Summary:  Ben is faced with a difficult decision that could cost him the life of one of his sons.
Rating:  Teens  13,630 words

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Clash of Wills

 

Ben Cartwright pulled the buckboard to a halt and pointed to a spot about a mile away. “There,” he said excitedly. “There it is … what do you think?”  He turned to face his new wife anxiously, searching her face for a sign of what her inner thoughts might be regarding her first look at her new home. 

 

Marie had steeled herself for the worst, for one thing the past few weeks had taught her was that people out here certainly had it tough. She hadn’t exactly been considered well off in her native city of New Orleans and had experienced her fair share of ups and downs in her time, but nothing had quite prepared for the poverty she had witnessed on her way out west with Ben. The number of his friends who had welcomed them along the way was amazing … more so for the fact that none of them could obviously afford to be hospitable … and the fact that they had shared all they had, had made her feel extremely humble. Even more to the point, she was not used to such treatment, having led the life she had and considering her cultural heritage. There were many people who found the ways of her people different and therefore threatening and she had fully expected that she was to expect the same treatment out here.  

 

Even the Hendersons, whom they had spent last night with and whom Ben had entrusted his two precious sons to during the past few months while he’d been down south, had not shown evidence of having much in the way of material possessions. Yet their greeting had been as warm as could be and they couldn’t have been more welcoming. 

 

Marie knew that her arrival with Ben had come as quite a shock to all those friends they’d seen along the way and she could only marvel at the way they’d taken it in their stride. She had not been used to such treatment in the past and had been quite taken aback by it. Maybe she’d finally found the right place to live? She gave Ben a dazzling smile as she considered that she’d definitely found the right man. 

 

As she turned to look upon the house that she would now call home, she was determined not to give the man beside her any indication that she might be disappointed, but to her delight she had no need to hide her true feelings. Her smile broadened and she clasped her hands together in delight. Instead of the tiny sod cabin she’d been expecting during the past few days, she saw instead a wooden structure that looked large enough for about four rooms. To one side of it was a large chimney sitting in the open air and around that was several beams standing straight up almost as if they were still living and breathing pines simply stripped of their branches.

 

“Ben, it’s lovely!”  she said, her eyes shining. “So much bigger than I’d imagined.”  

 

Ben nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. He had such love in his heart for his beautiful new bride that he didn’t think he could have bared to see a look of disappointment in her lovely green eyes and the thought that he had dragged her away from her life in New Orleans and everything that was familiar to her to bring her out here to this wilderness played heavily on his mind. He would do anything to make her as happy as she’d made him during these past weeks and if she’d asked for a mansion he would have set to work as soon as he could to provide her with one. But how much easier it was going to be if she were content as he was to dream one step at a time?

 

“It’s not finished of course,” he said, as he hitched up the reins again. “I started with just one room for the boys and myself and then added a kitchen by the second winter we were here. By the time Hop Sing joined us I had managed to add two more rooms and now … as you can see …” he gestured with one hand … “I was in the process of adding a larger living area before I left. I would have finished it by now if …” His voice trailed away, suddenly reluctant to voice the one thing that between them … the one thing that made both of them feel uncomfortable.

 

“If Jean hadn’t died and you had to come to New Orleans,” his wife finished for him. 

 

Ben shrugged. “Yes,” he acknowledged. “But I’ll get straight to it as soon as we’re settled. You’ll see, my love, it will be wonderful once it’s done.”  He glanced over his shoulder at the two boys sitting on top of the luggage in the back of the buckboard. “Adam has been helping me to design it,” he said. “He’s quite the young architect already and insisted that we have a grand plan.”  He smiled at his eldest son and the boy grinned back at him. “It includes an upstairs as well,” Ben added. “Maybe we’ll get to that in years to come as well.”  

 

“My goodness, that sounds ambitious,” said Marie, also turning to smile at the boys behind her. 

 

“It’s possible,” Adam replied seriously, not returning the smile. “Just involves a lot of hard work and Pa and me are gonna be real busy with other things before we can get to it. We just have to prioritise.”  

 

Marie tried to hide her amusement at the way in which the boy spoke. Adam was still only eleven, yet he seemed to have such an old head on his shoulders. She guessed that it was because Ben had had no option but to treat him as an adult in so many ways over the years. Her heart went out to the youngster who had been forced to grow up before his time and she vowed to try and ease the burden on him now that she was there. “I’m sure you do,” she said, her smile fading as she met the dark gaze of her stepson. Adam stared at the woman, his eyes showing no warmth and Marie found her own gaze faltering under his look. There was something about the boy that unnerved her, and she fought against the thought that in fact she felt uncomfortable with him. 

 

After all, they’d only known each other less than a day and she couldn’t expect any child to warm to her so easily and so quickly. Even though Ben had written to his sons from New Orleans straight after their marriage, she was sure that her presence was a shock to both boys and there would need to be a lot of work on all their parts before they settled into their respective roles comfortably. 

 

Marie forced herself to smile at Adam again and didn’t flinch as the boy stared at her and then looked away. She turned as she felt a small tug on her sleeve. “I’m gonna help too,” said Hoss, grinning up at her. “I’m real strong for a boy my age …. Ain’t I Pa?”  

 

Ben chuckled. “You sure are son,” he said to the six year old, before winking at Marie. “Real strong. I’m going to need your help as well.”  

 

Marie instinctively reached out and smoothed down the child’s sandy hair and was rewarded by a smile from him. There would be no difficulty with winning over the love of this younger boy, of that she was sure. After his initial shyness had worn off last night, Hoss had made it clear that he was ready to allow her into his heart and she was already feeling a great deal of affection for the child and his delightful ways.

 

The buckboard lurched suddenly and she grasped the side, feeling slightly off-balance with the movement. She instinctively put her hands over her abdomen and then took them away quickly, hoping that Ben hadn’t noticed the gesture. She really hadn’t wanted to voice her thoughts before they’d settled, but with every day that passed she was becoming surer than ever that her dearest wish was going to become true. 

 

She smiled at her husband again, wondering what his reaction was going to be when she told him that their family was going to increase before the year was out? Hopefully he wouldn’t think it was too soon and would be delighted as she was. She hugged her secret close to her heart and said a silent prayer that all would be well and that this time she would be able to give Ben the daughter that he’d longed for. He had never admitted as much to her during their many talks in the past few weeks, but she felt instinctively that with two sons he would want a daughter next.

 

For herself, she didn’t care. As long as the little one was healthy … her thoughts trailed away as they often did to the tiny grave that she’d left behind her in New Orleans and her heart constricted with the familiar pain. Not that she’d ever had the chance to see her baby’s grave, for her husband’s family had refused her even that small comfort. Since Jean had left, her mother-in-law had taken great delight in making her life a misery and if Marie hadn’t thought it impossible that a woman could take joy in other woman’s pain at such a time, she would have even believed that Jean’s mother had been pleased when her grandson had died shortly after birth. She certainly hadn’t taken much time to let her daughter-in-law know that her presence was no longer welcome in the family since there was no grandchild to bond them together. Marie had left Jean’s family behind her at that point, and it hadn’t been until Ben Cartwright had appeared to tell her of Jean’s death on his far-away ranch over a year later that she had allowed thoughts of that family to encroach upon her life again.

 

Ben had brought sad news, but he had also brought the hope of a new life, and now that they were man and wife Marie was determined to make it a life that she would succeed at. She would provide a loving home for this man who had stolen her heart … and she didn’t care how many hardships she had to face for him. As Ben brought the buckboard to a halt in front of the wooden house she held her head high with the hope of the future.

 

++++++++++

Hop Sing looked up at the sound of the buckboard and smiled. It wasn’t often that such a look came over the Chinese cook’s face, for he was a man that didn’t show his feelings very often … unless it was his displeasure. He had joined the Cartwright family over a year ago and had quickly become indispensable to Ben and the boys. He was cook, housekeeper and part-time child-minder all in one and there were many times when it felt like he’d been part of this family for years. 

 

Although he would never had admitted it, Hop Sing greatly admired Ben and had respect for the way in which the man was trying to overcome the adversities that life had thrown at him. He was also very close to Adam and Hoss, bossing them around unmercifully but always with an eye on what was best for them. Both boys accepted his gruff ways without question and would have trusted him with their lives. 

