angry glare on her face. ‘Hello Joe,’ she said. ‘Hello everyone.’

‘Oh. Hi,’ said Joe with his mouth full of one of Amanda’s sandwiches. ‘Come and join us Emma.’

Emma squeezed herself next to him, pushing Amanda out of the way.

Emma glared at Annie. ‘And who might you be?’ she asked.

‘This is Annie Davis,’ explained Joe. ‘She’s new in town. How about I get your picnic basket for you Emma?  Come and show me where it is.’  He pulled the protesting girl to her feet and pulled her away from the group. ‘Come on,’ he said.

‘What on earth is going on here Joe?’ asked Emma as they walked across the pasture.

 

‘Why is that girl sitting with you?’

‘I told you, she’s new in town,’ said Joe. ‘My… my brother is kind of stuck on her, so she’s been invited to eat with us as well.’

‘Oh?’ said Emma. ‘Which brother?’

Joe desperately tried to remember what he had told Annie about Emma. ‘Um….. Hoss.  No, Adam.’

Emma frowned at him. ‘Well?  Which one?’ she asked. ‘Don’t you even know?’

‘Adam,’ he said confidently as he picked up her picnic basket and they turned back towards his family again.

Lunch was a difficult affair, with Joe the centre of attention by all parties.  The three girls kept piling his plate with food and in order not to favour one over the other he felt obliged to keep eating until he though he would burst.  He was well aware of the amused glances of both his brothers as they watched his little charade.  He was sure that they were aware of what was happening as they kept making comments, hoping to trick him into stumbling and giving the game away to one of the girls.  On top of that he kept getting suspicious looks from his father who was not by any means comfortable with the fact that his youngest son had no less than three girls at his disposal at once.  And he was acutely aware of the fact that Sally was only feet away and listening to every word that was spoken.  He was extremely anxious in case she got it into her head to join them as well at any minute. The lunch couldn’t be over quickly enough as far as Joe was concerned.

As soon as it was, he stood up and made to leave. ‘I think I’ll just have a bit of a walk,’ he said, hoping that none of the girls would get it into their heads to join him.  He needed desperately to walk off some of that enormous lunch in the hopes of feeling better again. Unfortunately, all three of the girls stood up, each expecting him to suggest her company.  He looked from one to the other, not knowing what to say as they all looked back expectantly at him.  ‘Well, see ya,’ he said finally and turned and strode away, leaving all three with their mouths open looking after him.

Ben stared after his youngest son, his own mouth open.  He made a mental note to reprimand that young man for his lack of manners later as he frowned at the disappearing figure of his youngest son. Emma sat down angrily and began to eat again. Amanda looked as if she were ready to cry, and Annie simply looked puzzled.  Hoss and Adam exchanged amused glances with each other again.  The only one who seemed to be oblivious to the entire situation was Sheriff Coffee who was busy finishing off the last piece of pie.  From a distance, Sally hid an amused smile behind her hand.

 

 

———-

 

 

‘Joseph, I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately,’ Ben thundered. ‘I have never seen such a lack of manners and I hope to never see it again young man!’

Joe tried to look contrite, but his look only succeeded in making his father angrier. ‘Do you hear me Joseph?’ he yelled.

‘Yes sir,’ said Joe in a low voice as he studied the plate in front of him on the table.

‘Each of those young ladies deserves an apology from you,’ said Ben angrily. ‘And I expect you to do it first thing in the morning! You are to go straight into town and sort this out young man, and then you are to ride straight back out and continue with that fence marking.  I hope you’re well on the way to having it finished by now.’

Holy Toledo …….. the fence marking!!  thought Joe.  It had completely slipped his mind over the weekend.  He made a mental note to get onto it straight after his apologies in the morning. ‘Sure thing Pa,’ he said. ‘I’ll go in straight after breakfast and see them all.’ He smiled to himself. This might just work in his favour after all.  He had agreed to meet Sally tomorrow and this might just be his opportunity to do so.  He worried about what she would do if he didn’t keep his promise to her.  His life was becoming complicated enough without her adding to it.  He shuddered to think of how his father might react if he realised that his youngest son was mixed up with a Saloon girl.

‘Are you listening to me Joseph?’ asked Ben.

‘Yes Pa.’

‘Well go up to bed if you’re not going to eat that food,’ his father said angrily. ‘Although judging by the amount you ate at the picnic today I’m not surprised to see that you don’t want any supper.’

Joe grimaced as he realised that his father had no idea that his lunch had promptly come up again the moment he was out of sight of his family. It seemed that he did nothing lately but stuff himself with food and then throw it all up again.  He sighed.  If he kept this up, he’d most likely die of malnutrition.  He’d be the best-fed person to starve to death ever!

 

 

———-

 

 

‘Well I suppose I understand,’ said Annie thoughtfully.  ‘The only problem is Joe, that my brothers didn’t take it very well when I told them that you’d left me there for the afternoon. I’m afraid they’re a bit protective of me.’

Joe swallowed.  He hated to think of what might happen if he got on the wrong side of the three Davis boys. They looked as thought they would make short work of him in a second and he had no desire to find out. ‘Well it must have been your mother’s cooking,’ he said. ‘I’ve always had a delicate stomach and ever since Saturday night I’ve just felt not right.  I didn’t want to embarrass myself or anyone else by staying there.’  He hated to use being unwell as an excuse, but it was all he could think of.  A moment later any regrets he had fled as he observed the anxious look on Annie’s face.

‘Poor boy!’ she said. ‘Here, come and sit down where I can take a look at you.  Mama will be so upset when she hears what she’s done to you!’  She sat him down on the front porch swing and began to stroke his forehead.  Joe smiled sadly up at her, enjoying the attention.

‘Please don’t trouble your mother about it,’ he said sadly. ‘I wouldn’t want her to worry about me.’

Annie continued to stroke his forehead as she snuggled up to him. ‘What a thoughtful person you are Joe,’ she said softly. ‘No wonder I like you so much.’

‘You do?’ said Joe pleased.  Things were turning out better than he expected after all.

‘Of course I do,’ she said. ‘You are such a gentleman and you are so considerate of others.  I think you’re kind of sweet.’

