{"id":2119,"date":"2009-09-07T18:16:50","date_gmt":"2009-09-07T22:16:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2119"},"modified":"2026-03-07T19:11:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T00:11:37","slug":"taking-responsibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2119","title":{"rendered":"Taking Responsibility (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe takes responsibility for his actions and as a result finds himself trapped in a loveless relationship \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0T (22,910 words)
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Taking Responsibility<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright knocked on the door and took off his hat while he waited.\u00a0 He smiled as a young girl about his own age opened the door. \u2018Hi Anna,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your note said you wanted to see me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna Reeves licked her lips before replying. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018Thank you for coming Joe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Well?\u2019 he said when she didn\u2019t say any more. \u2018Aren\u2019t you going to invite me in?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna glanced behind her. \u2018Do you mind if we go out for a ride?\u2019 she said. \u2018I need to talk to you and I\u2019d rather not do it here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe shrugged. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ll just be a minute,\u2019 she said and closed the door again. Joe sat on the railing of the front porch while he waited and whistled softly as he looked at the people passing by in the street.\u00a0 He wondered what on earth Anna could have to talk to him about.\u00a0 After all, they hadn\u2019t been out for about a month now and he felt that it was all over between them.\u00a0 He was sure that Anna had felt the same, as she had hardly spoken to him during the last few weeks and hadn\u2019t seemed at all upset when he had started going out with Becky Anderson. He sure hoped that she didn\u2019t want to start it up with him again as he didn\u2019t want to have to hurt her feelings.\u00a0 Going out with Anna had been nice while it had lasted, but she wasn\u2019t exactly his type and he was glad that he had found that out quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He stood up as the door opened again. \u2018Papa said that we could have the buggy,\u2019 she said. \u2018Is that OK with you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll leave my horse here and pick him up later. Where do you wanna go to talk?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t care,\u2019 she said as he helped her into the buggy. \u2018Anywhere will do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe hitched up the horses and they drove in silence until they reached the riverbank. \u2018Will here do?\u2019 Joe asked as he pulled the horses to a halt. Anna nodded and he glanced at her as he felt her tense up. \u2018Is something the matter?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She shook her head. \u2018Let\u2019s just sit down on the grass,\u2019 she suggested. \u2018I need to talk to you Joe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe helped her down from the buggy and they both sat side by side on the grass in silence. \u2018Well for someone who just had to talk to me you\u2019re sure being mighty silent,\u2019 he said with a smile. \u2018What is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna licked her lips. \u2018Joe this is serious,\u2019 she said in a quiet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He glanced at her and noticed the way in which she was fiddling with the edges of her shawl nervously. \u2018Anna I hope you don\u2019t want to start seeing each other again,\u2019 he began. \u2018Because I\u2019m seeing Becky now and I\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna put her hand up to stop him. \u2018Joe please just listen to me,\u2019 she said. \u2018I need to tell you something.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe waited. \u2018What?\u2019 he said finally.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna looked away from him. \u2018I\u2019m \u2026. I\u2019m in trouble,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe stared at her. \u2018Can I help?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna sighed. \u2018You don\u2019t understand, do you?\u2019 she said. Joe continued to stare at her. \u2018I\u2019m in trouble,\u2019 she repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Suddenly Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said lamely. \u2018I see.\u2019\u00a0 He bit his lip and looked at the ground, embarrassed. \u2018Well\u2026 have you told your folks? I mean they\u2019ll help you\u2026 I\u2019m sure they will.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I needed to tell you first,\u2019 said Anna quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked up at her. \u2018What?\u2019 he said, his eyes widening. His thoughts began to spin in his head and he stood up and walked towards the water.\u00a0 He stared down at the water\u2019s edge, suddenly feeling dizzy.\u00a0 It was a full minute before he turned to face her again. \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ve been to see Doctor Martin.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe closed his eyes for a moment and tried to gather his thoughts. \u2018But it was only the one time,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018It only takes once,\u2019 she said bitterly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe walked back and sat next to her again. There was silence as they both sat and looked at the river. \u2018I guess we\u2019ll have to get married then,\u2019 Joe said after a moment.