{"id":14057,"date":"2001-01-21T21:23:30","date_gmt":"2001-01-22T02:23:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14057"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:04:37","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:04:37","slug":"the-english-rose-by-diana-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14057","title":{"rendered":"The English Rose (by Diana G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Adam rides into the mountains seeking to regain control of his emotions.\u00a0 But a meeting with a stranger leads to events that he cannot control.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (29,285 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The English Rose<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam stormed from the house, the speed of his departure matching the blowing of the tempestuous late summer wind whistling around the eaves of his home.\u00a0 Irritation showed on his normally composed features and was reflected in the lengthening of his usually compact stride, as he headed straight to the barn.\u00a0 He saddled Sport, and in a few minutes he was riding out of the yard, pulling his hat down firmly on his head as he kicked the horse into a gallop along the trail that would eventually lead him high into the mountains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The grandeur of the rocky peaks and the panoramic views over Lake Tahoe always put things into perspective for Adam, and allowed him to put his feelings back where he tried to keep them, hidden behind the appearance of equanimity that he presented to the world.\u00a0 The loss of three mothers before he was out of his late teens, had driven him to conceal his emotions deep inside, where they could not hurt him as long as he did not acknowledge them.\u00a0 On the rare occasions when his emotions got the better of him, Adam always found peace among the rugged beauty of the Sierras, and after four anger filled miles he pulled the horse to a walk; it wasn\u2019t Sport\u2019s fault that he had argued with his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he reached a bluff where he could look down on the now distant ranch house he stopped, stepped slowly out of the saddle, and squatted down on the ground, which was softened by the carpet of pine needles that had fallen and lain undisturbed over the centuries.\u00a0 He picked up a handful and let them slip through his fingers, watching as they were carried off by the gale, and thinking that his relationship with his father might drift away as silently.\u00a0 When was Pa going to admit that his family could benefit from the expensive education he had given his son? Adam wondered.\u00a0 Three years at college had to be good for something, surely?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At twenty-nine, Adam considered that he should have done enough to gain his father\u2019s respect for his ideas.\u00a0 But every time he came up with a new plan, whether it was for improving the stock, or better systems for managing the bookwork, or simply to ease conditions for Hop Sing in the kitchen, he had met resistance.\u00a0 He was trying to use his knowledge and skill to drag Ben\u2019s thinking into the second half of the nineteenth century, but it was only after lengthy and often heated discussion that his father would make a decision, sometimes agreeing, sometimes not, and his dissent left Adam disillusioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He picked up another handful of brown, dry pine needles, and after letting a few fall from his hand he threw the rest angrily away, thinking that if he couldn\u2019t get the respect he felt he deserved from his father, perhaps it was time that he looked elsewhere.\u00a0 It was at moments such as this, when he was at odds with his father, that he no longer felt comfortable at home; the walls hemmed him in and he felt constricted by Ben\u2019s attitude.\u00a0 He had always wanted to travel, maybe now was the time.\u00a0 Adam snorted derisively, it was not the first time that he had had such a thought, but he had never acted on it and had no intention of doing so now.\u00a0 He simply needed to escape from the house for a while, into the solitude of the mountains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shivered as he stood; the wind was taking away the heat of his body, and cooling his temper.\u00a0 He smiled ruefully.\u00a0 In his haste to get away from the house he had not thought to bring his jacket with him, or even any supplies.\u00a0 Lack of food did not bother Adam; he had eaten a good breakfast, enough to see him through the day, and he was a skilled hunter.\u00a0 He would be able to catch something for supper, and only needed water to drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He remounted Sport and rode back to the narrow track he had been following, deep in thought.\u00a0 He knew that arguments with his father were inevitable; they were so alike, stubborn and hard-headed.\u00a0 But while Adam would occasionally reach a point where frustration got the better of him, Ben could always reason his way through their heated exchanges.\u00a0 It was one of the many attributes that Adam admired in his father, who over the years had learned how to manage his temper, because he knew that he still had a way to go before he could reliably control his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was looking forward to a day spent alone among the stately ponderosa pines, for which his home had been named, and as his subconscious affinity with his horse told him that the animal was ready to run, he loosened the reins.\u00a0 Man and mount enjoyed the freedom of the forest and they both found release from the restrictions of life as Sport took off along the track, feeling the wind in his mane and tail.\u00a0 It was probably the noise of the restless air rushing past that prevented Adam from hearing the rending sound from up ahead as a branch high up in a tree, weakened and no longer able to resist the force of the wind, finally gave way and separated from its growing place.\u00a0 It dropped slowly through the intervening limbs, until it fell free and came crashing down on the lone rider, striking him on the side of the head.\u00a0 It completed its journey to the ground, tangling itself among Sport\u2019s legs and bringing him to his knees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was fighting to stay conscious and in control of the horse, but when Sport went down he was unprepared for the sudden demand on his precarious balance, and was catapulted over the horse\u2019s head, towards the trees.\u00a0 Through the creeping greyness in his mind, Adam saw a thick trunk coming towards him and managed to twist in the air, so he avoided hitting it with his head, but his arm and shoulder crashed into the rough bark.\u00a0 The shattering pain robbed him of what little awareness remained, and he fell to the ground and lay still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sport made it back to his feet and whinnied noisily at his undignified fall.\u00a0 He stood for a moment, his tack rattling as he shook himself, before trotting a little way up the track and then putting his head down to munch calmly at a clump of lush grass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s first thought on coming back to consciousness was that he was fortunate to be still in the land of the living, though the pain from his shoulder made him wish that awareness had not returned so completely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His second thought was that the blow to his head had driven him out of his mind.\u00a0 He could hear words spoken, but they made no sense.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was sitting up and someone was behind him with their arms around his chest, trying to lift him.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, me old china, if ya can\u2019t get on yer plates, then I\u2019m goin\u2019 to \u2018ave to red rag ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam recognised it as a man\u2019s voice, and the words as English, spoken with a broad English accent, but apart from that he was at a loss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cW\u2026wait\u2026wait,\u201d he managed to utter through the pain, \u201cmy shoulder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYer in a bit of a two and eight that\u2019s fer sure, but just let me get ya over to me nice warm Jeremiah and I\u2019ll take a butcher\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Putting aside the linguistic problem until he felt able to cope with it, Adam tried to stand, and with the stranger\u2019s help, he made it to his feet.\u00a0 The man pulled Adam\u2019s right arm over his shoulder and helped him across the track and into the woods on the far side, where Adam saw that there was a small camp among an outcropping of rocks, and he gratefully sank down beside the sheltered fire, cradling his left arm with his right.\u00a0 Every movement sent shafts of pain coursing through his shoulder and down his arm, so he turned his head carefully, until he was able to squint up at the man who stood before him.\u00a0 He matched Adam for height at over six feet, but there the similarity ended.\u00a0 This man was stout, and stood with a slight stoop that was accounted for by his age, somewhere approaching sixty Adam guessed, seeing grey hair that circled his head from ear to ear leaving a bald pate that shone dully in the sunlight above wide set eyes and a broad, friendly grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2026who are you?\u201d Adam asked shakily, as he put up a hand and felt the small swelling above one ear and the stickiness of blood from a gash on his forehead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe name\u2019s Edward, Edward Mulherne,\u201d the man answered in a deep, strong voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wiped the blood from his fingers and extended his right hand.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright,\u201d he said as he shook hands with Mulherne, careful not to move his left shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet ya, I\u2019m sure.\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne picked up his canteen and a cloth, then knelt down in front of Adam to wipe away the blood from his forehead, taking the opportunity to observe him more closely.\u00a0 The entirely black clothing and dark, strong features were imposing, Mulherne thought, and beneath jet black hair, clear brown eyes gave him an impression of someone you didn\u2019t mess with, even though at that moment they reflected the pain of the injuries the younger man had sustained.\u00a0 When he was satisfied that the bleeding had stopped, Mulherne stood.\u00a0 \u201cNow, just sit right there, and I\u2019ll go and get yer Charing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy what?\u201d Adam was confused, as far as he knew he did not possess such an object.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYer \u2018orse,\u201d the man explained, as though it should be perfectly obvious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head slowly, indicating an understanding he did not have, and closed his eyes.\u00a0 He had decided that he was probably unconscious and dreaming, and he was prepared to wait until the world started making sense again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few minutes, Mulherne returned leading Adam\u2019s large sorrel, which he tethered beside his own sturdy palomino and a pack mule.\u00a0 Squatting down by the fire, he filled a tin cup with tea from the smoke-blackened pot standing on the small rocks that encircled the flames, added a spoonful of sugar and stirred it in as he carried the drink over to where Adam sat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d he called, and Adam opened his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI thought ya could do with this.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled as he held out the cup.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached out with one hand to take the offered refreshment, wincing as his shoulder protested.\u00a0 \u201cThanks.\u201d\u00a0 He sipped the liquid slowly, and the strong, sweet drink revived him.\u00a0 His headache was fading fast, and he had found that as long as he did not attempt to move, the pain in his shoulder died to a dull ache, with only occasional spasms of searing agony.\u00a0 Even the simple act of breathing had to be done carefully, and he inhaled slowly as he looked at Mulherne.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing out here?\u201d\u00a0 The man was dressed in a grey city suit and brown brogues, hardly the clothes for travelling through the wilderness of the Sierras.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 to see me bottle.\u00a0 She wrote and invited me to visit.\u00a0 I got an \u2018alfpenny dip to San Francisco, and bought the Charings, but I \u2018ave to admit that I\u2019m Jack Frost.\u00a0 She\u2019s got a cat near a place called Floriston; \u2018ave ya any idea where that might be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he recognised the name of the town, but was bewildered by the rest of what he heard.\u00a0 \u201cYou are<\/em> English, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCourse I am,\u201d Mulherne laughed, \u201cI suppose me accent gives it away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen\u2026I mean, why\u2026?\u201d\u00a0 Adam was trying to think of an inoffensive way to ask his question, until finally he decided to come straight out with it.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t I understand half of what you\u2019re saying?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t\u2026oh me goodness, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 When I\u2019m alone I tend to drop into the vernacular.\u00a0 That means\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised one eyebrow. \u201cI know what it means.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u00a0 Well, I\u2019m from London see,\u201d Mulherne puffed out his chest as he continued proudly, \u201ca Cockney born and bred, and all me folks use the rhymin\u2019 slang, so I forget I\u2019m usin\u2019 it.\u00a0 Sorry, an\u2019 all that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, but if you could just remember that I\u2019m a poor ignorant westerner who has trouble following you occasionally\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCourse I can,\u201d Mulherne agreed, thinking to himself that Adam Cartwright was neither poor nor ignorant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were saying something about going to see your \u2018bottle\u2019?\u201d\u00a0 Adam frowned as he used the familiar word in an unfamiliar way.\u00a0 He sipped his tea, happy to continue the conversation which was taking his mind away from the pain in his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI meant me daughter.\u00a0 She got took away by me trouble\u2026sorry, that\u2019s to say me wife, when she ran off with a rich gent from Chicago.\u00a0 Said that I was so wrapped up with me business I didn\u2019t \u2018ave no time fer family.\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne shrugged as he admitted, \u201cI suppose she was right.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t realise what I was losin\u2019 until it was too late.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up again and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThen, four months ago, this letter arrived from me daughter.\u00a0 Told me she\u2019d just got married and was livin\u2019 out \u2018ere.\u00a0 I want \u2018er to \u2018ave the business.\u00a0 I\u2019ve made enough bread to last me two lifetimes and I\u2019m thinkin\u2019 of retirin\u2019.\u00a0 So \u2018ere I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a baker,\u201d Adam deduced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 Why\u2019d ya say that?\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne looked puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you\u2019d made enough bread\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Adam stopped as the Englishman burst out laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a minute before Mulherne could control himself enough to speak.\u00a0 \u201cOh me goodness, no, I didn\u2019t mean that. I mean I\u2019ve made enough money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was getting annoyed.\u00a0 He was fighting against the pain in his shoulder and now felt he was being made to look a fool.\u00a0 \u201cThen what business are you in?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMeat.\u00a0 I started with a little stall in Smithfield, that\u2019s London\u2019s meat market, and now I\u2019m one of the biggest dealers on the \u2018field.\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne laughed and Adam thought that joviality came easily to the older man\u2019s features.\u00a0 \u201cMe Pa would \u2018ave been surprised, \u2018e never expected me to amount to nothin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne would have continued with the story of his journey, but he saw Adam frown and heard him inhale sharply as he moved his shoulder and a bolt of pain shot through it.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s me rabbitin\u2019 on, and you need some \u2018elp with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head carefully; any movement brought a screaming protest from his shoulder. He was happy to just sit for a while and didn\u2019t relish the thought of anyone touching him.\u00a0 \u201cNo, it\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although Adam tried to push his hand away, Mulherne was insistent.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u00a0 I\u2019ve cut up more carcasses than you\u2019ve \u2018ad \u2018ot dinners and I know what goes on inside a man, it ain\u2019t no different.\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne ran his large, powerful hands over the bones under the black shirt.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think anythin\u2019s broke, but you\u2019ve put the joint out.\u00a0 I\u2019ll \u2018ave that fixed in no time.\u201d\u00a0 He looked Adam straight in the eye, \u201cThis is goin\u2019 to \u2018urt, but I\u2019ll be quick and then it won\u2019t \u2018urt so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he saw Adam hesitate, then nod, Mulherne took hold of his left wrist and quickly pulled the arm straight.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s breath hissed through his teeth, which were clamped together against the pain, as Mulherne twisted his arm and then suddenly hit the injured shoulder hard with the heel of his hand.\u00a0 Adam groaned and hunched over, holding his left arm with his right hand and breathing quickly.\u00a0 He sat for a minute to get over the shock, then realised that most of the pain was gone.\u00a0 He straightened again, and smiled thinly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks\u2026feels better already.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne smiled.\u00a0 \u201cTold ya it would.\u00a0 Now, \u2018ow about somethin\u2019 to eat?\u201d\u00a0 Adam shook his head, the last thing he felt like was food.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll make enough fer both of us and see \u2018ow ya feel when it\u2019s ready.\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne went to the bundles that were lying to one side of his encampment, and came back with beans and meat which he put in a pot with some water and a handful of herbs.\u00a0 He also held a strip of dark red material that he had torn from a longer length, and when he was satisfied that the meal would look after itself for a while, he fashioned a sling for Adam\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cI bought some cloth when I was in San Francisco, thought I could find a dressmaker to run up a frock fer me daughter,\u201d he explained, as he tied it in a knot behind Adam\u2019s neck.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll support yer shoulder, and give yer muscles a rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his thanks.\u00a0 \u201cYou said you were going to Floriston?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eyeing the forest, which looked the same in every direction, Mulherne laughed. \u201cYes, but I\u2019m not sure where I am now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve come too far south, you\u2019re on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I was in Nevada.\u201d\u00a0 A frown creased Mulherne\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled, \u201cYou are, but the land round here is the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy home.\u00a0 It\u2019s a ranch.\u00a0 We\u2019re in the meat business too.\u201d Adam saw brows raised in enquiry, and explained.\u00a0 \u201cWe raise cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2019s over there, would that be Floriston?\u201d the Englishman asked hopefully, pointing to the far hills in front of him, to the north.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cNo, that\u2019s the Ponderosa as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd over there?\u201d Mulherne pointed to his left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the older man then pointed wordlessly to his right and raised his eyebrows, Adam replied equally silently, with a nod.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne\u2019s eyes opened a little wider.\u00a0 \u201cI see.\u00a0 Big place then, this Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBiggest there is.\u00a0 In these parts anyway.\u201d\u00a0 Adam allowed a tinge of pride into his voice, which did not go unnoticed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you own it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStrictly speaking, no.\u00a0 It belongs\u2026to my father.\u201d\u00a0 Adam had hesitated because it seemed to him that, by putting the facts into words, he had a new perspective on the disagreement with Ben.\u00a0 His father did own the ranch, and while that legacy would pass on to his sons one day, at that moment Adam knew that he had no right to dictate what happened there.\u00a0\u00a0 Before he could think further about it, Mulherne was speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what were you doing out here, falling off yer Char\u2026yer \u2019orse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lowered his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cJust riding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne sat stirring the contents of the cooking pot.\u00a0 \u201cListen mate, if you and me\u2019s goin\u2019 to get acquainted, then there\u2019s no point in not bein\u2019 \u2018onest with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just riding,\u201d Adam insisted, not wanting to elaborate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne realised that there was more to it, but left it alone.\u00a0 \u201cYou said that you know Floriston.\u00a0 If I \u2018elp you to get back \u2018ome, would ya point me in the right direction?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t need any help, thanks.\u00a0 I assure you I can manage,\u201d Adam said, a little sharply.\u00a0 He did not relish the thought of returning so soon, but now he was able to think rationally, he was more embarrassed at his behaviour than angry with his father.