He smiled at her. ‘I’ve been told that before,’ he said trying to be modest.

‘So when will I be able to see you again?’ she asked, breathing in his ear.

Joe felt quite light-headed, although he wasn’t sure if it was from lack of food or her attention. ‘What would you like to do?’ he asked without thinking.

‘I’d love to go for a ride!’ she said, sitting up. ‘How about this afternoon?’

Reason kicked into Joe’s brain just in time as he remembered his date with Sally. ‘I’ll have to get some work done this afternoon,’ he lied. ‘A ranch as big as The Ponderosa doesn’t run by itself you know.’

‘Oh yes of course,’ she said disappointed. ‘Your father must be very grateful he has you to run it for him.’

‘I do my best,’ said Joe modestly.

‘So we’ll go tomorrow afternoon then?’ she asked hopefully.

Reason kicked out of Joe’s brain again. ‘Sure!’ he said. ‘That’d be fine!’  He figured he’d have time to get started on that fence marking thins afternoon after seeing Sally and then do more tomorrow before he went riding with Annie. Thinking of Sally made him anxious again as he remembered he still had to see Emma and Amanda before getting to the Saloon. ‘Well I’d better got back to work now,’ he said as he stood up. ‘Thanks for understanding about yesterday.’

Joe whistled under his breath as he strode down the street towards Emma’s house.  He figured he get her over with and then head back towards town, do a quick swing by the Sheriff’s office to see Amanda and then still have a few hours with Sally before heading off to work.  Life was good!

He changed his opinion about life however, the minute Emma’s door opened and he saw her face which was a picture of rage. ‘What are you doing here!’ she said angrily. ‘After yesterday I didn’t think you’d have the hide to come around here any more!’  She tried to shut the door in his face, but Joe put his foot in it to stop her.

‘Hold on,’ he said. ‘I came to apologise!’

She opened it again. ‘You did?’ she said.

He gave her one of his most charming smiles and noticed she began to melt a little.  Joe put on his best Cartwright charm as he leant against the doorframe. ‘Aw come on Emma…….just listen to me OK?’

Alright,’ she said. ‘Tell me why you ran off like that Joe Cartwright.’

‘Well I really didn’t have much choice did I,’ he said defensively. ‘What with that Amanda all over me.  I had to get away from her!’

‘Well I can understand that,’ mused Emma. ‘She did seem rather interested in you.’

Joe sighed. ‘I know.  Not that I encouraged her you know.  One look at her and you’d see she just ain’t my type.’  He leaned closer to her. ‘You know Pa said I even have to go and apologise to her this morning.  Would you believe it?’

Emma frowned. ‘I suppose you’re only here because your Pa told you to apologise to me too?’

Joe looked hurt. ‘How could you even think that?  After all we mean to each other? I told you….you’re my best girl!  Forgive me?’

Emma gave him a small smile. ‘Well I still don’t see why you didn’t take me with you,’ she said. ‘You left me there with those two……. Nincompoops all afternoon!’

Joe laughed. ‘That’s a nice way to talk about my brothers!’

Emma hit him on the arm. ‘I meant Annie and Amanda silly,’ she said. ‘That Annie is pretty though, I grant that.  Your brother certainly can pick nice girls.’

Joe looked startled. ‘My brother?’ he said. ‘Oh yeah. Adam.’

‘I must say though, he didn’t seem to pay her much attention after you left.  If anything, Hoss was the one she seemed to enjoy talking to.’

‘Hoss?’ Joe found that hard to believe. His middle brother had never been one to impress the girls.

‘Yes.  They got on really well.  If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were quite keen on each other.’

Joe shook his head. ‘Impossible,’ he said, dismissing the thought instantly. ‘So how would you like me to make up to you for a wasted afternoon?’

Emma put her head on one side. ‘Well it wasn’t completely wasted,’ she said. ‘Mitch Devlin turned up and we went for a walk together. You know he’s really a lovely man.’

Joe frowned.  He didn’t like to think of Emma and Mitch going on a walk at all, no matter how innocent it might have been. ‘How about you and I going for a walk then?’ he said without thinking.

Emma beamed at him. ‘That would be lovely!’ she said. ‘I’ll be ready in a few minutes’

‘I didn’t mean now!’ Joe said quickly, but he realised he was talking to thin air as Emma had disappeared inside. In a moment she was back with her hat. ‘I really have work to do today,’ he said as she propelled him down the pathway.

‘Oh pooh!’ she said. ‘Nothing that won’t wait I’m sure! Since when do you put work before pleasure Joe Cartwright?  Come on!’

Joe spent the next hour walking around town, anxiously looking out for Amanda or Annie.  Luckily neither of them appeared and when finally he managed to persuade Emma to go home again, he breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Now remember,’ she said as he left her at the door. ‘You promised to take me for a buggy ride tomorrow morning.’

‘When did I promise that?’ he said, confused.  It was beginning to be difficult to remember whom he’d promised what to.  Maybe he had.

‘Just now!’ she said cheekily. ‘I’ll see you then!’  Emma shut the door abruptly and Joe was left scratching his head in confusion. Now how had that happened?

 

 

———-

 

‘Joe!’ said Sheriff Coffee as Joe entered his office. ‘Good to see you boy!’

Joe looked anxiously around, but didn’t see the man’s niece anywhere. ‘I came to apologise to Amanda,’ he said. ‘For yesterday.’

Roy Coffee looked confused. ‘Yesterday?’ he said. ‘What happened?’

Joe breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed as if the Sheriff hadn’t noticed anything amiss after all. ‘Oh just when I went off for a bit in the afternoon,’ he explained. ‘I thought Amanda might have been a bit upset.’

‘Well if she was she didn’t say anything to me,’ said Roy. ‘Come on.  I’m just on my way home for lunch.  You can walk with me.’ Joe headed out after the Sheriff, anxious to get this over with as quickly as possible. ‘So what do you think of my niece?’ the Sheriff asked as they approached his house.

Joe didn’t quite know what to say. ‘Um…. she’s very nice,’ he said finally.

