Summary:  Adam meets a young lady from the east and romance blossoms.

Rating:  T  (46,295 words)

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.

 

Beginnings–East Meets West

CHAPTER ONE

Adam Cartwright was already dreading his and his brother Joe’s arrival home. Not only had the past week been hard and physically demanding, Adam now faced another trying job.

Ben had informed his sons before they left that a very old friend of his was going to be staying at the Ponderosa while this friend looked for land in the Nevada Territory. This friend was looking specifically for enough land to establish a horse ranch. His daughter was accompanying him, which meant Adam would most likely be the one to entertain her. This responsibility always fell to him and he had begun to resent it. He had found that the daughters of his father’s friends from back East – in this instance Virginia – were always shallow, self-centered creatures that lacked any imagination, much less any intellect at all.

Adam was bored with this responsibility and wished it would pass to one of his brothers, Hoss or Little Joe. But, as always, Adam would do what his father wished no matter how distasteful.

“I should have left the Ponderosa last month as I wanted to and should not have allowed Pa to talk me out of going back east. As soon as these visitors leave, I’m leaving. There is nothing here for me and I feel like there’s more in life than just being here on the Ponderosa.”

Adam reminded himself that he had a college education and felt he was wasting away in Nevada. He had more talents than to be just a rancher.

Even though Adam was the one who handled all of the books for the ranch, he felt there was so much more he was capable of – so much more he wanted to do and see.

Adam had been the quiet one, the thinker of the three sons of Ben Cartwright. Always a private person from the time he was a small boy, shouldering responsibility from a very young age, he was always controlled in his emotions and his feelings for others. Fiercely loyal to his family he wanted more than just his father and brothers. He wanted a life. His life.

As they approached the house, Adam observed that the carriage was in front of the house, indicating their guests had already arrived. As he and Little Joe dismounted, Hoss strolled out to greet them.

“How did the round-up go?” he asked.

“Found about fifty head,” Joe answered.

“I take it our guests have arrived,” Adam stated.

“Yep. And, for once, Adam, I think you just might find this visit interestin’,” Hoss chuckled.

Adam looked at his brother with a wary eye and asked, “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nuthin’. Jest interestin’. Pa sent me out to fetch you two. He wants to introduce you to Judge McDonald and his daughter.”

“We’ll be in when we get the horses put away.” Not looking forward to his assigned duties, Adam remembered the conversation his father had with him prior to his and Joe’s departure.

“Adam, I expect you to see that Miss McDonald is entertained while she and her father are here. He is one of my oldest and dearest friends and I want their visit to be enjoyable. Who knows? They may become our neighbors.”

CHAPTER TWO

After seeing to their horses, washing up and changing clothes in the bunk house, Adam and Little Joe entered the house.

Ben began the introductions. “Jonathan, these are my other two sons, Adam and Joseph. Boys, I’d like for you to meet Judge Jonathan McDonald.”

As the men shook hands, the library door opened and a voice with the softest Southern accent Adam had ever heard began.

“Mr. Cartwright, y’all have a wonderful library. If you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow… Oh, excuse me! I didn’t mean to interrupt…” She stopped in mid-sentence.

Adam turned to see where this voice was coming from and, standing there in front of him, was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life. She had a slender, small waist, long soft, flowing curly auburn hair framing her face, porcelain skin, voluminous lips, and a gorgeous smile. But the details that stood out the most – the ones which fascinated and attracted Adam – were the color of her eyes. They were the rich blue color of Lake Tahoe.

“Adam. Joseph. I would like you to meet Miss Katherine McDonald,” Ben said, finishing the introductions.

“It’s my pleasure to meet you both, but please call me Kate,” she said smiling, eyes sparkling as she came toward the two brothers to greet them.

The whole time Adam never took his eyes off her.

Joe started toward her to take her arm, showing a great deal more interest in her than he normally would with a guest. He was stopped by Adam’s hand on his chest. Adam took her arm, steering her away from his youngest brother.

“Kate I see you’ve visited our library. Tell me, what do you think of it?” Adam inquired.

Looking into his warm eyes, she replied softly. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen such a complete library in a private home. Your selections include everything – the classics, poetry, and Shakespeare.”

“I’m glad someone else finds it more than adequate. You mentioned poetry. Do you have a favorite poet?” Adam asked, his interest piqued. He was always interested in anyone who was well-read.

“Mr. Cartwright, your collection is far more than adequate. And, to answer your question, I would have to say my favorite is Tennyson. So many poets’ writings are too flowery for me. Tennyson is very visual and straight to the point.”

“Please, call me Adam,” he said with a smile and barely-veiled interest.

“Very well, Adam,” she said, smiling at the tall man before her.

Adam was surprised by her answer to his question. Most girls he had met who had a genuine interest in reading concentrated only on romantic poems – not on the works of the true poets. He would soon learn, in the days to come, that this girl held more surprises for him. Adam was completely intrigued by her. Not only was she beautiful, but he was becoming keenly aware she was also very intelligent.

CHAPTER THREE

As Ben and Judge McDonald went into Ben’s office area to look at the maps of land parcels available for sale that Ben had picked up at the surveyor’s office for the Judge’s perusal, Adam took Kate’s arm and led her to the sofa where they sat side by side.

Adam began the conversation by asking Katherine how she felt about moving to Nevada.

Taking her time to answer, she replied, “I’m excited to be here! From everything I’ve seen so far, the land is beautiful and would be a wonderful place to live.”

“Your father wishes to purchase land for a horse ranch. Do you ride?” Adam inquired.

“Kate is one of the finest horsewomen in Virginia,” her father interjected.

“Yes,” Kate answered, ignoring her father’s interruption. “Riding is one of the passions I have that my father doesn’t dissuade. I learned to ride when I was very young. I’ve always been around horses and enjoy them immensely.”

Kate and Adam sat and talked for hours about things they both were interested in – things like music, art, and literature. Adam noticed that when Kate was talking to or listening to someone, she looked that person in the eye. He found her easy to talk to but discovered yet another asset – she was a good listener. This was something most women from his experience were not good at.

By this time Hoss had approached his younger brother. Speaking quietly, he said, “Told Adam this visit was gonna be interestin’ for him. She’s a real nice gal. I got to talk to her for a spell before you two got back. She might just give ole’ Adam a run for his money.”

“Well, Adam isn’t the only one who can entertain a girl. I just might be the one to show her around while she’s here,” Joe, replied

Katherine McDonald had been pleasantly surprised in Adam, not really caring to meet one of her father’s old friends or his sons. She thought immediately how handsome he was, finding him powerfully built, tall, tanned, broad-chested and broad-shouldered, with a narrow waist and hips, dark hair, beautiful kind eyes and a wonderful smile.

She detected aloofness in him, possibly an underlying anger, when they had first met, but it seemed he was relaxing with her. The fact that they shared a great deal of the same interests pleased her very much. Most of the men she had met in her life had been snobs and treated her as an inferior.

Adam Cartwright is different. He is a real man, not some self-centered person. And he’s intelligent. Being handsome doesn’t hurt either, she thought.

“Why did you and your father decide to leave Virginia and come way out here? Wasn’t Virginia to your liking?” Adam was curious.

“I loved it until recently. I hate all the talk of War. I was born in Virginia. My mother died when I was very young, so it’s just been father and me. He raised me – with the help of nannies, of course – making sure I was raised with his way of thinking. All of the proper Southern requirements.”

Adam noted the slightest bit of sarcasm in her response.

“As I grew older, he became at a loss as what to do with me. My father has preconceived notions as to how I should behave and what I should do.”

“I take it you didn’t conform to his way of thinking,” Adam replied.

“No, I could never behave in the way that those back in Virginia believe a properly-raised southern girl is supposed to act. Heaven forbid that a woman should be so bold as to think, much less voice her ideas! I have a habit of doing this, much to the horror of my father. I’ve also been told on more than one occasion that I’m stubborn and that I have a bit of a temper.” She laughed as she confided this to Adam.

“So, to answer your question, Adam, I loved the idea of coming here where possibly people are different and not so buried in antiquated ideas of how people should be or behave. Then, when father received an appointment to the federal bench here in Nevada, we made the decision to put roots down here.”

Realizing she had probably said too much (which she was not in the habit of doing, especially with someone she had just met), she excused herself. “Please excuse me, Adam. I didn’t mean to run on so.”

After hearing this, Judge McDonald added, “Kate also failed to mention that, to my horror, she also has a very analytical mind. To my way of thinking, this is not becoming to a woman of today’s world.”

“I beg to differ, Sir. I find that particular quality in a woman rare and very refreshing,” Adam challenged.

Having heard all she wished to hear from her father, Kate said, “Well, if you gentlemen will excuse me, you may continue to discuss me in my absence. I believe I would like to walk outside and enjoy this wonderful evening.” Rising from the sofa, Kate went to fetch her shawl.

CHAPTER FOUR

Adam rose to his feet at the same time. “I think I’ll join you, Kate. I would prefer to discuss a lady’s qualities in your presence.” He threw this rejoinder over his shoulder, helped Kate with her shawl and then walked outside with her.

Ben, watching and listening to the interaction between the two, thought, “I don’t believe Adam will find Kate as much a chore as he thought she would be.”

Walking into the courtyard, Adam looked closely at Kate, noting that every feature was perfect. He found she had both an easy smile and laugh, making anyone with her feel comfortable.

Kate caught his inspection and looked straight at him with a smile. “You don’t have to feel obligated to entertain me, Adam, if you have other matters you need to tend to. You must think me rude for leaving the others’ company. Forgive me. It just angers me when my father talks about me as though I am not present. I’m sure he would have preferred that I had been born a boy.”

“There is nothing I would rather do than be with you, and I meant what I said – I think you are rare and very refreshing. And I, for one, am glad you were not born a boy.” Adam noted Kate’s perfect white teeth as she shared his laugh.

“I don’t believe anyone has ever told me I was rare and refreshing. I’ve been told many other things, but never that.”

Adam reddened at her last remark, and Kate stumbled over her apology, touching his arm gently as she spoke softly. “Adam, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I have a habit of saying what I think – another quality my father hates.”

“I prefer a woman who speaks honestly,” he said.

Looking at the house, she turned to him and said, “Your father told me you designed and built this home. It’s very beautiful.”

Realizing she was trying to make him feel comfortable again, he replied, “Thank you. Yes, I designed it but we all had a hand in building it. From what Pa has told us, you had quite the grand home in Virginia.”

“We had a nice house in Virginia – it had been in my mother’s family for generations. It was far too large for two people. I understand that, when my mother was alive, it was a wonderful home. I don’t remember much of that time. After she passed away, it just became a house. I didn’t spend that much time there. And there is a definite difference between a house and a home, Adam.”

Kate, wanting to change the subject, began. “Your father also told us you wanted to leave this paradise, to go back east to New York.”

“I was planning on leaving last month, and Pa talked me out of going. Have you ever been there? I’ve wanted to go there for as long as I can remember.”

She responded with a small laugh, “Yes, I have been there.” She began slowly, choosing her words carefully, walking slowly in front of him. “I was in New York – but not by choice. My father realized when I turned fourteen that he had no idea what to do with me so he sent me to a boarding school in New York. I was there for four years.”

“You must have loved every minute of it. I can’t imagine anything more exciting,” Adam said.

Shaking her head, Kate looked into his eyes and said with a sad smile, “Adam, it wasn’t a pleasant experience for me. I didn’t enjoy being alone….”

Suddenly realizing she had said far too much, she whispered, “I’m sorry. I… I… shouldn’t have gone on like this. I usually don’t discuss private matters or my feelings with anyone.” Casting her eyes downward for a moment, she continued. “I still have bad feelings about that time in my life. Please forgive me for burdening you.”

“Kate,” he said sincerely, sensing this was painful for her, “there’s nothing to forgive.”

That evening after dinner, Adam took Kate for a ride in the carriage under a full moon. They spoke of the things they enjoyed. Adam was envious when Kate told him she had been to an opera prior to leaving Virginia. “It was so wonderful! I had never heard voices like that in my life!” Kate’s face glowed as she remembered.

Realizing how passionate she was about things she loved intrigued Adam even more. She is kind, gentle and well-read, extremely rare in someone her age. I’ve learned so much about her after spending such a short time with her, he told himself.

“Kate I’d like to spend time with you and show you around the area if you would permit me to.”

“I would like that, Adam,” she replied. “Very much.”

CHAPTER FIVE

When Kate felt she was settled and ready to be shown around the Ponderosa, she told Adam.

Eager to spend additional time with her, Adam planned out the day. What he hadn’t planned on was Joe and Hoss joining them – a plan the younger brothers had hatched up the night before while unsaddling their mounts.

“Hoss,” Joe said dramatically, “what’s Adam gonna do? He can’t make us stay here. She’s our guest too. We’ll just tag along.”

“Joe, now you know how Adam gets. I’m jist not so sure I want any part of this,” Hoss told him.

Shrugging his shoulders, Joe replied, “Suit yourself. This is one time Adam ain’t gonna have the upper hand. Didn’t you hear her say she’d consider our offer the other night when we suggested showing her around? When she said that, I thought it was an invitation if ever I heard one.”

Hoss thought, “That’s your problem, Joe. When it comes to gals, ya don’t think.”

“I think she was just being polite, Joe,” Hoss explained. “She don’t seem like the kind of gal who’d hurt a feller’s feelin’s. ‘Sides, Adam would be madder than a wet hen.”

“Well, I ain’t scared of Adam and I didn’t think you were neither, Hoss. ‘Bout time Adam learned we’re grown men and he can’t push us around,” Joe replied.

The next morning Adam brought Sport and another stallion into the courtyard as he waited for Kate. His brothers came around the side of the barn on their mounts.

“Going into Virginia City this morning?” Adam asked, checking the cinches on the saddles.

“Nope,” they both answered at the same time.

“Just what do you two plan on doing today?” Adam asked warily, eyeing the two.

“Oh, we just thought we’d help you show Kate the Ponderosa.” Joe replied.

“No you’re not,” Adam began, “I don’t need any help. You two just find some other way to entertain yourselves.”

“We want to be hospitable – just like you, big brother.” Hoss chuckled.

“Hoss, Joe, I mean it! I don’t need any help.” Adam spoke through clenched teeth.

Kate came out of the house, saw the three brothers together and greeted them with a “good morning” and a smile. Not hearing the conversation between the brothers, Kate walked over to Adam and innocently asked:

“We’re all going to go riding? How wonderful!”

A dark looked crossed Adam’s face – the look that normally caused his brothers to scatter. But today, in front of a pretty girl, both of them wrapped in a sense of bravado, they had lost what common sense they had.

As Kate mounted her horse, Adam did also. Joe and Hoss got on either side of her as they rode out.

“Coming, Adam?” Kate asked over her shoulder.

Adam didn’t like this turn of events. What were his brothers thinking? They had never openly defied his wishes before. He was in a foul mood as he followed the three riders in front of him.

“Kate, this is the main road into Virginia city,” Joe explained, smiling at her. “We found that this is the fastest way into town.”

“Good thing, Joe,” Adam said with a smirk. “It’s the only road from the Ponderosa into town.”

“And, Miss Kate,” Hoss began “on this here road, we can go into the city whenever we want.”

“Thank you, Hoss. Thank you, Joe.” Kate smiled at them. “I’ll remember that this is the only road into Virginia City and we can use it whenever we wish.”

A thought crossed Adam’s mind. “She knows they’re trying to impress her, why they’re tagging along. They’ll make fools of themselves before long. I’ll just hang back and watch and wait.”

“Now, Kate,” Joe explained seriously, “this is where Hoss and I were this morning, rounding up steers.”

Not to be outdone, Hoss nodded his head. “Yeah, we were here a good three hours before any of the hands got here.” He gave her a smile.

“Most admirable, Hoss. I’m glad to see you and Joe are so diligent in your work habits,” she replied, adding, “Is there anything you’d like to show me, Adam? That is, other than the only road into Virginia City and where Joe and Hoss were this morning.”

“No, Kate, not quite yet,” he said, fighting the urge to laugh. “Let Joe and Hoss give you the tour of how to get from the ranch house to the road to Virginia City. I’ll be ready when you want to see something of value.”

If it hadn’t been for his brothers in their attempts to impress this girl, he would have felt sorry for the two as they made fools of themselves. At least Kate wasn’t ridiculing them. “She would never make fun of someone, not even two foolish men like my brothers,” he told himself.

CHAPTER SIX

After an hour of riding, Kate had seen enough of the road, the pasture and the latest item Joe and Hoss had come up with – the feeding station for the cattle.

Joe’s explanation of the feeding station was the last straw for Adam as he yelled, “Feeding station? It’s a pasture, Joe! A pasture!”

Fighting the urge to laugh, Kate pulled her horse to a stop telling his brothers, “I believe I’d like Adam to show me some of the Ponderosa now. Thank you both for taking the time to show and explain so many things this morning. We’ll see you back at the house, all right?”

They had been dismissed and they knew it. She had accomplished what Adam couldn’t do: she had gotten rid of Joe and Hoss.

After telling her good-bye, the two men rode back towards the Ponderosa ranch house. She and Adam sat waving, watching them go.

Looking over at Adam, she noted a grin on his face.

“They had that coming,” he told her. “Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.”

“I thought they were sweet,” she replied. “They did their best to come up with things they thought I might be interested in.”

“Kate, please. Showing you a road? A pasture? Don’t you think they were a bit foolish?” he laughed.

“I never think someone is foolish who tries to be kind,” she told him.

Wanting to change the subject, he asked, “Would you like to see a few things I really think you’d be interested in?”

“Yes, Adam, I would,” She turned her horse to join him.

He led the way to a lake he told her was named “Pyramid Lake.” He explained, “The Indians believe it has healing powers. They bring all their sick people here to bathe in its waters. We’ve been in the saddle most of the day. Would you like to get down and walk for a while?”

“Yes, I would,” she said as she alit from her horse. Walking to the shore of the lake, she told him, “It’s very pretty.”

“I think it is,” he replied. “The other reason I wanted you to see this place is there is a herd of wild mustangs that roam the area around the lake. I thought we might get a glimpse of them.”

“That would be wonderful! I would like to see them – I’ve read about them and would be thrilled to see one up close.”

“Let’s stay here for a while and see if any come around.” He took her hand, leading her to a mound of grass overlooking the lake.

They waited for two hours with nary a sight of anything other than assorted birds and prairie dogs. But the time was not lost – they talked of many things, places they had been, what Adam had studied in college, his asking her more about her home in Virginia.

After a while Adam told her, “I guess they’re grazing somewhere else today. Sorry, Kate. I thought we might get lucky.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

After that first day, Adam planned different activities for them every free day he had. Something special that he had never done before, that he and Kate could enjoy together. Some days they just went riding and ended up walking the horses back, talking as they went.

He loved the soft lilt to her voice and the gentleness she possessed, confident of herself yet soft spoken and feminine.

She asked to see the cattle they raised on the Ponderosa as he took her riding out to the north pasture. Coming upon a small part of the herd she observed, “They are huge! How on earth do you control so many at one time?”

“This is only a fraction of the herd, Kate,” he explained, shifting in his saddle. “The larger body is further south and they graze all over the Ponderosa. This happened to be the closest group. They aren’t that hard to control when they’re grazing. On a cattle drive, now that is totally different.”

With their daily excursions, Adam and Kate got to know each other well. They soon learned the other’s likes and dislikes; discussing books they had read and voicing their opinions on them when the other asked.

One evening while Kate was sitting on the porch – while Adam was busy going over the books for the Ponderosa – Ben asked if he could join her. He had been watching a growing fondness develop between his son and her and wanted to know her better.

“Please do, Mr. Cartwright. This evening is too beautiful not to share.”

“Are you enjoying yourself, Kate, or are my sons driving you insane?” he asked.

“Your sons, all of them, have been very kind to me. They’ve all shown me different parts of the ranch and explained many curiosities to me. Y’all have a territory totally different from Virginia,” she confided in him.

“I’m sorry Adam had to review the books tonight, Kate. We have a meeting with some buyers tomorrow and I want to be sure of my figures. Besides,” he confided in her, “I hate keeping the books. Adam does a far better job.”

She sat laughing with him then became serious. “Mr. Cartwright, may I ask you something?”

“Of course, Kate, please do.” Ben said encouraging her.

“Did you know my parents in Boston – my Mother in particular?” She asked.

Surprised at her question, he answered her slowly, “Yes, Kate, I did. Adam’s mother and I were friends of your parents before you or Adam were born.”

“What was she like? I don’t remember much about her she passed away when I was so young.” She looked into the older man’s dark eyes, waiting for his response.

Ben began, his mind drifting back to that time, smiling. “You remind me a lot of her. You look like her and have her personality. Victoria, like you, always had a smile for everyone. I don’t believe that woman ever met a stranger. She and Adam’s mother were best friends – they met shortly after your parents moved to Boston. I swear, your mother was as excited as Elizabeth when we found out we were going to have Adam.”

Ben stopped for a moment, remembering, then went on. “When Elizabeth passed away, your mother was devastated and it was as though she had lost her sister. We stayed in touch for awhile. I had taken Adam and started West. I didn’t hear from your father until four years later that you were born, and then again when he wrote telling me she had passed away.”

“I often think of her,” she said as she leaned her head on the back of the rocker. “I remember a few things – her laugh, her touch – but every day I forget more. Thank you, Mr. Cartwright. It was kind of you to take the time to tell me of her. My father doesn’t speak of her anymore. I imagine it’s too painful.”

“I was happy to, Kate,” Ben said. “Anytime you want to talk about it, I’m more than happy to remember with you.” He smiled at the girl.

As they sat there, no words passing between them, he thought, “She is like Victoria. Her mother was gentle as Kate is, concerned with the feelings and well being of others. I like Kate – she has a gentle strength about her. I can see why Adam wants to spend time getting to know her.”

“Kate,” Ben began, “Hop Sing just made fresh coffee. Would you care for some?”

“Yes, sir, I would. Please allow me to get us some,” she said.

“You’re our guest. I’ll get it,” Ben replied

“Please, Mr. Cartwright, allow me. Since we arrived, I haven’t done a thing for myself and I’m not used to that,” she said, laughing.

“All right, Kate,” he replied, “if you wish.”

As Kate entered the house, she saw Adam at the desk. Going over to him, she asked, “I’m getting your father and me coffee. May I get you a cup?”

“If it is not too much trouble, I would love some. My father has made this task almost impossible. Thank you Kate,” Adam said, smiling at her.

Walking into the kitchen, she realized she had developed a stronger feeling for Adam other than just a passing friendship. She thought “Those dimples of his when he smiles are so charming. And those eyes – a woman could get lost in them.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

She returned shortly carrying a tray with three cups and a pot of coffee. Setting the tray on the desk, she placed Adam’s cup by him and poured for him. Her fingers lingered there looking at what he was doing. He absently felt for his cup, instead finding her hand.

The touch was a shock to both, and they pulled their hands back at the same time.

“I am sorry, Adam. I wasn’t paying attention,” she explained.

“Kate, it’s all right. I rather enjoyed that.”

She picked the tray up, blushing, and took Ben’s coffee to him.

Watching her leave, Adam thought, “There is something about her that draws me to her. Granted, we have the same interests and get along well, but there is something else, something making me want to be with her all the time.”

Carrying the tray to the porch, her mind still on Adam, she hadn’t heard Ben Cartwright until he raised his voice to get her attention.

“Here, my dear. Let’s put the tray between us,” Ben instructed. “Is Adam pulling his hair out yet?”

Setting the tray where he had indicated, she began pouring for them as she replied with a laugh, “No, sir, not yet. I got him coffee also. He seems to be making progress.”

Sitting together Ben and Kate discussed many different things. Ben asked more about Shiloh, school and Virginia.

Kate inquired about Ben’s family – in particular she was most interested in Adam. Ben told funny anecdotes about his three sons and how they were growing up – confiding in her that he had barely maintained his sanity.

“They’re three fine men, Mr. Cartwright. You’ve done a wonderful job – all so different yet all similar. Yes, you must be very proud of them,” she said.

“I am, Kate,” he answered. “It was hard at times but, with Adam’s help, we got Hoss and Joe raised.”

“Adam’s help?” she questioned.

“Yes. I had to depend on Adam’s strength in raising his brothers from the time he was six. Hoss’ mother was killed shortly after Hoss was born. With trying to build us a home here, I had to turn Hoss over to Adam to pretty much raise. Then, when Joe was born and his mother’s dying when he was five, I had to again rely on Adam. I was so distraught after Marie’s death – Adam had to shoulder the responsibility again of being in charge of a child and of running the Ponderosa.”

“No wonder he’s so competent in so many areas,” Kate observed.

“Yes,” Ben told her. “Adam is most capable in all areas. He had to grow up very fast, much faster than I had hoped for.”

The two continued to talk for some time. After awhile they heard the door open and Adam joined them.

“I believe I have the books in good condition,” he told his father. “Took a while, but now the figures make some sense.”

“Thank you, son. I appreciate your efforts. Now, if you and Katherine will excuse me, I will go and prepare for tomorrow’s meeting.”

Adam took Ben’s seat beside Kate. As he reached to pour himself more coffee, Kate took the pot and poured the coffee for him.

“Thank you, Kate,” he replied. “Pa will be back to normal after tomorrow. He always gets this way before a major sale.”

“I think your father has been wonderful. In fact, all of you have. Everyone has gone out of his way to make our visit enjoyable.”

Hoss and Joe, who had been absent all evening, came out of the barn. Seeing Kate, Hoss called to her.

“Kate! I got something here in the barn I think you’d like to see.”

Rising, along with Adam, Kate made her way to where Hoss was standing.

“Me and Joe been working with this mare all night. Come on – in got something special to show ya.”

Entering the coolness of the barn, he led her to a stall in the back. Before her stood a mare and a newborn colt.

“He’s beautiful, Hoss,” she declared, going to the colt, running her hand along his flank. The small horse, made nervous by her touch, shied away to his mother.

Kate was patient with the small animal and, after petting him and talking in soft tones to him, he came to her. Smiling, she knelt down and looked the foal over.

“He is beautiful Hoss. How long was she in labor?” Kate asked.

