{"id":2109,"date":"2008-09-08T18:04:56","date_gmt":"2008-09-08T22:04:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2109"},"modified":"2026-07-30T14:07:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T18:07:07","slug":"generations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2109","title":{"rendered":"Generations (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Ben is disturbed when Marie’s father arrives in Virginia City wanting to meet his grandson.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K (19,580)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n

He knew what the answer would be even before he had even asked the question. \u00a0It was so obvious to him that the question in fact had become superfluous, yet he knew he had to ask it anyway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018His name\u2019s Joe Cartwright,\u2019 said the man next to him. \u2018Do you know the Cartwrights?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018No not really,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you sir.\u2019 He tipped his hat and stepped back into the shadow of the porch. Did he know the Cartwrights? No he didn\u2019t know them, although they would soon know him. As he watched the youngster across the street he wondered just how to go about making contact. \u00a0He couldn\u2019t very well just walk up to him and introduce himself could he? \u00a0All this time and he hadn\u2019t even considered how it would be done. \u00a0All that mattered to him was that he got to meet the boy and now the time was here he was being forced to face the practical details of how to achieve his aim. A letter! \u00a0Yes that was it\u2026\u2026a letter to his father. Ben Cartwright would come instantly when he knew Francois was in town and he would be able to explain things that way. \u00a0In the meantime\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the meantime, he stood and watched the boy opposite with a lump in his throat. Even at this distance, he could see that he was the living reincarnation of his mother and the thought of it made Francois close his eyes for a moment. Perhaps he had been wrong to come here? \u00a0Perhaps it was too late after all? \u00a0He coughed again and put his handkerchief up to his mouth to stop it, then stared at the blood that spotted the white cloth as he withdrew it again. No\u2026this was his last chance to meet the boy. \u00a0Lord knows what the doctors in San Francisco would tell him and he might never make it back this way again. If he was going to do this, then it would have to be now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He continued to stare at the youngster, fascinated with what he saw. \u00a0Marie\u2019s son! He had his mother\u2019s curly chestnut hair and slim build. \u00a0She had been such a beauty. \u00a0Francois had been so proud of her before\u2026\u2026\u2026 he shook his head slightly. \u00a0No! He wouldn\u2019t allow himself to think in that direction. \u00a0The past was over and done with now and all that was important was that he got to meet Marie\u2019s son before it was too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He regretted so much that he hadn\u2019t come here before. \u00a0All those years that he could have been in contact with the boy\u2026\u2026.gone \u2026\u2026\u2026never to be able to be captured again! \u00a0And whose fault was that? \u00a0He knew he had no one to blame but himself and that was the sad part. \u00a0If only he had been less stubborn he could have seen his daughter one more time before her death. \u00a0Now it was too late! \u00a0Well it wasn\u2019t too late to meet his grandson and he intended to use every argument at his disposal to persuade Ben Cartwright that he needed to see the boy. No matter what it took, Marie\u2019s son would know of him before he died. He wouldn\u2019t repeat his past mistakes again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You will do as I say!\u2019 he thundered. \u2018I am your father and I will have respect from you in this house!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glared at him. \u2018Respect! Why should I give you respect when you never show me any father? \u00a0All I want is to make a few decisions of my own for a change.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I am your father and I will make your decisions for you young lady. As long as you live under my roof you will do as I bid.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well then maybe I won\u2019t live under your roof for much longer!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pointed his finger at her. \u2018You are eighteen years old and far too young to be thinking like that. \u00a0When the right man comes along\u2026.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The right man?\u2019 she interrupted. \u2018I\u2019ve told you I\u2019ve already found him.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you mention that good-for-nothing in this house!\u2019 he thundered.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Jean is not a good-for-nothing!\u2019 she retorted. \u2018He\u2019s the man I love and I \u2026.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He snorted. \u2018The man you love! \u00a0What would you know about love? \u00a0You\u2019ve had no experience of such things.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s exactly why I want to start living a bit father! \u00a0You need to let me grow up and experience\u2026..\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I will tell you what you can and cannot experience young lady! \u00a0Now go to your room.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not a child any more. I won\u2019t be told when to go to my\u2026.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reached out and struck her on the face. \u2018I don\u2019t want to repeat myself. \u00a0Now go!\u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned and fled without a word.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright opened the door after the second knock. \u2018Yes Charlie?\u2019 he said to his foreman standing on the porch. \u2018What is it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man handed him a letter. \u2018This is for you Mr Cartwright,\u2019 he said. \u2018Gerald from the International Hotel said one of their guests was asking how to get it to you. \u00a0He knew I was in town so he asked me to bring it out to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the letter puzzled. \u2018Thank you Charlie,\u2019 he said. He wondered who on earth might be staying at the Hotel that he knew. As he shut the door he glanced at the handwriting on the front of the envelope. It looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn\u2019t quite place it. He sat down and tore open the envelope as he began to read.<\/p>\n

Dear Ben,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I know this letter will take you by surprise after all these years. \u00a0I\u2019m sorry if I have startled you by writing it. \u00a0I am travelling to San Francisco and have stopped in Virginia City for several days on the way and dearly wish to speak to you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I know you may not feel inclined to see me after all these years and especially after what happened between Marie and myself, but believe me Ben I do regret many things from the past and only want the chance to tell you so in person.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I also wish to discuss with you the possibility of meeting my grandson Joseph.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I have not presented myself at your ranch for fear of intruding upon your family and upsetting you, but I will be at The International Hotel until Friday and hope that you will see your way clear to meeting with me here.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yours sincerely,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois Dubois<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared into the fireplace in front of him. Francois Dubois! \u00a0How many years had it been since he had heard that name or even thought about the man? More than he wished to remember that was for sure! \u00a0He studied the letter in his hand again. \u00a0I also wish to discuss with you the possibility of meeting my grandson Joseph. \u00a0He frowned. \u00a0After all the man had done he honestly expected to just waltz in here and\u2026\u2026.. The front door slammed open and Joe entered the room with his customary abruptness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hi Pa!\u2019 he said as he plonked himself down on the settee beside his father. \u2018Guess what?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph take your feet off the table,\u2019 said Ben automatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his feet down. \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he said undaunted. \u2018Guess what?\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam finally got that black broke,\u2019 Joe said with a grin. \u2018You shoulda seen him Pa. He was a tough one alright, but Adam\u2026. \u00a0Hey, what are you reading?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put the letter into his pocket. \u00a0He had no intention of talking to his son about it until he\u2019d had time to think about what to do first. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Tell me about the black.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He listened to his son, but his mind was elsewhere.
\n——-
\n\u2018Ben I\u2019m not sure I can do this.\u2019 She leant against him as the buggy came to a halt. \u2018What if he doesn\u2019t want to see me?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at her and took her hand. \u2018Well you\u2019ll never know unless you try,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018You know you have to do this.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u2018Yes. \u00a0It\u2019s just that after all this time\u2026\u2026 well I\u2019m scared that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course you\u2019re scared. \u00a0You wouldn\u2019t be human if you weren\u2019t darling. \u00a0Don\u2019t worry. \u00a0I\u2019m sure that he\u2019ll greet you with open arms.\u2019 She tried to smile at him. \u2018Ready?\u2019 \u00a0He asked. \u00a0She nodded and put her shoulders back.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ready,\u2019 she said. They walked together up the pathway to the house and Marie knocked resolutely on the door. \u00a0After a moment it opened and a large black man stood in front of them.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello Jacob,\u2019 she said. \u2018Is my father in please?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man raised his eyebrows in surprise. \u2018Miss Marie,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s sure been a long time.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u2018Yes it has. \u00a0Is my father at home please?\u2019 she repeated.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shut the door and left them standing on the doorstep. \u00a0Marie reached out for Ben\u2019s hand and clutched it tightly. He smiled at her. <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within moments the door opened again and Jacob appeared. \u2018Your father ain\u2019t available Miss,\u2019 he said.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stared at him. \u2018Please tell him I\u2019d like to see him. \u00a0Tell him I\u2019m going away and I want to talk to him before I do.\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll wait.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shrugged his shoulders and disappeared again. \u00a0Marie hung her head and closed her eyes as she felt Ben\u2019s strong arm around her shoulders. \u00a0\u2018He doesn\u2019t want to see me Ben,\u2019 she whispered. \u2018I knew he wouldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Ben could speak, Jacob was back again. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Miss,\u2019 he said with pity in his voice. \u2018But your father ain\u2019t available.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maire turned and fled down the path back to the buggy. \u00a0Ben gave the man a helpless look and strode after her. \u00a0He caught up with her at the gate. \u2018Marie don\u2019t,\u2019 he said as he pulled her into his arms. \u2018It isn\u2019t worth it.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well now I know,\u2019 she said. \u2018You said I had to know and now I do.\u2019 \u00a0She looked up at him. \u2018At least now we can leave for Nevada knowing that I leave nothing behind me.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben helped her into the buggy and turned to go to the other side. \u00a0As he did he saw a slight movement behind the curtains from an upstairs window and stared at it for a moment. \u00a0He shook his head as he wondered how a father could so totally reject his own child. \u00a0As a father of two young boys himself, Ben knew that nothing\u2026\u2026no matter what it was could ever separate him from his children as Francois Dubois had done to himself and his daughter.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glared at the window and turned to get into the buggy. \u00a0Putting his arms around his sobbing wife he hitched the team up and turned them to the west.<\/em>
\n——-
\nBen knocked on the door and waited. \u00a0His heart was in his mouth as he wondered what the next few minutes would bring and he wondered for the tenth time that morning if he was making the right decision by coming here. \u00a0Before he could think it through for another time the door opened and he stared at the man in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben Cartwright. \u00a0I\u2019m glad you came,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018Please come in.\u2019 He opened the door to let Ben pass and motioned him to a chair. \u2018Would you like for me to send for coffee?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018What I\u2019d like is for you to explain to me what you\u2019re doing here,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois raised an eyebrow as he sat down. \u2018Still as blunt as ever I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Always came straight to the point, didn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u2018I believe in saying it like it is,\u2019 he said. \u2018You haven\u2019t answered my question.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I believe I made it clear in my note,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018I came to apologise to you for the past and to ask your permission to see my grandson.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not the one you should be apologising to,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018But Marie\u2019s gone and I can\u2019t tell her how I\u2019m feeling.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And just how is that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois stood up and began to pace the floor. \u2018I have realised in my old age just how wrong I was,\u2019 he began. He put up his hand as Ben opened his mouth to speak. \u2018Please let me have my say Ben. I\u2019ve come a long way and spent many hours rehearsing just the right way to say this to you. I\u2019d appreciate you giving me the opportunity to speak plain.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and sat back in his chair as the man continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve made a lot of mistakes in my life Ben. \u00a0The biggest one was letting Marie go like that. \u00a0I don\u2019t know how much she told you of our relationship, but needless to say it was a very unsteady one. \u00a0It was difficult for me after her mother died. \u00a0I was never an involved father at the best of times and knowing what to do with a young girl was just beyond me. \u00a0In hindsight perhaps it would have been better if I had sent her away to live with relatives\u2026.\u2019 \u00a0He shrugged. \u2018Who knows? \u00a0All I know is that we were both two very stubborn people who clashed. \u00a0I was determined that she would do as I said and in many ways I know now that I was far too strict, but I thought I was doing the right thing by her. She was\u2026\u2026.well, she was very wilful. \u00a0You must know that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled slightly. \u00a0Yes he did know that. \u00a0Didn\u2019t he live with her son after all? \u00a0A boy who was as stubborn as his mother had been and who also possessed her free spirit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It was inevitable that she would rebel sooner or later I suppose,\u2019 Francois continued. \u2018I never thought it would be in such a way though. Marriage to that good-for-nothing\u2026..\u2019 His voice trailed off and he stopped for a moment. \u2018I told her in no uncertain terms what I thought of it, but she took no notice of me of course. She always did exactly what she wanted to and by the time I realised how serious things had become she had eloped with him and it was too late for me to do anything about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So you turned your back on her,\u2019 Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois stopped pacing and turned to him. \u2018Yes I did,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I was wrong. \u00a0I admit it now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019re about twenty years too late,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Do you realise what she went through during that time? \u00a0She was destitute before I met her and you never once lifted a finger to help her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois rubbed his hand over his eyes. \u2018The past is past Ben. \u00a0I\u2019m asking you to help me move forward now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to look at him. \u2018You ask me to help you? Why should I when you wouldn\u2019t lift a finger to help your own daughter?\u2019 \u00a0He shook his head. \u2018No Francois. \u00a0I don\u2019t feel inclined to help you at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know now that I should have helped her. \u00a0But there are things that you don\u2019t understand Ben. Things that happened between us\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All I know is that no matter what happened \u00a0Marie never deserved you to turn away from her like that! \u00a0I could never do that to one of my sons. Even when she came to see you that day after we were married you still refused to see her,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018I still refused to see her. My only daughter and I couldn\u2019t allow my pride to bend enough to stop her from walking out of my life like that. \u00a0It\u2019s taken a long time for me to realise the fact that I was wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t say anything for a few moments. Then he spoke. \u2018You\u2019ve had plenty of time to fix things over the years, yet you never did.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois sat down with a sigh. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018No, I didn\u2019t.