{"id":13947,"date":"2007-12-12T14:33:46","date_gmt":"2007-12-12T19:33:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13947"},"modified":"2026-02-11T10:53:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T15:53:00","slug":"the-fourth-wife-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13947","title":{"rendered":"The Fourth Wife (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 After receiving an invitation to a neighbor’s wedding, Little Joe conspires to find Ben the perfect wife; while the rest of the family holds off an attempted land grab.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a021,300 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n

The Fourth Wife<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sun was barely up as the four Cartwrights walked slowly out of the house, ready to start the day\u2019s work. Headed to the barn to saddle their horses before riding off on various tasks, all of them were surprised to see a rider coming into the yard at this early hour. The rider was a man in his fifties, with gray hair, and wearing the clothes of a working cowboy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben,\u201d said the rider cheerfully as he halted his horse. \u201cHi boys!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, John,\u201d Ben Cartwright greeted the man pleasantly in return, although his voice was tinged with surprise. \u201cWhat brings you to the Ponderosa so early in the day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m on my way to Virginia City but I wanted to stop by for a minute,\u201d replied John Benson, the rider. He shifted uncomfortably in his saddle. \u201cUh, do you have any plans for the 27<\/span>th<\/span>?\u201d he asked in a hesitant voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cThe 27<\/span>th<\/span>,\u201d he mused. He looked quickly at his sons. Adam, Hoss and Joe shrugged and shook their heads. \u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d said Ben, turning back to the rider. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to invite you to a wedding,\u201d Benson answered, looking a bit embarrassed. Then he grinned. \u201cI\u2019m getting married!\u201d he announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarried!\u201d exclaimed Adam Cartwright. \u201cThat\u2019s great, John!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t even know you were courting!\u201d added Ben. His face showed both surprise and pleasure. \u201cWho\u2019s the lucky woman?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary Wilson,\u201d replied Benson. \u201cWe\u2019ve been courting about two months now. We kind of kept quiet about it. But last night, I asked her and she said yes. We\u2019ve settled on the 27<\/span>th<\/span> for the wedding and I want all of you to come. It\u2019ll be at my ranch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be there,\u201d confirmed Hoss Cartwright with a big smile. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t miss it for anything!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat!\u201d said Benson. His face faded into a wistful look. \u201cIt\u2019s been kind of lonely at my place since my wife died and my daughters got married. I\u2019ve been rattling around all alone in that big old house for almost two years.\u201d Benson\u2019s face broke into a smile again. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be wonderful having Mary there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it will be,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cYou\u2019re a lucky man, John.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know it,\u201d Benson stated. \u201cMary\u2019s a very special woman. Well, I\u2019d better be getting on to Virginia City.\u201d He turned his horse then suddenly pulled his animal to a stop. \u201cOh, Ben,\u201d he said as if a thought suddenly occurred to him. \u201cIs it true you\u2019re selling off part of the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright looked startled. \u201cSelling off part of the Ponderosa?\u201d he repeated. \u201cNo. Where did you get an idea like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFellow named Roger Stevens,\u201d answered Benson. \u201cHe was in town the other day claiming he was going to buy part of your land so he could harvest the timber. You know how the mines are always looking for timber. He was bragging he was going to make a fortune.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoger Stevens is a liar,\u201d Adam charged heatedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Adam,\u201d Ben said in an admonishing voice to his oldest son. Ben turned back to John Benson. \u201cStevens came out and made a proposal to buy some land. I turned him down,\u201d explained Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Benson responded, \u201cThought it sounded strange.\u201d Once more a grin broke out on the man’s face. \u201cI\u2019ll see you boys on the 27<\/span>th<\/span>,\u201d reminded John. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a humdinger of a wedding and party!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be there,\u201d promised Ben. He waved as Benson turned his horse and rode off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you\u2019re not thinking of selling off any land, are you?\u201d asked Joe Cartwright as he stepped forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had a far-away look on his face. He didn\u2019t answer his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe said again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking startled, Ben suddenly focused on his son’s question. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said. He quickly shook his head. \u201cNo, of course not.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss frowned as he looked at his father. \u201cPa, are you all right?\u201d asked Ben\u2019s middle son with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Hoss,\u201d Ben reassured his son. \u201cI was just thinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThinking about what?\u201d asked Adam curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just remembering really,\u201d answered Ben in a soft voice. \u201cI was remembering what it\u2019s like when you get married. It\u2019s such a special feeling. There\u2019s nothing quite like it.\u201d He smiled as his eyes misted over. Then, abruptly, he cleared his throat. \u201cWell, we\u2019re not getting any work done standing around here. Let\u2019s get saddled and get started.\u201d Ben walked quickly to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa had kind of a funny look on his face,\u201d said Hoss as he watched his father walk to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he did,\u201d Joe agreed. He thought for a minute. \u201cYou know, maybe Pa ought to think about getting married again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarried again?\u201d exclaimed Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s been married three times. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s interested in another wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since my mother died,\u201d Joe said defensively. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s time for him to start thinking about marriage again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Pa can make up his own mind about something like that,\u201d replied Adam wryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI kinda agree with Joe. Pa\u2019s been so busy raising us and looking after the ranch, maybe he just hasn\u2019t had time to think about getting married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember the 4<\/span>th<\/span> of July picnic?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cPa spent almost the whole day with Mary Wilson. But then we had that cattle drive, and he got busy with the new timber contracts. And now John Benson is marrying her. Maybe Pa\u2019s just been too busy to go courting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cAnd it\u2019s been a long time. Maybe Pa just don\u2019t remember what it\u2019s like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I suppose you\u2019re the one to help him,\u201d replied Adam with a snort. \u201cYou can\u2019t even look at a girl without turning red.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Hoss may have something,\u201d Joe said. \u201cMaybe he just needs a push.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Pa can do his own courting, without any help from you two,\u201d Adam answered, with a shake of his head. \u201cYou stay out of Pa\u2019s love life. Now, let\u2019s to work.\u201d Adam walked toward the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still think Pa needs a push,\u201d Joe said to Hoss. \u201cWe just have to find the right woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but how we gonna do that?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s going to take some thinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

***************<\/span><\/p>\n

While Ben rode to check on the timber camp and Adam took off to check fences, Joe and Hoss rode toward the herd of cattle grazing in the south pasture. Their task was to check on the herd, and gather any straying cattle back to the pasture. Hoss and Joe spent the morning riding through the hills near the pasture, looking for strays. At noon, they met at the edge of the pasture. Both settled under a shady elm for something to eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Mrs. Watkins?\u201d Hoss asked without explanation. He knew Joe had been speculating on possible mates for their father all morning, just as he had been.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Watkins?\u201d Joe replied with surprise. \u201cShe\u2019s got to be close to eighty!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not that old,\u201d Hoss said defensively. \u201cBesides, she sets a real fine table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe looks eighty,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cAnd doesn\u2019t make any difference if she can cook. Hop Sing will never let her in the kitchen anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, there\u2019s that,\u201d admitted Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we have to find someone younger than Pa, someone who can take care of him,\u201d reflected Joe. He sat quietly for a minute, thinking. \u201cWhat about Mrs. Landers? She\u2019s a widow, but only in her thirties, and she\u2019s really attractive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe, she\u2019s got those two young\u2019ns,\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I\u2019m ready to have some youngsters around the place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d agreed Joe with a nod of his head. \u201cPa isn\u2019t as young as he used to be. It might be too much for him raising some young children at his age.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Silently, Joe and Hoss sat and ate, both running over the names of potential candidates in their minds and rejecting each for a variety of reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got it!\u201d Joe exclaimed suddenly, sitting up. \u201cBeth Robinson!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeth Robinson?\u201d repeated Hoss doubtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, she\u2019s perfect,\u201d said Joe enthusiastically. \u201cShe\u2019s about forty, never been married, and she\u2019s real nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but Joe, she\u2019s kind of average looking,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cBesides, ain\u2019t she seeing that Walsh fellow who runs the hardware store?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe isn\u2019t a raving beauty,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut she\u2019s not ugly or anything, and she\u2019s fun. Besides there\u2019s much more to a woman than just looks. Some of the most boring women I know are the ones everybody thinks are beautiful. And I don\u2019t think she and Walsh are serious. They\u2019ve been seeing each other for a long time, but only at dances and stuff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you\u2019re right,\u201d Hoss said thoughtfully. \u201cShe seems real nice, and she\u2019s smart, too. I saw her playing chess at the church social. That would give her and Pa something to do at night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think they could think of a few other things,\u201d Joe suggested wryly. Then he frowned. \u201cNow we\u2019ve got to think of a way to get them together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, both Hoss and Joe sat silently as they plotted and planned in their minds.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know!\u201d Joe said snapping his fingers. \u201cWe\u2019ll invite her to dinner on Sunday. And then we\u2019ll get Pa to drive her home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think that would work?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s a start,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cOnce we get Pa to start thinking about her, we can start nudging him in the right direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss with a smile. Then he frowned. \u201cBut what\u2019ll we tell Pa? I mean, we can\u2019t just come out and tell him we\u2019re inviting Miss Beth to dinner to get him to start courting her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Joe stated with a trace of disgust in his voice. \u201cWe\u2019ll tell Pa she\u2019s coming because she wants to talk about the fundraiser they\u2019re having at the church for the orphans of the miners who were killed. And we\u2019ll tell Beth the same thing. They\u2019re both on the committee. That\u2019ll give them something to talk about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother, you sure are the smart one,\u201d Hoss said. Then he shook his head. \u201cDo you really think it\u2019ll work?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure of it,\u201d answered Joe confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

****************<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe polished the foot of his boot on the back of his leg as he stood outside the door to Beth Robinson\u2019s house in Virginia City. He and Hoss had spent the last two days discussing their plan. Now it was time to go into action. Hoss had been charged with talking to Hop Sing about cooking a special dinner for Sunday while Joe\u2019s job was to invite Beth Robinson to that dinner. Ben Cartwright hadn\u2019t been surprised when Joe volunteered to go into Virginia City to pick up the mail earlier that day; Joe usually managed to find an excuse to visit the Silver Dollar Saloon after he picked up the mail. But Joe had no intention of visiting the saloon today. He didn\u2019t want to smell of beer and cigar smoke as he called on the woman he hoped would be his future step-mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

After knocking politely on the door of the house, Joe stepped back to wait. In only a minute, the door opened. A woman in her forties stood in the doorway. She had ash blonde hair, pulled back into a tight bun, and wore a simply gingham dress. The features of her face were ordinary, with perhaps a too large nose set in the middle. However, the woman smiled pleasantly as she saw who was standing on her porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe Cartwright!\u201d Beth Robinson said in surprise, using a nickname Joe tended to dislike. It made him feel like a kid, rather than the grown-up he considered himself to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Miss Robinson,\u201d Joe answered, flashing his most charming smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you here?\u201d asked Beth curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa asked me to stop by to invite you to Sunday dinner,\u201d Joe explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSunday dinner?\u201d replied Beth in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he, uh, wants to talk about the fund raiser,\u201d Joe clarified quickly. \u201cHe thought you and he might discuss some of the details after dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s odd,\u201d Beth answered with a frown. \u201cWe had a committee meeting last week, and I thought we had worked out everything then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah,\u201d said Joe, thinking furiously. He had been unaware of the committee meeting. \u201cPa, uh, he just wants to go over things again, make sure they\u2019re right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beth shrugged. \u201cWell, all right,\u201d she said. She smiled at Joe. \u201cSunday dinner with four handsome men sounds pretty nice. Shall I come about four?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you make it about two?\u201d Joe suggested, flashing his smile again. \u201cYou and Pa can talk before dinner, and then after dinner, maybe you two could take a walk or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beth looked at Joe speculatively. \u201cA walk?\u201d she said. \u201cDid your Pa suggest that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cBut I was just thinking\u2026 I mean, well, you\u2019d like that, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d Joe finished lamely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beth studied Joe for a minute then smiled. \u201cOf course,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ll see you on Sunday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Beth closed the door, Joe let out a sigh of relief. He realized he had come on a little too strong, and hoped he hadn\u2019t spoiled things. As he turned and walked off the porch, Joe had a smug look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

