Summary: A young girl, living with her step-family, catches Hoss’ eye, but it’s another Cartwright that helps the two connect. A Cartwright version of Cinderella.

Rating: G, Word Count: 4517

A Rose for Hoss

Chapter 1

Lydia McDonald cleaned the large house she lived in with her stepmother and stepsisters. She wished for the day she could leave but she feared she’d die here. She kept a secret for over a year that had been burning to get out. Lydia was afraid of what her so-called family would do to her. She sighed as she continued cleaning the floor in the front room.

“Lydia, you missed a spot.” Her stepsister Agnes said pointing behind her where her muddy footprints were.

She looked at Agnes’ muddy boots.

“I just cleaned that floor and you knew that.” Lydia said angrily.

“It doesn’t look like it and no I didn’t know that.” Agnes snapped.

“That’s because you just walked in here. You did it on purpose!” Lydia snapped back.

“You’d better hurry and clean it before the Cartwright’s get here. They should be here within the hour.” Agnes said and flaunted out.

Lydia glared at her stepsister. She wanted to slap her but instead she grabbed her water pail and cloth and cleaned the mud off the floor. Why did my mother have to die in childbirth and why did my father have to marry a horrible woman like Bertha Jenkins? She thought angrily to herself as she scrubbed the floor. Her thoughts turned to her father David McDonald. He was a kind, gentle man. He had blue eyes and dark, curly brown hair and was quick to smile but when angered his blue eyes would flash. He rarely yelled. He had been killed the year before during a logging accident.

Bertha yelled at the Cartwrights, blaming them for her husband’s death. Ben paid her every month to keep her and the three girls living comfortably. Lydia didn’t see any of it. The money was used all on Agnes and Millicent, Bertha’s daughters who were older than Lydia. She never blamed the Cartwrights. It wasn’t their fault her father was killed. It was just an accident. She admired the Cartwrights and had known them since she was little. They were always there for her when she needed them and after her father died, they continued to be there for her.

After cleaning the mud, Lydia took rugs out to clean them. She grabbed the rug beater and went out and started beating the rugs. She enjoyed beating the rugs because she was able to take out her frustrations.

“Hello, Lydia.” A voice said.

Lydia jumped and spun around holding the rug beater ready to swing. Hoss stood in front of her with a scared look on his face and holding his hands up.

“I’m sorry, Hoss, I didn’t hear you come up.” She apologized.

“It’s fine. How are you?” he asked.

“I’m all right. Shouldn’t you be inside with your father and brothers?” Lydia was afraid to be caught talking with Hoss or any Cartwright for that matter. Bertha had threatened to beat her if she was talking to any of the Cartwrights.

“Yeah, I should be but I wanted to see how you are.” Hoss said, fiddling with his hat that were in his hands.

Lydia smiled seeing him being nervous around her. Lydia, of all people that he’d be nervous around. She wasn’t anything important or beautiful like her stepsisters were. Hoss opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a shrill voice. The two looked over and saw it was Agnes.

“Lydia, Mother says you need to come in and make tea for everyone.”

“I’m coming.” Lydia sighed.

Hoss followed her in the house and joined the family in the front room. He wanted to help Lydia get everything together but he wasn’t sure what everyone would say.

Lydia brought in a tray of tea, cups and cookies and set it on the table. She poured the tea for everyone and started to walk out when Bertha called to her.

“Lydia, please join us.”

Lydia looked at her stepmother in surprise. She had never been invited to join the family when company came over. She usually had to stay in her room or in the kitchen. She took a chair but sat by the doorway and quietly listened. She watched Bertha and knew that this was all an act of being sad and lonely without David there. Bertha had hardly mentioned David since he died. Lydia watched Ben give Bertha money and it took everything in her not to yell out for Ben to stop. But she knew she would be in trouble if she had told Ben. She clenched her fists in her lap then got up and walked out. She didn’t realize Adam and Hoss were both watching her. They looked at each other concerned. They went to get up but Ben started to talk and they stayed where they were.

“We’re having a masquerade party next weekend. I’d like you all to attend.”

“Thank you, Ben. We’ll be there.” Bertha said.

“We’ll get going.” Ben said standing.

Adam, Hoss and Joe followed suit and the four men left.

Millicent walked in the kitchen where she found Lydia washing the dishes.

“Mother won’t let you attend the party.” She snidely said.

“Mr. Cartwright invited all of us. I’m going.” Lydia shot back.