\u2019 \u00a0He paused and looked at Ben. \u2018That was wrong of me. Marie wrote to me when Joseph was born you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know,\u2019 Ben acknowledged. \u2018I also know how desperately she waited for a reply from you. \u00a0A reply that never came. She was so badly hurt over that. You have no idea how deeply you wounded her when you wouldn\u2019t even acknowledge the birth of your own grandson.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois hesitated before replying. \u2018I have no excuse for myself except to say that I still wanted to hurt her for leaving me like that. \u00a0Can you forgive me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you before its not for me to forgive,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I wrote to you at the time of her death,\u2019 he continued. \u2018What excuse do you have for not answering then?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018Grief,\u2019 he said. \u2018I began to realise how unfair I had been to her and it became too late to do anything about it then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois put his head up and looked at Ben. \u2018I want to see my grandson.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why now?\u2019 Ben repeated. \u2018He\u2019s eighteen. \u00a0Why suddenly now after all these years?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois sighed. \u2018I need to see him before its too late,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat forward in his chair. \u2018Too late?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois looked him in the eye. \u2018I\u2019m an old man now Ben,\u2019 he said and raised his hands. \u2018You see if I don\u2019t meet my grandson now then perhaps I never will. \u00a0This could be my last chance.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Well\u2026\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Please,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018I know I don\u2019t have any right to ask this of you Ben, but I am asking it all the same. You know I\u2019m not a man who finds begging easy, but I need to meet that boy. \u00a0He\u2019s so much like Marie that in a way it\u2019d be\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What do you mean he\u2019s so much like Marie? \u00a0How would you know that?\u2019 asked Ben sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I saw him yesterday down on the street. \u00a0I knew it was him even before I asked.\u2019 \u00a0He put up his hand again. \u2018Oh don\u2019t worry, I didn\u2019t speak to him. I wouldn\u2019t do that. \u00a0He has no idea I was even watching him. But he\u2019s just so much like her I couldn\u2019t take my eyes off him.\u2019 \u00a0He stood up and faced Ben. \u2018I lost the chance to make my peace with my daughter Ben. \u00a0Please allow me to at least do it with my grandson.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up as well. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s really not my decision to make. \u00a0I\u2019ll think about it, but ultimately it will be up to Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois nodded. \u2018I suppose that\u2019s all I can hope for,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m catching the noon stage on Friday.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and walked to the door as he opened it he turned back again. \u2018You understand why I won\u2019t be asking you out to the ranch,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois nodded as the door closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I need to speak to you about something,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Would you excuse us please boys?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged amused glances as they left the table wondering what Joe had done wrong now. \u00a0Joe looked at his father wondering the same thing, but for the life of him he came up with nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u2018Come on over here son.\u2019 \u00a0He motioned to the settee and Joe followed him warily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They sat side by side for a moment as Ben wondered how to begin and finally Joe couldn\u2019t stand the tension any longer. \u2018I ain\u2019t done nothing,\u2019 he declared while staring at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and put his hand around his son\u2019s neck. \u2018I didn\u2019t say you did,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t worry son, you\u2019re not in trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The relief was evident on Joe\u2019s face and he let out his breath with a sigh. \u2018Then what is it Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hesitated, for he didn\u2019t quite know how to begin. Finally he said. \u2018I received a letter yesterday that concerns you Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him startled. \u2018Me?\u2019 he asked in surprise. \u2018Who\u2019d be writing to you about me?\u2019 \u00a0He thought for a moment. \u2018If it\u2019s that Mrs Addison about what happened to her\u2026..\u2019 \u00a0he stopped as he realised what he was saying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019 prompted Ben with an amused look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slumped down in his seat. \u2018Nothin,\u2019 he finished lamely. He didn\u2019t want to get himself caught up in a conversation that could otherwise be avoided. \u2018What were you saying Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The letter was from someone who wants to meet you,\u2019 continued his father. \u2018Your grandfather.\u2019 \u00a0He watched the boy carefully to see what effect his words would have on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My grandfather?\u2019 repeated Joe with a puzzled look on his face. \u2018I didn\u2019t know I had a grandfather.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you do,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018He\u2019s your mother\u2019s father and he wants to meet you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to look puzzled. \u2018How come I don\u2019t know about him then?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Where\u2019s he from?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s from New Orleans where your mother lived,\u2019 said Ben. \u00a0He left it at that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to him. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said, his eyes shining. \u2018Hey how come I didn\u2019t get to know about him then?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u2018Your mother wasn\u2019t in contact with him very much,\u2019 he explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How come?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well they had a falling out many years ago and they never communicated very much.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What kind of falling out?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They just didn\u2019t get on,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018She never saw him again after we married and left New Orleans.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Didn\u2019t they ever write to each other?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well\u2026\u2026.Your mother wrote to him when you were born and I sent him a letter after she died,\u2019 said Ben carefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Did he write back?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Ben shortly. \u2018He didn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018Then he couldn\u2019t have cared very much could he?\u2019 Ben was silent. \u2018Why\u2019s he here now then?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Seems to me if he wanted to meet me he\u2019s had plenty of time to do it. Why now all of a sudden?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I guess that\u2019s something you\u2019d have to ask him Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s asked to meet you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u2018Is he coming here to the ranch?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No. I didn\u2019t invite him out here. I told him that if he\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father sharply. \u2018You told him?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Have you spoken to him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018He\u2019s already in Virginia City,\u2019 he explained. \u2018I went into town yesterday and met him there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018Why didn\u2019t you tell me?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You went and talked to my grandfather and you didn\u2019t tell me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wanted to be sure what his motives were for seeing you first,\u2019 answered his father. \u2018The letter was addressed to me son, not you. He wanted to speak to me first.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Why wouldn\u2019t he just write to me if he wanted to see me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because he doesn\u2019t know you,\u2019 explained his father. \u2018He didn\u2019t want to worry or upset you by just contacting you out of the blue like that. \u00a0He felt it was best if I speak to you about it first.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018What\u2019s he like Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tactfully avoided the question. \u2018He\u2019d like you to see that for yourself,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018Do you want to meet him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you want me to?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stroked the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018It\u2019s not up to me to say Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s your grandfather, so it\u2019s your decision son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ran his fingers through his hair. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can I think about it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course you can,\u2019 said Ben gently. \u2018He\u2019ll be in town for a few more days. \u00a0He leaves for San Francisco on Friday.\u2019 He patted Joe on the arm. \u2018Why don\u2019t you take the morning off and go and think about it?\u2019 he suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up, his face showing his shock. \u2018Thanks Pa. \u00a0I will.\u2019 \u00a0He moved to leave the room, then turned. \u2018If I decide not to see him it\u2019ll be alright, won\u2019t it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Whatever you decide is alright Joseph,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018It\u2019s up to you what you want to do son. \u00a0Having a relative turning up like this so suddenly is a difficult thing, so you take your time to think about it. \u00a0It\u2019s your decision.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and left the room. Ben sat and stared into the fireplace in front of him.
\n——-
\nAdam opened the door and entered the room, followed by Hoss.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Did you pick up the mail after school today boys?\u2019 asked Marie, hopping up from her chair.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018There\u2019s sure a heap of it too.\u2019 He put it down on his father\u2019s desk.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Anything ta eat?\u2019 asked Hoss giving Marie a hug around the waist. \u2018I\u2019m hungry!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re always hungry,\u2019 laughed Adam.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018In the kitchen,\u2019 said Marie, smiling down at the little boy. \u2018Hop Sing has something ready for both of you.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ran out into the kitchen, stopping momentarily to hover over the cradle and give his baby brother a grin. \u00a0Adam followed more sedately.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie turned to Ben who was sifting through the mail. \u2018Anything interesting?\u2019 she asked casually.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at her. \u2018I thought we\u2019d been all through this,\u2019 he said as he stood up and came round the desk. \u00a0\u2018If he was going to reply I think he would have done it by now don\u2019t you? \u00a0It\u2019s been four months after all.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded and turned away from him, her eyes filling with tears. \u2018I just can\u2019t help it Ben,\u2019 she said. \u2018I keep hoping, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled her towards him and put his arms around her as he held her close, not knowing what to say. She put her head on his chest and whispered. \u2018I thought he\u2019d be pleased.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure he is,\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018He just doesn\u2019t know how to show it to you. After all, who wouldn\u2019t be pleased to know that they had such a beautiful little grandson?\u2019 His eyes darted over to the cradle where Little Joe could be heard cooing.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled and brushed her tears away. \u2018He is beautiful isn\u2019t he?\u2019 she said. \u2018Such a little darling.\u2019 \u00a0At that moment their \u2018little darling\u2019 let out a loud yell and they both laughed. \u2018Well sometimes,\u2019 she added as she stooped to pick him up. \u2018Hello there little one,\u2019 she said and kissed the tiny child on the top of his curly head. \u2018I think he needs to be changed.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as she carried the baby upstairs. \u00a0For a moment he considered writing to Francois himself and letting him have a piece of his mind, but he knew that doing something like that would only make the situation worse. \u00a0He sighed. \u00a0There was nothing he could do to ease her pain and knowing it caused the pain in his heart to grow as well.<\/em>
\n——-
\n\u2018What\u2019s wrong with Joe?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018He rode out of here as if his tail was on fire.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah and he ignored me when I spoke to him,\u2019 added Hoss. \u2018I don\u2019t think he even heard what I said.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe has some thinking to do,\u2019 said Ben as he leant on the corral fence. \u2018I\u2019ve given him the morning off to do it.\u2019 Both of them stared at him while he continued. \u2018Marie\u2019s father has come to Virginia City,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018He wants to meet Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Adam. \u2018I didn\u2019t know Marie had a father who was alive,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I just always assumed her parents were dead.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Her mother died when she was a young girl,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Her father raised her after that until\u2026\u2026.\u2019 \u00a0Both boys looked at him. \u2018Until they had a falling out,\u2019 he said. \u2018She left home to get married and never saw him after that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You mean when she married Jean,\u2019 prompted Adam. \u00a0Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jean de Maringny had been Marie\u2019s first husband. Given the circumstances between her and her father, Ben strongly suspected that the marriage had been her way of escaping from his domineering attitude towards her. She had almost told him as much herself. \u00a0The marriage had only lasted a year before Jean left to come west. \u00a0He had ended up working on The Ponderosa and was eventually killed here, which was how Ben had come to meet Marie. \u00a0At Jean\u2019s request he had made the long trip to New Orleans to inform her of her husband\u2019s death and it was there that they had fallen in love and married.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had returned to Nevada with a new wife and Marie had left behind the only life she had ever known as well as her family. He could still hear her sobs as she lay in his arms that night after been turned away from her father\u2019s door and he knew that time had not lessened the hurt for her here in Nevada. \u00a0Ben watched her hurt become deeper as she realised over the years that he had no intention of forgiving his daughter for the hurt that she had caused him. For Ben\u2019s part he would never forgive the man for hurting his precious Marie in that way and he had no intention of allowing him to hurt Joseph as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Privately he hoped that the boy would decide not to see the man for he felt that no good would come of it. \u00a0But if Joseph wanted to, then he would have to allow it. After all they had the right to get to know each other if that was that they both wanted. \u00a0Perhaps this time the past could be buried and forgiven?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss broke through Ben\u2019s thoughts. \u2018How come he wants to see Joe now?\u2019 he asked. \u2018It\u2019s an awful long time to wait don\u2019t ya think Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wrote to him after Marie died and I never even heard back from him then,\u2019 he said. \u2018Frankly it worries me that he wants to see Joe at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Are you going to let him?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018It\u2019s Joe\u2019s decision,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll abide by whatever he wants to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How did he react to the news?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He seemed to be more startled than anything. After all a grandfather coming out of nowhere is a hard thing to come to terms with so suddenly.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 agreed Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m not sure how I\u2019d feel about it.\u2019 \u00a0He grinned. \u2018Hey Pa, you don\u2019t have long-lost grandparents for me do ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u2018No I don\u2019t son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your mother\u2019s parents died many years ago, I can assure you of that. \u00a0No,\u2019 he added. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to give Joe time to work this one out on his own. Give him some space about it boys, alright?\u2019 They nodded. \u2018Now off to work with you both,\u2019 their father said. \u2018Just because I gave Joseph the morning off doesn\u2019t mean you two have it as well you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pity,\u2019 said Adam with a sardonic grin. \u2018Maybe if I got my grandfather in Boston to write to you you\u2019d let me take it easy for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed again. \u2018Get!\u2019 he said with a wave of his hand and stood back to watch as the two of them rode out. \u00a0He sighed as he turned back towards the house. He had his personal feelings about whether or not Joseph should see Francois Dubois, but he only hoped that the boy would make the decision that was right for himself.
