Summary: 5th story in the Battle of Wills series.  Marie and Adam race their new horses. Luckily, Paul Martin has arrived in Virginia City to practice medicine. Ben has invited Paul out to the Ponderosa for supper. After examining both Marie and Adam, Paul has to relate Marie’s and Adam’s conditions to Ben.

Rating: K    WC=4470

The Battle of Wills Series:

Begins
Education is More than 3R’s
The Shadow of Jean deMarigny
A Gift Horse
New Expectations
Remembering Childhoods
A Room Full of Memories
A New Pattern
Naming the Newest Cartwright
Presents from the Heart
Love’s Labor
Big Brother Lessons
No Regrets
Baby’s Breath
Ennui

New Expectations

Ben had gone into town to take care of some business. Since he wouldn’t be home in time for lunch, he decided to eat at the International House. While waiting on his meal, Roy Coffee walked in with a stranger. 

“Howdy, Ben” said Roy, “I’d like fer ya to meet Paul Martin. He’s decided to hang his shingle here in Virginia City.”

Ben stood, extended his hand, and said “Welcome to Virginia City. You’re a doctor?”

“Yes, I am” answered Paul. “I heard there was a need for doctors out west. Hopefully, there will be a need for my services.”

“Of course there will” said Ben. Realizing how rude he must seem, he said “Won’t you both join me for lunch?”

“Don’t mind if I do” answered Roy.

“Thank you” said Paul.

“Please, call me Ben. You’ll have to come out to the Ponderosa for supper. My wife would be delighted to meet you.”

“The Ponderosa?”

“Ben here has one of the largest spreads in the territory. And the finest boys a man could want.”

Ben blushed at that. “I don’t know about that, Roy. Adam has become quite a handful lately.” Turning to Paul, he added “Adam is my oldest son. He’s eleven and is not getting along with his step-mother.”

Paul just nodded his head. “I’d be honored to accept your invitation for supper.”

“How about this evening?”

“I don’t want to impose on you…”

“It’s no imposition. Our cook always prepares more than enough food. How about I come get you when I finish up here in town?”

“Sure” replied Paul with a smile.

Roy nudged Paul and said “Ben’s cook is one of the best around. You won’t soon forget one of his meals.”
“Why don’t you come too, Roy?” Ben asked. “Hoss would sure love to see you.”

“Hoss?” asked Paul.

“My youngest son. He was born on the trip out here. His mother died when he was just a few months old. Adam has helped me raise him.”

“I’m looking forward to supper tonight” said Paul.

“So am I” say Roy with a chuckle.

While Ben was in town, Marie, Adam, and Hoss were out riding. Marie and Adam had been working with their new horses for a couple of weeks now. Beauty, Adam’s horse, could be a bit feisty, but responded well to Adam’s commands. Bonheur, usually called Bonnie, was very high-spirited; Marie, an accomplished horsewoman, had very little trouble with the horse. The hands were stunned by the fact that Marie preferred to ride astride instead of side-saddle. They quickly got over their surprise when they realized how well she rode.

Bill had assigned the hands their tasks for the day and he was accompanying the Cartwrights on their ride. Adam wanted to let Beauty run, but both Bill and Marie cautioned him against it for now. Hoss’ pony, Apple, trotted along to keep up with the horses.

Adam was an excellent rider and resented Marie telling him not to run Beauty. But Bill had also said not to so Adam nudged the horse into a lope a couple of times just to feel Beauty’s power. The boy never got too far ahead of the group, but just enough to feel that he was riding alone.

Reaching the top of a rise, all four reined up to rest the animals. About a quarter mile ahead, they could see the hands working on the fence. Apple was interested in grazing while Beauty danced a bit in place. Bonnie picked up on Beauty’s eagerness and pranced a bit herself.

“It’s so beautiful here” said Marie to no one in particular. “I can see for miles.”