Bertha came in and stood next to her daughter. “It looks like we’ll need new dresses and Lydia you’ll be making them. We’ll go into town and get the material and the masks.”

“But if I make your dresses then I won’t be able to make my dress and attend the party.” Lydia pointed out.

“You won’t be attending.” Bertha said and walked out.

Millicent shot Lydia a triumphant look and followed her mother out of the room. Lydia knew going to the dance was too good to be true and she resigned to never go out again.

Chapter 2

Lydia spent the next week making dresses for her stepmother and stepsisters. She almost screamed in frustration when they would complain about how she was ruining the dresses because it was too tight, too long, too short or whatever other reason they gave. Lydia was up nights fixing the dresses. Her eyes hurt from getting little sleep.

When Lydia was left alone so Bertha and her daughters could get what they needed for the party. She enjoyed the alone time. There was a knock at the door and she opened it.

“Adam, what are you doing here?” She asked surprised.

“I wondered if you were going to the dance.” Adam said.

“I’m not. I don’t have a dress. I’ve been working on Bertha and the other girl’s dresses.”

“I was hoping you would. For Hoss not for me.” He said quickly.

“Why doesn’t he ask?” Lydia asked.

“He’s shy but I have an idea.”

“What’s your idea?”

“Well, I’m sure Bertha won’t allow you to come. Am I right?”

Lydia grimaced and nodded.

“I figured as much. What would you say to my getting your attire and you come under a different name? It would get you there to be with Hoss. I know how you feel about him. I’ve seen you light up. Will you tell me about why your stepfamily treats you like they do?” Adam asked.

Lydia looked away debating on if she should tell him about what she heard over a year ago. She took a deep breath.

“I overheard Bertha telling her daughters about my father. It wasn’t an accident. She paid one of the men to kill my father. All of her sadness and being lonely without my father is all an act. She laughed when they came home and she said how much she’d get money out of your family. I think she may be seeing the hired hand in secret. Bertha has kept me at home or near her so I couldn’t say anything.”

Adam stood looking at her in surprise. “I will have to talk to my father about this. All right, onto the dance. I will get your dress and mask and take you to the dance. I know that Hoss will be happy to see you.”

“But what about Bertha and her daughters? They’ll see it’s me and they’ll come after me.” Lydia said worriedly.

Adam placed his hands on her shoulders and kindly smiled at her.

“It’ll be all right. Things will work out.”

“Thank you, Adam.”

“I’d better get going before they come back.” Adam said.

He hugged Lydia then quickly left.

Chapter 3

The day of the dance found Bertha and her daughter scurrying to get ready. Lydia helped tie corsets and dresses.

“I’m sorry you won’t be able to attend but it is better this way. Besides, it’s the girls Hoss wants to see, not you.” Bertha sniffed.

When did the girls start liking Hoss? Why not Adam or Little Joe? Lydia wondered.

“Yeah, we don’t want to be seen with the ugly stepsister.” Millicent said snidely.

Lydia rolled her eyes and walked out of the room.

An hour after Bertha and her daughters left, Lydia cleaned up the mess left by the women. When she finished cleaning there was a knock at the door. Lydia went and opened the door and saw Adam standing there with a smile on his face.

“Adam, what are you doing here?” She asked in surprise, moving out of the way as he walked in.

“I told you that I’d be taking you to the dance.” He said.

“But Adam I really wasn’t planning on going.”

“Tough. You’re going. Hoss wants to see you.”

“How do you know he does?” Lydia asked, folding her arms.

“I see him light up when he sees you. He also told me that he hoped you’d come. You are the only one he wants to dance with. But how can we tell him it’s me without anyone else finding out who I am?”

“I’m not sure but we’ll try to tell him. Now, try these on and tell me if they fit.” Adam said, handing her the wrapped box he had in his hand.

Lydia took it and went to her room.

She opened the box and saw a light purple dress neatly folded with a matching mask laying on top. Lydia moved the mask and pulled out the dress then tried it on. She looked at herself in the full length mirror. The dress fit perfectly and she couldn’t help but grin. Lydia had never looked this beautiful before. The dress was long and full with the help of a hoop and the sleeves were capped and slightly off the shoulders. She put on shoes that were also in the box and grabbed her mask and headed downstairs.

Lydia found Adam in the kitchen getting the stove heated up for the curling iron which was still on the stove from earlier.

“Adam.” She said to get his attention.