***********<\/span><\/p>\n

At dinner that evening, Joe wondered how to bring up the invitation for Sunday dinner to his father. He wanted the idea to appeal to his father. Joe toyed with the food on his plate as he thought through the next step in his plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, are you going to eat or just play with your food?\u201d Ben demanded, breaking into Joe\u2019s thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Startled, Joe looked up. \u201cOh, sorry,\u201d he apologized and immediately forked a piece of meat into his mouth. He looked at Hoss. Hoss grinned at his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Pa, when I was in town today, I ran into Beth Robinson,\u201d started Joe as casually as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat Miz Robinson, she\u2019s a real nice lady, ain\u2019t she,\u201d added Hoss with a smile. Hoss\u2019 smile quickly disappeared as Joe glared at his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes, yes she is,\u201d answered Ben in a puzzled voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway,\u201d Joe continued, looking firmly at his brother, \u201cshe said she needed to talk with you about that fund raiser you\u2019re working on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh really?\u201d Ben replied with a frown. \u201cI thought we had worked out all the details at the committee meeting. What else could she need to talk with me about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d Joe said with a shrug. \u201cShe just said she needed to talk with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d answered Ben with a sigh. \u201cI\u2019ll ride into town tomorrow and see her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t have to do that,\u201d Joe said hastily. \u201cI mean, I know how busy you are at the timber camp and all. So I suggested she come out to Sunday dinner. I thought you could talk with her before dinner, and then we could all enjoy a real nice meal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a good idea, Joseph,\u201d Ben agreed, nodding his head in approval. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to Hop Sing and ask him to fix something special.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you don\u2019t have to do that either, Pa,\u201d Hoss chimed in quickly. When Ben looked him with a puzzled expression, Hoss continued, \u201cI mean, I\u2019ll talk with him. I\u2019ll ask him to fix some chicken and dumplings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Ben, shaking his head a bit. He had the feeling his sons were up to something but he couldn\u2019t quite figure out what.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had been watching and listening silently. Now he shook his head as he saw Joe and Hoss grinning at each other like a pair of Cheshire cats. He had an idea about what his brothers were doing. He just couldn\u2019t believe they were being so blatant about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I got another message from the Stevens fellow today,\u201d Ben said, changing the subject. \u201cHe\u2019s made another offer. He wants to buy the timber land down by the lake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDown by the lake!\u201d exclaimed Joe in alarm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe,\u201d Ben told his son in a soothing voice. \u201cI\u2019m not about to sell him that land.\u201d He turned to Adam. \u201cBut he hinted at something that he found that might cause some question about our deed to that land. Do you have any idea what that could be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking thoughtful, Adam sat quietly for a minute, then shook his head. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t,\u201d replied Adam. He saw the growing concern on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cOur ownership of that land is the most solid we have,\u201d he continued. \u201cThere\u2019s no way he could call it into question.\u201d He could see Joe looked somewhat mollified, but his brother was still frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tend to agree,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI think he\u2019s just bluffing, trying to get us to sell the land. But I want you to check with our lawyers anyway. Also, check with the land office. Make sure there\u2019s nothing we\u2019ve overlooked.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it first thing in the morning,\u201d Adam promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

****************<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss spent the rest of the week in nervous anticipation of Sunday\u2019s dinner. They both checked with Hop Sing on the menu so many times that the Chinese cook threatened to serve bread and water if they didn\u2019t leave him alone. Hoss and Joe also tried to clean and straighten the house, although they were careful not to do it when their father was around. By Saturday, both were a nervous wreck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeth Robinson, eh,\u201d Adam said in unconcealed amusement as he watched his brothers dusting. Ben was still at the timber camp, and Joe and Hoss thought it was a good time to give the house one last cleaning. Adam was leaning against the wall by the front door, his arms folded as he watched his brothers with glee. \u201cSo she\u2019s the one you\u2019ve chosen for Pa,\u201d continued Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe looked up from the table behind the sofa. He was dusting the ebony statue of a rearing horse that sat on the table. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Beth Robinson?\u201d asked Joe with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, nothing,\u201d replied Adam airily. \u201cBeth\u2019s a real nice lady. Too nice, in fact, to be the victim of your twisted plot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no plot,\u201d Hoss protested as he ran a rag over the pair of longhorns hanging over the fireplace. \u201cWe\u2019re just giving Pa a little nudge, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA little nudge?\u201d said Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s more like a shove. You\u2019re pushing him right into Beth\u2019s arms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what\u2019s wrong with that?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cWe\u2019re just giving Pa a little help. After that, he\u2019s on his own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you two before to stay out of Pa\u2019s love life,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s none of your business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA little help from you wouldn\u2019t hurt, you know,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWe want to make this place look real nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam held up his hands. \u201cOh no, you\u2019re not dragging me into this,\u201d he protested. \u201cI want to be sure Pa knows I had absolutely nothing to do with this.\u201d With that, Adam turned and walked out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you sure we\u2019re doing the right thing here?\u201d asked Hoss uncertainly. \u201cI mean, maybe Adam\u2019s right. Maybe we\u2019re messing around with something that ain\u2019t none of our business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, all we\u2019re doing is giving Pa a chance to see what\u2019s right under his nose,\u201d explained Joe patiently. \u201cIf he and Beth don\u2019t hit it off, well, that\u2019s the end of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess,\u201d Hoss said. He turned back to dusting the horns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides,\u201d muttered Joe as he dusted the statue. \u201cIf this doesn\u2019t work, there\u2019s always Mrs. Landers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

************<\/span><\/p>\n

Beth Robinson arrived a few minutes after 2:00 on Sunday afternoon. It was a good thing she arrived when she did because Ben was quickly losing his patience with his younger sons. Joe and Hoss had been after him all day to take a bath, to put on a clean shirt, and to wear a tie. He couldn\u2019t understand what the fuss was about; He and Beth were just old friends having dinner together. But Joe and Hoss kept insisting it was important that he look his best.<\/span><\/p>\n

By noon, Ben was so exasperated with Joe and Hoss that he ordered them to their rooms to get cleaned up\u2026and to stay there until Beth arrived. He even glared at Adam, who simply held up his hands and walked meekly up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grudgingly, Ben put on a new white shirt and tie as he got ready to greet his guest. He felt bad about yelling at his sons and thought that this was one way to make it up to them. And he didn\u2019t mind getting a bit dressed up for Beth Robinson, whom he liked and respected. But he was still puzzled by Joe and Hoss\u2019 odd behavior. Hearing the sound of a buckboard driving up, Ben rushed down the stairs and out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling the reins expertly, Beth Robinson halted her buckboard in front of the Ponderosa ranch house. She was dressed neatly, but not particularly fancy. She raised her eyebrows in surprise when she saw Ben was wearing a white shirt and string tie. She had assumed this was an informal dinner. Now she wished she had worn something fancier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Beth,\u201d said Ben heartily as he reached up to help her out of her buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben\u201d replied Beth as she climbed down. \u201cThank you for inviting me to dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was really Joe\u2019s idea,\u201d admitted Ben, \u201cbut I\u2019m glad he thought of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s idea?\u201d said Beth with a puzzled expression. \u201cI thought sure he said you were the one who asked him to invite me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Ben could reply, Hoss and Joe came rushing out of the house. Both were wearing newly washed shirts and string ties. \u201cHello, Miss Robinson,\u201d Joe greeted the woman with a smile. \u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Little Joe,\u201d replied Beth, not noticing Joe\u2019s wince at the term she used. \u201cHello, Hoss,\u201d Beth added, nodding at the biggest Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, ma\u2019am,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll just see to your horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss,\u201d said Beth graciously. She turned to Ben. \u201cWell, Ben, we\u2019d best discuss whatever questions you had about the fundraiser.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy questions?\u201d said Ben, frowning. \u201cI thought\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you come into the house and have something to drink,\u201d Joe suggested hurriedly, interrupting his father. He held out his arm to Beth, who took it with a smile. As Ben watched the pair enter the house, an uneasy feeling nagged at him. He slowly walked into the house, a slight frown forming on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Entering the house, Ben noted Joe had seated Beth on the sofa. He started to walk to his favorite red leather chair next to the fireplace but suddenly found his way barred by his youngest son. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you sit on the sofa?\u201d Joe suggested to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

The uneasy feeling Ben had was now growing, and he suspected he finally knew what Hoss and Joe were up to. \u201cI\u2019ll sit in the chair, Joseph,\u201d Ben said firmly, and pushed past his son. He could see Joe\u2019s frustration as he sat several feet from his guest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Beth,\u201d called Adam as he descended the stairs. \u201cNice to see you again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Adam,\u201d replied Beth with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Adam, could you help me for a minute?\u201d Joe said suddenly. \u201cI need you, uh, I need you to help me with something in the kitchen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the kitchen?\u201d said Adam in an astonished voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the kitchen,\u201d repeated Joe firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, of course,\u201d said Adam slowly. He inclined his head to Beth. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me,\u201d he murmured, and walked slowly across the room. Joe put his hand on Adam\u2019s back and hustled him out of the living room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re fine boys, Ben,\u201d Beth said with a smile as she looked at Joe and Adam\u2019s departing backs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou may not think so in a little while,\u201d replied Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d said Beth with surprise. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first, let me ask you,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cDid you have some questions about the fundraiser?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t,\u201d said Beth, her surprise growing. \u201cI thought you did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u201cI thought so,\u201d he replied. \u201cBeth, I\u2019m afraid you were invited out here under false pretenses. I think my boys are trying their hand at a little matchmaking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMatchmaking!\u201d exclaimed Beth in surprise. \u201cBen, please don\u2019t take this the wrong way. I like you. I like you a lot. But not romantically.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you said that,\u201d Ben replied with a smile. \u201cI feel the same way. But for some reason, those sons of mine feel we\u2019re a match made in heaven.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ben!\u201d laughed Beth. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m the one who\u2019s sorry,\u201d apologized Ben. \u201cBoth for what my sons tried to do, and for the fact that you and I aren\u2019t going to be a couple. It might have been fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it might have been,\u201d agreed Beth with a smile. \u201cBut I have an understanding with Sam Walsh. We\u2019re sort of engaged to be engaged.\u201d Beth stood. \u201cPerhaps I\u2019d better go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t feel you have to leave,\u201d said Ben hastily. \u201cHop Sing has prepared a fine dinner. Please stay and eat with us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think I\u2019d better leave,\u201d Beth stated. \u201cPlease give Hop Sing my apologies. And please apologize to your sons for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d said Ben, his face darkening. \u201cI plan to have a long talk with those boys of mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Offering his arm, Ben walked Beth to the door and escorted her out. Hoss was surprised to hear his father calling for the buckboard he had just put away. As he turned to retrieve the wagon from the barn, Hoss began to worry that their carefully crafted plan had gone awry.<\/span><\/p>\n

After Ben had helped Beth into the buckboard which Hoss retrieved, he watched her drive off. Then he turned to his son. \u201cInto the house,\u201d he said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026\u201d Hoss started to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInto the house!\u201d repeated Ben. He turned and walked into the house. Hoss swallowed hard and followed his father slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hoss walked into the house, he heard his father yelling for Joe and Adam. Hoss stood by the door, waiting for his brothers; he didn\u2019t want to face his father\u2019s wrath alone. Two more loud shouts finally brought Joe and Adam came rushing from the kitchen. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d asked Joe. He looked around room. \u201cWhere\u2019s Miss Robinson?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Robinson has gone home,\u201d Ben said, his voice angry. \u201cShe didn\u2019t feel like staying around and being subjected to the inept matchmaking attempts of my lame-brained sons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe paled and swallowed hard. He looked at Hoss, who just shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, let me explain,\u201d started Joe in a hesitant voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, I\u2019d be happy to hear your explanation,\u201d replied Ben, his anger still showing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we just thought maybe you\u2019d been so busy, you just hadn\u2019t had a chance to go courting,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWe\u2019d just thought we\u2019d help you out a bit,\u201d he finished lamely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you thought you\u2019d help me out,\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cHow nice of you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we didn\u2019t mean anything by it,\u201d added Hoss, walking over to join his brothers. \u201cWe just thought maybe you needed a nudge to get back into circulation again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so that\u2019s it,\u201d said Ben at the top of his voice. \u201cYou thought the poor old man didn\u2019t know how to spark a woman any more, so you thought you\u2019d do it for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe winced at both his father\u2019s tone and words. Suddenly what had seemed like a good idea sounded awfully dumb. \u201cPa, we didn\u2019t mean it like that,\u201d answered Joe, trying to explain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked past Joe at Adam. \u201cWhat about you?\u201d he demanded of his oldest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look at me, Pa,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cI didn\u2019t have anything to do with this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you knew about it, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Ben demanded. When Adam remained silent, Ben continued. \u201cYou knew what your addle-headed brothers were doing and you didn\u2019t stop them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Flushing guiltily, Adam nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you listen to me, all of you,\u201d Ben stated firmly. \u201cI\u2019m perfectly capable of running my own life. If I want to go courting, I will. I don\u2019t need anyone to do it for me. And I don\u2019t need you to find a wife. I will not stand for any further incidents like this, is that understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mutely, Adam, Hoss and Joe nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben fixed an angry glare on all three of his sons. \u201cThe next time you three decide to help me, do me a favor,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cDon\u2019t!\u201d He turned and walked up the stairs to his room, pulling his tie undone as he climbed the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the middle of the living room, Adam, Hoss and Joe stood silent, each of their faces downcast. Finally, Adam muttered, \u201cI told you this was a bad idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe looked up at Adam. \u201cIt seemed like a good idea at the time,\u201d he said defensively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I told you not to interfere in something that wasn\u2019t any of your business,\u201d replied Adam evenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah, I guess you did,\u201d admitted Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Hoss sniffed the air. \u201cSmells like Hop Sing is still fixing chicken and dumplings for dinner,\u201d he said, licking his lips. He looked at his brothers who were staring at him with astonished looks. \u201cWell, I mean, it would be a shame for all that good food to go to waste,\u201d Hoss added with a shrug. \u201cPa\u2019s mad, but he\u2019ll get over it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe sadly. \u201cHe\u2019ll get over it, but I have a feeling our life is going to be pretty miserable until he does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*************<\/span><\/p>\n

