Summary: A woman from Elizabeth’s past visits the Ponderosa.
Rating: T (6,145 words)

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The Brandsters have included this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.  The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.

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Part one

‘Arriving next stage with daughter. stop Can not wait to see you. stop.

Elizabeth Stallard’

“Pa this wire was addressed to me but uh… I think it is for you.” Adam handed his father the message Earl had transcribed neatly.

“Elizabeth Stallard? No son it’s not for me either” Ben shook his head. “Ever since Earl laid eyes on Sissie McFee the telegraph office is in an up roar.”

* * * * *

“No, it’s for you Adam, yes I have double checked. Mr Adam Cartwright The Ponderosa, Carson County, that’s you aint it?” Earl asked.

Adam pursed his lips and bristled slightly – he always thought the government ought to hire literate men for the telegraph office, where correct English was critical.

He put his hat on and turned to leave the office….

“Here’s the stage now Adam, you could at least check…oh Hello Sissie…”

Adam’s reply fell on Earl’s now deaf ears.

He lent on the hitching rail with his arms folded across his chest, his hat tipped forward to shield his dark intelligent eyes from the noon day sun. He was watching passengers descend from the dust covered stagecoach: an older businessmen, a nun, a young looking cowboy type, an elegant woman about Pa’s age and finally a young lady wearing a pink dress.

“Adam Cartwright”. The elegant woman called as soon as she saw him.

He stood up straight and tipped his hat, “M’am?”

“Oh Adam I would know you anywhere”

Rubbing his lips thoughtfully Adam replied, “I on the other hand, if you will excuse me m’am, I don’t recognise you at all”.

“Well of course not. We have never met! Yet you are so clearly Elizabeth’s son I could not fail to recognise you. Ah Elizabeth…” The woman’s eyes misted over, but not so much that she missed the reaction in the handsome man standing before her.

‘So he loves his mother, even though he never knew her. Well done Ben’ the woman was lost in her thoughts for a moment or two.

“Adam, this is my daughter.”

“Pleased to meet you, uh Miss Stallard?” In response Miss Stallard smiled the sweetest smile he had ever seen.

“Mama, you need to explain who you are,” the young girl encouraged her parent.

“Oh dear didn’t I do that already…no? I am so hot and tired from this stage ride…”

Wooed by the smile of the daughter Adam stepped forward and said, “ If you will allow me Ladies, I will escort you to the hotel where we can all have a cooling glass of lemonade and sort this out…..Hank keep the ladies’ luggage here will you”.

In the shade of the parlour at the International Hotel, with a few sips of lemonade in her and her hat removed, Mrs. Stallard seemed more composed. However, Adam was less composed for Miss Stallard had removed her dainty bonnet to reveal blonde hair the colour of corn in Kansas. She had the bluest of eyes, clear and innocent, yet wise and tender. His heart had missed a beat.

‘I certainly hope they are not distant relatives’ Adam mused.

“I feel much better now,” Mrs Stallard sighed and relaxed back into her chair.

“Mama you must hurry and explain I don’t think it’s fair to keep Adam in the dark any longer.”

‘Adam Adam Adam‘ his name rang in his head as she had said it. ‘How wonderful mother gave me a name that could sound as fine as that from lips like those.’

“Adam, I do apologise. Did you not get my letter? No? Well it seems not.” Elizabeth Stallard leant forward and placed her hand over Adam’s long fingers. “Your mother Elizabeth, was my best friend; and I hers. We went through school together; we grew up in one another’s homes. Why I even stayed with her family for six weeks when my mother was ill with malaria.”

Adam withdrew his hand, not withstanding his attraction to Miss Stallard he felt very wary.
“My father has never mentioned you. I do not recall seeing photographs of you.” He leaned his chair back on two legs. “Indeed I have never heard you name until your wire reached me.” Adam’s response was cool and distant. He had his defenses up; other people had tried to get to him through memories of his mother. Mrs. Stallard began to weep.

“Adam,” Miss Stallard spoke gently, “we come with the best intentions. Might these reassure you?” Adam felt as if her cool tiny had had smoothed across his brow.