\u00a0 He accepted that Ben had every right to question any of his ideas, and Adam admitted to himself that he had left before they had properly talked through his latest plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it would be best if I come with ya,\u201d Mulherne insisted, not realising that Adam had no intention of going home immediately.\u00a0 \u201cThat arm might prove a bit troublesome.\u00a0 You could \u2018ave strained the ligaments and that can feel as bad as breakin\u2019 it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne served up their meal and, as Adam accepted a small portion from him, he remembered his manners.\u00a0 The man was feeding him and had taken care of him, yet he was turning away the offered assistance.\u00a0 Besides which, Adam knew he could find it difficult to be out alone with his shoulder as it was, and he allowed his common sense to overcome his feelings.\u00a0 He smiled, trying to make up for his abruptness.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, thanks.\u00a0 It\u2019s over a day\u2019s ride from here to Floriston, so if you would like to spend the night at the ranch, you\u2019d be welcome.\u00a0 Tomorrow, I\u2019ll set you on the right road.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be obliged, thank you.\u201d\u00a0 While they ate, Mulherne told Adam how he had come to be on the Ponderosa.\u00a0 \u201cI left San Francisco on the stage coach, but then I decided I\u2019d try me \u2018and at managin\u2019 for meself.\u00a0 Bought the \u2018orses and gear and set off.\u00a0 But ridin\u2019 ain\u2019t so much fun as I thought it would be.\u00a0 I \u2018ave to stop and get out of that blasted saddle more often than I want to, even \u2018alf a day\u2019s ridin\u2019 gets the better of me,\u201d he said, rubbing at his back.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m copin\u2019 all right with the campin\u2019 bit, but still ain\u2019t much good at findin\u2019 me way.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed with self-mockery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem to be doing just fine,\u201d said Adam, pointing at the plate with his fork.\u00a0 \u201cThis is good food.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to seeing me Rosie,\u201d Mulherne said quietly after a pause, and Adam wondered if this was more slang.\u00a0 Then he smiled to himself as Mulherne continued.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s me daughter.\u00a0 She must be\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne raised his eyes and started to count on his fingers, \u201c\u2026twenty-four by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long is it since you\u2019ve seen her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the first time, Mulherne looked sad.\u00a0 \u201cThirteen years.\u201d\u00a0 Then he brightened.\u00a0 \u201cBut that\u2019s all behind us now.\u00a0 I want \u2018er to come back with me, and \u2018er \u2018usband, of course.\u00a0 Ya see, she\u2019s the only close family I got left, now me Mum and Dad are brown\u2026 I mean, dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will you do if she doesn\u2019t want to go to England with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne glanced up, and Adam could tell by his surprised look that he had not considered the possibility.\u00a0 \u201cThen I guess it was all fer nothin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 He paused, then continued slowly, \u201cAll the work and the struggle means nothin\u2019 if you got no one to pass it on to.\u00a0 What\u2019s the point to it?\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s the only reason\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Mulherne stopped as he saw that his words had stirred something in the American, whose eyes were staring at nothing, his mind elsewhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For Adam, Mulherne had put into words what he had always known at the back of his mind, but had never put into coherent thought.\u00a0 Now he knew the reason that he always dismissed any thought of leaving.\u00a0 Ever since his time at college in Boston he had wanted to find out more about the world, to travel to new places and meet new people.\u00a0 But he had come home, waiting for the time when he could leave again, believing that, somehow, he would know when that day came.\u00a0 Now he knew what he was waiting for \u2013 that time when he was certain that either one or both of his younger brothers were willing to take on the responsibility of the ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But what if they did not want to?\u00a0 What if they wanted to make lives for themselves away from the Ponderosa?\u00a0 Adam shied away from those questions, knowing what his answer would be.\u00a0 Nothing in this life came free, and Adam knew the price he would pay for the sacrifices his father had made for his education and for those years spent in the east.\u00a0 He would remain on the ranch to take over from Ben, because, as Mulherne had said, his father\u2019s struggle to build their home would be for nothing, if there was no one to pass it on to.\u00a0 He would stay willingly, though not entirely without regret,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at Mulherne and smiled, sharing an understanding.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right, what\u2019s the point.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had finished their food, and the older man gathered up the plates, scrubbing them with some dry pine needles before putting them away in the bundles, and then clearing the rest of the camp.\u00a0 Adam started to help, but Mulherne insisted that he rest.\u00a0 Once all was packed, and the mule loaded, they rode together back to the house.\u00a0 In the yard, they dismounted and Adam led the way inside, where he was immediately confronted by his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had been seated at his desk and had risen as he heard footsteps approach and the front door open.\u00a0 \u201cSo, you decided to come back,\u201d he said, standing with his hands on his hips, facing his wilful eldest child, then he noticed the sling and his paternal instincts asserted themselves.\u00a0 He glanced over Adam\u2019s shoulder at the stranger who had followed him in, but his immediate concern was for his son.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGot knocked off my horse and put my shoulder out.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood aside.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Mulherne fixed me up.\u201d He turned to his rescuer.\u00a0 \u201cEdward Mulherne, this is my father, Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Mulherne said politely.\u00a0 The two men shook hands and Ben raised curious eyebrows as he heard the foreign accent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t you sit down?\u201d Ben invited, and guided Mulherne to a seat, while Adam went to the kitchen to ask Hop Sing to make some tea.\u00a0 Mulherne was explaining his presence, and his destination, when Adam came back and sat quietly; he was not sure quite how things stood between himself and his father, after his abrupt exit that morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it?\u201d Ben asked, watching as Adam removed the sling and tested his shoulder carefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam searched the strong features and ebony black eyes, but saw nothing except concern.\u00a0 \u201cSeems fine, just needs a bit of rest,\u201d he assured his father.\u00a0 The muscles felt a little stiff, but the joint itself was free of pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I think it would be best if you took Mr. Mulherne to Floriston.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled.\u00a0 \u201cIf you wanted to go and talk to Andy McFarlane about those cattle you were interested in, it wouldn\u2019t be far out of your way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared at his father.\u00a0 It was \u2018those cattle\u2019 that had been the subject of their argument, and he understood that he had been forgiven for his earlier behaviour.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re sure, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Adam wanted to be generous in his turn.\u00a0 \u201cI know you weren\u2019t keen on the idea of Herefords on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne joined in; this was a subject he understood.\u00a0 \u201cHerefords give the best meat, it\u2019s rich and full of flavour, and they\u2019re well covered.\u00a0 Get ya a good price in them fancy restaurants in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his agreement.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what Andy told me.\u00a0 I know that the preference here is for Longhorns, but I think we would find a ready market for a small herd of them.\u201d\u00a0 In the face of Mulherne\u2019s support, Adam\u2019s enthusiasm for his project returned.\u00a0 \u201cI thought we could try cross-breeding them with the Longhorns.\u00a0 Herefords mature much earlier and we could get a better turn around on the herds.\u00a0 If I could get the Longhorn hardiness, combined with Hereford meat, I think we would have cattle that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat, and Adam stopped as he realised that he had got carried away.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s wait and see,\u201d Ben said, leaving his options open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Noting that that particular conversation was at an end, Adam said he was going upstairs to change and offered to show Mulherne to the guest room.\u00a0 At the door Adam paused.\u00a0 \u201cI want to thank you, Mr. Mulherne, for what you did today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ya think it\u2019s time you called me Edward?\u00a0 \u2018Mr. Mulherne\u2019 makes me sound like me father, and I ain\u2019t that old, not yet anyway,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThen no more \u2018Mr. Cartwright\u2019, it\u2019s Adam, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They shook hands in friendship, and parted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s younger sons, Hoss and Little Joe, arrived home at the same time that Adam and Edward reappeared downstairs.\u00a0 Ben introduced them to Mulherne, who was taken aback by Hoss\u2019 large size and Joe\u2019s ready smile and open face.\u00a0 They were so different, both to each other and to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Ben could explain the reason for the Englishman\u2019s presence, Hoss had noticed the cut on Adam\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d he asked, frowning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026had a little accident.\u201d\u00a0 Adam did not want to admit that he had come off his horse; he knew that Joe, a natural horseman, would rib him unmercifully about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Mulherne who filled in the details.\u00a0 \u201cYer brother fell off \u2018is \u2018orse, that\u2019s \u2018ow we met, out in the woods.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit with the predicted pleasure.\u00a0 \u201cYou fell off your horse?\u201d he said slowly, as a devilish grin spread across his face to be replaced almost immediately by mock seriousness as he turned to face Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWell, big brother, perhaps it\u2019s time I gave you a few lessons on how to stay put.\u00a0 First thing in the morning, I\u2019ll saddle up old Bessie and meet you at the coral.\u00a0 She\u2019s gentle and shouldn\u2019t be too difficult for you to handle, there\u2019ll be no danger of you falling off her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed and raised his eyes heavenward, looking for the patience to deal with his brothers.\u00a0 \u201cFor your information, I did not fall off Sport.\u00a0 I got hit by a loose branch, and either one of you would have ended up on the ground, as I did.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to the man beside him.\u00a0 \u201cThanks to Edward it was nothing too serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss joined in teasing his brother, who was six years his senior and twelve years older than Joe.\u00a0 It was not often that the younger brothers could take the opportunity to remind him of their comparative youth, and Hoss was going to make the most of it.\u00a0 \u201cBut don\u2019t you think you\u2019re a bit old to be takin\u2019 a fall like that?\u00a0 Perhaps you should be usin\u2019 the buckboard more, just in case, you know.\u201d\u00a0 As he spoke he draped one of his powerful arms across Adam\u2019s shoulders, but withdrew it quickly as Adam gasped and shrank away from him.\u00a0 Hoss frowned with concern, \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYer brother \u2018urt \u2018is shoulder,\u201d Mulherne informed them. \u201cDislocated it was, but I put it right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing Mulherne\u2019s words, Joe realised that Adam had suffered more than the scratch they could see, and all thoughts of teasing vanished.\u00a0 \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam eased his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, it\u2019s just a bit sore still.\u00a0 But like Edward said, he fixed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re very grateful to him.\u201d Ben saw Hop Sing hovering by the dining table; his silent signal that supper was ready.\u00a0 \u201cNow, how about something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they took their seats, Edward reflected that it had been a long time since he had seen a family so at ease with itself, and he hoped that such times were not far off for himself, once he got reacquainted with his daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The following morning, after breakfast, Adam and Edward set off for Floriston.\u00a0 If they pushed the horses they could have made it that day, but not before dark, so in deference to Adam\u2019s still aching shoulder muscles, they did not hurry.\u00a0 Both men were enjoying the other\u2019s company and the day was fine, the wind having abated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They sat either side of their camp fire in the fading evening light and talked quietly.\u00a0 Adam described the life in the \u2018wild west\u2019, which Edward had read about but was finding the reality very different, and much less exciting.\u00a0 In exchange, Edward told stories of the characters he knew in London, while Adam listened, fascinated; here was a man who was living close to the life Adam had only read about in novels.\u00a0 Then he remembered his puzzlement over Edward\u2019s words of the day before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you tell me about that\u2026what did you call it\u2026rhyming slang?\u201d\u00a0 Adam was always curious about things that he had not come across before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edward nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt started \u2018bout twenty years ago, when the Peelers\u2026the police force that is, got organised.\u00a0\u00a0 Crooks used it to confuse \u2018em.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThey don\u2019t take much confusin\u2019, if you take my meaning.\u00a0 Any\u2019ow, it just grew, and everyone in the \u2019field uses it now.\u00a0 Can\u2019t make yerself understood else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why do you use those words?\u00a0 What was it you said?\u201d\u00a0 Adam tried to remember some of the words that had mystified him.\u00a0 \u201cYou used the word \u2018Charing\u2019, and said that means horse.\u00a0 But there\u2019s no rhyme there, so\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of the rhymin\u2019 is done by more than one word; it\u2019s really Charing Cross.\u201d\u00a0 Edward pronounced the words deliberately so that Adam would understand them, then went on to explain, \u201cThat\u2019s an area in London, but we shorten it to \u2018Charing\u2019.\u00a0 That way, apart from it bein\u2019 quicker, no one who don\u2019t know it would guess what yer talkin\u2019 about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I think I see what you mean,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSo,\u201d he pointed at the trees, \u201ca pine could be…a glass of wine, but you\u2019d just say \u2018glass\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edward smiled and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you ain\u2019t got no cockney in ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as well.\u00a0 \u201cJust because I understand how it works doesn\u2019t mean that I understand what you\u2019re saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mulherne assured Adam that he would try not to use it, and as usual laughed at the remark, and Adam\u2019s grateful acceptance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a pause, while he refilled their cups, Adam asked, \u201cExactly where does your daughter live?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe and Jason \u2018ave got a ranch.\u00a0 \u2018Ere,\u201d Edward dug into his jacket pocket and handed Adam a piece of paper, \u201cshe wrote me directions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took the letter, and nodded as he held it close to the fire so he could read it.\u00a0 From the clear instructions, he would be able to take Edward straight to his daughter, before going to see Andy McFarlane about buying his small herd of Herefords when he sold up and went back east.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Early next morning they approached the ranch.\u00a0 Adam observed, with a critical eye, that the yard was untidy; rusting tools lay where they had dropped, there was a broken rail on the corral, and straw spilled from the door of the barn.\u00a0 In contrast, the single storey cabin was neat, the windows gleaming, the steps swept, and a splash of colour was added by small yellow and red flowers in pots either side of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They drew up in front of the cabin, where Edward dismounted, but before he had taken more than a step towards the house the door opened slowly and a woman appeared.\u00a0 She was slim, dark haired and, Adam thought admiringly, very pretty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosemary Wyatt hesitated for a moment, balancing her image of her father against the man she saw standing before her.\u00a0 Older, and with less hair, but otherwise just as she remembered.\u00a0 Her dark brown eyes opened wide in wonder.\u00a0 \u201cDaddy!\u201d she cried, \u201cYou came!\u201d\u00a0 She ran down the steps and threw her arms round Mulherne and he hugged her, lifting her off her feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCourse I came, I missed me little girl.\u201d\u00a0 They stood for some minutes, rocking back and forth in each other\u2019s arms, until Mulherne remembered the man who had been his guide.\u00a0 \u201cAdam \u2018ere showed me the way, otherwise I don\u2019t think I\u2019d ever \u2018ave found ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie stood away from her father and turned towards the darkly handsome, black clad stranger, while Edward introduced them.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright, this is me daughter, Rosie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam touched the brim of his hat in greeting and, as Rosie looked closer, she saw the store bought clothes and the finely worked saddle, and her eyes opened wide.\u00a0 \u201cAre you one of the Ponderosa Cartwrights?\u201d she asked.\u00a0 Her words showed no trace of her father\u2019s accent, but were more reminiscent of the precise, clipped vowels of New England.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled at the description.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you for bringing my father to me.\u00a0 Won\u2019t you step down for some tea?\u201d\u00a0 Her heart was beating nervously at being faced by a member of the powerful family that she had heard tell about, but she would not let that distract her from the common courtesies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head; these two did not need him to invade their reunion.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, but no.\u00a0 I have a call to make, and I should be getting along.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Edward.\u00a0 \u201cI hope I\u2019ll see you again some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edward went to Adam and held out his hand.\u00a0 \u201cYou can be certain of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam waved as he left, and Edward put his arm round his daughter\u2019s shoulders as he turned her towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Two weeks later, Ben and Adam were finishing a quiet breakfast as they discussed the day\u2019s work ahead.\u00a0 Usually the whole family would eat together, but Hoss was taking a small herd to Reno and Joe had persuaded their father to allow him to go as well.\u00a0 Adam was still eating when there was a knock on the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d he said, rising from the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake, one of the hands, nodded a nervous greeting.\u00a0 \u201cMornin\u2019, Mr. Cartwright, got some mail for ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he took the letters.\u00a0 He did not approve of any of the hands, or his sons, spending the night in town when they had work to do the next day, but Jake must have done so to have returned so early.\u00a0 No doubt he had collected the mail in the hope of blunting his boss\u2019 cutting reaction.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you working on today?\u201d Ben asked pointedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGatherin\u2019 strays down by Glenbrook.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t you think it\u2019s time you headed out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake nodded a sketchy reply.\u00a0 \u201cJust goin\u2019, right now.\u201d\u00a0 He retreated gratefully out of Ben\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJake spent the night in town and collected the mail,\u201d Ben said, as he returned to the table to finish his coffee.\u00a0 \u201cCan I leave it to you to speak to him about it?\u201d\u00a0 He glanced through the envelopes in his hand, and passed a letter to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s one for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put down his fork and chewed thoughtfully as he saw the unfamiliar writing, then tore open the envelope.\u00a0 After reading the contents, he left his unfinished breakfast and went to sit on the sofa in front of the wall of stone that was the fireplace, staring at the flames dancing around the large logs in the grate.\u00a0 Ben noticed his stillness and came to sit opposite him, in the stuffed leather armchair off to one side of the hearth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it son, bad news?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up, \u201cIt might be; it\u2019s from Edward Mulherne\u2019s daughter.\u201d\u00a0 He passed the letter to his father, who read it and handed it back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d\u00a0 Ben was concerned.\u00a0 It was a cry for help, and he did not want his son to walk into trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam did not answer immediately and Ben could see he was considering the question as he read again the letter in his hand which was brief, but conveyed its message succinctly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWyatt Ranch<\/em><\/p>\n