Breakfast the next morning was eaten in silence. Ben had skipped dinner with his sons, too angry with them to sit at the same table. His anger had cooled by morning, but he decided he was not yet ready to forgive them for what he felt was unwarranted interference. He had greeted his sons coldly at the breakfast table and ate his meal in silence. Joe, Hoss, and Adam ate silently also. None of them wanted to start a conversation and possibly face a repeat of yesterday\u2019s lecture, so they ate silently and quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, did you check on that land deed, like I asked?\u201d Ben inquired suddenly. He fixed his angry stare on his oldest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did,\u201d answered Adam hastily. \u201cOur lawyer couldn\u2019t find anything wrong with the deed, and neither could the land agent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least one of my sons did something right,\u201d Ben stated. Joe and Hoss flushed, and looked down at their plates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearing his voice, Adam said, \u201cUh, Pa, our lawyer did suggest we might want to check the records up in Carson City, just to be sure. He said sometimes they have something on file up there that we might not be aware of down here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben stared at Adam for a minute. \u201cJust when were you going to tell me this little bit of news?\u201d he asked coldly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it didn\u2019t seem too important,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cAnd we\u2019ve been kind of busy.\u201d He suddenly realized that it might not be wise to dwell on why they had been so busy. \u201cI\u2019ll go up to Carson City and check on it right away,\u201d he added quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll go,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI want to see the governor anyway about the new legislation he\u2019s proposing on mine safety. I\u2019ve got enough to do to keep me busy for a week or so up there.\u201d Ben looked around the table. \u201cA week away from you three might be just the thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll drive you into town,\u201d offered Adam hastily as Joe and Hoss continued to look at their plates.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Ben placing his napkin on the table. He stood. \u201cI\u2019ll go and pack. I want to catch the noon stage.\u201d Ben walked away from the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhew! He sure is mad,\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cMaybe getting away from here for a week isn\u2019t such a bad idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you one thing,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIf he comes back and finds out you two have been slacking off on your chores, there really will be hell to pay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

**************<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam drove his father to Virginia City in silence. By now, Ben\u2019s anger had completely disappeared and he was beginning to see the humor of the situation. He had even chuckled to himself in his room as he thought about what Joe and Hoss had tried to do. But he decided not to let his sons know how he felt. He thought it would do them good to think he was angry for awhile longer; it would keep them from getting in trouble while he was gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling the buckboard to a halt in front of the stage depot, Adam offered quickly, \u201cI\u2019ll get your ticket to Carson City,\u201d Ben just nodded. Scrambling out of the buckboard, Adam walked to the ticket window.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright! Mr. Cartwright!\u201d a voice shouted. Ben looked around. A well-dressed man in his thirties was walking quickly down the street, waving his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d the man said in a breathless voice as he rushed up to the buckboard. \u201cRoger Stevens,\u201d he said, holding out his hand. \u201cNice to see you again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost reluctantly, Ben took the man\u2019s hand and shook it briefly. \u201cMr. Stevens,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering if you had thought any more about my offer?\u201d Stevens asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to think about,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cThat land is not for sale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I don\u2019t think you understand the situation,\u201d pressed Stevens. \u201cThe mines in Virginia City need timber for shoring. They can\u2019t get enough of it. If you sell me that land, I will harvest the timber and sell it to the mines. We can both make a tidy profit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe land is not for sale,\u201d repeated Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why?\u201d asked Stevens. \u201cIt\u2019s not being used now. All it\u2019s doing is sitting there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy reasons are my own,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThe land is not for sale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Just then, Adam came back to the buckboard. \u201cHere\u2019s your ticket to Carson City,\u201d he said, handing Ben a slip of paper. \u201cThe stage leaves in about 30 minutes. I got you a return ticket for next week, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026\u201d Stevens said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Stevens, this discussion is over,\u201d Ben interrupted firmly. \u201cThe land is not for sale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A dejected look came over Stevens’ face as he stood next to the buckboard. He was trying to think of something to say, something to do to change Ben Cartwright\u2019s mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ben,\u201d another voice shouted. Ben looked up and saw John Benson hurrying toward him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, John,\u201d Ben greeted his friend. \u201cHow\u2019s the bridegroom?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNervous,\u201d Benson admitted. He looked at the suitcase in the buckboard. \u201cAre you leaving town?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust going up to Carson City for a week or so,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll be back in time for your wedding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Benson said with a nod. Then he chuckled. \u201cI was talking with Beth Robinson a little while ago. She told me about what happened yesterday.\u201d Benson turned and gave Adam an amused looked. \u201cHeard you boys tried your hand at matchmaking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling his hat down, Adam lowered his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben said looking at Adam, trying to keep a straight face. \u201cMy sons seem to think I need a wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I highly recommend getting married,\u201d Benson replied with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled back. \u201cI don\u2019t have anything against marriage,\u201d stated Ben. He looked at Adam again. \u201cI would just like to pick my own wife,\u201d he added meaningfully. Adam looked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving easily, Ben climbed down from the buckboard. \u201cYou know, John, I think I have time to buy you a beer before that stage leaves,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll drink it,\u201d Benson replied. The two started walking down the street while Adam stood awkwardly by the buckboard. Ben stopped and turned to his oldest son. \u201cComing, Adam?\u201d he asked. Adam grinned and hurried to join the two men. As the three walked down the street, Roger Stevens watched them, his face deep in thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss, and Joe worked hard while Ben was away. They wanted to be sure their father would have no reason for complaint when he returned home. Adam and Hoss were diligent in finishing their chores, but Joe worked particularly hard. He was breaking horses for sale to the Army, and he went about this job like a man possessed. Twice during the week, he came home so tired that he skipped dinner and went right to bed. Adam and Hoss were concerned that Joe might be overdoing things, but he reassured them that he had the situation under control. He simply wanted to be sure all the horses were ready for sale by the time his father returned home. It was the eighth evening after Ben had left when Adam, Hoss and Joe sat down to the table. Joe sat gingerly, his backside sore after being tossed by so many wild horses. Each filled their plate from the platter Hop Sing had set on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGot a telegram from Pa today,\u201d Adam said as he began to eat. \u201cHe\u2019s coming home tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow!\u201d exclaimed Joe as he sat up straight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, that\u2019s what the wire said,\u201d Adam said. He looked at Joe curiously. \u201cWhy? Aren\u2019t you happy to hear he\u2019s coming home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure I\u2019m happy,” answered Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s just that I\u2019ve got six more horses to break to fill that Army contract. I\u2019m not sure we can get them done by the time he gets home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Joe, Pa won\u2019t expect you have to all those horses broke by now,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cHe\u2019ll be happy you got as many done as you did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d Joe replied doubtfully. \u201cHe was pretty mad when he left. He\u2019s liable to get mad all over again if I don\u2019t have those horses done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s not like you haven\u2019t been working hard,\u201d said Adam reasonably. \u201cPa knows how long it takes to break that many horses. Besides, he\u2019ll have cooled off by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d wished Joe fervently.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss dozed in the buckboard as he sat outside the stage depot, waiting for the Carson City stage to arrive. He had drawn the chore of picking up his father. Now that there was much choice. Joe had left the house early, determined to try to break those last six horses before Ben’s returned home. Adam had explained over breakfast how he had to go over the books one more time, making sure he hadn\u2019t forgotten to record anything while their Pa was in Carson City. So Hoss got the job of picking up Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he heard the stage rumbling down the street, Hoss sat up. He smiled as he saw the coach pull to a halt a few feet away; he was glad his father was coming home. Hoss climbed out of the buckboard and walked over to where the stage was parked. The depot manager had the door of the coach open already, and was helping people out. Hoss waited patiently, and soon the familiar white-haired head of Ben Cartwright emerged from the stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home, Pa!\u201d Hoss greeted his father in a hearty voice. \u201cDid you have a good trip?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Hoss,\u201d Ben answered with a wide smile. \u201cYes, you might say I had a very productive trip.\u201d Ben turned to help someone out of the stage. Hoss could see the passenger was a woman in her thirties, with auburn hair. She was fashionably dressed, and when she looked up, Hoss could see she was a real beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019d like you to meet Nancy Miller,\u201d said Ben, introducing the woman. \u201cNancy, this is my son, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do, Hoss,\u201d the woman acknowledged the introduction with a smile. She extended her hand. \u201cYour father has told me a lot about you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy,\u201d said Hoss in amazement. He tipped his hat and took the woman\u2019s small hand into his massive one. He shook her hand briefly, then looked at his father, a question on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI met Miss Miller in Carson City,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cIn fact, we\u2019ve spent most of the last week together. When Nancy, that is, Miss Miller told me she was planning to visit friends in Virginia City, I suggested she might want to travel with me.\u201d Ben smiled at the woman. \u201cI hope she will be gracious enough to visit the Ponderosa while she\u2019s here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I will, Ben\u201d agreed Nancy with a smile. \u201cYou\u2019ve told me so much about your wonderful sons and your beautiful ranch. I can\u2019t wait to see them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you would like to come out for dinner tonight,\u201d suggested Ben. \u201cI mean, that is, if you\u2019re not too tired from traveling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to come to dinner tonight,\u201d Nancy replied, her eyes shining. \u201cBut first, I\u2019d better get settled in the hotel and cleaned up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, I\u2019ll be happy to take your bags over to the hotel,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, thank you, Hoss,\u201d said Nancy, smiling at him. Hoss found himself grinning back at the woman. \u201cThose two bags there,\u201d Nancy added, pointing to two medium size suitcases which the driver at set by the stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps I\u2019d better walk you to the hotel,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI know the manager quite well. I can make sure you get a suitable room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Ben, you are such a treasure,\u201d gushed Nancy, placing her had possessively on Ben\u2019s arm. Ben smiled at the woman and extended his arm. Nancy took Ben\u2019s arm, and the couple walked slowly down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHot diggity,\u201d said Hoss, pushing his hat back on his head. \u201cLooks like Pa didn\u2019t need our help after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode into the yard of the Ponderosa at a fast clip. He knew he was late getting home, but he was pleased with himself. He had broken the last six horses needed to fill the Army contract. He just hoped his father would be happy with him. After stopping and dismounting, Joe led his horse into the barn, sighing with fatigue as he did. He was tired, dirty, and sore; he was looking forward to a quick meal and an early bed. After taking care of his horse, Joe walked slowly across the yard to the house. He had noticed the buckboard was gone, and wondered if something had delayed his father\u2019s return. Hoss was supposed to pick up their father with the buckboard earlier today. As he opened the door of the house and walked in, Joe was surprised to see Hoss and Adam standing by the fireplace, both wearing white shirts and string ties. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to get all dressed up just for me,\u201d Joe said with a grin as he walked into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are, little brother,\u201d Hoss answered with relief. \u201cWe were getting worried. Hurry up and get cleaned up. Pa is bringing somebody special to dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody special? Who?\u201d asked Joe, curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer name is Nancy Miller, and Pa met her in Carson City,\u201d explained Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and she\u2019s real looker,\u201d added Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face broke into a grin. \u201cYeah? And what\u2019s so special about her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s just say Pa thinks she\u2019s special,\u201d stated Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh boy!\u201d said Joe, his grin widening. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to meet her.\u201d He rushed past his brothers and hurried up the stairs to his room. Joe hurriedly washed and changed into clean clothes, putting on his new white shirt, the blue pants from his Sunday suit, and a dark blue string tie. He hummed as he spent time in front of the mirror, carefully combing his hair. Joe still felt fatigued by the hard day\u2019s work, but the news of his father\u2019s new female interest had buoyed his spirits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was descending the stairs just as Ben was opening the door. Ben stood aside and a lovely woman walked slowly into the room. She was wearing an elegant gown, cut low. Her hair was piled high on her head, held in place by a pin that sparkled in the light. Adam and Hoss stared for a moment, then smiled. Joe stared also, then frowned slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, I would like you to meet Miss Nancy Miller,\u201d Ben said proudly. He turned to Nancy. \u201cNancy, these are my sons.\u201d Ben\u2019s second statement was made with equal pride.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Nancy moved across the room, Ben hurried to her side. Adam stepped forward and Nancy held out her hand. \u201cI\u2019m Adam,\u201d said the oldest Cartwright brother. He took her hand and bowed to briefly caress it with his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Adam,\u201d Nancy replied, smiling warmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next Hoss moved forward. \u201cHowdy, Miz Nancy,\u201d He said with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Hoss,\u201d answered Nancy. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see you again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Waving slightly, Ben indicated Joe with his hand. \u201cAnd this is Joe,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe walked forward. \u201cHello,\u201d he said briefly. Joe studied the woman\u2019s face, inclining his head slightly. \u201cHaven\u2019t we met somewhere before?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Something flickered in Nancy\u2019s eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI would have remembered meeting such a handsome young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe frowned slightly at both her look and her words; he felt uncomfortable at both. He tried to think where he might have seen her before. Joe shook his head slightly. He was tired and he couldn\u2019t seem to get any clear images in his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Noting a bit of awkwardness between Nancy and his youngest son, Ben cleared his throat. \u201cNancy, may I offer you something to drink before dinner?\u201d he asked. \u201cPerhaps a glass of sherry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSherry would be lovely,\u201d replied Nancy, turning a dazzling smile on Ben. As she walked forward, Adam quickly took her hand and escorted her to the sofa. Ben smiled as he watched. He was pleased that Nancy and his sons seemed to be hitting it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben turned toward his desk to get the sherry bottle and glasses, he failed to note the frown still fixed on Joe\u2019s face. Nancy chatted easily with Ben, Adam, and Hoss as they sipped their sherry. She and Ben described how they had met at a party at the governor\u2019s house, finishing each other’s sentences as they added details. Nancy discussed books with Adam that both had read. She also listened and encouraged Hoss as he talked about the ranch. All the while, Joe stood by silently. Ben glanced at his youngest son several times during the conversation. He couldn\u2019t figure out why Joe wasn\u2019t joining in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy and the Cartwrights had been sitting for about half an hour when Hop Sing walked into the room. He bowed slightly. \u201cDinner is ready,\u201d the cook announced with a smile. Nancy smiled back and stood. Ben offered his arm, and she took it possessively. Ben escorted Nancy into the dining room, followed by Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe started forward, Hoss grabbed him by the shoulder. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you, little brother,\u201d he asked in a low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Startled by Hoss\u2019 question, Joe looked around. He watched the retreating figures of Ben and Nancy for a minute, then turned back to Hoss. \u201cNothing,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cI\u2019m just tired.\u201d He pushed past Hoss and walked to the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pleasant conversation started over the sherry continued over dinner. Now, however, Joe began to join in. He asked Nancy several questions about places and people he knew in Carson City, thinking that might help him figure out where he might have seen her before. Nancy replied briefly to Joe\u2019s questions, then managed to change the subject each time. As Hop Sing began serving slices of apple pie as dessert, he bowed politely to the woman at the end of the table. Nancy had complimented the cook several times on an excellent meal, and Hop Sing had accepted the compliments with a huge smile. Now, he made sure the dinner guest received a large slice of pie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hop Sing,\u201d said Nancy in dismay. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I can eat all this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou eat,\u201d Hop Sing insisted. \u201cHop Sing make best apple pie in Nevada. Make sure you get biggest piece. Even bigger than piece Mr. Hoss will eat later.\u201d Everyone at the table laughed as the cook left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you visiting with in Virginia City?\u201d Joe asked as everyone began to eat their pie. He was hoping that a mutual friend might help him place where he had met the woman before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just some old friends,\u201d Nancy replied vaguely. She seemed to hesitate a moment before going on. \u201cI also want to check on a business investment I\u2019ve made with Roger Stevens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoger Stevens!\u201d exclaimed Adam, his voice tinged with both anger and surprise. \u201cYou\u2019re not friends with him, are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy looked started at Adam\u2019s reaction. \u201cNo,\u201d she said quickly. \u201cWe\u2019re merely acquaintances. I met him through some people I know in Carson City. I\u2019ve invested in a timber project he has here in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Nancy, I\u2019m afraid you may have invested unwisely,\u201d advised Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you say that?\u201d asked Nancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Stevens\u2019 project depends on getting some land he wants from Pa,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cAnd we\u2019re not about to sell it to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Nancy looked distressed. \u201cI can\u2019t afford to lose the money I\u2019ve invested,\u201d she said in alarm. \u201cMr. Stevens assured me that everything was in order.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat Stevens fellow, I\u2019ve heard he\u2018s a smooth talker,\u201d offered Hoss. \u201cI think he\u2019s probably hornswoggled you, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d said Nancy, her distress obviously growing. She turned to Ben. \u201cBen, couldn\u2019t you sell him the land?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not,\u201d answered Ben regretfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why not?\u201d asked Nancy. \u201cAre you using it for something else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cThe land he wants is down by the lake, and that land is not to be touched.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat land can never be used,\u201d added Joe, his voice tinged with anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