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s the right thing to do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna looked at him. \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe nodded. \u2018It\u2019s the right thing to do,\u2019 he repeated woodenly. \u2018We have to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna swallowed. \u2018We\u2019d better tell our folks then,\u2019 she said. \u2018Soon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Tonight,\u2019 said Joe in the same wooden voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she agreed. \u2018Tonight.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe stood up and pulled her to her feet. \u2018We\u2019d better get back,\u2019 he said. \u2018The sooner we get this over with the better.\u2019\u00a0 He avoided looking at her while he helped her up onto the buggy again and with a heavy heart he turned the horses back towards town again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe stood on the landing of the stairs and looked down at his father as he worked at his desk.\u00a0 With every fibre of his being he wanted to turn and walk upstairs again, away from the scene that he knew was about to unfold.\u00a0 But instead he took a deep breath and walked down slowly until he was standing in front of the desk and staring at the top of his father\u2019s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben looked up and smiled at his son. \u2018Yes Joe?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Is there something I can do for you son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe licked his lips nervously. \u2018Um\u2026 could I talk to you please Pa?\u2019 he said tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben put down his pen and sat back in his chair. \u2018Of course. What is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe raked his hand through his thick curls. \u2018Um\u2026 could we sit on the sofa?\u00a0 It\u2019s kinda important.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben frowned as he noticed how agitated his son seemed to be. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said as he stood up and walked across the room.\u00a0 \u2018What is it Joe?\u2019\u00a0 He sat on the sofa and motioned for the boy to sit down next to him but to his surprise Joe sat instead on one of the large easy chairs to the side, away from his father. He studied his son intensely and noted the way in which he was nervously biting his lower lip and the agitated fidgeting of his hands.\u00a0 Something was obviously really troubling the boy. \u2018Joe what is it?\u2019 he asked again as he bent forward and looked directly at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked away from his father and stared into the fireplace. \u2018I\u2026 um\u2026 I need to tell you something Pa,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There was silence for a moment. \u2018Yes?\u2019 prompted Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe licked his lips again. \u2018Its \u2026 well it\u2019s kinda personal.\u2019\u00a0 Ben waited patiently for his son to summon up the courage to say whatever it was that he needed to. \u2018Um\u2026 you know Anna Reeves don\u2019t you?\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Well she\u2026 she told me that she\u2019s\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe stood up and began to pace up and down in front of the fireplace while Ben watched him anxiously. \u2018Joseph what it is you have to tell me you\u2019d better get it over with son.\u00a0 Just come straight out with it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe sat down again and faced his father, squaring his shoulders and looking at him directly for the first time. \u2018Anna told me that she\u2019s\u2026 well she\u2019s gonna have a baby.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped and looked away from his father again and stared into the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said after a moment. \u2018And how does this affect you Joseph?\u2019 he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe swallowed before he answered his father. \u2018It\u2019s mine,\u2019 he said in a whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There was another silence before Ben spoke again. \u2018You\u2019re sure about this?\u2019 he asked. Joe nodded. Ben shut his eyes for a moment and tried to retain his composure. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said again. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 his voice trailed off as he tried to find the right words to say to his son. \u2018I suppose you understand how I must feel about this?\u2019 Joe nodded again, still avoiding his father\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Well Joseph, I suppose there\u2019s no point talking about the past,\u2019 continued his father. \u2018What\u2019s done is done.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked at him. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know you\u2019re feeling very disappointed in me right about now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben stared at the boy. \u2018Yes Joseph I am,\u2019 he said. \u2018Very disappointed. But my main concern at the moment is what to do about this situation.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe licked his lips again. \u2018Well me and Anna already talked about that,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018And what did you decide?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018We thought that we should get married I guess.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben nodded thoughtfully. \u2018I see.\u2019\u00a0 He studied at his son\u2019s face. \u2018Are you in love with this girl Joseph?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018But I guess it\u2019s too late to think about that now.