Floriston<\/em><\/p>\n

Nevada Territory<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

September 5th<\/sup> 1859<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Dear Mr. Cartwright,<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

My father has told me that he considers you to be a friend, and I believe that he is in need of one.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Recent events here lead me think that his life might be threatened.\u00a0 I know of nowhere else to turn, and I ask for your help, if you are willing to give it.\u00a0 Perhaps it is just a daughter worrying for her father and imagining things, but I am afraid that he is in danger.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

My father does not know I have written to you, and if you choose not to come I will understand.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Your servant<\/em><\/p>\n

Rosemary Wyatt.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood, folding the letter and pushing it into his back pocket.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what this is about, but she obviously thinks Edward needs help.\u00a0 The least I can do is go and find out.\u201d\u00a0 Then he added, \u201cIf you can spare me.\u201d\u00a0 When Ben agreed, Adam headed for his room, returning a few minutes later with his saddle bags packed.\u00a0 After a visit to the kitchen for some basic supplies, he was ready to leave. Ben came to stand beside him, by the front door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of yourself.\u201d\u00a0 He put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched him leave and, as he shut the door slowly, he thought to himself that people were fortunate to be able to call Adam \u2018friend\u2019; he never hesitated to go to their aid, sometimes to his detriment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam rode into the small yard the following morning, all was quiet.\u00a0 He dismounted, went up the two steps leading to the front door, and knocked.\u00a0 It was opened by a man a little younger than Adam, shorter by half a head, and slimmer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d the man\u2019s attitude was not welcoming; his close set blue eyes narrowed and his mouth was pencil thin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was looking for Mrs. Wyatt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d again the abrupt tone was evident.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am a friend of her father\u2019s.\u00a0 Is he still here?\u201d\u00a0 Adam said evenly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man turned and shouted into the house, \u201cRosie!\u00a0 There\u2019s someone here to see your father.\u201d\u00a0 He walked away, back into the house, leaving Adam on the door step.\u00a0 A minute later Rosie appeared, wiping her hands on a towel.\u00a0 She put her fingers to her lips as she put the towel down, then closed the door and tilted her head, indicating that Adam should follow her.\u00a0 She went down the steps into the yard, heading for the barn.\u00a0 Once inside its seclusion, she turned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, thank you so much for coming.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know what to do, I\u2019m so afraid for Daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down on a pile of feed sacks and patted the space beside him.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you sit down and tell me about it,\u201d he said, taking off his hat and dropping it on the ground.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the name\u2019s Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie sat down, but as she started to speak she got to her feet and paced back and forth, clasping her hands nervously.\u00a0 \u201cWhen Daddy first got here everything was wonderful.\u00a0 Jason made him welcome, and we spent hours catching up on what has happened since I left.\u00a0 Then, it must have been two days after he arrived, he was here in the barn when a sack of feed fell from the loft.\u00a0 It would have fallen on him, but I came in and saw it start to move and shouted at him to get out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, these things happen,\u201d Adam interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought at first, but too many other things have happened.\u00a0 There was the team that bolted with the wagon and nearly ran him down, the cattle that stampeded when he was out on the range, the snake he found in his bed, and yesterday the cinch on his saddle broke and \u2026\u201d She stopped pacing and faced Adam, her dark eyes large in her oval face.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Mr. Cartwright\u2026Adam\u2026I\u2019m frightened for Daddy, for what might happen, and next time\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Rosie hesitated to continue.\u00a0 If she was right, then there was only one person who could be responsible.\u00a0 \u201cIt must be Jason who\u2019s doing it, there isn\u2019t anyone else here.\u201d\u00a0 As Rosie finished speaking she turned away, wringing her hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam got to his feet and stood behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders and turning her to face him.\u00a0 Seeing the anxious brown eyes looking up at him he hesitated, and for a fleeting moment her troubles were the furthest thing from his mind.\u00a0 She was beautiful and vulnerable and he wanted to embrace her, to hold her close, to protect her.\u00a0 But she was married and unavailable and in need of help, not complications.\u00a0 Adam had to take a deep breath as he felt his heart beat hard in his chest and was going to step back, away from the feelings she engendered, but he saw again the anxiety and put his arms round her reassuringly.\u00a0 He was skilled at hiding his emotions, and he called on that ability as he held her.\u00a0 She was tall, and she rested her cheek on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that a ranch is not a particularly safe place to be.\u00a0 Why would your husband want to hurt your father?\u201d Adam asked reasonably.\u00a0 He loosened his hold of her so he could see her face.\u00a0 \u201cIf you are so sure about this, why didn\u2019t you go to the sheriff in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie did not move away, relishing the kindness being shown to her by the man who had come in answer to her plea.\u00a0 \u201cBecause the sheriff is away, and the deputy is Frank Wyatt, Jason\u2019s brother.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t believe me, any more than you do, and what if he did?\u00a0 Could I rely on him arresting his own brother?\u201d\u00a0 She buried her face in his shoulder, sighing deeply at the hopelessness of the situation, and he stroked her long, dark hair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Adam felt a tight grip on his arm and, as he was pulled away from the woman, a fist landed in his face. He fell to the ground on his hands and knees, and was shaking his head to clear it when he was kicked in the stomach.\u00a0 He rolled onto his back, the breath whooshing out of his lungs, and he lay still, trying to gather his shattered senses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJason!\u00a0 Leave him alone!\u201d Rosie cried, hanging on to her husband.\u00a0 But he pushed her carelessly away, and she fell awkwardly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wyatt didn\u2019t wait to see where she landed; his attention was wholly on Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll teach you to come here, interfering.\u201d\u00a0 His boot connected with Adam\u2019s ribs, but before he could withdraw it for another blow, Adam grabbed his ankle and pushed, causing him to overbalance backwards.\u00a0 Wyatt struggled to his knees, but Adam flung himself across the floor and forced him down again.\u00a0 They grappled, exchanging ineffectual blows until Adam got on top and landed a fist on Wyatt\u2019s chin, laying the man out cold.\u00a0 Adam pushed himself to his feet as Rosie ran to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d she asked, and Adam could only nod, not having the breath to speak as he brushed straw from his shirt and pants,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He picked up his hat, left the barn, and walked over to the trough, where he scooped up a handful of water and sluiced it over his face.\u00a0 He straightened, rubbing at his ribs, and looked at Rosie.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s your father now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the house.\u00a0 When the cinch broke he fell from the horse.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t badly hurt, but he was shaken up by it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he well enough to ride?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so,\u201d Rosie said, far from certain that her father should be out of bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen go and get him.\u00a0 Let\u2019s not give your husband any more opportunities.\u00a0 I\u2019m taking you both away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie started towards the house, but then turned back and cocked her head to one side.\u00a0 \u201cIn the barn, when I told you what had happened, you weren\u2019t convinced that Jason had anything to do with it.\u201d\u00a0 A tinge of satisfaction could be detected in her words; Adam had not believed her and he had paid for his doubt.\u00a0 \u201cBut now you\u2019ve seen what he\u2019s like\u2026I suppose that persuaded you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam fingered his bruised cheek.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 Your husband hit me because he objected to my \u2018interfering\u2019, as he said, when I would have expected him to be upset at you being in my arms.\u00a0 That doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d he explained.\u00a0 \u201cNow, go and get your father, I\u2019ll get the horses ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie ran into the house, while Adam went back to the barn.\u00a0 As he finished saddling the horses, Jason began to stir and Adam went over to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWyatt.\u201d\u00a0 Adam got no response and repeated the name, louder.\u00a0 \u201cWyatt!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason sat up, rubbing his head.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 He looked up and climbed slowly to his feet when he saw who had spoken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking your wife and her father to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 If you want to see them, that\u2019s where they\u2019ll be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wyatt was furious.\u00a0 \u201cWhat gives you the right to take my wife anywhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam collected the reins of the horses and started to walk out of the barn.\u00a0 \u201cShe thinks you\u2019re trying to kill her father, and until I find out otherwise I don\u2019t think they\u2019d be too safe here.\u201d\u00a0 As Wyatt advanced on him, Adam drew his gun.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t try it,\u201d he said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cJust stay in here until we\u2019re gone and no one need get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wyatt looked at the gun and then at Adam, seeing a confidence in the brown stare that unnerved him, and he backed off.\u00a0 He stood in the barn, bewildered by the turn of events, until he heard the sound of horses moving away.\u00a0 He swore loudly as he pounded his fist against the barn door, then hurriedly got his own horse ready and swiftly covered the short distance into town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam led the way off the main road and into the forest, where they followed the narrow tracks.\u00a0 Rosie kicked her horse until she was beside Adam, leaving her father to follow behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are we going through the forest, wouldn\u2019t it be quicker along the main roads?\u201d she asked with a worried frown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, it\u2019d be quicker, but if your husband decides to follow us he\u2019ll expect us to have gone by the easier trail. I think it\u2019ll be safer to go this way, even though it will take longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJason\u2019s a good tracker, the Sheriff always wants him with the posse if they have to find someone.\u00a0 He\u2019ll soon find out that we came this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned.\u00a0 That was a skill Adam hadn\u2019t thought to find in the young rancher and it had him worried, but he smiled at Rosie, trying to reassure her.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s hope we can keep far enough ahead of him.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be on the Ponderosa by morning, and at the house soon after noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens if Jason tries to take me back?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t want to go then we\u2019ll stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie was curious. \u201cWe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt the Ponderosa you\u2019ll have not only me, but my father to protect you.\u00a0 And my brothers will be home soon.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked at her and smiled reassuringly.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t met my family yet, but believe me, no one\u2019s going to make you do anything you don\u2019t want to do when faced with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many brothers do you have?\u00a0 You make it sound like an army.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly two, but they\u2019re more determined than any army.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll both be safe there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie hoped that he was right as she dropped back to ride beside her father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had a feeling that there was still a chance Jason might catch them, if he picked up their trail as Rosie thought he might, and they rode steadily, following the terrain as it sloped steeply upward, forming the hills that would lead them to the land that was the Ponderosa.\u00a0 He had tried to talk to Edward, but got only wan smiles and brief replies.\u00a0 It was obvious that the older man was struggling to stay with them, his head was down and his shoulders slumped, and Adam called a halt sooner than he would have liked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He helped Rosie down from the saddle, then went to Edward, who was on his feet but leaning against his horse.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, I think you\u2019ve had enough for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edward looked up and nodded silently.\u00a0 Adam held his arm and sat him down on a fallen tree trunk, leaving him in Rosie\u2019s care, then he led the horses a little distance away and tethered them among the trees, where they would not be spooked by the smell of the smoke from a campfire.\u00a0 He knew he could trust Sport, but was not so certain about the Wyatt animals.\u00a0 He loosened the cinches and made sure that they were settled, then went back to the camp and handed Rosie his saddle bags. \u201cThere\u2019s coffee and a pot in here, can you start a fire and put some water on to heat?\u201d When he received a nod and a small smile of agreement, Adam picked up his rifle.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019ll go and find us something to eat.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up at the sky.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s still a while before sun set, so once we\u2019ve eaten and your father\u2019s rested, we\u2019ll go on.\u201d\u00a0 He started off into the trees and was soon out of sight of the camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam went silently, his feet making no sound.\u00a0 He had been walking for ten minutes in the shade beneath the branches, when he saw movement up ahead.\u00a0 He stopped and raised his rifle, drawing a bead on the rabbit that was crouched down, its teeth nibbling busily at the blades of grass in a small clearing.\u00a0 He fired, and hit the animal cleanly in the head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time he made it back to camp, Rosie had a fire going and coffee brewing.\u00a0 Adam prepared the rabbit and skewered it with a stick, holding it over the flames to cook.\u00a0 Rosie poured them all some coffee and sat down next to her father to drink it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her presence beside him stirred Edward, who had been lost in his thoughts, and he looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhat made ya come back?\u201d\u00a0 The short rest had brought back some strength to his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRosie sent for me.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled at the young woman.\u00a0 \u201cShe was worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe shouldn\u2019t \u2018ave bothered you.\u201d\u00a0 Edward looked at his daughter, and told her seriously, \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t \u2018ave involved a stranger in our troubles.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that you don\u2019t consider me a stranger,\u201d Adam declared.\u00a0 \u201cShe knew I was a friend of yours, and she had every right to ask for my help, and I\u2019m glad she did.\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned the rabbit slowly over the fire as he spoke.\u00a0 \u201cSo, do you want to tell me about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Edward did not speak, Rosie put her arm round his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cDaddy, I was worried.\u00a0 Something was happening, but I wasn\u2019t sure what, or why.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t ignore it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edward reached up and patted her hand as he smiled at her.\u00a0 \u201cI s\u2019pose yer right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at the pair, then turned back to concentrate on his cooking.\u00a0 \u201cMeeting Jason today was not a pleasant experience.\u201d\u00a0 He checked the rabbit and waited, but received no comment from his companions.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what I think, then if you tell me I\u2019m wrong, I\u2019ll take you both back,\u201d he said, looking at Edward. \u201cIs it a deal?\u201d\u00a0 Edward glanced up, and Adam was surprised to see fear in his eyes; the Edward Mulherne he had come to know did not seem to be afraid of anything. \u201cI think that in the conversations you had with Rosie you mentioned that you had made a lot of money, and it, and the business, would go to her if anything happened to you.\u00a0 Wyatt took this information, and decided to speed that process.\u201d\u00a0 Edward did not contradict him, so Adam continued.\u00a0 \u201cHave you thought what would happen then?\u00a0 Once Rosie has the money, her life is in danger as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edward sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI know,\u201d he answered, his voice subdued as though he did not want Rosie to hear, and Adam suddenly realised what it was the man was afraid of; he was scared for his daughter, not himself.\u00a0 After a long silence, Mulherne spoke.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happens when we get to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam decided that the rabbit was cooked, and pulled pieces off and handed them to Rosie and Edward.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted, \u201cbut it will give you time to think about what you want to do.\u00a0 I would suggest that the safest place for both of you would be back in England.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all ate the meat, at the same time digesting the enormity of Adam\u2019s suggestion.\u00a0 Once they had finished, Adam left Edward and Rosie clearing the camp while he went to get the horses.\u00a0 He was about to replace his rifle in its scabbard, when he heard the deafening sound of a shot close by.\u00a0 He raced into the camp, sliding to a halt on the loose covering of pine needles, shocked to see Jason walking out of the trees and aiming a rifle squarely at Rosie, who was crouched over the motionless figure of her father.\u00a0 Adam took only a second to assess what he saw, then raised his own rifle as Jason heard his arrival and turned towards him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrop the gun,\u201d Adam ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason hesitated, but seeing again the determined stare that he remembered from their encounter in the barn, he pursed his lips and threw the rifle down angrily.\u00a0 Adam went slowly towards Rosie, all the while keeping his eyes on Wyatt.\u00a0 As he reached the woman, he glanced down at her.\u00a0 \u201cHow is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before he could finish the sentence, Jason leaped on him.\u00a0 Adam remained on his feet but was forced to drop the rifle as he swung at Wyatt, connecting with his chin and knocking him to the ground.\u00a0 Hearing the scuffle, Rosie looked up, and was surprised to see the small clearing filling with men.\u00a0 She shouted a warning, but Adam was concentrating on picking up his rifle and only had time to register that she had spoken before he felt a crushing blow to the back of his head, and dropped like a stone as he instantly lost consciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam\u2019s senses gradually returned he rolled onto his back and lay staring at the sky, waiting for the world to come into focus.\u00a0 He turned his head carefully, and his breath caught in his throat as he saw Rosie on her knees, her father\u2019s head resting on her lap.\u00a0 Edward was speaking, but so quietly that only she could hear the whispered words, then his head fell to one side and Rosie stared across at Adam.\u00a0 He could see that her cheeks were marked by streaks of tears as she looked again at her father, whose eyes stared sightlessly at the darkening forest, and Adam recognised the stillness of death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, on your feet.\u201d\u00a0 Adam heard the words and turned his attention from the sad tableau to the man speaking, who was pointing a gun squarely at his chest.\u00a0 He struggled to stand, frowning as the pain in his head threatened to overwhelm him.\u00a0 As he made it to his feet, Adam studied the stranger in front of him; apart from the addition of a bushy, drooping moustache, he was an older version of Jason.\u00a0 If Adam had any doubt about the identity of the man before him, it was banished by the silver star on his grey shirt, which marked him as a deputy sheriff; this had to be Jason\u2019s brother, Frank.\u00a0 \u201cTake off your gun belt, slowly,\u201d the deputy ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked from Frank\u2019s sneering face to the rifle in his hands, and shrugged.\u00a0 He bent down to release the thong round his thigh, then straightened and released the buckle, holding it as he let the rest of the belt drop.\u00a0 Adam was ready to jump the deputy when he took the belt from him, but Frank was too careful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrop it,\u201d he ordered.\u00a0 As Adam let the belt fall to the ground, Frank jerked the rifle up, indicating that he should back off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to walk backwards, but after two small paces he stopped and tensed as he felt a gun pressing into his back.\u00a0 He looked over his shoulder and saw a big man standing close behind him, and another man, smaller, further away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, deputy,\u201d the bigger man said.\u00a0 \u201cYou was right to be worried.\u00a0 Shame we were too late to stop him killing the old man.\u201d\u00a0 As he spoke he pushed his gun harder into Adam\u2019s back, and snarled in his ear.\u00a0 \u201cHangin\u2019s too good for the likes of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rounded on the man.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t kill him, it was\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Before he could finish, Frank\u2019s rifle struck him in the back and he fell to his knees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up.\u201d\u00a0 Frank pushed the barrel of the rifle into the back of Adam\u2019s neck, and he shivered involuntarily at the touch of the cold metal.\u00a0 Frank noticed and mistook the reaction for fear.\u00a0 He smiled.\u00a0 \u201cOne more word from you and you\u2019re dead, understand?\u201d The rifle did not move as Frank ordered the men to find a rope, and soon Adam\u2019s hands were tied securely behind his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason was slowly climbing to his feet, rubbing at his chin.\u00a0 He decided that it was time for him to act the aggrieved husband and son-in-law, and he approached Adam, who was still on his knees.\u00a0 He grabbed a tight handful of black hair and pulled backwards, until Adam was looking up at him through narrowed eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou killed my wife\u2019s Pa.\u00a0 I should finish you right here,\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRosie knows I\u2026\u201d Adam started to say, but was again silenced, this time by Jason landing a fist on his jaw, sending him crashing sideways.\u00a0 As Adam lay on the ground he could see the big man standing behind the deputy, smiling, and knew he would afford no protection from the Wyatt brothers and their scheming.\u00a0 But as Jason leaned down and lifted Adam by his shirt front, about to hit him again, the smaller man of the posse put out a hand and grabbed his raised fist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d he ordered quietly, but his voice was strong and Jason let his hand drop.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t hit him again.\u201d\u00a0 Adam thought that he had found an ally, but the man\u2019s next words showed that he was wrong.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t want him showing up in court too battered, the judge might take pity on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason pushed Adam down onto the ground as he released his grip.\u00a0 He turned away, crossed the camp and roughly took hold of Rosie\u2019s arm, pulling her away from Edward and onto her feet.\u00a0 She resisted, shouting at him to let her go and tugging her arm to get it out of her husband\u2019s grip, but when Jason hit her across the face with his open hand, Rosie stopped struggling.\u00a0 The men around the camp watched, but said nothing; a wronged husband was allowed a show of anger.\u00a0 Adam saw Rosie\u2019s face become a stony, defiant mask as she let Jason put her on her horse.\u00a0 Once she was mounted, the deputy turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, you next.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam got slowly to his feet and walked towards Sport.\u00a0 Resistance was useless in the face of the guns aimed at him and, with help, he mounted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank came up beside him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear a word outta you.\u00a0 If you give us any trouble, you won\u2019t live long enough to stand trial.