Summary: The Cartwright brothers notice something is different about their Pa, but can’t put a finger on it. 

Rating: G, Word Count: 4713

The Beauty of the Heart*

 

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller

~o~

Late one evening in his room, Adam Cartwright paused in his musings and laid his pen down. He took a moment to peruse what he had written:

There’s always a few times in every man’s life when he pauses and takes stock of where he’s been and where he’s going. Pa taught me this long ago when he’d tell me stories of the sea, saying that when you’re in open waters you have to keep track of where you’ve been and where you’re going if you want to reach your destination.

I’ve seen Pa do this many times, and my brothers and I have also followed this advice. However, this most recent time with Pa caught all of us off guard. I’m really surprised none of us saw the subtle changes he was making until they had already happened. Our pa is a man of routine, predictable, and to have missed the details leading up to these events has me and my brothers questioning just how well we know our Pa, or how crafty he can be.

Near as we can tell it started when Pa was asked to help raise money for the local orphanage. It wasn’t until the day of the fundraiser and picnic, just a few days ago, that we found out what Pa had really been up to…

Chapter 1

The Ponderosa

With one more busy work day to go, everyone was trying to have a quiet evening. Well, everyone except Ben Cartwright. With a rather loud sigh, Adam placed his book in his lap again as he watched his father pace back and forth around the room. Little Joe and Hoss as usual were engrossed in a game of checkers and were oblivious to what was going on. Adam attempted to relax back into his blue chair and covertly observe his father.

It was just a few days ago, after church in fact, that Ben had been approached to head a committee to raise money for the local orphanage which was in grave need of repairs. The family quickly agreed that it was an excellent idea but Ben was hesitant to go due to having to deal with the more outspoken committee members. After an initial meeting that afternoon, he had returned home with all the information for the repairs and announced that at the end of the week there would be a big fundraiser festival with a picnic. Listening to the announcement, Adam’s brow furrowed as he noted that his father was different somehow from when they’d left him in town. He couldn’t put his finger on it so he started observing him during the week. While watching his father it seemed Ben had more of spring to his step, and also began to pay a bit more attention to his appearance. Now everyone knew Ben Cartwright could turn heads when he dressed up, but it seemed to Adam that he had taken to improving his everyday appearance as well. Of course all this coincided with his frequent trips to Virginia City for the committee meetings.

By Thursday, Adam noticed his Pa had changed once again. He seemed to be grousing about the mail system being too slow and wondering if a package would ever arrive. The brothers silently agreed to eat breakfast quickly and get to their jobs, leaving their father to his mutterings.

Ben had remained behind to write his speech for the fundraiser, but being unable to focus on it, he began pacing the living room. That is how the boys found him as they returned for lunch. As Hop Sing entered with a tray laden with sandwiches, Adam grimaced as Ben narrowly missed colliding with the little man. Ben at least had the decency to apologize when Hop Sing let out a loud tirade of Chinese words. Even Joe and Hoss cowed at the words and they hadn’t done anything wrong. With Ben finally seated and sipping his coffee, Adam released a deep breath and filled his plate.

It was no better that evening. When the brothers returned their father was no calmer and still paced the floor. Hop Sing announced dinner and they quickly washed up. The four men had just sat down at the table when the sound of a horse galloping into the yard caught everyone’s attention. Ben jumped up, nearly sending his dishes crashing to the floor, and quickly went outside. A few minutes later he returned with a small box wrapped in brown paper and sailed upstairs straight to his room, forgetting to finish his dinner. Hoss and Little Joe were quite confused as they shared looks before glancing over at Adam, expecting elder brother to enlighten them. Not wanting to venture a guess, Adam merely shrugged and went back to eating.

Over the next hour they sat in the great room enjoying coffee and pie. Despite Adam trying to read and his brothers attempting to finish their game of checkers, each of them took turns glancing at the stairs wondering what their Pa was doing up in his room. They could hear his heavy footsteps moving back and forth, for he was not a light stepper. Then there was the mumbling, which he only did when he was agitated, that floated down the hall. Eventually, he emerged, carrying a valise and his saddle bags, and moving quickly across the room, refusing to acknowledge the stunned and questioning expressions of his sons

The boys left their cozy spots by the fire and encircled their father at the credenza. Each one eyeing his head and trying to figure out what to say.

With his back to his sons Ben spoke rapidly. “I know you three have a few questions but there’s no time.”