\u2019\u00a0 He heaved his shoulders and gave a loud sigh. \u2018I reckon we just gotta think about\u2026. think about the baby.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben nodded again. \u2018Well I\u2019m glad to hear you say that,\u2019 he said. \u2018This isn\u2019t an ideal situation by any means Joe, but at least you know where your responsibilities lie.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018How old is Anna?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018A few months younger than me,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018She\u2019s just turned nineteen.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head for the third time and sighed. \u2018Well I suppose we\u2019d better go in and talk to her folks.\u00a0 I assume they know?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe nodded. \u2018She was telling them tonight too.\u2019\u00a0 He put his face in his hands. \u2018Pa I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m so sorry.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders. \u2018So am I Joe,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I\u2019m very sorry that your life has to take this turn son, but there\u2019s more than just you to consider now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I know,\u2019 said Joe as he lifted his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018We\u2019ll go and see Anna and her family in the morning,\u2019 said Ben. He stood up and turned towards the door. \u2018Goodnight,\u2019 he said shortly. Joe watched as his father walked slowly towards the door, his shoulders slumped.\u00a0 He felt an ache in his heart as he thought about how he was the cause of it and buried his head in his hands again as he heard the front door close.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben knocked on the door and squared his shoulders as it began to open. He tipped his hat. \u2018Morning Alfred,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joseph and I came to talk.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Albert gave Joe a long appraising stare, which made him take a small step backwards and gulp. \u2018I reckon we need to Ben.\u00a0 I thought you might come by this morning,\u2019 replied the man. \u2018Come on in.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben entered the house, followed by Joe.\u00a0 Albert ushered them into the front parlour. \u2018Please sit down,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get Beatrice to call Anna downstairs.\u2019\u00a0 As he left the room Ben sat down and motioned for Joe to sit beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t think he likes me very much,\u2019 said Joe quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Would you expect him to?\u2019 asked his father shortly. \u2018I\u2019m sure he\u2019s very angry with you.\u00a0 In his position I certainly would be.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his son a long stare. \u2018Actually in my position I\u2019m trying not to feel the same way Joseph.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe sat back in his seat and closed his mouth.\u00a0 Father and son sat silently for a few moments listening to the ticking of the clock.\u00a0 Joe wondered what on earth he was going to say to Mr and Mrs Reeves and hoped that his father would do most of the talking.<\/span><\/p>\n

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At that moment Albert and Beatrice Reeves came into the room, followed by their daughter Anna.\u00a0 The girl had obviously been crying and looked at Joe through red-rimed eyes.\u00a0 Joe tried to smile at her, but his thoughts were more on her parents and how they would react to him.\u00a0 As they all sat down again, Ben spoke. \u2018I felt that we all needed to get this out in the open,\u2019 he began. \u2018For everyone\u2019s sake.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m glad you feel that way Ben,\u2019 replied Albert. \u2018Beatrice and I are sure feeling a bit stunned right about now.\u2019 He gave Joe another long stare which made him sit back even further in his seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Papa, I told you,\u2019 said Anna. \u2018Joe and I talked about getting married.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Albert didn\u2019t take his eyes off Joe. \u2018Yes, you did tell us,\u2019 he said. \u2018How about that young man?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe swallowed before he felt able to reply. \u2018I\u2019m sorry about all this Mr Reeves,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m willing to marry Anna if she wants to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019s not a matter of wanting to,\u2019 said Beatrice. \u2018It\u2019s the only thing to do. I will not have a daughter of mine\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Albert motioned to his wife with his hand. \u2018That\u2019s enough Beatrice,\u2019 he said. \u2018You heard the boy. There\u2019ll be a marriage so there\u2019s no need to go on about it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018No need?\u2019 she said, her voice rising. \u2018I think there\u2019s every need to go on about something like this!\u00a0 If that boy thinks he can just come in here after what he\u2019s done and expect that everything will be all right, then he can think again!\u2019\u00a0 She fixed Joe with a hard glare. \u2018If it wouldn\u2019t make matters worse than they already were Joseph Cartwright, I\u2019d take a switch to you and you wouldn\u2019t be forgetting it in a hurry I can assure you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Anna reached over to her mother. \u2018Mama,\u2019 she said. \u2018Papa\u2019s right.\u00a0 It\u2019s no good going over it all now.\u00a0 The important thing is to make things right for the baby.