\u201d\u00a0 When the rifle was pushed forcefully under Adam\u2019s chin for emphasis, his eyes narrowed in anger and he clamped his mouth shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The deputy went back to pick up Adam\u2019s discarded rifle, turning his back on the other men as he examined the weapon.\u00a0 His brows rose as he smelled the barrel, and he smiled, but his face was serious when he turned back and called to the men of the posse.\u00a0 \u201cThis gun\u2019s been fired.\u201d\u00a0 The two men took turns to verify the evidence for themselves as Frank returned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSo it must o\u2019 been you who shot the old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was about to explain the he had been hunting, but again he felt the rifle under his jaw and he stayed quiet.\u00a0 Frank nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s good, keeping your mouth shut like I told ya.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have your day in court \u2013 before they hang you.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed inwardly as he walked towards his own mount; this had turned out better than they had planned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was evening as they rode into Floriston.\u00a0 People turned to stare at the procession making its way slowly down the main street, and Adam could feel their eyes on him.\u00a0 He knew they were jumping to conclusions about what they were seeing; the posse returning with a body, and a prisoner \u2013 a murderer caught and being delivered to justice.\u00a0 He felt acutely uncomfortable as the centre of so much attention; he was being brought in like a common criminal, his hands tied, his horse being led, and he stared straight ahead longing for the ride to be over, even though it was going to end with him in jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank pulled up and drew his gun.\u00a0 \u201cGet down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam managed to dismount with help from Jason, but as he was pushed towards the jail he turned, anger at his situation showing on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason sneered.\u00a0 \u201cGo on then, try it.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled his gun from its holster and Adam stopped, knowing they were just looking for an excuse to shoot him.\u00a0 He became aware of the small crowd that had gathered and he started up the steps, anxious to get away from the watching eyes; some curious, some pitying and some downright hostile. He followed Frank into the front office, where the deputy collected the keys from the desk, and then went through the double doors that led to the back of the jail.\u00a0 He walked past the first of the empty cells, and opened the one that was furthest from the doors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn there.\u201d\u00a0 Once Adam was safely locked up, Frank told him to turn round and come close to the bars, so that he could untie the rope that bound his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think you can get away with this, do you?\u201d said Adam, as he rubbed at his wrists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t see why we wouldn\u2019t.\u00a0 We got a witness who saw you do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned.\u00a0 \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRosie.\u00a0 She\u2019ll do anything that Jason tells her.\u00a0 She\u2019s scared of him, and rightly so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut no one\u2019s going to believe that I would shoot Mulherne, what reason would I have?\u201d\u00a0 Adam protested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou was in love with his daughter and knew all about the money that was comin\u2019 to her, and had persuaded her to run away with you.\u00a0 Her old man didn\u2019t like that, so he followed you and tried to stop you, and you shot him.\u201d\u00a0 Once started on relating the story, Frank was happy to fill Adam in on the details of the evidence they would produce in court.\u00a0 \u201cJason\u2019ll tell the Judge that he caught you in the barn with Rosie in your arms, and that you attacked him and then made off with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wondered just how much Frank would tell him, and if he would let slip anything that would help his defence.\u00a0 \u201cHow are you going to explain Jason being in the clearing ahead of the posse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was so upset at you takin\u2019 Rosie, he wouldn\u2019t wait for the posse.\u00a0 Rode out ahead of us, but seems he got there just too late to stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou took a risk didn\u2019t you?\u00a0 Suppose you\u2019d caught up with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t that stupid,\u201d he sneered.\u00a0 \u201cI made sure we didn\u2019t go too fast.\u00a0 Once I heard the shot I knew we was okay.\u00a0 Course, your rifle being fired was an unexpected bonus, and that\u2019ll be all it takes to hang you.\u201d\u00a0 Frank smiled as he saw Adam realise how the evidence was stacked against him.\u00a0 \u201cNow, you sit quiet like, the circuit Judge\u2019ll be here in a week and we can get this over with.\u201d\u00a0 Frank walked away, closing the doors behind him.\u00a0 Adam could hear laughter from the office, and he kicked the bunk in frustration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cell was small and dark, the only light coming through an unglazed window set high in the outside wall.\u00a0 Adam sat on the single bunk in his prison, his elbows on his knees, and he hung his head as dark, despondent thoughts filled his mind.\u00a0 He guiltily remembered his feelings towards Rosie as he stood in the barn, and the memory did nothing to help him think clearly.\u00a0 He could well have run off with her at that moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook himself to clear his thoughts, he had to concentrate on the present problem.\u00a0 He went over what Frank had told him, but could find no flaw in their plan.\u00a0\u00a0 He might be able to persuade the court that he had been hunting with his rifle, and that he had enough money of his own and was not interested in Rosie\u2019s inheritance.\u00a0 But if they asked him under oath if Jason had found Rosie in his arms, he could only answer \u2018yes\u2019, and that single word could hang him.\u00a0 Would Rosie lie to protect her father\u2019s murderer, and how was he going to get word to his own father about what had happened?\u00a0 It could be that the first Ben would know about it was when his son\u2019s body was sent home.\u00a0 Adam sighed hopelessly.\u00a0 Unless he could contact the outside world, there was no one to help him, and he couldn\u2019t at that moment see a way out.\u00a0 He stretched out on the bunk, and it was nearly dawn before he fell into a fitful sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Frank brought him breakfast, Adam told him that he wanted a lawyer.\u00a0 He did not think that it would do much good, but if the deputy could be persuaded, at least it would enable him to get in touch with his father.\u00a0 To Adam\u2019s surprise, Frank agreed without argument, and an hour later reappeared followed by a tall, elderly, bearded man whose clothes had seen better days; frayed cuffs on the jacket of his suit, and stained pants that were an inch too short.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s yer man, his name\u2019s Solomon, but it don\u2019t exactly fit,\u201d Frank laughed, as he backed out of the doors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned at Frank\u2019s remark but his spirits rose as he thought that now he would have an ally who could contact his father for him, and he addressed his would-be lawyer through the bars.\u00a0 \u201cMy name\u2019s Adam Cartwright, and I think I need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man cupped a hand to one ear.\u00a0 \u201cEh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spoke louder.\u00a0 \u201cI need your help!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry son, you\u2019ll have to speak up.\u201d\u00a0 Solomon\u2019s voice was rough, reflecting his age. \u00a0\u201cCain\u2019t hear a word you\u2019re sayin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed, then called out to Frank.\u00a0 \u201cSheriff\u2026sheriff!\u201d\u00a0 Frank put his head round the door.\u00a0 \u201cI need some paper, and something to write with,\u201d Adam told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank smiled slyly, and came back with paper and pencil.\u00a0 Adam wrote a few words and handed the message to the old man, who looked at it, then at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, I ain\u2019t never learnt readin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, then he called again to Frank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d\u00a0 Beneath the bushy moustache the deputy was already smiling, as he approached the cell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis man\u2019s not a lawyer, he can\u2019t even read!\u201d\u00a0 Adam shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that.\u201d Frank\u2019s smile disappeared as took Solomon\u2019s arm and, after handing him a dollar, pushed him through the doors, then he faced Adam with a sneer.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t think I was really goin\u2019 to get you one, did you?\u00a0 Just wanted you to know that you\u2019ll get what I give you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what happens when I tell the Judge that you refused me a lawyer?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t refuse, you just didn\u2019t like the one I got for you.\u00a0 You can tell the court anything you like, no one\u2019s gonna believe a murderer.\u201d\u00a0 Frank turned away, shutting the door firmly and cutting off any reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hammered his fist into the wall, then stood shaking his hand against the pain his action caused and let rip with a flow of words that would have shocked his father, if ever they had been uttered in his presence.\u00a0 He knew he was trapped, and through his anger he began to feel helpless, alone and impotent in the deputy\u2019s hands.\u00a0 He paced the cell, trying to bring himself under control; he would not let Frank get the better of him, but just then he was at a loss how he could take any action to save himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he moved to and fro in the small space, Adam began to think more rationally.\u00a0 He decided he would act in his own defence in court.\u00a0 He was intelligent and knew the facts of the case, all he had to do was persuade a jury that he was innocent.\u00a0 He laughed mockingly at himself; that was all he had to do!\u00a0 He had no doubt that the men of the town who were chosen to make up the jury would have been persuaded by the deputy, before the trial, of the murderous actions of his prisoner.\u00a0 Adam sighed, he knew he didn\u2019t stand a chance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Through his thoughts, he became aware of sounds coming from the outer office.\u00a0 He recognised the muted tones of Frank and his brother, and he realised why Frank had chosen that cell; he was too far away from the closed double doors to be able to make out what they were saying.\u00a0 Then he heard a soft voice calling his name from outside the window.\u00a0 He stood on the corner of the bunk so that he could look down through the barred opening.\u00a0 Peering up at him was Rosie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be here,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, I followed Jason, he doesn\u2019t know I\u2019m not at home.\u201d\u00a0 She looked nervously left and right, then reached into the pocket of her black skirt.\u00a0 \u201cI brought you this.\u201d\u00a0 Rosie held up a revolver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hesitated as he looked at the weapon.\u00a0 He did not like the idea of shooting his way out, that was no way to clear his name, and innocent people could get hurt.\u00a0 But if the opportunity arose for escape, a gun would increase his chances of getting away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I could kill you brother-in-law with that, don\u2019t you?\u201d he said, holding her gaze, watching for her reaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cBut somehow I don\u2019t think you would do that without cause.\u00a0 Please, take it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She was right; he would never shoot anyone deliberately, not even to get out of the hole he was in now.\u00a0 He reached down.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, now go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anything else I can do for you?\u201d Rosie asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Holding the gun in his hand, Adam considered her offer.\u00a0 Was it right to let her help, knowing that she would be putting herself in danger?\u00a0 But he knew that, even though he was now armed, if he was going to get out of this mess without bloodshed he would need some assistance.\u00a0 \u201cCan you get word to Roy Coffee, the sheriff in Virginia City?\u00a0 Tell him what\u2019s happened, and to let my father know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go myself.\u00a0 Tonight, once Jason is asleep.\u201d\u00a0 She hung her head and then looked up again.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019m not coming back, I won\u2019t testify against you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet Roy to take you out to the Ponderosa, you can stay there, and you\u2019ll be safe.\u201d\u00a0 Rosie nodded, and was about to turn away, when he stopped her.\u00a0 \u201cWait.\u201d\u00a0 He remembered he still had the letter she had written to him, and he reached into his back pocket.\u00a0 \u201cTake this with you.\u00a0 My father knows that you wrote to me, and it\u2019ll prove to Roy who you are.\u00a0 It might convince him that you\u2019re telling the truth.\u201d\u00a0 Adam thought how badly Jason had misjudged his wife.\u00a0 She might be scared of him, but not to the extent that she would lie to send another man to the gallows in his place.\u00a0 Then another thought struck him and he spoke forcefully, desperate that his instructions be followed.\u00a0 \u201cTell my father that I said he is not<\/em> to come to Floriston.\u00a0 Tell him to let Roy handle it.\u00a0 He\u2019s the law, it\u2019s his job.\u201d Adam was far from certain that Ben would take any notice of his instructions, but he had to try to keep his father out of harm\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, if you\u2019re sure.\u00a0 But won\u2019t your father be worried?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 But he can\u2019t protect you if he comes here.\u00a0 Make him understand that he mustn\u2019t come.\u00a0 Who knows what Frank or Jason might do if he turned up here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie nodded, unconvinced, as she reached up and took the paper, tucking it into the top of her cream coloured blouse.\u00a0 \u201cI must go, I have to be home before Jason.\u201d\u00a0 When she had disappeared round the side of the building, Adam lay down on the bunk, hiding the gun under the mattress.\u00a0 It was not a moment too soon; Frank appeared through the doors that separated the cells from the outer office.\u00a0 He stood and looked at his prisoner, then, without a word went out and shut the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Breakfast the following morning was the same meagre and tasteless fare that Adam had come to expect of meals in the jail, but he forced himself to eat.\u00a0 Starving wouldn\u2019t help him get out of the situation he was in; he needed his strength, and to keep his mind alert for any chance that offered.\u00a0 He remembered the tasty rabbit he had shared with Rosie and Edward, and he smiled grimly; the shot he had fired might yet get the animal revenge for its death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank had not come into the cell with the tray, but as usual had pushed it under the bars, covering his prisoner with his gun, while Adam lay on his bunk breathing heavily.\u00a0 He was conscious that, deep inside, he was still angry, and was wary that the emotion might drive him to do something foolish if the deputy came too close.\u00a0 He needed to channel that anger into a sensible plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank collected the tray, pulling his gun and standing back as Adam pushed it under the bars.\u00a0 The deputy made him move away, and then bent to pick it up. He was taking no chances with his prisoner, and Adam realised that Frank was not going to be careless enough to allow him any opportunity to escape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt at the stubble on his chin.\u00a0 \u201cCan I shave?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShave?\u00a0 No, I ain\u2019t trusting you with a blade, you must think I\u2019m stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ve got your gun, what could I do with a razor?\u201d Adam reasoned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe answer\u2019s \u2018no\u2019, so don\u2019t bother asking again,\u201d Frank insisted, then he smiled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t want you turnin\u2019 up in court looking too presentable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at him, thinking that, yet again, the deputy seemed intent on proving that he held the upper hand.\u00a0 As Frank turned away, laughing, Adam stood breathing hard, then he smiled wryly to himself.\u00a0 It seemed to him that he had spent most of his time in jail being angry at the deputy, when he should have been trying to think of a way out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He started to pace back and forth as he forced himself to calm down; four strides to the door, turn, four to the wall, turn.\u00a0 If he was going to defend himself in court, he needed to argue his case clearly, and he ran through the facts and suppositions in his mind.\u00a0 He knew what Jason and Frank had done, and thought he knew why, but there was one thing that was bothering him; why had Frank and Jason brought the posse with them?\u00a0 They could have killed him in the forest and still have blamed him for Mulherne\u2019s death without the risk associated with a trial.\u00a0 No one would know the truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gradually the answer came to him.\u00a0 The men of the posse would be witnesses to the fact that he had apparently been caught red handed.\u00a0 It would be much easier, and quicker, for Rosie to claim her inheritance if there was a trial, then there would be no doubt about her father\u2019s death, and who had caused it, and the money would be forthcoming immediately.\u00a0 Too many bodies might have raised questions they didn\u2019t want to answer, especially if one of them was a Cartwright.\u00a0 Better for them to let justice be seen to be done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Through his thoughts, he heard raised voices from the office and he heard the words \u2018gone\u2019 and \u2018witness\u2019.\u00a0 It seemed that Jason had come to report Rosie\u2019s absence, and Adam smiled quietly to himself at the brothers\u2019 reaction to this sudden and unexpected defect in their plan.\u00a0 The sounds died away and he heard the outside door open and close, then there was silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was lying down again when Frank brought him lunch, shoving the tray beneath the bars.\u00a0 When he returned to collect the empty plates, Frank came into the cell, first making his prisoner get up and lean on his outstretched hands against the opposite wall, and Adam frowned at the change of routine.\u00a0 Once Frank had gone, Adam returned to his pacing; it was the only exercise he got and it helped him to think, but his thoughts were not pleasant ones, centred as they were on what would be the inevitable result of the trial, if he could not prove his innocence.\u00a0 His life depended on Rosie reaching Roy Coffee, but even if she did, there were no guarantees that his friend could help him in the face of the evidence Frank could present in court.\u00a0 He knew the Virginia City sheriff would do everything he could under the law, but Adam despaired that it was that same law that was going to see him hanged.\u00a0 Even without Rosie, Adam knew that he would condemn himself, simply by telling the truth \u2013 Rosie was in his arms, he had taken her from her husband, and he did know about the money.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A pain was forming behind Adam\u2019s eyes as dismal, depressing thoughts chased themselves round and round in his mind.\u00a0 When his pacing brought him to the bars of the cell he put his hands out to grip them, resting his tense, aching head against the cool metal of the door.\u00a0 He felt movement – and realised that Frank had forgotten to lock him in!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to push the door open, and then paused, remembering how careful Frank had been on his visits to the cell.\u00a0 Perhaps he hadn\u2019t forgotten.\u00a0 With Rosie gone they had lost their eye witness, and, maybe, they had decided not to risk the case coming to court, and Frank had left the cell open on purpose; a prisoner shot trying to escape as good as admitted his guilt.\u00a0 Was that why the deputy had changed the routine and entered the cell? Adam wondered.\u00a0 He collected the gun from beneath the mattress, and crept silently towards the double doors, holding his breath, listening.\u00a0 There was not a sound from the office, which did not surprise him; if he was to be shot escaping, then Frank would wait for him to emerge from the jail.\u00a0 Like many such buildings, there was only one door, to make it easier to defend from angry lynch mobs out for blood.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam would have to come out of that door, and Frank would gun him down in the street so that everyone would see the deputy had no choice in exercising his duty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam retreated into the cell, lay down on the narrow bunk, and waited.\u00a0 While he would take any opportunity to escape, he was not going to walk into a trap that Frank had set; he had to make his own chances.\u00a0 Ever since Rosie had given him the gun, he had thought long and hard whether he would attack the deputy, or use it only to defend himself.\u00a0 But it seemed as though that decision had been taken out of his hands.\u00a0 He smiled a thin, grim smile; if Frank was planning to shoot him, then he was in for a nasty surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not going to take the bait.\u201d\u00a0 Jason chewed nervously at the corner of his mouth, as he watched the door of the jail from the shelter of an alley on the opposite side of the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His elder brother shook his head in disgust.\u00a0 \u201cHe ain\u2019t done much except lie on his bunk. \u00a0Perhaps he ain\u2019t found out the door\u2019s open.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long are we gonna wait?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll give him another hour.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take a turn up and down the street, let folks know that I\u2019m watching things.\u00a0 If he ain\u2019t come out by then, we\u2019ll have to do something about it, the sheriff\u2019ll be back any day, and then it\u2019ll be too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason frowned.\u00a0 \u201cWhat d\u2019ya have in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s more than one way to skin a cat, and this cat\u2019s gonna get skinned, whether he likes it or not.\u201d\u00a0 He walked off, tipping his hat to a lady as he made his way slowly up the street.\u00a0 He kept one eye on the jail, looking for any sign of movement, but all was still.\u00a0 He chatted to passers by, giving the impression of the dutiful lawman checking on his charges, then slowly walked back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019ve had enough of waiting.\u201d\u00a0 Frank\u2019s eyes shifted back and forth, showing his impatience.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason caught his arm looking to his older, wiser brother for guidance.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are we gonna do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou go collect his dinner from the restaurant while I watch the jail.\u00a0 It\u2019s early, but I wanna get this over with.\u00a0 When I take it to him, he\u2019s gonna jump me,\u201d Frank smiled nastily, \u201conly he don\u2019t know it yet, and then I\u2019m gonna have to shoot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jason nodded his agreement to the plan, then set off to collect the meal, passing the time of day with the woman who ran the restaurant while he waited for the tray to be prepared, then he and Frank headed for the jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside, Adam heard someone coming and closed his eyes, as though asleep.\u00a0 He felt completely calm, the frustration of being unable to help himself had passed with the prospect of taking action, and he was prepared for whatever Frank was planning.\u00a0 The faint metallic squeak of the cell door told him that it had been opened, and he yawned as he looked round, his eyebrows rising in apparent surprise; Frank had not got him leaning against the wall, as he had earlier.\u00a0 Out of the deputy\u2019s sight, Adam\u2019s hand crept under the mattress until he was gripping the gun, because if he was right, then this was the moment when Frank was going to shoot him, making it look as though he had jumped the deputy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank put down the tray and stood back, his gun held loosely.\u00a0 \u201cGuess you didn\u2019t know the door was open, but that don\u2019t matter now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat up slowly and turned, the hand holding the gun concealed behind his back.\u00a0 \u201cThat was careless of you, I might have escaped,\u201d he said casually as he stood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 Frank took a step back and raised his gun.\u00a0 \u201cBut, like I say, it don\u2019t matter.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t aiming for you to go to no court.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saw the knuckles of Frank\u2019s finger whiten as it tightened on the trigger, and he brought the gun from behind his back and fired.\u00a0 Frank crashed back against the bars, his eyes opening wide in shock, then he sank to his knees.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2026?\u201d He never finished his sentence, but pitched forward and lay still at Adam\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam went out of the cell towards the doors to the office, which were standing ajar.\u00a0 He peered through the narrow opening, and was just in time to see Jason advancing towards him, smiling.\u00a0 When it was Adam that appeared in the doorway, Jason was shocked for a moment.\u00a0 He saw that Adam was armed, but that did not stop him drawing his own gun, intent on finishing their plan.\u00a0 He had time to register one thought; that it would be even more convincing if he shot the prisoner who had just shot the deputy.\u00a0 But that was the last coherent thought he would ever have.\u00a0 As Jason pulled the trigger, Adam sidestepped and fired \u2013 with deadly accuracy.