In trying to pull something from her valise Miss Stallard first withdrew and laid upon the table an old leather bound book. As she returned to her search for the reassuring evidence Adam reached for the slim brown volume. To his surprise, and delight he found it was a copy of Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. From habit he flipped open the cover and came across the inscription “To ES from ES – friends for ever’. Miss Stallard having retrieved the package she was looking for tipped the contents onto the table.

Several daguerreotypes’ of two young woman cascaded across the white cloth…Adam inspected one then another; there before him was indeed a young Elizabeth Stallard and his heart leapt in confirmation as he recognised his own mother. Indeed it was almost like looking at a twin of himself.

* * * * *

Adam drove the hired buggy home. Sport was tied to the rear of the chassis and trotted along merrily enjoying his rider less journey. His ears flicked this way and that as he heard Adam laughing.

Mrs. Stallard had stepped forward to be assisted into the buggy seating herself next to where Adam would sit. He therefore, though somewhat reluctantly assisted the charming Miss Stallard into the rear seat and stashed their luggage next to her. The seating arrangements were not to his liking however he turned regularly to make sure Miss Stallard was not excluded.

“Your mama and I met when we were just seven,” Elizabeth Stallard was explaining. “We attended the same school from then. We shared the same birth date and the same size shoes and the same love of books.” Adam managed the horse easily but it was difficult to pay attention to the history of the Elizabeth’s when he wanted only to talk to Miss Stallard.

‘I wonder what her name is?’ he pondered.

As they came up to the majestic view of the lake Elizabeth asked if they might pause in the shade a while as she had something important to say to him.

*****
Part two

Adam drew the buggy into the shadow a cluster of Ponderosa Pines and realised that Miss Stallard was climbing down from the buggy. He leapt from his seat and in three strides was at her side. Her delightful smile made the sparkling of the lake’s water dull by comparison and the touch of her tiny cool hand in his made his heart skip yet again.

“I know mama wishes to speak with you alone, I will just stroll along the lake shore a little distance.”

“Stay within sight dear,” her mother commanded

“Yes, do stay within sigh,t” Adam urged. Please please never be gone from my sight again…

“Adam,” Mrs. Stallard sat up very straight and starred ahead. “Adam, I need to explain something – before we meet your father. If you have never heard my name then it means your father never forgave me.” She fished a kerchief from the cuff of her glove and dabbed her eyes. “As I said your mother and I were friends from when we were young girls. When Ben, your father began courting her I …well I didn’t like him. There I’ve said it. He was a sailor and I felt Elizabeth could have done much better and he was so so, well, there, all the time. I think I became a little jealous and he and I had an argument over Elizabeth and then…oh dear…” her tears were flowing now “My dearest friend and I had a falling out.  Shortly afterwards my parents took me to Europe where I met some very distant relatives and fell in love with my 6th cousin. We married in Paris and traveled extensively due to his Diplomatic postings. It was years before we returned to Boston, and I heard the dreadful news that my beloved friend had died. Your grandfather told me of your birth and Ben’s determination to strike for the west.”

“You saw my grandfather after we left?”

“Yes, just the once. I was so shocked at the news he had given me. So devastated that I had not been there for Elizabeth. All this time had past, and Ben was gone and so were you…the only connection to my friend. I was ill for sometime, from the news, you understand. When sufficiently recovered I was then dealt another blow for I went to the Chandlers’ Shop only to be told your grandfather had died the week before.”

As Adam took all this in, his gaze followed the graceful figure of Miss Stallard. She had petted Sport and rubbed his ears – which he loved – and then wandered along the side of the lake. She seemed quite content and almost, well to him she looked at home. Surely she knew what her mother would be telling him; however, she had graciously withdrawn.

“How did you find me?” Adam asked only one of the dozens of questions in his mind and heart.

——————————————————————————–

Part three

“In a strange turn of events a delivery was made to me, just three months ago. It seems your grandfather realised he was ill, thus he wrote to me after my visit but had not been able to have the letter franked. Months later when they cleared his desk the letter was found and delivered by hand. Along with a package. In the letter, I have it with me and you may have it, he told me where Ben had settled and a little about you. About how delighted he had been to have you living with him when you attended University and about how you had made a final decision to return out west, I mean out here, to be with your family. Oh, he said family…Adam do you have a wife and children.”