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Beatrice gave her daughter a hard stare, which made Anna drop her hand quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I think this should be done as soon as possible,\u2019 interrupted Ben. \u2018For everyone\u2019s sake.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I agree,\u2019 said Albert.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019d be happy for both Joe and Anna to live on The Ponderosa,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018I don\u2019t think they\u2019re in any state to be setting up on their own for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe cringed to hear their fathers talk about his and Anna\u2019s future as if they weren\u2019t even there.\u00a0 He knew that both men were doing it for their own good and that he didn\u2019t really have any way of supporting a wife and baby, but nevertheless it made him feel like a little kid. He sighed as he caught Anna\u2019s eye and realised that she was probably feeling the same way too.\u00a0 His father\u2019s next words did nothing to change his feelings either. \u2018Seeing as both of them are underage legally, we\u2019ll both have to give our written consent to this.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see the preacher and have it arranged as soon as possible.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018It might look mighty obvious what all this is about if we do it that way Ben,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018I was thinking that it might be best for them to go to Sacramento and get it done there. They could say they just eloped.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded thoughtfully. \u2018It might be better in the long run,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t we get a say in any of this?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him sternly. \u2018Of course you do,\u2019 he said after a moment\u2019s hesitation. \u2018What is your opinion Joseph?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stole a glance at Anna who shrugged her shoulders at him. \u2018I guess it\u2019d be better that way,\u2019 he said quietly and sighed. Whichever way they did this nothing could alter the fact that he didn\u2019t want to marry this girl and he felt pretty sure that she didn\u2019t want to marry him either.\u00a0 However, as his father had said to him\u2026 there was more to think about now.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So it\u2019s settled,\u2019 he heard his father say. \u2018I\u2019ll go with them both to Sacramento and see it done.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018I\u2019m mighty sorry about all this Albert and Beatrice. We\u2019ll just have to make the best of a difficult situation I suppose.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at Anna. \u2018You\u2019re going to be part of our family now Anna, so I want you to know that I\u2019ll do everything I can to help you and Joseph make a go of this.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna gave him a half-smile. \u2018Thank you Mr Cartwright,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben picked up his hat. \u2018We\u2019ll see you at the stage in the morning then,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on Joseph.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe picked up his hat as well, anxious to get out of the house as quickly as possible.\u00a0 He gave Anna a quick smile and followed Ben out of the house, grateful that the meeting was over.\u00a0 As the door closed behind them, he stole a glance at his father. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him another stare. \u2018I meant what I said in there Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018I will do everything I can to help you both through all this.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe blushed with the embarrassment of it all. \u2018I know Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I\u2019m grateful that you\u2019re doing all this for me\u2026 I mean us.\u2019 He smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t return the smile, but continued to stare at his son. \u2018I think we need to get home now,\u2019 he said. \u2018You have to explain all this to your brothers.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do I have to?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m not going to,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That\u2019s your job son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed as his father began to walk down the porch steps. Telling Hoss and Adam was something he was definitely not looking forward to as he knew how embarrassed he would feel doing it.\u00a0 However, as his father said\u2026. He knew that it was his job to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph and I will be going to Sacramento on tomorrow\u2019s stage,\u2019 said Ben at the table that night. \u2018I\u2019ll be back on Wednesday, but Joe will be staying for a few days longer after that.\u00a0 Could you keep things going around here please boys?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You know we will. But what on earth are you going for?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Joe. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said. \u2018I believe you have something to tell your brothers?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and looked at his plate. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I\u2019m going to \u2026 I\u2019m going to Sacramento to get married.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 jaw dropped. \u2018What?\u201d he said incredulously. \u2018Quit joshing Joe!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head without looking up from his plate. \u2018I ain\u2019t joshing,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his father incredulously and then back to Joe again. \u2018You been holding out on us short shanks?