The expression on Nancy’s face changed from alarm to puzzlement. \u201cBut I don\u2019t understand,\u201d she said. \u201cIf the land isn\u2019t being used and Mr. Stevens can make use of it, why not sell it to him? He could make a good profit from it and so could I.\u201d Nancy looked around the table. \u201cWhat can be so important about that piece of land? Other than the timber, there can\u2019t be anything important on it, can there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing except my mother\u2019s grave,\u201d said Joe in a cold voice. He stood abruptly and walked away from the table. Without a glance backward, he crossed the room and went up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone at the table sat in an embarrassed silence for a moment. Finally, Nancy spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben,\u201d she apologized softly. \u201cI had no idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you didn\u2019t,\u201d Ben said in a soothing voice. He looked up toward the stairs. \u201cJoe is very defensive about his mother,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cShe died when he was very young. He really doesn\u2019t remember her. Over the years, he\u2019s built an image of his in his mind, and he can be pretty fierce about protecting that image from any slights, both real and imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Ben, I am sorry,\u201d said Nancy with regret. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to upset Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you didn\u2019t,\u201d replied Ben with a smile. He wiped his mouth with his napkin. \u201cMaybe I\u2019d better talk to Joe.\u201d He stood. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me,\u201d said Ben to Nancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben walked across the room and up the stairs. He wished he knew what to say to Joe. He wanted so much for his sons to like Nancy and he was afraid if he handled this wrong, he might destroy any future relationship between Nancy and Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the top of the stairs, Ben walked a few steps and stopped in front of a door. He knocked softly on the door to Joe\u2019s bedroom. \u201cMay I come in?\u201d he asked, and heard a muffled \u201cYes\u201d through the door. Ben turned the doorknob and pushed opened the door. Joe was standing by the desk in his room, holding a small portrait of his mother. He continued to stare at the picture as Ben entered the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Nancy didn\u2019t mean anything by what she said,\u201d Ben told his son. \u201cShe didn\u2019t know what was on that land down by the lake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe didn\u2019t say anything; he simply continued to stare at the picture. Finally, he took a deep breath. \u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Joe said to his father without turning around. \u201cI guess I\u2019m just tired or something. I shouldn\u2019t flown off the handle like that.\u201d Joe put the picture on his desk and turned around. \u201cPa, where did you meet Nancy?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt the governor\u2019s party,\u201d replied Ben in surprise. \u201cYou heard me say that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe said. He shook his head. \u201cI just can\u2019t help thinking I\u2019ve seen her someplace before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Nancy is a very lovely woman,\u201d Ben stated. \u201cYou probably just noticed her on the street somewhere.\u201d Ben smiled as his son. \u201cYou do have a habit of looking at pretty women,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yeah, I guess I do,\u201d Joe replied, smiling at his father. Then, his face turned serious. \u201cPa, are you in love with her?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked startled. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he answered slowly. \u201cWould it upset you if I was?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a minute, Joe chewed his lip and thought. Adam\u2019s words about not interfering in his father\u2019s love life flashed through Joe\u2019s head. But at the same time, he just didn\u2019t feel right about his father and Nancy. He couldn\u2019t explain why, but he had the feeling something wasn\u2019t quite right. \u201cI don\u2019t know either,\u201d Joe finally admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Affectionately, Ben patted Joe on the shoulder. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come back downstairs?\u201d he asked. \u201cI\u2019m sure Nancy would be happy if you joined us again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, Joe hesitated. He felt uncomfortable about seeing Nancy again\u2026for a lot of reasons. Joe shook his head. \u201cNo, Pa, I really am tired. I think I\u2019ll just stay up here and get some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“All right,\u201d Ben agreed in a disappointed voice. \u201cI\u2019ll make your excuses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said gratefully. As Ben turned to leave the room, Joe called after him. “Pa.” Ben stopped and turned back. \u201cI\u2019m glad you had a good trip to Carson City,\u201d Joe told him with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben grinned back at his son, then cuffed him on the back of the neck. \u201cYou get some sleep, you young rascal,\u201d he said with affection.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben turned and left the room. Joe\u2019s smile faded. He laid down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. His thoughts were far from sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****************<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe woke with a start. Sunlight was streaming through the window. He was sprawled on the bed, still fully dressed. He hadn\u2019t thought he would have been able to sleep much; his mind had been full of thoughts about Nancy, his father, and where he might have seen her before. But sometime during the night, he must have drifted off. Joe rose and quickly changed clothes, discarding his fancy shirt and pants for more suitable work clothes. He splashed some water in his face, and ran a comb through his hair. Then he rushed out of his room and down the stairs. Ben, Adam and Hoss were just finishing breakfast as Joe slid into his chair. \u201cSorry I\u2019m late,\u201d Joe apologized as he reached for the coffee. \u201cI must have been more tired than I thought.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben replied in a gentle voice. \u201cHoss and Adam have been telling me how hard you\u2019ve been working. You deserved to sleep in a little.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned. Normally, his father would have been mad at him at being so late. If this was the effect Nancy was having on him, maybe Joe should encourage the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve finished breaking all those horses for the Army contract,\u201d stated Joe as he sipped his coffee. \u201cThey\u2019re a real good string.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, son,\u201d Ben said in an approving voice. \u201cI know that was a big job. I\u2019m proud of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa was just telling us about his trip to Carson City,\u201d Adam explained. He looked at his father and grinned. \u201cWell, the business parts, at any rate,\u201d added Adam. Ben flushed and suddenly found his plate of food very interesting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you check on the deed for the land by the lake?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied with a nod. \u201cOur claim is solid. There\u2019s no way Stevens can raise any objections to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sipping his coffee, Joe looked around the table. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about last night,\u201d he said slowly as he put down his cup. \u201cI guess I was tired or something. I didn\u2019t mean what I said to come out that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d answered Ben in a soothing voice. \u201cI explained things to Nancy. She understood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Are you going to be spending the day with her?\u201d Joe asked, a smile playing on his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, no,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cShe\u2019s going to do some visiting and I want to check on things around here. We, er, we\u2019re going to see each other tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking over at Adam, Hoss winked at his older brother. \u201cGuess we won\u2019t be seeing much of Pa for a while,\u201d said Hoss with a grin. Ben flushed again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sipped his coffee thoughtfully. \u201cPa, do you mind if I ride into Virginia City?\u201d he asked. \u201cI\u2019d like to apologize to Nancy for last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou\u2019ve been working hard, and deserve a day off. Besides, I think apologizing to Nancy would be a good idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like none of us are going to get any work done while she\u2019s around,\u201d grumbled Adam good-naturedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

***************<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode into Virginia City at mid-morning. He didn\u2019t want to call on Nancy too early but he did want to visit her before she left the hotel for the day. Joe had no way of knowing Nancy Miller already had a visitor. Nancy answered the knock of her door cautiously. She pulled the door open a crack and looked into the hall. Roger Stevens stood in front of the door, smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d hissed Nancy. She opened the door wide and pulled Roger into the room. \u201cWhat if someone had seen you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was careful that no one saw me,\u201d replied Stevens easily. \u201cBesides, what difference does it make?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes a difference to my reputation,\u201d said Nancy, still angry. \u201cA proper woman doesn\u2019t invite a strange man into her room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA proper woman, eh?\u201d Stevens seemed to find that remark amusing. Then his face turned serious. \u201cWhat happened at dinner last night? Is Cartwright going to sell me the land?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Nancy with a shake of her head. \u201cYou might as well forget it. Ben Cartwright will never sell that land. His wife is buried on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stevens cursed under his breath, then shrugged. \u201cWell, we gave it a shot,\u201d he said philosophically. \u201cWe might as well pack up and move on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can pack up if you want,\u201d Nancy told Stevens with a tight smile. \u201cI\u2019m staying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d exclaimed Stevens. \u201cWhy on earth would you want to stay here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Ben Cartwright is falling in love with me,\u201d answered Nancy smugly. \u201cIf I play my cards right, I might get him to marry me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarry you!\u201d said Stevens in alarm. \u201cBut what about us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about us?\u201d said Nancy evenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you and me\u2026.well, I thought we had an understanding,\u201d stammered Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoger, dear, I do love you,\u201d replied Nancy. \u201cBut this is a chance I can\u2019t pass up. Ben Cartwright is rich, very rich. Life on the Ponderosa could be pleasant. At least for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor awhile?\u201d commented Stevens, arching his eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright is a busy man,\u201d said Nancy with a grin. \u201cHe has a ranch to run, business deals to oversee. I doubt if he\u2019ll have time to travel with his wife. After a bit, he\u2019ll get used to me being away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if Cartwright would like the idea of his wife traveling alone,\u201d remarked Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll do it to make me happy,\u201d said Nancy confidently. She looked at Stevens. \u201cJust think what it could be like. You and I meeting in New York, or Europe. Living in the best hotels, eating at the finest restaurants. And all of it paid for by Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright doesn\u2019t strike me as the type of man who would stand being cuckolded,\u201d said Stevens wryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d agreed Nancy. \u201cBut he\u2019s also the type of man who would avoid a scandal. I\u2019m sure we can work out a very lucrative divorce settlement, if it comes to that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t just marry the man and then start traveling,\u201d protested Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d agreed Nancy. \u201cI figure about six months after the wedding sounds about right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSix months on that rustic ranch?\u201d Stevens said. \u201cHow will you ever stand it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not as bad as you think,\u201d answered Nancy. \u201cHop Sing does all the cooking and cleaning, so I wouldn\u2019t have to lift a finger. And four handsome men to look after me! Ben is very loving and attentive. Adam is so intelligent, and well read. I\u2019m sure he and I will have some interesting conversations. Hoss is so sweet. I\u2019m sure all I\u2019d have to do is crook my finger and he\u2019d do anything for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about Joe?\u201d asked Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Nancy said, her face softening. \u201cSuch a handsome boy,\u201d she murmured. Then her face hardened. \u201cJoe could be a problem. He\u2019s sure he\u2019s seen me someplace before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHas he?\u201d asked Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea,\u201d replied Nancy. \u201cIt\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stevens thought for a moment. \u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, nothing,\u201d said Nancy. \u201cI\u2019ll try to charm him. That won\u2019t be an onerous chore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if that doesn\u2019t work?\u201d asked Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf that doesn\u2019t work, then I may have to call on your particular talents,\u201d answered Nancy. She looked at Stevens. \u201cWould you help me if I asked?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly if you promise me a lobster dinner in New York in six months,\u201d Stevens said. Nancy smiled and walked forward. Her arms went around Roger\u2019s shoulders and she kissed him on the lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