‘I’m glad you said that boy,’ the Sheriff replied. ‘Because she really likes you.  How about stopping for lunch?  Amanda would be right pleased if you did.’ He pushed Joe through the door as he opened it. ‘Amanda!’ he called. ‘Joe Cartwright’s here to talk to you.’

Amanda entered the room, grinning widely. ‘Joe!’ she said, obviously delighted to see him. ‘I’m so glad you’ve come!’

‘I’ve invited him to lunch,’ said the Sheriff. ‘I’ll go and wash up.’

Joe opened his mouth to protest, but was cut short by Amanda. ‘I’m so glad you can stay for lunch Joe. ‘Here….sit down!’ She pushed him onto a chair and began to pile his plate with food. Joe groaned inwardly.  It seemed that he just couldn’t get away from food at the moment! ‘I thought after yesterday that you might not like me,’ Amanda continued.

Joe flushed with embarrassment. Even though he wasn’t particularly fond of the girl he didn’t want to hurt her for Sheriff Coffee’s sake.

‘I’m sorry you thought that,’ he said with a sigh as he picked up his fork.  He needed to get this meal over with as soon as possible if he was to get to Sally without too much more delay.

‘So you do like me?’ she said, sitting down next to him. ‘I’m so glad!  In that case you wouldn’t mind spending a bit of time showing me around town?’

Joe made a mental calculation and tried to remember what he had already committed himself to with the others. ‘Well I’m kind of busy at the moment,’ he said. ‘I’ve got lots to do around the ranch.’

Amanda’s face fell. ‘Oh,’ she said, obviously disappointed. ‘I just thought ….. that is, your father said that you would.’

‘Yeah.  Well my days are kinda full at the moment,’ he said truthfully.

‘That’s fine!’ she beamed. ‘I don’t mind a walk around at night if my uncle agrees to it.’

‘Agrees to what?’ asked the Sheriff as he came to the table.

‘To Joe showing me around the town at night,’ said Amanda. ‘He’s busy working in the daytime.’

‘Not at all,’ said Roy. ‘After all if he gets up to any mischief I’ll be on duty to sort it out won’t I?’ he gave Joe a smile.

Great!  thought Joe.  Not only are my days taken up with all these females, but now my nights as well!  He began to wonder if women were worth it all after all and bent his head to attack the food in front of him with another sigh.

 

 

———-

 

 

‘And where have you been?’ asked Sally with an annoyed expression on her face. ‘I’ve been waiting for you all morning!’

Joe sighed. ‘I got caught up,’ he said. ‘Seems like everyone wants to see me today.’

‘Well I’m working now, so you’ll just have to wait,’ she replied crossly.

Joe ran his fingers through his hair in an exasperated fashion. ‘I can’t!’ he said. ‘I haven’t got any work done today and my Pa’ll kill me if he finds out I’m here at all!  I’ve got to get this over with as soon as possible.’

Sally gave him an angry look. ‘Well thank you very much!’ she replied. ‘So you need to get me over with as soon as possible do you? That’s a lovely thing to say!’

‘You know what I mean!’ he said crossly.  ‘Somehow this encounter wasn’t turning out the way he’d hoped. ‘I just need to get to work that’s all.  Maybe I’d better come back another time?’

‘Oh no, you don’t!’ she said, grabbing him by the arm and pushing him onto a chair. ‘I’ve waited far too long for this.  You can just sit there and wait for me now.’

‘I’m outta here!’ said Joe, trying to get up.

Sally stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. ‘Oh really?’ she said ominously. ‘You take one step out of here Joe Cartwright and I might just feel inclined to visit your ranch tomorrow and have a little discussion with your Pa about you and me.  How would that be?’

Joe paled at the thought of it. ‘Um…. I think I’ll have a drink while I’m waiting,’ he said meekly.

Sally leaned over him. ‘I thought you might see it that way,’ she said. ‘I’ll be finished in a couple of hours, Handsome!’

Joe gulped. ‘A couple of hours?’ he said and put his hand over his eyes for a moment. ‘I think I’ll need more than just that one drink then.’ The way he figured he probably deserved quite a few considering the day he’d had so far.

It didn’t take long, however, for his mood to change. As he watched Sally going about the room he began to mellow and tilted his chair back as he drank to get a better view of her.  She really was something and he found himself quite looking forward to what the afternoon might bring.  He ordered another drink and began to sip it slowly.

Sally spent the next couple of hours quite run off her feet.  For a weekday the Saloon was quite busy and there were many customers to be looked after as she cajoled them into buying more drinks.  Not that she had to force Joe Cartwright, she noticed.  He seemed quite happy to indulge himself in one drink after another as he sat there and after a while she began to get quite alarmed at the rate he was downing them.

‘Are you sure you haven’t had too many?’ she asked him as she finished her shift and he finally got the opportunity to stand up and join her.

He gave her a lopsided grin. ‘Not at all,’ he said slowly. ‘Come on shwee…shweetheart.  Let’s go….’  He looked at her strangely. ‘Where were we…. going again?’  He giggled as he leant on her, swaying on his feet quite a bit.

Sally rolled her eyes. ‘Just how many drinks have you had anyway?’ she asked.

Joe giggled again. ‘No…… no idea!’ he said. ‘How about you?’

Sally propelled him towards the staircase and they made their way up slowly.  She supported Joe as much as she could, but by the time they had reached the top he fell against the wall and slid down to a sitting position. ‘Hi!’ he said in a thick voice, looking up at her.

She rolled her eyes again. ‘You’re no good to me like this!’ she said crossly. ‘You’d better get on home after all.’ She helped him to a standing position. ‘I guess we’ll have to do this tomorrow!’

Joe frowned. ‘Don’t… don’t be like that shweetheart,’ he said sadly. ‘I’ve been looking forward to this.’ He tried to kiss her neck but she pushed him away.

‘So have I,’ she said. ‘But not like this.  Go on now, go home.  I’ll see you in here tomorrow.’  She waggled her finger at him. ‘And you’d better be here!’ she said. ‘or else I’ll be paying that visit to your Pa!’

Joe looked at her retreating figure as he slid down onto the floor again. ‘Pa!’ he thought through his haze and then giggled again. ‘Pa won’t….’ he struggled to think, but couldn’t put his thoughts together.  With a soft sigh he stretched out on the floor and fell fast asleep.