“Uh no m’am I don’t have a wife and children.” He glanced at Miss Stallard who was now gathering wildflowers….”The family my grandfather was referring to would be my two younger brothers. Hoss and Lil Joe. And of course, Pa.”

“Yes, yes I see. You understand Adam, your father may not be thrilled to see me. But I had to come: to beg his forgiveness, to meet you and… and bring you such things of your mother’s as I have. You do understand, don’t you?”

“You leave Pa to me Mrs. Stallard, in no time at all you will feel very welcome and at home at the Ponderosa…as will your daughter, I hope. Uh may I ask her name?”

“Fleur Elizabeth. She is my only child; and the joy of my heart. Especially since my husband died.”

“I am sorry to hear of your loss – may I ask if it was recent?” From the lightness and brightness of Miss Fleur Elizabeth Stallard it didn’t seem so.

“It has been some eight years now. Fleur was just twelve and missed her Papa for a long time. However, he left us well situated and so we have managed nicely.” Her eyes followed Adam’s gaze and for the first time, but not the last, she noticed his interest in Fleur.

Part four

Mrs. Stallard looked at Adam now, seeing him for himself rather than as Elizabeth’s son. He was clearly handsome and intelligent. He had proved himself to be a gentleman and able to take control of the difficult situation at the stage depot. She concluded he was a man of means as he had insisted on paying for the refreshments and easily dealt with the hire of the buggy.

“How far to the Ponderosa Adam?” She was suddenly tired but eager to meet Ben again.

“We are on the Ponderosa, all this,” he swept his arm in an arc, “all this, and more is the Ponderosa,” he said it with humility; with a respect for the land and the stewardship he and his family felt for this earth.

As they approached the house Adam sought to push thoughts of the delightful twenty-year-old Fleur from his mind, and consider how he might win his father over into forgiving Elizabeth, this Elizabeth.

* * * * *

Two weeks later on the 17th of May Adam drove Fleur into Carson City. She had some mail to post and some errands to run and he was more than delighted to accompany her.  He had managed to calm his father and the delight of meeting a long-time acquaintance and beloved friend of his first wife soon softened Ben’s heart. The visit became a delightful time and as Adam had expected Ben insisted the ladies become their guests. Their acceptance more than delighted Adam. For this gave him the opportunity to have breakfast lunch and supper with Fleur. His initial enchantment increased.

 

Part 5:

Adam found it wonderful to read to Fleur, to be read to by her, to sing with her and she played the piano accompanying him on guitar. He showed her around the Ponderosa which she loved. They took long rides and walked hand in hand by the lake. He took her to the town social’s and introduced her to his friends; they went to church together; she won everyone over and even more so when everyone observed how happy and outgoing Adam was these days.

Of course, the local girls were somewhat miffed, and their mama’s less than happy. It certainly looked like Adam cartwright was in love. And even though Fleur was a stranger to them she seemed sweetly besotted with her beau.

It was Roy who told her that she had captured the most eligible bachelor in the county, maybe even the state. She came to know the reputation of the Cartwright family and the regard the men and women of the town had for Adam. She was quietly impressed. But said nothing to her mother.

Mrs. Stallard began to hope, and Ben began to watch with interest. Hoss treated Fleur like a little sister from the word go and Joe was just puzzled as to how Fleur could apparently prefer his older brother to him. But clearly, she did.

Just a few days ago after a picnic by the lake Adam had asked Fleur, “May I kiss you?”

He knew the answer was yes and bent down and gently brushed her lips with his. He realised she had never been kissed before. Adam kept his kiss sweet and light.

Sport had also taken a fancy to Fleur and loved the way she rubbed his ears.

When it was time to go home from the picnic Adam tied the second horse’s reins to Sports saddle and after he had mounted up he edged Sport over to a large rock and bade Fleur climb up, then he lifted her onto Sport in front of him.