\u00a0 Jason sank to the floor and lay still, but his shot had found a mark.\u00a0 Adam was spun round as the bullet tore through the top of his left arm.\u00a0 He hit the desk and grabbed at the edge of it for support, but then straightened quickly; it wouldn\u2019t be long before someone came to investigate and he would rather not be there when they did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without waiting to study the carnage he had perpetrated, Adam opened the door and broke into a shambling run towards the livery, his right hand still holding the gun and clutching tight to his left arm.\u00a0 People were beginning to stop to see what the noise was all about, but no one seemed inclined to challenge the escaping prisoner, who was armed and apparently not afraid to use his weapon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stumbling into the livery, Adam immediately found the ostler, who stared wide eyed at the man who was dripping blood on the straw-covered floor of his stable.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam pointed his gun menacingly, and told him to get Sport saddled.\u00a0 The ostler shrugged and did as he was told, while Adam sagged against a post, watching the doors until his horse was ready.\u00a0 He tucked the gun into the waistband of his pants, mounted and rode out.\u00a0 As he hit the street he heard men calling after him.\u00a0 They had found the bodies and, as Adam made his escape, a handful of braver citizens ran for their horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was almost out of town when he saw an approaching rider, who drew his gun and turned his horse sideways to block the way.\u00a0 Adam kicked Sport to go faster and headed straight at the man, oblivious to the threat from the weapon.\u00a0 The bay filly sensed the approaching sorrel and shied, throwing its rider to the ground.\u00a0 Adam steered Sport round them, and was gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He rode hard through what was left of the afternoon, heading towards Virginia City and hoping to find Roy Coffee before he left for Floriston.\u00a0 It was closer than the Ponderosa and would give him a chance to explain to the sheriff what had happened and what he had done, and trust that Roy would be able to help him.\u00a0 He went at first along the main road, then by progressively smaller tracks, until he was hidden by the forest.\u00a0 He avoided riding up the valley floor; although the quicker route it was too open and offered no chance of concealment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stopped among the trees and listened.\u00a0 He could hear the faint sounds of men shouting back and forth but they were some distance behind him, and he thought that he could usefully spare time to tend to his wound.\u00a0 The bullet had gone straight through his arm, leaving two gaping holes. Adam tore off his sleeve and tried to tie the material tightly round his arm in an attempt to stop the flow of blood.\u00a0 But he was doing it one-handed, and he watched the black material slowly take on a red hue as the vital, life sustaining fluid soaked into it, then started to seep from beneath the make-shift bandage.\u00a0 He knew he didn\u2019t have much time for rational thought.\u00a0 He set off again, picking his way over the rough ground, grateful that Sport was sure footed and would not step foolishly into a leg breaking hole, which left Adam free to concentrate on where he was heading.\u00a0 It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to think clearly, loss of blood and the pain from the wounds were already beginning to cloud his mind, and he found the way more by instinct than sight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sport was walking steadily through the woods with only occasional guidance from Adam.\u00a0 Through the fog that was gathering in his head, Adam heard the sounds of horses and the voices of the posse.\u00a0 He realised that they were closing in on him and a surge of adrenalin let him sit up straighter in the saddle, desperately trying to think.\u00a0 He looked around; the forest was thick, the trees close growing and their branches shading the ground to the point of darkness.\u00a0 Off to one side he spotted a hollow where no trees grew, but it was filled with a lush growth of ferns and large sagebrush bushes.\u00a0 Adam dismounted and slowly led Sport into the defile, where he pushed the horse until he was under the cover of the silver leaved sagebrush.\u00a0 He stood beside Sport, resting his cheek against the silky neck as he put his hand on the horse\u2019s nose, whispering calming words to him to keep him quiet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the riders approach.\u00a0 They were going fast, too fast to be following a trail, and Adam held his breath as they neared.\u00a0 He had left obvious tracks in the soft ground, but some of the path had been rocky, and he had also taken every opportunity to use the small streams that ran through the forest to disguise his trail, knowing that it would take a good tracker to follow him, and with Jason dead it seemed that they did not have one.\u00a0 The ground shook as they passed Adam\u2019s hiding place, then the pounding hooves faded into the distance.\u00a0 Adam hung his head, and his legs felt weak as relief flowed through him, then he slowly led Sport out of the hollow and took off at an angle to the path.\u00a0 Knowing how close the posse had come to catching him had left Adam shaking, and he clung to the saddle for support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Occasionally he stopped to listen, and could hear the posse moving further away, until he could not hear them at all, but as night fell he pushed on.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t risk them finding him; they might decide to string him up before he could explain what had happened, and why.\u00a0 By the faint light of dawn he found his way back to the road into Virginia City. \u00a0All night he had ridden as fast as he dared, but the full light of morning showed him bent over Sport\u2019s neck, no longer able to sit straight in the saddle, and his left arm was hanging limp.\u00a0 The intelligent horse was walking, following the road and needing no guidance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had his eyes closed and was desperately fighting to stay on Sport.\u00a0 He laughed out loud when a vision of his youngest brother floated into his mind.\u00a0 Joe was telling him that if he fell from his horse twice in three weeks, then he was not the skilled horseman that he professed to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He heard the sound of hooves, which got louder as he listened, and to Adam\u2019s failing senses the single horse sounded like an army.\u00a0 His heart sank; he was in no condition to resist the men of the posse.\u00a0 Then he felt a gentle hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u00a0 What on earth happened to you, boy?\u201d\u00a0 Roy Coffee asked, shocked to see the state of his friend.\u00a0 He immediately took in the black bandage round Adam\u2019s otherwise bare left arm, and the blood that ran down and dripped slowly from his finger tips.\u00a0 Roy could see that his unshaven face was drawn and pale, and he looked exhausted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blinking owlishly, Adam tried to get his eyes to focus.\u00a0 \u201cRoy\u2026posse\u2026after me\u2026don\u2019t let them\u2026hang\u2026me\u2026,\u201d he managed to croak.\u00a0 Then he smiled foolishly, \u201cYou win\u2026Joe\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He closed his eyes, slipped sideways, and fell to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam came round slowly and cracked open his eyes.\u00a0 His stomach tightened as he turned his head and saw that bars formed one wall of the room he was in.\u00a0 He frowned as he realised that this cell was part of the jail in Virginia City, and he wondered if the posse had got to Roy and told him of events in Floriston.\u00a0 Adam knew there was no denying that he had shot the deputy and Jason, and had no defence against that if Roy did not believe the rest of his story.\u00a0 The fact that he was locked up told Adam that the Sheriff might take some persuading.\u00a0 He had hoped that Roy would believe Rosie when she told of how Frank and Jason had plotted to blame him for Edward\u2019s death, but if Roy had him a prisoner then he must at least have doubts about his innocence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shifted on the cot, but was stopped by the pain of the bullet wounds.\u00a0 Added to the tiredness he felt, the effort of trying to persuade the Virginia City sheriff suddenly seemed too much, and as despair overwhelmed him, Adam put an arm over his eyes and tried to retreat from the challenge facing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he heard footsteps approach he uncovered his eyes, and they opened wide as he saw Roy pull the door open and enter his supposed prison.\u00a0 It registered in his sleepy mind that Roy had not used a key; the door had been left open.\u00a0 He remembered another cell with an open door, and the consequences of that discovery, and he shivered.\u00a0 He started to sit up to greet the sheriff, but before he could get his shoulders off the bed a wave of exhaustion left him shaking, and he let his head rest back on the single pillow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy sat on the opposite bunk and studied his friend.\u00a0 \u201cWell, how are you this evening?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Evening?\u00a0 Adam vaguely recalled Roy struggling to get him back on his horse that morning, but nothing since.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2026how long\u2026?\u201d Adam asked weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI found you this morning, and brought you into town.\u201d\u00a0 Roy indicated the cell they were occupying.\u00a0 \u201cFrom what little you said, I figured you\u2019d be safer here than at the Doc\u2019s.\u00a0 He\u2019s stitched up the holes in yer arm, and says you can go home, if you\u2019ve a mind ter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Through his stupor, Adam realised that Roy\u2019s words meant that he was not a prisoner, but he did not feel like moving at all, let alone riding home.\u00a0 \u201cGreat,\u201d he said with little enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYer Pa\u2019s in town, I sent word to him when you turned up.\u201d\u00a0 Roy saw Adam take a breath.\u00a0 \u201cAnd before you ask, when I met you I was on my way to Floriston to find out just what was going on.\u00a0 Care to tell me about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took another breath, covered his eyes with his arm, and slowly told Roy what had happened.\u00a0 The elderly sheriff listened intently until the story was finished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Roy did not speak, Adam opened his eyes and turned towards him.\u00a0 \u201cYou do believe me, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 Oh yeah, I believe you.\u00a0 That young lady, Rosie Wyatt, was here yesterday and told me more or less the same story, about the deputy and her husband.\u00a0 No, I was just thinking how easy a law man can go bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at him gratefully.\u00a0 \u201cNot all law men, fortunately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They heard the door to the street open, and Ben appeared.\u00a0 He looked down at his son, and frowned when he saw that Adam was still pale.\u00a0 He turned to Roy.\u00a0 \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Adam said with as much annoyance as he could muster, mad at not being asked the question directly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat beside Roy and examined Adam with his eyes.\u00a0 \u201c\u2019Fine\u2019 is hardly how I\u2019d describe the way you look.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to stay in town tonight, and I\u2019ll take you home in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 He saw Adam nod his acceptance, and continued.\u00a0 \u201cD\u2019you want to stay here, or should I get you a room at the hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was about to speak, but Roy made the decision for him.\u00a0 \u201cHe should stay put.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be safer for him to be here, where I can keep an eye on any trouble.\u00a0 When the posse don\u2019t find him, it can only be a matter of time before they show up in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was going to object, he had spent quite long enough behind bars.\u00a0 But when his father agreed for him, Adam found that he was too tired to argue.\u00a0 Ben stood, preparing to leave.\u00a0 \u201cYou get some rest now, and I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As sleep started to claim him, Adam was grateful that they had decided he need not move. \u201cAl\u2019right.\u201d\u00a0 He closed his eyes.\u00a0 \u201c\u2019Night Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight son.\u201d Ben waited by the cell door until he was satisfied, by Adam\u2019s regular breathing, that his son was asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The following morning Adam sat up slowly, still feeling the effects from the loss of blood; despite a night\u2019s sleep, he felt exhausted.\u00a0 He looked down and realised that someone had undressed him, then he noticed that his clothes were lying on the only chair in the cell.\u00a0 Along with his pants, which appeared to have been washed, were his boots and a new black shirt.\u00a0 Adam swung his legs off the bed, and held onto the side of the bunk until the room stopped spinning.\u00a0 He stayed sitting as he started to dress, relishing the feel of clean clothes.\u00a0 With some careful manoeuvring, he managed to get his arms into the sleeves of the shirt, but as he tried to pull on his pants a sharp pain shot down his arm and through his shoulder, forcing a groan from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa need some help?\u201d\u00a0 Roy asked, as he approached the doorway of the cell.\u00a0 He had been sitting at his desk, reading wanted posters, when he heard Adam moving about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s independent spirit brought the word \u2018no\u2019 as far as his mind, but his common sense made him nod and say, \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Working together, they had the job done in a few minutes, finishing with Adam still sitting on the cot and pushing his feet into his boots as Roy held them steady for him.\u00a0 The sheriff fetched a bowl of hot water, a towel, and a razor, and Adam was grateful to be able to return to the look that Frank Wyatt had been so determined he would not present to the court.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put the bowl aside, finally ready to face the world, but swayed as he stood, grabbing hold of the bars for support, and Roy could see his eyes rolling his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff studied the pallid features of his friend.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you should be standin\u2019 up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded carefully.\u00a0 \u201cMuch as I appreciate your hospitality, I don\u2019t want to spend any more time in this cell than I have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy shook his head at the younger man\u2019s stubbornness, but he took hold of Adam\u2019s arm and guided him to sit behind the desk in the office.\u00a0 \u201cYou wait here and I\u2019ll go tell your Pa that you\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignoring Adam\u2019s protests that he was perfectly capable of going himself, Roy gave him some coffee and left before he could see his friend\u2019s frustrated reaction; first they were making decisions for him and now Roy wouldn\u2019t let him walk across the street.\u00a0 Adam had no time to think more on the subject because Roy hurried back through the door, followed almost immediately by another man, tall, muscular, and with an air of authority.\u00a0 Adam could see the shine of a sheriff\u2019s badge on the tan vest of the man, who looked vaguely familiar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The newcomer saw Adam sitting behind the desk, and advanced across the room, his hand resting on his gun, ready for any resistance.\u00a0 \u201cGood work, Sheriff, you got him.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Roy.\u00a0 \u201cBut why haven\u2019t you got him locked up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow hold on there, I ain\u2019t got no one.\u00a0 And he ain\u2019t locked up \u2018cause he ain\u2019t done nothin\u2019,\u201d Roy informed Floriston\u2019s Sheriff Richards, then went on to recount what had happened.\u00a0 He told the story with no emotion, just giving the facts as he knew them from Rosie and Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Roy finished, Richards stood looking at Adam, considering what he had heard.\u00a0 He turned to the Virginia City sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cBut you\u2019ve only got their word for it.\u00a0 As I hear tell, this fella,\u201d he jerked his thumb over his shoulder at Adam, \u201cwas running off with Mrs. Wyatt.\u00a0 It makes sense that their stories would be the same, but that don\u2019t make them the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy hesitated, and from the corner of his eye he saw Adam slowly rise, his tense stance indicating that he was ready to resist any attempt to take him back.\u00a0 Roy went to the desk and put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just settle yourself down, I ain\u2019t about to let no one take you nowhere.\u201d\u00a0 Roy rummaged in a drawer and handed Richards the letter that Rosie had written to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cRead this.\u00a0 I think that\u2019ll show you they\u2019re telling the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Richards read the letter, and his eyebrows rose slowly.\u00a0 He looked thoughtfully at Adam, and then spoke to Roy, as he assessed what he had been told.\u00a0 \u201cThis note could\u2019a been cooked up between them.\u00a0 But I heard a lot about you, Sheriff.\u00a0 You got a reputation for being honest and straight forward, and not one to be influenced by a man\u2019s position.\u201d\u00a0 He eyed Adam, making sure that he took his point.\u00a0 \u201cSo if you say he\u2019s okay, then I got no reason to doubt it.\u201d\u00a0 He walked across the room and, much to Adam\u2019s surprise, held out his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Cartwright, for all the trouble.\u00a0 I was outta town.\u00a0 Rode in as you left, in a bit of a hurry as I recall.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled, \u201cNearly ran me down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was then that Adam remembered where he had seen the sheriff before.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you didn\u2019t hurt yourself, falling off your horse like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and I\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t shoot you.\u00a0 Seems that would have been a mistake on my part.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you believe what Roy\u2019s told you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded his head towards the door.\u00a0 \u201cWill you be able to persuade the rest of them?\u00a0 I don\u2019t like the thought of having to watch my back all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry \u2018bout them, they\u2019ll do as I tell \u2018em.\u00a0 Sheriff Coffee\u2019s word is good enough for me, and it will be for them.\u201d\u00a0 With his hand on the door handle, Richards turned.\u00a0 \u201cAny time you feel like visiting Floriston, you\u2019ll be welcome.\u201d\u00a0 He opened the door and left, and a minute later Roy and Adam heard the posse\u2019s noisy departure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d said Adam as he sat down heavily in the chair, \u201cI have never been more impressed by your spotless reputation than I am at this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAll that clean living had to come in handy sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both looked round as the door opened again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was all that about?\u201d Ben asked.\u00a0 He had seen the crowd of men outside the jail, and had hurried over from the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, take your boy home.\u00a0 I think he\u2019s had enough excitement to last him a while.\u00a0 That was the posse from Floriston, they won\u2019t come bothering him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drained his coffee and got to his feet, holding onto the edge of the desk for support and vainly hoping his father wouldn\u2019t notice.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said, trying to sound confident of his ability to complete the impending journey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him, and frowned. \u201cYou sure you want to ride all that way, you don\u2019t look all that great.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you stay in town today, and tomorrow morning I\u2019ll come back with the buckboard?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I just want to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d said Ben, nodding, \u201cbut we\u2019ll take it easy, there\u2019s no need to hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam passed the sheriff, he held out his hand.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, just don\u2019t make a habit of it,\u201d Roy smiled, then he showed Adam the sling that Doc Martin had left for him.\u00a0 \u201cPaul thought you might need this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, and waited as Roy tied it behind his neck.\u00a0 Adam was silent for a moment, as he remembered Edward doing the same for him only three weeks before, then he shook himself and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThanks again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam travelled slowly back towards the ranch.\u00a0 Despite the support that the sling provided Adam could not keep his arm still, and his muscles screamed at him with every involuntary movement.\u00a0 Ben surreptitiously kept an eye on his son.\u00a0 He could see that Adam was hurting, and it was obvious, from the way his back was bent and he swayed back and forth with the movement of the horse, that he had still not recovered from the loss of blood he had suffered.\u00a0 They were half way home when Ben suggested that they should stop for a rest, and Adam gratefully dismounted and sank to the ground, leaning against a sturdy pine, his head spinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a drink from the canteen Ben handed him, and then he studied the hide covering of the container, avoiding his father\u2019s eyes as he spoke.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t go to Floriston.\u201d\u00a0 Adam was tired, and he wasn\u2019t sure whether he wanted to say it as a statement or a question, and in his confusion it came out as an accusation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him and raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you didn\u2019t want me to,\u201d he said defensively.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Wyatt told me you were adamant about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam picked at a loose thread on the edge of the canteen.\u00a0 \u201cI know, but I didn\u2019t really expect you to take any notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d\u00a0 Before Adam could reply, Ben continued.\u00a0 \u201cWhen Mrs. Wyatt told me what you said, I could see that you were right, it might have put you in more danger.\u00a0 I wanted to come and find you, of course I did, I wanted to get you out of there if I could, but because of your message I was willing to let Roy handle it.\u00a0 It\u2019s not like you to say something if you don\u2019t mean it, and I respect that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam studied his father silently for a few seconds.\u00a0 \u201cDo you?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo I what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRespect me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was stunned.\u00a0 Why did Adam have to ask that?\u00a0 \u201cOf course I do.\u201d\u00a0 Then Ben, ever alert to the feelings of his sons, realised what was behind the question.\u00a0 \u201cDoes this have anything to do with Andy McFarlane\u2019s cattle?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn part, yes, but it\u2019s not just that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you we\u2019d buy them, and then you can try your ideas.\u201d\u00a0 Ben thought about what Adam had said, that it was not only those cattle that had made him ask his question.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, do you ever stop to think what it has meant to me to have this ranch?\u00a0 To have a safe, secure home for all of us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Adam was confused by the apparent change of subject.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI built this with sweat and blood, and with help from my sons, and more so from you, as the eldest.\u00a0 You are, and always will be, my child, and it is very hard for me to grasp that you have grown into a man who knows as well as I how to run it, and when you come up with ideas to change things that have worked very well for years, I don\u2019t find it easy to admit that you\u2019re right.\u00a0 But, more often than not, you are, it just takes me a while to get used to it.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned, \u201cI guess I\u2019m getting set in my ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared at Ben.\u00a0 This was a side of his father that he had never seen; he was admitting to a weakness that Adam had always assumed was stubbornness.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I don\u2019t want to take over.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took a long breath, he was having trouble organising his thoughts as he succumbed to his tiredness, and he spoke progressively more slowly.\u00a0 \u201cIf I make suggestions for what I see as improvements\u2026it\u2019s because I feel that I owe it to you\u2026to use the education you fought so hard to give me.\u00a0 I can help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched Adam\u2019s eyes close and his head drop onto his chest as exhaustion finally won.\u00a0 He rose and went to the horses, where he took Adam\u2019s blanket from the bed roll behind Sport\u2019s saddle, then came back and knelt in front of his son.\u00a0 When Adam felt a hand shake him gently, he opened his eyes slowly and reluctantly, then made to get to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t have to go just yet.\u00a0 You rest.\u201d\u00a0 He eased Adam down until he was lying on the ground, and then laid the blanket over him as he fell instantly asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stirred an hour later, and insisted that he felt well enough to continue their journey home.\u00a0 Ben took a long look, and seeing the determination behind the pale features, he reluctantly agreed.\u00a0 When he had got the horses ready, he went back to his son and took his arm, helping him to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood and looked at his father, his eyes soft.