“Pretty much all day. She had a hard time with the last one so we’ve been keeping an eye on her. He is purty, ain’t he?” Hoss declared proudly.

“Yes, Hoss, he is,” Kate replied. “Who is his sire?”

Surprised by her question, Hoss fumbled over his response, “Kate, don’t rightly know – that all happened out on the range. We don’t match em up – it just sorta happens.”

“I’m sorry,” Kate said, beginning to blush. “Back at Shiloh, we used certain stallions for stud. I thought you did that here.”

Adam explained, “We don’t do that with the horses, Kate. Occasionally, we will purchase a bull for stud purposes but usually, they mate on their own. We’re primarily a cattle ranch. The horses are necessary stock.”

“I see,” she replied.

“Hoss knows just about every she-animal that is ready to drop a…” Joe added.

Realizing he was speaking to a woman he began to blush, “Sorry, Kate. I just meant that Hoss, that the animals…” Joe was fumbling badly as he tried to explain himself.

“That’s all right, Joe, I understand,” she replied, smiling at him.

“Kate,” Adam began, “would you like to go for a walk?”

“Yes, Adam, I would – if Hoss and Joe will excuse me. The foal is beautiful, Hoss. Thank you for showing him to me,” she replied, grateful that Adam had rescued her from the uncomfortable discussion she had been having with his brothers.

CHAPTER NINE

Adam took her arm, leading her out of the barn. As they turned toward the mountains, he led her to a large mound where they could sit and see the vista before them.

After a few moments of silence Kate told him, “I was telling your father that all of you have done every thing in your power to make me feel welcome. Thank you.”

“It’s been my pleasure, Kate,” Adam replied. “I only hope my brothers haven’t pestered you too much.”

“They haven’t,” she said laughing. “They have both tried very hard to entertain me. That isn’t necessary. On occasion, I’ve had to entertain myself and managed quite well. But I so appreciate their efforts and yours, Adam.”

They sat for a while, just looking at the beauty before them, with her finally telling him, “If you don’t mind I’m tired, I believe I’ll retire for tonight.”

“I’m sorry, Kate,” he began. “I was tied up all evening. I had planned to take you for a carriage ride.”

“Adam, you take your responsibility to entertain me too seriously. Don’t you think I know your father forced me on you? I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to.”

Watching her face, Adam was taken aback that she spoke so straightforward. He had never known a woman who spoke her mind the way Kate did. “And how did she know Pa had put me in charge of her?”

“Kate, everything I have done is because I want to. Yes, Pa asked that I show you around and, yes, at first I wasn’t happy with the idea. But now everything I do is because I want to. I want to be with you and get to know you better.”

Smiling, she rose as he took her arm and led her back to the house.

He walked back with her in silence. He didn’t understand why he cared so much that what she thought was important to him. He didn’t want her to feel she was a chore; before they met, he could have cared less. Reaching the house, they walked in together and found Ben in the living room.

“Katherine, your father went on to bed. He asked that I tell you and Adam good night.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cartwright,” she replied. “If you two gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I will follow suit. Good night.”

Adam watched as she mounted the stairs while Ben observed his son’s reaction. Adam sat in the chair that was designated as “his.”

“Have a good walk with Kate, son?” Ben asked.

“Yes, Pa, it was fine,” Adam replied absently.

Something was on Adam’s mind but, as always, Ben would have to wait until his eldest son wanted to discuss it.

For once Ben didn’t have long to wait as Adam began. “Pa, what did you and Kate talk about tonight while I was working on the books?”

“Why do you ask, Adam?”

“She was, I don’t know, rather distant this evening. Usually, she’s open and cheerful. Tonight I got the feeling something was on her mind.”

“Kate and I talked of a number of things. She asked if I had known her mother and father in Boston. Primarily she wanted to know about her mother,” Ben explained.

“I didn’t know you knew her mother.” Adam replied.

Ben began. “I guess I never told you how John and I became friends. It was because of your mother and Kate’s mother. They were best friends in Boston.”

Adam, surprised, responded. “You’re right. You never told me any of this. I thought Kate’s mother was from Virginia. I assumed you met John after Kate’s mother passed away.”

“Victoria and John were from Virginia but moved to Boston shortly after they married. He opened his law practice there, and the two women met each other at a museum one day. From that day forward until your mother’s passing, they were best friends,” Ben explained.

Ben’s eyes took on a look of sadness as he added, “Victoria took it very hard when your mother died. She was a great comfort to me while we were still in Boston – helped me with you a great deal.”

Taken aback that his father had not told him of this before now, Adam wanted to know more of how the families were intertwined. He sat forward in his chair, fingers laced, his chin resting on them, waiting for his father to continue.

Ben, sensing this, went on. “After you and I left Boston, Victoria and I corresponded for a while. I remember how excited she was when she wrote telling me of being pregnant with Kate. I didn’t hear from her again until Kate was born. I sensed there was something wrong at that time between her and John. I didn’t hear from her or John again for five years until he wrote telling me of her passing.”

“That could explain her mood tonight. She seemed distant – as though her mind was elsewhere,” Adam thought.

“Kate reminds me of Victoria,” Ben went on. “She looks a great deal like her mother and has the same temperament. I get the impression that John has not told her much of her mother.”

Adam realized that, indirectly, Kate was a link to his past and he wanted to know more of her. He decided then and there he would do everything in his power to see that he accomplished this.

CHAPTER TEN

As time past, Kate and Adam grew more at ease with each other. And with each passing day, the attraction between the two of them grew.

“John,” Ben asked his friend one morning, “how do you plan on stocking your ranch? Do you plan on buying the horses here in Nevada, Texas or perhaps Arizona? You need to make plans of how you will proceed once you receive title to the land.”

“Between you and me, Ben, this horse ranch is Kate’s idea,” John told him. “I’m proud of the fact that our horses at Shiloh had the finest blood line developed in that part of the country. I’m embarrassed to tell you, however, that was because of Kate and her grandfather. She’s the one with an eye for horses, not me.”

He continued. “To answer your question, her plan is to ship some of our best mares and stallions from there out here and crossbreed them with stock from the area. She was hoping to have some assistance from you or your sons in accomplishing that.”

Surprised, Ben replied, “I never would have guessed that she possessed such interests. Most women find such things distasteful.”

Shaking his head, her father declared, “Kate possesses a great deal of traits that I find distasteful in a woman. She’s headstrong, stubborn, and far too intelligent for her own good. I blame her grandfather for all of this; he encouraged her in areas a woman has no business being in.”

“No matter,” Ben told him, “my son Adam is the one with an eye for horse flesh. I am sure he would be more than happy to help her in this endeavor.”

 

CHAPTER ELEVEN

A few days after the conversation between her father and Ben about their ranch, Kate found herself watching Ben Cartwright’s sons breaking horses in a corral near the house.

Her interest peaked as she watched Adam when it was his turn on a horse. Joe and Hoss joined her as she watched from the railing. Soon, his youngest brother began his good-natured ribbing as Adam eased himself onto the horse in the enclosure.

“Come on, Adam,” Joe chided, “I know you’re older, but you gotta be able to sit that ole nag.”

“Joe,” Hoss warned, “you best leave Adam alone. You know how he gets when you start messin’ with him.”

“Aw, Hoss, Adam knows I’m just funnin’. He expects me to give him a hard time,” Joe grinned.

Adam shot Joe a warning look and then noticed he was standing with Kate. He hadn’t seen her come out to the corral and, for the first time in Adam Cartwright’s life, he cared that someone was watching him and how he performed.

“Turn him out!” Adam called.

“Ride ‘em, Adam!” Hoss cried.

Kate watched with interest. She had seen Joe and Hoss ride, seeing immediately a few things they had done wrong, making it harder to settle the animals. She watched to see if Adam made the same mistakes.

When the gate was pulled open and the horse turned out, she watched Adam. To her trained eye, he did everything perfectly, managing to stay on far longer than the others. Until…just when he thought the animal had reached the point of acceptance, Adam’s concentration wavered – his thoughts on Kate. The animal sensed this lapse and threw him into the fence. Hard.

The three people watched and waited for Adam to get up. When he wasn’t on his feet as

quickly as they felt was sufficient time, they all ran to see if he was all right.

Kate, the first one to him, touched his arm as he lay on his side, asking softly, “Adam, are you all right?”

Embarrassed that he had allowed the horse to throw him, especially in front of her, he answered a bit gruffer than he intended. “Yes, I’m fine! Blasted animal!” He muttered.

He came to his feet in one fluid motion, grabbing his hat as he stood. As she brushed dirt from his back, Kate said, trying to soothe his ego, “Nice ride, Adam, right up until…”

“Nice ride?” Adam snapped at her, “What do you know about breaking a horse? Besides, what are you doing out here? This is no place for a girl; don’t you have something better to do?”

She fought it, but her temper got the best of her. He had yelled at her and embarrassed her, something she would not tolerate from anyone, not even Adam Cartwright.

Facing him, eyes flashing with anger, she responded. She strode toward him and Adam began backing up. Her head barely came to his shoulder, but she was in no way intimidated by the difference in size as she began, “Do not snap at me because you made a mistake. What do I know about breaking a horse? I know enough to know your knees weren’t tight to his sides and your bottom was too far back in the saddle. Your buck rein was too loose – you hadn’t bothered to tighten it down. Not to mention you had lost one spur and you hadn’t seen fit to wear gloves during this last ride, so you were asking to get thrown.”

Ending her tirade with, “That, Mister Cartwright, is what I observed you did wrong while trying to break that horse. And for your information, your father gave me his permission to go anywhere on this ranch I choose.”

Adding as an after thought, “And do not call me a girl!”

All three men were stunned by what Kate had said, knowing she had been right. Hoss and Joe fought laughter, watching as their older brother got his comeuppance from of all people, a woman.

Waiting for Adam to explode in rage, they were both astonished as they watched Adam regain his composure and reply, “You’re right. I apologize. I lashed out at you because of my own mistakes.”

Joe and Hoss stood there open mouthed – Adam had never, ever, let someone criticize him the way Kate had.

“You’re darn right you should apologize!” She railed. “Just who do you think you are speaking to anyone that way?”

Kate spun on her heel starting back to the house. Adam rushed to catch her, gently taking her arm as he began, “I’m sorry, Kate, you were right. It was my own fault and I struck out at you in frustration.”

Joe and Hoss watched, shaking their heads as Hoss put their thoughts into words.

“That ain’t Adam, that’s somebody else. Adam ain’t never let nobody dress him down that away ‘ceptin’ maybe Pa, and then Adam apologize? Reckon hittin’ his head addled him, Joe?”

“Old Granite Head? Naw, I think it’s something else,” Joe told him.

“Kate, please,” Adam reasoned, “I’m sorry. You’re right. My ego, along with a few other things, was bruised. I’m sorry I yelled at you. I don’t know what…Kate, please.”

Not understand the urgency, he felt that he had to do whatever necessary to calm her. He didn’t want her upset with him for any reason. He added, “Of course you’re free to go anywhere you wish, although I would like it if you would allow me the pleasure of your company.”

Adam thought, Why on earth would I say the last part? What is happening to me? She’s a woman I barely know, and yet I want her to be confident in me and be with only me.”

These were emotions Adam had never felt for anyone outside his family, and he struggled to understand them. All he knew was that he wanted to know everything about her and to be with her.

Kate turned to face him, her temper now subsiding and, taking a deep breath, she responded. “I accept your apology, Adam, and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lost my temper. But it makes me mad when a man, any man, puts limits on what I orany woman is allowed to do. And I hate being referred to as a girl, In case you haven’t noticed, I’m past adolescence.”

Softening now, she asked, “Are you sure you’re all right? You hit that fence pretty hard.”

“I’m fine, Kate. That’s not the first time I’ve been thrown from a horse. Let me get cleaned up and then I’d like to take you for a ride. Besides, I need to get away from my brothers, who most surely will make a point of riding me about this all day.” He laughed.

“I would love to go for a ride, but are you sure you are able to, seeing what just happened?” she asked.

“Yes, Kate,” he said with a smile, “I can still ride, and it would be nice if you didn’t kid me about this either.”

Smiling at him, she promised, “Don’t worry, Adam, I won’t. Even I, a mere woman, understand that occasionally, big strong men are bruised in more areas than one.”

After telling her he’d be ready shortly, Adam went to his room to clean up.

Ben Cartwright wanted a word with his son. Ben knocked on Adam’s bedroom door and Adam invited him in.

“You all right, Adam? Your brothers told me you were thrown and hit the corral fence pretty hard.”

“I’m fine, Pa, just a little mishap. Kate and I are going riding.”

“Kate is what I wanted to speak to you about, son.” Ben told Adam of the conversation he had with Kate’s father regarding the ranch that the McDonald’s hoped to develop in Nevada.

After giving Adam a brief rundown on John’s plans, Ben told his son, “Kate is the one who chooses the stock, seems she’s very good at it. John hates the fact and blames her grandfather for her abilities. He feels it is totally outside the boundaries that a woman should be allowed. I told him, out of all my three sons, you were the best judge of horseflesh and that I was sure you would help her when the time came.”

“Of course I will, Pa,” Adam replied thinking, “Damn, seems I misjudged the lady – she holds more surprises than I first imagined. I never dreamt there was such spirit beneath that smile and those eyes. She knew what I did wrong and knew the horse was going to react the way it did. No wonder she lost her temper – she knew exactly what she was talking about. What other qualities does this woman possess that are unlike any other I have ever known?

CHAPTER TWELVE

On the day her father had gone into Virginia City to set up his office, and all four of the Cartwright men were on the range branding cattle, Kate was left to entertain herself.

It was an extremely hot day, even for Nevada. Kate had tried all morning to stay cool, finally coming up with an idea to get relief from the heat.

She laid out a change of clothing, a towel and blanket along with a few other items. Putting everything in a canvas bag, she headed downstairs, stopping by the kitchen to tell Hop Sing she was going out for a while.

“You no go Missy Kate. You not know ranch, you get lost,” the small man told her.

“Hop Sing, don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’m not going far, just somewhere to get some relief from this heat.”

She went to the barn, saddling the horse she had been using during her time at the Ponderosa. Kate tied her bag to the saddle and then led the horse into the courtyard. When mounted, she turned him toward the road and then toward the area Adam had shown her – Pyramid Lake.

Ben and his sons had accomplished the branding faster than they originally thought they would. Riding home, the men talked of their plans for the rest of the day.

“Man, I can’t wait to get home, get a bath and maybe take a run into Virginia City for a cold beer,” Joe said.

“Think I’ll do the same, Joe,” Hoss added. “How ‘bout you, Adam? Ready to go to town and let off some steam?”

Any other time Adam would have gone. But now, there was someone who interested him far more than cold beer and loose women.

“No, I believe I’ll just get home, get cleaned up and relax,” he told his brothers.

“Come on, Adam,” Little Joe urged, “you ain’t left the ranch in over a month. You gotta be ready to bust. ‘Sides, there’s a new gal at the Bucket of Blood who’s just your type.”

“Thanks, Joe, but I’m not interested,” Adam replied.

Shrugging, Joe added, “Okay, it’s your loss.”

”Oh I don’t think I’m missing anything. There is someone far more important that needs my attention at the Ponderosa,” Adam thought, smiling.

Kate had retraced the route she and Adam had taken and found the lake with no problem. She chose a small cove which afforded a beautiful view, along with a place to lay her blanket and tie up her horse. Dismounting, she removed the bag, carrying it to a place on the shore. After spreading the blanket, she removed all the items she had brought with her from the bag.

Sitting, she pulled her hair back using ribbon to tie it in place and then set about removing her boots. Stretching her legs out in front of her, she pulled her skirt up until it rested on her thighs, then removed her stockings. “Much better,” she sighed.

“What do you mean she’s gone out?” Adam questioned Hop Sing. “Why did you let her go alone?”

“Hop Sing try to stop. Missy Kate say she go, not get lost, would not listen to Hop Sing, said she want relief,” the little man told Adam.

Adam turned, grabbed his hat and gun which he strapped on as he left the house, rushing to mount Sport. Turning the horse back toward the road, he kicked the stallion into a run.

“Damn it, what was she thinking? She doesn’t know the area, she could get lost, or worse, she could run into some drifter. Where would she go?” Adam thought. After a moment he remembered the last thing Hop Sing had said “She want relief.”

She’s headed to Pyramid Lake. I told her that the Indians go there. When I get a hold of her…” Adam thought, realizing his heart was thundering in his chest. ”God, let her be all right! Don’t let anything happen to her!”

Kate stood undoing her skirt, letting it drop to the blanket, followed by her shirt. Left only in pantalets and camisole, she made her way to the edge of the lake. Testing the water with her foot, she found it cold and refreshing. Taking her time, she waded out to where she could see a drop off. Pausing for a moment, she took a deep breath, and dove into the deep blue depths.

Adam had kept Sport at a full run all the way there. “Sorry, boy,” he told the stallion. “I’ll make it up to you.”

Off on the horizon Adam saw the sun’s reflection off of Pyramid Lake. Thinking, “How on earth am I going to find where she’s at? She’d would probably want privacy, yet not be too far from the trail around the lake.”

Reining Sport to a walk, Adam began the tedious job of looking for her.

Kate surfaced from the crystal clear water – it had been a shock when she first dove under the water. Now used to the chill, she lay on her back, floating on the surface and letting the sun warm her. She remembered back to the times she and her cousins had spent hours swimming in the river that ran through Shiloh. It had been a refuge from the hot, sweltering, Virginia summers.

Turning back onto her stomach, she once again dove under the surface, loving the freedom she felt there. Relaxed for the first time in a very long time, she wasn’t in any hurry to leave this sanctuary.

Adam had heard a splash as his eyes scanned the surface of the lake. He thought he had seen something for a brief moment, at the inlet of the cove. Urging Sport in that direction, he kept his eyes trained on the surface where he had last caught a glimpse of …

“There,” he thought, after seeing the reflection of the sun off of auburn hair when she surfaced. Relief flooded through him as he realized he had been holding his breath.

Kate, by now, had re-surfaced and gone back to gently floating in the water, thinking, “As much as I hate to, I better be getting back. I don’t want anyone worried that I was gone too long. But I definitely will return; it’s so peaceful and private here.”

By now, Adam had found where she had tied her horse, along with her belongings. Raising an eyebrow, he wondered what, if anything, she had on. “This might be a little awkward,” he thought.

Standing there with his arms folded across his chest, legs apart, he waited for her to emerge from the lake.

Kate was oblivious to anything or anyone around her as she pulled herself up from the drop off and began slowly wading to the shore.

Adam’s breath caught in his throat when she stood up – she did have clothing on but, being wet, it left nothing to his imagination.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Adam turned his back quickly – not wanting to embarrass Kate – and cleared his throat. He called to her. “Ah, Kate! Kate! It’s me! Adam!”

At the sound of his voice, her head snapped toward shore.

“Adam!” she screamed, trying to cover her chest and below her waist at the same time. “Just what do you think you’re doing? You, you Peeping Tom!”

“I am not a Peeping Tom,” he replied – a grin crossing his face, his back still to her.

Furious, she stomped out of the lake yelling at him, “What would you call it? Watching a lady swim and then waiting until she got out of the water just so you could, you could…”

All he could think of to say was, “I am not a Peeping Tom, and I wasn’t spying on you.”

“Well I don’t know what they call it in Nevada,” she raged, trying to gather her clothes while he was standing in the middle of them, “but in Virginia and everywhere else I’ve been – you’re a Peeping Tom!”

“I am not a Peeping Tom!” he yelled, and then quietly added, “I didn’t see anything.” He was furious that he had to keep declaring his innocence.

Kate continued to rant as she struggled to put her clothes on over her wet body, “I can’t believe I could not even come here for a little privacy without being leered at by some, by some… cowboy! Good Lord! You act as though you’ve never seen a woman before!”

“I’ve seen many women, Kate,” he said slowly with a smile, “just very few so scantily clad.”

At this she stood straight up, fire in her blue eyes. She dropped her clothes and stalked to face him – closer than she had ever dared before as she began, “I knew it! You did look! I cannot believe…”

Coupled with the embarrassment of Adam’s seeing her in a state of undress, she realized she had lost her temper again, and it was his fault. She was now doubly furious.

She managed to put her stockings back on and made an attempt to button her skirt. Struggling, she tried to pull her boots on, finding that, over wet stockings, this was just not possible.

Listening to her rage on about him being a Peeping Tom (and did she mention “Scoundrel” along with a few other names?), he tried to think if he had heard her correctly.

Peeking over his shoulder, seeing she was for the most part dressed, he turned to face her. Seeing her dilemma, he approached her as she was bent over, trying to jam her foot into her boot, still raining insults on him. He bent over, grabbed the top of her boot and attempted to help her. As a result of his help, she lost her balance and had to grab for his back to keep from falling.

The contact of their two bodies was a shock neither soon would forget. Adam felt himself immediately become aroused as Kate’s wet body covered his back. Quickly pulling her leg away, she backed up, not caring that she still was only covered by the wet camisole from her waist up.

“You tried to trip me!” She exclaimed, perplexed, not knowing what else to say.

Adam straightened up and walked toward her. “Kate,” he said softly, “I didn’t mean to.” His hand reached out to caress her face – something he had wanted to do, since he had first set eyes on her.

She turned and walked to the lake shore, slipping her shirt on. She was torn with feelings she had never felt before, having no idea how to suppress them.

The closeness of him, the response of their bodies, was more than Kate could deal with at that moment. Besides, he had spied on her, seen her in a state of undress. In fact, he had seen enough of her that, in Virginia, a wedding would be required.

He stood terribly close to her, saying in a soothing voice. “Kate, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch… to make you feel… to see… I mean, you’re a girl and I…”

“What?” she asked. She wasn’t sure if she had heard him correctly and asked again, “What did you say?”

Knowing he had committed a serious offense, Adam fumbled badly for the right thing to say. “All I was trying to say was that I was sorry that I had seen… You’re only a girl, and I’m sorry that I had seen you dressed or really undressed, only a little. And seeing your…”

Anger filled her as she thought, “He called me that again! I am not a girl! I am a woman and I have a woman’s emotions and a woman’s body! He has embarrassed me for the last time. He needs to be taught a lesson.”

Softening perceptibly, Kate looked into his sensual eyes as she walked to him. She said softly, “Adam, it’s all right. I know you enjoyed seeing me like this. If you’d not made yourself known, you would have seen more. It’s all right, I won’t tell anyone. No one needs to know that you and I were here today and that we…” She moistened her lips with her small pink tongue.

Adam’s eyes watched every move she made and, when she came to him, slipping her arms around his neck, pressing her wet chest against his, a guttural moan escaped his lips.

He thought, “This is not at all like Kate. Perhaps this is another side to her I need to explore.”

Her lips kissed his neck, her warm breath sent currents coursing through his body. His arms crushed her to him. He felt her breasts straining for release against his chest as she whispered to him, “Go ahead, Adam, take it off.”

His long fingers fumbled with the tiny buttons of her camisole as she stood facing him – his back to the lake. While he worked diligently on the buttons, her lips nibbled on his earlobe, encouraging him, as her fingers unbuttoned his shirt. She slipped her hands inside, caressing his chest, her fingers running over his nipples. He let out a soft groan as her hands played havoc with his self control.

When he had two buttons undone and the prizes he longed to hold were so very close, she did something he later would laugh about. Molding herself closer to him, her tongue teasing his ear, she whispered, “Don’t ever spy on me again, Adam Cartwright!” Then she pushed on his chest with every bit of strength she had and watched as Adam, off balance, fell into the lake.

Standing there, buttoning herself up, she called to him. “That was for calling me a ‘girl’, Adam! You may have guessed by now I’m no girl – I am a woman. I would have thought you knew that when you watched as I came out of the lake.”

Turning she grabbed her blanket and her bag, and ran to mount her horse, kicking him into a run back to the Ponderosa.

Sitting on his bottom, soaking wet in the lake, he watched her ride off as he said to himself, “I’m going to marry that woman!”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Arriving at the Ponderosa, Kate found Ben, Joe and Hoss sitting on the porch talking. The boys were dressed for an evening on the town.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Cartwright. How are you gentlemen this fine afternoon?” Kate asked, alighting from her horse.

“We’re all just fine, Kate. Ben replied. “Hop Sing told us you had gone out riding and that Adam had gone after you.”

“Yes, sir, I decided this morning to take a ride to Pyramid Lake. It certainly is beautiful there.”

”Hmm,” Ben thought, ”Kate didn’t mention Adam. Perhaps he didn’t find her.”

“By the way you two are dressed, I assume y’all are going into Virginia City for a night on the town,” Kate said, smiling at Hoss and Joe.

Joe, as always, could not hold his curiosity or his tongue, and blurted out, “Kate, how come your hair’s all wet?”

“Oh, I went swimming at the lake,” she explained.

At that moment Adam rode up on Sport, his clothes still wet from the lake. His brothers and father took one look at him with Joe and Hoss bursting into laughter.

When they could control their laughter, Hoss asked, “Adam, you do a little swimmin’ too?”

“Don’t look like he went swimmin’, Hoss,” Joe said grinning. “Looks to me like he fell in, clothes ‘n’ all!”

Ignoring his brother’s laughter, Adam got off of Sport in one swift motion. With a smile on his face, he strode to Kate, taking her arm – none to gently – and telling his family as he led her to the barn, “You’ll have to excuse Kate and me for a while.”

Adam led Kate into the barn and shut the door. Hoss turned to Ben and asked, “He ain’t gonna whup her, is he, Pa?”

“No, Hoss,” Ben said chuckling. “I believe Adam wants to talk to Kate privately. We best stay here – no, better yet, you boys go on to town.”

Before he thought, Joe replied, “Not on your life. I ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

Ben shot him a look. ”What did you say, young man?”

“Sorry. Nuthin’ Pa,” Joe replied.

Adam had heard Hoss’s comment on the way to the barn and thought, ”A whipping is long overdue for Miss McDonald. She might just get one before the day is through.”

Adam had taken Kate into the barn and, after shutting the door, he let go of her. As she jerked her arm away from him and started to tell him just what she thought of him, she was stopped by the look on his face.