\n——-
\nJoe plucked casually at the blades of grass that surrounded the headstone and sighed. \u00a0It seemed right that he come up here this morning after the news that his father had given him. \u00a0He really didn\u2019t know what to think about the news that he had a grandfather and he hoped that his mother could help to sort out the questions that were running through his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since he could first remember Joe had always come here when he needed to think. \u00a0When he was little his father had brought him up here and they had sat together looking over the lake as he listened to his Pa tell him stories about his mother. \u00a0When he became old enough to come up here himself he tried to make a habit of it because at that time he didn\u2019t really understand too much about death and he thought his mother would be lying here with no one to talk to and she would be lonely. Now he knew better of course. \u00a0He knew that she wasn\u2019t really here, but he still liked to think that her spirit remained close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew that it did. \u00a0There were so many times when he had talked out a problem here and come away with the answer. \u00a0He knew that his mama was helping him to sort things through and he hoped that she would be able to help him this time. \u00a0After all the problem was someone that she knew very well and who else could help him find the answer more than her?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was strange. \u00a0He\u2019d never thought about his mother having any family before. \u00a0He knew he had a few assorted relatives on his father\u2019s side and occasionally one of them would pass through for a visit, but never anyone on his mother\u2019s side at all. \u00a0But then again, he supposed he\u2019d never asked about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d always envied Adam having a grandfather. \u00a0When his brother came back from College in Boston, Captain Stoddard was all he ever talked about. \u00a0They had written to each other for years and usually there would be a package on Adam\u2019s birthday from the man. Joe sometimes liked to pretend that he was his grandfather as well. \u00a0It was something special that Adam had and he wanted to share in it. \u00a0He\u2019d have given anything to have a special grandfather to send him a package on his birthday.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maybe now that he\u2019d found a grandfather he\u2019d have those things too? \u00a0Maybe they\u2019d be able to write to each other as well? \u00a0He frowned as he thought about Hoss. \u00a0He was the only one now who didn\u2019t have a grandfather and Joe didn\u2019t want to hurt him. \u00a0He\u2019d ask his grandfather to write to Hoss as well sometimes perhaps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He lay down next to the grave and touched the lettering on the stone marker.<\/p>\n

Marie Cartwright<\/em><\/p>\n


\n<\/em>Beloved wife and mother<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Died 1848<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What would she want him to do? \u00a0He wondered what the \u2018falling out\u2019 was between her and his grandfather and why his father had never mentioned the man before. Maybe whatever had happened was something that Pa didn\u2019t like him for? \u00a0Maybe he wasn\u2019t a very nice man? Maybe\u2026\u2026\u2026. Joe sighed and rolled over to look at the clouds above him. He could lay here and wonder all day, but the fact remained that he\u2019d have to make a decision whether or not he wanted to meet this man and at the moment he just didn\u2019t know what to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chewed on a blade of grass as he thought about it. \u00a0If he didn\u2019t go in and meet him he might regret it always, but what if he did and they didn\u2019t get on? \u00a0Well, he supposed he\u2019d never know unless he tried. \u00a0Joe sat up. Thanks Mama, \u00a0<\/em>he thought. I guess I\u2019ll have to find out one way or the other and I\u2019ll never know unless I meet him. Guess I\u2019ll just have to take a chance on whether or not I\u2019ll like him.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——-
\n\u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his desk. \u2018Yes Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa I\u2019ve been thinking about\u2026you know, my grandfather.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes son?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2026\u2026well I think I\u2019d like to meet him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Alright,\u2019 answered Ben. \u2018We\u2019ll go in together this afternoon if you like.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018OK thanks Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and walked around the desk. \u2018Joe its quite normal for you to be worried about this. Even though he\u2019s your grandfather he\u2019s still a stranger to you and until you meet him its all going to be a bit daunting.\u2019 \u00a0He stroked his son on the back of the neck. \u00a0\u2018Just take it one step at a time. \u00a0Alright?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I\u2019m not worried,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa, do you think I should dress up to meet him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled.\u2019 That\u2019s up to you,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I think your grandfather would like to see you just the way you are.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that afternoon Ben smiled to himself as they entered the hotel. Joseph had been unusually quiet during their ride into town and he knew that the boy was very anxious about this meeting even if he wasn\u2019t admitting to it. \u00a0He hadn\u2019t changed into anything special but had brushed his hair meticulously, had a bath and made sure that he looked his best without trying to appear obvious about it. \u00a0Ben knew that he wanted to make a good impression on the man upstairs. \u00a0If only he knew just how much of an impression he\u2019d already made.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was determined to allow this meeting to take its own course, but he couldn\u2019t help but be worried about it all the same. \u00a0After all he didn\u2019t know this man well either and his past impression of him had done nothing to endear him to him at all. \u00a0He prayed that he would do nothing to hurt Joseph.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they walked the length of the corridor and approached Francois\u2019 door, Joe stopped and looked at is father. \u2018I think I should meet him by myself Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Joe it\u2019s your decision you know that. I\u2019ll be over visiting Roy Coffee when you\u2019re ready.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said. He waited for his father to leave and then took a deep breath before knocking on the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within a minute the door opened. \u2018Ben,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018I didn\u2019t expect to see you so\u2026..\u2019 \u00a0He stopped as he spied the boy standing there. \u2018You must be Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Please come in.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked into the room, watched closely by Francois who motioned for him to sit down. \u2018Well Joseph,\u2019 said the man. \u2018I\u2019m so glad that we get to meet at last. \u00a0I suppose your father has told you that I\u2019m on my way to San Francisco?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois smiled at him. \u2018I suppose you know that you\u2019re very like your mother?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded again. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018That what Pa tells me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018She was a beautiful woman,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018When she was a little girl she was so pretty that people use to stop us in the street to talk to her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat forward. \u2018Did they?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes. \u00a0And she had a sparkling smile that just melted anyone who came into contact with her. \u2018I remember once when she was about seven\u2026\u2026.\u2019 \u00a0As Francois talked of Marie, Joe\u2019s eyes were alight with wonder at the tales the man had to tell about his mother and he listened enthralled as he hung on every word the man spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well,\u2019 said Francois after a while. \u2018Now you need to tell me about yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him. \u2018What do you want to know?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I want to know everything,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018Do you like living out here?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, I love it,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I don\u2019t ever want to live anywhere else.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t ever want to go anywhere else?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well maybe to visit,\u2019 explained Joe. \u2018I really want to see lots of places. \u00a0But not to live in. I always wanted to see New Orleans some day,\u2019 he added somewhat shyly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s a beautiful city,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018I\u2019m sure that you\u2019ll get there one day. \u00a0My\u2026. that is\u2026. our ancestors have lived there for quite some time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your name is French isn\u2019t it?\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Francois, I mean.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes. \u00a0It is\u2026.its Francis in English.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat forward. \u2018Really? \u00a0That\u2019s my middle name!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois smiled. \u2018So your mother named you after me did she?\u2019 \u00a0He was surprised to hear it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m named after my Pa\u2019s father really\u2026that\u2019s the Joseph part. \u00a0But I guess I\u2019m named after you as well,\u2019 said Joe, quite pleased. \u00a0\u2018I never knew that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It seems we have more in common than we realised then,\u2019 said Francois smiling at the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned back at him. \u00a0He was beginning to fee quite comfortable with the man after all. \u2018Will you tell me more about my mother when she was a little girl?\u2019 he asked.