Bill looked at Marie in admiration. The Boss had married a good woman. She was a good mother to the boys, fearless in the face of danger, and a good horsewoman. He hoped that he could find a wife like her someday.

Adam had matured a lot in the two years Bill had been working for the Ponderosa. The boy had been a very grown-up nine-year old when Bill was hired and he practically ran the ranch while his father was away on business. All of the hands had a lot of respect for the boy they called “Bossy Boots” behind his back. Bill figured that it was the sailing blood in the boy’s veins that gave him such a commanding presence at such a young age.

Hoss was doted on by all of the hands. The boy wanted to know how to do everything and help with the chores. He was big for his age, so the hands had to remind themselves that The Boss’ youngest was still a little boy. The boy was always cheerful and liked nothing better than to hand tools to those who were doing repair work. Bill had taught Hoss how to mend bridles and the boy did that chore happily on many occasions.

Marie’s voice brought Bill out of his reverie. “How about Bonnie races Beauty to the fence and back?” she asked Adam. 

“You’re on!” the boy responded eagerly.

“Bill, would you and Hoss be the judges?” she asked.

“Yes, Ma’am” he answered. “On the count of three. One, two…” Before he could get to three Adam took off. Marie just laughed as she encouraged Bonnie to take off after him.

Adam leaned forward over Beauty’s neck and encouraged the horse to run at full speed. Beauty’s long legs covered the ground quickly. Hearing hooves close behind, he turned his head and saw Marie catching up. Adam whooped to encourage Beauty to run faster. The hands at the fence stopped working to watch the horses.

Bonnie caught up to Beauty and the mare was neck and neck with the stallion. Marie looked over to Adam and gave the boy a smile and a delighted laugh. She was having fun. Adam smiled back and encouraged Beauty to go faster.

As the horses neared the fence, Marie decided to go over rather than turn to go back. She prepared herself and gave Bonnie more headway. Adam realized that Marie planned to go over the fence so he decided he would, too. He’d show her what a good horseman he was.

The hands watched Bonnie and Marie sail over the fence. They whooped and waved their hats in admiration as Beauty and Adam went over.

As Beauty touched down, Marie was turning Bonnie to go back across the fence. Marie had a smile that went from ear to ear as she passed Beauty. Adam reined Beauty short so he could get back over the fence. He wanted to win this race. Bonnie went sailing over the fence again to clapping from the hands.

Marie looked over her shoulder to make sure that Adam and Beauty were coming. She’d have to rein Bonnie in so Adam could get ahead of her and win. Bill and Hoss were cheering for Adam.

Beauty’s front hooves clipped the top rail of the fence and Adam lost his balance. He was thrown forward and hit the ground with a thud. Beauty made it over the fence and kept running.

The hands working the fence rushed to the unmoving boy. Bill and Hoss took off for the fence fearing the worst. Marie reined in Bonnie and headed back to the fence.

Once at the fence, Marie dismounted and went to Adam. She was ashen with anxiety. She should not have jumped the fence and encouraged Adam to do the same. With her heart in her throat, she asked “Is he all right?”

Hank, one of the hands, had gently rolled Adam over. There was blood on the boy’s face, which he was dabbing at with his bandana. Adam’s right arm was at an awkward angle. “His arm might be broke, Ma’am” he said.

“Get Adam into the wagon” ordered Bill. Fence posts and boards were pulled out of the wagon to make room for the boy. Marie climbed into the back of the wagon and asked Bill to take Bonnie’s reins. Hank and Rusty loaded Adam’s unconscious form into the wagon and placed his head in Marie’s lap.

“What about Beauty?” asked Hoss. “What if he’s hurt?”

“Rusty, you and Hank head on back fer the house with Mrs. Cartwright and Adam. Me and Hoss’ll go get Beauty and catch up with ya.”

“Sure thing” said Rusty. He and Hank got up onto the bench seat and flicked the reins to get the draft horses going. Marie, tears flowing from her eyes, stroked Adam’s cheeks and forehead. She toyed with the curl that fell over his forehead. Could Ben forgive her? She had only been having fun.