 

 

———-

 

 

Joe sat with his head bowed, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.  He was well aware of his father’s eyes upon him and after last night’s encounter he didn’t feel at all inclined to start up another conversation about it all.  It seemed however that his father had other ideas, for he began to talk about it all again as he sat down at the table.

‘I’m surprised you feel like eating anything at all after last night Joseph,’ he said sarcastically.

‘I don’t,’ replied Joe. He had a dim memory of losing yesterday’s lunch all over the front porch when he had finally made it home with Hoss last night.  Another meal wasted! he thought. Not to mention all those beers!

‘What I just can’t understand is how you could do this!’ continued Ben.  Joe rubbed his temples and tried to ignore his thumping head, but it was impossible.  ‘Not only did your brother have to go looking for you when you didn’t return home at the appropriate hour, but when he did find you, you were in the Saloon on a weekday and you had obviously been there for a long time.  I thought I had made my feelings about that sort of behaviour quite clear to you boys.’

‘Yes sir,’ said Joe in a low voice.

‘Well?’ continued Ben. ‘You still haven’t told me what you were doing in there.’

‘Drinking,’ said Joe.

Ben bent forward towards his son. ‘Well that was obvious!  Are you trying to make fun of me young man?’

Joe gulped. ‘No sir,’ he said.

‘Well?’

Joe looked at his father, puzzled. ‘Well what?’ he asked, confused.

Ben took a deep breath and tried to control his temper with his youngest son. ‘Why were you in town in the first place?’

‘You told me to go in and apologize to all them girls,’ said Joe, sure now of his facts.

‘I didn’t mean it to take you all day!’ thundered Ben. ‘It should only have taken you a little while.’

Joe thought quickly. ‘Yeah.  Well I went in first thing like you told me, but they wasn’t all there, so I had to go back in again later.  I just thought I’d have a drink while I waited.’

‘So you got a fair bit of the fence marking done in the meantime?’ asked his father.

Joe gulped. The fence marking!  He’d have to get started on that at some stage today!  He thought quickly. ‘It’s coming along real fine Pa,’ he said weakly.

Ben nodded. ‘Good,’ he said. ‘And I’d say you had more than a drink while you waited Joseph!  You had quite a few.’

‘He’d had a barrelful by the time I got to him,’ said Hoss, giving his brother a disdainful look.

Ben stood up. ‘You,’ he said pointing his finger at Joe, ‘are to get straight out there and get to work!’ he said. ‘A hard day’s work is just the medicine you need to knock some sense into you young man!’

‘Yes sir,’ said Joe mournfully.  He wondered what his father would say if he knew just what his plans were for the day.  He wondered what the girls would say if he just didn’t turn up for the various appointments he’d made with them.  He decided that they’d most likely come looking for him and he grimaced at the thought.

‘What’s that look for?’ thundered his father.

Joe grimaced again. ‘Nothing Pa,’ he said. ‘I gotta get to work now.’  He sighed as he stood up.  All this gallivanting around was beginning to feel like work!  He couldn’t figure out how all this had happened….after all he had only wanted to have a good time!

 

 

———-

 

 

On the way to town, Joe tried to get all his obligations straight in his head.  First there was the buggy ride with Emma this morning, followed by a ride with Annie in the afternoon.  He thought of going into the Saloon in between the two, but then decided that he’d better wait until later in the afternoon. Suddenly he remembered his date with Amanda that evening.  It seemed like the fence marking was going to have to wait one more day.

He tried to think of ways to make his life a little easier, but the thumping in his head didn’t help and all he came up with was using work as an excuse to all the girls.  All except Sally that was……he didn’t quite trust her to stay away from his father and knew he’d better keep that appointment at all costs.

Joe sighed.  It seemed that each of the girls had some kind of hold over him, whichever way he looked at it.  The thought of Annie’s huge brothers loomed foremost in his brain, followed by Sally’s threat of talking to his Pa.  Then there was Sheriff Coffee and his friendship with his father to be considered.  He didn’t want to give the Sheriff any reason for going to Pa either.  Come to think of it, he thought, the only one with nothing to hold over him was Emma!  He smiled.  That’s where he’d start!

 

 

———-

 

 

‘So you see Emma, it’s all a bit difficult,’ he said sadly. ‘I just have no choice but to do as Pa says and get back to work straight away.’

Emma frowned. ‘Hmm….well I suppose you can’t help it if your Pa feels that strongly about it.  I was really looking forward to it though.’

Joe smiled at her, happy that it had been so easy.  ‘Me too,’ he said. ‘Maybe later in the week then?’

Emma shrugged. ‘Oh….only if you have time,’ she said. ‘I’ll find something else to keep me busy I suppose.’

Joe grinned ever wider. ‘Good,’ he said. ‘Well…gotta get back to work now…see ya!’

He whistled under his breath as he left her.  You are a wonder Joe Cartwright, he thought to himself.  You are going to manage this even better than you thought. He walked jauntily along, very pleased with himself.  So pleased with himself was he in fact, that he failed to see Hoss on the sidewalk and practically bumped right into him before he realised it.

Guiltily he looked up at his older brother. ‘Uh, hi Hoss,’ he said. ‘What are you doing in town?’

‘Supplies,’ Hoss said shortly. ‘What are you doing in here little buddy?  Pa’s gonna skin ya alive if he sees ya.’

Joe looked around. ‘He’s not in here too is he?’ he asked.

Hoss pulled him by the arm into a doorway. ‘Not yet, but he’s coming in this afternoon.  If I were you I’d get out of here quickly though, Adam’s with me.’

‘Adam’ said Joe. ‘Where?’

‘At the Mercantile. You haven’t answered my question……what are ya doing in here? You haven’t finished the fence marking have ya?’

Joe stared at him blankly for a moment. ‘Fence marking?’

‘Yeah….the fence marking.  Remember?’

‘Of course I remember!  What do you think I am?’

Hoss shook his head. ‘Sometimes I wonder little buddy.  Sometimes I wonder. You ain’t after that Sally Enright from the Saloon are ya?’

‘What?! Aw, come on Hoss!  What do you think?’