 

During the past few months since Ben had been to New Orleans and back, Hop Sing had missed “his boys” keenly and was now anxious to have his family back around him again. He had stayed in the cabin on The Ponderosa ranch during this time, cooking for the half-dozen hands who had been keeping the ranch going, and had gone to visit “his boys” every couple of weeks. Of course, he never allowed them to think that his visits were for them alone, but always had some excuse for going over to the Henderson ranch. It just wasn’t in his nature to be unguarded in the way he felt about others, for his time in this adopted country of his had taught him well. Never let on how you feel about someone … for you don’t quite belong here and might be hurt more if you do.

 

Hop Sing had been hurt more than enough. Since leaving his own country he had experienced prejudice and hatred in his adopted home … more than he cared to admit even to himself. Ben Cartwright had been the first American to treat him decently and Hop Sing owed the man a lot. In fact he owed him his life, as he had been in danger of losing it the very first time they’d met. If it hadn’t been for Ben standing between him and those outlaws, Hop Sing would never have survived the beating he’d taken. He had travelled home with Ben to recover, and had stayed on. Now he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

 

Hop Sing took off his apron and straightened up his jacket before walking to the door of the kitchen. He frowned as he put his hand on the doorhandle, the thought of the new missus uppermost in his mind. Adam and Hoss had told him two weeks ago of the letter they’d received from their father and although he hadn’t said it to anyone, Hop Sing had been worried from the moment he’d heard of his employer’s marriage. What was he going to do if this new wife didn’t want him here? What if she were the type of woman who didn’t appreciate a housekeeper and cook? Well … there was only one way to find out and Hop Sing held his head up in a defiant way as he walked out of the kitchen. He had worked long and hard to find his place in this family, and no one was going to spoil it for him!

 

++++++++++

 

As Ben handed Marie down from the buckboard, she looked around the small yard with eager eyes. The house looked even larger at closer inspection and she breathed a sigh of relief at the thought that she and Ben would at least have their own room. She’d seen some families all cramped in together in their small cabins and she didn’t relish sharing a bed with her new husband with his sons … and their housekeeper …. a few feet across the room from them. 

 

Her stomach felt queasy as she turned to face the man who was approaching them. “You must be Hop Sing,” she said, nodding her head to him slightly. 

 

Hop Sing eyed the woman up and down, thinking how fragile she looked and wondering if someone who looked as she did would know the first thing about how to run a house. She certainly didn’t fit the mould of the usual frontier woman who settled out this way and he thought that she looked as if she should be back east in a large house full of servants. He nodded to her by way of response, not quite knowing what to say to such a beautiful woman and feeling decidedly uncomfortable under her gaze. “Missy Cartwright,” he said finally and then turned to Ben. “Good to have you back Mr Cartwright,” he said warmly. “All Ponderosa miss you!”  

 

“It’s good to be back Hop Sing,” replied Ben, looking around. “The place is looking good. Where is everyone?”  

 

“Men out branding,” said Hop Sing. “Mr Charlie start last week.” He took a step backwards as the weight of Hoss landed on him with full force and the boy flung his arms around the man’s waist. 

 

“Sure is good ta be home agen Hop Sing!” Hoss enthused. “I done missed ya!”  

 

Hop Sing hid his delight at the youngster’s touch, although Marie and Ben both noted that he did nothing to disengage Hoss’ grasp. “You see me two week ago,” Hop Sing said sternly. “No need for fuss.”  

 

Hoss grinned up at the man. “But I ain’t seen ya here!” he said, as if that explained everything. “Come on Adam … let’s go and see the barn and everything.”  

 

Adam grinned at Hop Sing. “Nice to see you again,” he said warmly before ambling off to follow his younger brother.

 

Ben rolled his eyes in mock anger. “Well I guess it’s up to me to get the bags then,” he said, feigning an injured tone. “The boys are so excited to be home, so I’ll excuse them for not helping just this once.”  

 

Hop Sing stepped forward. “I get bags, he said shortly. “You take Missy Cartwright and show house.” He gave Marie a pitying look. “She look like she need rest … not used to west travel.”  

 

Marie smiled at him. “Thank you,” she said, pulling Ben forward. “Come on darling … show me the house.”  

 

Ben didn’t need much encouragement to be led into the house, leaving Hop Sing behind them to organise the luggage. “Isn’t he as wonderful as I said he was?” he said to Marie.

 

Marie was too interested in the house to reply. “Which room is this?” she asked, looking around. 

 

“This is where we live most of the time,” explained Ben. “It serves as our eating area, our living room and a makeshift study for myself and the boys when I give them schoolwork to do. In here is the kitchen and over here ….” He drew back a curtain that sectioned off a part of the kitchen … “This is where Hop Sing sleeps. I think he’s got the warmest place in the house being off the kitchen as he is.”  He chuckled and then led his wife under the blanket. “This is the kitchen,” he said with pride. “I built it very large as Hop Sing cooks for so many and spends much of his time in here.” 

 

“So many?” asked Marie.

 

“All the hands as well as the boys and myself,” explained Ben. “Although the hands take their food to the bunkhouse when it’s been cooked,” he added hastily, seeing his wife frown. “So at meal times it’s just us. Hop Sing is always busy cooking up something.”  

 

“Well he won’t have so much to do now that I’m here,” replied Marie. “I’m a pretty good cook myself I’ll have you know. The nuns taught me well at the convent school I attended.” 

 

“I’m sure you are,” said Ben, placing a kiss on top of her curly hair. “And I’m looking forward to it.” He drew her over to the other side of the room. “This is where the boys sleep,” he said, indicating a small room with two beds in it. “And this is my ….. I mean … our room.”  

 

Marie looked around the room. “It’s quite nice,” she said. “But I can see that I’ll have to give it a feminine touch.”  

 

“Nothing too frilly,” warned Ben quickly.

 

“Of course not darling,” replied his wife, already envisaging curtains and a bedcover with frills. 

 

“Hey Pa!” shouted Hoss from the other room. “We got two new calves and a foal since we ain’t been here!”  

 

Ben smiled and kissed Marie again on the top of her head. “Welcome home,” he said softly. 

 

++++++++++

 

Hop Sing looked up and frowned as Marie walked into the kitchen. “You miss breakfast,” he said accusingly. “Everyone finish eat and leave long time ago.”  

 

Marie yawned before replying. “I didn’t realise,” she said. “My goodness, they must have been up before dawn.”  

 

“Always are,” said Hop Sing shortly, thinking that this new addition to the family had quite a lot to get used to. 

 

“I’m sorry,” said Marie. “I suppose there’s nothing left then?” 

 

Hop Sing reached out and plonked a plate of food on the bench. “Your breakfast all cold, but I can heat up if want.” 

 

Marie gave the man a startled look. “No, don’t worry about it,” she said. “I’ll just make myself some toast.”  

 

“I make,” said Hop Sing, moving quickly over to the stove. 

 

“No Hop Sing, I can do it,” said Marie. “Thank you for the offer, but ….”  Her voice trailed away as the cook gave her a dark look and continued to slice the bread. “Thank you,” she finished feebly.

 

“Is no bother,” said Hop Sing. “Better this way, then Missy Cartwright not mess up Hop Sing’s kitchen.”  He speared the bread on a poker and held it over the stove, watching it as it began to turn brown.

 

Marie sat down and studied the cook for a moment. “I really had no intention of messing up your … I mean the kitchen,” she said defensively. “I need to get to know where everything is after all and I may as well start finding out now.”  

 

“Not need to know,” said Hop Sing firmly. “You not need spend much time in kitchen.”  

 

“But I will be,” objected Marie. “I enjoy cooking and I’m looking forward to preparing some dishes for …”  

 

“Hop Sing cook at Ponderosa,” the man said sternly as he buttered the toast. “You not need bother cooking.”  

 

“But its no bother,” insisted Marie, taking the toast from him. “Thank you. I’d like to cook some dishes for my family now that I’m here. I’m quite a good cook and …”  

 

“Need change beds now,” interrupted Hop Sing abruptly and left the room. 

 

Marie gave him an angry look as she bit down on her toast. She sat in thoughtful silence for a moment and then stood up and walked to the door. Outside she spied Hoss gathering eggs and wandered over to him. “Good morning Hoss,” she said, still munching on her toast.

 

Hoss’ eyes widened at the sight of her. “Did Hop Sing give ya toast?” he asked incredulously. “He always says iffen we don’t get down ta breakfast on time, then we don’t get fed. How come ya got that?” 