Bill and Hoss finally caught up to Beauty. The horse was tired and no trouble to catch. Hoss didn’t see any blood on the horse. Bill dismounted and handed his horse’s reins to Hoss. He tied Bonnie’s reins to his saddle horn. He approached Beauty and inspected the horse’s leg. “No cuts or scratches, Hoss. He should be all right.”

Hoss smiled in relief. Now if Adam could just be okay. “Do ya think Adam’s gonna be okay?”

“I’m sure he will. Yer brother’s taken tumbles before and bin okay.”

“I ain’t never seen him like this, though.”

“Remember that time the two of ya jumped outta the hayloft inta those bales?”

“Yeah. That was fun!”

“Well it wasn’t was much fun fer Adam ‘cause he sprained his ankle. He’ll be okay, Hoss. Just wait an’ see.”

In the wagon, Adam felt that he was floating on a boat in the sea. He became aware of the sounds of horses’ hooves and the stroke of a hand on his forehead. He could hear a woman humming. The pain in his body grabbed for him and started to bear him back into blackness. Before he succumbed, he smiled and said “Mama.” With a sigh he lapsed back into unconsciousness. 

Marie was stunned by that word. Had Adam meant it for her? Was he remembering an incident that happened with Inger? No matter. She decided to continue humming and stroking his forehead. She would make sure he was comfortable until they reached the house.

Ben finished up his business and went by Paul Martin’s office. A desk and chair along with a bookshelf were in the front room. Boxes were stacked along a wall. Two men carrying a settee came through the door and one of them asked “Where ya want this, Doc?”

Paul came out from the back room and pointed to a place along one wall. “Good to see you, Ben” he said, extending his hand.

“Looks like you’re settling in” Ben replied. 

“I will eventually. Would you like to see the exam room?”

“Sure.”

Paul led the way into the back room, which contained a bed, a large table, and two stands with pitchers and basins. “Hopefully, more people will need the bed than the operating table.”

Ben blanched a little at that. Paul noticed and said “Doctors aren’t to be feared.”

“I was just thinking about the surgery on the ship I sailed on. One time, I cut my leg pretty good and had to be stitched up. The surgeon had to strap me down to the table so I wouldn’t roll off since the sea was pitching the ship that day. He did a good job, but I’ve not been fond of doctor’s since.”

Paul just laughed. “It’s better on land, I assure you.” 

Ben turned red with embarrassment. “I’m sure you’re right. Are you ready to head out to the Ponderosa?”

“I wish I had a gift for your wife.”

“Your presence will be gift enough.”

The two men went outside and to the livery. Ben got his horse and Paul got his buggy. 

“Where did you practice before?” asked Ben.

“In Pittsburgh. There’ve been so many folks leaving the Three Rivers area for the West that I wondered what the lure was. When I saw an advertisement saying doctors were needed, I decided to leave, too. I packed my office and here I am.”

“I’m certainly glad you’re here. My cook, Hop Sing, does a lot of the doctoring on the Ponderosa. But since I’ve married and hope to have more children, your presence will make me rest easier.”

“How long have you been married? If you don’t mind my asking.”

“Not at all. Marie and I have been married for five months. We’re still newlyweds.”

“Did you meet out here?”

“In New Orleans. I was there on business when I met her. We quickly fell in love and married.”

“I’m sorry for asking so many personal questions.”

“I’m just glad to have someone to talk to on the way home. I usually make the trip in silence. The boys will be excited to have a new adult to talk with.”

They stopped after a while to give the horses a breather. “Welcome to the Ponderosa” said Ben with a smile.

Paul looked around confused. There was nothing but pine trees as far as the eye could see.

Ben just laughed and said “You’re on Ponderosa land now. It’s about another half hour to the house.”