\n——-
\n\u2018And did you know that she used to climb over the wall at school and play hooky for the day?\u2019 said Joe, his eyes shining. \u2018Just like I\u2026\u2026.\u2019 \u00a0he stopped and grinned at his father with a guilty expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019 said Ben with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018Just like you what?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018And she didn\u2019t like dressing up, so one time\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled as his son related to him all the stories that Francois had told him. It seemed that the meeting had been a success after all. \u00a0As they rode back towards the ranch together Joe was illuminated and he practically bounced in his saddle as he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And he says I can call him Grandpa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Is that OK with you Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course its alright with me,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He is your grandpa after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u2018Yeah. I have my very own grandfather now. \u00a0Just like Adam does. Hey Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You never told me that I was named after him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That was your mother\u2019s idea. \u00a0Actually she wanted to call you Francois Joseph, but I convinced her otherwise.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a horrified look. \u2018Thank you!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u2018Yes I thought you\u2019d appreciate that,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018I sure do,\u2019 he said. Imagine going through life with a name like that! I mean its alright for him cause he\u2019s French and all, but\u2026\u2026well\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know what you mean son. \u00a0Its alright,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Um\u2026. by the way Pa, I\u2026. well, I told Grandpa where Mama is buried and I said I\u2019d ask you if it was alright to take him there. \u00a0Is it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hesitated before he spoke. \u2018Of course its alright,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018I said I might take him tomorrow, but that I\u2019d have to check if I could get some time off first.\u2019 \u00a0He looked at his father hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think you can have the next few days off while your grandfather is in town,\u2019 said Ben carefully. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll want to spend some time with him while he\u2019s here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to his father. \u2018Really? \u00a0Gee thanks Pa. That\u2019d be great!\u2019 They rode along in silence together for a while before Joe spoke again. \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t like him very much do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at his son for a moment. \u2018Whatever would make you say that?\u2019 he asked genuinely surprised. \u00a0He thought he had been able to hide his feelings successfully from the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t know. \u00a0You just don\u2019t seem to like him very much that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chose his words carefully. \u00a0He didn\u2019t want to hurt the boy when he seemed so keen on his new relationship with the man, but he also wanted to be honest with him. \u2018It\u2019s just that I don\u2019t know him well Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I \u2026. Well, there are a lot of things from the past that I still find difficult to come to terms with that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You mean between him and my mother,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him. \u2018Did he talk to you about that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, yes. \u00a0I just know how hurt she was through it all and I don\u2019t want you to be hurt as well,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached over and patted his father on the shoulder. \u2018You don\u2019t have to worry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m getting on fine with Grandpa. \u00a0I won\u2019t get hurt.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to smile back at him. \u00a0He sure hoped the boy was right!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s down there.\u2019 \u00a0Joe pointed down towards the lake. \u2018But we have to leave the buggy here and walk the rest of the way.\u2019 \u00a0He jumped down and tied the horses to a low branch. \u2018Come on Grandpa, I\u2019ll show you the way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois got down from the buggy and tried to smother a cough with his handkerchief. \u00a0Joe watched him as he did. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018I\u2019m just not used to all this fresh air that\u2019s all. \u00a0Show me the way Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe led him down towards the lake until they came to the spot he knew better than any other on The Ponderosa. \u00a0It was the spot where they had laid his mother to rest all those years ago. \u00a0He turned to face his grandfather. \u2018There it is,\u2019 he said pointing, but the man\u2019s eyes were fixated on the water before them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can see why your father would have chosen this spot,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018It\u2019s beautiful.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It was Mama\u2019s favourite spot,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018She used to bring me here when I was little, but I don\u2019t really remember it much.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois turned towards the stone marker that showed Marie\u2019s resting place. \u00a0He stood still and stared at it for a full minute before Joe said, \u2018Ain\u2019t you going to come over and see it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois nodded, but didn\u2019t move. Joe walked back over to him. \u2018Its alright to be sad,\u2019 he said. \u2018I get sad all the time when I come here. \u00a0She understands.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois looked at the youngster standing next to him looking at him so intently and caught his breath. \u00a0For a moment he could have sworn it was Marie herself standing there next to him, for the boy had the same features and the same gestures as those of his mother. \u00a0Even the same tilt of the head. \u00a0It was so real that he felt the tears welling up in his eyes and he had to turn his head away to stop his grandson from seeing them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He walked slowly over to the marker and read the words that had been carved so lovingly upon it.<\/p>\n

Marie Cartwright<\/em><\/p>\n


\n<\/em>Beloved wife and mother<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Died 1848<\/em><\/p>\n

He sank down on his knees before it and touched it tentatively while Joe sat down next to him. Not a word was spoken as both of them looked silently at the reminder of the woman they had both once loved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments Francois turned to Joe. \u2018Joseph do you mind if I have some time alone here?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. He of all people understood the need to be alone here and he was willing to give his grandfather the time he needed. \u2018No I don\u2019t mind,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll go for a walk around the lake a ways and come back for you later.\u2019 He stood up and walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois knelt next to the stone marker and traced the letters with his finger. \u00a0\u2018Marie,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Why couldn\u2019t you have been what I expected of you? Why did it all have to end like this, my daughter?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He bent down until his forehead was touching the headstone and closed his eyes as he felt the roughness against his cheek.
\n——-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well? Have you found her?\u2019 he asked the man abruptly. \u2018Where is she?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The constable licked his lips and hesitated before replying. \u2018Yes we have sir,\u2019 he answered. \u2018She is living on the East Bank. \u00a0I have the address for you.\u2019 \u00a0He held out a piece of paper and Francois took it from him. \u2018She has married a Monsieur Jean de Marigny and they are living there as husband and wife.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois was silent. \u00a0So she had gone and done it! \u00a0She had followed through with her threat and married the man!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Will there be anything else sir?\u2019 asked the constable.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018No thank you,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Jacob, will you see the constable out now please.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He walked over and looked into the fireplace and stared at the flames for a few moments. \u00a0Behind him he heard Jacob\u2019s voice as he entered the room. \u00a0\u2018Shall I have Matthew hitch up the carriage Sir?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I take it you will want to go and visit Miss Marie now?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois turned to face the man. \u2018No,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018I have no intention of visiting her.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 Jacob turned to leave the room.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And Jacob?\u2019 added Francois. The man turned. \u2018You are never to mention that person\u2019s name in this house again, is that understood?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 said Jacob and left the room.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois turned and threw the piece of paper into the fireplace and watched it shrivel up and burn away until it was ash.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——-
\n\u2018So where are you going today then?\u2019 asked Adam as he watched Joe hitch up the buggy for the third consecutive day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nowhere on The Ponderosa this time. Grandpa is going to take me to lunch at The International House. \u00a0He\u2019s leaving tomorrow so its kinda a farewell lunch.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head. \u2018I suppose you\u2019re going to miss him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure am,\u2019 replied. Joe. \u2018Its been nice to have someone to tell me about Mama when she was a girl.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018My grandfather does the same thing for me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Does he?\u2019 said Joe surprised. He had never really thought much about Adam\u2019s mother. \u00a0Both his and Hoss\u2019 mothers had died of course long before he was born and he had never really given either of them much thought. \u00a0They were just names to him and didn\u2019t mean much more than the fact that their pictures were on Pa\u2019s desk alongside his mother\u2019s. \u00a0But now that he thought about it, it would of course make sense that Adam and probably Hoss would be just as keen to know about their mothers as he was about his. \u00a0He wondered if Pa talked to his brothers about them. \u00a0He supposed he did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Not even Pa knew our mothers for that long you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded as he thought about it. \u2018I guess not,\u2019 he said and then grinned at his brother. \u2018I guess that\u2019s why having grandfathers is a great thing ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at him carefully. \u2018I guess so,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just don\u2019t go getting too caught up in all this though Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to face him. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well having a grandfather is great, but they can\u2019t ever be everything we want them to be,\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yours is,\u2019 countered Joe. \u00a0\u2018So I don\u2019t see why mine can\u2019t be too.\u2019 \u00a0For some reason he felt quite defensive about the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u2018No, he isn\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018My grandfather is a great man, but he\u2019s not perfect by any means and neither is yours, I\u2019m sure. There were many times that he and I didn\u2019t see eye-to-eye when I lived with him in Boston I can assure you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Really? I thought you always got on fine,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He writes to you all the time and sends you packages on your birthday.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, but that\u2019s because he\u2019s thousands of miles away,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018Don\u2019t get me wrong\u2026..I do love him\u2026\u2026.but he\u2019s a difficult man to get on with at times. \u00a0Just like I\u2019m sure yours is.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bristled. \u2018No, he ain\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018My grandpa ain\u2019t like yours at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018Suit yourself,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m only trying to tell you \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I don\u2019t need your advice,\u2019 said Joe, getting up into the buggy. \u2018My grandpa and I get on real fine thank you very much!\u2019 \u00a0He hitched the reins and left the yard at a fast pace. \u00a0Adam watched him go with a shake of his head and then turned towards the house again.
\n—–<\/p>\n

Francois lifted his glass in a toast. \u2018Here is to you and I, Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018To our new-found relationship.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clinked his glass with that of his grandfather\u2019s. \u2018And to lots of time ahead for us to get to know each other better,\u2019 he said happily. Francois\u2019 face dropped. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Are you thinking about when you have to leave tomorrow?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois hesitated. \u2018Yes, that\u2019s it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not looking forward to saying goodbye to you just when I\u2019ve found you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him. \u2018Well you can always come back and visit on your way home from San Francisco, can\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois lowered his glass. \u2018I \u2026 I may not be able to,\u2019 he said. \u2018I really don\u2019t now what my plans will be.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Won\u2019t you be coming back this way?\u2019 asked Joe disappointed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois studied the menu in his hands. \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2026. well it all depends on my business in San Francisco.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 said Joe disappointed. \u2018Well, maybe Pa will let me come to visit you in New Orleans.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe,\u2019 replied Francois. He looked up at the boy sitting opposite him. \u2018Joseph, what about you coming with me for a few days to San Francisco? \u00a0Do you think your father would agree to that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit up \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I could ask him.\u2019 \u00a0He thought for a moment. \u2018But its kinda short notice isn\u2019t it? \u00a0You\u2019re leaving tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm. \u00a0Well maybe you could join me there for a while later on,\u2019 suggested Francois.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll ask Pa,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019m coming in to say goodbye to you tomorrow, so I can tell you then.\u2019 \u00a0He smiled happily. \u00a0Convincing his father to let him go might be a difficult thing, but Joe was nothing if not optimistic. He planned to use the most convincing arguments he could think of.
\n—–
\n\u2018Absolutely not!\u2019 repeated Ben. \u2018How many times must you make me repeat that Joseph? \u00a0I said no and I mean it. \u00a0Now that\u2019s an end to the matter.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But why Pa? \u00a0You haven\u2019t given me a decent reason why not, except to say that you don\u2019t want me to!\u2019 \u00a0Joe glared at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because you are eighteen years old, that\u2019s why. \u00a0You can\u2019t expect me to let you go traipsing off with a man you don\u2019t even know to another city.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s not a man I don\u2019t know,\u2019 countered Joe. \u2018He\u2019s my grandfather!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You are still too young,\u2019 replied his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Eighteen is plenty old enough. Adam was my age when he went to Boston,\u2019 said Joe. \u00a0\u2018And that was for three years and it was much further!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waved his hand at his son. \u2018That was different,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How?\u2019 said Joe. \u2018How was it different? \u00a0He went to live with his grandfather. \u00a0You let him go!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam\u2019s grandfather was\u2026..\u2019 Ben voice trailed off. \u2018I just knew him better, that\u2019s all.\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You mean you liked him better,\u2019 said Joe angrily. \u2018You won\u2019t let me go just because you don\u2019t like my grandfather. \u00a0Why don\u2019t you just tell the truth Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waved his finger under his son\u2019s nose. \u2018Don\u2019t you speak to me like that young man!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I said no and I mean it! \u00a0You are not going to San Francisco with your grandfather and that\u2019s final!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him one last glare and turned on his heel. \u00a0Ben flinched as the front door slammed shut and he sat down heavily. \u00a0He knew that what Joe had said was partly true. He didn\u2019t like Francois and he certainly didn\u2019t trust him. \u00a0From the boy\u2019s point of view he supposed it didn\u2019t look fair, but he had known Adam\u2019s grandfather for many years and didn\u2019t have any hesitation in entrusting his son to his care when the time came. \u00a0He knew him to be a decent and caring man who would watch over the boy as if he was his own. \u00a0But he couldn\u2019t honestly say the same thing about Francois.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How could he tell Joseph that he simply didn\u2019t trust the man? \u00a0How could he tell him that he feared he would do to him what he had done to his mother? \u00a0Ben shook his head. \u00a0There was just no easy answer to this, and he was angry with Francois for causing the problem in the first place. \u00a0Why couldn\u2019t the man have just stayed away and left Joseph alone? \u00a0Why did he have to come into the boy\u2019s life and cause all these problems? \u00a0Ben had watched anxiously during the past few days as the two had become closer. \u00a0He had listened to Joe\u2019s tales every night as he related all that the man had told him. \u00a0He had feared that this might happen, but he hadn\u2019t for one moment thought that the man would be selfish enough to suggest anything so inappropriate as the boy going with him, even if it was only for a short time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What had he been thinking? Ben clenched his fists in anger and he felt that if the man had been in front of him at that moment he felt that he would probably have hit him. And to top it all off, the man was now coming between him and his son. For the first time, Ben thought he knew how Marie must have felt about her father. \u00a0He understood how frustrated she must have been about the way in which he was trying to manipulate others\u2026.. just as he must have tried to manipulate her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He would not let Joseph be hurt! \u00a0He resolved to go with the boy the next day when the stage left to ensure that things didn\u2019t become too complicated.