 

Marie hid a smile. “I’m not sure,” she said, looking around. “Where is your father?” 

 

He and Adam rode out with the men at sunup,” said Hoss, picking up another egg. “They always do. Adam’s lucky cause he gets ta help. I only get ta do stupid yard chores.”  

 

Marie smiled at the youngster. “I’m sure your time will come honey,” she said. “Tell me Hoss … does Hop Sing always tell you what to do?”  

 

Hoss nodded. “Yup. He gets right angry too, iffen we don’t do it.” 

 

“I see,” Marie sat down and looked at the boy thoughtfully. “What do you do all day Hoss? I mean … apart from your yard chores?” 

 

Hoss’ eyes lit up. “I look after my animals,” he said, putting down the basket. “You wanna see em?” 

 

Marie gave him a lovely smile and Hoss thought she was just about the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. “I certainly do,” she replied. “Where are they?” 

 

“In the barn,” said Hoss, grabbing her hand eagerly and pulling her towards the building. “Come and see!” He led her into the large barn and proudly took her over to a corner where there stood several small makeshift cages. “This is where Adam and me keep our animals,” he said. “Adam hasta help me cause I’m too little to look after em all my myself, Pa says.”  

 

Marie looked. “But there’s nothing in them,” she said.

 

Hoss’ face became downcast. “I know,” he replied. “We hadta let em go when Pa went away, cause we wasn’t here ta look after em no more. They’re better being free but. I usually jest keep em until they’re better.”  

 

“Better?” she asked, puzzled.

 

Hoss looked at her as if she were a little simple. “Yeah … better,” he replied. “I only put animals in here when they’re sick and need looking after.” He gave her a shocked look. “Did ya think I’d put animals in cages when they weren’t sick?” 

 

Marie shook her head. “No … but I thought maybe you kept them as pets,” she admitted.

 

Hoss shook his head vehemently. “No way!” he declared. “Animals need ta be free. Anyone knows that!” He gave her a sudden smile. “But I reckon you’re still learning bout things here, huh?” 

 

“I suppose so,” Marie admitted. “I’ve still got a lot to learn about life out here.” She suddenly thought how strange it was that she should be voicing her thoughts to a six year old in this way … but after all, who else was there around here to talk to? Hop Sing obviously didn’t want anything to do with her and everyone else was out working.

 

“I’ll show ya the new foal iffen ya like,” said Hoss suddenly and pulled her towards a stall opposite. Marie watched fondly as the little boy sat down in the hay and fondled the young animal in a loving way. There was a lot of the gentleness she’d come to see in Ben, also in this son of his. “Ya like him?” Hoss asked, smiling up at her.

 

“I do indeed,” she said eagerly, sitting down next to him. “I love horses.” 

 

“Can ya ride?” he enquired.

 

“I sure can,” Marie said. “In fact the very first time I saw your father I was on a horse.” 

 

Hoss’ eyes widened. “Yeah?” he said. “Then Pa’ll probably get ya a horse ta ride round here.”  He looked wistful. “I wish I had one, but Pa says they cost money and he can’t afford one fer a boy who ain’t big enough ta work on horseback yet.”  

 

Marie patted him on the head. “Well we just might see about that,” she said. “Perhaps if I ….” 

 

“What you do?” 

 

They both turned to see Hop Sing standing behind them, his hands on his hips and a frown on his face. “Little boy not bring eggs inside yet and Hop Sing need them!” 

 

Hoss immediately got to his feet. “Sorry Hop Sing,” he said. “I left em outside. I’ll get em fer ya.”  He scampered outside and soon returned with the basket, which Hop Sing took from him.

 

“Kindling waiting,” Hop Sing hinted. “Boy need put in wood-box. Plenty other chores be done before playing.” He gave Marie a hard look as if were her fault.

 

Marie stood up and brushed the hay from her skirt. “We were just looking at the new foal,” she said stiffly. “There’s no need to be angry with the child Hop Sing.”  

 

Hop Sing’s eyes widened. “Is need,” he said. “Mr Cartwright put Hop Sing in charge of boy when not here and he need get chores done before lunch.” 

 

“Well, I’ll be in charge of him now,” Marie replied primly. “And by all means I agree that its is important for him to get his chores done. However, he’s only six years old and he also needs time to have some fun as well.”  She turned to Hoss, ignoring the look that Hop Sing gave her. “Come on, honey,” she said, holding out her hand to the boy. “I’ll help you with your chores while we talk.”  She brushed past Hop Sing as she led Hoss out of the barn, and the cook glared after her. 

 

++++++++++

 

Marie ran towards her husband’s horse as he pulled it to a stop and slid down from the saddle. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him, causing Adam to turn red and look away as he got down from his horse as well.

 

Ben submitted to her hugs and chuckled as he tried to extricate himself from her grasp after a few moments. “What’s all this?” he asked teasingly.

 

“I missed you,” she said, smiling at him before planting another kiss on his cheek. 

 

“You were sleeping so soundly this morning that I didn’t have the heart to wake you up,” he replied. “Did Hop Sing and Hoss look after you?” 

 

Marie forced herself to continue to smile as she skirted around the question. “Hoss has shown me the new foal and we did his chores together.” 

 

Ben frowned slightly. “There’s no need for you to help him with his chores,” he said. “I’d rather you take it easy and rest. You’ve had a long journey and you need to recover from it.” 

 

“Piffle!” she replied dismissively. “I’m fine. When will you get it through that head of yours that I’m not made of glass, Ben Cartwright?” 

 

Ben smiled at her. He knew that beneath the fragile exterior there was one tough woman inside his wife, but he couldn’t help wanting to take care of such a precious creature now that she was his. 

 

“Ben?” she said as she linked her arm with his and they headed towards the house. “Hoss tells me that he doesn’t have a horse or even a pony of his own yet. Why don’t we get him one?” 

 

Ben sighed. “I wish I could,” he said. “But I really can’t afford it.”  

 

She looked across at him anxiously. “Is money so tight then?” she asked.

 

“No … not so tight,” he replied. “It’s just that every animal we have here on the ranch has to be a working animal. I can’t afford any hayburners.” 

 

Marie looked confused. “Hayburners?” she asked. “What is a hayburner?” 

 

“An animal who doesn’t pull their weight,” he explained. “They just eat and we get nothing in return from them.” 

 

“I see,” she said thoughtfully. “Still Ben … the child wants one so badly. He and I were talking about riding ….” 

 

Ben stopped and stared at her. “I never thought!” he exclaimed. “Of course my darling … I’ll have to get you a horse. You love riding so much that you’ll need something to get around on.” 

 

Marie drew herself up to her full height and gave her husband a stern look. “How come you can afford a horse for me and not for your son?” she asked primly. “I’m not having you buy me a horse and not Hoss.” 

 

“I can catch a wild horse and tame it for you,” explained Ben. “But that wouldn’t do for Hoss. He needs something smaller.” 

 

Marie’s eyes lit up. “I’ve got an idea then,” she said. “Why not give him the new foal? He could look after it and when it’s big enough …”  

 

Ben kissed the top of her curly hair. “That’s a wonderful idea,” he said. “I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me.” His eyes shone as he looked at her. “You really feel something for Hoss already, don’t you?” 

 

She nodded. “He’s such a lovely boy Ben. So gentle and sweet … just like you.” 

 

Her husband chuckled. “Like me?” he said. “You won’t always think that.” He gestured towards Adam on the other side of the yard who had studiously ignored his stepmother since he’d dismounted from his horse.

 

“That one might be a bit more of a challenge,” she replied. “I just need to get to know him. He seems very like you Ben.” 

 

Ben stared at his eldest son for a moment. “He’s actually more like his mother,” he said with a tinge of sadness in his voice. “Although he has my stubbornness,” he added.

 

“You … stubborn?” she teased. “I never noticed.” They both chuckled together. “But seriously Ben, I think your boys are wonderful. I’ve only know them a day and already I can say that I hope our child turns out just like them.” 

 

“Well we don’t have to worry about that yet,” he said with a smile.

 

Marie hesitated. “Would you mind if we didn’t have wait too long to worry about it?” she asked softly.

 

Ben’s eyes widened. “What?” he said incredulously. “Do you mean what I think you mean?” 