**************<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stopped at the desk in the lobby of the hotel to ask about Nancy. After the clerk told him the room number and assured him Nancy was in her room, Joe climbed the steps to where the rooms were located. As he was coming around the corner at the top of the steps, Joe heard a door open. He slowed and saw Roger Stevens coming out of the second door, the door Joe knew led to Nancy Miller\u2019s room. Joe stepped back, and stood at the corner where the hall and the top of the stairs met. As he watched, Stevens left the room. Suddenly, Nancy appeared at the door and Stevens turned back to her. \u201cDon\u2019t forget your promise,\u201d Nancy said to Stevens, putting her hand on his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Stevens promised, smiling. He bowed slightly and turned to walk down the hall in the opposite direction from Joe, toward the back stairs. Nancy stood watching for a moment, then re-entered her room. Joe turned and walked back down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

**************<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode into the yard outside the ranch house, his face still thoughtful. He had been trying to decide all the way from town what to tell his father about what he had seen. Hoss and Adam were in the yard as Joe rode up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe, what\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d asked Hoss as he looked at Joe\u2019s face. \u201cYou look like you\u2019ve been kicked by a mule?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, he always looks that way, Hoss,\u201d kidded Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe didn\u2019t respond with an answering jibe, Hoss and Adam looked at each other. They walked to the hitching post where Joe was tying up his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, is there something wrong?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam,\u201d Joe admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see Miz Nancy in town?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I saw her,\u201d replied Joe bitterly. When Adam and Hoss looked at him with a frown, Joe explained, \u201cI went to the hotel and got there just as Roger Stevens was leaving her room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam looked at each other again. \u201cWhat did Nancy say when you asked her about it?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t,\u201d replied Joe shortly. \u201cI just turned and walked away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, how do you know something was going on?\u201d asked Adam patiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cBut I\u2019ve had this bad feeling about her. And now with this\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith what?\u201d snorted Adam. \u201cYou saw Roger Stevens leaving her room. Did he kiss or anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cHe just walked out and walked away. But why would he be in her room?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard her say at dinner last night she had some business with him,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cMaybe they were just discussing that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn her room?\u201d Joe said ironically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStevens doesn\u2019t have an office as far as I know. Maybe she just felt it was better for him to come to her than for her to go to his room,” suggested Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey could have met some place more public,\u201d said Joe. \u201cLike a restaurant or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, maybe she showed poor judgment,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBut that\u2019s still no reason to suspect something is going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you didn\u2019t see them,\u201d Joe struggled to explain. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing I can explain. Just a feeling that I had that their meeting wasn\u2019t exactly business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother, you\u2019ve had a burr under your saddle about Miz Nancy since you met her,\u201d said Hoss with a frown. \u201cI think you\u2019re making too much out of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I should tell Pa about it,\u201d Joe insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, go ahead and tell him,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe\u2019ll want to know why you didn\u2019t apologize to Nancy. Just don\u2019t go painting him a picture that doesn\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, just tell Pa you didn\u2019t apologize to Nancy because she was meeting with Stevens,\u201d counseled Adam. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to elaborate beyond that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you don\u2019t have any evidence that there was something beyond that!\u201d Adam answered heatedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019t you think I should tell him that the woman he is courting might not be all she\u2019s cracked up to be?\u201d said Joe, his voice also rising.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t!\u201d replied Adam angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, both of you,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThis ain\u2019t any of our business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Adam looked startled, then he slowly nodded his head. \u201cHoss is right,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cAfter that little stunt you two pulled, Pa made it pretty clear he wants us to stay out of his love life.\u201d Adam looked at Joe. \u201cI know you don\u2019t like Nancy, but you barely know her. Why don\u2019t you give her a chance? You might find out you were wrong about her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Adam,\u201d said Joe with a sigh. \u201cI\u2019ll do what you suggest. But I still have a feeling that there\u2019s something not right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*******************<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben spent almost all of the next week with Nancy, and anyone could see he was blissfully happy. Joe had told Ben about Nancy\u2019s meeting with Stevens, but he had only told him the bare facts, as Adam suggested. Ben asked Nancy about it, and her explanation was that it was a business meeting. Ben accepted the explanation without question.<\/span><\/p>\n

For his part, Joe did his best to try to like Nancy, but he just couldn\u2019t do it. Whenever he was around her, Nancy seemed to pay special attention to Joe, and he had enough experience to know when a woman was trying to charm him. Normally, he wouldn\u2019t have minded it; in fact, he usually enjoyed it. But it made Joe uncomfortable when the woman was someone his father was courting. There was also something about Nancy, something he couldn\u2019t quite put his finger on. Joe was convinced she was not who or what she pretended to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fourth day of Nancy Miller\u2019s visit to Virginia City was a perfect day \u2013 warm, but not hot, and a clear blue Nevada sky hung over the land. Joe was chopping wood in the yard, and Adam was sitting on the porch trying to fix a broken rein. Hoss led the buggy from the barn to the front of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa going out again?\u201d Joe asked, taking a break and walking over toward his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. This buggy is sure getting a workout,\u201d remarked Hoss, grinning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam noticed Joe\u2019s frown. \u201cJoe, I know you don\u2019t like Nancy much,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I hope you\u2019ll have the good sense to keep your mouth shut about her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t said anything, have I,\u201d replied Joe angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and I think you should keep it that way,\u201d instructed Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Joe could say another word, Ben walked out of the house. He was dressed in a white shirt with a string tie, and carrying a picnic basket. He smiled when he saw the buggy. \u201cThank you, Hoss,\u201d said Ben, with an approving nod, then looked around. \u201cI may be gone most of the day,\u201d said Ben apologetically. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to leave you boys with so much of the work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, Pa,\u201d answered Adam with a grin. \u201cWe\u2019ll let you know if something comes up that we can\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a distracted air, Ben nodded. He seemed to want to say something but didn\u2019t know how to bring it up. \u201cI hope you boys don\u2019t mind Nancy being around so much,\u201d Ben said in a hesitant voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMind?\u201d said Adam with a grin. \u201cWe\u2019re delighted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cShe\u2019s real special.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said nothing but Ben didn\u2019t seem to notice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you think she\u2019s special,\u201d said Ben. He shifted his feet uncomfortably. \u201cI think that too,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m hoping maybe, well, someday she might be around a lot more. You boys wouldn\u2019t mind that, would you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned and fixed a hard look on Joe. \u201cNo, Pa,\u201d said Adam as he continued to look at Joe. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t mind it at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d Ben said with relief as he climbed into the buggy. \u201cDon\u2019t wait up for me,\u201d he added as he drove off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t wait up?\u201d Hoss said with a frown. \u201cAdam, you don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what Pa does is none of our business,\u201d stated Adam firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know but, Adam, Pa\u2019s not a young man any more,\u201d said Hoss with concern. \u201cI mean, he could hurt himself or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only one who\u2019s going to get hurt is you if you say that to Pa,\u201d snorted Adam. \u201cNow let\u2019s get back to work.\u201d Adam returned to working on the reins, and Hoss walked back to the barn. Joe stood watching the buggy drive off. Then he turned back to the wood pile. He began chopping wood again, but it seemed as if the ax descended with more forced than needed to split the wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

****************<\/span><\/p>\n

The four Cartwrights were sitting around the breakfast table. Breakfast was just about the only meal Ben ate with his sons these days. Adam and Hoss had continued to assure Ben that everything on the ranch was under control, and that he could take off whatever time he need. Joe tended to say nothing during the discussions. He did his work, and kept quiet, all the time wondering if he was doing the right thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nervously, Ben cleared his throat nervously as he ate breakfast. \u201cUm, boys, I thought we might have a little party Saturday night,\u201d he said. \u201cGive Nancy a chance to meet some of our friends and neighbors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam looked at each other and grinned. \u201cI think that\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Hoss agreed, trying to keep a straight face. \u201cI mean, Miz Nancy hasn\u2019t had much time to do any visiting since she\u2019s been here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Flushing, Ben shifted uncomfortably in his chair. \u201cWell, yes, I guess I have been keeping her pretty busy,\u201d he said. \u201cAnyway, I thought we might try to make this a special occasion. So I\u2019d appreciate your helping Hop Sing anyway you can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long is she planning to stay in Virginia City?\u201d asked Joe abruptly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cNo reason,\u201d he said. \u201cJust curious.\u201d He went back to eating his breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Ben looked thoughtful. \u201cYou know, Joe, you\u2019re right,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cNancy must be planning to leave soon. That is, unless she\u2019s given a reason to stay longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up, startled while Adam and Hoss looked at each other and winked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSaturday night, with all our friends around, might be a good time to make any kind of announcement,\u201d speculated Adam with a twinkle in his eye. Joe frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, it might,\u201d Ben agreed in a distracted tone of voice. \u201cWell, I\u2019ve got to get to town,\u201d he added, standing up. \u201cYou boys have anything you need to talk with me about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a thing, Pa,\u201d Adam said, waving his hand. \u201cGo and have a good time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben turned and walked out of the room, whistling softly as he went.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHot diggity!\u201d exclaimed Hoss as soon as their father was gone. \u201cPa\u2019s going to get married again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think there\u2019s a pretty good chance,\u201d agreed Adam with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d said Joe sourly. \u201cJust great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Adam looked at Joe. \u201cLook, Joe, I know you don\u2019t like the idea of Pa getting married again…\u201d he started.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cI think it would be great if he got married. I just don\u2019t think Nancy Miller is the right woman for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure I want him to get married again,\u201d Joe said firmly. He grinned. \u201cDid I go to all the trouble to try to find him a wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t bring that up again if I were you, Joe,\u201d cautioned Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you sure you don\u2019t resent him getting married?\u201d pressed Adam. \u201cI mean, the woman you, um, picked out, Beth Robinson, she was, well, safe. If Pa had started courting her, it might take a long time for them to get married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what are you talking about?\u201d Joe asked with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m talking about you growing up with just us, and Pa, and Hop Sing,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cI\u2019m talking about you maybe resenting having a woman in the house. Hoss and I know what it\u2019s like. You don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, that\u2019s the stupidest thing I ever heard,\u201d said Joe angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs it?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI don\u2019t mind Pa getting married. I don\u2019t. I just don\u2019t think Nancy Miller is the right woman for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it ain\u2019t exactly your decision, little brother,\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d stated Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s up to Pa who he marries. I happen to think Nancy is a very charming and intelligent woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s real nice, Joe,\u201d added Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she sure has you two convinced,\u201d Joe said wryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cI can see we\u2019re not going to change your mind,\u201d he said. He fixed a stern look on his youngest brother. \u201cJoe, you listen to me. You keep whatever you think about Nancy to yourself, do you understand. I won\u2019t have you messing this up for Pa. You do, and you\u2019ll have me to deal with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd me,\u201d added Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cautiously, Joe looked back and forth between his two brothers. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed. \u201cI won\u2019t say anything. I just hope you two are around to pick up the pieces when she\u2019s finished with Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*************<\/span><\/p>\n

The preparations for the party moved ahead rapidly. Adam and Hoss made the rounds, inviting all their friends and neighbors. The smile and wink they gave with the invitation left no doubt in anyone\u2019s mind that the party was going to be an engagement party. Hop Sing cleaned and dusted until the ranch house was spotless. Anyone tracking even the smallest speck of dust into the house was immediately berated and made to clean up the floor. Even Ben was ordered to wipe his feet carefully by the cook. Ben grumbled about being ordered about in his own house, but the look on his face showed he really didn\u2019t mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