He calmly told her, “Now you are going to listen to me Kate. I wasn’t peeping, as you so eloquently called it. I was worried about your being off by yourself. I went looking for you and just happened to find you – well just that way. What were you thinking going off on your own? Anything could have happened to you! Indians…”

She was no longer angry but, for reasons she couldn’t understand, she felt anxious as she replied, “I wasn’t concerned about the Indians. I thought I could go there for a little privacy and a swim to get some relief from the heat. I had no idea that Peeping Toms were so rampant in Nevada. I…”

“I am not a Peeping Tom!” Adam bellowed.

“Do not yell at me! And you are a Peeping Tom!” Kate yelled back at him.

Out in the courtyard Ben shook his head, saying louder than he intended to, “Peeping Tom? Lord, what has my son gone and done now?”

Hoss and Joe looked at each other and busted out laughing – again.

“Did Kate call Adam a Peepin’ Tom?” Joe asked laughing. “Now he’s been called a lot of things, but never a Peepin’ Tom.”

“I didn’t think Ole Adam had to sneak ‘round to see a gal nekkid. Why I ‘member…” Hoss laughed as a memory flashed through his head.

“Boys!” Ben’s voiced thundered. “That is enough!

“Sorry, Pa,” they both said sheepishly.

Inside the barn, the battle raged on.

“Kate, I don’t have to sneak around to see a woman nude. There are plentyof women who willingly…” Adam began.

“I can just imagine what type of woman is attracted to you and your crude behavior.” Kate looked at Adam haughtily.

“Kate! Damn it! I was concerned, no – worried – that something had happened to you. You don’t know the terrain or the people. You could have gotten hopelessly lost in the desert!” Adam exclaimed. “Now, I’m sorry that I saw you almost nude, but I won’t apologize for my reaction. You’re a beautiful woman with a beautiful bod…” He stopped himself, realizing that he was about to get himself in more hot water. “But you had no call to tease me the way you did.”

“You called me a girl!” she screamed.

Out in the yard, Hoss turned to Joe and said, “She’s mad ‘cause Adam called her a girl? Ain’t that what she is?”

“Naw, Hoss. Kate ain’t no girl,” Joe said grinning. “Kate’s a woman.”

Ben sat chuckling to himself thinking, ”I do believe my eldest son has met his match.” 

“Kate, now I mean it…”Adam began, his anger beginning to rise.

“No, you listen to me, Adam Cartwright. I am not a girl! I am a woman! I would have thought that an intelligent man like yourself would know that, after seeing me soaking wet in my underware! What are you? Blind?” She challenged him.

Now all ears, Ben, Joe and Hoss looked at each other as Joe voiced their confusion. “Adam saw Kate how?”

Shrugging their shoulders and shaking their heads, the three men continued to listen intently.

Inside the barn, Adam had grown tired of trying to explain to Kate his reasoning for being at the lake. Kate still seemed angry, and she refused to listen to reason. As he watched her, he thought she was never more beautiful than at that very moment – except about an hour ago at the lake. He noted that when she lost her temper, her eyes turned a deep sapphire blue.

Adam did what he had wanted to do since he met her. He grabbed her arm, pulling her to him and kissed her deeply for the first time. Kate had never been kissed this way before and found herself kissing him back.

Her hands caressed him as her fingers ran through the curls at the nape of his neck. He tightened his grip on her as his tongue explored the warm, sweet, depths of her mouth. She offered no resistance and returned his kiss. His hands moved from her waist to her back, gently caressing her as he pulled her closer to him.

Kate had been surprised that he hadn’t kissed her way before now. She had felt a strong attraction between them from the moment they met. She had longed to be in his arms – feeling him, kissing him. Never before had a man made her feel the way he did. They had a connection that had drawn them to each other.

Moaning, he whispered, “I know you’re a woman, Kate. I didn’t need to see you that way today to know that.” He held her body close to his as he kissed her again.

He had decided on the ride back that she needed to be kissed and kissed a lot – but only by him. Kate had captured his heart and touched something deep inside of him – something he had searched for but never found until Kate – the perfect woman for him to love. He had realized this early on but, after today, she was going to be his.

He learned back, his arms still holding her, as he looked into her eyes and said, “I’m not sorry about today, Kate. I was worried about your being alone. Anything could have happened. And seeing you that way made me realize I never want another man to see you as I did, or kiss you the way I am, but me.”

“You better never tell anyone about today,” she said softly, smiling as her lips found his, her arms holding him to her.

“Hey, Pa,” Hoss began. “It’s awful quiet in there. Think we oughhtta check? Ya think Kate done killed him?”

Knowing his son, and remembering what it was like to love a woman, Ben shook his head, and told his sons, “No, they’re fine. Let’s go on in the house.” He smiled as he rose and went on in.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Adam now looked forward to every day. Knowing he would be spending it with Kate, he had found what he had been searching for in her, and was now content with his life. As their relationship grew, so did his brothers questions.

One afternoon, while Adam was repairing a lariat, Hoss began peppering him with questions.

“Adam,” Hoss asked, “how come you and Kate are only seein’ each other? What about them other gals you were sweet on ‘fore she got here?”

“Hoss, I wasn’t sweet on any of those women; they were just someone to pass the time with. I have no interest in anyone else but Kate.”

“Then does that mean if another fella asked Kate to go somewhere with him, she’d turn him down?” Hoss pressed.

“Yes, I imagine so,” Adam responded. “Why, what other man is interested in asking Kate out?”

Hoss shrugged, telling him, “Nobody I know, I was just whatiffin’ with ya.”

“Do Joe a favor, Hoss,” Adam began, “tell him about Kate and me, then there will be no misunderstandings.”

“Adam, I wasn’t talkin’ ‘bout Joe. I was just whatiffin’ with ya,” Hoss told him.

At his brother’s last remark, Adam went back to making his repairs. That is until Joe joined them. “Hey, Adam,” Joe began, “I got a question ‘fore ya. I know you don’t like to talk about private things and such, but ‘member that day when Kate was given’ you all get out in the barn?”

Sighing, tired of hearing about being a Peeping Tom, Adam answered, “Yes, Joe, I remember. Why?”

“I still can’t figure out why she was so mad ‘bout you callin’ her a girl,” Joe said, shaking his head.

“That Joe, is because Kate is a woman and I mistakenly referred to her as a girl,“ Adam explained.

It was enough for Adam to know she did not like the term. He for one, certainly wouldn’t call her that again.

After that day in the barn, Kate and Adam were inseparable. They were openly affectionate with each other, and did not care what anyone thought.

One evening, as Adam and Kate sat on the porch looking at a full moon, he leaned over and gently kissed her.

She gave him a curious look, to which he responded, “Because I wanted to and because I told you, you need to be kissed a lot.”

Rising from her chair she went and sat in his lap. Placing her arms around his shoulders, she softly returned his kiss and said, “I love your ideas.”

His arms pulled her closer. As he kissed her, Hoss and Joe walked out onto the porch.

“Is that all you two do anymore?” Joe asked. “Every time I see you two, you’re smooching. It’s kinda’ scary.”

“Why is it scary Joe?” Adam laughed.

“It jist ain’t natural for you to be actin’ that way. You ain’t never been that way with no other gal, ever,” Joe said.

Kate, smiling at Adam then Joe replied, “Good! It’s nice to know I have no other competition.”

“You’ve never had any competition Kate,” Adam told her pulling her back into his arms.

Not thinking, Hoss added, “Why I ‘member, when Ole Adam use to be worse than Joe here. He had so many ga…” Hoss never finished his statement as Joe’s elbow found his ribs.

“Now why’d you go an’ do that Joe?” Hoss asked. Then after seeing the look on Adam’s face added, “Sorry Kate, I was jist’ messin’ around.”

Kate rose from Adam’s lap telling the men, “That’s all right Hoss. I really should be going in, if y’all will excuse me.”

”Kate,” Adam said taking her arm and leading her away from the house.

“They ain’t goin’ back to the barn to yell some more are they?” Hoss asked.

“And you say I don’t think before I run my mouth,” Joe said walking away, shaking his head.

“Kate,” Adam said soothingly, “don’t pay any attention to them, they’re just joking. He led her to the far side of the courtyard, away from the others, so they could talk.

She didn’t want to admit it, but Hoss’ comments had bothered her. She knew Adam had been with other women, but she did not want to be told about it.

“I know you had a life before me, Adam, and I’m sure you’re quite popular with the women in town,” she stated.

“Kate, I haven’t seen anyone since the day you arrived.”

“Adam, really you don’t have to…” she started.

Adam pulled her to him and kissed her long and gently. “Kate, hush. You know my heart; there is no one else, nor could there ever be.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Plans were underway for a big celebration in Virginia City the following week to celebrate Independence Day. Adam and Kate planned to attend along with the rest of the Cartwright family, including Hop Sing.

“It’s an all day event, Kate. There will be a rodeo with bronco riding, and calf roping to name a few of the events. Throughout the day there will also be field games, along with a picnic followed that evening by a dance. Not to mention the fireworks are spectacular,” Adam explained.

“It sounds like fun. Just promise me that you won’t do any bronco riding,” she kidded him.

“Don’t worry, Kate, no more bronco riding for me at least not in front of you. Being embarrassed once was enough,” he laughed.

Kate slipped her hands around his neck telling him, “Don’t ever be embarrassed with me, there is no reason for you to be.”

“It’s the biggest event of the year and the whole town will be there. I will be able to introduce you to the people I know,” he told her.

On the fourth of July, the entire Cartwright household was up early and ready to go into town for the celebration. After breakfast, Adam hitched up the carriage and loaded the picnic baskets Hop Sing had prepared.

Arriving in town later than the rest of the family, Adam found Ben had already secured a picnic table for the Cartwright’s. He and Kate unloaded the baskets, putting them on the table and then made their way to the heart of town.

Ben accompanied the young couple, explaining to Kate what events Hoss and Joe were to participate in the rodeo.

“Adam promised me he would not enter any events this year,” Kate told the elder Cartwright. “I don’t want him to run the risk of being hurt.”

“You really shouldn’t worry about Adam, my dear,” Ben told her. “He’s participated in this rodeo for the last four years and come away with nary a scratch.”

After lunch, Adam and Kate walked through the town, with Adam introducing her to local townspeople.

“Adam,” she asked, “Who is that man staring at us?”

“What man, Kate?”

“The man over by the saloon, leaning against the building,” she replied.

Looking to see whom she was referring to Adam told her, “That is Matt Larkin. He use to work for us on the Ponderosa. But, we fired him for stealing cattle.”

He is staring at me as though he has seen me without my clothes on, Kate thought.

“Just stay away from him Kate, and don’t ever come into Virginia City alone. It really isn’t safe,” Adam told her.

“Adam, I am not afraid to go into any town alone, I did it for years back east,” she reminded him.

“Kate, you don’t have to go anywhere alone anymore. I’ve told you, if you need to come into town I will bring you,” he said.

“Adam, I don’t…” she began.

“Kate,” Adam began, “this is one matter where I know what’s best and won’t change my mind about. It is not safe in town for any woman alone. I would prefer that you honor my request and wait until I can accompany you.”

“All right, Adam, I’ll do as you say, for now,” she replied.

“Kate, I’m serious, it is simply not safe. Not with the likes of Matt Larkin lurking around town.”

After spending the afternoon watching Joe and Hoss in their rodeo events Kate and Adam proceeded to the dance. Arriving there, a number of people warmly greeted Adam as he introduced her to his friends. She immediately saw the looks of disappointment on the faces of the other women when he walked in with her.

He must be in great demand from the expressions on these women’s faces, she thought.

As the music floated on the warm evening air, Adam took her hand in his as he led her onto the dance floor. Taking her into his arms, he was rewarded with the gentle scent of her perfume. With her nestled in his arms, they moved around the dance floor talking quietly, oblivious to anyone else around them.

When the musicians took a break, he asked her if she would like some refreshments.

“Yes, Adam, thank you. Punch would be nice.”

Getting their drinks and returning to the dance, he had the opportunity to observe her. As he watched her with his brothers, he smiled as she began laughing at the two men. A feeling of contentment swept through him as he watched her.

She took Hoss’s arm when the music began, as he led her onto the dance floor. Joe explained to Adam when he returned, “Hoss asked Kate to dance until you got back.”

“I guess I’m going to have to keep an eye on you two around her,” Adam observed.

Joe surprised by Adam’s remark, turned to look at him and stated, “Adam, I’ve never known you to care if we took an interest in any other woman you were seeing.”

“This one is different little brother, this one is definitely different,” Adam replied.

As the final chords of the song ended, Hoss returned her to Adam. Accepting her punch from him, her hand softly grazed his. Smiling at him before sipping it, she listened to Joe, criticizing Hoss’s dancing.

“Don’t you listen to him, Hoss. I’ve never danced with a man lighter on his feet than you,” she told him.

“Well, thank ya’ Kate,” Hoss said, blushing all the way to his toes.

She is so thoughtful of other’s feelings, Adam thought. I have never known a woman like her.

After finishing their drinks, the musicians took a break. Adam asked her if she would like to step outside for some fresh air.

“That would be wonderful,” she replied taking his hand. As they walked outside, Adam’s arm slipped around her waist as he asked, “Are you enjoying yourself Kate?”

“I’m having a wonderful time, Adam, thank you for inviting me.” Pausing she looked into his eyes as a feeling of exhilaration swept through her. “It is so beautiful out here tonight; will you just look at that moon?”

He put his arms around her waist. Drawing her to him, he started to kiss her, as Joe burst out the door calling to them, “Adam, Kate, come on the music is starting.”

“I definitely have to talk to that young man about his timing,” Adam said smiling at her. Disappointed he had missed the opportunity to savor those soft lips, he led her back inside.

Joe met them intending to ask Kate to dance, but Adam told his brother, “Her dance card is full Joe.” Taking her securely into his arms, he looked deeply into her eyes as they glided across the floor.

All too soon, the evening was over. As he led her off the dance floor, she whispered to Adam, “I wish this evening would never end.”

“I’ll get your wrap Kate,” Adam told her smiling.

Returning shortly, he placed it around her shoulders, his fingers lingering on the softness of her skin. Placing his arm around her, he led her to their carriage. As he helped her in, he realized that he too wished the evening would go on forever.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

After leaving the dance, during the ride back to the Ponderosa they made a date to go riding the next day. He wanted to show her a very special place. The next morning following breakfast, they headed out. He was again amazed to see how well she handled a horse. She was quite comfortable in the saddle and they talked as they rode. “Your father is right; you are quite adept at riding,” he told her.

“Thank you, Adam. I have been on a horse since before I could walk. My grandfather had me riding before I was a year old.”

Before long they arrived at the place Adam wanted to share with her, a place he had named the “Tahoe Rim.” An area located on Lake Tahoe that afforded a panoramic view of not only the lake but the Sierra Mountains behind it.

Overwhelmed by the beauty before her, Kate was speechless for a moment then told him, “Adam, it’s beautiful! This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. You are so fortunate to possess this; you can come here whenever you wish just to enjoy the beauty of it.”

Taking his hands in hers, she remarked, “I wish I could stay here forever, I love it here.”

“I believe we could arrange that,” he said as he took her in his arms kissing her.

Responding to the kiss, Kate put slender arms around his neck, kissing him back with more ardor than he had expected. When they parted, she smiled at him saying, “That was nice.”

Looking into her eyes, he told her, “I’ve never known anyone like you, Kate. You enjoy life so much; those around you cannot help but feel the same. You’re so very different from any woman I have ever known,” Adam pointed out, surprising himself with his openness.

Taking his hands entwining her fingers in his, telling him, “I’ve never met a man like you either, Adam. You are strong in so many ways, yet gentle and kind even though you try to hide it. I’ve never had a man make me feel the way you do.”

Adam thought, Kate is such an enigma. One moment so outspoken, the only woman who ever yelled at me and got away with it, and the next, soft and gentle. She already knows more about me in the short period of time she has been here, than people I have known for years.

As they stood by the lake Adam placed his arms around her telling her, “I’ve never shared this place with anyone until you Kate. It will always be ours.”

“Adam, I thought you were leaving for New York,” she asked, knowing he had all but forgotten those plans. Taking his hand, she led him to a blanket she had put on the ground as they sat, side by side.

“I don’t believe New York holds the same interest for me as it once did. You’re here now; I know I could be content staying right here with you,” Adam told her as he reclined on one arm, his long legs stretched out before him.

They spoke of many things, asking and answering questions about each other and their lives. Both of them confided a number of personal details about their lives that they had never shared with anyone else.

“Adam,” she began, “tell me the truth, what was your first impression of me, I’m curious.”

“I’m not about to answer that Kate,” he said laughing.

Suddenly serious, she asked, “Please, tell me.”

“Kate, that’s not a fair question. I wasn’t in the best mood when I arrived home that evening,” he told her.

“It is a fair question; now please tell me, what did you think? Pretend it’s a game,” she told him.

After a moment he began, “Now keep in mind, I wasn’t pleased to begin with. I had planned to leave Nevada and go back east, that is until you and your father wrote and said you were coming. Pa talked me out of leaving until you and your father left, or made Nevada your home. So just remember that when I tell you of my impressions,” Adam pled.

“I’ll remember Adam,” she said tucking her feet under her, waiting for him to continue.

Sighing, he began, “I suppose the first time I heard your voice I was intrigued. I wanted to know who possessed the most lyrical, soft voice I had ever heard in my life. Then, when you came out of the library and I saw you for the first time, I was momentarily speechless. Your eyes melted my heart the first time you looked at me and it has been that way ever since. Oh, I was pleased with your beauty, but your gentleness and warmness stole my heart that day,” he said simply.

Kate had been watching his face as he spoke and now tears filled her eyes.

“Now your turn,” Adam told her gently, taking her hand.

Thinking for a moment, then boldly telling him, “I believe I loved you the first moment I set eyes on you. When I looked into your eyes, I lost my soul to them that very second. The sound of your voice still sends chills down my spine and when I’m with you, for the first time in my life, I know I am where I was meant to be.”

He sat for a moment speechless, just looking into her eyes and then pulled her into his arms. There was no need for words, they knew the other’s heart, and that was enough.

Adam reclined, lying back on his arm with her next to him. He brushed a curl from her forehead then asked, “Kate, Pa told me your father has found land adjacent to the Ponderosa that he wants to purchase.”

“Yes, he’s planning on finalizing the transaction today, so construction can begin on our house and we will stop imposing on y’all,” she replied.

With his hand he caressed her face, gently telling her, “Kate, you were never an imposition,” as he pulled her to him.

When they parted, she smiled at him telling him, “Adam, I almost forgot. I brought you a present I think you will like.” As she handed it to him she added, “I noticed you didn’t have a copy of his works.”

Adam opened the gift she had given him, a collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poems.

“Kate, I cannot accept this, he’s one of your favorite poets,” he told her.

“Yes, he is, but I know you will enjoy it as much as I have. Please, I want you to have it.”

They stayed for a while longer talking. Adam, noting the position of the sun, realized he had to get her back before dark. Riding back, Adam asked if she would like to ride to the north pasture with him the following day to see the new foals.

“I would love to. Father will be in town most of the day on business so I’m free.”

That evening after everyone had gone to bed, Ben and Adam sat talking. Ben had decided to have a party at the Ponderosa to introduce Jonathan and Kate to their friends since they would soon be landowners.

Ben sat marveling at the change in his eldest son. Pleased with the change in him since Kate had arrived, he felt he would be remiss if he did not tell Adam what was on his mind.

“Adam, you’ve been spending a great deal of time with Kate. You do realize she is younger; you are almost four years older than she is and her father is one of my oldest friends. You are used to being around women here in the territory who aren’t, shall we say, as refined as Kate,” Ben said delicately.

“Pa, don’t worry, I have been a complete gentlemen. She is a lady and I enjoy being with Kate more than any other woman I have ever known. We are a lot alike and I would never do anything to hurt her or embarrass you. I will tell you, both she and I are very happy she’ll be staying here and not returning to Virginia,” Adam confided in his father.

Adam continued, “It’s funny, I was so dreading this visit. I had sworn when they left I was going back east no matter what. Now with her here, I can’t see myself being anywhere else but here, with her.”

This was not easy for Adam; but wanted his father to know that his intentions were honorable and sincere.

Adam knew they had not known each other long by standards of the day. Nevertheless, from the moment they met there was something different, something very special about her. Now he knew he loved her.

Joe was still trying to figure out what had caused the change in his Adam. He was kinder and more patient with his brother’s. Hoss knew what had caused the dramatic change in Adam, it was due to Kate. She had brought this softer side out in Adam. He had watched the two together and knew his brother had found happiness and contentment with this girl from Virginia.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Just as the Cartwright’s had seen a change in Adam, Jonathon McDonald had also sensed a change in his daughter. He knew he would have to act quickly to see that Kate’s silly infatuation with Adam Cartwright did not disrupt his plans.

Living in their own house now, John had the freedom to conduct his business dealings without Kate or the Cartwright’s becoming curious. The last time she had become inquisitive, she had cost him dearly. Kate had been fourteen and John had been involved in a land grab scheme in southern Virginia.

Being an attorney, he had access to private information that the average person would not. Using this information, he had purchased hundreds of acres of land at a fraction of its value. That is, before Kate had stumbled upon the paperwork. When she began questioning her father, he realized she was becoming too aware of his dealings, and could eventually become a problem. Too late, he learned she had told a friend, the daughter of a local Judge, that her father was grabbingland. Learning of this, he immediately arranged for her to attend boarding school in New York.

It was shortly after she left for school, that his business dealings came under the scrutiny of her friend’s father. Aware of this, John decided he would quietly liquidate his assets until he found another business to become involved in. He had always blamed Kate’s mother for him being forced into unsavory ventures.

Choosing Kate’s mother, Victoria, to be his wife had given him a lifestyle he had only dreamed of. He had met her early in his career as a struggling, young, lawyer. Her family was wealthy and highly respected in Virginia. Marriage to her should have secured his future and a place in Richmond society. Unfortunately, it had not worked out the way he had planned. Her father had distrusted him immediately, and cautioned his daughter against marrying him.

Victoria, had disregarded her father’s wishes, and had married John. An act of defiance she soon regretted. To escape his father-in-law’s watchful eyes, John moved his wife and himself to Boston, where Kate was born five years later. During their time there, John had complete access to the McCullough fortune.

Shortly after Victoria’s death, Kate’s grandfather took great pleasure informing John that he had changed his will, and that Kate, not John, would inherit everything when he died. Since that time, John had gone to great lengths to hide the truth from his daughter. John knew he must keep Kate occupied with other matters while he completed his plans. Otherwise, Katherine McDonald would become a very wealthy woman when she turned twenty-one.

He remembered the conversation he had with his father-in-law the day John found out the old man had learned of his indiscretions and had changed his will. “I will see to my granddaughter, but you will be out on the street. You cheated on my daughter and deprived Kate of a father’s love. I cannot do anything about that now, but I will see that you receive nothing. You broke Victoria’s heart and for that, you will pay,” Thad McCullough told him.

John felt he was entitled to his wife’s estate. He had put up with Victoria during her illness, and had taken care of Kate. Seeing to her education and providing her with the best of everything. Despite the fact it was his own daughter’s money, John had been plotting how he would go about circumventing her grandfather’s will since the day the old man died.

Now, when he was so very close to success, Adam Cartwright had come into her life. Adam is like Ben, he will see something amiss and start delving into matters. As her husband, Kate will give him complete control. That, I cannot allow, John thought. I am going to have to proceed carefully. I do not want to raise anyone’s suspicions when I am this close.

If he had not stood to lose everything, he would have encouraged Kate’s attraction to Adam. He came from a fine family, and Ben Cartwright wielded a great deal of influence in Nevada. Influence that, had they married, would have proved to be very valuable to John’s career.

However, for now, it was imperative that his daughter’s attentions be elsewhere, until after her birthday, giving him time to finalize the sale of Shiloh. A sale he had no legal right to negotiate, for the plantation belonged to Kate.

It was these thoughts that ran through John’s mind as he sat in his study composing a letter to Matt Larkin, a man he thought would take care of all his problems. The bartender, at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, had provided information about the man to him, with the assurance that he would deliver John’s message, for a price.

Mr. Larkin,

I have a business proposition I wish to discuss with you. Meet me in my office at the courthouse tomorrow morning at seven o’clock. I believe you will find it most beneficial. I trust you will be discreet.

Judge Jonathon McDonald

John needed someone who would be capable of dealing with the problems his daughter and Adam presented and be trusted to keep his mouth shut. He had found, in his experience, money bought most people’s silence.

Completing the note, John sealed the envelope from prying eyes. He would drop it off to the bartender, to give to Larkin, when he and Ben Cartwright went into town that afternoon

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Jonathon McDonald had an appointment very early the next morning so the prying eyes of Virginia City would not see the man that now entered his office.

“Judge, I got a message you wanted to see me,” Matt Larkin said.

“Shut the door,” John instructed. “I don’t want the busybodies of this town knowing my business dealings.”

“Sure thing, Judge,” Larkin said as he closed the door. “Now what did you want to see me about?”

“Mr. Larkin, I have been told you are experienced in taking care of problems,” John said.

“Yeah, I know how to take care of any problems that need to be taken care of. But what problem could a judge have that requires my help,” Larkin asked.

“I want to see if you’re capable of seeing to a few issues I am having. I thought I could hire you to be the foreman of my ranch. This would give you first hand knowledge of my daughter’s comings and goings. It just so happens She, is one of my problems.

“Sure, Judge, anything you say. What kinda’ problemsyou been having with your daughter that you need me to see to?”

It pertains to her involvement with Adam Cartwright,” John explained.

Larkin’s interest piqued when he heard the two people he would be dealing with. He had been looking forward to seeing the Judge’s daughter again, and it would be a pleasure to bring Adam Cartwright down a few pegs.

“When can you start?” John asked.

“How ‘bout right now,” Larkin responded. “But first we need to talk money. I want to know what my pay is gonna’ be for solving your little problem.”

“Whatever Ben Cartwright paid you I’ll double and there will be a bonus when I’m satisfied with the results,” John explained.