 

Marie nodded and was instantly swept off her feet by her husband as he twirled her around in the air. “So you’re pleased?” she laughingly asked when she’d caught her breath again. 

 

“Pleased?” he said. “Of course I’m pleased! Another Cartwright! I never thought …”  He looked instantly concerned. “Are you all right? I mean … with the journey and all … shouldn’t you be resting?”  

 

She gave him a slight tap on the side of the head. “Stop that please,” she said firmly. “I told you before that I’m fine. Besides, I’m a frontier woman now and we’re made tough here out west.”  She hugged him briefly before adding, “I’m going to give you the daughter you’ve wanted Ben … I just feel it!” 

 

Ben looked slightly surprised. “What makes you so sure it’s a girl?” he asked.

 

Marie shrugged. “I just know,” she said. “Mother’s instinct I suppose.” Her eyes clouded over. “I just hope …” Her words trailed away and Ben hugged her close to his side. 

 

“Stop that,” he admonished her. “This baby will be fine. Just because you suffered the loss of one child doesn’t mean that anything is going to happen to this one. Besides, your fist baby died of the fever. It had nothing to do with its birth.”  

 

She nodded her head resolutely. “I know,” she said. “This little girl of ours is going to be perfect. We’ll have to start thinking of names,” she added.

 

Ben looked thoughtful. “I’ve always wanted to name one of my children after my father … Joseph,” he said wistfully. “But if you’re so sure that it’s a girl …” He laughed. “I’d like to call her Marie … after the most beautiful woman in the world.” 

 

Marie giggled. “That might get a bit confusing,” she said. “And as for Joseph, well you’ll just have to save that name for next time. We’re going to have plenty of children my darling … all as wonderful as your first two sons … and you’ll have plenty of chances to name them after whomever you please. We’re going to fill this Ponderosa of ours with a whole horde of Cartwright children!” 

 

Ben gave her another delighted hug as they wandered towards the house together, arm in arm.

 

++++++++++

 

“Can we get some candy too Pa?” Hoss begged his father. “Please?” 

 

Ben looked up from the list he was compiling. “We’ll see son,” he said absently before looking back down again. “So that’s sugar, flour, salt …. anything else Hop Sing?” 

 

Hop Sing shook his head. “No,” he said. “Is all.” 

 

Marie sat forward on her chair. “Add currants to the list,” she said. 

 

“No need currants,” said Hop Sing quickly. “Have some in cellar.” 

 

Marie gave the man a frustrated look. “I need currants,” she said firmly.

 

“Can have currants,” Hop Sing replied. “Not need buy from store …. have some in cellar.” He turned to Ben again. “Not need anything else,” he said just as firmly.

 

“Fine,” said Ben, putting down his pencil.

 

“What about the candy Pa?” insisted Hoss, but his father ignored him as he noticed the look on Marie’s face. 

 

“What’s the matter?” asked Ben.

 

Marie gave her husband an indignant look. “I told you to put currants on the list,” she said, trying to keep her temper.

 

Ben look confused. “But Hop Sing says we already have some,” he said. “What’s the point of buying something we don’t need?” 

 

Marie stood up, her eyes blazing and her hands on her hips. “What’s the point?” she spluttered. “Oh, no point of course …. My opinion isn’t worth anything is it? Don’t buy currants then!” She stomped out of the room, slamming her bedroom door behind her. 

 

Ben looked even more confused as he looked first at Hop Sing, then Adam, then Hoss. “Does anyone know what that was about?” he asked. Hop Sing shrugged his shoulders and went into the kitchen. Adam merely looked embarrassed and started to run his fingers through his hair, while Hoss simply picked up his father’s discarded pencil and began to print kandi on the bottom of the shopping list. 

 

Ben sighed, stood up from the table and walked into the bedroom where he found Marie pacing up and down. The moment he closed the door she turned to face him angrily. “Well?” he asked. “What?” 

 

“How can you ask me what?” she spat out. “Why is it that you take no notice of what I say? You always take Hop Sing’s side of things!” 

 

Ben’s confusion deepened. “I didn’t know that there were sides to take,” he said finally. “I don’t understand. Is this about the currants?” 

 

“It’s not just about the currants!” she shouted. “Its about everything! Yes … I wanted currants. Yes … I know there are already currants in the cellar …. although how I know that is a miracle because every time I attempt to go down there that …” she waved her arms around angrily. “… that man tries to stop me. Do you know that he even stood in front of the door the other day so that I couldn’t get past him? Anyone would think he owned everything down there instead of you … I mean us!” She sat down on the bed and glared at her husband. “Its too much!” she said, crossing her arms over her chest in a gesture of defiance.

 

Ben sat down next to her. “I had no idea you and Hop Sing were having problems,” he said.

 

“I’m not having problems!” she shouted. “He’s the one having problems!” 

 

Ben put his finger on his lip. “Shh!” he said. “He’ll hear you.” 

 

Marie’s green eyes flashed.  “I don’t care if he does hear me!” she shouted. “I’m sick and tired of being treated like a visitor in my own home! He’s been trying to shut me out since the day I arrived!” 

 

There was silence for a few minutes. “He doesn’t mean it,” Ben said finally.

 

“Yes he does,” she replied in a calmer tone. “He resents me being here Ben. It’s obvious from the way he speaks to me … from the way he ignores me … from … well, from just everything.” 

 

“Has he been rude to you?” asked Ben.

 

“Well no,” she admitted. “He’s very polite. Too polite, if you know what I mean.” Ben shook his head. “He just … he just treats me as if I’m interfering.” She gave he husband a frustrated look. “I think he resents me being here Ben. I think he’s worried that he won’t be needed any more since I came.” 

 

“Possibly,” Ben admitted. “I’ll talk to him.” 

 

Marie grabbed his sleeve. “No,” she said. “I need to work this out myself. Please don’t interfere Ben. If Hop Sing and I are going to get on in this family together then we’ll have to find a way to do it without your help.” 

 

Ben sighed and put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “All right,” he said. “I’ll leave it to both of you then.” 

 

“I don’t think he likes me,” Marie said after a moment.

 

“Do you like him?” 

 

She shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t know. He hasn’t given me a chance to work that out yet. One thing I do know though. He has taken good care of you and the boys in the past and that’s something I’m grateful to him for. He just has to realise that I’m here now and there are some things that I’d like to do.” 

 

Ben nodded. “Give him time,” he said. “He’ll realise that you’re not a threat to his position here.” 

 

“Ben?” 

 

“Yes?” 

 

“We do need currants. I was going to make a special Creole dessert for you and the boys … as a surprise … and we don’t have enough.” 

 

Ben kissed her on the top of her curly hair. “Then currants it is,” he said. “And next time we make out a list of supplies I’ll make sure that I consult you as well as Hop Sing. OK?” 

 

“OK,” she said, finally smiling.

 

Ben stood up. “Now I’d better get that list before Hoss adds too many more things onto it. Last time I got to the store he’d written likrish on it.” 

 

“Likrish?” Marie asked with a giggle.

 

“Liquorice,” he explained. “Come on … we’ve got a trip to town today and we’d best get started.” 

 

++++++++++

 

Hop Sing looked across the bench as he pounded the bread dough. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Marie measuring currants into a cup and he shook his head as he continued to pound. “Hop Sing already make dessert for supper,” he reminded her for the third time. “Apple pies.” 

 

“I know,” she said, trying to keep her voice bright. “And we can have both. You know what big appetites this family have and they’ll be glad to have a choice.” She began to mix her ingredients as Hop Sing continued to pound his pastry. “Haven’t you pounded that enough?” she asked sweetly. “The bread will never rise if you do it any more.” 

 

Hop Sing shot her a dark look. “Hop Sing know who to make bread,” he snapped. “Been cooking bread many years.” 

 

“I know,” she said. “I’ve been baking bread for years too. In fact, I might make some tomorrow.” She ignored the look that the man gave her and simply poured the ingredients of her dessert into a baking dish. “There,” she said with satisfaction. “All done. Now I’ll just pop it into the oven for half an hour.” 

 

“I need oven for bread,” said Hop Sing quickly. “You use after that.” 

 

“No,” replied Marie as she put the dish into the oven. “The bread isn’t even done yet and this will be finished at the rate you’re going. You can the put the bread in after this is done.” She wiped her hands on her apron, once again ignoring the look Hop Sing gave her. “I might just clean up these things I used.” 

