The evening was noticeably quieter. Dr Simms, Hop Sing and Roy Coffee had left before supper. It was shortly after the meal that Joe felt the rigours of his first full day out of his sick bed. As much as he didn’t want to give in, his body from head to toe, was one big ache. He needed to stretch out and feel the soft, comfort of his bed. When Hoss suggested a game of checkers, he readily agreed. Especially when big brother suggested that they take the board into the bedroom and Joe could rest up while playing. To Hoss’s eyes his young brother looked more than tired, but he knew Joe wouldn’t give in. Hoss was also of the mind that Adam and Etta needed to talk some. He still felt a little embarrassed about walking in on them in the pantry. He felt that whatever they were discussing hadn’t been settled.

Adam sat reading by the fire. Raising his eyes from the page. Of which he had not read one single word, he agreed with Hoss. Telling Joe that the last thing he wanted was to overtire himself. There was only one more day before the long journey home. Adam could also see the strains of the day telling on his young brother’s grey face and gaunt expression.

Earlier Joe had been disappointed and a little annoyed. He had hoped that the doctor would remove the cast. Thomas Simms though denied his appeal. To make amends, the doctor did agree to no more than an hour a day in the saddle. He added that he would give these instructions to Adam. The doctor wisely thinking that his patient would not strictly adhere to his rules. To further sugar the medicine, Dr Simms advised that if there were no problems during the journey and Joe didn’t overdo it. He could see no reason why the cast couldn’t be removed as soon as Joe was home. Although Dr Paul Martin would have the final say so. He would give Roy Coffee a written history of Joe’s injuries and treatment. The sheriff would be charged with handing over the document to Adam or Dr Martin. He added that no one was to be surprised if he turned up on Friday morning to wish them bon voyage.

Thomas Simms also made Adam privy to his future intentions. He had first asked what Adam’s intentions were regarding Etta. When Adam replied that he wanted to take Etta back to the Ponderosa with him and hoped to make her his wife. The small doctors delight was unconcealed. He took Adam’s hand in his and shook it vigorously, finally slapping him on the shoulder. If Etta were his own flesh and blood, he told Adam, he would be no more pleased. It was then he divulged that he had accepted a Professorship offered to him by The Boston School of Medicine. That he and Harriet would be moving within three months, so that he could take up the position. He was not of the mind to leave Etta on her own. Knowing that Etta would be in the safe keeping of Adam was a weight off of his mind. It was then Adam’s turn to congratulate the doctor. He confided that he was a little concerned as Etta had not given him any answer. He was heartened when Dr Simms advised him not to lose hope. That in his own heart the doctor knew that Etta would be his.

These were the thoughts that were occupying Adam’s mind as he blindly passed his eyes over the page of the book. A book, that, if you were to ask what the man was reading, he would have to look at the fly leaf before answering. Adam had not even noticed that Etta was sitting, quiet as a mouse on the sofa. It was only when the woman asked if he would like something to drink, a glass of wine or brandy. That he was jerked out of his reverie and became aware that she was in the room. They sat in silence. Sipping the golden alcohol. Giving each other the odd glance.

Earlier Adam had told Etta about his conversation with Roy Coffee. She never made any word of reply. He could immediately see the annoyance and anger reflected in her eyes and her mannerisms. He wondered if he had inadvertently made everything worse for her. He was more than surprised, when she looked up from her glass and told him that she would like to speak with the sheriff. Not that she felt any remorse or regret for what she had done. She would be advised by the sheriff and do whatever he suggested was for the best. Her only regret was that she had burdened Adam with her troubles and that they would have to part. For she had no wish to bring her shame upon Adam and his family.

At her words, Adam placed his glass on the table and shot over to her side. He took the glass from her hand. That too he placed on the table. Cupping her face in his palms he looked deep into her eyes. Those two green pools, that, if he could no more see would torment him for eternity.

“This burden that lays heavy on you will be lightened. My back is broad and my shoulders strong. My heart and soul are yours. Etta if you are not with me l shall wither and die. l shall be lost. My life will be nothing.” the pools deepened and shone. One by one tear drops, sparkling from the glow of the fire, trickled silently down her cheeks. “tell me now Etta that you have no love for me in your heart. I shall go from you. Only to endure my life in the remembered moments we have shared . Tell me, tell me you have not one single part of you that cannot have any love for me. Not even the smallest finger tip of feeling to give to me in return. Tell me that Etta…tell me my love means nothing to you?”

The silence was as deep and overwhelming as the shared look of the lovers. The booming tick of the clock combined with the soft murmur of the voices from the bedroom were both trapped in the moment.

“I cannot.” Etta’s whispered sob was almost inaudible. “I cannot say that…l cannot say those words.” Trembling, her eyelids fluttered to a close. The tears rained down her face. Adam brushed his thumbs and fingers from her wet lashes down her cheeks to her chin. Kissed her softly on her forehead. Butterfly kissed each closed eyelid and finally placed his mouth on hers. His kiss was without passion, desire or lust. Filled only with the tenderness of an all encompassing and powerful love. He drew her into his embrace.

“My darling, dearest Etta we shall be together. We shall endure whatever the consequences. No matter what life has in store. As long as we are one. There will be nothing that will come between us. Nor anyone who will part us. Etta Tone will you marry me…make me the happiest man on this earth…be my wife?”

Etta’s face smothered as it was into Adam’s tear sodden shirt. Her words were clear and beautiful music to the man’s ears.

“Yes…Oh yes…yes Adam Cartwright…yes l will.”