\n——-
\n\u2018Joseph, would you give your grandfather and I a few minutes please?\u2019 Joe glared at his father as he spoke and Ben sighed. \u2018Please,\u2019 he said. Joe moved over to the stage and began to talk to the driver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Francois and gave him a dark look. \u2018I want you to know that I don\u2019t appreciate you pressuring Joseph to go to San Francisco with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois returned the look. \u2018Why?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean the boy to stay with me long term.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m just thinking of my son that\u2019s all,\u2019 replied Ben. \u00a0\u2018Joseph has become quite attached to you in these past few days and I don\u2019t want him to be hurt any more than is necessary.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hurt?\u2019 said Francois. \u2018Why would I hurt the boy? \u00a0I told you how I feel about him. \u00a0He is my grandson after all and I certainly don\u2019t intend to hurt him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Just like you didn\u2019t intend to hurt your daughter?\u2019 answered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you I regretted that. \u00a0It\u2019s obvious to me Ben that you don\u2019t intend to forgive me for the past, but I\u2019d like you to take a few moments to think about whether or not Marie would if she were here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You hurt my wife badly Francois. \u00a0No, you\u2019re right\u2026..I can\u2019t forgive you for what you did to her and I don\u2019t intend to let you do the same thing to my son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Really?\u2019 replied Francois. \u2018Is it that you don\u2019t want Joseph to be hurt, or rather that you might be feeling somewhat insecure about my relationship with the boy?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at him. \u2018That was uncalled for,\u2019 he said. \u2018My only concern is for my son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I promise you that is my only concern as well,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018So we don\u2019t have a problem, do we?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to glare at the man while he walked over to Joe. \u2018Well its goodbye for now Joseph,\u2019 Francois said. \u2018I\u2019ll write to you from San Francisco.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him. \u2018I\u2019ll write to you too Grandpa,\u2019 he said, then with a glance towards his father added, \u2018I\u2019m sorry I couldn\u2019t come with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m just glad we had these last few days together,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018You look after yourself, won\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe suddenly flung his arms around the man, taking him by surprise. \u00a0As Ben watched, Francois tentatively returned the hug and said, \u2018I\u2019m glad I got to know you Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stepped back and looked at his grandfather as he bit his lip. \u2018I\u2019m glad I got to know you too,\u2019 he said. \u2018And don\u2019t forget I\u2019m coming to New Orleans one day.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois smiled at him. \u2018I won\u2019t forget,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Joe watched as Francois stepped up into the stagecoach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and waved as the stagecoach went down the street, then turned to Joe. \u2018Come on son, it\u2019s time to get home now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and walked to his horse without a word, leaving his father to follow him.
\n——-
\nBen looked out of his study window at his son. \u00a0Joe was still there chopping wood as he had been for the past few hours and he was worried. \u00a0Not that he minded the fact that the boy was doing his chores for a change, but he worried about the way in which he was doing them. Joe was attacking the wood as if his very life depended on it and Ben could sense the anger that was still in him as he watched. \u00a0He dropped the curtain with a sigh and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been like this for weeks now. \u00a0Every time he tried to talk to the boy Joseph brushed him aside. \u00a0He knew he was still angry with him for not letting him go to San Francisco with Francois, but he also knew that he\u2019d made the right decision. \u00a0The more Ben thought about it the more convinced he was that to allow Joseph to have anything more to do with that man would only cause him problems in the long run. \u00a0He wasn\u2019t to be trusted and Joe just had to learn to live with the fact that his father had made this decision for him. \u00a0In the meantime\u2026.. there was the problem of course. \u00a0In the meantime they\u2019d reached a stalemate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was determined to show his father his displeasure at his decision and Ben was equally determined to protect his son from what he felt was an explosive situation. \u00a0Ben searched his heart daily to come up with a compromise that they might be able to try, but for the life of him he couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked to the porch and watched Joe pick up yet another log from the pile. \u2018Joe come inside now,\u2019 he called. \u2018You\u2019ve cut enough to last a month!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up and looked at his father. \u2018I\u2019m not finished yet,\u2019 he said and continued to chop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved out into the yard and stood beside him. \u2018Son it\u2019s obvious to me that you\u2019re still angry about all this. \u00a0But you\u2019re going to exhaust yourself if you keep this up.\u2019 \u00a0He put a hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Come inside now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his father\u2019s hand off. \u2018Yeah Pa you\u2019re right, I am still angry,\u2019 he retorted. \u2018I\u2019m sick of you treating me like a little kid all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, I\u2019m not treating you like a child,\u2019 Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa you are! All I ask is that you let me go for a short while. \u00a0Is that too much to ask?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018Joe we\u2019ve been through all this before son. \u00a0Yes, it is too much to ask. \u00a0I don\u2019t want you going off to a strange city and staying with a man I don\u2019t even know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018You mean a man you don\u2019t even like, don\u2019t you Pa? \u00a0That\u2019s it isn\u2019t it? \u00a0You don\u2019t like him and therefore I\u2019m not allowed to have anything to do with him. \u00a0That\u2019s right isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018Yes, its true. I don\u2019t particularly like Francois, but he is your grandfather and I wouldn\u2019t keep you from him. \u00a0I let you meet him in Virginia City didn\u2019t I? You\u2019ve been exchanging letters back and forth haven\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah sure, but it\u2019s not the same thing,\u2019 Joe retorted. \u2018Here I have a grandfather for the first time in my life and you won\u2019t even let me see him. \u00a0I have the right to know him Pa and you don\u2019t have the right to stop me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to keep his temper under control. \u2018Joe I\u2019m not trying to keep you from getting to know your grandfather. \u00a0I\u2019m just concerned that you\u2019re rushing into this thing too quickly. \u00a0Let yourself have time to form a relationship with this man slowly son. \u00a0You\u2019re not going to help anything by forcing this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Forcing what? \u00a0He wants me to be there with him and I want to go. \u00a0What\u2019s wrong with that? \u00a0The only thing that\u2019s stopping us is you Pa and I just haven\u2019t heard you give me any reason except to say that I\u2019m too young for heaven\u2019s sake! \u00a0And I just don\u2019t accept that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son and knew that he was partially right. \u00a0He was trying to stop the boy from being hurt, but at what expense? \u00a0He was causing a rift between them and that was the last thing he wanted. \u00a0But he just couldn\u2019t bring himself to trust Francois and he couldn\u2019t make Joseph understand that. \u00a0\u2018Tell you what,\u2019 he said. \u2018How about we both go to San Francisco for a few days? \u00a0That way you\u2019ll get to see your grandfather and I\u2019ll\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And you\u2019ll be able to hold my hand for me? \u00a0Yeah right Pa\u2026. The little boy needs you there. \u00a0Well I\u2019m grown up now Pa and I don\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I was going to say Joseph that I\u2019ll be able to do some business there,\u2019 said Ben frostily. \u2018Don\u2019t you take that tone of voice with me young man!\u2019 Joe said nothing, but bent down to pick up another log. Ben\u2019s voice softened. \u2018Well you think about it Joe. Let me know what you decide.\u2019 He turned and walked towards the house again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched him go with a dark look. His father just didn\u2019t get it! \u00a0This wasn\u2019t just about getting to know his grandfather, this was about letting him make his own decisions in life and following them through. It seemed that every time Joe turned around there was either his father or one of his brothers watching over his shoulder and he longed to break free and do things for himself for a change. \u00a0Why could his Pa see that? \u00a0What was it about this that made it so difficult for his father to let go of him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dug the axe deep into the stump beside him and glared in the direction his father had disappeared. \u00a0It just wasn\u2019t fair! \u00a0He was old enough to make his own way in life and he wouldn\u2019t be dictated to by anyone anymore\u2026\u2026.not even his own father. \u00a0Pa would just have to see that his little boy was grown up now.
\n——-
\nAdam shook his head. \u2018No Pa, nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hoss hasn\u2019t come up with anything either. We\u2019ve searched just about everywhere we can think of and he\u2019s just disappeared. \u00a0Did you come up with anything in town?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben threw his hat onto the table angrily. \u2018I certainly did!\u2019 he said. \u2018He left on the stage for San Francisco early this morning. I\u2019m going to kill that boy when I catch up with him!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grimaced. He had been afraid of something like this happening. \u00a0He had watched his brother and his father walking around each other like two sparring partners for the past few weeks and it was obvious to him that no good would come out of the situation. \u00a0He wasn\u2019t surprised that in the end Joe had forced the situation by leaving, and in a way he could understand it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No one knew more than he did just how difficult it was to live with a father who tried so hard to shield his sons from their problems. \u00a0Adam himself had longed to break free of his father\u2019s protectiveness for a long time. \u00a0He had felt it particularly when he had returned from Boston after spending three years there at College. \u00a0It was difficult at times to abide by his father\u2019s decisions, but he had enough sense to know that they sprang from the man\u2019s desire to do the right thing by his sons and the fact that he had had to be both father and mother to them all for so long. \u00a0He couldn\u2019t help himself if he tended to be a bit protective at times and Adam had come to appreciate the fact that his father did it because he loved them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not so Joe, however. \u00a0That youngest brother of his needed to realise that he couldn\u2019t always have things his own way. \u00a0Granted Pa was protective of him, which probably was made worse by the fact that he was the youngest, but he just needed to learn that the man did it with the best of intentions. \u00a0Going off like this was not the way to deal with the situation, but given his youngest brother\u2019s volatile nature Adam could well understand him doing it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He studied his father\u2019s expression. \u2018So what are you going to do?\u2019 he asked, already the knowing the answer to his question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at him. \u2018Do?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018What do you think I\u2019m going to do? \u00a0I\u2019m going after him of course and I\u2019m going to drag him back here!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss came down the stairs. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018Did you have any luck in town?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to him. \u2018Your brother has left for San Francisco,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018I\u2019ve booked myself a ticket on tomorrow\u2019s stage.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss exchanged a look with Adam. \u2018Pa, you know what \u2026\u2026.\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put up his hand. \u2018Save it Hoss,\u2019 he interrupted. \u2018Don\u2019t waste your breath telling me not to be too hard on him. I\u2019m going to pack.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They watched their father climb the stairs. \u2018Joe\u2019s really done it this time,\u2019 said Hoss mournfully. \u2018Do ya think one of us should volunteer ta go with Pa Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I think this is between Joe and Pa and I for one wouldn\u2019t want to be any near either of them when they come head to head on this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018Yeah you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pity help Joe, that\u2019s all I can say.\u2019
\n——-
\nFrancois handed him the piece of paper. \u2018You must have known your father wouldn\u2019t let you just disappear like that Joseph. \u00a0What were you thinking?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at the message from the telegraph office. \u2018Yeah I thought he might contact you, but I didn\u2019t know that he\u2019d come after me.\u2019 \u00a0He shrugged. \u2018I just wanted to see you again.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois gave him a frustrated look. \u2018And I want to see you Joseph. \u00a0But this certainly wasn\u2019t the way to go about it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him. \u2018I thought you\u2019d be please to see me,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course I\u2019m pleased to see you. \u00a0That isn\u2019t the point! \u00a0Now you\u2019ve got your father angry and he\u2019ll most likely blame me as well as you.\u2019 \u00a0Francois started to pace up and down. \u2018Don\u2019t you see what you\u2019ve done boy? \u00a0Didn\u2019t you stop to think?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged again. \u2018You sound like my Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s always telling me to think before I do things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018I can see why!\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re just like your mother Joseph. \u00a0She never stopped to think either and that\u2019s what got her into so much trouble.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe studied the man pacing in front of him. \u2018Really?\u2019 he asked. \u2018What kind of trouble?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois sighed. \u2018Let\u2019s concentrate on you for now shall we?\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to deal with your father when he comes tomorrow to take you home.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Well I ain\u2019t going,\u2019 he declared. \u2018I want to stay with you for a while and I aim to make him understand that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois glared at him. \u2018Joseph I would love to have you stay with me you know that. \u00a0But it isn\u2019t up to me, it\u2019s your father\u2019s decision.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think it\u2019s my decision!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He\u2019s got no right to tell me what to do!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes he does. \u00a0He\u2019s your father and you should abide by what he says,\u2019 answered Francois. \u00a0He swallowed as he looked at the boy, momentarily taken aback. \u00a0It was as if it was Marie standing in front of him again and he had to close his eyes to bring his mind back to reality. \u2018You\u2019ll just have to work it out with your father when he arrives tomorrow,\u2019 he said.