“Oh” said Paul. He hadn’t realized that Ben lived so far from town. He hoped there would be no medical emergencies that required critical time frames. “What all do you do on the Ponderosa?”

“We have a timber operation with a mill to produce lumber and a good-sized herd of cattle. We still do some trapping for furs, but not as much as we used to.”

“Sounds like you run a busy ranch” said Paul.

“I’m lucky that I have a good foreman to keep everything running smoothly. And my oldest, Adam, usually does the books for me.”

The sound of hoof beats caught their attention. Ben turned in his saddle and saw Roy coming up to join them. “Nice of you gents ta wait on me” he said with a smile.

“I knew with the promise of Hop Sing’s cooking that you wouldn’t be delayed too long.”

Roy just laughed and said “Yer right there, Ben. You’ll be invitin’ yerself over a lot too, Paul, once you’ve tasted Hop Sing’s cookin’.”

“All this talking won’t get us there faster” said Ben with a chuckle. They resumed their ride to the house.

Rusty and Hank were within sight of the house now. Adam was still unconscious in the back of the wagon. Marie continued humming and stroking the boy’s forehead. Adam looked so peaceful. She could see a greater resemblance to Ben in his relaxed features.

Bill and Hoss were trotting behind with Beauty and Bonnie. The horse seemed to be alright. He wasn’t limping and didn’t seem to be in pain. Hoss hoped the horse was okay. He hated to see any animal hurt and especially didn’t want Adam to lose his horse so soon.

Ben and his party arrived just as the wagon was pulling up to the house. Seeing Marie in the back, Ben urged his horse forward to make sure she was all right. She looked up and he got a look at her red-rimmed eyes. Worriedly, he looked in the back of the wagon and saw Adam unconscious. 

“What happened?” he asked.

“We were riding our horses and decided to jump one of the fences. Beauty caught the fence and Adam was unseated.”

“Is he all right?”

“One of his arms seems broke, Boss” said Hank, getting down from the wagon.

Ben helped Marie while Rusty went to pick Adam up. 

“Leave him there so I can check him over” said Paul.

“Who’s this, Boss?” asked Rusty.

“This is Dr. Martin. He’s just opened his practice in Virginia City.”

Paul climbed into the back of the wagon and began to examine Adam. His head seemed to be okay, but his right arm was obviously injured. “How did he fall?” he asked. 

Hank replied, “He done went off and hit his right arm first. Then he bounced onto his face, then on his butt…oh, excuse me, Ma’am…and then to his face again. I dunno if’n his nose is broke, but there was a lot of blood on his face.”

The doctor ran his hands over Adam’s legs but didn’t note any injuries. Running his hands along the boy’s right arm, he saw Adam’s face wince and heard the boy groan. None of the bones seemed to be broken, but the shoulder was definitely dislocated. “How long ago did this happen?”

“A couple of hours” answered Marie.

Paul looked at Ben and said “His shoulder is out of the socket. I need to get it back in place. The swelling may make that difficult, but I’ll try.” He told Rusty to hold Adam down while he manipulated the arm. Adam screamed a couple of times from the pain. Hoss turned white with fear. What if Adam was dying? After close to fifteen minutes, a loud POP was heard.

Paul patted Rusty on the back and thanked him for his help. As he got out of the wagon, Paul said “The shoulder went back into place. That cut between his lip and nose will probably leave a faint scar. It won’t need stitched. I didn’t bring my bag, so I don’t have anything to give him for the pain. Make him stay in bed for a few days and then keep him from doing any heavy lifting for a couple of weeks.”

“Thank you” said Ben with great relief. Marie sagged against her husband, glad that Adam was going to be alright. “I’d best get Adam up to his room” said Ben. Rusty picked the boy up and handed him to his father.

Paul introduced himself to Marie. “I’m so grateful for your help. Won’t you stay for supper?”

“Your husband met me in town earlier today and invited me out. I’m glad I accepted his invitation.” He took a look at Marie and asked “Are you feeling well?”