“Well, actually Pa, we have lots of questions.”

Ben spun around and held up his hand to forestall any interruptions. “They’ll just have to wait. Now listen carefully. I’ve got to be in town until the picnic on Saturday so you three will have to finish the herd count and pre-round up work.” He pulled some papers from his vest. “Here are the new work orders. See that everything’s done before Saturday.”

Ben slipped into his jacket as his sons exchanged glances, looked over the papers, and exchanged glances again, this time all eyes settling on Adam. He rolled his eyes and dropped the papers on the credenza.

“Look Pa, we’ll get this done, but what we really want to know is…”

Ben carefully slid his hat on and turned to his boys once more. “I’m glad you three are in agreement. I’m sorry to leave you like this but I know you’re fully capable of getting everything done in my absence. I’ll see you all on Saturday.”

With mouths hanging open and their questions dying on the air, Adam, Joe and Hoss watched their father sail out the door and into the coming darkness.

Hoss stared out the open door. “What just happened?”

Joe crossed his arms and leaned against the wall with a smug expression. “Oh, I can tell you. Pa, just did an ‘Adam’.”

“A what?”

Joe grinned at his brothers’ unified response. “Pa just did what older brother here does all the time. A quick speech, miscues, redirection and ‘poof’ he’s gone before anyone knows what hit him.”

Adam picked up the papers and whacked Joe on the head.

Hoss slammed his hands into his front pockets. “I was hopin’ we be finished with the herd counts early so we could go to town to find out what Pa is really up to.”

Joe commiserated. “Yeah, and now it looks like we won’t get there till Saturday.”

Hoss nodded forlornly and slouched down on the edge of the credenza.

“Yeah.”

Joe slumped down beside his brother. “Yeah.”

Adam studied his sullen brothers then returned his gaze toward the open door. “Was Pa wearing cologne?”

The brothers stared at one another. Joe scrunched up his face and spoke his thoughts, “Actually I was trying to figure out what was different about Pa’s hair. Didn’t anybody else notice?”

Adam watched Hoss gulp and nod in agreement, then roll his eyes toward him. Adam deflected the question back to them. “That depends on what you mean.”

Joe sneered at Adam for not answering the question. “Did he seem to have, well, more hair?”

Hoss swallowed again. “Actually I thought it looked, um, darker somehow. Adam, what did you see?”

Adam pursed his lips and glanced at each brother. This was definitely one of those many times that he hated being the oldest. Slamming the front door closed, he headed back into the room. “I think we better clean up and get to bed. We’re going to have a lot more work to do tomorrow without Pa helping us.” Adam began to stack the dishes on the tray. In spite of his younger brothers’ push for his thoughts, he was not about to offer his opinion of what he had or had not observed about their father. At least not until he had further proof of what he had seen.

 

Chapter 2

Virginia City

Ben arrived in Virginia City in record time, just as the sun was setting in the distance, changing its orange-red hues to indigo in black. He boarded Buck at the livery, then quickly went to the International Hotel and checked in. Once in his room, he breathed a sigh of relief and went about unpacking his belongings as he reflected back on the last few days.

Had it truly been only a few days earlier while in church that Ben had seen her for the first time? He could hardly focus on the sermon because all he could think about was the beautiful woman with the heavenly blue eyes and vibrant red hair who sat a few pews ahead of him, her enticing perfume wafting back toward him on the gentle breeze from the side door. She appeared to be in her late thirties or early forties and was quite friendly when he spoke to her after the service. It was at the fundraiser committee meeting that afternoon that he learned she was the new head mistress of the orphanage and would be attending all the meetings. He saw that as a fortuitous opportunity to get to know Miss Rachel Campbell much better.

That Sunday night, as he stood in front of his mirror, Ben took stock of himself.

“Cartwright, you’re looking pretty spry for your age. Still able to keep up with your sons, that’s for sure.”

He studied his physique, pleased with how he looked but decided he would always wear fresh clothes to town. Running his hands over the top of his head, he noticed that his hair was getting sparse up there.

“It’s the thinning hair that makes me look a lot older. Well, I’ll just have to do something about that.”

The next morning while in Virginia City he went to the mercantile and placed his order, hoping that the package would arrive soon. When it finally arrived Ben headed straight to his room, ignoring his sons’ questioning looks. He quickly opened the box and gently lifted the hairpiece up looking it over. He walked over to the mirror and placed it on his head as the instructions said to do. He smiled as he stood back to study his new appearance. Quite pleased with the results, he packed enough items for a couple of nights, and out the door he went.