Hoss continued to shake his head. ‘That’s the problem Joe.  I just don’t know what to think. Answer my question why don’t ya!’

Joe took a step away from his brother. ‘Just don’t you worry about me big brother.  I can take care of myself.’

‘Well ya’d better start right now little buddy,’ said Hoss, pointing across the street. ‘Here comes our big brother.’

Joe took one look and disappeared into the alleyway behind them.  He crouched down behind some crates as he listened to the conversation between his brothers.

‘Who was that you were talking to?’

‘Huh?  No-one Adam.  Finished the supplies?’

‘Yes.  No thanks to you.’

‘How about a drink?  My treat.’

‘Well I won’t say no to that! You’re on brother.’

Joe listened to their footsteps disappearing along the sidewalk and cursed under his breath.  There goes my plan to get Sally over and done with this morning, he thought angrily. Now I’ll have to wait until this afternoon after all. And Pa’s coming in!  I’ll have to be mighty careful!  He wondered what to do next as he came around the corner of the alleyway and walked full-pelt into Annie Davis and her brothers.

‘Joe!’ she said. ‘What are you doing in town?  You said you had to work on the ranch this morning.’

Joe looked up at the three tall and muscular Davis boys and gulped. ‘Um….yeah I did didn’t I?’ he said weakly. ‘Well it appears I didn’t have to after all.’

‘Really?’ said Annie, obviously delighted. ‘Well does that mean we can go on that ride now?’

Joe held up his hands in a gesture of hopelessness. ‘Yeah sure,’ he said. Somehow it didn’t seem so exciting a thing to do all of a sudden.

She gave him a wide smile. ‘I’ll get my horse and meet you back here, alright?’

‘Yeah sure,’ said Joe again.  He watched as Annie disappeared down the street.

‘Hey Cartwright!’ said a deep voice behind him.  Joe turned to see the three Davis boys glaring at him. ‘You’ve already run out on our baby sister once this week.  You ain’t intending to do it again are you?’

Joe tried to smile. ‘Of course not!’ he said. ‘What would make you think that?’

‘Good,’ said the next brother. ‘Cause we’d hate to have to pound you for upsetting our little sister you know. The last feller we had to do that to couldn’t walk for days.’

Joe took a step back.

‘Yeah,’ said the third brother. ‘You make sure you’re nice to Annie if you know what’s good for you Cartwright! She likes you and we don’t intend for her to get hurt.’

‘Yeah sure,’ said Joe for the third time. ‘I think I’ll just go and see what’s keeping her.’ He practically ran towards Annie’s house, intent on getting as far away from her brothers as possible.

Joe just couldn’t believe the way things were turning out.  It seemed that every time he turned around someone else was making his life even more complicated.  Not only were Hoss and Adam in town now, but also Pa was due in soon as well.  Come to think of it, it might be just as well to get his ride with Annie over with as soon as possible.  At least he would be out of town for a while.

‘Joe!’ He heard his name from across the street and gave a small groan.  Who could it be now?  He turned and groaned again as he saw Amanda and Sheriff Coffee approaching.

‘I thought your Pa had you working all day?’ said the Sheriff with a frown.

Joe gulped.  The last thing he needed was for Sheriff Coffee to tell his Pa that he had taken off from work. ‘Yeah he did,’ he said. ‘But things kinda changed.’

The Sheriff smiled. ‘Yeah?  That’s good.  I saw Hoss and Adam over at the Saloon.  They didn’t say anything about you being in here though.’

Joe gave the Sheriff a half-hearted smile. ‘I don’t think they know.  I’d kinda like to keep it between us if you know what I mean.’

Sheriff Coffee gave the boy a strange look. Unfortunately he did know what he meant.  He had enough experience with the Cartwrights to know the sort of tricks that Joe got up to and taking off from work was one that he did on a regular basis.  ‘Sure I do,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘Why don’t we just go over and tell them you’re here then?  Unless you’d like to show Amanda around like you said you would instead?’  Joe stared at the man. ‘If you get my meaning Joseph,’ continued the Sheriff. ‘Amanda has been really looking for ward to this and I’m sure she’d prefer your company in daylight.’

Joe’s face was a mask of defeat.  No matter which way he turned this day was just not going his way. ‘Sure,’ he said. ‘Come on Amanda.’

Amanda gave him a smile of pure pleasure. ‘Oh how lovely!’ she said. ‘I’d be delighted Joe.’

Joe gave her a frustrated look as he pulled her down the street.  ‘Around here,’ he said, leading her off Main Street.

‘Can’t we see the shops first?’ she said surprised. ‘What’s around here to look at?’

‘Lots of exciting things,’ replied Joe anxious to get her away from the prying eyes of his brothers and the Davis boys. ‘You’ll see.’

Unfortunately, Amanda saw something he didn’t intend her to. ‘Oh Joe!’ she said. ‘How sweet!  You want to be alone with me!’

‘Huh?’ he said surprised. ‘What are you talking about?’ He didn’t have time to think as Amanda launched herself on him and held him tight.

‘I knew you felt like did!’ she exclaimed. ‘From the first moment I met you at the dance I felt it.  There’s something between us that I just can’t explain Joe.  I’m so glad you feel it too!’

Joe tried to disengage himself from her. ‘Hold on,’ he said. ‘I don’t…..’

Amanda planted a kiss on his lips just as Annie came around the corner looking for him. ‘Joe Cartwright!’ she exclaimed. ‘What are you doing?’

Joe looked at her from the middle of Amanda’s embrace. ‘Annie!’ he said. ‘It’s not what you think!’

Annie looked shocked. ‘I can’t believe it!’ she said. ‘With your own brother’s girlfriend too!’

Amanda looked at them both puzzled. ‘What?’ she said. ‘Which brother?’

Annie stared at her. ‘Aren’t you Hoss’ girlfriend?’ she asked.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ said Amanda. ‘The only Cartwright I’m interested in is this one.’  She linked arms with Joe companionably. ‘Isn’t that right Joe?’

Joe looked at her helplessly, visions of the Davis boys in his mind.

Annie burst into tears. ‘I can’t believe it!’ she exclaimed. ‘You’ve been two-timing me all this time.  How could you?’  She fled up the alleyway, Joe looking after her stunned. He disengaged himself from Amanda’s arms.