\u2019 he said. \u2018Who are you talking about getting married to?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Anna Reeves,\u2019 said Joe in the same quiet voice. Adam gave his brother a long look and said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face broke into a grin and he reached across and slapped his younger brother on the back. \u2018Well how come you ain\u2019t told us about it sooner?\u2019 he asked. \u2018News like this and we ain\u2019t even had a chance to celebrate!\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his father again. \u2018Why don\u2019t we all go?\u2019 he said. \u2018I reckon we should all be there, don\u2019t you Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think that Joe might have more to tell us Hoss,\u2019 said Adam as he continued to stare at his brother. \u2018Isn\u2019t that right little brother?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, but was silent. \u2018Well?\u2019 said his father. \u2018Out with it Joseph.\u00a0 Your brothers need to know the full story.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Know what?\u2019 asked Hoss puzzled. \u2018Is there something wrong?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Anna is\u2026.. she\u2019s gonna have a baby,\u2019 said Joe, still in the quiet voice.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019 jaw dropped for a second time and he was silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his father and then back to Joe again before speaking. \u2018I suppose you\u2019ll be bringing her back here to live?\u2019 he said in a tight voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, I\u2019ve offered for Anna to live here,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I know that might make things a bit awkward for both of you boys, but I think it\u2019s the best thing to do.\u00a0 Anna will, after all, be part of our family now. I hope you both don\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam continued to stare at their brother in silence. Finally Adam said, \u2018We don\u2019t mind, do we Hoss?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess things might be a bit different around here for a bit, but we\u2019ll get used ta it I reckon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up, avoiding looking at either his father or brothers. \u2018I think I\u2019ll go on up to bed now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Night.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good night son,\u2019 said his father. \u2018We need to get an early start in the morning, so try and get some sleep.\u2019 Joe nodded as he mounted the stairs and disappeared around the corner of the landing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t know that he was gone on Anna Reeves,\u2019 said Hoss after a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think he\u2019s particularly \u2018gone on\u2019 her, as you put it,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It\u2019s fairly clear how he feels about this, don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is it such a good idea then?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018All I know is that there is more to consider than just Joseph now. At least he\u2019s willing to take responsibility for his actions.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes but Pa,\u2019 continued Adam. \u2018This is forever.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think it should be thought through a bit more before\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u2018I think your brother should have thought a lot of things through Adam. What\u2019s done is done and there\u2019s no going back on it now.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be leaving for Sacramento in the morning.\u2019\u00a0 He strode away from the table and left the room, slamming the front door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Adam. \u2018Pa is sure plenty upset about this, ain\u2019t he?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course he is.\u00a0 What would you expect him to be?\u2019\u00a0 Adam glanced at the staircase and shook his head. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go and talk to Joe, Hoss?\u00a0 I\u2019ll see if Pa needs anything.\u2019 He left the room as well while Hoss sat and stared at the tablecloth in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 said Adam as he approached his father beside the corral fence. \u2018Are you OK?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I\u2019m all right son,\u2019 he said. \u2018I keep hoping that I\u2019m going to wake up and find that this is all a dream, but I know it isn\u2019t going to happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 said Adam as he leant against the fence and studied his father\u2019s profile in the moonlight. \u2018I guess Joe feels like that too.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I guess,\u2019 he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry about what I said before,\u2019 continued Adam. \u2018I only meant\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know what you meant son and I thank you for it,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It shows that you care about your brother. But the fact remains that Joseph has to take responsibility for this and there\u2019s not much that any of us can do apart from supporting him when we can to help him get through it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss is up there talking to him now,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He might be able to help him a bit.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have a feeling that Joseph is going to grow up quite a bit in the coming months and he\u2019s going to need both Hoss and you to help him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well he really has no choice does he?