Conveniently he now had his arms around her. He nudged Sport into a very slow walk. When they arrived home, he lifted Fleur down very carefully. She was now extremely important to Adam and he wanted only the best and the best care for her. Hand in hand they entered the barn, Adam leading his trusty horse. Normally Sport received Adam’s immediate attention but now there was someone far more attractive to the tall man in black. He wrapped his arms around Fleur and drew her to him. The look in her eyes was all the encouragement he needed and again he stooped to kiss her. This time she responded and gently he lifted her arms and guided her to put them around his neck. After he had kissed her Adam stood simply holding her in his arms; they stood silent for a long time. With her head against his strong chest Fleur could hear the steady beating of his heart.

“I love you,” he whispered. Fleur heard him.

The next Saturday at the party his father had given for Doc Martin’s birthday, after several dances Adam invited Fleur to take the air with him. They left hand in hand.

Both parents noticed them leave and looked up and smiled at one another. With no words they had agreed this would be a perfect match.

Part 6.

Ben had sternly and effectively warned Hoss and Lil Joe to not tease their brother about Fleur and to mind their manners at all times. He finished his warning with the threat that the first one out of line would be packed of to Texas to buy cattle and the other wouldn’t be far behind.  Taking the measure of their father’s words, Lil Joe and Hoss were on their best behaviour.

Leaving the party and walking a little distance from the house Fleur laughed and said, “Adam Cartwright, spring in Nevada is so beautiful.”

“I must confess this spring seems to be more than beautiful than usual.” She noticed he was not looking at the landscape around them. He took her in his strong arms. She went willingly. She is so soft to hold, she fits under my chin perfectly he thought.

He whispered to her, “You look so very very beautiful in pink, it is my favourite colour on you…so far.”

She rested comfortably against his broad warm chest. Just today she had seem him without his shirt on; he was chopping wood and glistened with sweat from the labour. She had liked what she had seen. He had looked up suddenly and caught her watching him; he had winked at her. She had blushed delicately.  Now in the cool air, he bent his head and kissed the top of hers. A couple of other guests came outside and Adam drew Fleur further away with him.

“Let’s visit Sport,” he said.

In the barn he kissed her several times – with a little more passion each time; but not so much as to frighten her. She slid her hands slowly up his chest and around his neck. Good, she is getting the idea, he thought.

“Oh Adam,” she murmured.

Releasing her, he spread a saddle rug upon a bale of hay and bade her sit while had a quiet word with Sport. The horse nuzzled his hand reassuringly. Thus heartened, Adam turned and approached Fleur. He knelt down on one knee and took her little hand in his.

“Fleur, oh my beautiful delicate flower, darlin’ Fleur.” His eyes misted. “I love you beyond the dreams I had of how I might love anyone. You brighten my days, and lighten my heart. I love you and will love you forever. Fleur…” his voice broke with emotion, “Will you, will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife”.

Fleur’s eyes filled with tears…..she wanted to shout yes from the mountain tops and out across the lake. To be Mrs Adam Cartwright; she had hardly dared hope. But now she knew this was all she wanted: to be his wife, the mother of his children, to work the land with him: side by side, hand in hand, forever and ever.

“Adam, oh Adam my love,” she coyly whispered, “I, I hardly know what to say. It is the easiest and most difficult question all at once. I do so love you. But what about mama, I am all she has, and and Joe said you are so much older than me. Are you? Does it matter? No, it doesn’t…oh Adam. I want to say yes with all my heart – you have taken me by surprise, yes yes I hoped… but so soon, Adam help me.” She flung her arms around his neck and sobbed.

“SShhh my darlin’ …It will all be all right. I think you are just a little overwhelmed. Don’t answer now. Talk to your mother, perhaps she will consent to stay here in Carson City so that she may be near you and you may be near her. She could be mother to both of us and I have a father for us both. He stroked her hair and her tears eased. He kissed the finger tips of her hands and then her wet cheeks. “Take a few days …only please my love; be sure the answer is yes, for I know now I do not want to live, if I must do so without you beside me’.

Part seven

Drawing back from Adam’s comforting embrace Fleur said, “Would it be all right if I gave you my answer on your birthday?”

It was as if 4th of July rockets had gone off in his heart and mind; but Adam gently replied, “Of course.”

This time her lips found his, and after the sweetest kiss and a kiss with promise they returned hand in hand to the celebrations.