‘Well thank you very much!’ he said crossly. ‘Now you’ve gone and done it!’

‘Done what?’ Amanda asked. ‘I don’t understand.  What was she to you anyway?’

‘Apparently nothing now,’ said Joe mournfully.

‘Good,’ said Amanda. ‘Then nothing between us has changed.’

‘Joe stared at her. ‘Would you just hold on a minute!’ he said. ‘There is nothing between us to change in the first place!’

Amanda looked hurt. ‘But you kissed me!’ she said. ‘If you didn’t feel anything for me, then why did you kiss me?’

‘I didn’t kiss you….you kissed me!’ exclaimed Joe.  ‘Oh what’s the use!  Let’s just go!’  He pulled her by the arm back up the alleyway and into the Main Street. ‘I’m taking you back to your uncle right now!’ he said. As he turned towards the Sheriff’s Office he spied Annie talking to her brothers and looking in their direction.

Joe dropped Amanda’s arm. ‘On second thoughts though you can find your own way,’ he said and ran quickly down the other way, leaving one angry Amanda behind him. He didn’t stop until he was sure that he was out of the Davis boys’ range of vision and hesitated to catch his breath before planning his next move.  At this moment his one thought was to get out of town quickly before the Davis boys could find him and he glanced over to the other side of the street where he had left his horse.  To his amazement he saw Mitch and Emma walking arm in arm down the sidewalk.

Without thinking, Joe headed towards them. ‘And what do you think you’re doing with my girl?’ he said, planting himself in front of Mitch with his hands on his hips.

‘Your girl!’ said Emma. ‘The hide of you Joe Cartwright! After the way you’ve treated me you really expect me to just sit around and wait for you? Mitch was kind enough to suggest a walk and I thought I’d take him up on it.’  She looked at Mitch fondly. ‘Come on Mitch, let’s leave him to …..’ Emma stopped. ‘I thought you said you had to work this morning!’ she said. ‘What are you still doing in town?’

‘That’s what I’d like to know,’ said a deep voice behind him. ‘Just what are you doing in town little brother?’

Joe turned to see Adam standing behind him. ‘Um…..hi Adam,’ he said. ‘Fancy seeing you here.’

Adam frowned at his younger brother. ‘Yes fancy!’ he said sarcastically. ‘Well?  What are you doing in here?’

Joe thought quickly. ‘I’ve……I’ve just been helping out Sheriff Coffee,’ he said. ‘Remember how Pa asked me to help out with Amanda?  Well I thought I’d show her around town.’

So!’ said Emma. ‘You were too busy to go for a buggy ride with me, but you’ve got time to show Amanda around eh?  Well I never!’  She slapped him across the face. ‘Come on Mitch. I don’t intend to be treated like this any longer!’

Mitch gave Joe a grin and followed the girl.  Joe stared after them mournfully as he rubbed his face. ‘Well thanks a lot Adam,’ he said. ‘That was real helpful of you!’

Adam grabbed him by the arm. ‘I don’t intend to be helpful little brother. ‘I intend to find out the truth.  Now out with it!  What are you doing in here?’

At that moment Joe saw the Davis boys approaching out of the corner of his eye.  He shook himself free of his brother’s grip. ‘Gotta go Adam!’ he said. ‘See ya later!’

He ran into the nearest building, which just happened to be the Silver Dollar Saloon. ‘Joe sweetheart!  You’re here!’

Joe swallowed as he turned to face Sally. ‘Um…… hi Sally,’ he said lamely.  He looked over his shoulder anxiously wondering how much time he had before either the Davis boys or Adam or perhaps both came in after him. ‘Come on!’ he said pulling her towards the stairs. ‘Let’s go!’

Sally looked at him strangely. ‘Well you’re in a hurry,’ she said. ‘First you make me wait, then you can’t get to get up there.  What’s going on with you anyway?’

Joe pulled on her arm frantically. ‘Come on!’ he said. ‘We can talk upstairs.’

Sally smiled as she allowed him to pull her to the staircase. ‘I wasn’t intending on talking darling,’ she said sweetly. ‘I had other things in mind.’

‘Yeah, yeah, whatever!’ he said impatiently. ‘Come on, let’s just get up there and get this over with.’

She stopped and scowled at him. ‘Well I beg your pardon!’ she said. ‘How dare you!  So I’m to be ‘got over with’ am I? I’ll show you, Joseph Cartwright.’  And with that she slapped his face soundly.

‘Ow!’ said Joe, rubbing his cheek . ‘What did you go and do that for?’

‘You really need to ask?’ replied Sally pointing her finger at him. ‘I’ll have you know there are plenty of men around here who think I’m a lot more than someone to be ‘got over with!’

Joe looked anxiously at the door of the Saloon again. ‘Aw come on Sally,’ he pleaded . ‘Please?’

At that moment the three Davis boys entered the Saloon. ‘Hold it Cartwright!’ said one as they advanced upon him.

Joe gulped and took a step backwards. ‘Hi!’ he said feebly, looking around for a way out.

‘Don’t you Hi us, you little weasel,’ said the second one. ‘What did we tell you about hurting our little sister?’

Joe opened his mouth, his mind working fast. ‘Um……’

His words were cut short by the third Davis boy picking him up by the collar. ‘You were warned Cartwright!’ he said and drew back his fist.  The last thing Joe remembered was a large hand coming towards him and then the darkness exploded around him.

 

 

———-

 

 

‘So what do you think Paul?’ asked Adam, studying his brother as he lay on the bed in the doctor’s office. ‘Will he live?’

Dr Paul Martin straightened up again. ‘I think so,’ he said with a twinkle in his eye.

‘Yeah well he might wish he wasn’t gonna when Pa catches up with him,’ said Hoss, giving his youngest brother a baleful stare. ‘What on earth were ya thinking boy?’

‘I didn’t ask to get pounded,’ said Joe, holding his face tenderly.  He tried to sit up, but Dr Martin pushed him onto the bed again.

‘Oh I think you did little buddy,’ said Adam sarcastically. ‘From what I can gather you’ve had just about every woman in town on a string lately. I think that deserves a pounding.  What do you think Hoss?’