“I can live with that, Judge. Now let’s hear what you want done with your problem,” Larkin said sitting back in the chair listening intently.

After an hour, Larkin rose telling John McDonald, “I’ll move into your bunkhouse today and get started on your daughter. You sure ain’t like any of the judges I met. Well it’s no matter to me, moneys money ‘sides, I’ll enjoy takin’ care of her.”

“Remember Larkin, show some restraint. I do not want her hurt just scare her. What ever else you do is up to you. As far as Adam Cartwright goes, handle it any way you see fit,” John said.

John McDonald was not a man prone to violence, but he had to do something about Kate and Adam. She was going to balk about going back east, and he would take any steps necessary to bring her into line. He knew she would not allow anything to happen to young Cartwright and hoped Larkin would show some restraint dealing with her.

However, if the man got a little too heavy-handed, so be it. He had waited a long time to control the fortune Kate’s mother had left her. No one, not even his own daughter, would stand in his way. It was imperative that she not know of her inheritance until everything was finalized. By the time she found out it would be too late. If he were unsuccessful, she would inherit a virtual fortune when she turned twenty-one, and her birthday was only two months away.

 

CHAPTER TWENTY

Larkin stepped out into the dusty streets of Virginia City on his way to the hotel to pack his things and move to Shenandoah. He would meet Katherine McDonald when he got there. Her father had given him a letter of introduction to give to her.

He wants her out of the way pretty bad to hire me to rough her up, Larkin thought. I wonder what he stands to gain. I need to find that out, there may be more money in it for me before this is over.

While her father was plotting against her, Katherine McDonald was in the process of planning her day. She went to the kitchen to speak to their cook and after selecting the menu for that evening, made her way to the corral. She heard a horse approaching, assuming it would be Adam. She turned only to find Matt Larkin, the man Adam had cautioned her about, before her.

Waiting as he dismounted from his horse, she said, “May I help you with something?”

“Yeah,” he began, “you must be Miss McDonald, the judge’s daughter. I’m Matt Larkin. Your father just hired me as foreman of this ranch.”

Taken aback by this revelation, Kate regained her composure. “My father didn’t mention this to me, Mr. Larkin. I will have to check with him about this.”

“Naw, Miss McDonald, ya’ don’t have to check. Here’s a letter he said to give ya’,” handing her the folded paper.

Kate opened it and read its contents. Her father had hired him; why, she could not guess. The ranch did not have that much livestock yet, so there was no need for a foreman.

“It seems you’re correct, Mr. Larkin. You may put your things in the bunkhouse over there,” she said indicating where the bunkhouse was. Kate had an uneasy feeling about the man; the way he looked at her. Adam definitely was not going to like this.

“If you will excuse me,” she began.

“No need for excusin’ yourself missy, you’re gonna be seein’ a lot of me,” Larkin said to her.

“Mr. Larkin, let’s get something straight,” she said. “My father hired you to run this ranch. That does not include me; do not make the mistake of thinking that. I won’t hesitate to fire you if you get out of line one time.”

As he walked toward her, Kate resisted the temptation to back up as he said, “Miss McDonald, there’s no need to threaten me. Your father hired me, and he’s the only one who’s gonna fire me, no matter what. Now you better get use to me bein’ round here all the time. I gotta say it will be a pleasure seein’ you every day.”

“We’ll just see about that,” she said through clinched teeth. Kate started into the barn to saddle her horse with Larkin right behind her. Standing far too close to her he told her, “Yeah, Miss McDonald, you and me gonna get to be real good friends.”

She spun around telling him, “Stay away from me! Don’t you dare come near me again.”

“And if I don’t,” he began, “what are ya gonna’ do, tell Adam Cartwright? Got news for ya missy, I ain’t afraid of him.”

“No,” she seethed, “it won’t be necessary for me to tell Adam. You’re not worth his time; I can deal with you myself.”

“I’m lookin’ forward to that missy,” Larkin said leering at her.

“Mr. Larkin, let me give you fair warning. I do two things very well. The first one is riding; the second is using a gun. I am an excellent shot, and I won’t hesitate to shoot anyone who threatens me.”

“Hey, missy, no need to get all mad and such, I was just wantin’ to get to know ya’,” Larkin explained.

“You are a hired hand and it is not necessary for you to know me. Stay away from me Mr. Larkin, or I will see you gone, one way, or another,” she told him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“I want him fired,” Kate told her father that evening. “We don’t need him for twenty horses. What were you thinking?”

“I need someone in place to handle the day to day operation of the ranch, Katherine. I hired him and he’s not going anywhere,” her father told her.

“Father, he makes me very uncomfortable. He made some inappropriate suggestions to me. I want him fired.”

“Katherine, it was his first day. He comes highly recommended, let’s give him a chance. He even worked for Ben Cartwright; now that should tell you something.”

“I know all about his working on the Ponderosa. He was fired for stealing cattle. I imagine you didn’t know that,” she challenged.

“Actually, my dear,” he said, “I do know of that unfortunate incident. Personally, I believe it was all a misunderstanding. Now I am going to give Mr. Larkin an opportunity to prove himself. When and only when I feel he isn’t working out, he will be let go.”

“Father, I had to threaten him today to leave me alone. Doesn’t that tell you anything?” she asked.

“It tells me,” he began, “that you are judging the man before you know him. I thought you prided yourself on your tolerance of everyone.”

“Adam is not going to like this,” she said.

“Adam Cartwright does not run this ranch! I do!” he said vehemently. “Now you may be all enthralled with young Cartwright, but I am not. You listen to him far too much. That is another reason it will be good for you to be away from him for a while. You will be able to regain your impartiality. Something you have lost since you’ve been involved with him.”

“Say what you will,” she began, “I am not going anywhere. I am not going back to school so you might as well get use to the idea. Just keep Larkin away from me, I will not hesitate to defend myself if I feel threatened.”

She would have to tell Adam, and he would be furious. He was to be out of town on business in a few days and now, would be reluctant to go because of Larkin. However, if she did not tell him he would be even angrier.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Adam came calling later that evening. When he dismounted Sport, Larkin sauntered out of the bunkhouse.

“What are you doing here?” Adam asked.

“I’m the new foreman, the Judge hired me today,” Larkin responded.

Adam went to the front door and knocked, watching the man as he stood leaning against the hitching post. Kate opened the front door giving Adam a kiss. As he entered he asked, “What is your father thinking, hiring Larkin? Didn’t you tell him the problems we had with him?”

“Yes, Adam,” she said taking his hand, “I did, but father is adamant about giving him another chance. He already makes me uncomfortable.”

“Let me speak to your father,” Adam said.

“He isn’t going to listen…”

“Kate, let me talk to him,” Adam said forcefully.

“All right, but you won’t get anywhere with him. I have already tried,” she explained.

Entering her father’s den she announced, “Father, Adam would like to speak to you.”

“Come in, Adam, good to see you,” John McDonald stood shaking his hand.

“Sir, I believe you’ve made a mistake hiring Matt Larkin. He is a cattle thief and who knows what else,” Adam explained.

“Adam, as I told Kate, this is my ranch. Whom I employ is no one else’s concern. While I appreciate your opinion, this is my decision and I would like you and Kate to respect it,” he said.

“But, sir,” Adam began, “I don’t think…”

“Adam!” the judge yelled, “I don’t want to be rude but this is none of your business.”

“Sir, it is my business. I am concerned for Kate’s safety with him around. He doesn’t respect women, and he is not to be trusted,” Adam replied.

“Let me worry about that, young man. While you seem to be under the impression that only you can see to my daughter’s well-being, you are wrong. She has been under my protection all of her life and no harm has come to her,” the judge responded.

“She has been fortunate up until now,” Adam stated. He was furious that this man was putting her in danger. Adam had to make him realize this.

“Adam, because you are Ben’s son, I am going to overlook your rude comments and behavior. However, be warned, I will not tolerate any more of your conduct. Katherine is my responsibility for now. I don’t feel she is in any danger and until I do, Larkin stays!”

Kate knew Adam was ready to explode as she said, “Please, Adam, let’s go for a carriage ride.”

Adam stood glaring at her father, unable to understand why the judge was being so stubborn and would not listen to reason.

“I didn’t bring the carriage Kate,” Adam said through his anger.

“Well then,” she began, “let’s have our new hired hand hitch ours up. After all, he’s being paid to do more than lounge around the bunkhouse,” she said as she started for the door.

“I’ll see to it Kate, I want a word with him anyway,” Adam told her, “Wait here, I’ll come for you when it’s ready.”

Walking out the door, Adam donned his hat. Approaching Larkin he told the man, “I would like a word with you while I get the carriage ready.”

Following Adam into the barn, Larkin said, “Couldn’t get the judge to fire me could you Cartwright?”

“Don’t worry about my conversation with the judge, Larkin. I am warning you, do not go near Kate. I don’t have any idea why he hired a convicted criminal, but I will be watching you. Kate will tell me if you do or say anything out of the ordinary to her. If you value your life, stay away from her,” Adam told the man.

“Don’t be threatening me Cartwright. You’re not on the Ponderosa now,” Larkin said.

“Just remember what I said,” Adam replied.

After leading the horse out of the barn and hitching him to the carriage, Adam went to get Kate.

When they left the courtyard he asked, “Why would your father hire Larkin?”

“I don’t know, something isn’t right. My father has never hired a criminal. His feeling has always been they could not be trusted. He is up to something, I just know it,” she told him.

“Kate, stay away from him until I can figure out what’s going on. I just warned him to keep away from you. If he bothers you in any way, I want to know. I warned you about going into Virginia City alone and your father hires the most contemptible man in the town to work right here,” Adam said, shaking his head.

“I will be all right,” she told him. “I’ve had to deal with men like him before.’

“When were you exposed to men like that?” Adam asked.

“We visited Washington before we came here. There are a great deal of unsavory men running our country. I was able to avoid them, just as I will avoid Larkin,” she said. “Now I don’t want you worrying Adam, I’ll be fine.”

“I can’t imagine what your father was thinking when he hired him,” Adam said.

After taking her home and putting the carriage away, he headed back to the Ponderosa.

Arriving there, he found Ben sitting in the great room reading. “Pa,” he began, “may I talk to you about something?”

Taken off guard Ben told his son, “Of course, what seems to be the problem?”

“I’m not sure,” Adam began. “Judge McDonald has hired Matt Larkin as his ranch foreman. I tried to tell him about Larkin, and he definitely did not care what my feelings were on the subject. Kate had already told him everything I did before I arrived.”

“That does not sound like John,” Ben said.

“Pa, I don’t believe John is the same man you use to know,” Adam stated.

“I am starting to believe the same, Adam. I am ashamed to tell you that I contacted an attorney in Richmond when John wrote and told me he and Kate were coming for a visit. I thought it rather odd that after fifteen years he suddenly wanted to renew old acquaintances. The information I am receiving from the attorney is most unsettling.”

“What is it Pa? Does it involve Kate?” Adam asked.

“I haven’t everything back yet, but from what I gathered, it does involve Kate. She, however, is unaware of her part in this.”

“Would he put her in any danger?” Adam asked.

“Right now, Adam, I cannot say for sure. I would rather wait until I have all the information. Then you and I will sit down and go over everything. Then we will decide what, if anything, we need to do.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“Adam,” Ben Cartwright began, “I know you don’t want to go to San Francisco right now but you are the only one who can close the sale with the army. They have worked with you and won’t deal with anyone else.”

“Pa,” Adam began, “you have to understand my reasons for not wanting to leave Kate right now with Larkin working there.”

“I do so son, but you can’t watch over Kate twenty four hours a day. Her father is there and he won’t let anything happen to her,” Ben explained.

“You have more confidence in John than I do,” Adam said. “I don’t trust that man, and with the reports you’re getting back, it’s only a matter of time until I have to tell Kate what type of man her father is.”

“Kate is over here most of the time anyway,” Ben began. “I know she stays away from there just to stay clear of Larkin. You know your brothers and I will see to her while you’re gone. I really do hate the fact you have to go, Adam, but we’ll take care of her.”

The next morning Adam rode over to the McDonald ranch Kate had named Shenandoah. She had described to Adam the valley it was named for. “It’s beautiful there. It is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River runs through it. During the fall, when the leaves are turning, it looks as though the entire valley is ablaze. I always loved it there.”

Kate came out to meet him when she heard him ride up. “Morning, Adam,” she said smiling up at him.

“Good morning, Kate,” he replied as he alit from Sport giving her a kiss. “I thought we would go riding today; we need to talk about a few things.”

“All right, let me go change. There’s coffee on the sideboard, help yourself,” she replied.

Adam had gone into the dining room to get coffee. As he was gazing out the window, the man he was concerned about walked out of the barn. He saw Larkin start toward the house until he saw Adam’s horse. Adam watched as the man mounted and rode away.

“I’m ready,” Kate announced as she entered the room.

Smiling at her, Adam sat his cup down and took her arm as they left the house. She waited as Adam saddled her horse. Neither knew they were being watched. Shortly they were on their way down the road away from the ranch.

When they arrived at the rim, where they always went when they needed to talk, Adam wasted no time telling her he would have to go out of town. “I hate to leave right now, but I’m the only one who can close this particular deal. I don’t feel right leaving you with everything that has been going on.”

“Adam, I’ll be fine. I have had to be alone and deal with people like Larkin before. I’ll be all right until you get back. I will just stay very close to the house or ride over to visit with your family. He just makes me nervous the way he’s always staring at me,” she explained.

“I just don’t understand your father hiring him,” Adam began. “He had to know his criminal history and to just ignore all of that…”

“I don’t know and I don’t want to talk about either of them. When do you have to leave, and when will you return?” Kate questioned.

“Day after tomorrow and I’ll be back as soon as the bill of sale is signed. I still don’t feel right leaving you,” Adam explained.

“Nonsense, you must go. Your father is depending on you. I will stay busy and it will be fine. You cannot be with me every minute of every day Adam, I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself,” she declared.

Pulling her to him, he told her, “That’s my point, I want to be with you every minute of every day, and I don’t want you having to take care of yourself anymore. I want that job, to see to your every need and want. When I get back, I want to announce our engagement. Then I won’t worry about you as much once we’re married.”

Kate had not told Adam of the heated exchange she had with her father that morning. “I don’t know what has happened to you, Father. You were always against hiring people with a criminal record and now you have gone and hired a man with a very questionable past,” she told her father.

“It’s not your decision Kate, it’s mine. Adam Cartwright might influence your thinking but not mine. I resent the fact he seems to assume his word is law where you are concerned. If he continues, I will be forced to speak to Ben,” John replied.

“Adam is not a child and neither am I. You have no need to run to Mr. Cartwright. He holds the same opinion of Larkin as Adam,” she told him.

Two days later, she and Ben saw Adam off on the stage. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Adam told her. “Hoss and Joe have promised they’ll check on you until I get back.”

“Please, Adam, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Just hurry back and be safe,” she told him, kissing his cheek.

Adam reluctantly climbed into the stage after their goodbyes. A feeling of dread washed over him as he watched her disappear into the dust from the coach.

“He won’t be gone long Kate. I’m sorry he had to go right now. I know he’s upset with me but it couldn’t be helped,” Ben told her.

“I know, Mr. Cartwright, he worries about me far too much. I’m always afraid he will wake up one day and decide I’m too much trouble to bother with,” she explained.

“That, my dear, will never happen,” Ben said smiling at her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The first day Adam was gone was a long one for her. She had declined Ben’s invitation to dinner, telling him she had things at home that needed her attention. A lie, but she had not wanted to burden the elder Cartwright with the job of watching over her, knowing Adam had made his entire family promise to do so.

Larkin had been making himself scarce lately. So after returning home, Kate busied herself in the house. She decided to straighten her father’s office. Never one to pry before, Kate felt there was something in her father’s office that might lead her to understand the drastic change in him over the last six months.

As usual, nothing was on his desk except a small notation on a pad of paper about her birthday. She had almost forgotten about it, more engrossed with Adam’s and her relationship, and now the problem of Larkin. She tried opening his desk drawers and found them locked. That’s odd, she thought. He never used to lock his desk. Perhaps he doesn’t trust Larkin either.

“I don’t believe the Judge would appreciate you going through his things, missy,” Larkin’s voice came from behind her.

Startled, she railed, “What do you think you are doing coming into this house without being invited?”

“Settle down. I’m the foreman here and I’ve got a few questions for the judge. Guess he ain’t here,” Larkin replied.

“You know he left early this morning, now get out of this house!” The man did frighten her but she was not about to let him know this.

When he did not attempt to leave, she added, “Do not make me tell you again. You are not allowed in here. Now go about your duties or I shall tell my father about this.”

“You do that missy and see how far it gets you. Don’t threaten me, you won’t like my reaction,” he told her.

This response infuriated Kate. “I am not easily intimated, Mr. Larkin. Now I am not going to tell you again to get out. If it were up to me I’d fire you on the spot for your insubordination.”

In two long strides he was beside her, grabbing her arm in a vice-like grip. “You can say what you will but you’re scared. Good, remember that feeling, and don’t ever order me around again. You have no say over me.”

Kate jerked her arm away, glaring at the man. “How dare you touch me. I warned you before to stay away from me,” she said with more conviction than she felt.

Turning, Larkin gave her a once over look, smiled and left the house.

When he had left, Kate sat in her father’s chair, shaking. Trying to quiet her nerves she wished Adam were there. I have to talk to Father, he just threatened me, and I believe he can be violent. Surely, he will do something about Larkin now once I tell him about this, she reasoned.

Kate made the decision to go for a ride over to the Ponderosa after all. She hated having to leave her own home, but with him lurking around, she felt like a prisoner. Changing into riding clothes, she waited until she saw Larkin ride away and went to saddle her horse. When finished she led the horse into the courtyard, mounted and began her ride to the Ponderosa.

I hate feeling this way. I have never had to depend on anyone but me before and now I feel as though I am not capable of dealing with this thug. Adam will be gone for another four days so I best figure out a way to handle Larkin. At least now I am away from him, she thought. Little did she know Larkin was following her as he did every time she left the ranch.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Arriving at the Ponderosa, Ben greeted her, “Kate, good to see you. I was just thinking about you. I am glad you changed your mind and joined us. Hoss and Joe should be back soon. Get down, and sit a while with me.”

Dismounting, she tied her horse to the hitching post and walked to the porch taking a seat with Ben. Knowing by her face something was wrong, Ben looked into her eyes asking “What’s wrong Kate, did something happen?”

Shaking her head, she began, “It’s nothing Mr. Cartwright. Larkin just makes me nervous. Every time I turn around, he is watching me. I had to get away from the house. I don’t like to be there alone when he is the only one around.”

“Kate, I think the time has come that I speak to John about this. I know he got angry with Adam the other day when he tried to talk to him about Larkin. But he just may listen to me,” Ben said.

“I don’t think so Mr. Cartwright. Father is not listening to anyone right now. It seems he is determined to keep Larkin on no matter what. I have told him how the man makes me feel and he just laughs it off. After I tell him what happened today, perhaps he’ll change his mind,” she explained.

Alarmed, Ben asked, “What happened today, Kate?”

Knowing she had made a grievous mistake in letting that slip, she tried to cover it up. “Nothing, really he just makes me nervous.”

“Katherine, tell me,” Ben instructed.

“He came into the house. I was in Father’s office and he snuck up behind me. When I told him to get out, he grabbed me,” she explained.

Ben’s anger soared. “I’ll talk to John today,” he told her.

“Please don’t. I believe it will only make matters worse. Let me try to handle it and do not tell Adam. I’m convinced Larkin wants nothing more than a confrontation between him and Adam,” she pled.

“Kate, I can’t promise that. I need to speak to John anyway. I will just bring up the subject of Larkin and see what his response is. I won’t tell Adam, for now,” Ben said.

“Larkin is just trying to intimidate me because I’m a woman and there alone. If Father were home he wouldn’t behave in such a manner,” she told him.

Ben, not so sure of John anymore, was concerned for her well-being. John was not the man he had known, nor was he the least bit concerned about his daughter. More information had come in from the attorney in Richmond and Ben’s feeling of uneasiness grew with each report.

These same thoughts were going through Adam’s mind. He had been troubled all the way to San Francisco about Kate being alone at the ranch with Larkin. He thought back to their last conversation, ”Stay away from him Kate, even if you have to stay at the Ponderosa. When I return we are going to get this matter settled, once and for all.” I should not have left her. There is no telling what could happen if I am not there. Surely, her Father will see no harm comes to her, Adam thought.

If only Adam had known the dark thoughts John had regarding his daughter, he never would have felt confident that he would take care of her.

Back at the Ponderosa, Kate had relaxed being with Ben. “Hop Sing is making lunch Kate. When the boys get back, we’ll eat,” he told her.

“I really shouldn’t stay Mr. Cartwright, there are things I could be tending to at home,” she told him. “I miss Adam. I feel closer to him when I’m here,” she said simply.

“I know my dear and I regret he had to go to San Francisco but Adam is the one who had brokered the deal and the army would deal with no one but him,” Ben explained again.

“I know that, Mr. Cartwright, and I don’t want him to neglect his duties in any way because of me. I have never felt so foolish in my life. I have pretty much taken care of myself since I was fourteen. Now, for the first time in my life, I feel vulnerable. It’s not a good feeling,” she told the older man.

“Kate, you are a strong woman and I am confident you will be fine. I just have questions I need answers to and those answers can only come from your father. I would like you to stay here while I go into town to speak to him,” Ben told her. “I will leave when Hoss and Joe return.”

“Mr. Cartwright, please don’t do or say anything on my account. Father can be rather hostile when he feels someone is questioning him. I do not want to be the cause of any problems between the two of you. I especially do not want Adam to know of any of this. I hate to appear weak. I swore I would never be that way, and here I am running to the Ponderosa the first time I feel uncomfortable,” she told Ben. “I never want Adam to feel I am a burden.”

“Kate, you are not weak and Adam would never think of you as a burden. He loves you young lady, and wants to marry you. When he gets back, you are going to be hard-pressed to be rid of him. You have made my son a happy man and he is not about to let anything happen to you. However, you are going to have to be patient with him. Adam is going to do what he thinks best where you are concerned, even if it angers you or your father,” Ben explained.

As they were talking, Joe and Hoss rode up. Both men greeted Kate as they got down from their horses. Ben explained to his sons that he had errands to run in town and asked they look after Kate.

“Sure, Pa, we’ve got orders from Adam to see to her and it will be a pleasure,” Joe said.

“I don’t want to be a bother for anyone,” Kate began. “I know you two have other things you’d rather be doing than entertaining me.”

“Naw, Kate,” Hoss began, “being around you is much more fun than bein’ with Joe. You make sense when you talk. Somethin’ little brother here don’t.”

“Well thank you both, I really don’t want to go back home with Lar…, I mean it’s more pleasant being with all of you,” she said.

“We know, Kate,” Hoss said gently smiling at her. “Me and Joe will see to everthin’ and Adam will be home soon.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Ben Cartwright tried to arrange his thoughts, of what he would say to John, on his ride into Virginia City. I do not want to alienate him right away but I have to get to the bottom of what he is up to. The longer this goes on the more I am convinced he is up to no good.

Confident Kate would be safe in Hoss and Joe’s care, he went directly to the courthouse and found John in his office. Looking up from papers spread on his desk, the judge greeted him. “Hello Ben, what brings you to town?”

“I had some errands and thought I’d drop by and see you. Since you moved into your house, I’ve not seen much of you. Perhaps, we could have lunch?” Ben asked smiling.

“I’d enjoy that, Ben. I’m tired of dealing with criminals. I would like to have a conversation with an honest man for once today,” John replied.

“I would also like to talk to you John. I’m concerned about Kate,” Ben said.

“Kate?” John asked. “Why are you concerned with Kate?”

“I’ve been hearing about her uneasiness with Larkin around. I know Adam told you of our experiences with him and I’d like to understand why you’ve engaged him,” Ben said.

“Ben, I will tell you what I told Adam. Whom I hire is my business, not Kate’s, not Adam’s and certainly not yours. I do not tell you how to run the Ponderosa, and I would appreciate it if you would give me the same consideration,” John replied.

“John, if Kate were my daughter, I would not allow Larkin near her. He’s not to be trusted and capable of just about anything,” Ben told him.

Ben now saw first-hand the irrationality of the man he had considered an old friend as John exploded in rage. “Ben, this is none of your business! Kate may have deceived you and Adam into believing she is frail and unable to take care of herself but believe me, she is more than capable of handling any situation.”

Trying to reason with John, Ben began, “John, she is your daughter, to be protected and cared for. She should not have to fear for her safety. She is terrified of being alone with him around. She had to come to…”

“Ben! Do not lecture me on how to care for my daughter! You are no longer welcome here and give Adam a message for me. When he returns, he is not to see my daughter again. Forget we were ever friends as I have just done. Now unless you have legal business with me, get out!” John raged.

Ben realized that he would now have to bring up the information he had received from the lawyer in Richmond, as he calmly said, “I don’t think so, John. I have some very unsettling reports, I want to discuss with you. When I received your letter telling me you wished to pay us a visit, I was curious. I asked myself why, after so long a period of time, you decided to visit me. I contacted a lawyer in Richmond hoping to find answers to my questions and he has provided them to me. I know you are planning to cheat Kate out of her inheritance. What I have not figured out is what Larkin has to do with all of this. Mr. Lawrence, the attorney in Richmond, was most anxious to find where you had disappeared. With the information I provided him, he was very open with me regarding the details of why you left Virginia. Now Kate will know, as soon as she turns twenty-one. He told me of all correspondence he has sent her regarding her inheritance and that it had all been returned. You saw to that. If you do not want me to tell her all I have discovered, it would be wise for you to terminate Larkin and tell her everything. Do it today and I will let you tell her yourself. I won’t allow her to return home until you do.”

“How dare you blackmail me! Everything you have said is hearsay. I have taken care of Kate since her mother died. I have no secrets from her. We were getting along fine until your son turned her against me. Try to come between us Ben, and see what happens. Kate is loyal to a fault, you won’t get anywhere with your accusations,” John told him.