“I’m just shaken by Adam’s accident. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure” he asked.

“Oui. Why would you think otherwise?”

“Perhaps we can talk in private?”

“Mon fils, help Bill put the horses in the barn. Thank you both” she said to Rusty and Hank, “for your help.”

“Glad we were there, Ma’am” said Hank, tipping his hat. Bill and Hoss led the horses while Rusty and Hank drove the wagon to the barn.

Marie and Paul went into the house accompanied by Roy. “I should go check on Adam” she said. “I’ll come with you” said Paul.

Upstairs, Ben was sitting with his oldest, brushing that stubborn curl back from the boy’s forehead. Adam briefly became aware of his surroundings as he opened his eyes. “How are you, Son?” Ben asked worriedly.

Tiredly, Adam replied “My arm hurts. Mama watched over me today. She sang to me and patted my face. She’s really my guardian angel now, huh?”

“Both Inger and your mother watch over you from Heaven.”

Adam gave his father a relaxed smile. Hop Sing came into the room with a tray bearing a cup. “You drink. Help sleep.”

Ben took the cup from the tray and gently eased Adam up so he could drink Hop Sing’s concoction. The boy gave his father another smile and relaxed into the pillows. “He soon sleep” Hop Sing told his boss. Ben leaned forward and gave Adam a kiss on the forehead.

Paul and Marie looked in to see Adam sleeping. “How is he, mon cher?” 

“Hop Sing gave him something for the pain and to help him sleep. He’ll be okay soon.”

Ben stood and went into the hall. Paul said “I’d like to speak to you and Mrs. Cartwright, if I may?”

“Sure” said Ben, assuming the doctor had some additional instructions regarding Adam.

“I believe that Mrs. Cartwright is in a delicate condition. I’d like to examine her, if possible.”

“Delicate in what way?” asked Ben, slightly confused.

Marie looked surprised and said “How is that possible?”

“You do live as husband and wife?” asked Paul.

Ben suddenly realized what Paul meant. “Are you saying…? Is she…? Are we…? Oh, darling!” He pulled Marie to him and hugged her tightly.

“But I haven’t been ill or felt unwell” protested Marie.

“May I examine her?” Paul asked Ben.

Ben, holding Marie’s arm, led Paul to the bedroom he shared with his wife. After his examination, Paul said “You should have a baby in six or seven months.” Ben let out a loud whoop while Marie gasped in astonishment.

Hearing the whoop, Roy rushed upstairs to see what was going on. Ben came out of his room when he heard boots on the stairs. “I’m gonna be a father, Roy!!”

“Ain’t ya already a father?” the sheriff asked.

“We’re gonna have a baby!!”

“That’s wonderful news, Ben!!”

Ben then shook Roy’s hand and led him downstairs. “This calls for a toast” he said as he poured some whiskey for them both.

Raising his glass, Roy said “To the joys of fatherhood!” They both downed their drinks. Ben refilled their glasses and said “To Marie, the mother of my child!” After another refill, Roy said “To the pitter-patter of more Cartwright feet!” Hoss came inside to hear the fourth toast “To New Orleans and my wife!”

Ben was pouring a fifth round when Hoss asked what was going on. Ben set down the decanter and his glass and wobbled his way over to Hoss. Kneeling down in front of the boy, Ben said “You’re going to be a big brother, Hoss!”

“How?” he asked.

“Your mother is going to have a baby.”

“When?”

“It’ll be several months from now.”

“Do you want a brother or a sister?” asked Roy.

“It don’t matter. Will it walk as soon as the calves do?”

“No, Son” Ben said, laughing. “A baby has to be carried for several months before it can crawl. It’s a long time until it can walk.”

“Oh” said Hoss with some disappointment. “Then what fun can a baby be?”

“You just wait, Hoss. You’ll see.”