‘I think he’s lucky he went out to it after the first Davis boy was through with him,’ said Hoss.  ‘Otherwise the other two might have felt inclined to continue what he’d started.’

‘Feels like they did,’ said Joe mournfully.  Every bone in his body ached and he felt very light headed.  The room kept spinning around and he felt like he was going to throw up.

‘I’d say you got off mighty lucky,’ said Adam, sitting back and folding his arms in front of him. ‘It could have been a lot worse considering what you’ve been up to these past few days.’

Joe frowned. ‘How would you know what I’ve been up to?’ he said suspiciously.

Adam snorted. ‘It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out! First of all Annie Davis’ brothers are out to pound you and then of course Emma Rixon is not too happy with you either.  Oh…and in case you’re wondering, Roy Coffee is looking for you as well.’

Joe slid down in the bed. ‘He is?’ he squeaked.

‘Yeah.  What have you been up to with Amanda?’ asked Hoss.

‘She was the one who kissed me!’ said Joe indignantly before he could stop himself. He cringed as he thought about what he’d just said. ‘He ain’t too happy with me I suppose.’

Hoss shook his head. ‘That he ain’t,’ he said. ‘I’d keep away from him if I were you shortshanks.’

Joe sighed. ‘All I want was a good time,’ he said sulkily.  And now look what’s happening.’

‘Well you’ve only got yourself to blame, the way I see it,’ said Adam. ‘You’re just lucky Pa isn’t here to hear it all.

Joe jerked. ‘You ain’t gonna tell him are you Adam?’ he pleaded.

Adam raised an eyebrow. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I’ll have to think on it a bit.’ He turned as the door opened. ‘Maybe I won’t have to,’ he said, looking at Ben Cartwright in the doorway.

Joe slid down in the bed even further and gulped. ‘Uh……hi Pa,’ he said.

Ben looked down at his youngest son lying in the bed and then did something none of his sons expected.  He sat down and gave him a hug. ‘Joseph!’ he said. ‘I just arrived in town and heard that you’d been hurt.  Are you alright son?’

Joe gulped and looked at Adam and Hoss pleadingly.  After a few moments he found his voice. ‘I’ll be OK Pa,’ he said in a quiet tone. ‘I just need to lie here for a bit.’

‘He certainly does,’ said Paul Martin, coming into the room behind Ben. ‘When was the last time you ate something Joe?’

Joe thought back over the past few days and all the food and drink he’d consumed, only to throw it all up again.  Come to think of it, he probably hadn’t kept anything down in days.  No wonder he was feeling so light headed!  He put on a mournful expression. ‘I can’t remember,’ he said sadly.  ‘Seems like I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had much time to eat.’

Ben stroked his youngest son’s forehead anxiously. ‘He’s been working hard marking fences,’ he explained. ‘Maybe he’s overdone it.’

Paul put away his stethoscope. ‘Well his pulse is very rapid and he’s showing signs of fatigue, ‘ he said. ‘I don’t like his colour either.’  He looked at Joe severely. ‘I think you’ve been overdoing it young man!’

‘You’re right there,’ said Adam under his breath. ‘In more ways than one.’

Ben looked at Joe. ‘So what happened?’ he asked. ‘Why did you pass out?’

Joe glanced around to see if anyone was going to interrupt before he opened his mouth. ‘It was all a bit hazy Pa,’ he said truthfully. ‘I don’t remember much about it.’

‘Well you just lie back and take it easy,’ said his father. ‘I’ll get you some broth to eat.  We have to build your strength back up.’  He stood up and left the room, followed by Paul.

‘You are unbelievable,’ said Adam shaking his head. ‘Do you really think you’re going to get away with this?’

Joe looked at both his brothers pleadingly. ‘Please?’ he said. ‘I’ll do anything if you don’t tell!’

Adam looked at Hoss. ‘I think our youngest brother is going to be paying us back for this favour for a long time Hoss.  What do you think?  Is it worth it?’

Hoss grinned. ‘Oh I think it just might be!’ he said delightedly. ‘Besides, I’m gonna be interested to see how he explains all this away.  It might prove to be right interesting.’

Joe shuddered. ‘I’ll think of something,’ he said.

‘Well you’d better think fast little buddy. I think your time is running out,’ replied Adam with an amused expression on his face.

Joe was about to make a smart reply when his father came in carrying a steaming cup of broth and he lay back again and put on a mournful expression. ‘Thanks Pa,’ he said. ‘I’ll try and keep some of it down.’

Ben patted him on the shoulder. ‘You take your time son,’ he said. ‘Just drink it slowly. I’ll be outside with Paul while you finish up.’

Joe sipped slowly as he watched his brothers over the top of the cup. He grinned.  This would take a lot of thinking, but he had confidence that he could handle it.

 

 

———-

 

 

‘I just don’t understand it Pa,’ Joe said sadly. ‘All I did was try to do as you asked me to, but it seemed like nothing I did was good enough for Amanda. I even offered to take her for a walk at night to keep her happy, but I just couldn’t please her. I don’t think she likes me very much.’

‘Well you did your best son,’ said Ben. ‘That’s all I can expect.’

‘Yes but what’s had me worried is that Sheriff Coffee would be mad at me for not making her stay here a happy one,’ said Joe. ‘I know how friendly you are with him Pa and I didn’t want you two to have a falling out over it.’ He stole a glance at his brothers who were watching him open-mouthed. ‘I only wanted to do what was best Pa,’ he concluded. ‘That’s why I had to come into town today.  I wanted to make her happy.  I did it for you really.’

‘I appreciate that son,’ replied his father. ‘But you really shouldn’t have taken off from work like that.’

‘Joe looked at his father. ‘I’m sorry Pa, truly I am.  But I was only thinking of helping you.’

Ben patted him on the shoulder. ‘Well we’ll say no more about it then,’ he said. ‘I’m sure Roy will settle down in time.’

Joe sighed. ‘I hope so,’ he said.

Adam smirked. ‘I sure hope the Davis boys settle down too,’ he said.

‘Davis boys?’ asked Ben. ‘What have they got to do with Amanda?’