“Do not blame Adam or anyone else but yourself. He gave her unconditional love, something that girl has not known since Victoria died. Be thankful you are talking to me and not him today. Adam would not give you a chance to tell her. He would have already done so,” Ben told him. “Now I am going back to the Ponderosa. I will tell her you wish to speak to her this evening. Hoss and Joe will escort her home and I will ask her to come see me first thing in the morning. If she has not been told by then, I will tell her. It’s your choice, John,” Ben said.

By the time, Ben returned home Hoss and Joe had worn Kate out playing checkers and she was ready for a break. “Kate,” Ben began. “I spoke to your father. He would like to talk to you tonight. After dinner, Hoss and Joe will ride home with you. I would however, like to see you in the morning. Do you think you could ride over here first thing tomorrow?”

Not sure what was going on, Kate told him, “Of course Mr. Cartwright, I will. How was Father to talk to?”

Not wanting to alarm her, he replied, “He was fine Kate, a little upset at first, but he is all right now,” Ben explained.

After Ben had left his office, John McDonald had closed his court for the day and returned home. He needed to speak to Larkin before Kate returned. Blasted Cartwright’s, he thought, now I have to hurry before Ben spoils everything.

After dinner, Hoss and Joe rode home with Kate, waiting while she entered the house. When they were sure she was safe, they returned home.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“Katherine?” Her father called when she shut the front door. “I’d like to see you in my study.”

Doing as he requested, she entered asking, “You wanted to speak to me?”

“Yes, dear, sit down,” he answered.

After she was seated, he began “Ben came to see me today and I must say I am very disappointed in you.”

“You’re disappointed in me? What have I done?” She asked. This was not at all, what she had expected from him.

Rising from his desk, he walked to the front leaning on it, as he looked at her with angry, gray eyes. “Running to him, telling him you aren’t safe here. Now Katherine you know that is not true. Why, I would never let anything happen to you,” he said in an unsettling voice.

“I did not run to anyone. They know why I am uncomfortable and with good reason. You would not listen to me, I had no one else to turn to,” she replied.

“You always were a little sneak,” he said to her in a voice she did not recognize.

“Father! I have never…” she started.

“You may have fooled them, your mother, and your grandfather, but I know you for what you are. On the outside all sweet and kind but on the inside devious and calculating,” he spat at her.

Rising to leave the room, he grabbed her wrist forcing her to sit back in the chair. “I’m not done with you. You are just like your Mother. She spoiled everything for me by having you. None of this would have ever been necessary if you had not been born. I have been saddled with you for the last twenty years and now, when I am so close to realizing my dreams, you are determined to ruin everything,” he said.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she said, “I don’t know what you are talking about. I’ve not done anything wrong.”

“Running to Ben Cartwright, whining to him just like you did years ago to your grandfather. You remember what happened the last time you did that – I sent you away. That is exactly what I am going to do now. Be rid of you once and for all and live the way I should be able to and not be stuck with you!”

Kate could not bear to hear any more. She had always suspected he felt that way about her, but had buried it deep within not wanting to admit this to herself. Now he had said it aloud and she knew she had been right.

“Don’t you dare criticize me for anything I did to protect myself. You did nothing, after I told you of my fears about Larkin. Then, you were always good at using my fears against me. When mother died, and you knew I was terrified of loosing you, you used that to keep me in line and do your bidding. I was so frightened during that time, I would have done anything to win your favor,” she said tears welling in her eyes. “I had no one except for you and you pushed me away. Thank God, I had my grandfather, as much as he hated you, he loved me. Well I’m not a frightened little girl anymore, I’m grown and I’m in love with a man who loves me more than I thought possible and we’re going to be married. Then you will never be saddled with me again. I will be out of your life, for good, an event I look forward to. However, I do have something to thank you for, the stubbornness and independence you hate so much in me, is because of your treatment of me when I was growing up. I was forced to be that way to survive,” she railed.

She had derived great pleasure in venting this way for the first time in her life. Adam was right, she should not hold so much inside, and it had felt good to let it out.

Her father did something that took her aback, he laughed. Fearing the man had lost his mind until he began, “Bravo Katherine, you surprise me you have turned into a formidable adversary. As much as you will hate me saying this, you are just like me.”

“I am nothing like you!” She declared.

Too bad,” he began. “You should have exhibited these traits before now. It may have changed things.”

“If I had to choose between being like you and being dead, I would choose death,” Kate exclaimed.

So be it, my dear, John thought.

 

 

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

After entering her bedroom, only then did she allow herself to cry. Kate was terrified. Her father had never looked or sounded the way he had tonight, even during their worst disagreements. After her tirade, there was no telling how he would react. She knew she could not stay there. If she could just get away from the house, she would ride into town and stay at the International Hotel tonight. Adam will be home tomorrow and everything will be alright then, she told herself.

In his study, John shook from the rage within him. How dare her? After everything I have done for her, she dares to speak to me that way. Kate is smarter than I thought possible. She is going to start putting things together and know what I am doing unless I punt an end to this. Then I’ll be rid of her and the Cartwrights once and for all, he thought. He rose from the desk and went to the bunkhouse looking for Larkin.

Kate packed a small bag and quietly slipped down the stairs and out of the house. She would have to pass near the bunkhouse in order to get to the barn. Praying Larkin would be either busy with something or had gone into town, she slowly crept past it, stopped by the sound of her father’s voice. Listening, she heard him say, “We’re going to have to do something about my daughter right away. When I leave in the morning, wait an hour, and then take care of her. At this point, I don’t care what you do.

This cannot be happening, she thought. I have to get away from here. Silently she slipped into the barn and saddled her horse. I’ll have to wait until Father returns to the house, she told herself. As she slipped her bag over the saddle horn, she stood at the door, quietly waiting for him to leave the bunkhouse. She did not have to wait long. She watched as her father exited the bunkhouse and made his way up the stairs and into the house, she opened the barn door and led her horse out.

Slipping her boot into the stirrup she heard Larkin say, “Goin’ somewhere missy?”

With her heart in her throat, she turned and said, with more bravado than she felt, “Get out of my way. It’s none of your business where I go.”

“I’ve had it with that smart mouth of yours,” he snarled as he grabbed her arm, “always actin’ uppity. ‘Bout time someone taught you a lesson,” he said drawing back his fist.

Kate closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

As he prepared to strike her, a deep voice warned him, “Hit her and I will shoot you where you stand.” Looking up he saw Adam and Hoss Cartwright on horseback, their gun’s aimed at him, Adam’s eyes dark with anger.

“Adam!” she screamed.

“Cartwright,” Larkin snarled, “’didn’t ‘spect you back this soon but I been takin’ real good care of your gal while you were gone. Just ask her.”

Adam got down from Sport, taking his gun belt off. As he handed it to Hoss, Larkin shoved Kate into her horse, knocking her down then lunged at Adam.

Kate was pulled to safety by the massive arms of Hoss as he told her, “You stay right here, Kate.”

The two men grappled with each other, Larkin outweighing Adam by a good thirty pounds. Adam, however, was faster and quickly delivered two blows to the man’s face, breaking his nose. One of Larkin’s punches caught Adam in the stomach, stunning him momentarily.

“Adam!” she screamed, rushing toward the two men.

Hoss pulled her back, telling her, “Let ‘em go, Kate. Adam can take care of his self.”

Adam landed punishing blows to Larkin’s ribs and mid-section. Kate would swear she heard the sounds of bones breaking when Adam’s fists landed on Larkin’s body. Turning her head away, she could not bear to watch anymore.

The fight ended when Adam landed a solid blow to Larkin’s jaw, knocking him to the ground. It was at this point, Hoss grabbed his brother telling him, “Enough Adam. Ain’t no more fight left in ‘em.”

Larkin lay at their feet in a bloody heap. Enraged, Adam fought to free himself of Hoss’ grasp. The big man told him, “I said enough, Adam.”

When he felt his brother’s body relax, Hoss released him. Kate flew to his arms, covering his face in kisses as his long fingers tenderly held her face asking, “Are you all right?”

Wrapping her arms around him, she could feel his heart as it raced. “Adam, are you all right?” she asked.

“Kate, I’m fine. Thank God we got here in time,” he said.

“How did you manage to come home early? I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow,” she said.

“I finished with the army early and didn’t want to wait for the stage. So I bought a horse and rode back from San Francisco. After I got home and Pa told me of the meeting he had with your father, I felt you were in danger. Hoss rode over here with me just in case there was trouble.”

“Good thing for Larkin I did,” Hoss said. “He’d be dead if I hadn’t come.”

“Where’s your father?” Adam asked.

“In the house,” she told him. “Adam, there is more that happened tonight that I need to tell you.” She said as she told him about the argument she and her father had and overhearing him and Larken in the bunkhouse.

Adam told her, “We are going to the sheriff’s office and you are going to tell Roy everything.”

“Adam, please, I can’t…”

“Yes you can Kate, this has gone on long enough. He’s made your life hell, threatened you, and hired Larkin for the sole purpose of hurting you. If I hadn’t gotten here in time I don’t know what would have happened.”

By now, Hoss had Larkin on his feet and was in the process of tying him to his horse.

“I’ll hitch up the carriage,” Adam told his brother. “But I want to speak to her father first.”

“No Adam, I can’t go back in there, I can’t see him or listen to him anymore,” she begged.

Taking her hand gently in his he told her, “Kate, you’re safe now. I am not going to let anything hurt you. There are a few things I need to say to him and I want you there to hear them.”

While Hoss watched Larkin, Adam and Kate entered the house. Finding John in his study, the surprised look on his face told Adam everything.

“Don’t say a word,” Adam warned him. “Kate has told me everything about tonight and the instructions you gave Larkin in the bunkhouse. I am taking her to see Roy. He will be very interested in your little plot. She will not be back here until you are gone. I want you out of this house by tomorrow.”

“How dare you give me orders,” John raged. “Just who do you think you are?”

“I am going to be her husband very soon, and I will tell you as I told Larkin, if you ever threaten her again, I will kill you. I should do it now for what you have put her through. You will never hurt her again. For now, it will suffice that you will be spending time in jail.”

At this, Adam turned, taking Kate’s hand, and left the house. Hoss had hitched up the carriage and they quickly left for Virginia City.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Arriving in town, Hoss took Larkin to the Sheriff’s office while Adam and Kate went to see Paul. Adam knocked for some time, until Paul finally came to the door. Adam explained, “Sorry to bother you so late Paul, but Kate needs to be looked at.”

Opening the door, Paul smiled at the girl then asked, “What happened Kate?

“I’m all right, Paul. Adam insisted I come to see you,” she said.

Adam explained the events of that evening telling him, “I just want to be sure she isn’t hurt.” As Paul had her sit on his table and began examining her.

Adam watched her wince as Paul’s fingers touched her arm. Pushing her blouse sleeve up he said, “There are no broken bones, but you are going to have a whale of a bruise,” Paul explained.

When he was finished, Kate insisted that Paul check Adam too. His hand was cut and swollen, but other than that, he had no other visible injuries. Trying to re-assure her, Paul began, “I’ve lost count of the times I have had to patch up the Cartwright men. Out of all of them, Adam has the hardest head. He’ll be fine, but when you get home soak that hand and put some liniment on it.”

Thanking Paul, they left his office and went directly to the jail. When they entered, Roy began, “Kate, Hoss has told me what happened. Do you do want to press charges against Larkin?”

“Yes, sir, I do.”

At Adam’s coaxing, she told Roy everything that had happened that night, including the conversation she had overheard between her father and Larkin.

“I can’t believe Judge McDonald would do such a thing,” Roy said shaking his head. “Ain’t never arrested me a judge before. I’ll go out to the ranch tomorrow morning and pick him up. He ain’t goin’ anywhere before then.”

“Kate will be staying at the Ponderosa, Roy. If you need any more information from her, you will have to come see her there. So that you know, I ordered her father off of Shenandoah by tomorrow,” Adam told the man.

“I’ll see to it, Adam. Now you two best get on home. By the looks of you, you both need some rest,” Roy told them.

On the ride home, Adam guided the horses with one hand, the other arm around her. “Everything is going to be all right now, Kate,” he told her. “There are some matters we are going to have to talk about, but the worst is behind us.”

At the Ponderosa, Ben met them at the door. “Adam, what happened? Kate are you all right? Hoss was just telling me some of it.”

Adam explained what had occurred and that Kate would be staying with them. “Of course she is staying here. Put her things in the guest room next to you, Adam. Kate I am so sorry about all of this. I thought that after talking to your father, things would be better. I cannot believe I fell for John’s act. For tonight, rest, we’ll talk more tomorrow.”

“I think Kate and I could use a brandy,” Adam said.

“Allow me,” Ben exclaimed as he went to the table and poured three brandies, handing one to each of them.

Sitting on the sofa, Kate began, “Mr. Cartwright, I’m sorry to impose. I told Adam I could stay at the International. That was what my plans were, but he insisted I come here.”

“This is where you belong, Kate. I feel much better having you here and I know Adam does,” Ben told her.

Putting her head on Adam’s shoulder, she sat staring into the fireplace. Sensing her mood, Adam suggested, “Why don’t we get you settled in your room. Tomorrow we’ll talk more, but for now it’s best that you rest.”

Adam showed her to her room. Turning to her, he pulled her to him asking, “Are you all right? With everything that happened I haven’t even greeted you properly.”

Kissing her, he held her close as she replied, “Adam I’m fine now that you’re here. Promise me we won’t be apart again.”

“Not in this life time,” he told her. “Our time of being apart is almost over. No more talking tonight, Kate. The last few days have had to have been a nightmare for you. You’re safe now. Tomorrow we will have to sit down and talk with Pa. He has some information you need to know about. Now I want you to listen to me. I’m going to be right next door; if you need anything, or if you just want to talk, call me,” he told her, kissing her good night.

After he closed the door, he returned to the great room where his father and brothers waited for him. Hop sing had brought him a basin of water for his hand, and Ben had poured them each a brandy. As he handed Adam’s to him, he asked, “What on earth happened over there tonight?”

Adam took a seat in his chair, submerging his swollen hand in the water, and began telling them everything Kate had told him. “From what Kate said, John seemed almost crazed when he talked to her after she returned from the Ponderosa. He accused her of telling you and me stories about him. There were parts I am sure she omitted; hurtful, hateful things he said to her that I can only imagine.”

Adam told them of her plan to get away from the house and ride into Virginia City until Adam got home. “On her way to the barn is when she overheard her father and Larkin’s conversation. John had told Larkin to take care of her; that he didn’t care what Larkin did to her. Pa, I believe if Hoss and I hadn’t gotten there he would have hurt her badly, possibly killed her.”

“I never dreamt it was that bad, Adam.” Ben said shaking his head. “Kate wouldn’t tell me anything, and I know she never told you how bad it was.”

“No she didn’t,” Adam replied slowly flexing his hand. “She always avoided the subject of her father and growing up. I never understood why, until now. She told me a few things about Virginia and how she didn’t care for New York when she attended school there. But I had no idea it was as bad as it was.”

“Well,” Hoss began. “That little gal has had enough sorrow in her life. ‘Bout time you took care of that big brother.”

“I plan to Hoss, and soon I swear she’ll never know another sad day from now on,” Adam promised.

“I don’t get it,” Joe said. “Kate’s always nice to everybody, she even puts up with ole granite head here. How could anyone treat her so bad?”

“I don’t know Joseph,” Ben replied. “There is just no understanding someone like Jonathon McDonald.”

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

After talking a while longer, Hoss and Joe excused themselves, deciding to turn in for the night.

“Boys you are going to have to handle things tomorrow. There are a few items I need to talk to Kate and Adam about first thing in the morning,” Ben explained.

“Sure, Pa,” Hoss said. “We’ll see to it.”

“I think I’m going to turn in also, it’s been a long day,” Adam said.

“I’m sure you are tired. With that ride from San Francisco and everything else that has happened,” Ben said, adding, “Adam,”

“Yes?”

“Kate is going to get through this. It may take some time, but she will, and in time she will heal,” Ben told him.

“I know she will Pa, I can see to anything Kate needs,” Adam said. “Good night.”

Before going into his room, Adam paused outside of her door. Hearing a faint sound, he slowly opened it. She was standing by the window looking out into the night that was as black as ink.

“Kate, is something wrong?” he asked.

She turned around, and he saw she had been crying. Going to her, he gently took her in his arms, asking, “Can I do anything?”

“No,” she said softly. “I have to come to terms with this on my own. But thank you for asking. Now go on to bed; you have to be exhausted. Is your hand any better?”

“It’s all right; I soaked it for a while,” he answered.

Taking his injured hand in hers, she raised it to her lips, kissing it. Then quietly told him, “Go on to bed Adam, I’m fine.”

Adam was hesitant to leave her but knew she needed this time alone. As she had said, she would have to work through today’s events on her own. He hated that she was hurting and as much as he wanted to bear the pain for her, he knew he could not. Tonight she had to work this out on her own but tomorrow, he would take over, and she would never be alone again. Kissing her, he told her, “I love you, Kate.”

“Good night, Adam.”

After he had left, she sat on the bed reflecting on the past day telling herself, after tonight I will not let my life prior to now affect Adam or me again. Father will be out of our lives and I pray I never see him again.

Sunlight streaming through her window woke her the next morning. She had finally fallen asleep as the grandfather clock, in the great room, had struck mid-night. Lying in bed, she smiled thinking, today begins my new life with Adam. Nothing is going to spoil our life together.

Slipping out of bed, she washed, did her hair, put on a clean dress, and then made her way downstairs. All four Cartwright men were seated at the table having coffee, talking. Adam saw her first and came to the stairs to meet her.

Kissing her cheek, he told her, “Good morning. I trust you slept.”

Returning his kiss, she told him, “Yes, I did. Did you?”

“Yes,” he began. “Kate, today will be a better day.”

“Morning, Kate,” the other men greeted her.

“Good morning,” she replied, smiling at them.

“We waited breakfast for you,” Ben told her.

“You shouldn’t have; y’all must be starved,” she declared.

Her demeanor is better today. Almost like she was before all of this began, Adam thought.

Adam held her chair as she took her seat beside him. Hoss poured her coffee, as Hop Sing brought the breakfast platters to the table.

“Good morning, missy Kate. You look good. Now eat,” the cook told her.

While the four men dove into their breakfast, Kate sat sipping coffee watching them. She was relaxed, she felt that this was where she belonged. Kate enjoyed the loving interaction between father and sons. She had always wanted a family like them and now she almost was a part of this one.

Hop Sing brought her warm muffins as Joe asked, “Why does Kate get Hop Sing’s special muffins? We gotta be sick to get ‘em.”

“Missy Kate nice to Hop Sing. Not yell like men,” he told Joe.

Laughing, Ben told her, “Hop Sing doesn’t make those for everyone Kate. You should feel honored.”

“I do Mr. Cartwright, I do,” she said smiling.

After breakfast, Ben asked to speak to Kate and Adam. He had the young couple join him in the great room. Taking their seats on the sofa, he began, “Katherine, first of all I am so very sorry for what you’ve been through the past few weeks. I had no idea…”

“Mr. Cartwright, please stop. I should be apologizing to all of you. My father took advantage of not only your friendship but also your hospitality. He was at fault; none of you. I am so ashamed for how everything has turned out. So please, don’t apologize,” she explained.

“Kate, Adam knows some of what I am about to tell you,” Ben began. He told her of his suspicions about her father from the very beginning, explaining why he had contacted the attorney in Richmond. “We have been corresponding, sharing information. In his most recent letter, he informed me that he would be here in Virginia City, the day after tomorrow. Mr. Lawrence was your grandfather’s attorney and he wants to meet with you and explain your inheritance.”

Kate had listened intently, while Ben continued telling her what he had discovered about her father. When he was done, she told the men, “I had forgotten about any inheritance until I remembered my last discussion with my grandfather. It was before I was sent to New York; he died while I was away. He told me that he was going to make sure that father never profited from my mother’s death. I didn’t understand what he meant until now. If it is not asking too much, I would like you to be with me Adam, when I meet with this attorney. I want you to know everything he says. I know you feel you should be there also, Mr. Cartwright. I only wish all of you weren’t troubled by this.”

“You know I want to be with you Kate and I’ll do whatever you want,” he told her.

“Kate, if I may suggest,” Ben said delicately, “with charges against John forthcoming, it might be wise to ask the local magistrate to sit in on this meeting with Mr. Lawrence.”

“Whatever Adam and you think best,” she said. “I really can’t believe that this inheritance is worth all of the trouble it has caused.”

“Well, until he arrives,” Ben told them, “we’ll have to wait for any more answers.”

“If we’re done, I have a day planned for Kate and me,” Adam announced.

“That’s fine son. Your brothers and I can handle ranch business today. You and Kate go have some fun,” Ben said.

“We’re going on a picnic, something we haven’t done in a while,” Adam said, smiling at her.

At this announcement, Hop Sing brought out a large basket. As Adam asked, “Everything is in there that I requested Hop Sing?”

“Yes, Mr. Adam, everything.”

THIRTY-TWO

As they walked outside to the porch, Kate saw the carriage was waiting for them in the courtyard. “You’ve had this planned for a while, haven’t you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, smiling.

“For a while,” he said giving her a grin as he lifted her into the carriage.

He then climbed in, taking the reins, as he steered the horses toward the rim. When they arrived, he helped her down, grabbed the basket, and led her to their favorite spot.

After Adam and Kate had left, there was a knock on the door. Opening it, Ben greeted Roy Coffee. “Morning, Roy, you’re out early, come on in and have some coffee, Hop Sing, bring…”

Roy stood in the doorway, nervously twisting his hat in his hands. “No coffee for me Ben, I need to speak to Adam; you might want to listen in along.”

“I’m sorry Roy, Adam’s not here right now. May I help you with anything?” Ben asked.

“Ben, I don’t rightly know how to tell you this. But, I went to pick up Judge McDonald early this mornin’. When I got there, he was gone. Hank told me he lit outta there last night.”

“Roy how could you…,” Ben began.

“That ain’t all Ben. While I was gone, Larkin got the drop on Clem when he brought his breakfast to him. Knocked him in the head and took the keys. He’s gone too.”

“Roy, how could you let this happen? You should have gone and gotten John last night,” Ben rebuked the man.

“I know that, I don’t need you tellin’ me I messed up. But I never dreamt the judge would take off. He ain’t got no wheres’ to go,” Roy said. “They’re probably both outta the territory by now or near to it. I need you and Hoss, and Joe to join the posse and help me track em.”

While Ben railed at Roy, back at the Ponderosa, Adam and Kate were enjoying this time alone at the rim. Adam had been planning this moment for six months, rehearsing what he would say over and over again. Now that the time had come, he was nervous. Taking her hand, he walked her to the edge of the lake.

“Kate,” he began. “You like it here at the rim, don’t you?”

“I love it here,” she said. “I told you the first time you brought me here that I could stay here forever.”

Adam Cartwright had never been at a loss for words in his life, until now. Struggling to find exactly the right ones he finally began, “I’ve wanted to find the perfect moment to ask you this for some time now. Kate, I have searched for what you possess all of my life. Your love for me has changed my life; you have made me a complete man. I never felt for anyone what I feel for you. Your effect on me is maddening; the simplest look from you and my heart races. Your touch sends my pulse soaring and your love for me is pure and complete. You believe in me and trust me in a way that amazes me. You see and know my every need and want without a word from me. I love you more than anything else in this world. I want to wake up in the morning with you beside me and watch the sun rise and set with you. I want to give you children and watch you grow large with them. I want to spend the rest of my life with you Kate; marry me and be my wife.”

He took a small box out of his pocket. As he opened it, he told her, “I wanted something special for you; I searched for the perfect ring that would somehow express my love. I had this made while I was in San Francisco.” He took out the most exquisite diamond ring Kate had ever seen and slipped it on her finger.

“Yes!” she cried.

“Yes?” He asked to be sure. He had expected her to hesitate or tease him before giving him her answer.

“Yes, I want to be your wife, to love you forever, take care of you, have your children…have a house full of children, with you” she said excitedly.

“That part about the children…,” Adam said grinning.

“Adam, I meant after…,” she said blushing.

Pulling her to him, he looked deeply into her eyes, then kissed her softly. He held her for the longest time, not wanting to let her go. He loved this woman, as he never knew he could love anyone. When he gently pulled away, he said, “I know what you meant. That is one of the reasons we need to set a wedding date, and soon. I’ve waited long enough to make you my wife. I don’t want to wait any longer than necessary.”

“Tomorrow,” she said.

“Tomorrow? Kate we can’t plan a wedding that fast,” he laughed.

“Why, not. Roy can marry us. We can be married tomorrow,” she said confidently.

“Kate, I want you to have a wedding that every gir…,” catching himself, he went on “every woman wants. Beside I have to finish our house and Pa will insist on a big wedding. That is why I asked you if you liked it here. I’m building our home up there,” he told her, pointing to a bluff that was amid vast woodlands, overlooking the lake and mountains.

Slipping her arms around his neck, pulling him close, she told him, “Adam, I would live anywhere with you, you know that. But if this is what you want, to complete our home, and to have a big wedding, then that is what you shall have. I love you, but I don’t want to wait any longer than necessary. I want to start our life together now.”

“I suppose we could live in the little cabin on the other side of the lake until I finish the house,” he said, considering this idea. Now realization set in that she had agreed to be his wife; he was going to be married. He wrapped his arms around her telling her, “I’ll make you a good husband Kate, I swear.”

“I have no doubts that you will make me a wonderful husband,” she pronounced.

Releasing her, he said, “I brought champagne to celebrate.”

Sitting on their blanket, she held the glasses as he popped the cork on the bottle, pouring for them both, and made a toast, “Here is to our beginning, the beginning of our life together for the rest of our lives.”

As they sat together, sipping champagne, they talked, making plans for their wedding and their future. They spent the rest of day, happily talking of the life that they would soon have, together.

Later in the afternoon as Adam lay with his head in her lap, looking up at her, he asked, “Is there anyone in Virginia you would like at the wedding?”

“There are a few, but with the war I doubt they would be able to come. I’m surprised Mr. Lawrence is able to travel so freely,” she said.