Paul and Marie came downstairs to see Roy and Ben looking tipsy and Hoss looking confused. Hoss went over to Marie and said “Papa says yer havin’ a baby.”
“Oui, mon fils. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“When?”

“In several months.”

“Where’ve ya got it?”

“What?” she asked with some confusion.

“Cows carry calves in their bellies. Where’ve ya got a baby?”

She patted her belly and said “In here.”

Hoss looked completely surprised and asked “What did ya eat to cause it?”

“Babies aren’t caused by eating. But supper should almost be ready.”

Hop Sing brought out a roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, stewed apples, and biscuits. As Ben sliced the roast, Paul inhaled the aroma and said “If that’s as delicious as it smells, count me as a frequent supper guest.”

Roy laughed and said “I tole ya that Hop Sing is one o’ the best cooks around.”

Following supper, Paul and Roy said their thank yous and good-byes. After they left, Hoss was sent upstairs for bed.

Hoss went to Adam’s room to check on his brother. Adam looked asleep, but Hoss decided to talk to him anyway. “Mama says she’s gonna have a baby.” A groan escaped Adam; Hoss assumed it was from the pain. “That means I’m gonna be a big brother, like you. You gotta teach me everything I hafta know before the baby gets here. You’re the bestest big brother I’ve ever had. ‘Nite, Adam.” With that, Hoss went to his room and got ready for bed.

Downstairs, Ben was chastising Marie for her ride earlier in the day. “What if you had been thrown from Bonnie, darling? We’ve got to keep you safe until the baby arrives.”

“But I’m not an invalid, mon cher. I can still ride, work in the garden, travel, and…”

“I don’t want you to do too much, darling. A woman in your condition…”

“Didn’t Inger work alongside you traveling out here?”

“Yes, but…”

“Did you consider her delicate when she was carrying Hoss?”

“Yes.”

“Did she listen to you?”

“Well, no, but…”

Marie kissed her husband and said “I’m not a fragile piece of porcelain that will break if bumped. There’s a lot I can do until the baby comes.”

“I just don’t want anything to happen to you or the baby.” Ben then kissed his wife.

“Oh, mon cher, I know you worry. You lost Elizabeth so soon after Adam’s birth, but Inger was a strong woman who bore Hoss and was just fine. I bore my first child with many problems. I just didn’t believe the doctor this time because I was so ill with that baby. So far, there’s been no illness. Perhaps it’s because I’m going to have a girl.”

Ben hugged Marie to him. “Just think how we could spoil a daughter. She would be our little princess.”

Marie laughed and said “Princesses grow up to be courted by young men. Would you allow her to go to dances or parties?”

Ben gave Marie a mock scowl and said “Adam and Hoss will be her bodyguards. They’ll see to her safety and keep unsuitable young men away from her.”

Marie kissed Ben and said “I love you so much, mon cher.”

Ben hugged Marie to him and said “I love you with all of my heart, darling.” He thought that they’d have to tell Adam the news tomorrow. Hopefully, Adam would take it well. 

As they went up the stairs hand-in-hand, Ben couldn’t believe his luck. He’d managed to marry three beautiful women and now the third was going to give him a child. Hopefully, the baby would be the first of many to come. Hoss seemed happy to know a baby was coming. Ben hoped that Adam would be just as happy. And be more accepting of Marie.

Reaching the second floor, Marie said “We’ll have to clean out that spare room, mon chere. We’ll need a nursery for our babies.”

“The boys and I can take care of that. I don’t want you to worry about a thing.”

Adam had heard what Marie said about the spare room as he briefly woke up. He just hoped that he wouldn’t have to share his room with Hoss to make room for more kids. He fell back asleep, dreaming of babies crawling all through the house.

The End
April 2007

Next Story in The Battle of Wills Series:

Remembering Childhoods
A Room Full of Memories
A New Pattern
Naming the Newest Cartwright
Presents from the Heart
Love’s Labor
Big Brother Lessons
No Regrets
Baby’s Breath
Ennui