He turned around and his eyes widened as he straightened up.

“Do I look that bad?” Lydia joked.

“You look beautiful. I know that Hoss will want to be near you all night.” Adam said.

Lydia felt herself blush. The irons were heated and she quickly curled her hair then pulled part of it up, slipped her mask on while Adam put the fire out in the stove and they left for the Ponderosa.

They arrived at the Ponderosa but Lydia was hesitant and Adam felt it.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“They’ll know it’s me. What will you tell everyone when you introduce me?” Lydia asked worriedly.

Adam sat and pondered her question. He looked at her and smiled.

“How about we call you Rose? You’re as pretty as one.” he suggested.

Lydia sat and thought about it, smiled and nodded. He got out of the buggy and helped Lydia down.

As they walked to the house, Lydia could hear the faint sound of music playing. Butterflies fluttered around her stomach as she became nervous to go into the dance. She grasped Adam’s arm and he looked at her.

“It’ll be fine. I’ll take you to Hoss.” He opened the door and she walked in.

They were greeted by the music and Adam steered Lydia to Hoss.

“Hoss, I’d like you to meet a dear friend of mine. Her name is Rose.” Hoss looked at Lydia and smiled.

“I’ll leave you two to get to know each other.” Adam said smiling.

Lydia looked at Adam and smiled. He winked at her and found himself a girl to dance with

“Would you like to dance?” Hoss asked.

“I’d love to.” Lydia said.

He led her to the dance floor and they began to dance.

Chapter 4

Hoss had danced with other women and Lydia danced with other men, including Adam but she was mostly with Hoss. Hoss hated leaving her side when other women would come and ask him to dance or when a man would ask her to dance. He had fallen in love with Rose. But then guilt struck him. He had feelings for Lydia and now had feelings for another woman. What was he to do? He knew Lydia wasn’t there because Bertha had given Lydia’s regret that she was unable to attend because she did not feel well. Hoss would enjoy Rose’s company and see what would happen afterwards.

Lydia danced with Hoss again and enjoyed the evening. Hoss asked how she knew Adam and she replied through a family friend. Hoss asked if she had feelings for his older brother. She replied she didn’t and he was happy but kept that feeling to himself. Lydia wondered if he had feelings for her. When the music ended, Hoss took her by the hand and led her to a chair.

“I need a drink. May I get you some punch?” Hoss asked as she sat down.

“That would be nice. Thank you.” Lydia said.

He smiled and walked away. She loved his smile. It lit up his face. She smiled and felt happy inside. But then it was squashed just as quickly because she wasn’t sure of his true feelings. He didn’t know who she really was. For all she knew he had feelings for Rose but what would he do when he found out who she was? A few minutes later Adam rushed up to Lydia.

“I’ve got to take you home now.” He said quickly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Your stepmother and stepsisters claim they are going home. I asked a few men to dance with them then I can get you home.”

He took Lydia’s hand and they snuck out through the kitchen and ran to the buggy when they got outside. He helped her in the buggy and climbed in after her.

“Adam, my shoe! I lost my shoe!” Lydia said.

“We have no time right now and I’ll get it when I get home.” Adam got the horses going and sped home.

They arrived at the house and Adam took her to the door.

“I wish I could stay but I’m sure they’ll be coming home. I’ll try and let Hoss know who Rose is. I’m sorry you couldn’t tell him tonight or spend more time with him.” Adam apologized.

“It’s all right. What I had was good. Thank you, Adam. Safe travels.” Lydia said.

Adam smiled and left quickly

Lydia went to her room and changed into her nightgown. She carefully placed her one shoe, dress and mask in the box and hid it in a secret compartment in her dresser. Her father had built the secret compartment so she could hide her special things from her stepmother and stepsisters. She lay in her bed thinking about the dance and how Hoss was to her. She had fallen harder for Hoss. But did he really feel the same way? She wondered.

Voices floated up the stairs twenty minutes later and Lydia heard her family had come home. She went downstairs to greet them.

“How was the dance?” She asked.

“It was fine. Hoss danced with Millicent many times. I think he likes her.” Bertha said.

“Well, he danced with another girl many times.” Millicent said.

“She was a strange girl. She didn’t talk to anyone but those she danced with. She didn’t even come to talk to us.” Bertha sniffed.

“Did you go and talk to her?” Lydia asked.

“Of course not. She should have come and spoke with us.” Agnes said.