By Saturday morning, Hop Sing had turned into a tyrant. He was up before dawn, starting to cook and bake. He ordered Hoss out to the meadow to look for fresh flowers, and insisted Adam start moving furniture to clear a dance floor. He even told Ben to order the hands to clean up the yard in front of the house. The only one he didn\u2019t give orders to was Joe. Joe had managed to make himself scarce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was hiding out in the barn, supposedly grooming his horse. But the truth was, Joe had no enthusiasm for the party. He had kept his promise about not saying anything to Ben about his feelings about Nancy, but Joe still didn\u2019t like the idea of her joining the family. He was combing his pinto when Adam and Hoss walked into the barn. \u201cThere you are, little brother,\u201d said Hoss in exasperation. \u201cWe\u2019ve been looking all over for you. Hop Sing has a list of chores a mile long for you to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Saying nothing, Joe kept grooming his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019re not going to do anything to spoil this party, are you?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Abruptly, Joe looked up. \u201cNo, I won\u2019t spoil the party,\u201d he said shortly. He took a few more swipes with the curry brush, then looked up again. \u201cBut I am going to have a talk with Pa,\u201d he added. \u201cI have to let him know how I feel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what do you have against Miz Nancy?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Hoss,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI saw her that day with Stevens. I don\u2019t think she\u2019s in love with Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of a brief meeting at the hotel?\u201d asked Adam in astonishment. \u201cJoe, that\u2019s crazy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t see them,\u201d insisted Joe. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not just that. I can tell when a woman is in love. Nancy isn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019ve had so much experience,\u201d commented Adam wryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAround women, yes,\u201d said Joe. He smiled slyly. \u201cMaybe more than you two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cJoe, you\u2019re acting like a spoiled child. You\u2019re not getting your own way, so you\u2019re pouting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning away from his brothers, Joe pursed his lips. He threw down the brush and turned to pull a blanket and saddle off the wall of the stall. He quickly began saddling his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow just where do you think you\u2019re going?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got some things to do,\u201d Joe said shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe, what about the party?\u201d asked Hoss with alarm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019d be much help getting things ready for tonight,\u201d replied Joe as he slipped his bridle on his pinto. He glared at Adam. \u201cI might just say or do the wrong thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ll be back in time for the party, won\u2019t you?\u201d Hoss said in a worried voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll be back,\u201d Joe answered as he backed his horse out of the stall. \u201cTell Pa, I promise I\u2019ll be home for the party.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*******************<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe really didn\u2019t have any place to go or anything to do; he just felt a need to get away from the ranch for awhile. He rode to Virginia City because he couldn\u2019t think of any place else to go. Joe stopped his horse in front of the Silver Dollar saloon. It was only about noon, but he felt the need of a beer. Joe pushed open the doors of the saloon and walked in. This early in the day, the Silver Dollar was almost empty. Three men sat at a corner table playing cards but Joe didn\u2019t know any of them, so he decided not to join the game. He strolled over to a table a few feet from the bar and sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d said a blonde girl in a low cut dress with a short skirt as she approached the table. \u201cBuy me a beer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up, Joe smiled at the girl. \u201cHello, Lily. Sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo cold beers, Bruno,\u201d Lily called to the bartender. She walked over to the bar and picked up two filled beer mugs and brought them back to the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised to see you in town,\u201d said Lily as she sat down at the table with Joe. \u201cI hear there\u2019s some big doings up at your place tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou hear everything, don\u2019t you, Lily?\u201d Joe replied with a smile as he sipped his beer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t miss much,\u201d admitted Lily. She took a sip of your beer. \u201cIs it true your Pa is going to marry that lady?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d said Joe with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d Lily comment noncommittally as she took another drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at the girl. \u201cWhy the hmmm?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh nothing,\u201d answered Lily. \u201cI\u2019ve seen the lady around town. She looks real nice. In fact, I thought at first maybe I knew her, but that couldn\u2019t be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost abruptly, Joe sat up straight. \u201cKnew her?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhere from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought she was somebody who used to work at a place called The Golden Palace in Sacramento,\u201d said Lily. \u201cThey called it a supper club, but it was really just a fancy saloon.\u201d Lily sipped her beer. \u201cI was working at a dive called the Trail\u2019s End, but I used to see this lady around Sacramento. They called her the Duchess. She talked real good, and read a lot of books and stuff. She was supposed to keep the rich old guys who went to the Palace entertained while they were there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure it isn\u2019t her?\u201d Joe asked, thinking hard. He had been to the Golden Palace once or twice. He was trying to remember if he had seen Nancy Miller there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it couldn\u2019t be, could it?\u201d replied Lily. \u201cI mean, your Pa wouldn\u2019t be marrying somebody like that. A fancy saloon girl? I hardly think so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe sat silently, sipping his beer and trying to think back. He tried to picture the Golden Palace. Suddenly, the image of Nancy flashed into his mind. She was wearing a low cut dress, and her hair was piled on her head, held in place by a sparkling pin. Just like the first time Joe had seen her at the Ponderosa. Only this time, in Joe\u2019s mind, he saw her sitting at a table with three well-dressed men. She was drinking wine and running her hand casually down the arm of one of the men. Joe remembered looking at her and admiring her when he was at the Palace. But he had not spoken with Nancy Miller when he was there. At least, he thought it was Nancy Miller. Joe took a deep drink from his beer and threw some money down on the table. \u201cThanks, Lily,\u201d he said gratefully, as he stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d she asked puzzled. But Joe didn\u2019t answer. He was already walking out the door of the saloon. Lily shrugged and continued to sip her beer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing outside the saloon, Joe tried to decide what to do. Suddenly, he saw a carriage leaving from in front of the hotel down the street, a carriage driven by Nancy Miller. Joe walked quickly to his horse and untied the animal from the hitching post. He vaulted on the animal\u2019s back and kicked the pinto lightly in the side as he turned the horse\u2019s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe followed the carriage from a distance, curious to see where Nancy was heading. He knew she wasn\u2019t due at the Ponderosa until evening, but that\u2019s the direction in which she was heading. But Nancy didn\u2019t follow the road to the house. She turned off the main road and drove the carriage down a smaller road toward the lake. Joe followed and saw Nancy pull the carriage to a halt a few yards from the lake. He halted his horse also. As Nancy climbed out of the carriage, she seemed to be looking for someone. Joe guided his horse to some trees and dismounted, tying the reins to a branch. He walked through the trees, wanting to get closer to Nancy but still keeping out of sight. As he watched Nancy impatiently pacing back and forth next to the carriage, Joe stood and waited, concealed in the trees. When he heard another horse approaching, Joe pulled back farther into the shadows and watched as a rider came up the trail. Joe recognized him as Roger Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stopping his horse a few feet from the carriage, Stevens dismounted. Nancy walked forward and Stevens threw his arms around her. He kissed her, a long passionate kiss. \u201cAh, Duchess,\u201d sighed Stevens. \u201cI\u2019m going to miss this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only for six months or so,\u201d Nancy reminded him. \u201cOnce I\u2019m married to Ben Cartwright, I\u2019ll have all the money I need. Convincing him to let me travel to New York while he\u2019s running the ranch back here shouldn\u2019t be too difficult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright\u2019s a crafty old bird,\u201d advised Stevens. \u201cI hope you know what you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy shrugged. \u201cLike I said, if it doesn\u2019t work, I\u2019ll get him to pay me off. I\u2019m sure he\u2019d much rather pay me enough money to go away quietly than to be publicly humiliated as a man who couldn\u2019t keep his wife happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve come a long way from the Golden Palace,\u201d remarked Stevens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where I learned about cheating spouses and quiet divorces,\u201d said Nancy with a smile. \u201cIt was quite an education. Now kiss me one last time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe watched and listened, his stomach churned with disgust. He could feel the anger building in him also. He told himself to stay still, to think; he needed to make sure his next move was the right one. He considered pulling his gun, forcing the pair in front of him to confess to his father at gunpoint. But the picture of Ben listening to Nancy confessing while Joe held a gun on her didn\u2019t seem right. Nancy could always say she lied because she was afraid for her life. Besides, the one thing Joe could count on was that his father trusted him. Joe would tell his father the truth about his intended. He was confident that his Pa would believe him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving quietly, Joe started to slip away in the shadows. He wanted to get back to the ranch as quickly as possible. Joe never knew what alerted the two lovers to his presence. Maybe in his anger and haste, he was careless and made a noise. Maybe they saw the movement in the shadows. Whatever it was, Joe was only about halfway back to his horse when he heard Nancy scream, \u201cThere he is. Shoot him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At once, Joe tried to turn, to pull his own gun, but he was too late. He felt something slam into his back. The impact pitched him forward onto the ground. For an instant, he didn\u2019t feel anything. Then a searing pain tore through him, a pain so strong it took his breath away. Joe tried to push himself up, but it was a feeble attempt and he collapsed back to the ground. Joe thought he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. He struggled again to get up, but each movement caused another searing pain to radiate through him. Joe\u2019s last conscious thought was he had to find some way to tell his father the truth about Nancy. Then a black cloud seemed to descend around him, and Joe had no more thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

*******************<\/span><\/p>\n

The party at the Ponderosa seemed to a be roaring success. The guests danced happily, and they ate and drank with gusto. Ben introduced Nancy to his closet friends \u2013 Dr. Paul Martin, Sheriff Roy Coffee, and others whom he had known for years. When he introduced Nancy to Beth Robinson, Beth had winked and smiled approvingly at Ben. The men told Ben that they thought Nancy was beautiful, and the women told him she was charming. Almost all hinted that they were looking forward to some sort of announcement later. Ben responded to their comments with a distracted air. He frequently glanced at the clock, and found himself staring at the front door each time it opened. Ben was disappointed that Joe had chosen not to come home in time for the party. He kept hoping his youngest son would change his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Noticing his worried glances, Nancy tried to distract Ben. She pulled him on to the makeshift dance floor in front of the fireplace, and they waltzed to the slow music of a mournful violin. Nancy insisted he try some of Hop Sing\u2019s wonderful cooking and Ben did his best to eat something. He talked and chatted with his guests. He did everything except enjoy himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing Hoss standing near the front door watching the dancing, Adam walked over to his brother. \u201cAny sign of Joe?\u201d Adam asked in a low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Hoss, shaking his head. \u201cDagnabit, Adam, he promised he\u2019d be here. When our little brother gets home, I\u2019m going to skin him alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I get my hands on him first,\u201d promised Adam grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling happily, Nancy walked over to where Ben was standing near the punch bowl. Her color was high, her face flushed with excitement. She felt a surge of triumph. On the way from Virginia City to the ranch for the party, Ben had pulled the carriage to a halt near a field filled with wildflowers. Under the glorious blue sky, with the scent of flowers drifting in, Ben had proposed to Nancy. And she had accepted immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

The couple had decided not to tell anyone about the engagement until Ben could tell his sons. They had told Adam and Hoss as soon as they arrived at the ranch house. Hoss had whooped with joy, while Adam had shook hands with both of them, offering heartfelt congratulations. Ben and Nancy had waited for Joe to arrive so they could tell him the news. But the guests started to arrive, and the music began before Joe came home. Ben waited at first patiently, and then impatiently for his youngest son. But now the evening was growing late, and there was still no sign of Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, dear,\u201d said Nancy in a low voice. \u201cI know you wanted to tell Joe before making the announcement. But it looks like he\u2019s not coming. It\u2019s getting late. Our guests will be leaving soon. If you\u2019re going to make the announcement, you should do it soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI wanted to tell my sons, all my sons, before I made the announcement. But it doesn\u2019t look like that will be possible.\u201d Sighing, he looked toward the door once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, it will work out with Joe,\u201d Nancy promised. \u201cJoe won\u2019t object to our marriage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could be so sure,\u201d Ben said sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

A strange look crossed Nancy’s face. \u201cI can promise you Joe won\u2019t object to our marriage,\u201d she told Ben. He smiled sadly and squeezed her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen,\u201d Ben announced at the top of his voice. \u201cPlease everyone get a glass and then gather around the fireplace. I have announcement, and I would like you all to join me in a toast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A buzz went through the crowd. Several people rushed to the punch bowl to fill their glasses. One man went to the front door and called to the people standing outside to come in. All the guests hurried to assemble in front of the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside in the dark, a pinto pony walked slowly toward the yard in front of the house. The rider was slumped over the neck of the horse, barely conscious. Joe wasn\u2019t sure how long he had been unconscious down by the lake. Stevens and Nancy had left him there, either to die or assuming he was already dead. All Joe knew was that it was dark when he woke up. He had tried to get to his feet, but the pain in his back was excruciating. He finally had begun to crawl toward the horse that was still tied to a tree nearby. Crawling had been difficult because his left arm was useless. Every time he tried to move his left arm, a stab of pain shot through his back. Joe was so weak and in so much pain that it had taken him almost an hour to pull himself across the ground to his horse. It had been maybe twenty yards; it had seemed like twenty miles to Joe. Once he had reached the horse, Joe had slowly and painfully pulled himself up until he could reach the reins and untie them from the tree. The act of mounting his horse, which normally Joe accomplished with a single leap, had felt like climbing a mountain. Somehow he had managed to get onto the horse. Joe remembered giving his horse a light kick to get him started, and then had passed out. Luckily, the pinto knew his way back to the barn. The horse had walked slowly, confused by the lack of direction from the rider on his back. The animal felt no kicks, nothing to urge him to hurry so the horse walked back toward its stall at a leisurely pace. Joe had drifted in and out of consciousness as he sat on the horse. He could feel the pain in his back. Blood oozed down his left shoulder and arm which was dangling uselessly. Joe felt hot and thirsty, and knew he was probably feverish. But he didn\u2019t have the strength to do anything but hold on to the saddle horn with his right hand and hope he could stay on the horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now the pinto carried the helpless man into the yard in front of the house. Wagons and horses were tied throughout the yard, but no one was around. Everyone was in the house, awaiting the announcement and toast. The pinto stopped in the middle of the yard, confused as to what to do; the unfamiliar horses and carriages blocked the animal from its stall. So the horse simply stopped and waited. Joe lifted his head. He was amazed to see the house in front of him. He was sure he would have fallen off the horse before he reached home. Now he slid down the saddle, falling to the ground with a thud. He groaned in pain as he hit the ground, and laid in the dirt, unmoving, for several minutes. Finally, Joe slowly and painfully pulled himself to his feet, and started staggering across the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inside the brightly lit house, Ben Cartwright and Nancy Miller were standing in front of the fireplace. Ben was formally introducing Nancy again to his neighbors, and she smiled graciously at the round of applause that greeted the introduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now, I want to share something else with you\u2026\u201d Ben began. He stopped as he heard the front door open. Ben looked toward the door, and his face reflected both horror and surprise. Hoss and Adam, who were standing at the back of the crowd, turned to look also.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had managed to stagger across the yard. Now he pushed opened the front door, and leaned against the door frame. His left arm and shoulder were covered with blood. His face was beaded with sweat from both exertion and fever; his eyes had a glazed, unfocused look. Joe lifted his right hand slightly. \u201cPa, help,\u201d he managed to say before he collapsed to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Immediately, Adam and Hoss rushed to their brother\u2019s side. Ben dropped the glass in his hand, not even noticing that it smashed against the floor. He ran across the room, pushing people aside with Dr. Paul Martin following after him. Everyone else in the room seemed frozen in shock. Nancy Miller\u2019s face reflected shock and horror more deeply than anyone\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben knelt on the floor next to Joe. Adam was cradling his brother\u2019s head in his hands, and Hoss was pulling open the torn and bloody cloth that covered Joe\u2019s back. As Ben knelt next to his youngest son, Hoss looked up. \u201cHe\u2019s been shot in the back, Pa,\u201d Hoss said grimly. \u201cAnd it\u2019s bad, real bad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get my bag from the buggy,\u201d called Dr. Martin, and he rushed out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben stroked Joe\u2019s cheek lightly with his hand, Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered opened. He blinked, as if trying to focus. \u201cPa,\u201d said Joe in a barely audible voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, take it easy,\u201d answered Ben in a soothing voice. \u201cJoe, who did this? Who shot you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t seem to hear his father\u2019s question. He simply stared up at his father. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cI made it home.\u201d Joe coughed and winced at the pain, then looked up at Ben again. \u201cI made it home like I promised,\u201d Joe murmured. Then his body went limp.<\/span><\/p>\n