“About, Mr. Lawrence,’ he began. “I think Pa is right about having the magistrate there. There are some legal issues that need to be addressed.”

“Whatever you think best Adam. Now that you have committed your life to me, you are stuck with everything that comes with me. Although, there is very little left that you don’t know about me. My grandfather was a farmer, and with the war I’m sure his estate is minimal,” she said. “Perhaps we will be able to purchase a small piece of art, or a few books for your library with it.”

As she lay by him, he pulled her close telling her, “I will take care of everything, and deal with Mr. Lawrence. You just see to being ready to be my wife.”

“That sir, I have been prepared for since the first time you kissed me,” she told him, tracing his lips with her finger.

“And I have been ready to make you my wife since I saw you at Pyramid Lake that day,” he said with a grin.

“Adam!” she said sitting up, gently slapping his arm. “You promised you’d never bring that up again.”

“I have a confession, Kate,” he said seriously. “I don’t want us to have any secrets from each other.”

“What, Adam?” she asked hesitantly.

“I did look at you that day,” he said smiling.

“I knew it!” she exclaimed. “You swore…,”

Silencing her with a kiss after he told her, “I can’t wait for the day I can see you that way anytime I wish.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“Pa,” Hoss began, “don’t you think one of us should go and try an’ find Adam?”

“Yes, Hoss, we should but I have no idea where they went,” Ben explained.

“I gotta pretty good idea where they went,” Hoss said climbing astride Chubb. “I know which way they went, I can track ‘em the rest of the way.”

“Hey wait,” Joe cried. “Isn’t that Clem riding this way?”

“Mr. Cartwright, Hoss, Joe,” the deputy began as he nodded to the men. “Roy sent me to tell ya’ they caught the judge in Carson City. Roy had wired Sheriff Bales as soon as he found out the judge had taken off. Said to tell ya’ that Larkin was spotted heading for Placerville. Roy sent wires to all the towns, told me to tell you it ain’t necessary to join the posse, most likely he’ll be caught by sundown. Roy was more worried about the judge gettin’ away than Larkin.”

After the deputy left Ben began, “I don’t want anything said to Adam about all of this when he returns. There will be plenty of time to tell him tonight after Kate retires.”

Both Hoss and Joe nodded their acceptance of their father’s decision on the matter. Then unsaddled their horses and returned to the house.

On the ride home, he asked, “I would like to announce our engagement when we get home if you have no objections.”

“Yes, why don’t we. When they see this,” she said holding out her hand admiring her ring. “They are going to know. I’ll keep my hand in my pocket until you tell them.”

“After, let’s sit down and make a list of things we have to do for the wedding,” he told her.

“What about the house? Don’t you need to make a list for that also?” She asked.

“I drew up the plans on the house months ago. I designed it the way I know you would want it. There is no need to make notes on that,” he told her confidently.

Tucking her arm in his, she kissed his cheek declaring, “You think you know me pretty well, don’t you?”

“I know everything I need to for now,” he said grinning at her. “The rest, I’ll learn after we’re married.”

“Adam, you have me at a disadvantage. I’m not sure if I understand…,” she began.

“It’s not important that you understand that part of our relationship…now,” he explained. “When the time comes, I’ll help you.”

Realizing what he was referring to by their life after they were married, she stammered as she told him, “Adam, you, you know that I…”

“I know Kate,” he said softly squeezing her hand. “I told you I would see to everything, and I will.” They rode for a while in silence each lost in their own thoughts and dreams when he was torn from his thoughts by her cry.

“Oh my gosh! I just realized, I have no one to give me away,” she said.

“Kate, that is the least of our concerns,” he told her, relieved it was nothing more serious.

“Adam, what am I going to do? Even if my father wasn’t in jail I wouldn’t allow him anywhere near us or our wedding. Do you think your father would consider doing it?” She questioned.

“I believe my father would be honored if you asked him,” Adam replied.

“If you are sure,” she said hesitantly. “I don’t want him to feel obligated that he has to.”

“Kate, I’m positive,” he responded. “Ask him.”

When they arrived at the Ponderosa, Ben and his sons were on the porch talking.

“Kate, Adam, you certainly had a beautiful day for a picnic. You’re just in time for dinner,” Ben said, greeting them.

“Yes, we did,” Adam, declared. “But before dinner, Kate and I have an announcement.”

Ben smiled at the young couple before them, thinking, he has asked her to be his wife. I know how I felt when I wanted to announce my and Elizabeth’s engagement. I was bursting with happiness, I can see that in Adam’s eyes.

“Go ahead, son,” Ben coaxed.

“Kate and I are engaged! We’re going to be married,” Adam said bursting with excitement.”

Hoss was the first to shake his brother’s hand saying, “Well I’ll be doggone, Adam. ‘Bout time you ask this gal. Congratulations, I’m happy for both of ya’.”

Joe offered his good wishes also, asking, “You sure Kate? You know how cantankerous Adam can be. Wouldn’t you rather…”

“No, Joe, Kate has said yes and I’m not letting her change her mind,” Adam said, smiling.

“I love Adam just the way he is,” Kate announced. “Between his cantankerousness and my temper we’re perfect for each other and our marriage certainly won’t be dull.”

Hoss and Joe both grabbed Kate, kissing her and welcoming her to the family and then shook Adam’s hand.

Ben hugged his son and kissed Kate, announcing. “We must have champagne. Joe, run to the cellar, and get a bottle. And we must sit down and plan their engagement party and…”

“Pa,” Adam began, “Kate and I want the wedding as soon as possible, and we want to concentrate on that. An engagement party really isn’t necessary,” Adam said.

“Yes, it is. I have waited a very long time for one of my sons to marry and for a daughter. Now I am going to have my wish and I want everyone to know. We will have it this Saturday. You can’t arrange to have the wedding that quickly anyway,” Ben insisted. “We’ll invite everyone in Virginia City!”

Turning to Kate, Adam asked, “Is that all right?”

Smiling at her future father-in-law, telling him, “Of course, whatever your family wants. It’s not every day a Cartwright man is married especially to someone from back east,” she laughed.

“All right Pa, but Kate and I are concentrating on the wedding plans. The three of you will have to plan this little party,”

“We will,” Ben told them. “Joe, open that bottle. Hoss, get Hop Sing; he’s part of this family too and grab six glasses.”

While Hoss and Joe did Ben’s bidding, Ben asked to see her ring.

“How did you know?” she asked.

“I know my son, Adam, would have seen to that. I bet he had it commissioned in San Francisco. Besides, your left hand hasn’t left your pocket,” he replied.

Kate held out her hand, looking into Adam’s eyes, asking the older man, “Isn’t it beautiful? I will never take it off.”

Walking back into the room, Hoss looked at it as he whistled, saying, “Dang Adam, that thing is almost too big for her hand. Couldn’t ya’ find a bigger one?”

“No Hoss, it was the biggest one I could find,” Adam laughed. “I want every man to be able to see it so everyone will know she’s spoken for.”

“Hoss, don’t tease; it’s perfect, I love it. Adam picked it for me and I would not want anything different,” Kate told him.

After everyone gathered in the great room, Ben accepted a glass from Joe as he waited for the rest of his family to be served and then began his toast, “Today, my eldest son has made my dream come true. For years, I have prayed for my sons to find women who would love them and make them happy. Adam, I had begun to wonder if you could find a woman who would live up to your expectations and you evidently have in Kate. Son, your mother would be so very proud if she were here.” After a moment Ben added, “Now that I think about it, I swear she and Victoria planned this years ago. Katherine, welcome to our family.”

As they drank their champagne, Adam congratulated himself on finding the perfect woman for himself. Kate is perfect for me. She loves me, yet won’t allow herself to be over-shadowed by me. She has a strong sense of self-worth, so different from the other women I have been involved with who depended on me for everything. She is everything I have ever wanted, everything I have ever dreamed of.

“Now can we eat?” Hoss asked. “Champagne makes me hungry.”

“Everything makes you hungry,” Joe laughed.

Hop Sing came to the young couple, bowing and telling them, “Miss Kate. Mr. Adam. A thousand blessings on your house. May it be overflowing with your love and your children.”

“Thank you, Hop Sing; as a matter of fact Kate was just telling me just how many children she wan…”Adam began.

“Adam, that was private!” she told him.

“I know honey, I just want to let Hop Sing know we have plans on filling our house with children,” Adam replied.

“Good, I need grandchildren and soon. I’m not getting any younger!” Ben laughed.

“And neither is Adam,” Joe added, laughing.

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

That night at dinner they discussed the wedding, the house and their party. As Ben asked, “Are you inviting anyone from Virginia to the wedding Kate?”

“I would like to Mr. Cartwright, but I don’t know if they would be able to travel, with the war going on,” she answered. “Besides, with all of the love and support that y’all have shown me, you have made me feel that my family is sitting right here with me. I don’t need anyone else there.”

Adam took her hand, kissing it as they smiled at each other. Ben watched the exchange between the two thinking, Elizabeth, our son has found his other half. Adam will be all right from here on in.

After dinner, when they retired to the great room for coffee, as Kate sat making notes of details for their wedding, Hoss volunteered, “Adam, I’d be glad to give you a hand with the house.”

“Me too,” Joe offered.

“I would appreciate all of the help I can get. I don’t want Kate to see it until the wedding. The sooner I finish it the better. We had discussed staying in the little cabin on the other side of the lake, until it is completed, but with all of your help that won’t be necessary.”

“What about Kate’s house? Couldn’t you stay there until yours is finished? There won’t be anyone staying there,” Joe asked.

Kate watched for Adam’s response, as he replied, “No, Joe. We do not want to stay there. It will be in our home or the little cabin.”

“Well, if we all pitch in we can have it done in two weeks,” Ben declared. “Branding’s done and anything else on the Ponderosa can be handled by the ranch hands.”

“Pa, I can’t ask you to do that,” Adam told him. “Being one man short will be difficult enough for you to deal with.”

“You didn’t ask, I volunteered. Your brothers and I want to help you two in any way we can,” Ben replied.

“I can help, too,” Kate offered.

“No, the house is a surprise, and you are going to be too busy with the wedding,” Adam told her. “I’ll help as much as I can with the arrangements, but if you can manage that, it would be a big help, and I can concentrate my efforts on the house.”

“Agreed!” she told him. “I’ll see to the wedding arrangements. If there is something I believe we need to discuss, we will, otherwise I’ll accept the responsibility of planning it.”

After the brothers drew up a rough schedule for the house, Hoss said, “If you don’t need me and Joe any more tonight, we were wantin’ to ride into Virginia City and see what’s goin’ on.”

“Hey, Adam, why don’t you go with us?” Joe grinned. “Might just be your last chance to kick up your heels and have a good time before you’re married.”

Kate watched with interest to see Adam’s response. “No, Joe, I better not, there are things Kate and I have to discuss; you and Hoss go on. We will start work on the house day after tomorrow,” Adam told them. “After our meeting with Mr. Lawrence I can concentrate on everything else.”

“Well, while you two and Pa is at your meeting, me and Joe can go up to the rim, and finish clearing the brush,” Hoss told him.

“That would be helpful, and then the following morning, we’ll get started. I’ve already arranged for the lumber to be delivered that day and we can set the posts at first light,” Adam explained.

“Then it’s settled. We’ll be gettin’ back after you folks are in bed, so good night, see ya’ tomorrow,” Joe explained, grinning.

Adam caught a brief glimmer in her eyes and instantly knew something was wrong, “Yes, Adam,” she began. “Maybe you should go kick up your heels and have a good time.”

“No, Kate I am done with that life,” he told her.

Ben, sensing there was something amiss, told them, “I’m going to walk your brothers outside and check on a few things.”

When the house was empty except for the two of them, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing except why do I get the impression you were torn about going to town with your brothers, and having a good time or staying here with me.”

“I wasn’t torn; I have no intention of going to town and sitting in a saloon,” he told her.

“Evidently, Joe thought there was a chance you would or else he wouldn’t have invited you,” she said.

“Kate, this isn’t the first time my brothers have asked me to go into town with them. Each time I have refused. There was a time that yes, I did go with them and yes, I had a good time. However, all of that was before you. I haven’t been into town other than on business or into the saloon, since I met you.”

Looking at him for a long time she then told him, “I apologize. I was out of line, I shouldn’t have questioned…”

“No, you have that right now, just as I do with you,” Adam told her. “I haven’t the slightest interest in anything now except you, our wedding and our house. Kate, don’t ever doubt my commitment to you. It is you whom I want; I don’t need anything or anyone else.”

After the brothers had left, Kate had wanted to speak to Ben with only Adam present. When he returned, she began, “Mr. Cartwright, I know I have imposed on you far too much already, but I have one more favor I must ask of you. Due to the present circumstances, I have no one to give me away at our wedding. I know it is asking a great deal but would you…”

“Katherine, it would be my honor,” Ben told her.

“Thank you,’ she said hugging the older man. “It means a great deal to me that you are willing to do so.”

They sat discussing what time they would leave the following morning for town. The magistrate would meet with them at ten after Mr. Lawrence was to arrive on the nine o’clock stage.

“We should leave by eight,” Adam suggested. “Mr. Lawrence will not know anyone in town. Someone should be there to meet him.”

“With that settled, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I’ll retire for the night,” Kate announced.

“I’m ready for bed also. Good night Pa,” Adam said.

“Adam,” Ben stopped him, “may I speak to you for a minute?”

Sensing Ben wanted to speak to his son alone, Kate excused herself, “Adam, I’ll go on to bed. I’ll see y’all in the morning.”

After they heard the door to her room close Adam asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Roy stopped by this morning after you and Kate left. He wanted to speak to you regarding John and Larkin. Adam, they escaped.”

“What?” Adam asked, not believing what he had heard. “How could they…”

Ben repeated everything Roy and then Clem had told him finally saying, “John has already been captured in Carson City and is being brought back to Virginia City. Larkin was seen heading for Placerville. Roy has all ready wired every town between here and San Francisco to be on the look out for him. He is confident Larkin will be captured very soon. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Kate, until I told you,” Ben explained.

“Of all the incompetence,” Adam raged, “how could Roy and Clem allow this to happen?”

“Adam, what’s done is done. John is behind bars and Larkin will be soon. I didn’t want to spoil your day but thought you and Kate should know everything,” Ben explained.

“I better tell her immediately. I don’t want her finding out from someone else,” Adam said dreading this responsibility.

Kate had not changed into bedclothes knowing Adam would want to see her before he went to bed. Shortly there was a knock on her door. As she opened it Adam asked, “May I come in?”

“Please do,” she said opening the door.

Adam told her everything regarding her father and Larkin escaping and how John had subsequently been captured. When he finished, he waited for her reaction.

“All right, at least they caught father. That’s what’s important,” she said calmly.

Not sure if she had heard him correctly he asked, “You do understand Larkin is still loose somewhere between here and California.”

“Yes, I understand. I’m not worried; Larkin wouldn’t dare show his face around here. I’m just glad they caught my father, he’s far more dangerous,” she told him.

“Kate, are you sure you are all right? You are taking this much better than I thought you would,” Adam questioned.

“Adam today is the happiest day of my life. I am not going to allow anyone or anything to destroy that happiness. Thank you for your concern but really, I’m all right,” she promised.

“Well, if you’re sure,” Adam began, “I guess I’ll go on to bed.”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said kissing his cheek.

Adam held her telling her, “Trust me, I won’t let anyone ever hurt you.”

“I do trust you,” she said looking into his dark eyes. “I always have.”

Only after he left did she let her resolve slip and allow fear to overwhelm her. We could not even enjoy today without something to do with my father spoiling it. When is this going to end? I have to trust Adam that everything will be all right. If I don’t, my fears will eventually come between us, she thought.

As Adam closed the door to his room, he told himself, she is not all right, I watched her eyes, and saw fear there. She has got to learn to trust me that I will never let anything happen to her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Kate rose early, having slept little the night before, she was eager to have this day done with. After making her bed, she washed and did her hair. She then selected a charcoal gray suit and white blouse to wear for their meeting. When satisfied with her appearance, she tucked a document into her purse and went downstairs to join the others. She could hear Ben and Adam talking, Hoss and Joe’s voices were noticeably absent. Usually their good-natured banter dominated talk at the table.

“Stopping their conversation, Adam looked up, greeting her as he rose from his chair and met her as she stepped into the great room. “Good morning did you sleep well?”

“Yes, I got in bed and didn’t hear a thing,” she said easily skirting the truth. “Where are your brothers? Surely, they are not sleeping in.”

“You won’t believe it. They are on their way to the rim to start working on the house. When Pa told me, I was astonished. Hoss must have gotten Joe up at daybreak,” Adam replied. “Now come and eat something, we have to leave in just a little while.”

Kate accepted coffee, but declined anything else. “I’m a bit nervous, I better pass on food for now,” she explained.

“Kate, you really should eat something,” Adam told her.

She wasn’t hungry and the thought of food made her nauseous. “Not now, maybe later, after the meeting,” she said firmly.

Soon they were on their way to Virginia City to meet Mr. Lawrence, arriving before the stage. “Good,” Ben remarked, “It wouldn’t do to have Mr. Lawrence standing here on the street waiting on us.”

As he finished his statement, they heard the stage approaching. When it pulled to a stop, the only passenger, a tall distinguished, white haired man got off.

“Mr. Lawrence?” Ben asked removing his hat.

“Yes, Mr. Cartwright?”

“I am Ben Cartwright,” shaking the man’s hand. “This is my son Adam and…”

“You are Katherine McDonald,” he interjected taking Kate’s hand. “I remember those eyes and that hair. Of course, you were just a little girl then. Now you have grown into a beautiful woman. I’m sure you don’t remember me.”

“No sir, I’m sorry I don’t,” Kate answered.

“Shall we go on to the courthouse? I took the liberty of asking the local magistrate to sit in on our meeting,” Ben explained.

“Very well Mr. Cartwright, I will present my credentials to him,” Mr. Lawrence replied. Ben had a valet take the attorney’s bags to the International Hotel where he had reserved the visitor a room.

As they entered the court, Ben introduced the magistrate to Mr. Lawrence. The attorney presented his papers, identifying himself and then took a seat at the large table and opened his briefcase.

Taking their places, Mr. Lawrence began, “Miss McDonald, I regret we have to meet under these circumstances. I had sent you numerous inquiries, all of which were returned to me, I am assuming by your father. I was concerned something might have happened to you. Thankfully, Mr. Cartwright contacted me. He has been most kind to keep me informed of events that have occurred the past two months. From the information I have gathered, through various sources, I assume you know nothing of your grandfather’s will.”

“No sir, I don’t,” Kate replied.

“Very well we shall go over everything. First, you should know I was your grandfather’s attorney for over twenty years and was well aware of the animosity between him and your father. Thad left explicit instructions, written into his will, pertaining to your inheritance, on how he wanted it to be administered. After your grandfather’s death, your father petitioned the courts in Richmond that he be named trustee of the estate. There was nothing illegal or unusual about his request. He was your father and assumed to have your best interest at heart. Therefore, he was granted trusteeship. While living in Virginia, there was no hint of any wrongdoing. It was after moving that irregularities were uncovered. I had to rely on family members, Jackson McCullough for one, to supply me with information on your whereabouts. He informed me you had written to him and were now residing in Nevada. I traced you here and sent inquires to your father.” Here the man paused.

All the time the man spoke, Adam and Ben had been taking notes.

He continued, “The trust was set up so that on your twenty-first birthday you would inherit Thad’s estate which also included your mother, Victoria’s. Due to your father’s refusal to answer my many inquiries, I had a fiduciary responsibility to secure the trust. Therefore, I put a hold on all of the accounts a month ago. I am sure he was outraged when he discovered this. I also petitioned the court, at that time, to remove him as trustee, which was granted. Therefore, since you have not attained the age of twenty-one, a new trustee must be appointed to oversee your interests.”

Kate took her time before responding and then went on, “Mr. Lawrence, I appreciate all of your hard work. I apologize that you have had to make this long, arduous, trip in order to set things aright. Since it is my trust and I will receive it within the next two months, I maintain it is my right to choose who I want to be the trustee.”

“With time constraints as they are, I believe that would be acceptable,” Mr. Lawrence agreed.

“In that case, I would like Adam Cartwright to be appointed trustee,” she declared.

“Miss McDonald, usually a family member is selected. While I have no misgivings about Mr. Cartwright…,” he replied.

“Mr. Lawrence,” she began. “I have no other family member in the territory. Adam and I are engaged; he is my family. I trust this man implicitly and would appreciate your help in drawing up the necessary paperwork to see that he is given all powers pertaining to the trust,” she said.

She is handling herself very well. Assured and concise, Adam thought. This is a side to Kate I’ve never seen.

After considering her request, the lawyer told the magistrate, “Your honor, I will have the papers drawn up by this afternoon. If you have no objections I will support Mr. Adam Cartwright being named as the trustee of Miss Katherine McDonald’s trust.”

“This court has no objections, Mr. Lawrence,” Magistrate Nelson replied.

“Very well, I shall have the documents completed by early afternoon and will present them to your honor at that time,” the attorney explained. “With that issue settled, I will tell Mr. Cartwright, and you, Miss McDonald that I have brought all ledgers, deeds, titles, and account numbers with me and shall turn them over to Mr. Cartwright later today. The estate is vast and may take some time to review. I will remain in Virginia City as long as you require, answering any questions you may have.”

It was here Adam spoke up, “Mr. Lawrence, prior to you freezing the accounts, in your opinion, was there any wrong-doing on the part of Jonathon McDonald?”

Wording his response carefully, the attorney stated, “Jonathon McDonald had the right to access monies in order to support his daughter, Katherine. Legally he did nothing wrong. However, I would be remiss if I did not tell you, he did spend a great deal of money. I did question him at one time on his spending and was told that he was supporting his daughter in a manner she was accustomed to. However, the estate for the most part is still intact. I would at this time like to go over Katherine’s holdings in order to provide you some idea of what I am talking of.”

Here Magistrate Nelson spoke up, “I believe that would be beneficial. But before you do so, I would like to know if you feel Mr. McDonald could be tried for misappropriation of funds.”

“As I stated, your honor, legally he stayed within the parameters of the trusteeship. Morally, he abused his authority at his daughter’s expense. Mr. McDonald is an attorney; he stayed just within the legal guidelines. Regretfully I don’t believe there are sufficient grounds to try him for misappropriation,” Mr. Lawrence answered.

“Thank you Mr. Lawrence, you may proceed,” Magistrate Nelson instructed.

“Miss McDonald owns the following physical properties: the plantation Shiloh, encompassing over five hundred acres of bottom land, numerous rental buildings in Richmond proper and the ranch here in Nevada. There are ten bank accounts, nine of which have not been touched,” the attorney reported. “All documentation will be released to Mr. Cartwright this afternoon. At that time, he will be able to access said accounts.”

Here Kate asked, “Is there anything that needs our immediate attention?”

“No, Miss McDonald. For convenience sake, you may elect to transfer all of the bank accounts here to Nevada. The plantation and buildings, even with the war, continue to provide an additional monthly income to the estate. There is also an additional account, which was set up by your grandfather, to pay the taxes on the buildings and the plantation for the next twenty years.”

Adam had listened very closely to Mr. Lawrence and was of the opinion that this estate was far greater than anything Kate could have imagined.

“What if I choose to sell everything in Virginia? Can you handle the sale?” she asked.

“Yes, but all papers would have to be signed, in person, by you at the time of sale,” he responded. “Mr. McCullough had indicated he thought you might wish to do so and if you did, he would like to submit an offer.”

“On Shiloh?” Kate asked.

“Yes, on Shiloh,” the attorney responded. “Until I transfer possession of the trusteeship to Mr. Cartwright, I believe that is about everything, other than telling you of your net worth, Miss McDonald. After the war, the price of land will increase drastically. I have made a very conservative estimate of your holdings as of today. With the plantation, the ranch, real estate holdings, bank accounts, crop income from the plantation and livestock, I conservatively estimate your net worth at close to half a million dollars.”

Kate sat in stunned silence. Thinking she had not heard him correctly, she asked, “Did you say half a…”

Million dollars,” Adam finished her question.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

“That’s impossible,” Kate stated. “My grandfather was a farmer he raised cotton and horses. There is no possible way his holdings were that vast.”

“Miss McDonald, I assure you my figures are accurate. Thad McCullough was a shrewd and thrifty businessman. He had one child, Victoria, and she had one child, you. Therefore, everything he possessed he left to you.”

“I need some air,” Kate announced rising from the table, starting for the door. Ben stayed to discuss the transfer of everything to Adam with Mr. Lawrence.

Kate quickly walked ahead of Adam to the outside, where she paused breathing deeply. After a moment he asked, “Are you all right?’

“No, I don’t believe so. He cannot be correct. He must have made a mistake. There is no possible way my grandfather could have amassed that kind of money. Adam, I think I better sit down.”

Alarmed, Adam noted how pale she had gotten, taking her arm, he led her to a small bench in front of the courthouse.

Squatting in front of her holding her hands, Adam asked, “Kate, you really didn’t know any of this, did you?”

Looking at him, confused, she replied, “No, I didn’t. My father never discussed any of this. I thought Papa may have left me a few thousand dollars but this, this is beyond belief.”

No wonder her father was so intent on doing her harm. He stood to gain all of that if she were dead, Adam thought. After a moment he began, “We need to get you something to eat. It’s a wonder you haven’t fainted. Let’s go to the Cattlemen’s Club for lunch, and try to digest what we’ve been told.”

“Adam, you don’t mind that I had you named trustee do you?” she asked as he took her hand.

“No, I told you, I will take care of anything you allow me to. I just wasn’t expecting anything like this. It’s a little over-whelming,” he answered.

Looking at him for the longest time, she replied, “I wasn’t expecting this either, Adam. If you are over-whelmed, imagine how I feel. No wonder my father wanted to have me out of the way.”

As the men bid the attorney goodbye, Adam explained Kate’s absence with, “She’s a little over-whelmed right now.” Telling the man, “Mr. Lawrence, you’ll see her tonight at the Ponderosa.”

Just at that moment, Kate joined them. “May I speak to Mr. Lawrence, alone, for a minute?”