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I\u2019m glad we could talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the look.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t do it often enough.\u00a0 And I\u2019m sorry that you had to get shot to give us the opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I,\u201d Adam agreed, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rest of the journey home was accomplished without trouble, though Ben still kept a close eye on Adam, who sensed his father\u2019s scrutiny.\u00a0 Before their talk, Adam would have been annoyed at what he saw as his father\u2019s fussing over him, but as they went on their way, he occasionally turned to Ben, and then they would exchange easy smiles of love and understanding such as they had not shared in a long time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they drew up in the yard, Ben offered to settle the horses.\u00a0 \u201cRosie Wyatt is here, I gather you told her to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, she couldn\u2019t go back to her home once Jason knew she was missing.\u00a0 He might have been inept, but he wasn\u2019t stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gratefully handed Sport\u2019s reins to his father and made his way slowly into the house; despite the rest he had had, the ride had left him exhausted.\u00a0 Rosie was sitting on the sofa, and when he saw her he stood up straighter, as he tried to put his tiredness aside.\u00a0 He held out his hand as she came towards him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRosie, it\u2019s good to see you.\u00a0 Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded, then gently touched his injured arm as she searched his face.\u00a0 \u201cThe posse was here yesterday, looking for you.\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Richards had told her how Adam had cold-bloodedly attacked the Wyatt brothers in order to make his escape, and Rosie knew that he must have used the gun that she had given him.\u00a0 She was looking for some reassurance that her complicity had not been misused.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gestured towards the sofa.\u00a0 \u201cSit down, I have to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once she was settled, Adam told her that the sheriffs of Virginia City and Floriston both accepted that he was innocent, and then explained why he had shot and killed Jason and Frank.\u00a0 \u201cI had no choice.\u00a0 I think they had decided that they wouldn\u2019t risk a trial without you, they couldn\u2019t be sure that I would be convicted.\u00a0 They both tried to shoot me.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed at his arm resting in its sling.\u00a0 \u201cThis was Jason\u2019s bullet.\u00a0 I had to defend myself.\u00a0 Rosie\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026I didn\u2019t set out to kill either of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As she listened to his story, Rosie relaxed; he was not the uncaring murderer that the posse had made him out to be.\u00a0 \u201cI do understand.\u00a0 Adam, I should explain something to you.\u201d\u00a0 Rosie looked down at her hands as they rested in her lap, then back up into the brown eyes that were watching her intently.\u00a0 \u201cI never loved Jason.\u00a0 I married him to get away from my mother.\u00a0 Mummy ran off with a man from Chicago; he had a lot of money and I think she was tired of Daddy working long hours and leaving her alone.\u00a0 She and this man were married when they reached America, even though she and Daddy were still wed.\u00a0 Then they decided they didn\u2019t want me around, so they sent me away to school, in Maine.\u00a0 I was gone for six years.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded to himself; that explained her accent.\u00a0 Rosie was still talking, \u201cWhen I returned, I was ignored, unwanted, and very lonely.\u00a0 I was not allowed to socialise, Mummy was frightened that I might let slip that she was still married to Daddy.\u00a0 Then one day I met Jason; he nearly ran me down in the street, and we got talking.\u00a0 He worked on a big ranch, and had come to the rail head with some cattle.\u00a0 His life sounded so exciting, so different.\u00a0 I had only known him a few days when he offered to take me away, and I jumped at the chance.\u00a0 We were married quietly, and Mummy gave us some money to buy the ranch.\u00a0 I think she wanted to make sure that she was rid of me.\u201d\u00a0 Rosie took a deep breath, as she recognised that the rejection still hurt.\u00a0 \u201cWe moved to Nevada.\u00a0 It was only after we bought the ranch that I discovered Jason was a bully, and idle, and\u2026well, not the man I would have chosen to spend my life with.\u201d\u00a0 She shifted her gaze from Adam\u2019s scrutiny of her, embarrassed at admitting to the circumstances of her relationship with her husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re free of him now.\u00a0 Rosie,\u201d she looked up at him, \u201cI haven\u2019t had a chance to tell you how sorry I am about your father.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know him for very long, and I regret that.\u00a0 In the short time since I met him, we became friends; he was a good man and you can be proud of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI know.\u00a0 I just wish we\u2019d had more time together.\u00a0 Without help from my mother, it took me over a year to find his address, and to contact him.\u201d\u00a0 A tear crept down Rosie\u2019s face and Adam slipped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her closer, stroking her hair as she leaned against him.\u00a0 He held her for a long time, neither one wanting to break the contact, but they heard footsteps approach the front door and backed away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, my dear?\u201d Ben asked, coming towards the sofa. He could see that she had been crying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYes, thank you.\u00a0 I am just so relieved to see that Adam is safe.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll go upstairs for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Ben, and Rosie disappeared to the privacy of her room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben watched, Adam lay back against the sofa and closed his eyes, fighting against the tiredness that seemed to be his constant companion.\u00a0 Ben could see the pallor beneath Adam\u2019s tanned features. \u201cAnd how are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled thinly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine Pa, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you don\u2019t look it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d\u00a0 He paused.\u00a0 \u201cI was thinking about Edward.\u00a0 I should have been able to protect him, but I didn\u2019t.\u00a0 Rosie only had her father for a few days, and they were filled with worry for her.\u00a0 What sort of memory is that for a girl to have?\u00a0 Then I killed her husband and her brother-in-law.\u00a0 She\u2019s got no one left, I took her family from her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you listen to me,\u201d Ben said sternly, and Adam turned his head to look into the dark, sincere eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIf you hadn\u2019t gone there, and got them away, Edward would probably have died anyway.\u00a0 And you said that then Rosie would be in danger as well.\u00a0 You did what you had to do, and I\u2019m sure that Rosie will understand that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded slowly.\u00a0 Of course his father was right, he had had no choice, but that did not make it any easier to live with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Breakfast next morning was a quiet affair.\u00a0 Ben was watching Adam and could see that his arm was troubling him.\u00a0 Adam was thinking over the events of the past days, and realised he was lucky to have survived.\u00a0 He knew that he would have stood little chance without Rosie\u2019s help.\u00a0 Rosie was thinking about her father and fighting against tears that threatened to fall.\u00a0 Adam noticed and decided that she would be better off out of the house, where she would feel free to express her sorrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned towards her.\u00a0 \u201cHow about a walk?\u201d he suggested. \u201cI think it would do you good to get out for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman looked surprised.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about your arm?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA walk won\u2019t hurt it, and fresh air will do us both good.\u201d\u00a0 After a night\u2019s restful sleep, Adam was feeling his strength return.\u00a0 It was a feeling that he enjoyed and he was ready to take advantage of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie walked out into the yard ahead of him, her dress making soft rustling noises as she moved.\u00a0 She had arrived at the ranch with only the clothes she wore; she had not dared to stop to pack anything, afraid that Jason would discover she was leaving.\u00a0 Ben had sent into town for frocks, and the undergarments he thought she might need, and with the help of Mrs. Atkinson, who ran the dress shop, Rosie now had a new wardrobe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They wandered slowly away from the house and up into the surrounding hills, until they could look out over the forest, but Adam\u2019s eyes were more occupied with his companion than with the beauty laid out before them.\u00a0 He had thought that Rosie was pretty, but until now he had not had the chance to appreciate just how lovely she was, with her dark hair falling around her shoulders and forming a frame about her face that brought out the warm hues of her eyes.\u00a0 The red morning dress she was wearing, which was outlined with white lace at the neck and cuffs, had taken his breath away when he saw how it hugged her curvaceous figure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The colour of the material reminded him of the cloth that Edward had bought with him, and he spoke gently.\u00a0 \u201cRosie, I wish that things had turned out differently for you.\u00a0 That you could have had more time to get to know your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie nodded silently.\u00a0 She took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cSo do I.\u201d\u00a0 She was standing a little in front of Adam and he could see, by the rise and fall of her shoulders, that she was fighting against her tears.\u00a0 He went to her and turned her to face him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet it out, Rosie.\u00a0 Don\u2019t fight it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She leaned against him and, as he used his right arm to embrace her, she buried her face in his shoulder and let the tears fall, reflecting her sorrow at what she had lost and what might have been.\u00a0 Gradually her sobs faded, but still she let Adam hold her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually she pushed away from him.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, I feel better now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He saw that she had a puzzled look on her face.\u00a0 \u201cWhy the frown?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking.\u00a0 Daddy said something to me, before\u2026he died.\u00a0 But it made no sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said things that I didn\u2019t understand, then he called me his mother.\u00a0 Do you think that he didn\u2019t know I was there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saw it was important to her that Edward had been conscious of her presence, and he thought hard about what he should say to help her.\u00a0 He did not want to give her easy platitudes, as meaningless as they were facile.\u00a0 He recalled the conversation he had had with Mulherne, when he had not understood the Englishman\u2019s words.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did he say, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie took a breath, her tears close to the surface as she thought of those last moments with her father.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he had \u2018come all this way to see my teapot\u2019,\u201d she hesitated, thinking that Adam would not believe her.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what he said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he heard her American accent repeating the seemingly out of place English words.\u00a0 \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said, \u2018then I end up brown bread\u2019.\u00a0 He told me to \u2018remember, my darling, that you\u2019re my little mother, and I love you\u2019.\u00a0 Adam, I don\u2019t understand.\u201d\u00a0 She looked at him, bewildered and seeking reassurance, but she saw his smile and it made her angry.\u00a0 \u201cI knew you wouldn\u2019t believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He put a hand on her arm.\u00a0 \u201cI do believe you, more easily than you know.\u00a0 Rosie, your father was a Londoner, remember, and they have their own way of speaking.\u00a0 He was close to dying when he said what he did, and would have used the words that came easiest to him.\u00a0 Let me think about it. I make no promises, but I might be able to work out what he meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie looked at him gratefully.\u00a0 \u201cIf you can, that would be wonderful.\u00a0 I hate the thought that he didn\u2019t know I was close to him at the last.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned away; speaking her father\u2019s final words had upset her, and she started walking through the woods.\u00a0 The heady scent of the pines was refreshing and she breathed deeply, trying to banish her tears.\u00a0 Adam walked beside her, letting her wander where she would and they followed a path deeper into the forest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Rosie stumbled over a tree root, Adam reached out to prevent her from falling and she clutched at him, gripping his injured arm tightly.\u00a0 Adam groaned, and Rosie instantly released her hold on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, I\u2019m so sorry.\u00a0 Are you all right?\u201d she said anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a couple of breaths and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, but can we sit down for a minute?\u201d\u00a0 He looked round and guided her towards a fallen tree trunk, where he cradled his arm, waiting for it to stop throbbing.\u00a0 She looked at him, her eyes full of concern at what she had caused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He put a hand on her arm and squeezed it gently.\u00a0 \u201cReally, it\u2019ll be all right in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was so careless of me, I shouldn\u2019t have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRosie, forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled thinly and after studying Adam for a moment, allowed her gaze to wander, taking in the pine forest with its far vista of the mountains.\u00a0 She took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know, for the first time in my life I am really alone, without parents or husband.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice caught as she continued, \u201cI really miss Daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you stay at the Ponderosa, until you decide what you want to do,\u201d Adam suggested gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cThat would be too much of an imposition, I couldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRosie, if it wasn\u2019t for you, I would have been facing a very short future.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled encouragingly.\u00a0 \u201cI would like you to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie held her breath and all thoughts of tears vanished, as she looked up into his eyes.\u00a0 Was she imagining that they were inviting, enticing even?\u00a0 She searched his face, and saw kindness.\u00a0 But was there something else?\u00a0 \u201cI think I would like that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The funeral of Edward Mulherne passed quietly a few days later.\u00a0 Adam had persuaded Rosie that her father should be buried on the Ponderosa, and the body had been brought back from Floriston.\u00a0 Rosie had asked Adam for help in selecting a quiet spot, overlooking the lake, and Edward was laid to rest within sight of the grave of Ben\u2019s third wife, Joe\u2019s mother, Marie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The burial service had a small attendance; Hoss and Joe had returned from the drive, and they stood beside Ben, opposite Roy Coffee and Doctor Paul Martin.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s injured arm was supported by a black sling, but the other he put round Rosie, as they stood together at the foot of the grave, facing the Minister, and she clung to him looking for the strength to get through the short ceremony without breaking down.\u00a0 As the brass handled wooden coffin was lowered into the ground, he felt her stiffen, and heard her breath catch in her throat as the minister said the words that brought with them the realisation that her father was really lost to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Rosie reached down to the pile of earth that had been dug out to form the grave, and had thrown a handful onto the coffin, each man present did likewise, standing for a moment in silent reflection.\u00a0 Then it was over.\u00a0 As everyone prepared to leave, Rosie held Adam back while the two ranch hands, who had volunteered their services as grave diggers, used their shovels to replace the earth.\u00a0 She watched as it was tossed into the grave, knowing that the father she had regained so briefly was disappearing for ever from her life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Daddy.\u00a0 I love you,\u201d she whispered, then turned away as tears spilled from her eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took her hand and led her away from the graveside to where the buggy, with its patient grey pony, was waiting.\u00a0 He helped her into it, climbed in beside her, and drove slowly back to the house, to allow her time to compose herself after the emotion of the burial.\u00a0 Rosie stood outside the front door and took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready?\u201d Adam asked her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded nervously.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They went in, and the men came up to her, one by one, to express their condolences.\u00a0 Then Joe handed round glasses of sherry, and Adam cleared his throat for silence.\u00a0 They all turned to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know Edward Mulherne for very long, and I regret that.\u00a0 In the short time between meeting him and his death, I got to know a man who would not hesitate to help someone in trouble, who was unfailingly cheerful and had a love of life that he carried like a torch for all to see.\u00a0 His legacy is his business, which he built by dint of hard work, and,\u201d he turned to Rosie, \u201ca beautiful daughter, who can be proud of his memory.\u201d\u00a0 He raised his glass.\u00a0 \u201cRosie, we drink to your father, Edward Mulherne.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all repeated the toast, and then Adam spoke again.\u00a0 \u201cI would like to propose another toast, a more personal one.\u00a0 Rosie, if it wasn\u2019t for you I would not be here today, and I thank you for that.\u00a0 It took great courage to do what you did for a man who was a stranger to you.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes sought out the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cAnd to you, Roy; but for your belief in me, Richards would have taken me back to face a hangman\u2019s rope.\u201d\u00a0 Finally he turned to Paul Martin.\u00a0 \u201cPaul, I have to thank you for your care.\u201d He smiled as he remembered all those times when Paul had treated him, or one of the family.\u00a0 \u201cYet again your expertise was called upon, and not found wanting.\u00a0 Pa, Hoss, Joe, please raise your glasses to \u2018friends\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the Cartwrights joined in Adam\u2019s acknowledgement of what he owed to their visitors, Rosie also raised her glass, quietly saluting her father\u2019s friend, who had come in answer to her plea.\u00a0 There was a moment\u2019s silence, and then sentiment was set aside as the men fussed over Rosie, trying to help her forget the sadness of the day.\u00a0 She smiled quietly to herself; never before in her life could she remember so many men being so thoughtful towards her.\u00a0 At one point, she had to excuse herself as the kindness broke through her control, and she went to her room to recover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a soft knock on the door, and she opened it to see Adam standing outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d\u00a0 His voice was gentle and full of concern.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 I just needed a minute to myself.\u00a0 Adam, your family are wonderful, as are Roy and Paul.\u00a0 It just overwhelmed me for a moment.\u201d\u00a0 She took his arm as she shut the door.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m fine now, let\u2019s rejoin them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing was serving dinner, and as she sat at the table enjoying the meal, Rosie made sure that she let them all see what their care and consideration meant to her, as she smiled and laughed at the stories they told.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that evening, after Roy and Paul had gone, Adam and Rosie were the only ones not in bed. They were sitting together on the sofa, quietly drinking coffee and talking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what I am going to do now,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI will put the ranch up for sale, and then I must decide on my future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to decide anything just yet, do you?\u00a0 Pa says you can stay here as long as you like.\u201d\u00a0 Adam realised that he didn\u2019t want Rosie to leave; he enjoyed having her about the place.\u00a0 Until his arm healed, he was relieved of most of his ranch duties, and it had given him time to find out more about her, that she liked the same things he did; music and books, or long discussions about philosophy and the human condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie also enjoyed the time spent with Adam, sharing things with him as she had never been able to with Jason.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I will stay, just while I sort out the ranch.\u00a0 There are things I must do before I sell it, though I must admit that I don\u2019t relish going back there on my own.\u201d She looked at Adam, and her eyes searched his face and saw again the inviting and enticing look she had wondered if she had imagined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do it alone,\u201d Adam assured her softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They stared at each other for a long minute in silence, then Adam slipped his arm from its sling and reached out with both hands to hold her shoulders, ignoring the protest from his half healed muscles.\u00a0 He had stronger sensations running through him, which left no room in his mind to acknowledge his discomfort.\u00a0 He pulled her towards him, and she moved willingly into his arms, lifting her face towards him.\u00a0 He could see the desire in her eyes and the way her lips moved in anticipation, moist and longing for his touch.\u00a0 He watched them and for a moment he held back, making her wait.\u00a0 Then he put his head down slowly and felt the softness of her kiss, and it sent a thrill through him. \u00a0The kiss was long and deep, ending in an embrace as they held each other close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie\u2019s head was spinning.\u00a0 \u201cOh Adam, what\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you know?\u201d he laughed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie acknowledged that the racing of her heart when she had first set eyes on Adam had nothing to do with nervousness at meeting him, but more to do with that indefinable attraction of one person for another, which she could now admit freely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said on a long breath, her mouth against his neck, and Adam felt a shiver of pleasure go through him as the warmth of the word brushed against his skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After more kisses that made the blood pound in Adam\u2019s ears, they parted reluctantly.\u00a0 He sat and stared at her, and Rosie looked down, embarrassed by his close attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam noticed her reaction.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, was I staring?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but I don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just that I have never seen anyone so beautiful, and I want your face imprinted on my mind so that, when you\u2019re not near, I will be able to recall every detail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cI feel the same.\u00a0 Don\u2019t move, don\u2019t say anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They managed to sit, gazing at each other, for ten interminable seconds, until they could stand it no longer.\u00a0 Adam put his hands round Rosie\u2019s waist and gently eased her off the sofa, until they were kneeling on the floor, facing each other.\u00a0 Her arms went round Adam, her hands feeling the strong muscles in his back as she pulled him tightly against her.\u00a0 At the same time his hands wandered from her waist to caress her throat, and Adam felt her shiver at his touch.\u00a0 He let his hands pause, enjoying the reaction he elicited from her, then he slipped one hand down her back and the other into the nape of her neck, holding her mouth against his, and the kiss they shared was deeper and more passionate than before.\u00a0 Suddenly Adam jerked his head up as he heard footsteps on the landing and they rose guiltily, smiling at each other as they sat demurely on the sofa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben appeared at the head of the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you think it\u2019s time you two were in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam winked at Rosie, and pulled her with him as he stood.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, Pa, we\u2019re just coming.\u201d\u00a0 He sent Rosie ahead of him up the stairs, and stood by her door to bid her goodnight.\u00a0 He held both her hands.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t be able to sleep, knowing that you\u2019re in the house, just a few feet away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure that you\u2019ll sleep very well. You\u2019d better, I should go to Floriston tomorrow, to arrange for the sale of the ranch, and I would like it if you came with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bowed low.\u00a0 \u201cYour wish is my command, my lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie kissed his cheek quickly and disappeared into her room, leaving Adam staring at the door.\u00a0 He went to his own room, where he lay in the darkness, conjuring up a vision of her face.\u00a0 It was still with him when he fell asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