****************<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss sat on the sofa, staring at the top of the stairs. It had been almost two hours since they had carried Joe to his room, followed by Ben and the doctor. Dr. Martin had ordered them out of the room as soon as they had gently place Joe on his bed. Hop Sing had made regular trips to the room with hot water and fresh bandages, but had nothing to report on Joe\u2019s condition. More to give them something to do than anything else, Hoss and Adam had cleaned up the remnants of the hastily ended party. The guests had left almost immediately. They had all lived in the West long enough to know there was little they could do but get in the way. Most had simply left. A few had expressed their sympathy to Nancy and asked her to tell Ben. Nancy had mutely nodded in answer, her face pale with shock and worry. One man who had stayed was Sheriff Roy Coffee. He had helped Hoss and Adam re-arrange the furniture, and carried plates and glasses to the kitchen. The sheriff wanted to talk to Joe, but he knew he would have to wait, just like Joe\u2019s brothers. Now the group sat is the living room. Adam and Hoss were on the sofa. Nancy sat in the red chair by the fireplace. Roy Coffee stood by the fireplace, facing Adam and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t know where Joe went today?\u201d the sheriff asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Roy,\u201d replied Adam with a sigh. \u201cHe simply rode off. He said he had some things to do, but he didn\u2019t say what.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems strange he wouldn\u2019t stay around and help get things ready for the party,\u201d commented Coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at Nancy before answering. \u201cJoe wasn\u2019t too happy about the party,\u201d said Hoss, answering slowly. \u201cThat\u2019s why we didn\u2019t think anything was wrong when he didn\u2019t show up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The sheriff nodded, understanding the implication of Hoss’ words. \u201cAnd you can\u2019t think of any reason why someone would take a shot at him?\u201d asked Coffee. \u201cNobody he\u2019s had a fight with? Nobody mad at him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody,\u201d replied Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I should go upstairs and see if I can help,\u201d Nancy said. She had suggested this before. She was desperately afraid of what Joe might be saying, and she wanted to be in the room if he was talking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNancy, I\u2019ve told you there\u2019s nothing you can do,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cDoc Martin and Pa would let us know if they needed anything. You\u2019d just be in the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy nodded, then rubbed the bridge of her nose. She looked tired and scared. Adam and Hoss watched her sympathetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of footsteps snapped everyone\u2019s attention to the stairs. Ben and Doctor Martin were walking slowly down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still alive,\u201d said the doctor without any preamble. \u201cJust barely, but he\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad is it?\u201d asked Adam fearfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like he was shot maybe six or seven hours ago,\u201d replied the doctor. \u201cHe\u2019s lost a lot of blood, and there\u2019s some infection. He\u2019s got a very high fever. He was lucky in one sense, though. The bullet hit off his shoulder blade. It chipped and splintered the bone, and tore up a lot of muscle, but the bullet didn\u2019t go in straight. If it had gone straight, he\u2019d have died instantly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLucky,\u201d murmured Nancy softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, when can I talk with him?\u201d asked Roy Coffee. \u201cI need to find out what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor Martin shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be awhile,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cTwo or three days at least, if he makes it. He\u2019s still unconscious, probably will be for awhile. Even when he wakes up \u2013 if he does \u2013 he\u2019ll probably be too weak to say much. I can\u2019t imagine how he managed to get home in his condition. Sheer will power, I\u2019d say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say anything about who did this to him?\u201d asked Hoss in an angry voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a shake of his head, Ben answered, \u201cNo. \u201dHe mumbled a few things, but nothing that made any sense. He\u2019s delirious from the fever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I find the no good rat who did this, I\u2019m going to kill him with my bare hands,\u201d Hoss promised angrily. Nancy paled even more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Hoss, this is a matter for the law,\u201d said Coffee in the firm voice. \u201cBelieve me, I\u2019ll find out who did this, and I\u2019ll make sure they get put away for a long time. And if Joe should die\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that,\u201d Adam interjected angrily. Nancy put her face in her hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Doctor Martin looked at each other with grim faces; they both knew how serious Joe\u2019s condition was. \u201cI\u2019m going to get a cup of coffee then I\u2019ll go back upstairs,\u201d said the doctor. Ben nodded and without a word, he turned and climbed back up the stairs. He hadn\u2019t even looked at Nancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Huddled in her chair, Nancy tried to pull herself together. Getting away from the Ponderosa was the foremost thought in her mind. \u201cSheriff,\u201d she said in a shaky voice. \u201cWould you mind driving me back to town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, I\u2019d be happy to,\u201d answered Coffee with a little bow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Noting Nancy\u2019s distress, Adam thought she was upset by his father ignoring her as well as all that had happened. He walked over to Nancy. \u201cI\u2019m sorry this happened,\u201d he said sincerely. Adam glanced over his shoulder to the top of the stairs. \u201cPa\u2019s worried sick. We are all. If Joe doesn\u2019t make it\u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s voice trailed off. He didn\u2019t quite know how to explain the emotions that he and the other Cartwrights were feeling right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, too,\u201d Nancy said hastily. \u201cI know Joe doesn\u2019t like me but I would never wish anything bad to happen to him. And I know Ben has other things on his mind right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, grateful that she seemed to understand why Ben had forgotten about her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, would you take me to town?\u201d Nancy asked again, her voice tinged with panic. Coffee nodded. She quickly stood and walked to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched Nancy leave, then he turned to Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m going upstairs,\u201d he announced, not needing to elaborate on which room. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come up in a few hours and relieve us.\u201d Hoss nodded. Adam climbed the stairs and walked to Joe\u2019s room. He opened the door slowly, and looked in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing in the doorway, Adam stared at Joe, who was laying on his right side on the bed. Even though the blankets had been pulled up to Joe\u2019s shoulder, Adam could see parts of the bandage which covered his brother\u2019s back and left shoulder. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed and his skin was unnaturally pale. The tell-tale red spot of fever stood out on Joe\u2019s cheek in stark contrast to the paleness of his brother’s face. Ben was wiping beads of sweat from Joe\u2019s face and back with a cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam said softly as entered the room. Ben looked up. \u201cDo you need anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing except maybe a miracle,\u201d Ben answered sadly as he looked at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing silently, Adam watched his father gently daub Joe’s face with the cloth. He could think of no words of comfort that wouldn\u2019t seem false. Finally, he simply said, \u201cRoy Coffee is going to take Nancy back to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Startled, Ben looked at his oldest son. He had forgotten all about Nancy. In fact, in the last few hours, his fianc\u00e9e hadn\u2019t even crossed his mind. The party, the announcement, everything had been forgotten almost the instant he saw his youngest son\u2019s bloody body on the floor. Ben shook his head slowly. He wasn\u2019t sure why but suddenly Ben felt his relationship with Nancy wasn\u2019t quite what he thought it might be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, do you want me to sit with Joe for a while?\u201d asked Adam. He could see Ben was troubled, and not just about his brother\u2019s serious injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben turned back to Joe. His thoughts about Nancy could wait. \u201cNo,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched his father for a moment, then silently left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

******************<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy had changed from her party dress to a traveling outfit as soon as she entered her room at the hotel. She had quickly packed her things, but she left the bags in the room as she rushed out of the hotel. She walked down the dark streets of Virginia City at a rapid pace, ignoring the curious looks she got from the few people on the street at that late hour. Nancy rushed into a small, cheap hotel at the end of town, ignoring the clerk at the desk and practically running up the stairs. She stopped in front of a door and began knocking on it with loud raps. In a minute, the door opened. Roger Stevens stood in the doorway, his eyes puffy with sleep, and his hair disheveled. He wore a pair of dark pants, and he was hastily pulling on a shirt. \u201cDuchess?\u201d said Stevens in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy pushed past the half-awake man and rushed into the room. Stevens closed the door behind her. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy whirled to face him. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d she answered in a hysterical voice. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what\u2019s wrong. Joe Cartwright is alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlive?\u201d said Stevens. He shook his head. \u201cYou must be mistaken. I took a look at that kid down by the lake. He was a goner for sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you were wrong,\u201d Nancy cried, her voice rising even higher. \u201cSomehow he managed to get home. He walked in, all bloody, right as Ben Cartwright was going to announce our engagement.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he manage to get to the Ponderosa?\u201d asked Stevens in a shocked voice. Then he waved his hand. \u201cNever mind, that\u2019s not important. What did he say? What did he tell old man Cartwright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy calmed down a bit. \u201cNothing yet,\u201d she admitted. \u201cEvidently, he\u2019s hurt too bad to say anything. The doctor is not even sure he\u2019s going to live.\u201d Nancy\u2019s voice got shrill again. \u201cBut if he does, you and I will go to prison for attempted murder!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, calm down,\u201d advised Stevens. \u201cNobody\u2019s going to prison.\u201d He thought for a moment. \u201cDoes Cartwright have any idea who shot his kid?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Nancy. \u201cI heard Adam Cartwright tell the sheriff they had no idea who could have done it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d Stevens said thoughtfully. \u201cMaybe we can still pull this off.\u201d He thought for a moment. Then he looked up at Nancy. \u201cYou\u2019re going to have to go back to the Ponderosa, and you\u2019re going to have to make sure Joe Cartwright never talks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Nancy put her hand to her throat. \u201cI can\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can if you don\u2019t want to spend the rest of your life in prison,\u201d Stevens told her grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Roger, I can\u2019t!\u201d protested Nancy. She rushed to stand in front of Stevens. \u201cLet\u2019s just leave, right now, tonight. We can get far away. Ben Cartwright will never find us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright will find us,\u201d said Stevens. \u201cIf that kid tells his old man who shot him, Ben Cartwright will turn over every rock until he finds us. There\u2019s no place we can go that he won\u2019t find us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nancy stood still. She knew Stevens was right. She had spent the past few weeks with Ben Cartwright, and she knew how he felt about his sons. Nancy frowned, then looked at Stevens. \u201cAll right,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ll go back to the Ponderosa. Maybe I won\u2019t have to do anything. The doctor wasn\u2019t sure Joe was going to live. But, one way or the other, I\u2019ll make sure he doesn\u2019t talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d stated Stevens with satisfaction. He walked Nancy to the door. \u201cJust keep thinking about all that lovely Cartwright money,\u201d he advised. \u201cYou take care of Joe, and we can go on just as we planned.\u201d Nancy nodded. As Stevens opened the door, he said to Nancy, \u201cBy the way, congratulations on your engagement.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