\u2019 asked Adam. He shook his head. \u2018Stupid kid!\u2019 he said. \u2018Honestly Pa\u2026 I could have just kicked him in there!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his eldest son a half-smile. \u2018I think Joseph has probably been kicking himself for the past few days,\u2019 he said. \u2018He doesn\u2019t need you to do it for him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018People around here will talk you know,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he replied. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to learn to live with it.\u00a0 Joe and Anna most of all.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced up at the window.\u00a0 \u2018While we\u2019re away I\u2019d like you and Hoss to make some space for her things,\u2019 he said. \u2018The Reeves\u2019 will bring some of them out here while we\u2019re gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Anything else?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted his son on the arm as he turned away from him. \u2018Well you might say a few prayers for us all,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have a feeling that we\u2019re going to need them to deal with all of this.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe?\u2019 asked Hoss as he opened the door slowly. \u2018Are you awake?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took his head off the pillow. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on in Hoss.\u2019\u00a0 He watched as his brother shuffled self-consciously towards his bed and settled himself on a chair next to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I just came up ta see if you were all right,\u2019 said Hoss with a half-grin. \u2018I was worried about ya short shanks.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks Hoss,\u2019 said Joe as he lay back down again and stared at the ceiling. \u2018I\u2019m OK.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No ya ain\u2019t,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Don\u2019t ya lie ta me little buddy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u2018You could always tell when I was lying Hoss couldn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure could,\u2019 agreed his brother. \u2018Lots of times it got me out of a peck of trouble too, if I recall.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We sure did stir up some trouble when we was kids didn\u2019t we?\u2019 said Joe with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You stirred up the trouble,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I just followed ya.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018True,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I guess I\u2019ve stirred up some of it now huh?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I guess.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is Pa OK?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I guess he\u2019s mighty upset,\u2019 replied Hoss honestly. \u2018Probably worried about you as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so.\u2019\u00a0 Joe sighed. \u2018I\u2019m kinda worried about myself Hoss.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t love Anna huh?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 To tell the truth I don\u2019t even like her that much.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018Then why\u2026 I mean how on earth did ya let something like this happen Joe?\u00a0 Didn\u2019t ya have any sense?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I guess not,\u2019 replied Joe. He rolled over and faced the wall. \u2018It was just one of those things Hoss. I didn\u2019t mean it to happen, honest I didn\u2019t!\u00a0 It just \u2026 well it just kinda did.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t know you and Anna Reeves was sweet on each other,\u2019 said Hoss with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We weren\u2019t especially,\u2019 admitted Joe. \u2018She was always gone on Fred Tyler, but when he up and left town I guess we just kinda got to know each other a bit while she was still missing him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I guess ya sure got to know her more than a bit,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe blushed and said nothing. After a few moments he rolled over and faced his brother. \u2018Do you mind leaving me alone Hoss?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019d kinda like to be by myself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure,\u2019 said Hoss as he stood up. \u2018Try and get some sleep now Joe, OK?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018OK.\u00a0 Thanks for being such a great brother Hoss.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s what I\u2019m here for little buddy,\u2019 said Hoss. He shook his head as he left the room and shut the door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood at the window of the hotel room and stared down at the street below him.\u00a0 The past couple of days had been so busy and this was the first time that he had really stopped and had time to himself and had the chance to think about things.\u00a0 Perhaps that was just as well really, for if he\u2019d had the chance to stop and think before he mightn\u2019t have had the courage to go through with all of this.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