* * * * *

Now, as he waited outside the Post Office, Adam smiled to himself as he remembered every detail. Oh Fleur, please be mine, please say yes.

Tomorrow was his birthday. Normally he didn’t celebrate or allow his family to do much in the way of acknowledging the event. It had always been bittersweet for him. However, this year…well maybe he could surprise them, with a special announcement.

He had asked Fleur to tell only her mother, and for the proposal not to be mentioned to the others in his family, or anyone else.

Adam was not therefore surprised when Elizabeth asked him to stroll with her one pleasant spring evening. She had asked him several questions that he had always expected to be answering to a young lady’s father.

None the less he appreciated the care of the mother for her daughter. For as mothers are, daughters will become.

* * * * *

Driving home with all Fleur’s packages, some supplies and the ranch mail he had collected, Adam was very quiet. In one hand he held the reins and in the other Fleur’s soft little hand nestled comfortably. She lent on his arm but didn’t speak.  That was one of the many, many things he loved about her…she did get insecure when he was silent.

Today his thoughts turned, quite naturally to his mother. The pictures and treasures the Stallards had bought from Boston had shed quite some light upon her life. The two Elizabeths had had a great deal of fun at school. They looked quite similar and delighted in wearing similar clothes and being Elizabeth Stoddard and Elizabeth Stallard they had led many a merry dance with attendance rolls and so forth.

“Fleur.” Adam’s voice was serious, “ I never celebrate my birthday, in a big way, well not really in a small way either. No party or anything. Do you understand ?”

“Yes my love I do,”…she squeezed his arm reassuringly. A moment later she reached up and kissed his cheek tenderly.

Adam reined the horse in and turned to her; drawing her close and kissed her ever so gently. With his arms wrapped around her, he thought to himself, I cannot live without you…please please say yes.

Dusk was settling in as he drew their buggy into the front yard of the big house. Adam was alarmed to see his family outside decorating. Hoss was up a ladder hanging bunting and Joe was on the porch roof attaching lanterns. Adam was not amused!

 

** Part Eight **

“What’s all this?” Adam asked as he handed Fleur down from the buggy.

“Hey big brother, it’s for tomorrow,” Joe called.

“Pa! You know I don’t like fuss on my birthday – I don’t want all this.” Adam clenched his jaw and flexed his hands as he spoke to his father.

Ben looked at his first born sternly, “Now son don’t go jumping to conclusions. This is not for a birthday party, I know how you feel. You have made it very clear over the years.”

“Fine, then what’s it for?”

“Hey Adam we just thought we’d celebrate spring,” Hoss climbed down from the ladder and tossed his arm across Adam’s shoulder.

“Spring? That’s a pretty flimsy excuse for a party,” Adam shrugged his brother’s arm away.

Adam was furious with his family; Fleur watched nervously as he unloaded the buggy. Sport had been tied to the hitching post and was nibbling some spring grass. Adam finished taking the parcels and packages into the house…his mood not improving at all; for inside the house was evidence of several hours decorating….

His anger had reached a fever pitch, however he tried to lighten his tone as he said to Fleur, “I am going for a ride, don’t wait supper for me; don’t wait up either.”

“Do you want me to come along?” love and concern filled her voice.

“No, I need to be alone,” he kissed her cheek and swung up into the saddle.

Sport kicked up a lot of dust as they made a hasty departure.

“I told you he wouldn’t like it,” Fleur’s eyes filled with tears.

“Now now, dear,” Ben reassured her. “He may not like it now but when he finds out the reason for the party he will be delighted.”

* * * * *

Although Adam had said not to wait up for him Fleur found it difficult to make the decision to turn in. Yes, he was a full gown man, and she just a very young woman and yes he knew the land both during the day and the night. He had gone off in such a blind rage – no matter what her feelings for him were, she could not help but worry.

He was armed and could protect himself, but she worried more about his distress then his physical safety. She whiled away the evening playing the piano and reading. The others all turned in, however she remained downstairs with just the evening lamp glowing softly. Still, he did not return. At 12:10am she gave up and she climbed the stairs to bed thinking as she went ‘Happy Birthday Adam – ride safe‘.