Recalling his hasty exit from the house, he had to smile. Getting past his sons was no small feat and he was surprised at how smoothly it had gone. He was definitely picking up a few useful tricks from his eldest son. Now he stood in front of the mirror in his hotel room making the last loop of his tie. He turned his head side to side and gently touched the new hair piece. He rather liked the thicker hair and the slightly darker gray color, thinking it made him look younger. He smiled, added a bit of cologne, and went downstairs.

Walking outside and taking a deep breath of the cool, Spring air, Ben headed to the cottage beside the orphanage hoping to see the beautiful lady that had filled his thoughts in recent days. Nervousness ran through him as he stood outside, wondering if he should even knock and invite her out for an evening meal.

A gentle breeze spurred him on; it was a lovely evening after all. Finally, Ben squared his shoulders, and went up and knocked on the door.

 

Chapter 3

The First Date

When the door swung open, Ben carefully removed his hat and smiled. There were those bright blue eyes staring at him inquisitively through the shadows on the porch.

“Yes, may I help you?”

“Miss Campbell, it’s Ben Cartwright.”

“Oh yes, Mister Cartwright. I should have recognized you but as you can see the porch light is broken. Please, won’t you come in?”

“Thank you.” Ben stepped inside and waited until she closed and locked the door.

In the light of the wall sconce she noticed his hair seemed darker than she recalled from their previous meetings. Drawing her eyes back to his handsome face she remembered her manners. “Would you care to join me in the kitchen? I’m afraid you caught me just now sitting down to dinner. It turned out to be a rather busy day at the orphanage.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

She led the way and promptly offered him a plate filled with chicken stew, greens, and potatoes, which he gracefully accepted, explaining that he too had missed dinner, well most of it.

Once dinner was complete, they moved to the parlor to enjoy fruit cookies and coffee. After more than an hour of chatting about the fundraiser, general activities around Virginia City, and the Ponderosa, the pair were on a first name basis.

Ben sipped his coffee and lifted his eyes toward hers. “So do you think you’ll be staying in Virginia City, Rachel?”

“Oh my yes. I’m tired of big cities and the people are quite friendly here. The children at the orphanage have also captured my heart.” She leaned over to offer Ben another cookie, which he eagerly accepted. “I’d like to thank you for all you’ve done for the orphanage, Ben.”

“It’s not just me but many people. But I’m glad to be a part of it, and I’d say the orphanage is blessed to have you as their new leader.”

Receiving one of her shy smiles, Ben pressed on. “It has certainly been a busy week for both of us, due to our own work and the committee meetings. However, I was wondering if you might be available tomorrow for me to show you around the area, and perhaps even a bit of the Ponderosa.”

“That would be wonderful Ben, but don’t we have the final committee meeting?

“Yes, you are quite right, but I believe it’s in the afternoon.”

“Oh that’s right. Well then, I guess I’m available tomorrow. My assistant can handle the children just fine in my absence. It will be nice to have a break after the day I had today.”

Ben smiled and leaned back into his chair. “What made it such a busy day for you?”

“Well, each Wednesday I usually teach the children about cooking, but had to change it to today due to the committee meeting. Anyway, we had a lovely time until one of the boys snuck a frog into the kitchen and dumped it into the stew we were making. Needless to say we had a mess to clean up, and I sent my assistant out to the hotel restaurant to request some stew for the children to eat.”

Finishing the cookie Ben chuckled. “Well, that was quite a day. However, from what I’ve tasted tonight, I’d say they have a very good teacher, sans any frogs.”

Rachel shared a good laugh with Ben over that, then rose to take the dishes back to the kitchen. Ben retrieved his hat and met her in the hall.

“Thank you for a wonderful meal, Rachel.”

“Your company made it that much more special, Ben.”

“Shall I pick you up around nine o’clock tomorrow?”

“I shall look forward to it. And I’ll bring a picnic basket.”

Rachel opened the door and after Ben stepped through he turned and took her hand in his. “Until tomorrow.” With a kiss to the back of her hand he was gone, lost in the shadows of the night. Rachel leaned against the porch post for a second or two longer, then returned to her home. The smile gracing her ivory complexion would still be there the next morning, just as Ben’s would be.