 

Hop Sing stopped pounding the dough and walked over to stand between Marie and the bench. “I clean,” he said. “You go now.” 

 

Marie pushed past him. “No,” she said. “I will clean up. In fact … I can clean up the things you’ve used as well to save you the bother.” 

 

“Is no bother,” said Hop Sing firmly, taking some spoons from her hands. 

 

 “Nonsense,” she replied just as firmly, taking them back again. “You have so much to do Hop Sing. It’s the least I can do to help.”  

 

Hop Sing began pounding the bread dough again as Marie began to wash the spoons, both of them resolutely standing with their backs towards each other. 

 

Suddenly there was a sound behind them and both of them turned to see Adam and Hoss standing there. “Pa said to ask …” began Adam and then stopped as he noticed the look on both their faces. “Um …nothing,” he said, pulling Hoss out of the kitchen behind him. 

 

“What’s the matter boys?” asked Ben when both boys appeared back in the living room. “Did you ask what time supper will be?” 

 

Hoss shook his head and rubbed his arm where Adam had pulled on it. “Nuh uh,” he said sadly. “Adam wouldn’t let me.” 

 

Ben looked confused. “Adam?” he asked.

 

Adam rolled his eyes. “Best not to ask Pa,” he explained. “Both of em are real cranky out there. Hop Sing is pounding the bread like he’s gonna throw it at someone.” 

 

“And there’s water sloshing round everywhere too,” added Hoss, his eyes wide. “Don’t they like each other Pa?” 

 

Ben cleared his throat. “Marie and Hop Sing … well, they have some issues to sort out,” he said. “Best to just ignore it for now boys.” 

 

Adam came to sit next to his father. “It’s gonna be hard to ignore it tonight Pa,” he reflected. 

 

“What do you mean son?” 

 

“They both made a dessert. I think they’re both gonna want us to like the one they each made.” 

 

Ben bit his lip as he stared for a moment at his perceptive eldest son. “I see. Well then, we’ll have to enjoy them both, won’t we?” 

 

“That won’t be hard,” said Hoss, bouncing on his heels happily. “Two desserts! Oh boy! I ain’t never had two desserts at the same time before! This is gonna be great!” 

 

++++++++++

 

Ben sat back in his chair and patted his stomach. “That was wonderful,” he said. “Best I’ve tasted Hop Sing. In fact,” he added as he saw the look on his wife’s face. “Your dessert was just about the best I’ve ever had as well. Very tasty my dear.” Both Hop Sing and Marie gave each other a triumphant look. 

 

Hoss looked confused as he licked his spoon happily. “That don’t make sense Pa,” he said. “They can’t both be the best … can they?” There was silence around the table. Hoss screwed up his nose thoughtfully. “Well, I like that currant thing,” he began. “But Hop Sing’s apple … ow!” He bent down to rub his ankle. “Whatcha kicking me fer Adam?” 

 

“That is enough,” said Ben sternly. “Leave the table both of you.”

 

Hoss stood up and peeped into the dish on the table. “But there’s a bit left,” he protested. “Seems a shame ta waste it, don’t ya think Pa?” He gave his father a hopeful look, which Ben ignored. 

 

“Can we work on the house Pa?” asked Adam eagerly and smiled when Ben nodded. He walked over to the small alcove that served as his father’s study and pulled off the shelf on the wall a wad of large sheets of paper. Marie gave Ben a puzzled look as Adam spread them over the table. 

 

“These are our plans for the house,” Ben explained, looking almost as eager as Adam as he studied at them. “Adam and I have been planning what we’re going to build.” 

 

“We’ll get more done once the days get longer in summer and we can work on it after supper,” Adam explained to her and Marie smiled at the first voluntary comments that the boy had made to her since she’d arrived. 

 

“That sounds wonderful,” she said, glancing at the plans as well. “It seems so strange to have that chimney and fireplace standing out there in the open air as it is.” 

 

“That took me a whole summer to build,” said Ben. “We had to stop because of …” He raised his eyebrows and she nodded. 

 

“I’m gonna help too, ain’t I Pa?” asked Hoss, leaning on his elbows to get a better look. 

 

“You sure are,” said his father with a fond look at the boy. “We’re going to be finishing the framework around the chimney next and create a huge living area. This room,” he looked around the small area. “This will become our room Marie, and the boys can then move into our room.”

 

“And Hop Sing can move into our room,” continued Adam. “Then one day when we get the upstairs done … we’ll all have bedroom upstairs.” 

 

Ben chuckled. “One day,” he agreed. “Adam has it all planned out.” He gave his son a proud look. 

 

“So I see,” said Marie. “Is there going to be a wash house by any chance?” 

 

“Of course,” said Ben. “Off the other side of the kitchen … see … over here.”  He pointed to the plans. 

 

“And I suppose we’ll put the b …” Marie stopped and gave Ben a quizzical look and he nodded. 

 

“The what?” asked Adam, looking up. 

 

“The baby,” she said, looking at her stepson’s face closely for his reaction. “We can put the baby in the bedroom with your father and myself.” 

 

Adam lowered his head and didn’t say anything, but Hoss’ eyes widened at once. “Really?” he said excitedly. “Are we really gonna have a baby?” 

 

“We certainly are,” said his father. “What do you think about that?” 

 

Hoss thought for a moment. “Is it gonna get ta call you Mama?” he asked Marie anxiously.

 

“Of course,” she said. Hoss was silent. “Hoss?” she asked. “Would you like to call me Mama too?” 

 

Hoss looked worried. “But you won’t really be my Mama,” he said sadly. “Not really like you’ll be the Mama of the baby.” 

 

Marie looked at Ben and then back to Hoss. “The baby will be my little precious baby,” she said. “But you will be my big boy.” She took his hand and put it over her heart. “I love you in here as if you were my very own boy.”  

 

Hoss’ eyes brightened. “I’ll be your big boy?” he asked. “Then what will Adam be?” 

 

Adam continued to look study the plans on the table as if he wasn’t hearing a word of what they were discussing, but the slight tinge of red on his cheeks spoke a different story. 

 

“Adam will be my young man,” said Marie. She looked across at her eldest stepson and put her hand over his where it lay on the table, then frowned as he slipped it straight out and placed it away from hers.

 

“Adam?” said Ben. “You haven’t said what you think about the baby.” 

 

Adam shrugged. “Its OK, I guess.” 

 

Marie glanced at Ben. “Adam? Would you like to all me Mama too?” she asked finally. Adam said nothing. “Or maybe Marie … would that be better? Which would you like?” 

 

Adam glanced over at his father who nodded. “If Marie says it’s all right,” he said. 

 

Adam shrugged as if he didn’t care. “Marie then,” he said. 

 

“That’s settled then,” said Marie, trying to sound bright. She smiled at Adam, but the boy merely gave her a bland look before turning back to the house plans again. “How about I put you to bed now honey?” she asked Hoss. 

 

Hoss looked at his father. “Do I have to?” he asked.

 

“Yes you do,” replied Ben. “Go on … off you go.” 

 

Hoss sighed and turned away from the table. “I’ll come in soon when you’re ready,” promised Marie. “I’ll sing you a lullaby if you like.” 

 

Hoss gave her a disgusted look. “They’re fer babies,” he said. “I’m a big boy … remember?” 

 

“Of course,” she replied, trying not to laugh. “But how could I have forgotten?” She giggled as Hoss disappeared. “I’ll have to watch myself now. With the baby on the way he’ll be constantly reminding me that he’s big.” She sighed. “How long do you think my trunks will take from New Orleans Ben? I can hardly wait for my guitar to get here so that I can sing properly.” 

 

Adam looked up, his eyes wide. “Can you play the guitar?” he asked. 

 

“Not as well as I play the pianoforte,” Marie replied. “The nuns at school made me practise that every day. But yes, I can play.” He noted the look of interest in the boy’s eyes for the first time. “Do you play?” she asked.

 

Adam shook his head. “No,” he said shortly.

 

“Adam has a lovely singing voice,” said Ben proudly. “We’ve had some very enjoyable evenings having sing-a-longs, haven’t we son?”  

 

Adam looked embarrassed and simply shrugged. “How wonderful,” exclaimed Marie, clapping her hands together. “Then we’ll have to teach each other the songs we both know. I love to sing. When my guitar gets here we can have a fine time!” She smiled at Adam and for the first time was rewarded by a half-smile from the boy. The look of him at that moment reminded her of Ben and her heart lifted. 