She awoke to the sound of shouting. It was dawn. Adam and Ben; oh and Hoss and Lil Joe were all yelling. She decided to stay out of it and then jumped with fright as she heard the door next to hers slam. Adam was in his room.

She could hear him talking to himself in anger. Then a mighty crash, silence followed. Just as she decided to get up and go to him the door slammed again and she heard his footsteps pause at her door.

“Oh Fleur,” she heard his tremulous voice. Then he continued down the hall, and a moment later the big front door of the house slammed. Climbing out of bed she rushed to her window, in time to see Adam remount Sport and ride off, again in a cloud of dust.

 

Part nine

It was very late into the afternoon when Adam returned. He was tired, disheveled and irritable. He tended to Sport who also looked somewhat exhausted. As he walked across from the barn to the house he saw tables laid with cheery red and white cloths and several punch bowls. There must be quite a few guests coming to celebrate spring. He dusted off his hat on the side of his leg and swung the front door open.

Everyone was in the big room. There was an abundance of wildflowers around the room; their fragrance was indeed evocative of the spring season; somewhere in his mind he noted they were the particular wildflowers that Fleur loved so much.  His father and brothers were all dressed up in white shirts and fancy waistcoats. With ties and slick hair.

Fleur and her mother were wearing lovely gowns he had not seen before. Adam was still angry, but he knew all about presenting a united family to company.

He had buried his distress and locked up his feelings; yet again.  “I’ll get cleaned up” he said as he strode across to the stairs. He looked grim.

“Adam I…” Fleur reached out to him as he brushed past her.

“Not now. Not here. Meet me in the barn in half an hour.”

He didn’t want to be in the house when she turned him down, which was what he now was expecting. Why would she want him? He was quick to anger, selfish, arrogant and too old for her. What had he been thinking? She’d be better of with Joe; though he wouldn’t be able to stay and watch their life together. He would go to …well he would go somewhere…anywhere. He would leave tomorrow.

 

Part ten

Some thirty minutes later a clean and elegantly attired Adam emerged from his room. There was little evidence of the exhaustion and distress from the night before or the day just ended. No guest would be able to reach any other conclusion that this was the normal reserved Adam Cartwright they were used to.

He had been surprised to find his clothing for the evening all laid out, pressed and neat, ready for him after he had relaxed in a hot bath. He had shaved carefully and dressed with care.

As he came to the top of the stairs, he smiled a smile of welcome, he did not feel. His eyes were dark and sullen. Coming down the stairs, he shook hands with a few men and nodded to woman from town, as he made his way to the front door. He turned and surveyed the room. He could see his father and Mrs. Ballard and his brothers; he could not see Fleur.

Hopefully she was in the barn and they could get this over and done with. He checked his pocket, yes his clean kerchief was there, he expected tears. But it had to be done. Better now then later. Afterwards he would ply himself with punch until he could feel nothing. No doubt by the time he woke from the stupor he planned, the Stallard’s would be gone.

He would bury his pain in work and life would return to normal…and if they had not gone, well, he had thought through his plans to leave The Ponderosa, once and for all.

When Adam entered the barn and Fleur there was sitting on the saddle blanket over the bale of hay just as she had been when he foolishly proposed. His head throbbed. She looked so sweet and innocent. His heart broke. This was going to be tougher than he thought. He felt careless for putting such a young girl through this; what had he been thinking? Maybe he should go back for some punch first.

But she had seen him, “Adam, you look so handsome. I mean you always do, but I have never seen you all dressed up before.”

He shut the barn door but stood close to it. He felt sick inside; for her, yes and for himself. When would he learn, he was not like his father, he was not lucky in love.

“Adam? Adam…what’s the matter? Why are you standing over there? Won’t you come and sit by me?” She patted the saddle blanket next to her.

“No, I really think I would like to stay right here.” He had worked out some theory that she, or he would hurt less if there remained a distance between them. He backed up against the barn door.

Given what she had witnessed in his behaviour over the last twenty-four hours he had not thought she would have the temerity to approach him. Thus he was caught off guard when she stood, and as she came toward him he felt extremely vulnerable. No man would ever catch him backed up to somewhere with no way out.