Friday with Rachel was more special than Ben could have dreamed of. As they toured the countryside and parts of the Ponderosa, they found they had more things in common and enjoyed each other’s company immensely. For Ben, time with Rachel made him feel years younger. In fact, when he returned to the hotel that evening, he was whistling to beat the band.

That night as Ben settled into bed he found sleep elusive. All night he just tossed and turned, never able to get comfortable. Ever since he’d seen Rachel at church just a few days ago, she had been on his mind constantly. Everything about her just amazed him. Her beautiful blue eyes drew him in and just thinking about running his fingers through her vibrant red hair made him smile. Not to mention he so badly wanted to kiss those lustrous lips. Finally in the wee hours Ben drifted off to sleep.

 

Chapter 4

The Picnic

Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. As the town awoke, and folks were bustling about with breakfast, chores, and store openings, last minute items were being set up at the lake outside of town. In less than an hour, most of Virginia City’s citizens would be reveling in the fundraising activities and games, with a celebratory picnic to follow at noon.

Ben’s sons were up well before the sun and were heading to town as the sun rose in the sky.

Ben was rather groggy after his short night’s sleep. However, bustling around his room getting ready and the thought of meeting Rachel for breakfast renewed his energy. He slipped his blue suit jacket on, adjusted his tie and brushed his hair. With a curt nod, he grabbed his hat and headed down to the restaurant.

Rachel finished dressing in her new blue silk dress, and tucked away a few stray curls under her hat. With a twinkle in her blue eyes, she put on her cape and headed over to the hotel to meet Ben for breakfast. It was going to be an exciting day, and she hoped on more than one account.

She and Ben had a relaxing breakfast alone before being joined by a couple of other committee members. Together the foursome headed to the lake. Ben wanted time to rehearse his speech before the townsfolk began to arrive.

He dropped Rachel off near the podium and went to park the buggy. Walking back he saw three familiar horses. He paused and scanned the area finding his three sons chatting with a few of the committee members. He detoured through a few trees and ended up at the back of the stage. There he took a few minutes to review his speech.

“Well, here you are. Your sons are looking for you.”

Ben jumped but released a smile when Rachel stepped beside him. “I know. I needed a few minutes to read through my speech.”

“You shouldn’t worry. You’ll do fine. It’s a wonderful speech.” She slipped her arm around his and guided him to the front of the stage. Ben saw his sons turn their way and quickly stepped away from Rachel.

“Ben?”

“I’m sorry, I see someone I need to speak with. Please excuse me.”

Rachel watched as Ben scooted away then turned to greet his sons. “Good morning, gentlemen. I’m afraid your father has slipped away again. He’s over there, somewhere.” She pointed in a vague direction then turned her smiling eyes back to the brothers.

Adam saw his brothers’ reactions earlier when they spied their Pa with Miss Campbell, so he quickly responded to Rachel. “It’s not a problem. We’ll catch up to him after the festivities begin. Pa’s an excellent speaker but he’s always a bit jittery before he gets started.” He gave her his most charming smile and tipped his hat. “Miss Campbell, I look forward to seeing you again.”

With that he led his brothers away, leaving Rachel to wonder if his words had some sort of double meeting.

A short while later she found that Adam had been correct. Ben was an excellent speaker. He had a magnetism that drew everyone to him. It was this charm that encouraged many large donations for the orphanage. Smaller amounts would come when the games began, as it would cost two bits to participate. Once the activities were opened Ben located Rachel and the two of them meandered around the site watching the various competitions. His sons found a few of their favorites so the couple took time to watch them compete.

“I’m impressed with the skills your sons have, especially in the more strenuous games. I must assume it’s because of all the work they do on the ranch.”

“Yes, of course. A couple of times a year our ranch hands hold competitions to show off their skills and my sons will be right in the thick of them.”

As they strolled on, Rachel moved a bit closer to Ben. “All three of your sons are quite charming, Ben, much like you. But I rather think Adam might be the most like you. Wise, intelligent, and he does have your good looks.” She rolled her shining eyes upward to meet his.

“Thank you for your kind words. They are my pride and joy. Did you have much time to chat with them this morning?” Ben was worried one of his sons might have said something out of context.

“Oh, only a few minutes when they were looking for you. Adam mentioned looking forward to seeing me again. They will be joining us for the picnic, won’t they?”

Ben quickly covered his frown with a smile, it seemed his sons were on the hunt for information. “Oh, I’m quite sure they will. Speaking of the picnic, perhaps we should see if they are ready to get that started. I don’t know about you but I’m quite famished.”