 

Hop Sing entered the room and plonked a tray on the table. “Coffee,” he announced, giving Marie a triumphant look. 

 

“Oh I’m sorry Ben,” she said. “I forgot to get the coffee after the dessert.” 

 

“Hop Sing remember,” Hop Sing reminded her smugly. 

 

“Yes, I can see that,” she said shortly. “Thank you Hop Sing.” 

 

“Did you hear our news Hop Sing?” asked Ben as he poured the coffee for himself and Marie. “We’re going to have a new Cartwright in a few months.” 

 

For a moment Hop Sing looked startled and then his expression shut down again and Marie found it difficult to tell what he was thinking. “Good news Mr Cartwight,” the cook said after a few minutes and then nodded his head slightly to Marie. “Missy Cartwright keep off feet now,” he said smugly. “Hop Sing will do all work in house and kitchen.”  He left the room before anything more could be said. 

 

Marie rolled her eyes. “If he thinks that my having a baby will be a good excuse for him to do all the work … then he can think again,” she declared.

 

Ben sighed. “He’s only trying to be nice,” he said.

 

“We’ll see about that,” she said in a determined voice. 

 

++++++++++

 

Marie gave an exasperated sigh and picked up the vase of flowers for the third time in the past hour. Every time she came back into the house she found that Hop Sing had moved them from the table back to the dresser. It seemed to her some days that she and the man spent all their time walking around the house just changing things that the other one had done.

 

If she put a tablecloth on the dining room table, then Hop Sing would insist that they didn’t need one that day. If she wanted to bake bread, then suddenly he would announce that he’d baked enough for the week, if she went to change the linen on one of the beds he got there first and did it before she could even start. There were times when she felt like screaming at him but she bit her lip and tried to remain pleasant even though they both knew what was going on.

 

“Hop Sing!” she called out and immediately his head appeared from around the doorframe. 

 

“What for you yell?” he demanded.

 

“Would you please leave these flowers on the table where I’ve put them?” she asked testily. 

 

Hop Sing’s eyes narrowed. “No good have flowers on table,” he said. “Better move them onto dresser.” 

 

She gave him an angry look. “Well I want them on the table,” she insisted. “I think they look better there and everyone will be able to enjoy them better, so please leave them.” 

 

Hop Sing said nothing, but merely stared at her for a moment before drawing his head back into the kitchen.

 

Marie shook her head and sat down, picking up a scrap of pink material that she was fashioning into a small baby dress for their coming little baby girl. At least that man couldn’t interfere with that, she thought angrily. She glanced up at the clock, thinking that it was about time to call Hoss in from the yard. During the past few weeks she had gradually worked out a routine for her days. After the men had left for work each morning she and Hop Sing usually spent about two hours fighting over who was doing what in the house and then she would settle down to stitching baby clothes until lunch time. After lunch she spent a few hours instructing Hoss with his letters and numbers and it was a time she cherished. 

 

There was now talk of a school opening up in town and Ben had it in mind for both boys to attend. Marie was very pleased for Adam’s sake, because the boy was obviously so bright that he would thrive on some proper schooling. She would, however, miss having Hoss around the house and working with him each afternoon, but it was for the best if the child did attend school of course. He needed to be with children of his own age. It would do both of the boys good and in the mean time instructing Hoss helped pass her time each day.

 

She had tried to offer her services in the same way to Adam and talked to him about helping him with his work in the evenings, but so far she hadn’t had much success with that project. The boy was obviously torn between his desire to learn from her and his need to keep his distance from her, for there was still quite an uncomfortable feeling between the two of them. Slowly, step-by-step, she hoped that they might overcome it.

 

Not so easy to overcome, however, would be the problems between herself and Hop Sing. The man just didn’t seem to want to understand that she needed to do things around the house and Marie was honest enough to admit that she was probably quite brusque with him because of it. They were two stubborn people and neither of them was willing to give in up until now. They both wanted their own place in this household and they were both prepared to fight for it. 

 

Suddenly the front door banged open and a tearful Hoss appeared. Marie instantly put down her stitching and stood up. “What’s the matter, honey?” she asked anxiously. “Are you hurt?” 

 

Hoss held up his left arm, showing the sleeve of his shirt, which was torn. His arm was grazed and bloody. “I fell off the corral fence,” he sobbed. Marie went to walk over to him, but the child ran into the kitchen, forcing her to follow him. 

 

“Hop Sing! Hop Sing!” shouted Hoss. “I done hurt myself!”  

 

Hop Sing turned from the stove and motioned to the little boy. “Over here,” he instructed. He sat Hoss down on a stool and inspected the arm thoughtfully. 

 

“It will be all right honey,” said Marie in a soothing tone. “I’ll get some water and wash it for you.”

 

“I fell,” Hoss sniffed sadly. 

 

“I know,” she said bustling over to the kitchen pump. “But don’t you worry … you’ll be just fine in a few minutes.”  She filled a small bowl with water and picked up a cloth, but by the time she’d turned to face the child again Hop Sing was already kneeling in front of him bathing his arm in water that had been standing in a bowl on the bench. “I can do it Hop Sing,” she said shortly. “Don’t let this interrupt your cooking.”

 

“Hop Sing fix,” said the cook firmly. “Always look after boys when they have foolishments.” 

 

“That feels better Hop Sing,” said Hoss, his sniffles beginning to stop. 

 

Hop Sing reached up, grabbed the honey bowl from the bench and poured some of it over Hoss’ arm, gently rubbing it into the wound.

 

“What on earth are you doing?” asked Marie crossly.

 

“Honey good for stopping wound go bad,” said Hop Sing.

 

“How ridiculous!” she said. “He just needs it washed clean. Let me fix him up.”  She tried to push past Hop Sing, but the man didn’t budge. “Hop Sing,” she said. “Please move.”

 

“It’s OK,” said Hoss, looking up. “Hop Sing knows how ta look after us when we’re hurt. He always does it.”  

 

Marie put the bowl of water down. “I see,” she said stiffly. “Well if I’m not needed, I’ll leave you to it then.” 

 

Hop Sing picked up a cookie from the bench and gave it to Hoss, before continuing to rub in the honey. “No, Missy Cartwright not needed,” he said.

 

Hoss munched on his cookie and gave Marie a happy smile. “No, it’s OK,” he said. “We don’t need ya.” 

 

Marie walked out of the kitchen, feeling quite rejected and sad, nearly bumping into Adam who was standing in the main room. “What are you doing here?” she asked in a testy voice. 

 

Adam glared back at her. “It’s lunch time,” he said shortly. “Ain’t we getting any?” 

 

Marie ran her hand through her curls. “Oh yes, well sit down then. I’ll get the lunch.” She turned around to see Hop Sing carrying a tray of food into the room, followed by Hoss who was still munching on his cookie and looking a lot happier. “I was going to get that,” Marie said in a short voice. 

 

“Hop Sing serve lunch like always,” said the cook smugly.

 

“Like always,” said Marie angrily under her breath as she and the two boys sat down. “Adam, stop that sniffing please.” 

 

“I can’t help it,” said the boy, wiping his nose on the back on his sleeve. He gave a sudden sneeze and sniffed again.

 

“Are you getting a cold?” she asked, suddenly contrite and concerned.

 

“No,” he said with another sniff. “It’s the flowers.” 

 

Marie gave him a strange look and then narrowed her eyes as Hop Sing came back into the room, plonked a plate on the table and turned to face her. “Flowers always give boy hay-fever,” he said accusingly to Marie. “Not good have flowers too close to boy.” 

 

Marie stood up, removed the flowers from the table and placed them on the dresser before turning to Hop Sing angrily. “Well you could have told me!” she said. 

 

Hop Sing shrugged. “Missy Cartwright not ask Hop Sing why,” he said. “She just say put flowers on table.” He gave Marie a triumphant look. 

 

Marie took a deep breath and counted to ten under her breath. “Boys … eat your lunch,” she said finally and turned on her heel. As she reached the front door, it was opened and Ben stood there smiling at her. “Hello,” he said. “What’s for lunch?” 

 

“How would I know?” she asked, her green eyes flashing. “Ask Hop Sing. He’ll be able to tell you like he can tell you everything else that happens around here.” She walked from the room without another word, leaving a very puzzled Ben behind her. 