\n——-
\nBen stared at his son standing before him. \u2018Well I hope you\u2019re proud of your behaviour Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Dragging me all the way to San Francisco just because you couldn\u2019t do as you were told!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018I didn\u2019t drag you all the way here!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I didn\u2019t ask you to come!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pointed his finger at his youngest son. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare speak to me like that!\u2019 he said. \u2018Did you honestly think that I wouldn\u2019t come and drag you home again? I have no intention of leaving you with a man like\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois drew in a sharp breath at the man\u2019s words as he stood outside the door and listened. It was obvious to him that Ben didn\u2019t like or trust him, but he didn\u2019t really think he would say as much to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A man like what?\u2019 countered Joe. \u2018Go on, why don\u2019t you say it? \u00a0A man like my Grandpa, that you don\u2019t trust. \u00a0Why don\u2019t you trust him Pa? \u00a0He\u2019s never hurt me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018You don\u2019t know him Joseph. \u00a0You can\u2019t make a judgement like that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned on his father. \u2018Well then, neither can you!\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re making judgements on a man you don\u2019t know either!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u2018Joseph, I know enough to know that Francois is not the man I want to look after my son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t need looking after!\u2019 said Joe angrily. \u2018I can look after myself!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois listened to the boy and was immediately reminded of that time when his mother had spoken the same words to him in anger. He moved closer to the door and continued to eavesdrop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I just want the chance to get to know him a bit Pa. \u00a0Can\u2019t you understand that?\u2019 Joe pleaded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a step forward towards his son. \u2018Yes, I can understand that son. \u00a0But I just don\u2019t think this is the way to do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt tears welling up in his eyes in spite of his resolve not to get upset and he brushed them away angrily. \u2018He\u2019s my grandfather, Pa. \u00a0He\u2019s the only one apart from you who can really tell me about my mother. \u00a0I want to know about her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u2018I understand that Joe and I\u2019m not saying you can\u2019t. \u00a0But do it gradually boy. \u00a0Not like this.\u2019 Joe said nothing. \u00a0Ben took another step forward and put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. He noticed that this time Joe didn\u2019t brush it off. \u2018Son, Francois isn\u2019t your mother. \u00a0You can\u2019t substitute him for her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father. \u2018I\u2019m not trying to Pa. \u00a0I just\u2026\u2026\u2019 his voice broke and he stopped. \u2018I just want\u2026.. please let me have some time with him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes. His son looked so miserable standing there in front of him. \u2018Alright,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll give you one week. But its against my better judgement.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father and smiled through his unshed tears. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018One week,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018I\u2019m going to book you a ticket home while I\u2019m here and I expect you to use it Joseph. \u00a0Do you understand?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I promise I\u2019ll behave myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wagged a finger at him. \u2018You\u2019d better!\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on. We\u2019ll go and talk to your grandfather about all this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois turned away from the open doorway and hurried down the hallway.
\n——-
\n\u2018I have something for you Joseph,\u2019 Francois held out a small package to his grandson.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u2018What is it?\u2019 he asked, taking it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Open it and see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened the package up and smiled when it revealed a heavy silver locket. \u2018Did this belong to my mother?\u2019 he asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois nodded. \u2018Yes, \u2018 he said. \u2018I gave it to her on her sixteenth birthday. \u00a0I thought you might like to have it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Thank you Grandpa. \u00a0I would love it.\u2019 He closed his fingers around it and held it tightly. \u2018I don\u2019t have much that belongs to her. Pa has given me a few things, but she didn\u2019t have much to leave.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I have quite a lot of her things back home in New Orleans,\u2019 said Francois. \u2018And one day they belong to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him startled. \u2018You do? How come she didn\u2019t take them with her when she got married? Didn\u2019t she want them?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois frowned. \u2018It didn\u2019t matter if she wanted them or not,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your mother gave up any rights to them when she made her decision to leave.\u2019 He noticed the puzzled look on Joe\u2019s face. \u2018You knew she was married before she met your father?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u00a0His father had told him all about Jean de Maringny and his trip to New Orleans. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I don\u2019t understand. \u2018Why did her getting married have anything to do with leaving her things behind?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018She was far too young to marry,\u2019 Francois said abruptly. \u2018I warned her against it, but she took no notice of me. \u00a0She was a very willful girl and needed to be taught a lesson. I kept her things and I still have them to this day.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but held the locket tightly in his hand as he looked at his grandfather strangely. After a while he said. \u2018Well, thank you for the locket. \u00a0I\u2019ll treasure it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scratched his head as he looked at the locket in his hand. \u00a0He wondered why his grandfather had sounded so angry when he spoke of his mother. \u00a0He also wondered at the extraordinary amount of business the man seemed to have each day. \u00a0He went off for hours at a time and Joe was left to his own devices. \u00a0This wasn\u2019t how he had imagined it to be, but he supposed at least he was getting to know him a bit. Also, San Francisco was proving to be an exciting place and Joe was able to get around and see far more of it than if his father or brothers had been around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa would never have approved of the places he wandered to and the things he saw. \u00a0His grandfather was very generous with handing money to him and Joe was taking full advantage of the time he had to himself. \u00a0He had discovered the harbour area and the people who frequented it and ventured along many of the alleyways and streets. \u00a0He longed to go to some of the night shows that were on offer but didn\u2019t quite know how his grandfather would react to his suggestion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Um\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026Grandpa,\u2019 he ventured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019 Francois turned to face him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I was thinking I might go out tonight. \u00a0Is that OK with you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois frowned. \u2018Go out where?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh\u2026.I dunno. \u00a0Maybe to one of them shows they have here. \u00a0We could go together, \u2018 Joe asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think so,\u2019 replied his grandfather. \u2018They\u2019re not really suitable for a boy your age Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well we could pick one that was,\u2019 Joe mumbled while looking at the floor. \u2018They\u2019re not all \u2026 that is I didn\u2019t mean one of them\u2026well there are lots we could see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois raised an eyebrow. \u2018You mean one with girls in it I suppose,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes brightened. \u2018Well yeah, I guess they\u2019ve all got girls in them haven\u2019t they?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois sat down next to him. \u2018Those shows are not for you,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bristled. \u2018Why not? I\u2019m old enough!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s not a matter of being old enough,\u2019 replied Francois. \u2018It\u2019s a matter of discretion. You are not going and that is final!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him. \u2018Alright,\u2019 he said crossly. \u2018I was only asking!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois stood up. \u2018Well you should know better,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t want to hear any more about it! I\u2019m going out this afternoon for a while so I\u2019m assuming you can amuse yourself in an appropriate fashion?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders, still cross with the man for treating as a child. \u2018I suppose going for a walk is allowed,\u2019 he said sarcastically. Francois nodded his head. Joe stared at him as he left the room and wondered what he had said to cause such a reaction.
\n——-
\nFrancois watched Joe leave the house and turn down the street towards the harbour end of town. \u00a0The boy\u2019s attitude was worrying him and he wanted to make sure he was obeying his instructions. \u00a0He had enjoyed his grandson\u2019s company during these last few days, but with the doctor\u2019s appointments he had been forced to keep he hadn\u2019t been able to spend as much time with the youngster as he would have liked to and he worried that he might be at a loose end. \u00a0Francois remembered all too well where that had led the boy\u2019s mother and he didn\u2019t intend for his grandson to go down a similar path.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He followed him discretely for a while, pleased to see that he was headed towards the market end of town. \u00a0Surely he couldn\u2019t get into any trouble there! \u00a0He had just about resolved to leave him to his own devices when he noticed Joe stop and tip his hat to a woman on the sidewalk. \u00a0Francois frowned. \u00a0She didn\u2019t look like the type of woman he would have chosen for his grandson to be seen in public with\u2026as she seemed to be rather shabbily dressed. \u00a0He stepped forward as he saw Joe bend down to pick up a parcel that she had dropped and hand it back to her. \u00a0The two of them stood and talked for several minutes while Francois\u2019 temper rose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Couldn\u2019t the boy see what he was doing to his reputation standing there in broad daylight chatting on like\u2026.. Francois clenched his fists and strode over to them. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and gave his grandfather a broad grin. \u2018Hello!\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t know you were around here!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Obviously not!\u2019 said Francois. \u2018Come along please!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 said Joe surprised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois pulled him by the arm. \u2018I said to come along,\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked startled. \u2018Oh\u2026\u2026OK then.\u2019 \u00a0He turned and tipped his hat to the woman. \u2018Good day ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018She smiled at him. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she replied and watched as Francois pulled Joe across the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they got to the other side, Joe pulled away from Francois crossly. \u2018What was that for?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois glared at him. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t think I should have to remind you not to speak to women you don\u2019t even know in broad daylight,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked puzzled. \u2018I was only picking up something for her that she\u2019s dropped,\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s so wrong about that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois pointed a finger at him. \u2018You did more than that!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018You stopped and had a conversation with her. If I hadn\u2019t come along you\u2019d probably still be there with her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018So what?\u2019 he said. \u2018She was nice.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018I can\u2019t believe this,\u2019 he said. \u2018Is this what you\u2019ve been doing when I\u2019m not with you? \u00a0Walking the streets propositioning women?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step back. \u2018What?!\u2019 he said incredulously. \u2018I was only talking to her!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois pushed him back a step. \u2018You can just march yourself home young man!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll have none of your insolence. \u00a0While you are staying with me I\u2019ll say what goes around here and I\u2019ll have none of that kind of behaviour.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him, trying to keep his temper. \u2018Grandpa, I\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois pointed up the street. \u2018I said to go home,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018You\u2019ve got to be kidding,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m eighteen years old. \u00a0Old enough to\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You should be old enough to be a bit more responsible,\u2019 interrupted his grandfather. \u2018Go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his hands up in gesture of defeat. \u2018It ain\u2019t worth fighting about,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I agree,\u2019 replied Francois. \u2018Now go.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and strode up the street towards their hotel, wondering for the second time that day what he had done to make his grandfather so angry.