****************<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben walked wearily down the stairs to the living room. He had spent the night with Joe, worrying about his son. But he had also spent the night thinking. Now, as the dawn was beginning to break, Ben realized he had made a decision. Once Joe was better \u2013 and Ben was convinced he would be better \u2013 he was going to end his engagement with Nancy Miller. Ben wasn\u2019t surprised to see Adam sprawled on the couch and Hoss asleep in the chair. Hoss and Adam had taken turns trying to relieve him during the night but Ben had refused to leave Joe\u2019s side. Now, he was taking a brief break to get some coffee while Dr. Martin continued to treat his patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d asked Adam sleepily as he sat up on the couch. Ben\u2019s footsteps had awakened him. \u201cAny change?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cHe came to a little while ago, but he was in a lot of pain. The doctor gave him something for the pain, and he went back to sleep almost immediately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say who shot him?\u201d asked Hoss, who was also now awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Ben, shaking his head. \u201cHe\u2019s still delirious. He just keeps mumbling things that don\u2019t make any sense.\u201d Ben sat wearily in the worn blue chair near the bottom of the stairs. \u201cNone of this makes any sense. Who would want to kill him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Exchanging glances, Adam and Hoss said nothing. They had spent the night talking and trying to answer that question without success. Ben looked at Adam and Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ve done some thinking about something else,\u201d Ben said slowly. \u201cI\u2019m not going to marry Nancy Miller.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This time, Adam and Hoss looked at each other in surprise. \u201cBut why, Pa?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cI thought you were in love with her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cBut tonight I realized I was in love with the idea of being in love with Nancy Miller.\u201d He looked at his sons. \u201cI\u2019ve been lucky enough to be in love, really in love, three times in my life. Most men are fortunate if that happens to them once. I started thinking about how I felt when I was with Joe\u2019s mother, with your mother, Hoss, and with yours, Adam. I\u2019m fond of Nancy, but it\u2019s not the same feeling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you\u2019re tired and upset,\u201d suggested Hoss. \u201cMaybe this ain’t the right time to think about something like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThis is the right time. I realized tonight that I hadn\u2019t thought about Nancy in hours. Once I saw Joe, it never even crossed my mind to talk to Nancy, to include her in what was happening. That was never the case with your mothers. I couldn\u2019t have <\/span>not<\/span> included them in any crisis in my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A tired smile appeared on Ben\u2019s lips. \u201cIt\u2019s really Joe\u2019s fault,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cWhen he and Hoss tried that little matchmaking stunt, well, it just got me thinking about getting married again. Then I met Nancy, and the idea of getting married just seemed to grow stronger. I began courting Nancy because I wanted to get married again, not the other way around. And that\u2019s not right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe will be pleased to hear the news,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe didn\u2019t think making Nancy Miller the fourth Mrs. Ben Cartwright was such a good idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A shadow crossed Ben\u2019s face. \u201cI hope I get a chance to tell him,\u201d he said in a sad voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will, Pa,\u201d Hoss told his father with more confidence than he felt. \u201cYou know Joe. He\u2019s a stubborn little cuss. He\u2019ll pull through.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A knock on the door startled the Cartwrights. \u201cWho could that be, at this hour?\u201d asked Ben. He stood and walked to the door. Ben\u2019s face showed both surprise and consternation when he pulled open the door and saw Nancy standing there. \u201cNancy!\u201d exclaimed Ben. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, darling,\u201d Nancy greeted Ben. She was dressed in a simple skirt and blouse, her hair hanging loosely to her shoulders. In Nancy\u2019s mind, this was the outfit that a caring stepmother would wear when nursing her injured stepson. Only in Nancy\u2019s case, nursing Joe back to health was the farthest thing from her mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d Nancy asked with concern as she walked into the house. \u201cI just couldn\u2019t sleep thinking and worrying about him. I thought I\u2019d come out and see what I could do to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s about the same,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cHe still hasn\u2019t been able to tell us what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s too bad,\u201d said Nancy, hoping her relief didn\u2019t show.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben seemed at a loss at what to do. He hesitated then stepped forward. \u201cNancy, this may not be the time\u2026\u201d he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Doctor Martin appeared at the top of the stairs. \u201cBen, can you get up here?\u201d he shouted. \u201cJoe\u2019s awake and I need your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben turned toward the stairs, Nancy once more forgotten. He rushed up the stairs, with Adam and Hoss on his heels. Nancy followed the Cartwrights slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben rushed into Joe\u2019s room, he could see his son was moving restlessly on the bed, in obvious pain. Joe was breathing hard, and his face was covered with sweat. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe keeps asking for you,\u201d said the doctor to Ben. \u201cHis fever is still very high, and I\u2019m not sure he knows what he\u2019s saying, but I thought I ought to get you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben pushed past the doctor. He knelt by the bed so his face with level with Joe. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said softly. \u201cI\u2019m here, son. Your Pa\u2019s here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes had a glazed look. He seemed to be having trouble understanding the words that were said and recognizing the face in front of him. Then he focused on Ben. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe said in a whisper. \u201cGot to tell you.\u201d He winced in pain and coughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGot to tell me what?\u201d Ben asked as he stroked Joe\u2019s head. \u201cJoe, who shot you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ignored Ben\u2019s question. \u201cGot to tell you,\u201d he repeated in a breathless whisper. \u201cNancy. Don\u2019t. Nancy.\u201d Joe winced again. His strength seemed to be fading. \u201cGolden Palace.\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cDuchess. Nancy.\u201d Joe winced once more, the pain seeming to get worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

This time it was Doctor Martin who pushed Ben aside. \u201cI\u2019ve got to give him something for the pain,\u201d the doctor said. \u201cThe pain is draining what little strength he has.\u201d The doctor lifted Joe\u2019s head and held a glass with a milky liquid to Joe\u2019s lips. He forced Joe to drink the liquid, then laid Joe\u2019s head gently on the bed. Joe seemed exhausted. His eyes closed, and his breathing became more even.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve given him a strong dose of laudanum,\u201d said the doctor, as he straightened. \u201cThat should help the pain for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s really hurting. Can\u2019t we give him some laudanum more often so he won\u2019t suffer so much?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to be very careful,\u201d answered the doctor. \u201cWe can\u2019t give him another dose for several hours. It would kill him if we gave him another strong dose like this too soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing at the end of Joe\u2019s bed, Adam and Hoss’ attention was focused on their brother. Neither noticed Nancy standing in the doorway to the room. No one had noticed her growing pale as Joe rambled. Now, no one noticed how her eyes narrowed as she listened to the doctor\u2019s words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what do you think Joe was trying to say?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Ben with a shake of his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think Joe knows what he was saying. I think he was just rambling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen dear,\u201d Nancy said walking forward. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you and the doctor, and Adam and Hoss, get some coffee and breakfast. You all must be exhausted. I\u2019ll sit with Joe for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNancy, you don\u2019t have to do this,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know I don\u2019t,\u201d Nancy replied smoothly. \u201cI want to.\u201d She turned to the doctor. \u201cIs there anything that needs to be done?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot right now,\u201d admitted the doctor. \u201cI\u2019ve changed his bandages, and dosed him with every possible medicine. All we can do is wait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Nancy turned to Ben. \u201cYou see,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to do but watch him. I can do that as well as any one of you. You\u2019ve all had a long night. You need some food.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe has a point, Ben,\u201d advised the doctor. He looked around the room at the tired faces of the Cartwrights. \u201cYou all look like you could use some food and rest. You\u2019re not going to help Joe by making yourselves sick. And I don\u2019t need any more patients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Briefly, Ben smiled at the doctor\u2019s words. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said. \u201cI guess a cup of coffee would be a good idea.\u201d He turned to Nancy. \u201cYou call us if there\u2019s any change,\u201d he instructed her. \u201cAny change at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Ben,\u201d said Nancy. \u201cI\u2019ll call you the minute anything happens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving a quick nod, Ben turned and put his hands on Adam and Hoss\u2019 shoulders. \u201cCome on, boys,\u201d he urged them. \u201cLet\u2019s get some food in you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss seemed reluctant to leave. \u201cPa, maybe I ought to stay here. Joe might need something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call you if he needs you,\u201d Nancy said quickly. \u201cI promise. Now, go get something to eat. You must be starved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Hoss looked down at his brother sleeping on the bed. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, the reluctance still obvious in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben, Adam and Hoss left the room, Doctor Martin pulled a chair up next to the bed for Nancy. She nodded her thanks and sat down. \u201cI\u2019ll be right downstairs if you need me,\u201d said the doctor. Nancy nodded again, and the doctor left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

For several minutes, Nancy sat quietly by Joe\u2019s bed. She wanted to be sure no one was going to come back into the room. She looked at Joe lying on the bed. Even with the pain and fever reflected on his face, she thought he was a handsome boy. \u201cIt\u2019s too bad,\u201d Nancy said softly. \u201cYou could have made things so much more attractive around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving slowly, Nancy stood and walked to the table by the bed. Several bottles were on the table. She picked up a familiar blue one, and read the label, just to be sure. She poured a quantity of the liquid from the bottle into a glass, then mixed a little water from the pitcher on the table into the glass. She swirled the mixture in the glass, and the contents took on a milky look. Nancy knelt by Joe\u2019s bed, lifted Joe\u2019s head as she had seen the doctor do it, and put the glass with the deadly potion to Joe\u2019s lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNancy, I wanted to talk with you\u2026\u201d a voice suddenly said behind her. Nancy spun around. Ben was standing in the door, a startled look on his face. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d he demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d replied Nancy, quickly putting the glass on the table. \u201cI\u2026I just was trying to give Joe some water.\u201d She let Joe\u2019s head drop back to the pillows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben walked to the table. He picked up the glass Nancy had put down and sniffed it. He held up the glass and saw the milky look of the liquid. \u201cThis isn\u2019t water,\u201d said Ben in a voice cold as steel. \u201cWhat were you trying to do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In a panic, Nancy stood and quickly backed away from Ben. \u201cNothing,\u201d she insisted. \u201cHe seemed restless, and I was just trying to\u2026.\u201d Nancy\u2019s voice faded as she saw the disbelieving look on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cBen, darling. Surely you don\u2019t think I\u2019d do anything to hurt Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Nancy,\u201d replied Ben, his voice still cold. \u201cWhenever I ask Joe who shot him, he says your name. I thought he was just delirious. Now I\u2019m not so sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what are you saying?\u201d asked Nancy in alarm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019d better leave this room,\u201d Ben said. \u201cIn fact, I think you\u2019d better leave this house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Ben\u2026\u201d started Nancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNancy, I came up here because I wanted to tell you that I couldn\u2019t marry you, that our engagement was off,\u201d said Ben. \u201cNow I think you\u2019d better leave before I do something that I might regret.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d exclaimed Nancy. Her face twisted in anger. \u201cYou\u2019re calling off our marriage! After all I\u2019ve done! How could you do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what have you done?\u201d asked Ben in a cold voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Nancy realized what she had said. She put her hand to her throat as she saw the look on Ben Cartwright\u2019s face. She had never seen such a hard, threatening look. A stab of fear ran through her. Nancy looked around the room for a moment, then turned and ran down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he bent over the bed, Ben could hear Joe\u2019s labored breathing. He laid his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead, and felt the heat of the fever. Ben shook his head. Joe was still fighting for his life, and Ben was determined that this was a fight Joe would win. He stroked Joe\u2019s head lightly. Then Ben heard the front door slam shut. He knew Nancy was leaving, as he had ordered her to do. Ben frowned, and looked again at the glass Nancy had had in her hand. He suddenly realized the woman had tried to harm Joe, maybe kill him, and he had let her leave. He turned and walked rapidly out of the room, yelling, \u201cAdam, Hoss, come here quick,\u201d as he left the bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

***********<\/span><\/p>\n

It was three days later when Joe finally opened his eyes and looked around. He winced as he felt a stab of pain in his back. He felt tired and weak; his vision seemed a bit blurry. Joe blinked several times and suddenly, things started to come into focus. Three anxious faces were staring down at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re finally awake,\u201d said Ben in a voice that sounded too hearty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d asked Joe weakly. He winced again at the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe,\u201d answered Ben in a much more soothing voice. \u201cThe doctor says you\u2019re going to be all right but you have to lie still.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou had us all worried there for awhile, little brother,\u201d added Hoss. His smile reflected both relief and affection. \u201cYou sure do know how to get attention, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding slightly, Joe closed his eyes for a moment, gathering some strength. He knew what he had to tell his father, and he hated the thought of doing it. Joe opened his eyes and looked up. \u201cPa, it was Nancy and Stevens\u2026.\u201d he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe know,\u201d Ben said, interrupting him. \u201cYou told us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did?\u201d said Joe in a confused voice. He didn\u2019t remember telling anyone anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you told us enough that we figured it out\u2026finally,\u201d Adam remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, little brother, you\u2019ve been rambling on and on for the past two days about Nancy, the Duchess, and the Golden Palace,\u201d added Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. The last thing he remembered was coming through the front door of the house on the night of the party. He looked around the room. \u201cDid you get them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got them,\u201d replied Ben grimly. \u201cThey\u2019re both sitting in the Virginia City jail. Charged with attempted murder, fraud, and anything else we can think of.\u201d Ben pursed his lips. \u201cI\u2019m going to make sure they spend a long time in prison.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I caught up with Nancy \u2013 or should I say, the Duchess \u2013 in Stevens\u2019 room in Virginia City,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cOnce they realized we were on to them, they turned on each other. Both started accusing the other of all kinds of things.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cIt didn\u2019t take long for us to piece the whole sordid story together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a sad expression on his face, Joe looked down at the bed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d he said softly. \u201cI know how much you loved Nancy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t love her as much as I thought I did,\u201d replied Ben. He glanced at Adam and Hoss, then turned to look at Joe. \u201cAnd I certainly didn\u2019t love her more than my sons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe was relieved that Ben wasn\u2019t devastated by Nancy\u2019s betrayal. Suddenly, he felt tired, and his eyes grew heavy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben saw Joe\u2019s eyes closing. \u201cCome on,\u201d he said softly to Adam and Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s let Joe get some rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s eyes opened a bit and a weak grin broke out on his face. \u201cPa,\u201d he called. \u201cI think I did a better job than you at picking out a wife for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinning, Ben turned back to Joe. \u201cYes, I guess you did,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I think all of our \u201cwife hunting days\u201d are ended, at least for me. The next Mrs. Cartwright who shows up at the Ponderosa is going to be married to one of my sons, not me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be too sure, Pa,\u201d said Adam with a smile. \u201cOnce Joe gets back on his feet, there\u2019s no telling what he might cook up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Pa,\u201d added Hoss with a grin. \u201cHe\u2019s real good at matchmaking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m telling all three of you, right now, that I am not interested in getting married again,\u201d stated Ben firmly. \u201cIs that understood?\u201d He looked around the room at his sons. Adam and Hoss nodded. Joe\u2019s head moved slightly, and Ben took it as a sign of agreement. Ben\u2019s face softened. \u201cNow let\u2019s get out of here so Joe can rest,\u201d he said in a quiet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Joe settled comfortably on the bed. A ghost of a smile made his lips twitch as he began to drift off. I wonder if Beth Robinson is engaged yet, thought Joe as he began to fall asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 After receiving an invitation to a neighbor’s wedding, Little Joe conspires to find Ben the perfect wife; while the rest of the family holds off an attempted land grab.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a021,300 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":1242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13947","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1190,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10742","url_meta":{"origin":13947,"position":0},"title":"Battle of the Ponderosa — aka Springtime Chaos (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"March 20, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A plea for help turns into an urgent ride home, and a situation no one foresaw. 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(by lolo1999)","author":"lolo1999","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Annie, Sarah, and Katie kidnap Little Joe while he's on business. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (875 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6626,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6626","url_meta":{"origin":13947,"position":5},"title":"Forever – I Would Do Anything For Love – #2 (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0As the birth of Alice and Joe's first child approaches, things take a turn for the worst. \u00a0Part II in \"Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cartwright\" Forever WHI series. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (2,230 words) Forever Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13947","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13947"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13947\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13947"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13947"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13947"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}