Ben placed his hand in the small of her back and guided her over to the long tables of food.

During the meal, Ben couldn’t have been more impressed with his sons. They were perfect gentlemen around Rachel but with every subtle question, he knew they were slinking closer to getting the answers they wanted. All three kept eyeing his hair once he removed his hat but after one black-eyed glare, they moved on to working their charm on Rachel. However, she held her own quite well with them. Ben was amazed how quickly she figured out what they wanted to know, and when Ben finally escorted her away, he glanced back with a smug smile of his own. The frustrated looks on his sons’ faces were priceless.

Ben knew of a private area in some trees overlooking the lake. He led Rachel there and the two settled in the shade to watch some ducks swimming and fishing in the waters. This was the moment both had been waiting for, some time alone and perhaps to steal a kiss. Ben leaned against the tree and brought Rachel closer to him. Wrapped in his arms she looked up into his warm brown eyes. As Ben tipped his head their lips touched ever so lightly and a whisper of excitement moved through both of them. Ben tightened his embrace around her and deepened the kiss. Rachel responded immediately. After a long passionate moment they drew apart to breathe once more. Rachel leaned against Ben, content in his arms.

“Oh Ben, that was….”

“Wonderful.”

She looked up at him. “Yes. It…oh my goodness. Ben, your, um, your…”

With the moment gone, Ben was on sudden alert. Seeing the look of shock on Rachel’s face worried him. “Rachel, what’s wrong? He shifted away from the tree and that’s when he felt it. Releasing Rachel his hands flew to the top of his head. He spun around and glanced upward. His hairpiece was caught on a stubby branch and just hanging there like the lost tail of a squirrel. Quite flustered, not to mention completely red-faced from embarrassment, he reached up and snatched it down. Turning back around, he was surprised even more by Rachel’s reaction. Her face held a mix of shock and mirth, but her eyes held something else. For a moment, Ben thought it might be compassion.

“Rachel, I’m so sorry. I think I best go. I’ll walk you to the edge of the field then I must…”

Rachel, just getting over her shock, realized something quite new about this man. He was so endearing when he became flustered. She reached for his arm to turn him back to her.

“Ben, wait, please. This,” she motioned to the hair in his hand, and attempted to squelch any giggles, “does not bother me. What would bother me is if you thought it did.” She searched his eyes for the truth.

Once more stunned but for a new reason, Ben let Rachel’s words sink in. “You’re not…this doesn’t….? I’m not sure what I’m trying to say.”

She took his free hand in hers and stepped closer. “No, it doesn’t bother me, because I’ve already seen the real Ben Cartwright. I know what you are really like, and well, if you wish to wear this, that’s fine with me. It won’t cover up what’s in your heart, and that’s the Ben I’ve fallen in love with.” She placed her hand on his chest.

“I–” He took her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Pulling back he was once again lost in her sparkling eyes. “I love you, Rachel Campbell.”

After one more kiss and some heady laughter, Ben promised to bury the hairpiece and just be himself. Before she would let him leave she had one more surprise for him.

“Before we return to the madding crowd, and your sons’ inquisition, I have one thing I must share with you.”

Puzzled, Ben watched as Rachel took a step back and carefully raised a portion of her beautiful red hair. Realizing her hair and hat were moving his eyes widened, especially when he realized the hair closer to her neck was gray. Rachel carefully put everything back in place, and then bit her lip as she looked up to see Ben’s reaction. The warmth in those chocolate eyes was all she needed to see. As he smiled and she teared up, they fell together in a loving embrace. After a few moments to collect themselves they made the climb away from the lake.

Ben wanted to ask but couldn’t find the words. Rachel answered his unspoken question. “I started turning gray in my early thirties. My hair was this color so I had several wigs made to cover up the change.”

Ben’s eyes darted around the area then he leaned in and whispered into her ear. “I love you just the way you are. It’s up to you how you wish too look to others.” In confirmation, he gave her a soft kiss and wrapped his arm tightly around her as they made their way back to the festivities. No two souls could have been happier on that lovely Spring day, as they located Ben’s sons and shared merry conversation for the rest of the afternoon.

—————–

*Title inspiration suggested by Mo1427.

Story inspiration: Knowing Lorne wore toupees, Mo and AC began noticing how much Ben’s hair style, namely the top, changed throughout the seasons. Thus, this fun little “what if” story. 

 

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.