“Well you shouldn’t complain if you did not make an effort to meet her. Meeting someone rests on both parties.” Lydia pointed out.

Bertha glared at Lydia and slapped her face.

“You don’t speak to me like that.”

“Bertha, I was just pointing something out to you. I didn’t need to be slapped for it.” Lydia said sternly and went back to her room holding her stinging cheek.

The women climbed the stairs talking about the dance and made it so Lydia could hear them talk about how sweet Hoss was to them and speculated that he was in love with Millicent or Agatha. They wished each other good night as they went into their rooms, changed into their nightgowns and headed to bed.

Chapter 5

Bertha forced Lydia to do more chores as days went on and she hardly ate because she had been so busy. Lydia was working in the kitchen when the door flew open with a loud bang against the wall. She flinched when she heard the door mixed with Agnes’ shrill voice.

“Mother!” she called out.

“What is it?” Bertha asked, walking out of the front room.

“I was in town and heard that a shoe was left at the Cartwright’s and they’re looking for the girl who fits it. If the girl does, Hoss will marry her!” Agnes excitedly explained.

“Then you must look your best! I’m sure the shoe belongs to one of you two girls. Just think of one of you being married to a Cartwright.” Bertha sighed.

“I need to go tell Millicent.” Agnes said and ran off.

Bertha turned and saw Lydia standing in the doorway.

“Do you think you’ll fit that shoe? You are a dreamer, Lydia. That doesn’t get you anywhere. Get back to work.” She ordered and walked back to the front room.

Lydia thought about it more. She realized it was her shoe! They were all thinking it would be one of the girls. What would they do to her when they find out she’s the mysterious girl? What would Hoss think when he finds out she’s Rose? Fear and even doubts flooded her. She feared what the women would do. She doubted Hoss would marry her when he found out who she was. She had to get out before Bertha set her daughters on her. She finished cleaning and packed what she could.

Word spread throughout Virginia City about the missing shoe and the women flocked to the Ponderosa. Hoss was surprised when they came to the house and tried on the shoe. Many went away disappointed when the shoe didn’t fit their foot. Joe was jealous of Hoss getting all the attention from the eligible women of Virginia City. Adam had been in San Francisco and never got a chance to tell his father about Bertha or Hoss about who Rose was.

Lydia finally got away when Bertha and her daughters went to the Ponderosa. She started walking then stopped when she saw two familiar figures riding up to her.

“Where are you going?” Adam asked stopping Sport and getting down.

Lydia saw Sheriff Roy Coffee sitting on his horse. She smiled at him and he touched the brim of his hat at her.

“Running away.” Lydia replied, looking at Adam.

“You’re too old to run away.” He said smiling.

“I’m sick of working for Bertha and being…Never mind. I’m just ready to get out.”

“Where will you go?”

“I don’t know. Maybe San Francisco.”

“And do what there?”

Lydia shrugged and started to walk away but Adam took hold of her arm and she stopped.

“I just got back from San Francisco. It’s not a place for someone who needs to be with my brother.”

“Adam, Hoss doesn’t know Rose is me. What will he think? He may not want me. Bertha will…Well never mind what she’ll do.” Lydia said quickly.

“Lydia, slow down. Everything will be fine. I never got a chance to tell my father about Bertha nor Hoss about you.” He said dropping her arm.

“I figured as much when Agnes came rushing in the house telling Bertha about it.”

“Come with me to the Ponderosa and try on the shoe. I know it’s yours and Hoss needs to know.” Adam said.

“But they’re at the house! Bertha will send the girls to beat me if I tell who Rose is.”

“They’d really beat you?” Adam asked, surprised.

“Yes they would! They’ve hit me before. It’s mostly on my back where it can’t be seen.” Lydia said and bowed her head.

“They need to be stopped. Let’s go.” He took her arm again and dragged her to Sport.

He helped her up, handed her the bag and got on behind her.

Chapter 6

At the Ponderosa, Ben heard a horse and looked out the window.

“It’s Adam and it looks like he has Lydia and Roy with him.”

A smile broke out on Hoss’ face when he heard Lydia’s name. Joe looked at his brother and playfully jabbed him in the ribs. Hoss shot Joe a dirty look and held his ribs.

“What is she doing here? I told her to stay home.” Bertha whispered angrily to the girls.