\n——-
\nFrancois opened the door and entered. \u2018I suppose you\u2019re still angry with me,\u2019 he said to the youngster sitting on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018Yeah I am,\u2019 he said honestly. \u2018What\u2019d you go and do that for anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois sat on the bed next to him. \u2018Joseph you have to realise that a young man\u2019s reputation is very important. \u00a0You can\u2019t go carrying on like you did this afternoon.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him puzzled. \u2018I still don\u2019t understand what you\u2019re talking about,\u2019 he said. \u2018I told you I was only talking to her!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure you were, but that\u2019s not how it looked to anyone passing by,\u2019 replied Francois. \u2018It could have been misinterpreted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018So what?\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t care.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois glared at him. \u2018Well I do!\u2019 he said. \u2018And I\u2019m sure your father would if he were here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snorted. \u2018Pa wouldn\u2019t care if I talked to a girl on the street,\u2019 he said. \u2018I do it all the time at home.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018Well you\u2019re not doing it here,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bristled. \u2018You\u2019re not gonna tell me who to talk to!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Just because I\u2019m staying with you\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Exactly,\u2019 replied Francois. \u2018You\u2019re staying with me young man and I\u2019m responsible for you. While you are here you will exactly what I say\u2026.is that clear?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018No it\u2019s not,\u2019 he said. \u2018Look Grandpa, I\u2019m trying to understand your side of this, but the fact is that I don\u2019t have to take your orders around here. \u00a0I\u2019m glad to have the chance to stay with you for a few days, but I\u2019m eighteen and I\u2019m not a child. Can\u2019t you understand that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What I understand is that you are being extremely wilful,\u2019 retorted Francois standing up next to him and staring into the green eyes that he knew so well. \u2018While you continue to live with me you will do as I say young lady!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him. \u2018What did you say?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois returned the look. \u2018I said you will continue to do exactly as I say!\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked puzzled. \u2018You called me young lady,\u2019 he said in a quieter voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois was taken aback. \u2018Did I?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Well that\u2019s probably because you remind me so much of your mother Joseph. \u00a0And I\u2019m beginning to see just how like her you actually are.\u2019 Joe stared at him, but said nothing as the man began to pace up and down the room. \u2018She was just like you,\u2019 he continued. \u2018Wilful and disobedient. She was no good and I don\u2019t intend to let you make the same mistakes in your life that she did in hers.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018How dare you say she was no good!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018My mother was a wonderful person!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois snorted. \u2018When it suited her!\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh yes I\u2019m sure your father has told you all the good things about her\u2026..she could be very charming when she wanted to be! \u00a0But there was another side to that young lady that I knew well. \u00a0Oh yes! \u00a0She had a bad side to her for sure!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step towards his grandfather. \u2018You take that back,\u2019 he shouted. \u2018My mother was not bad!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois smiled sarcastically at him. \u2018Really?\u2019 he countered. \u2018She was just like you! \u00a0Couldn\u2019t keep away from the young men when they came around. \u00a0Oh no! \u00a0The trouble she would have got herself into if I hadn\u2019t stopped it. \u00a0She needed my guidance\u2026..but would she take it? Would she listen to me? No wonder she got herself involved with that good-for-nothing\u2026\u2026.and then,\u2019 he turned on Joe. \u2018And then going off with your father like that to that God-forsaken place! \u00a0That just proved to me how little she understood.\u2019 \u00a0He paced the floor again. \u2018She could have been something! \u00a0She was such a beautiful young girl and she could have made a brilliant marriage if only she\u2019d listened to me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why should she have listened to you!\u2019 countered Joe, his temper rising with each word that came out of his grandfather\u2019s mouth. \u2018If she loved my father why shouldn\u2019t she have married him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois turned on him. \u2018Because I told her not to!\u2019 he said. \u2018I was her father and she should have done what I said!\u2019 He pointed his finger at Joe. \u2018Just like you will! I will not have you disobeying me Joseph! \u00a0You will do as I say!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step back and shook his head. \u2018No I won\u2019t!\u2019 he said. \u2018You are not my father and I don\u2019t have to do anything you tell me to. \u00a0Especially when you say things about my mother that aren\u2019t true!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018You don\u2019t understand boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018You didn\u2019t know her like I did.\u2019 He took a step forward. \u2018I don\u2019t want to fight you on this Joseph. \u00a0I just don\u2019t want you to repeat the mistakes of your mother that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018Well it\u2019s not your decision how I live my life,\u2019 he said. \u2018You can\u2019t force me to do things your way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois glared at him again. \u2018I most certainly can,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s for your own good Joseph.\u2019 \u00a0He turned swiftly and left the room, locking the door behind him before Joe realised what was happening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sprang forward, but reached the door too late. \u2018Let me out of here!\u2019 he yelled as he thumped on the door. \u2018Open the door and let me out! \u00a0You can\u2019t lock me in here like this!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence from the other side of the door and Joe shook his head in frustration. He sank down onto the floor and put his head on his knees and thought about what to do next.<\/p>\n

—–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Darkness had fallen before Joe heard the key turning in the lock again. \u00a0He stood up and faced the door, determined to keep his temper this time. \u00a0He had spent the last few hours trying to understand why his grandfather would be reacting in this way to what he felt was just a trivial incident. \u00a0He decided that no matter what had caused it, their time together was too short and he would try not to fight with him again. \u00a0However he couldn\u2019t get out of his mind the things that had been said about his mother and he didn\u2019t like one bit the inferences that his grandfather had made about her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa had always spoken of his mother in such glowing terms and his two brothers\u2019 memories of her had always been ones of love and warmth. \u00a0Joe\u2019s few recollections had always been such positive ones as well and he was sure that his grandfather was merely saying things that weren\u2019t true out of a sense of frustration with Joe himself. But why should he lie like that about her even so? Joe couldn\u2019t understand how anyone would say such things when they weren\u2019t true and he could only suppose that his grandfather had his reasons that were beyond Joe\u2019s understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even so, he didn\u2019t intend to listen to the man\u2019s accusations any more. \u00a0He would be polite, but firm with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened and Francois entered the room with a tray. \u2018Here is your supper,\u2019 he said, putting it on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at it. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018I assume you\u2019re leaving the door unlocked now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois nodded. \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said, then hesitated. \u2018I\u2019m sorry about that Joseph, but you just made me very angry this afternoon. I didn\u2019t mean for it to go that far.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, but said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois looked at him embarrassed for a moment. \u2018I\u2019m also sorry I said the things I did,\u2019 he said. \u2018Whatever my feelings for your mother I had no right to include you in them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded again. \u2018Why don\u2019t we just put it behind us then?\u2019 he suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois smiled at him. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now eat up your supper before it gets cold. \u00a0He left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down on the bed. \u00a0Much and all as he didn\u2019t want to admit it, there was an unspoken barrier between the two of them now and he didn\u2019t want it to be like this. \u00a0He had come here to get to know his grandfather and he worried that the man he was beginning to know wasn\u2019t the one he had pictured at all. \u00a0Maybe Pa was right and he was trying to rush things between them?
\n——-
\nThe night before he was due to leave, Joe decided to try again to convince his grandfather to accompany him to a show. \u2018So how about it?\u2019 he asked hopefully. \u2018Pa gave me some money before he left and I know he wouldn\u2019t mind of we just went to one of more\u2026..um discreet ones.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois gave him a frustrated look. \u2018I thought we had this out before Joseph?\u2019 he said. \u2018The answer is no.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018But Pa took me to one last year when we came here,\u2019 he said. \u2018All they do is dance a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m surprised your father allowed that,\u2019 replied Francois. \u2018But then again\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then again what?\u2019 asked Joe, forgetting his resolve to keep his temper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois lifted his hands. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joseph I\u2019m sure it\u2019s no secret to you that your father and I don\u2019t exactly see ey to ey about many things. \u00a0I suppose this is just one of them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm\u2026well I guess I can\u2019t change your opinion about it,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll just have to go on my own then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois stood up. \u2018You will not!\u2019 he said loudly. \u2018We have had this out before young man and I\u2019ve said no!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up to face him. \u2018Look Grandpa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve had just about enough of this! \u00a0I know what you think and I\u2019m sorry that I can\u2019t agree with you, but I just don\u2019t see why I should miss out on something that I know my father would approve of just because you don\u2019t. \u00a0Now I\u2019m going to that show with or without you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and made for the door, but was stopped by a tug on his arm. \u00a0\u2018Let go of me!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois shook his head. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018I have told you what I thought and you will obey me young man! Now hand over that money and go to your room.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snorted. \u2018It\u2019s my money,\u2019 he said. \u2018My Pa gave it to me not you!\u2019 \u00a0He stepped back in surprise as Francois hit him across the cheek. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare hit me!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018I ain\u2019t done nothing wrong!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois raised his hand again. \u2018Hand over that money!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018If that\u2019s what it takes to keep you from going the same way as your mother then I\u2019ll take it from you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled free of the man. \u2018No,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Grandpa but you\u2019re not telling me what to do no more.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and left the room, listening to his grandfather\u2019s yells behind him. \u2018You\u2019re just like her! You\u2019re no good! I should have known better than to think that you might be!\u2019 \u00a0The words echoed in his ears as he closed the door behind him. \u2018Go then!\u2019 Francois yelled. \u2018Get out now and don\u2019t come back!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked down the hallway with tears in his eyes. Why did it have to end like this?
\n——-
\n\u2018Joe?\u2019 said Ben quietly. \u2018Supper is ready. \u00a0Hop Sing has made all your favourites to welcome you home.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I\u2019ll be down in a minute.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u00a0Something was obviously wrong with the boy. \u00a0Since the moment he had got off the stage that morning he could sense it and questions about his trip had been answered with little enthusiasm and as little information as he could give and still be polite about it. \u00a0Ben was sure that the visit had not lived up to Joe\u2019s expectations and he wanted to help him talk it through, but he knew from experience that it was best to wait until Joe himself was ready to talk through a problem without forcing the issue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He walked over and put his hand around the back of his son\u2019s neck, rubbing it gently as he waited. After a moment Joe said tentatively. \u2018I suppose you know that things didn\u2019t work out too good in San Francisco.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and sat down next to him on the bed. \u2018I thought that might be the case,\u2019 he said. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scratched his head. \u2018I honestly don\u2019t know Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Grandpa was real nice to me and he even gave me a locket that belonged to my mother. \u2018Look.\u2019 \u00a0He held it out to his father who took it into his hand and studied it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s beautiful,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I sure you\u2019ll treasure it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded as he took it back from his father. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018But then he went all funny, you know?\u2019 he looked at his father enquiringly. Ben shook his head and waited for the boy to continue. \u2018Well he talked about me getting a bad reputation just because I talked to a girl in the street and I wanted to go to a show,\u2019 continued Joe. \u2018Not one of them\u2026\u2026..well you know, just a show with dancing like we saw last year. \u00a0He said it wasn\u2019t right for me to do things like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows. \u2018Well Joe, your grandfather is an old man. \u00a0I\u2019m sure that in his generation things were a little different.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah but it was more than that Pa. \u00a0He locked me in my room one time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He what?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018He kept talking about how like my mother I am and how he didn\u2019t want me to be bad like she was.\u2019 \u00a0He watched his father carefully to gauge his reaction to the words and noticed that Ben looked angry. \u00a0\u2018I tried to tell him that my mother wasn\u2019t bad, but he kept saying that she was. I know she wasn\u2019t Pa, but why would he carry on like that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No Joe, your mother wasn\u2019t bad,\u2019 he said, trying to maintain his anger. \u2018She was a wonderful woman. A warm and loving wife and mother.\u2019 \u00a0He patted his son\u2019s back. \u2018You remember, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip. \u2018A bit,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not much. But I know what you and Adam and Hoss say about her and I know she was.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018Well you just keep that thought in your mind,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your grandfather had no right to tell you differently.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment. \u2018He wasn\u2019t\u2026\u2026.well he wasn\u2019t what I thought you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018At first I thought that it was wonderful to have a grandfather and that he would be able to \u2026\u2026.well you know Pa\u2026\u2026sort of be a link to my mother. \u00a0But it turns out that he wasn\u2019t really because he didn\u2019t like her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben massaged his son\u2019s neck again. \u2018Well I wouldn\u2019t say that Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018He was her father and I\u2019m sure he loved her, but I think he just felt let down by her and the way in which she left him. \u00a0He couldn\u2019t handle it when she didn\u2019t do as he expected her to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He said she shouldn\u2019t have married you,\u2019 said Joe mournfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clenched his fists. \u2018Did he?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think he approved of me because of you and her getting married.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure he approved of you Joe. \u00a0He wouldn\u2019t have wanted you to go to San Francisco with him if he didn\u2019t,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah but that was before,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Before he thought I was no good like her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018He hurt you didn\u2019t he?\u2019 he asked gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I just thought it would be different that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son, families can\u2019t always be what we want them too,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I\u2019m sure your grandfather loves you in his way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah but we could have got on so good,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018And we ended up hardly speaking to each other. \u2018I understand how my mother felt about him now. \u00a0She musta wanted him to be different don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded \u2018I know she did, he replied. \u2018But he couldn\u2019t change just to suit her. \u00a0No more than he could for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I just feel like I shoulda been able to get on with him more,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I wish we coulda.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We can\u2019t always have what we wish for in life Joseph,\u2019 said his father gently. \u2018Be happy that you at least had some good times with him.\u2019 \u00a0Joe nodded. \u2018Now if we don\u2019t go down to supper Hop Sing will have thrown it all out,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed. \u2018Or Hoss will have eaten it all,\u2019 he said as he stood and put his arm around his father as they left the room.