‘I don’t really know,’ replied Adam looking at Joe and grinning. ‘I did hear them say something about Annie being upset when she saw you kissing Amanda though Joe.  Why do you think that might be?’

Joe glared at him.

‘What on earth has Annie Davis got to do with it?’ Ben said, puzzled.

‘Well I think she kind of has a crush on me,’ said Joe slowly. ‘Ever since the picnic on Sunday.  ‘You remember, don’t you Pa?’

Ben searched his memory and came up with the vision of two girls piling Joe’s plate with food. ‘I thought that was Emma Rixon?’ he said, confused.

‘Nah!’ Hoss chimed in. ‘Emma Rixon’s stuck on Mitch Devlin now.  Ain’t that right Joe?’

Joe glared at Hoss.

Ben frowned even more. ‘I’m not quite sure where all this is leading,’ he said. ‘But one thing I do know for sure.  You’re coming home with me now young man where you can rest.  All these girls running after you can’t be helping you in your current condition.’

‘I know Pa.  But it’s something I can’t seem to help,’ said Joe. He swung his feet off the edge of the bed, eager to get home.  The way he figured it, the sooner he got out of town, the less chance his Pa had of finding out the truth. He stood up shakily.

‘Here, lean on me,’ said Ben and began to walk his son out of the room. Joe leant on him, glancing back at Adam and Hoss with a grin.

Hoss opened his mouth and then shut it again. ‘Do you believe that?’ he said finally.

Adam shook his head. ‘Unfortunately I do,’ he said. ‘But don’t you worry Hoss.  Something tells me our little brother may not be out of the woods yet!’

———-

 

 

Joe cast an anxious look around the street as his father walked him towards their horses. With a sigh of relief he realised that the coast was clear. There were no Davis boys and no Sheriff Coffee in sight. He grinned as he thought about how easy it had all been.

Just as he thought he was out of trouble, however, he heard a voice from across the street. ‘Joe!  Joe Cartwright!’  He turned to see Sally Enright approaching.

Joe thought quickly. ‘Pa I ain’t feeling too good,’ he said in a weak voice and leaned against his father as if he were about to fall. ‘Can we get on our horses quickly?’

Ben tried to support him. ‘Just lean on me son and I’ll get you there,’ he said. ‘It’s alright.’ Joe tried to pull his father forward, but Ben pushed him back. ‘Just go slowly,’ he said. ‘Take it easy Joseph.’

Just at that moment Sally caught up with them. ‘Well Joe Cartwright!’ she said with a knowing look at him. ‘Where did you get to?’

Ben looked at the scantily dressed woman in front of them and frowned. ‘Excuse me Miss,’ he said. ‘My son isn’t well and we need to get going.’

Joe gave Sally a pleading look which she totally ignored. ‘Not well?’ she said. ‘I’m sorry to hear that Joe.  You were fine a while ago when we were in the Saloon.’

Ben stopped and stared at the young woman. ‘I beg your pardon?’ he said.

Joe leant heavily on his father. ‘I’m feeling kinda weak Pa,’ he said. ‘I think we’d better get going now.’

Ben cut him short. ‘Just a moment,’ he said. ‘What’s all this about the Saloon?  Why were you in the Saloon Joseph?’

Sally gave Joe a dark look. ‘Oh didn’t Joe tell you Mr Cartwright?’ she said sweetly. ‘He often comes into the Saloon to see me.  He’s been in quite a bit lately.’

Ben glared at his son and took his arm away from him. ‘Oh really?’ he said. ‘And why is that Joseph?’

Joe stood upright, deciding that it was time to get better quickly. ‘Well…I….’

‘Well?’ said Ben, fixing his son with a glare. ‘I’m waiting Joseph!’

Joe swallowed. ‘Well….it’s just that…..’

‘Yes?’

‘Um….’  Joe looked around for something or someone to save him, but all he could see were the amused looks on his brothers’ faces.

‘You seem to have made a remarkable recovery,’ said Adam.

‘So you do!’ said Ben suspiciously. ‘I have a feeling that there’s more to this illness than you’re letting on Joseph.’

‘Could it have anything to do with your getting hit by the Davis boys?’ asked Sally, still in her sweet voice.

‘What?!’ thundered Ben. ‘You didn’t tell me you’d been in a fight!  Is that what this is all about?’

Joe swallowed as he looked at his father. ‘Well….it wasn’t really a fight….’ He began.

‘Oh no?  Then pray tell what was it?’ asked his father sarcastically.  He looked at his son’s face carefully and noticed a large bruise beginning to appear on it.

‘Well…. One of them kinda hit me, that’s all.’

Ben nodded his head. ‘That’s all!’ he said sarcastically. ‘Would it have anything to do with this Annie girl by any chance?’

Joe shrugged. ‘Kinda,’ he said.

‘And in the Saloon on top of it,’ continued Ben.  He frowned. ‘Come to think of it Joseph, I’d like to really know what you’re doing in town in the first place.  I have a suspicion it doesn’t have to do with Amanda after all, does it?’

Joe stared mournfully at the ground and answered in a small voice. ‘Well not really,’ he said. ‘Kinda though.’

Adam nudged Hoss and they both grinned at each other.  It seemed like their younger brother had overstepped himself this time.

Ben pointed to his son’s horse. ‘I think you’d better get on that animal and ride for home son, before I do something I might regret later. We will continue this discussion at home in private.’  He tipped his hat to Sally. ‘Ma’am,’ he said as he strode towards his own horse.

Joe gave Sally an angry look and tried to ignore the laughter of his brothers behind him. ‘Thanks a lot!’ he said as he turned towards his own horse.

‘Don’t bother coming back to see me either!’ called Sally. ‘I’ve had enough of waiting around for you Joe Cartwright!’

Joe looked around, embarrassed to think that anyone had heard her.  Relieved, he noticed that no one was within earshot.  But his feeling of relief was quickly overcome when he met his father’s stare. As Joe mounted up, Ben suddenly turned in the saddle. ‘And on the way home we’ll check out that fence marking as well Joseph,’ he said. ‘I’ll be very interested to see your handiwork.’  Joe sighed and hunched down in the saddle even further as he followed his father down the street.

The End