She came very close but did not touch him. “Well Adam Cartwright,” she said very somberly, “I think it is a good thing I delayed my answer to your proposal as I have seen a different side of you since then. I have learnt much about you.”

Why couldn’t she just get on with it…what was all this dragged-out torture? Maybe her revenge? Well all right let her have it – I surely deserve it, he thought.

“Adam.” She said softly, stepping closer and putting her hand to his chest “Adam, I would be honoured and proud to be your wife.”

Silence rang out. Fleur continued, “I did as you suggested and discussed everything with mama.” Still no response. “She said she had questions for you, I think she talked with you? Adam. Adam!”

He was staring at her blankly. “I said Yes. You told me you wanted me to say yes – have…oh. have you changed your mind?” She began to cry, “I have let you down, over the party – haven’t I?”

Yes yes yes was all he could hear.

Then something about her mother insisting she must discuss it with Ben, after all she and Adam had only known each other a few weeks. Then there was the age difference; mama had said there was ten years between her and Fleur’s Papa and look how happy they had been. Their respective parents had talked but his brothers had ove heard and decided to have a party. She was sorry she hadn’t been more insistent with them; she would be in the future for as his wife she might speak with some authority.

His wife, his wife his wife. Adam was trying to speak but the words weren’t forming. His eyes filled with tears. His heart melted.

“Adam, did you hear me? I am so sorry. Adam, Adam you are angry with me?”

She turned away, as her tears increased. He gently led her back to him…and slipped his arms around her tiny waist.  “Do you really want to be my wife…even after what you saw and heard today?”

“Yes Adam, of course. I know you love me, but today I could see you need me too. I love you Adam, I also need you.”

“Ooo Fleur”. She was too wise for him; he clasped her to his chest and kissed her deeply. The fear drained away from him to be replaced by passion. His feelings of love surged and against it Fleur’s lips parted, Adam deepened the passion of this, their first engaged embrace.

* * * * *

Some little time later, after they had talked and he had kissed her at least six times more, they emerged from the barn. The music of the party could be heard as they approached the house.

“Let’s tell them later,” Adam whispered.

“It might be hard secret to keep,” she replied but she wasn’t sure he heard her.

As they came through the front door Ben caught her eye and she gave the briefest of nods and a smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Ben called as he climbed onto the hearth of the fireplace.  “As you all know today is my first-born son’s birthday and as you also know, he loathes celebrating it. Many years have passed with him resisting all our best intentions. Though this is indeed May 18th we are not, here celebrating his birthday, you have not been invited here for a birthday party.”

Adam was listening carefully, but fortunately for his father he was enveloped in a bubble of joy and had no intention or reacting to the comments being made.

“We are not celebrating spring either,” Hoss quipped. Everyone laughed.

“No,” said Ben. “We are not celebrating Spring – as such, but rather what spring does.”

“What do you mean by that?” Roy and Doc Martin asked almost in unison.

“Well, now as we all know, Spring,” he looked over everyone to Adam, “Spring is when a young man’s fancy turn to love. Isn’t that right son?” Ben smiled.

Adam smiled softly in return “Yes Pa, that’s right.”

“Thus friends I, and Elizabeth here, have the wonderful joy of announcing the betrothal of Fleur and Adam. This is a betrothal party. May 18th will ever be a sweet day for him, for them; for all the years to come.”

Adam smiled in wonder at the cleverness of these his loved one’s in having turned the saddest day of his year into what would always be one of the happiest.

As his father pushed his way through the crowd to embrace him, Adam suddenly realised Fleur must have been in on this too.

Ben said, “Fleur, this is quite a man you have here. And Adam this is quite a woman.”

Adam turned to gaze at his wife to be, and clasped his arm about her shoulders; seeing her in a new light.

“Yes Pa, I am fast leaning that.”

“Happy Betrothal Day my love,” Fleur gazed at him lovingly.

To everyone’s cheers of delight Adam kissed her most passionately. As she drew away somewhat breathless Fleur smiled at Adam. His eyes twinkled and his dimples appeared as he whispered to her, “Thank you for my birthday surprise.”