\n——-
\n\u2018Joseph?\u2019 said Ben as he heard the front door open. \u2018Is that you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head appeared around the side of the study wall. \u2018Yeah Pa, its me. \u00a0Adam said you wanted to see me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben motioned for him to sit on the settee and stood up to join him. \u00a0\u2018Yes,\u2019 he said as he sat down next to him. \u2018I need to talk to you about something\u2026.. and no,\u2019 he added as he saw the look on his son\u2019s face. \u2018You\u2019re not in trouble.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ginned again. \u2018Oh good,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s just that it\u2019s hard to tell sometimes.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow at him. \u2018Only someone with a guilty conscience would perhaps make a comment like that,\u2019 he said in a teasing voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, what do you want to talk to me about then?\u2019 asked Joe, deciding to ignore the comment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben handed him a piece of paper. \u2018Hoss brought this home from town this morning when he collected the mail,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at it. \u2018It\u2019s for you, not me,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes, but I\u2019d like you to read it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened the letter and began to read.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dear Mr Cartwright,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I wish to inform you of the death last Tuesday of Mr Francois Dubois\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u2018Grandpa\u2019s dead,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Read it all,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at the paper again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Mr Dubois\u2019 lawyer it is my job to ensure that his last wishes as outlined in his will are carried out and I wish to inform you that he named his grandson Joseph as sole beneficiary to his estate. As Joseph is a minor and still under your guardianship, I am informing you as his father of the details of Mr Dubois\u2019s estate as outlined in the following pages. \u00a0Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss details of the arrangements you wish to make for the dispersal of the items mentioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yours sincerely,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Jacob Burns<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Attorney at Law<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to the next page and skimmed it. \u2018He was worth a lot of money,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes, so it seems,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a few moments while Ben studied his son\u2019s expression. \u2018How do you feel?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 replied Joe. \u00a0\u2018I didn\u2019t really know him that much. \u00a0Only that couple of weeks here and in San Francisco we spent together last July. And we had that fight\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe it\u2019s alright. \u00a0You don\u2019t really need to feel guilty about not grieving for him. As you say, you didn\u2019t know him very well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe studied the paper again. \u2018How come he left me all this stuff though? \u00a0I didn\u2019t think he liked me that much. \u00a0He never even wrote to me since I saw him in San Francisco.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think you\u2019ll find that he did \u2018like you\u2019 as you put it more than you thought. \u00a0\u2018It\u2019s like I said to you at the time Joseph, we can\u2019t make our families all that we\u2019d like them to be\u2026\u2026.but they\u2019re our families all the same.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018What do you think Mama would have thought if she\u2019d been here?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hesitated. \u2018I don\u2019t know Joe. \u00a0He was your mother\u2019s father, so it would be different. \u00a0I think somehow she would have had a lot of regrets just like you do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I guess so,\u2019 he said. \u2018He didn\u2019t leave me a letter or anything did he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not that Mr Burns mentions,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018I\u2019m sure he would have said if there was one.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mmm, I guess so,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018It\u2019s just that\u2026..well, if he cared that much I would have thought he might have written something for me. Can we have all that stuff sent here that he left me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll have to go through the list together,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018There are some large things that need to be sold and decisions made about his property, but most of the smaller things we can send for.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018OK,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll get back to work now Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched him go with a worried expression. \u00a0He had expected something more from the boy and in a way his reaction was a bit of a surprise. \u00a0Joe usually felt things so deeply and usually wore his heart on his sleeve. \u00a0But this\u2026..well he hadn\u2019t seem to be too upset that was a blessing at least\u2026\u2026..it was just that there seemed to be something he wasn\u2019t saying. \u00a0Ben sighed. \u00a0He\u2019d just have to let the boy work it through in his own time.
\n——-
\nJoe pulled absently at the grass beside him and pulled up a couple of weeds which he threw away. \u00a0He stared into the water and tried to think about his grandfather, but his thoughts kept drifting away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose I should feel sad about him dying,\u2019 he said to no one in particular. \u00a0It was always like this. \u00a0Every time he came up here he ended up talking out loud. Even though his mother couldn\u2019t hear him he liked to think that she could and it made him feel like she was closer when he did. \u2018I just don\u2019t feel\u2026\u2026well I don\u2019t feel much of anything really. \u00a0I guess that\u2019s wrong of me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He propped himself up on his elbow. \u2018I mean, he was my grandfather and all. \u00a0I just don\u2019t \u2026.well I don\u2019t know that I liked him all that much. \u00a0I tried to Mama, but he made it awful hard \u00a0you know.\u2019 \u00a0He smiled. \u2018I guess you do know. \u00a0Sounds like you and him didn\u2019t get on too well at all. Guess you and I are alike like he said we were.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at the headstone. \u2018Wonder what you would say if you were here?\u2019 He squinted up his eyes with the glare of the sun. \u2018I guess you\u2019d tell me like Pa does. \u00a0He said we can\u2019t make families what we want them to be. \u00a0But it\u2019s just that\u2026.well \u2026.. I wanted it all to be so good.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You remember Adam\u2019s grandfather don\u2019t you Mama?\u2019 He frowned. \u2018I guess you never met him either, but you musta known how Adam wanted to get to know him so much. \u00a0Well he did you know. \u00a0He went to live with him in Boston for a while when he was at College. They got on OK I guess. \u00a0Why couldn\u2019t I get on with my grandpa like he did with his? \u00a0I mean, Adam says that they didn\u2019t always see eye to eye, but they wrote to each other and stuff. \u00a0My grandpa didn\u2019t even write to me after I met him. I guess he didn\u2019t care.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018Pa says he didn\u2019t write to you either. \u00a0Guess he didn\u2019t care for either of us Mama.\u2019 \u00a0He tried to smile. \u2018Well it doesn\u2019t matter any more anyways. \u00a0He\u2019s dead now and I wished I\u2019d never even met him! I wish he\u2019d stayed in New Orleans and never come here at all.\u2019 \u00a0He stood up and walked away, then hesitated for a moment and turned. \u2018Bye Mama,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I love you, even if he didn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——-
\n\u2018Hey shortshanks, ain\u2019t ya ever gonna open that trunk?\u2019 asked Hoss one night after supper. \u2018It\u2019s been sitting down here for days now and I wanna know what\u2019s in it.\u2019 He indicated the large trunk near his father\u2019s study.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Yeah I\u2019ll get around to it,\u2019 he said casually.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben indicated for Hoss to be quiet. \u2018Joseph if you don\u2019t want to open it then we really should put it up in the attic,\u2019 he said. \u2018But it seems a shame not to look at it first.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked over at him. \u2018I thought you said I could do it when I wanted to,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So I did,\u2019 his father replied. \u2018But if you\u2019re not going to it\u2019s in the way and can\u2019t stay there forever. If you\u2019re worried about opening it\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Why would I be worried?\u2019 he said. \u2018I just haven\u2019t got around to it that\u2019s all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it goes into the attic tomorrow, one way or the other,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled. \u2018I don\u2019t care,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m going to bed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he left the room, Adam looked up from his book. \u2018Why do you think he won\u2019t open it Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think Joseph cares quite a bit,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But I think he\u2019s worried about his feelings for his grandfather and the fact that whatever\u2019s in the trunk is a reminder of him. He hasn\u2019t really reacted to Francois death these past few weeks and I think he\u2019s still uncertain about how he feels. \u00a0He\u2019s been hurt by the man and doesn\u2019t feel sure about his own emotions yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow. \u2018Well he won\u2019t end all this until he looks at whatever\u2019s in there,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But he has to do it in his own time.\u2019
\n——-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes and blinked. \u00a0He sat up and wondered why he had suddenly awoken as he listened intently for any noise that might have disturbed him, but heard nothing. \u00a0He lit the lamp next to his bed and glanced at his pocket-watch. 2am! There was no reason why he should have awoken, but something inside him was gnawing away at him and he lay down again wondering why sleep was eluding him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He rolled over and thought back over the past few weeks. \u00a0Joseph had been his usual happy self, but Ben knew that beneath the carefree exterior the boy was still worried about something. \u00a0Yet try as he would he couldn\u2019t get him to open up to him. \u00a0He felt it had to do with Francois\u2019 death and brought the topic up a few times, but Joe had always brushed his father aside insisting that he was fine about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at his pocket-watch again. 2.30am! \u00a0It seemed that he was not meant to sleep again for a while, so he got out of bed and put on his robe, intending to go downstairs and read for a while. \u00a0As he reached the top of the stairs he was surprised to see a light from below and edged around the corner slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There on the floor of his study sat Joseph with the open trunk next to him and things scattered around the floor. \u00a0He was examining a book intently and didn\u2019t raise his head until his father was nearly on top of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh, hi Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t hear you come downstairs.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled a chair over towards him and sat down. \u2018You opened it,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018I couldn\u2019t sleep so I thought I\u2019d come down and\u2026\u2026\u2019 he hesitated. \u2018I\u2019ve kinda been avoiding it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I dunno really,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I guess I didn\u2019t want to see what Grandpa had left for me. \u00a0I thought it might have been something\u2026\u2026\u2019 he shrugged again. \u2018I dunno.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Something to make you upset about him dying?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything. \u2018Look at all these things,\u2019 he said after a while. \u2018They all belonged to my mother I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the jewelry, clothing and books that were spread around them on the floor. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m glad your grandfather left them to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So am I,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Look at this.\u2019 \u00a0He held up a book for his father to see. \u2018There\u2019s an inscription in the front, see?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took it and read it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To my darling Marie<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

on your 14th birthday<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

with love from Papa<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And this,\u2019 said Joe handing his father a bracelet. \u00a0\u2018He gave it to her as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben read the engraved words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Love from Papa<\/p>\n

\u2018It seems like your grandfather gave her a lot of things,\u2019 he mused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Most of this stuff has things like that on them,\u2019 he said. \u2018He did love her after all didn\u2019t he Pa? I mean he must have at one time if he gave her all this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course he did,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018I told you before that I was sure he did. I just don\u2019t think he knew how to handle his love for her when things went wrong that\u2019s all.\u2019 He looked at his son. \u2018Or you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his head down and stared at all the things around him. \u2018I guess he left me all this stuff for a reason, huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think it was his way of saying to you what he couldn\u2019t when he was alive Joseph. Sometimes things get in the way of what we\u2019d really like to say to someone.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father. \u2018Things?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Feelings son. I think your grandfather really wanted to tell you that he loved you, but he didn\u2019t know how. \u00a0I\u2019m sure he regretted what happened with your mother.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then why did he treat me like he treated her?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because he didn\u2019t know any different,\u2019 responded his father. \u2018He did the best he could Joseph, but he wasn\u2019t perfect. \u00a0None of us are.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You tell us that you love us,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018You always have.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, but it wasn\u2019t so easy for your grandfather,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He was just a different kind of person. \u00a0He couldn\u2019t help that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Well I\u2019m glad you\u2019re not like that Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I\u2019m glad my Mama wasn\u2019t. \u00a0I think it\u2019s sad that my Grandpa wasn\u2019t like both of you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on the back of Joe\u2019s neck and rubbed it. \u2018Yes, it was sad,\u2019 he said. \u2018He could have had so much more in life if only he\u2019d let himself. \u00a0A daughter who loved him in spite of all that had happened, and a grandson to be proud of. You know what?\u2019 Ben asked. Joe shook his head. \u00a0\u2018I think he was proud of you after all. \u00a0I know that I am.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I love you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted the back of his neck. \u2018I love you too son, he said. \u2018And let\u2019s be grateful that we\u2019re able to say that to each other. It would be mighty sad if we weren\u2019t.\u2019 He smiled. \u2018Now come on, up to bed with you. \u00a0We\u2019ll clean all this up in the morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll show it to Adam and Hoss then,\u2019 said Joe as he turned to the staircase. \u00a0\u2018I guess they\u2019d like to see what Grandpa left me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled \u2018I\u2019m sure they would,\u2019 he said as his eyes drifted over to the sliver-framed photo of a laughing green-eyed beauty on his desk. \u00a0As he passed it he kissed his fingers and placed them on the face of the woman he had loved so dearly and then sighed as he followed her son up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Ben is disturbed when Marie’s father arrives in Virginia City wanting to meet his grandson. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K (19,580)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1015,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2109","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\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2109"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2109\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}