Taken aback, Adam asked, “Kate, are you sure that you don’t want me with you?”

“No, I’m quite sure. I’ll only be a moment,” she said, smiling at him.

Adam and Ben walked out of the court as Ben said, “I wonder what that’s all about?”

“I don’t know and I’m not so sure I like it. Why would she want to speak to him by herself?” Adam asked.

As they waited for her, Adam thought, It is her right, she is entitled to some privacy. But, why didn’t she want me with her? Stop it Adam! Your ego is bruised; she did not need you to hold her hand. If she had wanted you there she would have asked you to stay.”

While Adam was left with his thoughts, Kate was talking to Mr. Lawrence. “I must apologize for my behavior. I just had no idea that it would ever be that much.”

“I realize that, Miss McDonald, now what did you want to speak to me, regarding?”

“Mr. Lawrence, I would like for you to make an inquiry for me when you return to Richmond. My fiancé is very interested in windmills as a water source here in Nevada. I have been reading about a company in Pennsylvania that produces these very windmills. Here is an article I found about the company,” she said taking the document from her purse and handing it to him.

As Mr. Lawrence began reading, she continued, “I would like you to contact them and inquire if they would consider selling the business to me. If they are willing, please wire me and tell me the price. If it is reasonable, I would like to purchase it for Adam as a belated wedding present. I know I cannot access the money now, but if you inquire and they are interested, I am sure we could work something out. I don’t want Adam to know of this, under any circumstances.

“Of course, Miss McDonald, I will make the inquiry for you, but are you sure Mr. Cartwright shouldn’t be aware of your plans?”

“No, it’s not necessary that he knows. This is to be my surprise for him. In the event they are not interested or we cannot come to terms on a price, I don’t want him disappointed.”

“Very well, I’ll see to it and wire you either way when I return. Miss McDonald, up until the last five minutes I was torn about an issue pertaining to the trust. But now, after talking to you, I am sure Thad would want me to give you this,” Mr. Lawrence said handing her a small black passbook.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“It’s something your grandfather wanted you to have. It was another reason I was so intent on finding you. Thad wanted you to have this whenever I was able to meet you and was convinced that you had grown into the person he thought you would be. Your grandfather had great faith in you, Miss McDonald and loved you very much.”

Opening the passbook, Kate read the amount of $100,000. Mr. Lawrence had wired it to the Virginia City Bank, in her name, a week ago.

“I don’t understand.” she said.

“He wanted to be sure you could handle that kind of money before you turned twenty-one. In light of the past few days I would say that you, Miss McDonald, can handle most anything.”

“Thank you Mr. Lawrence, I appreciate your confidence in me. I won’t disappoint you or my grandfather. This is wonderful! If the company is available, I can buy it for Adam as soon as you can negotiate the deal,” Kate said hugging the man. “Won’t you please join us for lunch?”

“No thank you, I have a great deal of work to complete before this afternoon. I shall see you this evening. And Miss McDonald, I won’t breathe a word of this to Mr. Cartwright. I’m sure he already knows what a thoughtful woman he is marrying,” he said.

As they walked out together, Mr. Lawrence tipped his hat and bid them goodbye.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

After they were seated at the Cattlemen’s Club, Kate began, “Thank you both for being so patient with me. I still find all of this hard to believe.”

“I imagine it is a bit of a surprise for you,” Ben told her.

“Yes, it is,” she replied. “If you feel it’s too much Adam, I am sure there is an accountant at the bank who could handle everything.”

“I can see to it Kate. I think we should transfer everything out here immediately. It will be easier to keep track of,” he told her, avoiding the urge to ask her about her conversation with Lawrence.

“Whatever you think best,” she said smiling.

While Ben and Adam ate, Kate picked at her food. After a while, seeing she was not going to finish her meal, Ben said, “I’ve got a few other errands to see to in town. That is why I rode Buck. Why don’t you two go on home? I am sure there are things you need to discuss in light of this morning. I’ll be along after I finish.”

Agreeing, Adam and Kate told him goodbye. Adam turned to her asking, “While we’re in town, why don’t we take care of a few things for the wedding. That will get your mind off all of this.”

“Such as?” she asked.

“Well, I’m going to need a formal suit and I assume you are going to need a wedding gown,” he said, smiling.

“That’s a very good idea. I can meet you after I finish at the dressmaker’s.”

Laughing, he said, “I’ll meet you. It won’t take me near the time it will you.”

After leaving her at the dressmaker’s, he proceeded to the tailor. When she entered the store, the owner, Mrs. Rogers, greeted her. “Well, good afternoon Miss McDonald. What may I help you with today? I’ve just gotten in some new fabrics I’m sure you will like.”

“Mrs. Rogers,” Kate began, “I’m here for a particular article.”

Seeing the ring on Kate’s hand she exclaimed, “Miss McDonald, you’re engaged! I assume it is to Adam Cartwright. Seeing you two have been inseparable since you arrived in Virginia City. We’ve all been waiting for an announcement.”

“Yes, ma’am, we are. Since we haven’t officially announced our engagement, I trust you will treat this information with discretion,” Kate stated.

“Yes, Miss McDonald, I will. I do not gossip, although I would love to tell some of the ladies of this, I won’t. That is yours and Adam’s business. Now shall we go in the back and take your measurements?”

Following the woman to the back of the shop, she disrobed as the woman measured her. “Miss McDonald,” she began. “I must have made a mistake, let me re-check my figures.”

After re-measuring Kate, she looked at the girl and stated, “I didn’t realize before now, how large, your…I mean how ample…,”

“I know Mrs. Rogers, my bust. That doesn’t present a problem does it?” Kate asked.

“Why no dear, it’s just that as small as your waist and hips are, your bust is just, well, ample.”

“Yes, I know,” Kate said, sighing.

“Well, my dear most women would love to have your figure. I’m sure Adam Cartwright certainly appreciates it.”

Blushing, Kate said, “Well, perhaps, that is…I really think we should select the pattern and the fabric now.”

“Miss McDonald, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Let’s pick a design.”

After Kate had selected the style she wanted, she then chose the material. When done, the woman told her, “That style will be most flattering on you Miss McDonald; simple, yet elegant. Not every woman could wear that. I should have it done in a week. Shall I come to your home for the final fitting?”

“No, ma’am, I’m not living there anymore. I am at the Ponderosa.” As soon as she said it, Kate realized she had made a mistake. Now the woman would become a gossip and everyone in Virginia city would soon know that she was staying in Adam’s home.

Thanking the woman she made her way to the front of the store, where Adam sat patiently waiting.

“I’m sorry it took so long,” she told him.

“I haven’t been waiting long,” he said smiling at her. “Is there anything more we can take care of today?”

“No, I think I’ve been embarrassed and shocked enough for today,” she answered as they walked into the streets of Virginia City.

“The shocked part I understand, but how were you embarrassed?” he asked.

“I’ll tell you about that another time,” she said as he helped her into the carriage.

 

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Arriving at the Ponderosa, Kate waited for Adam as he put the horse and carriage away. “Would you like to talk about this morning?” he asked leading her to chairs on the porch.

“No, not unless you do,” she answered, sitting beside him. “Well maybe for a moment. There is something bothering me that I think we need to discuss.”

“All right, what is it?” he asked.

“Adam, do you have a problem with all of this?” she asked.

“A problem, Kate? I’m not sure what you are asking me,” he replied.

“Adam, I’m talking about the estate. I watched your face when Mr. Lawrence told us how much it was worth. You do know none of that means anything to me, don’t you? I would just as soon not have any of it,” she told him.

“I admit I was a little shocked. But, it’s yours and I will learn to deal with it,” Adam replied.

“It’s not mine, it’s going to be ours,” she said correcting him. But if it is going to cause problems between you and me, I’ll tell Mr. Lawrence I don’t want it.”

“Kate, you have to understand. I have worked along side my father and brothers for everything I have. I am not use to someone giving me anything. It doesn’t feel right,” he explained. “I grew up in a covered wagon crossing the plains. You grew up in a mansion receiving every advantage a person could have. Yes, today was a shock for you but nothing like it was for me.”

Sitting for a long time looking at him before speaking she rose to stand in front of him, saying, “When Mr. Lawrence comes out tonight, we will tell him to dispose of the estate. I do not want to do anything that you are not comfortable with or that could possibly come between us. My cousin Jackson can have Shiloh, and I can deed the buildings to the City of Richmond. Shenandoah and the money could present a problem, but we will think of a way to dispose of all of it.”

“You would do that for me? Give up everything?” he asked incredulously.

“Of course,” she said. “And I’m not giving up anything, everything I love and cherish is right here, in you. I would do anything for you.”

Pulling her into his lap, he told her, “That isn’t necessary Kate. I will adjust. This is something your grandfather and mother wanted for you. If you want to donate the buildings and give your cousin the plantation, you should. As for Shenandoah, it adjoins the land Pa gave us at the rim for our house. You may want to keep that. The money can be put in trust for our children, when they come. We’ll work it out, I just needed to know that we are more important than all of that.”

“We, are more important than anything in this world and always will be. Nothing has changed between us and nothing ever will,” she told him.

After talking with Mr. Lawrence that evening about the plantation and real estate in Richmond, they decided not to do anything until Adam reviewed the entire estate. Kate and Adam were required to sign legal documents making Adam trustee. After which, Mr. Lawrence told them he would return to Richmond the following day and arrange to have the bank accounts transferred to Nevada. After handing over the ledgers and all documents pertaining to the estate to Adam, he bid the couple farewell, promising to continue to correspond with them and to help in any way he could.

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

After Mr. Lawrence left, Kate told Adam, “I think I’ll walk outside for a while. Today has been a bit over-whelming; I need time to digest all of this.”

He let her go, as he sat there thinking, Something more than today is bothering her. She has held up so well through all of this, today may have been her breaking point. “Pa,” he began, “I think I’m going to go see about Kate.”

As Adam walked out the door, he saw she had walked to the corral and was petting Sport. Joining her, he asked, “Kate, what’s troubling you?”

“Nothing, I just needed some air.”

“Kate, you wanted more than just air.”

“Adam, I don’t know where to begin, she said. “Today was most unsettling, but I am use to things like this happening in my life. You are not. I know this and it bothers me that you have to be subjected to all of this because of me. Since you have met me, it has been one crisis after another. I’m just wondering how much of this you can take before you decide it’s more than you bargained for.”

“I believe I told you, just the other day, I can handle anything that pertains to you. I’ve dealt with more crises than you have presented in my life. Have faith in me Kate, I’m not like any of the other men you have known who have been run off by your father and circumstances surrounding you. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Adam, I never let anyone get close to me before you for the very reasons I stated. If I am having a hard time coping with this, I can just imagine what you feel. I’m asking myself if I am being fair to you.”

“Kate, I knew from the first your life had not been easy. I knew your father wasn’t what he appeared to be but that you were. There is nothing that will ever make me turn from you. After we are married, you will never have to worry about any of this again. I won’t allow…”

“Adam, stop! I don’t need for you to fix me. I know all of the other women you were seeing before me were completely dependant on you to take care of their problems. You told me this yourself. Perhaps that is what attracted you to them, your need to fix their lives. Then after you brought them through their hard times, you lost interest. They needed your strength just to survive. I don’t. I don’t need you to fix me, I just need for you to love me. I know I can be a handful, and I can’t promise I will change. I can only promise to love you with everything in me.”

“Kate,” Adam began solemnly. “I don’t want to fix you, there is nothing wrong with you. I don’t know who you’ve been talking to about my involvements before you. But whoever it was didn’t know what they were talking about. Any other woman I was involved with, I tried to help because they were a friend. You are not only my friend, you are the woman who I have fallen in love with and want to be my wife. Whether you believe it or not, you do need my strength. You doneed me more than anything. I don’t care about what happened before you met me. As far as I am concerned all of the problems you spoke of are over. You are going to marry me and just be concerned with loving me. Let me worry about the rest.”

After that day, Adam settled into the rigorous task of building their home, and Kate busied herself with plans for the wedding. He would come home with his father and brothers every night, exhausted. He would dine, bathe and fall into bed. Time together for the young couple was minimal and he began to feel he was neglecting her.

He told her of this the evening before their engagement party. “Kate, I know I’ve been preoccupied with the house, but it’s moving along nicely now. It’s halfway completed. I swear once…”

She stopped his apology with a kiss telling him, “Don’t apologize. You are doing this for us. I only wish I could help you.”

“You are,” he said holding her, “by understanding.”

She had received news that day she now shared with him. “Roy stopped by today. Father‘s trial will be next week. I’m going to have to testify.”

“How do you feel about that?” he asked.

“Nervous, but I’ll get through it. I want him out of our lives once and for all, and will do whatever is necessary to see to it,” she said. “Your father is being called to testify also.”

“I’ll be there with you,” Adam told her.

“You don’t have to be. Your father will be with me. You’re so busy on the house right now, I hate to interrupt you,” she told him.

“You are not going to be in the same room with him without me being there,” he told her. “Besides, I can use a day off.”

Remembering another item, she needed to tell him she began, “Adam, I have to go to Shenandoah and pick up a few things. Hop Sing said he’d go with me.”

“Pondering this for a while, Adam began, “I would rather be with you when you go. I assume you need something for tomorrow?”

“Yes, I need more clothes. Besides I haven’t been back since…,” she began.

“I’ll take you in the morning,” he told her. “But tonight, I would like for just you and I to go into Virginia City for dinner. We haven’t done that in a very long time.”

CHAPTER FORTY

When they first began courting, Adam saw to it that they had dinner in town at least once a week. They had enjoyed this time alone allowing them to discuss various topics without interruptions. They had grown closer during these intimate dinners and both longed for the privacy this afforded them.

“I would love to go into town tonight. Let me go change…” she began.

“You look fine in what you are wearing Kate, let’s go now. By the time we get there it will be dinnertime,” he told her.

“All right, Adam,” she told him. Shortly, they were on their way into Virginia City, arriving at the International House Hotel. As they made their way into the candle, lit restaurant Adam asked for a table near the rear that afforded them the privacy they both wanted. Taking their seats, Adam ordered wine for them, as the waiter lit the small candle on their table.

“After we’re married, we are going to do this at least once a week. I’ve neglected this part of our courtship since we became engaged and I’m sorry,” he told her, taking her hand.

“You’ve been busy, Adam, I understand that. But I do love your ideas, we need time for just the two of us,” she replied.

“I should have been more organized, making time for you everyday. From now on I will,” he promised, leaning over and kissing her.

The waiter brought their wine and as they sat sipping it, he brought up a subject they had not discussed in some time. Contrary to what everyone thought, Adam and Kate did not always agree on everything. Well read and knowledgeable on current events, she could hold her own with him, a fact that delighted Adam. He had discovered this about her the first few times he brought her here for dinner when they first began courting.

Unlike the other women he had kept company with, Kate didn’t try to hide her intelligence and enjoyed their lively debates. He now brought up an issue that he knew they differed on.

“Kate, have you given any more thought on accepting the invitation of the cultural committee to become a member?” he asked.

“No, and you know why,” she told him.

“Kate, it’s not a political organization,” he explained.

“Adam, I went to one meeting and all they discussed was the coming elections and the war. I was subjected to that kind of talk when I was in New York and Washington and I have no desire to listen to that prattle again. I want to be involved in cultural events. And when I brought that point up you know good and well what happened.”

“Kate, I’m sure they meant no disrespect,” he explained.

“Yes, they did. When I tried to ask about music and purchasing new books for the library, they almost laughed me out of the hall. They had the nerve to tell me most of the citizens of Virginia City were not cultured enough to appreciate music and books. I’d be willing to bet half of those self-absorbed, old bid…ladies have never even read a book or been to a concert. So no, I won’t be involved in an organization of pig-headed people,” she told him.

“I think you are making a mistake,” he told her. “Every Cartwright is involved with affairs dealing with either the school or the city. As my wife, people will be expecting you to do like-wise.”

“That darlin’ is your opinion. And although I love and respect you, you’re wrong on this issue. I will do my part, but not until those people change their attitudes,” she told him.

Adam had missed this repartee with her and threw his head back and laughed. The first time he had laughed that hard in a long time. “No one can ever say I will be able to sway my wife’s opinion on anything.”

They enjoyed the rest of their meal and regretted when the time came to leave. Taking her hand, they walked out into the cool, crisp night. “You know I was only teasing you don’t you, Kate?”

“Of course, darlin’, if you had been serious you would have been far more forceful in your opinions. I will always respect your positions but I won’t always agree with you,” she told him.

“I know,” he said hugging her, “that’s one of the reasons I love you. You are not intimidated by me.”

“You, Adam Cartwright, have never intimidated me,” she said smiling. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”

“My pleasure, we’ll do this again very soon,” he promised her.

 

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Adam woke at six that morning, taking his time to shave and dress before going downstairs to meet Kate and take her to Shenandoah. Following his morning routine, he made a few entries into his journal and then made his way to the dining room, surprised she wasn’t already there.

Joining his father and brothers, he mentioned the fact they were going to Shenandoah that morning. As he was explaining this, Hop Sing brought fresh coffee in, telling him, “Miss Kate, gone. She say tell Mr. Adam not worry, she take care of what she need herself.”

“Damn it!” Adam exploded, rising from his chair and going to strap his gun on and grabbing his hat, he told his father, “I’ll be back later. She’s gone to Shenandoah alone.”

As Adam stormed toward the barn, Hank, one of the men from Shenandoah, pulled up in a wagon. “Morning, Adam. Miss Kate asked I bring these here,” he said indicating a trunk and garment carrier. “She said to tell you she’d be back later, had a few things she needed to tend to.”

Furious now, Adam asked, “Hank, did she say where else she was going?”

“No, Adam, she sure didn’t. Just asked me to bring these things over here and tell you not to worry; she’d be back when she was done.”

“Thanks, Hank. Would you take those on in the house? I’m going to look for her,” Adam said.

Saddling Sport, he thought, I told her I wanted to go with her. She’s too damn independent. She’s trying to prove to herself and to me that this business with her father hasn’t affected her. I know she didn’t think about it, but Larkin still hasn’t been caught and here she’s out running the countryside, alone.

Leading the big stallion into the yard, he mounted and turned the horse toward Shenandoah and began his ride. I haven’t any idea where she would go. She didn’t need anything from town, besides Kate promised me she wouldn’t go into Virginia City alone, he thought. The rim, that’s where she’s gone, she always liked to go there to think.

Turning Sport west, he headed toward the rim. He found her horse tied to a low branch, but did not find her in the area he thought she would be. He walked up the hill to the house to be sure she was not there. After arriving there he realized, Kate wouldn’t come here, she knows I don’t want her to see the house until the wedding.

Standing on the bluff afforded him a view of the entire lake. His eye caught a slight movement on the far side; he saw her sitting on the eastern shore. Walking back down the steep incline, he climbed on Sport and began the ride to the eastern side of Lake Tahoe.

Tying the stallion to some scrub brush, he walked the rest of the way. “Kate,” he said approaching her. “I thought we agreed I was going to take you this morning.”

Startled to see him standing there, she jumped, saying, “Didn’t Hop Sing tell you I wanted to do this on my own?”

“Yes, he did, but after Hank brought your clothes to the ranch I became concerned and came looking for you,” he explained.

“You didn’t need to do that. I just wanted some time alone to sort some things out,” she told him.

“What did you have to sort out that I couldn’t be with you?” he asked.

“It’s not that you couldn’t be here with me; I didn’t want you to drop everything to see to me. I’m through being dependent on everyone,” she explained.

“Kate, I wanted to help you. I know you were capable of going to Shenandoah this morning alone. I just thought it might have been hard for you seeing it would have been your first time back there,” he told her.

“I love it here,” she said looking out over the lake. “I’ve never been anywhere that brings me such peace.”

“I know,” he said softly, standing beside her, “it has the same affect on me.”

“There is something else,” she began.

“I thought we had resolved everything yesterday, but all right, go ahead,” he told her.

“Adam, what happened to the dreams you told me about when I first arrived here, of leaving here and going back east and going to sea?” she asked.

“I met you and my whole life changed,” he told her. “Those things aren’t important to me anymore.”

“I remember the look on your face when you spoke of those places and the excitement in your voice. You had such plans, such dreams. I don’t want you to lose your dreams because of me, Adam,” she said, then hesitantly added, “Perhaps we should wait a while before we’re married and give you the opportunity to do all of those things.”

“Kate,” he began slowly, “are you breaking our engagement?”

“No,” she said watching his eyes, “I’m giving you the chance to. I don’t want you to feel obligated to must marry me and I certainly don’t want you, years from now, to regret what you gave up by marrying me.”

“I’m not obligated to marry you. I want to marry you, I love you,” he said, wording his response carefully. “I had those dreams, Kate because I was disillusioned with my life until I met you. I have never wanted anything more than to make you my wife.”

“Adam, swear to me that is the truth,” she said with her eyes locked on him.

“I swear to you, the only regret I have is waiting this long to make you my wife,” he replied.

At this, she wrapped her arms around his neck, telling him, “I don’t know what I would have done, if you had taken me up on my offer to let you out of our engagement.”

“That, sweetheart, I would have never done, no matter what. I told you once before Kate, don’t ever doubt my love or my commitment to you. They are both unwavering and always will be,” he said. “Now is there anything else we need to talk about?”

“That’s all Adam, I just wanted you to have the chance…,” she started.

“Kate, I’m a patient man where you are concerned, but I do have my limits,” he said holding his temper. “I am growing tired of you questioning me about my commitment to you. I don’t want you to ever doubt my love and devotion for you or bring this up again. I decided early on I was in love with you and would never leave you, and I’ve not changed my mind. Now this is the last time I want to have this conversation, agreed?” he asked adding, “And if you ever take off again like you did this morning I will warm your backside.”

“All right, Adam, never again,” she said kissing him and holding him to her.

“Let’s go home Kate,” he laughingly told her, “I should help with the preparations for the party tonight.”

She had almost told him about the windmills but decided this was not the time and she wasn’t really keeping a secret from him. This was keeping a surprise from him, not at all the same thing, or something he could be angry about, or so she thought.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Upon returning to the Ponderosa, they found Hop Sing busy basting a large side of beef, being turned on a spit over hot coals by one of the ranch hands.

“Missy Kate,” he called to her. “Hop Sing use sauce you make. You try, very good.”

“Hop sing is letting you help him cook?” Adam asked. “He never allows anyone in his kitchen.”

“I just made a sauce for the barbeque; come I want you to taste it,” she explained, taking his hand.

Adam selected a spoon from the makeshift table Hop Sing had set up. Dipping it into the boiling sauce, he waited until it had cooled and tasted it. “This is really good Kate,” Adam said. “I didn’t know you knew how to cook.”

“Adam, who did you think would cook for you after we were married? Of course I know how to cook,” she laughed.

Pulling her close, he whispered, “After we are married, cooking is not going to be my first concern of what talents you possess.”

“I swear Adam,” she laughed. “Are you sure you don’t want to have Roy marry us tonight and live in the cabin until the house is done?”

“As appealing as that is, we’ll wait. I wanted to surprise you, but the house will be finished on Tuesday. Then all I have to do is move the furniture in. We can have our wedding next Saturday,” he said smiling.

Throwing her arms around him, telling him, “That’s wonderful! Why didn’t you tell me before now?”

“Kate,” he began patiently, “I told you I wanted to surprise you.

“Well, I have a surprise for you. I finished everything for the wedding. While you were working yourself into exhaustion, I took care of all of the wedding plans. When you have time I would like to go over them with you to be sure we’re in agreement,” she explained.

“We make a good team. Tomorrow we will sit down and you can tell me about the arrangements you have made. Although I’m sure your choices would be what I would want also,” he told her.

“Yes, Mr. Cartwright, we certainly do! Now I’m sure there are things we both can help with for the party.”

“I have offered to make the punch,” Adam volunteered.

“I will help Joe with the decorations,” she said.

“But first,” Adam began, “I have a surprise for you. I want you to wait right here and close your eyes. I’ll tell you when to open them.”

“Adam, I…,” Kate began.

“Kate, close your eyes, and don’t open them,” he instructed.

Doing as he requested she stood patiently in the middle of the courtyard.

Adam had arranged for Hoss to bring the surprise he had for Kate to the Ponderosa this morning while they were gone. After a few moments, he told her, “Open your eyes.”

Before her stood the most beautiful chestnut mare she had ever seen.

“She’s yours. I thought it was time you had your own horse. Her name is Mariah, she’s spirited and fast as the wind,” he explained.

“She looks just like Sport,” she excitedly exclaimed, going to the mare and petting her neck. “Thank you Adam, she’s perfect.”

Turning her attention from the horse to him, she kissed him, telling him, “You spoil me.”

“Yes,” he replied, “and I always will.”

“When can I ride her?” Kate asked.

“Tomorrow, after church, we’ll go riding.” He told her. “But for now we should help with this party.”

Taking his hand, squeezing it, she brushed away tears from her eyes.

Seeing this, he asked, “Kate, why the tears?”

Shaking her head, she told him, “You are too good to me. Thank you. Now let’s go help.”

By late afternoon, everything was finished. Kate then excused herself to go bathe and dress.

“Did she like the mare?” Ben asked.

“Yes, it was a complete surprise,” Adam told his father.

“Did you tell her about the house?” Ben asked, watching as Kate went into the house.

“Yes, I did. I was going to tell her tonight anyway,” Adam told him.

“Did you tell her about San Francisco?” Ben asked.

“No, that will be a surprise. I’ll tell her on our wedding night,” Adam confided.

“I talked to Roy about the trial earlier today. With the evidence, the court has along with Kate and my testimony it should be fairly short. If only John would admit his part in all of this the judge would probably go easier on him, and a trial wouldn’t be necessary,” Ben said.

“John will drag it out as long as he can,” Adam declared. “He will make it as hard as possible on Kate.”

As they walked into the house, Ben went to taste the punch. Taking a small sip, Ben’s eyes watered as he gasped. “Who made this?”

“I did,” Adam, answered. “Why?”

“It’s just a little strong,” Ben answered, taking his kerchief out and dabbing at his eyes. “We better make one without liquor for the ladies,” Ben suggested.