They had decided that neither of them wanted to stay at the cabin, but would instead take rooms at the hotel in Floriston.\u00a0 As they rode into town, Adam noticed that he received curious glances from several people, but the first person he spoke to was the sheriff, who greeted him warmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood to see you.\u201d\u00a0 Richards held out his hand.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s the arm?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam no longer wore the sling, and as he shook the sheriff\u2019s hand, he smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHealing.\u201d\u00a0 His smile vanished as he looked up and down the street.\u00a0 \u201cYou told me you could convince the good citizens that I was innocent, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about them,\u201d Richards said, watching people on the opposite side of the street as they stopped, wondering, before they moved on.\u00a0 \u201cThey just want to see the man that got away with murder while escaping from my jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was shocked by the statement.\u00a0 \u201cGot away!\u00a0 I thought that you believed Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Richards laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI do, and so do they, mostly.\u201d\u00a0 He became more serious.\u00a0 \u201cIs there anything I can do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled at Rosie, who was standing uncertainly behind him, then turned back to the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Wyatt is selling the ranch, and I\u2019m just here to help her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou staying at the hotel?\u201d\u00a0 When Adam nodded, Richards continued, \u201cThen I\u2019ll walk you over.\u201d\u00a0 He took Rosie\u2019s elbow, and escorted them across the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They entered the cool darkness of the lobby and Richards approached the desk.\u00a0 \u201cGeorge,\u201d he said to the elderly clerk, \u201ctwo of your best rooms for our guests, and charge them to the sheriff\u2019s office.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Adam and Rosie.\u00a0 \u201cHave these on the town, our way of saying \u2018sorry\u2019 for what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to protest, \u201cNo, really\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Richards pulled him to one side and explained.\u00a0 \u201cWhen George gets through spreading the news that you are here as my guests, no one will doubt what I told them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see your point,\u201d Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cOkay then, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff had his hand on the door handle.\u00a0 \u201cSee you before you go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes the jail get its food from the hotel restaurant?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked, remembering the tasteless meals he had endured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Richards frowned.\u00a0 \u201cNo, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, would you care to join us for dinner?\u00a0 My way of saying \u2018thank you\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Richards laughed, accepting the invitation as he walked out of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The telegraph wires from Floriston to San Francisco were busy, once Adam had persuaded Rosie that he had contacts there who could speed the sale of the ranch.\u00a0 When he was not writing or answering messages, he was at the ranch, helping her to decide what to keep, what to throw away, and what to leave behind.\u00a0 Often Adam found himself standing, staring at Rosie, and had to look away quickly when she caught him.\u00a0 He was uneasy at being in the home that Rosie had shared with Jason, going through his belongings.\u00a0 It gave him an unreasoning, and totally unfounded, feeling that he might have intended to shoot Jason all along, knowing that then Rosie would be free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were sitting together on the porch, at the end of what was to be their last day at the ranch before returning to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Adam had dragged out the small sofa from the parlour, and placed it to face the sunset that was throwing shafts of red and gold onto the few clouds that dotted the sky.\u00a0 The air was chill, and they sat close together, Rosie snuggled in Adam\u2019s arms.\u00a0 She had thought that she would hate to return to the scene of so much unhappiness for her, but having Adam there with her made her feel safe, comfortable and relaxed.\u00a0 She turned to look at him, thinking that they were not feelings she had ever had with Jason.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed and Adam looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I was just remembering being here with Jason,\u201d she replied honestly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down, he could not meet her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cRosie, you know how sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She interrupted him.\u00a0 \u201cNo, don\u2019t.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t thinking that I was happy, quite the reverse.\u201d\u00a0 She took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad he\u2019s gone.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how much longer I could have stayed with him.\u00a0 The only reason that I didn\u2019t leave was that I had nothing, and nowhere to go.\u00a0 He made sure that I never had any money of my own \u2013 so I was trapped.\u00a0 But I think it would not have been long before even that didn\u2019t matter; I would have gone, penniless and homeless.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that shouldn\u2019t be a problem now.\u00a0 From what your father said, you will be a wealthy woman.\u201d\u00a0 Adam moved his gaze to stare at the sinking sun, afraid of what she might say in reply to his next statement.\u00a0 \u201cYou could go anywhere you want, you won\u2019t have to stay in Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Rosie said in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence between them while they both considered the implications of her choices.\u00a0 Then Adam ventured, \u201cI would like it if you stayed here.\u00a0 Rosie,\u201d Adam turned towards her, \u201cI think I love you.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled.\u00a0 \u201cNo, that\u2019s wrong.\u00a0 I know I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie smiled as she settled back into the comfort of his embrace.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019d better not go anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s arm recovered, and he resumed his duties about the ranch.\u00a0 Sometimes they took him away for the night, and he lay under the stars dreaming of Rosie as he fell asleep.\u00a0 Other times she would ride with him, to the logging camp or out to one of the herds, and those were the times he liked the best.\u00a0 Having her beside him, seeing her smiling with her new found freedom, gave him a pleasure he had not felt in a long time.\u00a0 They grew closer, only seeming happy when they were together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One day they were in the north pasture, enjoying the waning warmth of the fall sunshine.\u00a0 They had eaten lunch and would soon have to return to the house, but in the meantime they lay side by side in the long grass at the edge of the woods.\u00a0 Adam stretched out his arm and Rosie moved until she could rest her head on his chest, and he let his arm fall onto her shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie released a button on Adam\u2019s shirt and slipped her hand inside, until it was resting lightly on his stomach. Her fingers moved against the short hairs, and she smiled as his muscles tensed in response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She felt him take a breath.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about what your father said,\u201d he told her, and her hand stopped moving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Rosie replied, wondering what he was going to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThose words you were worried about, you remember?\u201d\u00a0 Adam did not want to stir unhappy memories for her, but he knew that she still fretted over it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie withdrew her hand and pushed herself up until she could see his face.\u00a0 \u201cI remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat up and took her hands.\u00a0 \u201cIf I\u2019m right, then I don\u2019t think you have to worry about him not knowing you were there.\u201d\u00a0 He went on to explain about the rhyming slang that Edward had used when they first met.\u00a0 \u201cDo you remember me saying that I believed he reverted to the language that came easiest to him, at the end?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think they were slang words?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 Something happened that gave me a clue to their meaning.\u00a0 Last week, Hop Sing said that he needed someone to go into town because he had broken the lid of the teapot.\u00a0 Edward told me that sometimes not all the rhyming words were used, and what Hop Sing said set me to thinking; add \u2018lid\u2019 to \u2018teapot\u2019 and you have \u2018teapot lid\u2019, it could mean \u2018kid\u2019.\u00a0 He came all this way to see his kid \u2013 you.\u201d\u00a0 Rosie nodded, hopefully, and Adam continued, \u201cHe once told me that his parents were dead, but he first described them as \u2018brown\u2019, I think he would have said \u2018brown bread\u2019 but he was trying not to confuse me by using slang and changed it to \u2018dead\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie looked at Adam, and he could see she was eager to hear the rest.\u00a0 \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, him calling you his \u2018little mother\u2019 was more difficult to sort out, but last night Joe was cleaning his gun, and it suddenly came to me.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s gun has a pearl handle, mother of pearl.\u201d\u00a0 He paused and smiled, \u201cThat could be what he meant, mother of pearl for \u2018girl\u2019.\u00a0 He said, or meant to say, that you were his little girl,\u201d Adam put up a hand to brush a stray lock of hair from Rosie\u2019s forehead, \u201cand he loved you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie gazed at Adam; could he be right, had her father\u2019s words been explained?\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, thank you, thank you.\u00a0 If that\u2019s what he meant, then he must have known it was me with him.\u201d\u00a0 She threw her arms round him and hugged him.\u00a0 \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since her father\u2019s death, Adam had noticed that Rosie was never completely happy, never free of her worry over what he had said to her. \u00a0Now Adam had offered her his explanation she threw off that worry, and her face was alive, her eyes sparkling.\u00a0 He lowered his head to kiss her, and as Rosie pulled him closer he smiled to himself, thinking that there was every chance they would be late home for supper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They continued to spend their days together, when Adam\u2019s duties permitted, and when they did not Rosie waited impatiently for his return to the house.\u00a0 Every evening after supper, they sat side by side on the sofa, talking with the rest of the family or enjoying reading to each other, and Ben was waiting expectantly for his son to tell him that their relationship had flowered into something more permanent.\u00a0 He was still waiting, when a letter arrived for Rosie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor me?\u201d she queried, as Ben handed it to her when she returned with Adam from a day watching him mend fences and helping him to clear springs on the south range.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie tore it open, then walked across the room and sat on the sofa.\u00a0 Adam moved to sit beside her. \u201cWhat is it?\u00a0 Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked up and shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, but I have to go to England.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u00a0 For how long?\u201d\u00a0 Questions tumbled around in Adam\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how long.\u00a0 They need me to sign some papers, and it has to be done there.\u00a0 There are matters they want to discuss with me before they\u2019ll hand over the money, and whatever I decide to do with the business there are arrangements that have to be made.\u201d\u00a0 Rosie handed Adam the letter and, as he finished reading, he looked round at his father.\u00a0 Ben nodded silently, knowing that these two needed to talk, alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed the front door behind himself, and Adam turned to Rosie.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do, if I want my father\u2019s inheritance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at her, his heart beating hard in his chest at the thought of being without her, even for a short time, and thought that he would go with her.\u00a0 Then he recalled the feelings he had had, of wanting to get away yet knowing he could not leave, and he wanted to say the words that would bind her to him there; words of the love they shared and of his desire for her to be part of his life for ever.\u00a0 He took her in his arms, but before he could speak she put her finger on his lips to silence him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say anything.\u00a0 I have to go to London, but the money is not the real reason.\u00a0 Daddy worked all his life to build that business, it is his legacy to me, and I cannot ignore it.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know yet whether I will keep it, but if I do I will have to find someone to run it for me, and if I sell it, it must be to the right person, someone who will let it continue as Daddy intended.\u00a0 I would be betraying his memory if I did anything else.\u201d\u00a0 Rosie looked round the room.\u00a0 \u201cThis is your legacy from your father, you can\u2019t reject or desert it, any more than I can.\u00a0 I understand that you have to stay, and I hope that you can understand that I have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded slowly and sadly; she was right.\u00a0 He was sitting in the middle of the inheritance Ben wanted to pass on to his sons, and Adam knew that he was not ready to discard that responsibility.\u00a0 He stared into her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI understand.\u00a0 When will you leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStraight away.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled as she held his hand.\u00a0 \u201cThe sooner I go, the sooner I can come back, if you want me to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled her towards him and embraced her.\u00a0 \u201cOf course I want you to.\u00a0 We\u2019ll go into Virginia City tomorrow and book your passage.\u201d\u00a0 He suddenly realised that there would be only a few more times when he could hold her and his voice shook.\u00a0 \u201cGod, I\u2019m going to miss you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She rested her head on his shoulder and didn\u2019t reply, afraid that if she spoke her tears would fall and she would change her mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Rosie and Adam stood on the sidewalk outside the Overland stage office, waiting.\u00a0 Their conversation was filled with awkward silences, neither eager for parting, but knowing that it was inevitable and wanting to get it over with.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The driver emerged from the office and announced that he was ready to leave.\u00a0 An elderly couple mounted the coach and Rosie was about to follow, when Adam called to the driver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSam, can you give me a minute?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSure, Adam, but don\u2019t be long, gotta tight schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without bothering to answer, Adam grabbed Rosie\u2019s hand and pulled her into the alley next to the office.\u00a0 He turned her so that she was leaning against the wall and facing him, then he took her hands in his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say anything,\u201d he stopped her, as she took a breath and opened her mouth to speak.\u00a0 \u201cWhen that letter arrived, I was going to say something, but then I saw that you wanted and needed to go to London, and I decided that I would wait, so that whether or not you returned would be your choice, freely made.\u00a0 But I can\u2019t, I have to know before you leave.\u00a0 Rosie, will you marry me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She searched his face, and saw only love.\u00a0 She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOf course I will, did you ever doubt it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took her in his arms and sighed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Rosie, if only you didn\u2019t have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we both know I have to, don\u2019t we.\u201d\u00a0 She looked up into his face, and he nodded slowly, then he kissed her.\u00a0 It was a kiss filled with want and desire, and they pressed close to each other oblivious to the curious glances they received from people passing by.\u00a0 They knew that it would be the last contact they would share until Rosie returned, and they let their bodies melt together, longing for the day they could set their emotions free, as husband and wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were interrupted by Sam calling Adam\u2019s name.\u00a0 They parted reluctantly, and Adam led Rosie out of the alley and handed her into the coach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be counting every hour until you return, then we\u2019ll never be apart again,\u201d he promised her, as they held hands through the small window of the coach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie pulled his hands to her lips and kissed them gently.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can, nothing will keep me from you.\u201d\u00a0 Their grip was torn apart as the stage pulled away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam returned alone to the Ponderosa, but his thoughts were moving ever further away, as the woman he loved went to take up her inheritance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Winter set in and the barren days and cold, empty nights gave Adam too much time to think, he lived only for the moment that Rosie would return.\u00a0 At the back of his mind was always the thought that she might not come back; that the lure of her business and the life in London might prove stronger than her love for him.\u00a0 He prowled the house and range, working as hard as ever, trying to ignore his worries.\u00a0 He made himself think of the future, of Rosie returning to him and of a life shared with his new wife in a new home, which he would build for her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One day, in the middle of February, Adam was in Virginia City, and he took the opportunity to collect the mail.\u00a0 As he looked through the assortment of letters he stopped and smiled; there was one from Rosie. She had written to him many times in the weeks she had been away and he recognised the neat, precise handwriting immediately.\u00a0 He stopped on the way home, tethered Sport, and after clearing away some snow from a fallen tree trunk, he sat down staring at the envelope in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When her letters were brought to him at home, he would retreat to his room to read them; he did not want his family to see his reaction, or for them to intrude on the emotions the letters provoked.\u00a0 He opened each one with a vague feeling of unease, praying that he would read words of love, not of parting.\u00a0 Thus far his prayers had been answered, and her letters left him needing her to be with him.\u00a0 But having the letter already in his hand he could open it in the isolation of the forest and he smiled as he read, her news adding warmth to the weak winter sun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