They both shrugged their shoulders. They had tried on the shoe a few minutes before but it didn’t fit either of them. Adam walked in holding Lydia’s hand and Roy was behind them. Hoss became angry seeing his brother hold Lydia’s hand. He went to hit him but Adam put a hand up to stop his brother.

“Hoss, before you hit me, hear me out. I want you to stand in front of Lydia. Don’t ask, just do as I say.” Adam said.

Hoss’ face turned from anger to confusion but he did as his brother said.

“I have a couple of things to say. First of all, Pa, you need to stop paying Bertha and her daughters. She was the one who killed David. Lydia told me everything.” Adam explained what Lydia had told him.

She had peaked around Hoss and was holding onto his sleeve. Hoss felt his shirt vibrate and looked down at Lydia. He saw her shaking in fear.

“Lydia is a liar! I’d never kill David. I loved him.” Bertha said angrily.

“Lydia doesn’t lie.” Hoss said, looking at Bertha.

“She wants the money for herself.” Bertha said.

“Why would she want our money? Her father did well for himself. David saved up since his wife died. You spent it all on frivolous things and with the money we gave you, Lydia never saw a penny of it. She overheard you telling the girls about paying one of the men to kill David.” Adam shot back.

Bertha drew herself and started to open her mouth but Adam cut her off.

“I have another announcement. I know who Rose is.”

“Who is it?” Ben asked.

“Lydia.”

Everyone was silent at the announcement. Hoss turned to Lydia who had released his sleeve and moved back slightly with her head bowed and her fingers interlaced.

“She can’t be Rose. She was home when we got home from the dance.” Millicent said.

“She is Rose. I picked her up and also took her home before you all left here. Lydia told me you wouldn’t allow her to attend. I bought her dress, mask and shoes. She wanted to be with Hoss. Joe, if you’ll kindly get the shoe from Agnes we’ll have Lydia try it on.” Adam said.

Agnes was not about to let it go and struggled with Joe over the shoe. In the end he won the tug-of-war and handed the shoe to Hoss. He took it and turned to Lydia. Adam grabbed a chair and Lydia sat down. Hoss knelt down, took her boot off and slipped on the shoe. He smiled wide when it fit perfectly.

“You are Rose!” He picked her up and spun her around then set her back on her feet.

“No!” Agnes yelled.

She went after Lydia but Joe grabbed her around her middle and Hoss gently pushed Lydia behind him.

“You will never harm Lydia again and you will never get money from us.” Hoss said.

Bertha seethed with hatred. “All right, I did kill David. He had it coming to him. He threatened to divorce me. I wasn’t going to allow it. I spoke with one of the loggers and he said he’d kill David to make it look like an accident. I knew that Lydia overheard me telling the girls about it. I made her stay home and work so she wouldn’t run out and tell the sheriff!”

“I’m placing you under arrest for the murder of David McDonald.” Roy said.

He took Bertha and left. The girls followed.

After they left, Hoss turned to Lydia. Ben, Adam and Joe quietly slipped out of the house to leave the couple alone.

“I’m so glad you’re Rose. I have loved you for a long time. I wanted to tell you but I was afraid because I didn’t know what you would have thought.” Hoss said.

“I didn’t know if you loved me. I know I’ve loved you for a long time. I also know my step sisters liked you too. They told me many times you didn’t like me and they’d get you before I could have you.” Lydia explained.

“They never have me or my brothers. You sure acted differently at the dance.” He said.

“I had to so nobody would suspect who I was. I wanted to tell you who I was but I couldn’t because I was afraid of someone overhearing us. I’m grateful to Adam for helping me.”

“I’m grateful to him too.” Hoss ran his fingers through her hair then leaned down and kissed her.

Excitement rushed through her as she kissed him. He pulled away and looked at her smiling. She smiled back.

“Will you marry me?” Hoss whispered.

“I will.” She whispered back.

He picked her up and spun her around again, sending up a happy cheer. His father and brothers came in when they heard the yell.

“We’re getting married!” Hoss announced. Handshakes and hugs went around.

After much discussion, Hoss and Lydia decided to get married at the Ponderosa a week later. It was just the Cartwright’s and Roy was Justice of the Peace. They wanted it to be just the family. Lydia wished her father had been there but she felt him there as the breeze picked up and played through her hair. She could have sworn she heard

“I’m proud of you” whispered in the wind. She smiled to herself as she looked at Hoss when Roy pronounced them man and wife. He looked at her lovingly and kissed her.

 

From the Brandsters.  The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site.  Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.