 

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

While the men were finishing last minute details, Kate had finished bathing and was now trying to decide on what gown to wear. She finally selected a deep blue, off the shoulder, satin gown she had purchased in Richmond before leaving to come west. The only jewelry she wore was sapphire earrings and a matching necklace. She had pulled her hair back from her face, catching it in a matching clasp. After checking her appearance, she made her way outside.

Ben Cartwright was already dressed and on the porch having a brandy. “Katherine,” he said, rising, “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cartwright, is Adam down yet?”

“No, my dear, but he shouldn’t be much longer. May I offer you a brandy?”

“Yes please, I believe I would like that. Mr. Cartwright, I want to thank you for everything for this lovely party, the difficulties with father. You have been so kind; I will never be able to re-pay your kindness. But most of all for having the most wonderful man in the world as a son.”

“Kate, it is I who should thank you. You have given me back my son. Before Adam met you, he was so unhappy and very determined to leave here. Now, I not only will have my son but now, a daughter. I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am about your and Adam’s engagement. He will make you a fine husband, Kate.”

“You are most kind, Mr. Cartwright. I know that Adam will make a wonderful husband. He is so much more than I dreamed possible.”

As he handed her a brandy, he told her, “Sit with me a while Kate; our guests won’t be arriving quite yet.”

Sitting beside the older man, that she had come to love like a father, she told him, “I will make Adam a good wife, Mr. Cartwright. I will love him and take care of him, don’t ever worry about that.”

“Kate, I have never doubted your love for Adam. I see the way you look at him and he at you. I’ve never seen two people more in love than you and Adam, other than possibly Elizabeth and me,” he said, smiling at her.

“Pa, what are you doing giving my fiancé brandy without offering me one?” Adam asked, joining them.

Going to Kate, he kissed her whispering, “You are beautiful tonight.”

Kate admired Adam in his black suit and pristine white shirt. “You are the most handsome man I have ever seen.” She said caressing his face, as her ring glistened in the light from the setting sun.

Ben handed Adam a brandy asking him, “Adam did you see to that punch for the ladies as I asked you to?”

“Yes sir, I did.”

“You made the punch, Adam?” she asked.

“Yes, but Pa thought the one with brandy was a little too strong for ladies,” Adam explained.

“May I try it?” she asked.

“I don’t think you should, Katherine,” Ben told her. “It’s far too strong.”

“Yes, honey, it is strong,” Adam added.

“Nonsense, Adam, may I please try it,” she asked.

“All right, but you were warned,” he told her, winking at Ben.

Adam went to get her a cup. Returning, he handed it to her telling her, “Sip it slowly Kate.”

Shaking her head at both men, she took the first sip and thought her throat was on fire. Her eyes watered and she couldn’t catch her breath.

“Adam,” she coughed. “That is…”

“Strong,” he added handing her his handkerchief, “I tried to tell you.”

As Kate was struggling to catch her breath, Hoss and Joe joined them. With just one look at her face Joe asked, “Hey, you didn’t let Kate have Adam’s punch did ya’?”

“I warned her,” Adam told them.

“Well, I don’t believe I want any more,” Kate coughed, handing it to Adam.

“Adam’s punch is known county wide. The men line up for it,” Hoss boasted. “Ain’t no lady ever tried it. You’re the first Kate.”

“Hopefully, the last,” she said. “You are not serving this at our wedding.”

“Aw, Kate, it’s a tradition,” Joe told her.

“Not at our wedding,” Kate declared.

Adam gave his brothers a wink over her head, then turned toward the sound of approaching carriages. “Our guests are arriving,” he told her putting an arm around her shoulders. Kate and Adam together greeted each guest as they arrived, Adam taking care to introduce her to the people she did not know.

After everyone had arrived, and before dinner was served, Ben made his announcement. “Friends, thank you for coming tonight. This is no ordinary Ponderosa party. We are here tonight to celebrate a momentous occasion. As all of you know I am extremely proud of all of my sons. My eldest son has recently made me prouder yet. It is with great pleasure I announce the engagement of my son Adam to Miss Katherine McDonald.”

Those in attendance were not surprised; everyone in Virginia City had been expecting an engagement announcement for months. What they did not expect was Adam’s next declaration.

“Friends, thank you for coming tonight to help Kate and I celebrate this wonderful occasion. We would also like to announce we have set our wedding date. It will be one week from tonight, here at the Ponderosa.”

With Kate by his side, smiling the young couple accepted the congratulations of their guests. Kate was invited to join the women, while a group of men whisked Adam away to the punch bowl. Doctor Martin asked, “Not wasting any time are you, Adam?”

“No, Paul, I’m not. I don’t want to give Kate a chance to change her mind,” he said laughing, as he accepted another cup of punch.

The rest of the evening was spent visiting with their guests and laughing. Kate was given unsolicited advice from the older women of what marriage would be like. “Young lady,” the widow Bennett began, “prepare yourself for the duties of being a wife and I ain’t talkin’ about cookin’ and cleaning. It’s a wife’s duty to allow her husband liberties. From what I hear that Adam Cartwright is some powerful man – so he will be wantin’ those liberties often.”

“Yes, ma’am, I will remember that,” Kate responded, fighting the urge to blush. Seeing Adam, she excused herself and went to join him.

“What was the widow Bennett bending your ear about?” he asked, slipping an arm around her waist.

“Telling me what my wifely duties would be after we were married,” she told him.

“Widow Bennett,” Adam whispered holding her close, “has no idea what your wifely duties will be with me.”

“Adam, you best hurry on that house. I don’t know how much longer I am going to be able to listen to all these ladies giving me advice on marriage. I would rather find out for myself, first hand,” she told him.

“One more week, sweetheart. One more week,” he told her, hugging her. As he finished telling her this, the musicians began playing. With his hand at the small of her back, he led her to the dance floor that Hoss and Joe had set in place at the center of the courtyard earlier that day. Going into his arms, she relaxed as her fingers toyed with his hair at the nape of his neck.

“Kate, you have no idea what that does to me,” he told her as he kissed her cheek. “You are making it hard to remember that I am a gentleman.”

“I’ll be glad when you don’t have to remember to always be a gentleman,” she laughed.

Pulling her closer he whispered, “That time is very near dear. You may regret that statement after we’re married. You’ve never seen that side of me,” Adam told her.

“I love all sides of you already. The ones I don’t know, I look forward to discovering,” she said, with a playful smile. “You know Adam, you just might be surprised in me. Don’t forget I wasn’t hidden away in the south all my life. I promise you, our life will never be dull.”

“I never thought it would be, Kate,” Adam said.

Joe and Hoss took turns dancing with Kate, much to the disappointment of their dates. After a while, Ben rescued her and told his sons, “You two have young ladies to attend to; you’ve both been remiss in seeing to their needs. Now go on and let me have a dance with my daughter.”

“Are you having a good time, Kate?” Ben asked after he shooed his sons away.

“Yes, sir, I am,” she replied. “It has been a beautiful night and a beautiful party.”

“Kate, now that you’re going to be my daughter, do you think you could call me something other than Mr. Cartwright, perhaps, Ben or Pa?”

“Yes, sir, I would like that, although I could never call you Ben. Is Pa all right?”

“Pa, is just fine, Kate,” Ben said, kissing her cheek.

 

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

With the party being such a happy occasion, most of the guests stayed until almost mid-night. Somehow, despite the late hour, the Cartwright family managed to attend church the following morning. At the service, Adam and Kate’s wedding banns were announced. The couple spoke to the minister after church, arranging for him to perform the ceremony the following Saturday.

As they left the church, they found Roy waiting for them, “Mornin’ Kate, Adam,” he said removing his hat. “I wanted to catch you before you left. The trial is set for Wednesday, Kate. Your Pa still wants a trial, refuses to cooperate and plead guilty. I’m sorry Kate, but it should be a fast one.”

“Thank you sheriff for letting me know. I’ll be there.”

On the ride back to the Ponderosa Adam began, “I am going with you. I hope that the judge will make short work of this trial. Your father doesn’t have a leg to stand on.”

“I know, I had just hoped that he would take a plea and not go to trial,” she mused. “But then I knew he wouldn’t.”

Adam hated that she had to go through with this trial. He would do his best to make it easy on her and after the trial they would be finished with Jonathon McDonald, finally. He would see that no matter what the outcome was, her father would never have access to her again.

After they returned from church, they changed and he took her riding on Mariah. Adam knew riding always made Kate relax and that this would be the only time he would have to go riding with her until after their wedding.

“Kate, don’t take her out alone for a while. I would prefer to be with you the first few times you ride her; she’s high-strung,” he explained.

“Adam, I can handle her,” she said as they rode through the pasture. “You should know that by now.”

“Kate,” he said reining up Sport. “I don’t want you riding alone and not just because Mariah is high-strung. You forget Larkin still has not been captured.”

“You said yourself he is most likely hiding out in California. He wouldn’t come back here, everyone knows him,” she said confidently.

If only they had known; Matthew Larkin was not as far away as they thought.

The next two days were filled with activity; Adam finished the house on Monday. And after his father and brothers left, Adam took his time checking every detail. He first walked around the exterior of the house, including the porch and balcony, then the interior. Entering the foyer of the silent home, Adam was rewarded with the pleasant smell of wood and fresh paint. Running his hand over the burled oak walls, he stood admiring the hand polished oak floors. Entering their bedroom, he delighted in the beautiful view of the lake and mountains through large windows. Kate and I can lie in bed and enjoy this every morning, he thought. Opening the French doors leading to the balcony, he stepped out as contentment washed over him. I hope Kate loves this house as much as I do. Once we move the furniture and our personal effects in, it will be our home.

Mrs. Rogers had brought Kate’s wedding gown to the Ponderosa while the men were away working on the house. As she fitted the gown on her, she congratulated herself that only minor adjustments were needed. “Miss McDonald, I just need to take the waist in a bit. I can do that right here.”

“Mrs. Rogers, you’ve done a beautiful job,” Kate told her. “It is perfect. Did you bring the other items I had ordered?”

“Yes, Miss McDonald I brought the rest of your order. Mr. Cartwright is a very lucky man to have a wife with your taste. If I may add, Miss McDonald, with a wedding gown this elegant may I suggest you wear your hair up, something a little more formal?”

”Thank you Mrs. Rogers, I’m so happy you approve of my choices.” she replied with a touch of sarcasm. “However, I resent your informality. The other day in your shop, you embarrassed me and if my wedding was not in just a few days, I would cancel this gown right this minute. As to how I wear my hair, that ma’am is none of your business. Furthermore, should you ever make a remark like you made to me the other day, I will never order another item from you. Whether or not my husband-to-be appreciates my figure is certainly none of your concern. I detest gossips. The only thing I detest more is someone who gives un-solicited advice.” With this, Kate paid the woman and saw her out. Taking care to hang the gown in the corner, if Adam entered this room he would not be able to see it.

She heard Ben and Joe return. Meeting them downstairs, she asked where Adam was.

“Adam is triple checking everything. He’ll go back there again and again before you two move in to be sure everything is just so,” Joe laughed.

“Leave your brother alone, Joseph, Adam is a perfectionist. This house is very important to him and he wants everything perfect for his bride,” Ben said smiling at her.

Adam moved all of the furniture he had ordered into the spacious house on Tuesday, returning home at dinnertime. Kate knew he was physically exhausted, and by the way he walked, she knew that his back was bothering him. She told him to go to his bedroom, lie on his stomach, and she would give him a back rub. Helping him to remove his shirt as he lay on his stomach, she kneaded his shoulders telling him, “You’ve done too much. Now will you take it easy?”

“Mmmm, a little lower, please,” he told her. “Yes, I can slow down. I have the most important details completed.

Moving her hands down his spine, then across the broad expanse of his back, to his waist and hips; she gently kneaded and rubbed the tight muscles. “You need to get a hot bath and soak for a while,” she said admiring the handsome back and then kissing his shoulder. “That will help relax your back muscles. I’ll go see that Hop Sing has hot water for you.”

Her touch, though light, sent a current coursing through Adam’s body. As he stood up, putting his shirt on, he told her, “Thanks, Kate, but we better stop this. It is very hard not to…, you had better stop. I appreciate it, but I’ll go talk to Hop Sing.”

Smiling she asked innocently, “Did I do something incorrectly Adam? If you tell me what I did wrong, I can correct it.”

“Kate,” Adam began. “That’s the problem, you did everything right and being this close….” It was here that Adam realized Kate knew exactly what he was talking about.

“Kate, you only have three more days to toy with me. After Saturday, you will see, first hand, what your little teasing will bring.”

Running her hand across the broad shoulders, she gave him a soft whisper, “Promise?”

 

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Early Wednesday morning, Adam, Kate, and Ben left for Virginia City. Kate appeared calm, but Adam sensed underneath all that self-control, her nerves were on edge.

“Just keep your eyes on me, everything is going to be fine,” he told her confidently. Then added, “Remember this is the last time you will have to be subjected to him.”

Walking into the courtroom together, they saw most of the seats were already taken except in the front row. Reluctantly they sat there. It was not long before Circuit Judge Henry Clay took his place on the bench and called the court to order explaining that Jonathon McDonald had declined a trial by jury. Instead, he requested the tribunal decide his fate, a risky move on his part but completely within his rights.

Adam leaned toward her, taking her hand as he reassured her, “Just a little longer, it’s almost over.” Holding his hand, she took a deep breath and waited for the trial to begin.

She watched as Roy and Clem brought in the prisoner, her father, Jonathon McDonald. Kate’s heart quickened as her father’s angry eyes scanned the courtroom. When father and daughter’s eyes met, they locked in a war of wills. Determined not to look away, Kate defiantly held his stare. None of this was lost on Adam.

As the judge began, “Will the court please come to order? We are here today for the case of the Territory of Nevada vs. Jonathon McDonald. The charges are collusion, intimidation, theft, and battery, Mr. McDonald how do you plead?”

“Not guilty your honor,” was the reply.

“The court will now call Katherine McDonald to the stand.”

As Kate rose, she took a deep breath, gave Adam a smile, squeezed his hand, and stepped into the aisle way.

After being sworn in, the judge began with very basic questions until he asked, “When did you notice a change in your father’s attitude toward you?”

“About three months ago, your honor, when he began making plans for me to return to Boston to school,” she answered.

“Why do you think something so minor would cause such a drastic change in his attitude toward you?” Judge Clay asked.

“Because I refused to honor his wishes. I told him I was not returning to school and it infuriated him,” Kate explained.

“When did you suspect your father had ulterior motives concerning you?” the magistrate inquired.

“The day he hired Matt Larkin, I immediately told him of my concerns. I explained to father the problems they had at the Ponderosa with Larkin and that the man made me very uncomfortable,” she replied.

“What was your father’s reaction to this information?”

“He refused to listen, insisting that Larkin deserved another chance and that the problem at the Ponderosa had all been a misunderstanding.” Kate had kept her eyes on Adam, but just out of the corner of her eye she could see her father glaring at her.

“Tell the court what occurred in your home the evening of August 10th, Miss McDonald,” the judge instructed.

Breathing deeply she began, “I had returned home from the Ponderosa. Hoss and Joseph Cartwright had ridden back with me, as Mr. Cartwright had insisted they see me home. Upon entering the house, father called to me from his study. When I entered the room and took a seat, he began a barrage of accusations, saying he was disappointed in me, that I had told Mr. Cartwright lies about him. He accused me of all sorts of vile things; he was irrational in his ranting. I tried to calm him by reassuring him that I had not done any of the things he accused me of, but that only fueled his anger.”

“Was that all that was said during the conversation, Miss McDonald?” The judge asked.

“No, but the other details aren’t important,” she replied, her eyes were still held by Adam’s.

“Why don’t you let me decide that,” the judge countered. “Please Miss McDonald, in order to make a fair decision, it’s important that you tell the court everything.”

At this point, Kate made the mistake of glancing at her father who sat there with a smug look on his face. Biting her lip she continued, “Very well, he accused me of listening to Adam about everything, disregarding my father’s wishes. He was irrational, saying Adam, and I had…” here she had to stop. Her eyes full of angry tears as she looked at her father, she added, “He accused me of improper behavior. He said none of his actions would have been necessary if I had not been born. That he had never wanted children, my mother had. That when she died, I was forced upon him, and that I had ruined his life. He said he had never been able to realize his full potential due to being burdened with me”

The court sat in stunned silence as Kate sat there quietly, drained of all emotion, waiting for the judge to continue. Adam sat fighting the rage that burned within him for her public humiliation.

“Miss McDonald, did he threaten you in any way?”

“Not directly, no.”

“Thank you Miss McDonald, you may step down.” Kate rose to return to her seat when she was stopped by her father’s voice.

“Excuse me your honor,” John spoke up, “since I am representing myself may I question the witness?”

“Yes, Mr. McDonald,” the judge replied. “Miss McDonald, please remain on the stand.”

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

Taking his time, a maneuver Kate had seen him use in court before to make the witness uncomfortable and nervous, she sat patiently until her father asked, nonchalantly, “Did you ever want for anything growing up, Katherine?”

“If you are referring to material things, no I never wanted for anything.”

“Did you have a home, clothing, food?” Her father asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Did you receive a good education?”

“Yes, I imagine so,” she answered staring straight at Adam.

“Didn’t I send you to college and had plans for you to become a lawyer, to attend law school?”

“Those were your plans, not mine,” she answered.

This question by Jonathon had taken Adam aback. Although they had discussed their schooling, Kate had never told him what her course of study had been and Adam had never asked.

“But surely you can understand my disappointment in your apparent disregard for my wishes and my anger at you for throwing a promising career in law away to marry a rancher,” John said disgustedly.

“I didn’t throw anything away,” she declared adding, “A career in law was your dream, not mine. My life didn’t begin until I moved here and met Adam Cartwright.”

“If I was such a terrible father, who by your own admission did all of the things a father should do, please explain to me how you could possibly think I would do you harm? I have provided for and protected you all of your life, yet here today, you testify against me calling me irrational, telling the court lies about me. Isn’t this all because you want your inheritance now instead of waiting until you turn twenty-one? That you’re furious with me because I suggested you had fallen under the spell of Adam Cartwright, and he might just be interested in you for your money?”

“You are a liar,” she stated calmly.

Shocked, Adam had never heard her address anyone the way she was now speaking to her father.

She continued, “I am here because I overheard you instructing Matthew Larkin to harm Adam and me. If you had been successful, Adam and I would be dead. You never said anything about an inheritance to me. Up until that night when Mr. Cartwright told me about it, I didn’t know I even had an inheritance; you had kept that hidden from me for years. If anyone was concerned about money, it was you. That is what this is really all about; you had to be rid of me in order to collect what money there was. You could have had every bit of it, I didn’t care, I don’t care now, but you tried to have Adam and me murdered.”

It was at this point that Kate’s resolve faltered, “You are a father. A father is suppose to love their child and protect them. You failed miserably in both areas. Benjamin Cartwright has been more of a father to me than you ever were. After today I hope I never set eyes on you again.”

“Your honor, as you can see, my daughter is over-wrought because of my trial. She is not herself,” John explained. “Kate is saying things she does not believe. I never stole from my daughter. Any money I obtained from the trust was for hersupport. If I am guilty of anything, it was loving my daughter too much and wanting the very best for her. My daughter has enormous potential and to see her throw it all away to marry a rancher and live in the middle of nowhere, breaks my heart.”

Kate laughed aloud, and after composing herself her eyes took on a hardened look as she declared, “You disgust me, and I meant every word I said. Do you really believe that the people in this room are so gullible they would fall for this act of yours? You are a disgrace to the legal profession and fathers everywhere.”

“Miss McDonald that is enough!” Judge Clay told her. “One more word and I will find you in contempt. You may step down.”

Disregarding the judge’s warning, anger consuming her, she continued, “The only thing contemptible in this courtroom is him,” pointing at her father. “He was given a trusted position and he betrayed us all. I hope this court has the ability to see him for what he is and send him away for many years.”

“Miss McDonald! I warned you. While the court understands the emotional pressures you have been under, I will not allow you to blatantly disregard my instruction. Now step down!”

Kate walked right past her seat and continued out to the street. Adam followed her asking, “Are you all right?”

“No, yes now that this is over. I don’t care what they decide to do with him as long as I never have to see him again after today,” she replied, holding on to Adam, fighting tears of rage.

“Let’s go home Kate,” he told her, gently taking her arm.

“I can’t, Adam, I can’t let him win. As much as I want to go, if I leave now, it is as if I am surrendering. I will not give him that satisfaction. I have to see this through to the end, no matter what.”

“Kate, he began, “you don’t have to stay and listen to his lies. We know the truth and that is what is important. I…”

“Adam,” she said firmly, “I am staying. If you want to leave, go, but I’m staying until the end.”

“I’m not leaving without you,” he said. “We’ll sit in the back of the courtroom until it is finished.”

They remained until the very end. The judge, after taking a brief break to make his determination, returned to the courtroom and began, “I agree with all the parties involved that Jonathon McDonald is not a good example of a father. However, from the testimony given here, he did nothing criminally wrong. There is no physical proof he stole anything, and it is his daughter’s word against his that he hired Matthew Larkin for the sole purpose of harming her. Therefore, this court has no choice but to find the defendant not guilty of all charges. I encourage him to ask for re-assignment to another territory and he is not, under any circumstance, to contact or try to see his daughter. Please release the prisoner. Court is adjourned.”

There was an audible gasp by every observer in the courtroom as the verdict was read.

Adam took her hand, holding her close, as she shook her head with a sad smile and said, “I should have known. We can leave now, Adam.”

On the ride back, she was strangely quiet until Adam, although seething inside said, “He received something Kate, he must leave the territory and he cannot contact you.”

“You’re right, at least he received something. I never have to see him again. That alone, was worth today. Now it’s done and as far as I am concerned, he’s dead. she said. “Adam, I promise you that our children will never have a second in their lives that they don’t know how much we love them and want them.”

Adam pulled the carriage over under a tree. Putting his arms around her, he drew her to him as she began to cry. He let her rid herself of the tears she had bravely held inside all of this time. When she was finished, he gently tipped her face up to him as he told her, “You’ll never shed another tear because of him. We’re rid of him, forever.”

 

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Friday came and with it a bustle of activity on the Ponderosa. The wedding was to be the following day. Kate was busy with last minute wedding details while Adam spent time with his brothers and father. The couple had agreed they would dine together that evening then not see each other until the wedding.

Adam had decided to move his and Kate’s things to the house and Ben and his brothers offered their help. While at the new house, Ben brought up the subject of Kate to Adam. “Adam, I know you’re a grown man and have been with a number of women. However, keep in mind Kate is different; she has never been with a man. You are going to have to be patient with her on your wedding night.”

Adam, caught off guard, could not believe his father was talking to him about such a private and delicate subject. He, more than anyone, knew all of this and was confident he and Kate would be fine. He would be patient and prepare her for this part of their life together. But he was not about to discuss this with his father.

“I know, Pa, I’ve thought of all of this. Don’t worry, I’ll see to Kate,” Adam told him.

“I just want you to realize that…” Ben started.

“Pa,” Adam began, “I do realize, Kate and I will be fine. Trust me, you’ve always said I could handle anything, and I will handle this with my wife.”

“Adam!” Joe called from downstairs.

“Up here Joe,” he replied, grateful for the interruption.

Hoss and Joe carried one large trunk, and too many garment carriers to count, up the stairs.

“We got alla’ Kate’s things from the house, her and Hop Sing packed all this up. Told us just to sit it outta the way, she’d see to puttin’ it away later,” Hoss said.

“Just set the trunk in the dressing room, you can hang the garment carriers in the closet,” he instructed.

“That gal’s got more clothes than anybody I ever seen,” Hoss observed.

“Hey, Adam, where you and Kate goin’ on your honeymoon?” Joe asked as he hung a carrier in the closet.

“It’s a surprise Joe,” Adam answered.

“You can tell us, we won’t say anything,” he urged.

‘I’d rather keep it a surprise until tomorrow,” Adam explained. “I really think Kate should know before my brothers, where we’re going on our honeymoon. Well that’s everything, let’s go on downstairs.”

When the four men had reached the lower level, Adam paused telling them, “I can’t thank all of you enough for everything you’ve done with the house, for Kate, and me. If I can ever do…”

“Don’t worry big brother, when me and Joe meet and marry our gal’s we’ll be callin’ on you to help us don’t you worry none,” Hoss assured him.

Smiling, Adam walked out to the front porch telling his family, “I’m going to miss living with you, but I can’t say I’m going to miss all the bickering with my brothers. I want you to know, I have never been happier in my life than to marry Kate. I’m excited to live here with her and start our life together. One day we will all have our own families, live on this land, and watch our children grow. I only hope we can be as good a father as you have been Pa,” Adam said.

“It is going to be hard getting use to being one Cartwright short at the Ponderosa,” Ben smiled, his dark eyes filling with tears. “I will miss our daily talks over the dinner table and seeing you every morning when you come down the stairs, but it’s time. You have been the rock for all of us, Adam. It is now your turn to realize your dreams and start your own life. We’ll always be here for you, son, just as we’ve always been.”

“I will always be a part of you,” Adam solemnly said, “Nothing will ever change that. Kate is a part of me now but also a part of all of you. I won’t live at the Ponderosa anymore, but we will be together as we always have. We are a family and nothing will ever change that. Our family will continue to grow as Hoss and Joe marry and start their families, and as always, we will be there for each other. You three have always stood by me, supported me, when I know there were times I did not deserve it. Just because I am marrying Kate does not mean I am gone from you. I’m a stones throw away and my door is always open to my family, don’t ever forget that.”

With that, the four Cartwright men left the house, mounted their horses, and headed back to the Ponderosa as they had done hundreds of times before. Each knew after today their family would change. No longer four lone men, they would now have a woman in their midst with the Cartwright family growing by one. It was a bittersweet moment as they realized four lives that had been intertwined for so many years were about to change.

Adam eagerly looked forward to his life with Kate. They had started on a path, what seemed so long ago, finally arriving here. The journey had been hard, but they had made it through together. As he looked back at their home one last time he thought, I am closing one chapter of my life, but tomorrow starts a whole new beginning.

THE END