 

++++++++++

 

Marie poured some of the linseed oil onto a cloth and began to rub it into the wooden table top, marvelling at how the shine instantly came back into it. She wished that she could fix herself as easily as the table, for she wasn’t feeling at all well. The baby had begun to make it’s presence felt in no uncertain terms this past week and she had spent her days feeling either sick to her stomach or so tired that she could have slept all day. 

 

It didn’t help that things weren’t any better between herself and Hop Sing either. Every time she tried to do something he came along behind her and did it again. Why only yesterday she’d dusted the few books that Ben had collected on the shelves only to find Hop Sing doing it again ten minutes later as if to tell her that she hadn’t done it well enough.

 

“Missy Cartwright need more oil on cloth if doing properly,” said Hop Sing. 

 

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to start telling me how to do it,” she said under her breath. 

 

Missy Cartwright go rest,” Hop Sing said, taking the cloth from her hand. “Hop Sing polish furniture.” 

 

There was nothing Marie would have liked more at that than to have a rest, but the very fact that Hop Sing had told her to do it meant that it was the last thing she was about to admit to wanting to do. “I don’t need a rest,” she said stiffly as she took back the cloth. “And I will polish the furniture Hop Sing, not you.”  She began to rub quite hard on the table as Hop Sing walked out of the room in huff, contenting herself with imagining that the wood beneath her cloth was his face. She rubbed extra hard and was beginning to feel quite some satisfaction from the exercise, when the front door banged open. 

 

“Would you please stop banging that door!” she said angrily, turning to see Adam come into the room. A sudden wave of sickness washed over her and she put her hand on her abdomen. “What are you doing here anyway?” she said shortly.

 

Adam glared at her and didn’t answer. “I asked you a question Adam,” she snapped. “And I expect an answer.” Adam mumbled something at her and proceeded to walk towards the kitchen. “Adam!” she shouted. “Come back here please!” The boy acted as if he hadn’t heard her, but simply walked into the kitchen and left her standing there by herself.

 

Marie threw down her cloth and followed him into the kitchen. “Adam!” she said angrily. “I asked you were doing here. Answer me please!”

 

“I did,” Adam said insolently. 

 

“I didn’t hear what you said,” she replied. Adam shrugged, obviously not caring which made her even angrier. “And how dare you just walk away from me!” she said angrily. “Go to your room immediately!” 

 

Adam snorted. “You can’t tell me what to do,” he said and turned his back on her. “Hop Sing …. Pa sent me home to tell you that we won’t be making it home fer lunch today.”

 

“Adam, I told you to go to your room,” said Marie in a quieter voice. 

 

Adam gave her a dark look. “I’m going back to the North Pasture to help Pa,” he said in a withering tone.

 

Marie grabbed the boy by the arm before he could move away. “You’ll do as I say,” she said. “Now go to your room.” 

 

Adam shook his head. “No,” he replied, trying to shake free of her grasp. “Pa will be waiting for me.” 

 

“Boy is right,” interrupted Hop Sing. “He need go back to Mr Cartwright.” 

 

Marie turned on the man. “When I want your opinion I’ll ask for it!” she said angrily. “This is between my stepson and myself. Now go to your room Adam!” 

 

Adam looked at his stepmother, then across at Hop Sing before turning back to Marie again. He hesitated and then shrugged. “I don’t care,” he said and walked over to his bedroom, banging the door loudly behind him. 

 

Marie turned to face Hop Sing again. “Please keep your opinion to yourself Hop Sing,” she said. 

 

Hop Sing’s eyes narrowed. “You do wrong thing to make boy go to room,” he said.

 

Marie placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t really care what you think,” she retorted. “Please stay out of it!” She strode out of the kitchen, her stomach churning both with the tension of the moment and the presence of the baby within her.

 

She paused for a moment outside Adam’s room, considering whether or not to go in and talk to him, but decided against it. She had learnt in these past few weeks that the stubborn look the boy had given her meant that he needed quite some time to calm down and she knew her own character well enough to know that she wasn’t by any means calm enough to have a civil conversation with him either. 

 

Marie paced up and down in the yard, considering the situation. It wasn’t so much Adam’s rudeness that had her so churned up, although heaven knows she was sick enough of that by now. No matter what she did, she didn’t seem to be able to get through to Ben’s eldest son that she wanted to be his friend. It was fairly obvious that he resented her very presence in the house and Marie couldn’t help but think that he was following Hop Sing’s example in doing so. Perhaps she’d have a better chance with winning Adam over if he wasn’t witnessing Hop Sing’s blatant dismissal of her each and every day?

 

She continued to pace up and down the yard, muttering to herself under her breath while holding her stomach. This little girl of hers was certainly trying her patience lately! Not only was she feeling constantly sick on the stomach now, but the baby didn’t seem to be able to keep still for a moment. She had a feeling that this was gong to be a difficult pregnancy and the thought of all those months ahead of her feeling like this began to get her down. 

 

Marie sat down on the edge of the water trough and allowed herself the luxury of shedding a few tears … something she had vowed and declared that she would never give in to. Just as she felt herself letting go emotionally, she heard a sound a lifted her head to see two men ride into the yard. She quickly dried her tears and stood up to greet them. 

 

“Morning ma’am,” said one man, looking around in an interested fashion. “Is this here The Ponderosa ranch?”

 

“Yes it is,” she replied. “Can I help you?” 

 

“Looking fer a man named Cartwright,” said the second man. “Ben Cartwright.” 

 

“That’s my husband,” said Marie. “But he’s not here at the moment. Can I help you?”  

 

“Heard tell that he might be hiring on fer the summer,” said the first man. “And we’s looking fer work.” 

 

Marie nodded slightly. “I see. Well I really can’t say about that. Perhaps if you came back later? Or you could ride out to see my husband if you like. You just need to take the trail back the way you came and veer to the left when you get to the first fork. You’ll find him about 2 miles down that trail.”

The two men nodded at each other. “Thanks ma’am,” said the first one, tipping his hat to her. “Would ya mind iffen we watered our horses and filled our canteens up afore we left though?” 

 

“Of course,” she said obligingly. “Help yourselves.” She watched as they dismounted and went led their horses over to the water trough, keeping in mind what Ben had told her. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to trust drifters, but there were so many people travelling around this area that he maintained that you could never be too careful about what they might say or do. While Ben was very happy to share with those in need, he resented any man who took what didn’t belong to him and impressed upon her to keep an eye on anyone who might travel out this way when he wasn’t around.

 

The kitchen door opened and Hop Sing came out of the house, his eyes narrowing when he caught sight of the two men at the water trough. “What they do?” he asked, coming to stand next to Marie.

 

“Nothing Hop Sing,” she said shortly, still feeling unkindly towards the man. “These two men are just watering their horses before gong out to see Mr Cartwright. Everything is fine, so you can inside again now.”  

 

Hop Sing gave both men a dark look and stood his ground, crossing his arms over his chest in a defiant attitude. “I said that you can leave me to sort out these two gentlemen,” said Marie. 

 

Hop Sing shook his head and didn’t move. 

 

“Hey! Chinaboy!” shouted one of the men and the other one laughed. “You heard the lady! It’s none of your business what’s happening out here … why don’t ya go inside where ya belong?” They both chuckled. 

 

“Yeah,” said the second one. “Get ya yellar skin inside afore we kick ya back in there!” 

 

Hop Sing flushed slightly, but didn’t move as the two men slapped each other on the back in delight. Marie flushed red and took a step forward. “I’ll thank you two to leave now,” she said stiffly. 

 

The men looked at her in surprise. “Yes ma’am,” said one. “Sure didn’t mean no offence.” 

 

Marie’s eyes narrowed. “Please go,” she said shortly and waited until they had climbed back on their horses again before adding. “And you needn’t bother going out to see my husband about those jobs. There is no work for either of you here.” 

 

The first man leant down form his horse. “Pardon ma’am?” he said. “I thought you didn’t know iffen there was any work or not?” 

 

Marie lifted her head so that she was staring directly into his eyes. “We do not need men like you working on our ranch,” she said firmly. “Please leave!” 

 

The man’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ya can’t be serious?” he spluttered. “Just on account of what we called this Chinaboy here? But he’s only a yellar skin!” 