18 Monson Road<\/em><\/p>\n

London<\/em><\/p>\n

England<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

January 4th<\/sup> 1860<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

My darling Adam,<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

It is so long since I have seen you that it is as though my time in Nevada might have been a dream.\u00a0 But then I remember your touch and your words, and I know that you are there, waiting for me.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

I know from your letters that you are as anxious for my return as I am, and the knowledge warms me.\u00a0 It reminds me that you still want me, even after this separation which seems like years, though in reality it will only be a few short months.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

I am delighted to write that you will not have to wait much longer, I have booked passage on The Hungarian, sailing from Liverpool on February 8th <\/sup>\u00a0bound for Maine, and so, with luck and good connections, I could be once more in your arms seven weeks from that date.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Please, do not come east to meet me, instead wait, and I will let you know when I expect to be in Virginia City.\u00a0 I remember our parting, and dream that when I see you again it will be in that same place, by the stage office, and it will be as though I had never left.\u00a0 I still remember your words on that occasion and I know that when I return it will be to you, and a life spent by your side, from which I will never again allow events to part me.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

My days are filled with emptiness, but my nights are full of images of you, and my heart sings to know that soon we will be together, always.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

All my love<\/em><\/p>\n

Rosie<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his head back, closed his eyes, and fought against the tears of relief that threatened now he knew she was returning.\u00a0 He sighed, knowing that in the time it had taken the letter to get to him, she had already left on her journey and soon his life could continue on the course of which he had been dreaming all winter.\u00a0 He worked out the dates and smiled.\u00a0 It was likely that the day she would arrive in Virginia City would be the 21st<\/sup> of March \u2013 the first day of spring; a time when the warmth returned to the land, as she would bring her warmth into his life once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat in the forest, dreaming of Rosie, until the chill of the afternoon told him it was time to move.\u00a0 He went back to Sport and, as he rode home, a smile was never far from his lips.\u00a0 He was bedding down the horse for the night, when Ben came into the barn.\u00a0 Ever since Rosie\u2019s departure he had been watching Adam, seeing his restlessness and knowing part of the reason was his concern that she might decide not to return.\u00a0 As the day wore on and there was still no sign of him, Ben was worried, and when he heard Adam ride in he wanted to assure himself that all was well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re late, son,\u201d he said as he walked across to Sport\u2019s stall.\u00a0 When Adam looked at him, Ben saw a brightness in his eyes that had been missing for many weeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa, I got held up,\u201d Adam said, then smiled.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s coming home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was only one person that Adam could be talking about, and Ben did not pretend that he didn\u2019t understand.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful, when?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShould be about six weeks.\u201d\u00a0 Adam knew they would be the longest weeks of his life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they walked together out of the barn, Ben put his arm round Adam\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll be strange not to have you about the place all the time, but you know that I\u2019m happy for you, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped and turned to his father.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll still be here.\u201d\u00a0 Then he said, with a laugh in his voice, \u201cThis is where I work, remember?\u201d\u00a0 Ben was about to walk into the house, but Adam held his arm.\u00a0 \u201cPa, there\u2019s something I want to say to you.\u201d\u00a0 His tone had become more serious, and Ben looked at his son curiously.\u00a0 \u201cOn our way home from Virginia City, after I was shot escaping from the Wyatt brothers, we stopped and talked honestly with each other, do you remember?\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou know better than anyone that I don\u2019t find it easy to share my thoughts, but talking to you then helped me to understand how you felt about this place, and I want to say something to you now, about how I feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben studied the expression on Adam\u2019s face, then guided him to the chairs on the veranda.\u00a0 Once they were both seated Ben turned to him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it, is there a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not at all.\u00a0 But there are things that need to be said, before I leave to start a life with Rosie.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took a deep breath, he had been thinking about this moment and what he would say. \u00a0\u201cI wanted to thank you, for looking out for me all these years.\u00a0 For bringing me up to be the man I am, and the husband I hope to be.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never let you know how much I value what you\u2019ve done, and I know it wasn\u2019t always easy, that I wasn\u2019t always the easiest person to live with.\u00a0 But this has been my only real home, and while I may in future have another place that I will call home, I will always be thankful for the life I had here, with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard against his rising emotions, he had never heard Adam talk in this way before.\u00a0 \u201cSon, I did what I had to do, to make a secure future for you and your brothers.\u00a0 Over the years I have had many misgivings that perhaps I failed you as a parent, dragging you across the country when you were just a child, until we found a home here.\u00a0 But knowing that you feel it was worthwhile, and seeing the man you have become, I am not sorry that I did it.\u00a0 Yes, you will have another home, but there will always be a place here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rose and held out his hand to his father.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Ben took his hand and there was silence as they stared at each other, until Adam turned away and walked into the house.\u00a0 Ben stood for a moment, wondering if Adam\u2019s willingness to open the inner door to his thoughts was a result of his joy at Rosie\u2019s imminent return, or if it was a permanent change in his usually taciturn son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

By the fourth week of February, Adam was waiting anxiously for news from Rosie telling him that she had arrived in Maine and was ready to continue her journey west. So when a rider appeared in the yard waving an envelope in his hand, Adam rushed to meet him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGot a message for ya, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said Billy Jenkins, who helped out with errands at the stage office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled broadly, and, after handing Billy a few coins for his trouble, tore open the envelope expectantly.\u00a0 But it was not from Rosie, it was from Granville Mauston, an old friend of his in Boston, with whom Adam had shared his good news and who was waiting for his invitation to the wedding.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s hand shook as he read the words, and his face paled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His hands dropped and he threw back his head.\u00a0 \u201cNoooooo!\u201d he cried at the uncaring sky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside the house, Ben heard the cry and raced out into the yard.\u00a0 He saw Adam, his face screwed up as though in pain, and he rushed towards him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u00a0 Are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t speak.\u00a0 With a trembling hand he held out the telegram to his father and turned away, wrapping his arms round his chest, trying to hold together a heart that was breaking.\u00a0 Ben read the words. \u201cHUNGARIAN WRECKED CAPE SABLE NINETEENTH STOP ALL LOST STOP DEEPLY SORRY STOP DETAILS FOLLOW STOP GRANVILLE FULL STOP\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben read the short message again, then turned and put his hand on his son\u2019s back.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2026I\u2019m so\u2026this is terrible news.\u201d\u00a0 He moved his hand to grip Adam\u2019s arm gently.\u00a0 \u201cCome inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s shoulders rose and sank, then he turned to face his father.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s breath caught in his throat as he saw the pain in his son\u2019s eyes and the paleness of his face, and he wanted to hug him close, to tell him that everything would be all right, as he had done when Adam was a boy and the agony of life\u2019s disasters could be assuaged by a caring embrace.\u00a0 Before Ben could move, Adam shook his head and his voice was husky with the tears he was resisting.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m all right, I think I\u2019ll just go for a ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben would have protested that Adam shouldn\u2019t go off by himself, but he had already started towards the barn, and Ben knew that his reticent son would shed his tears unobserved.\u00a0 Ben sighed; the fact that Adam wanted to be alone was not a good sign, and he wondered if it marked a return to the quiet introspection that he hoped Adam had left behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few minutes later Adam led Sport from the barn and mounted silently, as Ben held the horse\u2019s bridle and looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou know I\u2019m here, if you need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a muted \u201cI know Pa, I won\u2019t be long,\u201d Adam was gone.\u00a0 Ben turned slowly and went back into the house, where he would sit and wait anxiously for his sorrowing son\u2019s safe return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rode out of the yard, and followed the track into the mountains.\u00a0 Where before he had found peace in the quiet grandeur he now found only painful memories of Rosie, as he passed places where they had been together.\u00a0 He stopped when he reached the north pasture and recalled telling her of the meaning of her father\u2019s last words.\u00a0 That memory brought others flooding back, as he thought of the afternoon they had spent together, lying in the long grass; her touch, her kiss, her gentleness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned away, the images too painful, and kicked Sport into a gallop, heedless of where he was heading.\u00a0 He slowed as he found himself at the place where he had been knocked from his horse, so many months ago.\u00a0 Now the warmth of late summer was gone and the chill of winter filled the air, but Adam could not feel it.\u00a0 His body had no feelings other than his love of Rosie, and that filled him until it overflowed.\u00a0 He dismounted shakily and wandered blindly into the forest.\u00a0 Perhaps not blindly, Adam realised numbly, as he found himself again at the spot where Edward had been camping when they first met.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The thought of Rosie\u2019s father brought with it a duty that Adam felt he had to perform, and he mounted Sport and set his head towards the lake.\u00a0 It was almost dark by the time that Adam stepped out of the saddle beside the grave of Edward Mulherne and stood, facing the headstone, deep in thought.\u00a0 Rosie had gone back to England to take up her inheritance from her father, but that legacy had proved not to be his business, or his fortune, but an untimely death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEdward, I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d he started, then thought that if indeed there was an afterlife, Edward would already know that Rosie was dead, and if there was not, why was he standing there talking to a patch of earth?\u00a0 \u201cI want to tell you how much I loved your daughter,\u201d he stopped and swallowed hard, forcing back tears.\u00a0 \u201cI wanted to take care of her and give her my love and as much happiness as it was in me to give.\u00a0 But I can\u2019t do that now; it\u2019s up to you to take care of her.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced across the headland to where he could see, in the fading light, Marie\u2019s grave, then he turned back.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t go to her grave to say goodbye, for she has none, so I\u2019m asking you to say it for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes as he felt tears burn in them, then he stopped resisting and let them flow.\u00a0 He threw back his head and cried to the winds, \u201cRosie, I love you!\u201d\u00a0 Then his emotions finally overcame him, and he slowly sank to his knees, then fell forward, stretching out on the frozen ground and weeping bitter, lonely tears.\u00a0 His fingers dug through the snow, until they could cling to the grass, looking for the solidity of the earth as his world fell apart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Back at the ranch, Hoss and Joe had returned from their day\u2019s work, and Ben told them the news.\u00a0 They both wanted to go in search of their brother, but Ben stopped them, knowing that Adam wanted to be alone, and trusting him to return when he felt able to face them.\u00a0 They spent an uneasy evening, hardly speaking, thinking about the son and brother who was suffering but would not let his family into his sorrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was nearly midnight and Joe and Hoss had reluctantly gone up to bed.\u00a0 Before they parted outside Hoss\u2019 door, Joe looked into his larger brother\u2019s blue eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf Adam ain\u2019t back in the morning, I\u2019m going looking for him,\u201d Joe declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you can come with me.\u00a0 I was plannin\u2019 to do jest that.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss lowered his voice.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t care what Pa says.\u00a0 If\u2019n Adam\u2019s hurtin\u2019 we should be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst light?\u201d Joe suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIf you think you can get up.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss smiled softly, Joe\u2019s affinity with his bed was well known to his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe might not have time for breakfast.\u201d Joe smiled in return; Hoss\u2019 appreciation of a good meal was also renowned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They stopped smiling.\u00a0 What was equally well known to both of them was Adam\u2019s more introverted nature.\u00a0 He was likely to loose himself in his grief, and they needed to find him, quickly.\u00a0 Sorrow, and his need to be alone, could drive him into the mountains and, at that time of year, such a journey could prove fatal for the unprepared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned away towards his own room, but stopped when he heard the front door open.\u00a0 He raised his eyes at Hoss and was met with the same understanding expression.\u00a0 Many times that evening, their father had gone to the door, opening it in the hope of seeing Adam return, but always he faced an empty yard, and silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time, however, they did not hear him shut the door, and Joe crept to the head of the stairs.\u00a0 He motioned to Hoss, and they stood looking down, watching Ben who was standing by the open door.\u00a0 Then they smiled at each other as they heard the slow tread of footsteps; their brother had returned.\u00a0 Hoss pushed Joe gently, and they descended into the great room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben steered Adam towards the sofa, before going to the sideboard and finding a blanket from one of its cupboards and draping it around Adam\u2019s shoulders as he sat, staring at the flames in the hearth.\u00a0 His brothers could see that his eyes were red in his pale face, and he was shivering with cold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe went wordlessly to the small table beside the stairs and poured a large glass of brandy, which he held out to Adam, whose hands shook as he took it with a small, grateful smile, which barely moved his lips. Hoss sat down and draped an arm over Adam\u2019s shoulders, trying to give him warmth and comfort.\u00a0 He held Adam\u2019s shaking hands and guided the glass to his lips, making him drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down on the opposite side of Adam, while Ben sat on the coffee table, facing him, and when he looked into his son\u2019s troubled eyes, Ben\u2019s heart cried.\u00a0 He saw that the doors to Adam\u2019s inner self, which had begun to open and let the world in, had been slammed shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, you know how sorry we are.\u201d\u00a0 Ben spoke the thought that was in all their minds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa, I know.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stared into the glass, not able to look at the sympathetic faces, afraid that the love he saw there would make his tears return.\u00a0 \u201cI should never have let her go, I should have tried harder to stop her.\u201d\u00a0 His voice broke, but when he spoke again, he had it under control.\u00a0 \u201cShe didn\u2019t need that money, she would have had plenty if she\u2019d stayed, I would have seen to that.\u201d\u00a0 They sat silently, waiting while Adam let out his grief in words.\u00a0 \u201cBut she said she was going because it was her father\u2019s legacy to her, and she couldn\u2019t ignore it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can understand that,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told her that I did,\u201d Adam shook his head sadly from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe if I\u2019d said that I didn\u2019t understand, she would still be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you do, don\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cYou couldn\u2019t pretend to Rosie, or yourself, that you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded slowly, and finally looked up at his father.\u00a0 As the two men stared at each other, shared memories of what it had cost to build the Ponderosa flashed between them, and Adam knew it would be a betrayal of all that his father had done to ignore his heritage.\u00a0 He realised that, despite the short time that Rosie and her father had spent together, she had gleaned from Edward the knowledge of what it had cost him to build his business; the lost wife and child, the long, arduous hours, and the fight against competitors.\u00a0 She had taken that knowledge into her heart, and gone back to ensure that it was not wasted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing his family around him, and feeling the love that flowed out of them towards him, Adam could not stop the single tear that crept silently down his cheek at the thought of the love he had lost.\u00a0 He stood, and they watched as he went to the window behind the dining table and gazed out at the night that matched the darkness in his heart, now the light had gone from his life.\u00a0 He raised his glass and spoke quietly.\u00a0 \u201cWherever you are sleeping, that is where my love sleeps, my English Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Notes:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glossary:<\/p>\n

China = china plate = mate<\/p>\n

Plates = plates of meat = feet<\/p>\n

Red rag = drag.\u00a0 Also: Red rag to a bull = pull<\/p>\n

Two and eight = state (as in: condition)<\/p>\n

Jeremiah = fire<\/p>\n

Butcher\u2019s = butcher\u2019s hook = look<\/p>\n

Charing = Charing Cross = horse<\/p>\n

\u2018alfpenny (pronounced \u2018aypenny\u2019) dip = halfpenny (haypenny) dip = ship<\/p>\n

Bottle = Bottle of porter (beer) = daughter<\/p>\n

Jack Frost = lost<\/p>\n

Cat = cat and mouse = house<\/p>\n

Trouble = trouble and strife = wife<\/p>\n

Bread = bread and honey = money<\/p>\n

Rabbiting = Rabbit and pork = talk<\/p>\n

Brown = brown bread = dead<\/p>\n

Teapot = teapot lid = kid<\/p>\n

Mother = mother of pearl = girl<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The \u2018Peelers\u2019, whom Edward mentioned, get their name from the founder of the first organised police force, Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850). \u00a0Though that term has fallen into disuse, the British police still have a legacy of their origin, being widely known as \u2018bobbies\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The Hungarian\u2019, a steamship of the Allen Line, left Liverpool on February 8th<\/sup> 1860 bound for Portland, Maine.\u00a0 She was wrecked in a storm on the night of the 19th,<\/sup> on the west side of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, with the loss of all aboard, estimated variously at between 130-140 passengers and crew.\u00a0 Listed among the passengers was a Mrs. Wyatt, who was travelling alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong> \u00a0 Adam Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Adam rides into the mountains seeking to regain control of his emotions.\u00a0 But a meeting with a stranger leads to events that he cannot control.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (29,285 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10351,"featured_media":8609,"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":[1005,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14057","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-drama","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1252,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Rose-01.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":992,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=992","url_meta":{"origin":14057,"position":0},"title":"Hostage (by the Tahoe Ladies)","author":"Tahoe Ladies","date":"April 19, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 a story of captivity, survival and compassion Rated: T\u00a0 - Word Count: 40500","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-9.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2860,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2860","url_meta":{"origin":14057,"position":1},"title":"Flowers (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"March 27, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Five women, five flowers, each of them holding a special meaning. 990 words, rated K+ The Art-Universe 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\/04\/000SueAndAdam-Kopie.jpg?fit=793%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/000SueAndAdam-Kopie.jpg?fit=793%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/000SueAndAdam-Kopie.jpg?fit=793%2C669&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/000SueAndAdam-Kopie.jpg?fit=793%2C669&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":60835,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60835","url_meta":{"origin":14057,"position":2},"title":"Adam and Rose (by ACSPeej)","author":"acspeej","date":"November 26, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam and his wife settle into life on the Ponderosa. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 \u00a0Words: 9,870","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4008,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4008","url_meta":{"origin":14057,"position":3},"title":"From Joe to Adam (by Trinity)","author":"Trinity","date":"April 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A type of poem I learned how to write in my English 3 class. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a033","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adamjoe4.jpg?fit=400%2C319&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":63140,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63140","url_meta":{"origin":14057,"position":4},"title":"All the King’s Horses (by Julie Jurkovich)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"October 11, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam is distressed by the disorder, lawlessness, and prejudice in Virginia City after the Paiute War. When restless and hungry Indians help themselves to settlers` food and supplies, Adam is caught between defending the Indians from unscrupulous murderers and defending his own way of life to himself, and leaves\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14596,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14596","url_meta":{"origin":14057,"position":5},"title":"A Dish Best Served (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"September 27, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The course of true love rarely runs smoothly for any Cartwright, especially when a vindictive father and son are determined to punish the one they hold responsible for their personal tragedy. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0Word Count: \u00a070,950","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\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&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\/14057","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\/10351"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14057"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14057\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}