 

“Leave!” shouted Marie. “Leave now or I shall go and get my husband and he’ll run you off this ranch!” She slapped the man’s horse on the rump and the startled animal leapt forward, almost losing his rider in the process. She waved her arms wildly at the second animal so that his rider was forced to follow his companion as he tried to control the animal. Both men cantered from the yard, sniggering under their breath at the thought of a ranch being controlled by such a woman.

 

Marie waited until both men had disappeared before drawing a deep breath. “I don’t think they’ll come back,” she said.

 

Hop Sing stared at her. “They might,” he said. “I get rifle in case. I worried by men like them before and they maybe cause trouble.” 

 

Marie nodded. “Yes, get the rifle just in case,” she agreed. “I’ve been worried by men like them before too.” 

 

Hop Sing didn’t move, but continued to stare at her. “I get rifle,” he said after a moment and then turned to walk into the house again.

 

++++++++++

 

“I’m so sorry you had to deal with that,” said Ben, when he’d heard the story that evening. “But you did the right thing. I’ve seen enough prejudice in my time to know that we don’t need anyone like those two around here.” 

 

“So have I,” said Marie. “No one really understands prejudice until they’ve experienced it first hand.” Ben gave her a quizzical look and she continued. “Creoles are not exactly accepted by everyone,” she said. “I have stood in Hop Sing’s shoes in that respect many a time Ben.” She sighed. “I expect that I’ll have to go through some things even more now that I’m away from my own people. You might not have noticed it, but I had several people look strangely at me during our trip out here.” 

 

He kissed the top of her curly hair. “I did indeed notice,” he admitted. “And I didn’t blame them. They’d never seen anyone so beautiful before.” 

 

She kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you,” she said. “But I’m sure that it was my culture more than my looks that many of them were reacting to. Believe me Ben, there are a lot of intolerant people in the world. My blood just boiled when I heard them talking about Hop Sing in that way!” 

 

“And you let them have it,” he said proudly. 

 

“I certainly did!” she declared. “Hop Sing and I might not get on too well, but there’s no way I couldn’t stand by and let someone treat him in that fashion, could I?”

 

Ben laughed at the sound of his fiery wife. “No, you couldn’t,” he said. “And I should have know that you couldn’t.” He kissed her on the top of the head again. “Now you and I need to go and have a talk with that eldest son of ours about his rudeness earlier today.” 

 

Marie sighed as her husband helped her to her feet. “I’m beginning to despair of ever getting Adam to like me Ben,” she sighed and then placed her hands over her abdomen. “Oh quick! Feel this!” Ben put his hands beside hers and they both smiled at the movement beneath them. “She’s a very restless little thing,” said Marie. “I hope she settles down soon.” 

 

Ben put his arms around her and led her towards the boys’ bedroom. “There are a lot of things that need to settle down around here,” he said. “But I’m sure that in time they will.” 

 

“I certainly hope so,” she sighed.

 

++++++++++

 

Marie wondered if she would ever begin to feel well again. There were days when she couldn’t keep any food down at all and she was well and truly sick of being kicked by this restless little being inside her. She shifted on the sofa, trying to find a more comfortable position, when a movement beside her made her look up. 

 

Hop Sing was standing in front of her, a cup in his hand. “Missy Cartwright need drink this,” he said shortly as he held it out to her. “Will help feel better.” 

 

Marie tried to smile at him. “Thank you,” she said, taking the cup. She took a couple of sips and then made a face. “Well I it certainly doesn’t taste very nice,” she complained.

 

“Not drink for taste,” sniffed Hop Sing. “Drink for make feel better.” He stood looking at her for a moment, until Marie felt compelled to speak. 

 

“Is there something else?” she asked, feeling as if she couldn’t take his nonsense today. 

 

Hop Sing nodded. “You stand up for Hop Sing with men,” he said. 

 

There was silence between them. 

 

“Well of course,” she replied, suddenly feeling awkward. “Why would I? You are part of our family after all.” 

 

The silence deepened as they both considered what she’d just come out with. 

 

Marie took a deep breath. “Hop Sing, I know that you don’t like me very much …” 

 

“Never say not like,” interrupted Hop Sing defensively. “Missy Cartwright nice woman … just too bossy is all.” 

 

Marie snorted. “Well the same could be said about you, you know,” she retorted. “I’m sorry I’ve been so short-tempered with you Hop Sing,” she continued. “All I want to do is to look after my husband and my family and I’ve been feeling that you don’t want me to.” She gave the man a half-smile. “I have no intention of spoiling your position here you know. Ben had told me that he could never have managed without you in the past and it’s obvious how much the boys love you … but … well things are different now and … well, you and I need to learn how to get on.” 

 

Hop Sing nodded. “Is true,” he admitted slowly.

 

“Maybe we can find a way together?” she suggested, feeling hopeful for the first time. “Maybe can call a truce?” 

 

“Truce?” he asked, puzzled.

 

“Stop fighting all the time,” she explained. “Make allowances for each other.” She gave a sudden giggle. “After all … us Cartwrights have got to stick together, you know.” 

 

Hop Sing was silent for a moment. “You drink,” he said shortly. “Get better.” 

 

Marie’s heart sank. “All right,” she snapped. 

 

Hop Sing turned on his heel and then immediately turned back again, a small smile on his face. “Missy Cartwright get better and then can bake bread for tomorrow. Hop Sing not have time for everything!” He turned and flounced out of the room before she could say anything. 

 

Marie sat staring after him in surprise, a small smile spreading across her face. 

 

++++++++++

 

Epilogue

 

Joseph Francis Cartwright made his way into the world at the end of October in the way that he was destined to behave for the rest of his life …. with high drama and much excitement. It wasn’t until a couple of hours after the breech birth and the tension that it had brought for both mother and child had eased, that Ben had the opportunity to reflect on just what this third son of his was like. 

 

When Adam and Hoss had finally gone to bed after excitedly viewing their new little brother, Ben sat gazing down at his exhausted wife cuddling his tiny newborn son. “So much for a daughter then, eh?” he teased. 

 

Marie tried to look indignant, but found it impossible in her excited and exhausted state. “Well I can’t be right all the time, can I? Besides, I wouldn’t trade him for a girl for anything … would you?” 

 

“Definitely not,” agreed Ben, stroking the baby’s tiny curls gently. “Especially now when I finally have a son named Joseph.”  

 

Marie giggled. “What was it that Hoss said when he first saw him? Little Joe?”  She looked at the baby in her arms lovingly. “It fits, doesn’t it? He is so little.” 

 

 There was a soft knock on the door and they both turned their heads to see Hop Sing standing there with a steaming cup in his hands. “Not mean to disturb,” he said, coming into the room. “But Missy Cartwright need drink this. Is good for getting strength back.” He placed it on the dresser beside the bed and smiled at them both. 

 

Marie pulled back the blanket that the baby was bundled up in and showed him to the man. “Meet the newest Cartwright Hop Sing,” she said proudly. “Joseph Francis Cartwright.” 

 

Hop Sing bent forward and observed the small face. “Is very small,” he said. “Is Little Joe.” 

 

Ben gave the man a surprised look. “That’s exactly what Hoss called him,” he said. “Looks like the name might stick.”

 

Marie held the baby up. “Would you like to hold him, Hop Sing?” she asked. Hop Sing hesitated. “Its all right,” she added. “After all he’s yours too, isn’t he?” Their eyes met in mutual understanding as Hop Sing carefully took the baby from her arms and Ben made a mental note to ask her what she had meant by that remark later. 

 

The baby began to whimper, so Hop Sing rocked him gently backwards and forwards until he stopped. “This one fussy boy,” he said, trying to sound stern, but both the baby’s parents could see the softness in his eyes, which belied his words. “Probably give Hop Sing much foolishment like big brothers,” he added.

 

“Probably,” agreed Ben, taking the baby from him. “Now … this young man and his mother have some sleeping to do, so I think we’d better leave them to it.” He placed the baby in the crib next to his mother’s bed and tucked the blanket around him securely as Marie snuggled down in the bed.

 

“You drink. I go make sure boys in bed,” said Hop Sing. He hesitated at the door and turned to face Marie. “I look after boys and house until you stronger Missy Cartwright,” he said. “Not to worry.” 

 

Marie nodded her head as she closed her tired eyes. “I know you will Hop Sing,” she murmured softly. “I can always count on you.” 

 

The End