First there had been the emotional farewell between Anna and her parents at the stage.\u00a0\u00a0 It was obvious that they were worried for her and probably wanted to come with them, but they had all agreed that it wouldn\u2019t have been a good idea in view of the fact that the story was going to be that Joe and Anna had just eloped.\u00a0 It would have looked too obvious if both their parents had gone with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt that it was bad enough having his father come along, but he knew that it wouldn\u2019t have been proper for them to come unchaperoned before the wedding. It had made it an awkward couple of days in the stagecoach together though, the embarrassment and tension thick in the air between them.\u00a0 If it hadn\u2019t been for the fact that there was another couple on the stage with them which prevented them from all talking about it, then it would have been even worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The worst part though had been the marriage itself.\u00a0 Pa had found a Justice of the Peace as soon as they had arrived and after changing they had all gone straight back down there.\u00a0 Joe knew that the Celebrant and his wife who had acted as their witnesses would have had a fairly good idea about the circumstances that had brought them there, and the fact that they were made him feel acutely embarrassed.\u00a0 He sighed as he realised that there would probably be a lot of tongues wagging back home when they arrived, so he thought that he might as well get used to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His marriage hadn\u2019t been at all like he had pictured it would be.\u00a0 Joe had always thought that he wouldn\u2019t get married for a long time and when he did it would be to someone that he felt he just couldn\u2019t live without.\u00a0 He had visions of building a house for them both on The Ponderosa and being blissfully happy.\u00a0 He had always thought he would have been married in the little church back home with all his family and friends around him to celebrate with a big party at The Ponderosa afterwards.\u00a0 Today\u2019s ceremony just seemed so sordid in comparison.\u00a0 He wondered if Anna felt the same way that he did\u2026 after all, girls were supposed to really dream about their wedding days and have great plans for it.\u00a0 He supposed that she had been as disappointed as he had been.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa had booked them a room here and the intention was for them to stay for a few days and then return with the elopement story.\u00a0 Saying goodbye to Pa this afternoon had been difficult, and Joe had sensed his father\u2019s mixed feelings for him.\u00a0 It was obvious that he was still very upset and disappointed in him, but he also knew that he was worried about his future and his happiness as well.\u00a0 Joe knew without doubt that his father still loved him dearly and would do anything to help him\u2026 his hug goodbye had told him that.\u00a0 But he also knew that the man was feeling very fragile at the moment, much as Joe himself was also feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and glanced around the room with apprehension.\u00a0 It was a large and airy room in a good hotel and ordinarily he would have been thrilled to have a few days in Sacramento to do with as he pleased.\u00a0 But his thoughts kept coming back to the fact that he wasn\u2019t alone now and had Anna to consider as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked over to the bed and sat down.\u00a0 He looked down at the bedcover and felt a shiver of apprehension go through him.\u00a0 That was another thing that he didn\u2019t really feel comfortable with.\u00a0 It somehow seemed different now that they were married.\u00a0 The one time that they had made love had been a spur of the moment thing and one that he had instantly regretted the next day.\u00a0 It had never been repeated.\u00a0 Joe sensed that Anna felt the same way about it as he had, for they had never talked of it again and it was soon after that they had stopped seeing each other altogether. Sometimes it felt like it had never even happened\u2026. Joe sighed as he wished for the hundredth time that it never had.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And now here they were married and\u2026. he rubbed his hands down the bedcover and felt its roughness underneath his palms\u2026. and supposedly ready to live as a married couple.\u00a0 Joe knew that he didn\u2019t feel ready to live like that and he wondered how Anna felt about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked up as the door opened and Anna came into the room carrying a couple of parcels. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She put the parcels on the bed and smiled at him. \u2018Hello Joe.\u00a0 I got the things that I needed.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nodded. \u2018Did you have enough money?\u2019\u00a0 His father had given him money for the both of them to spend during the next few days.\u00a0 It was another thing that made him feel awkward and not at all grown up, but he knew that he didn\u2019t have enough for them to exist on and so he had had no choice but to accept it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took off her bonnet. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she replied. She sat on the bed next to him and there was silence for a few moments. \u2018Well?\u2019 she said finally. \u2018What now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess we should get changed and go out to get something to eat before we\u2026. before we go to sleep.\u2019\u00a0 He looked away from her, embarrassed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll get changed then.\u00a0 She stood up to open her bag and took out a dress.\u00a0 Joe blushed as he realised that she would have to get changed in front of him and he in front of her. \u2018Do you want me to wait outside?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna hesitated. \u2018I suppose we have to get used to this,\u2019 she said. \u2018I \u2026\u2019 she looked around. \u2018I could use this side of the room and you could get changed over there.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved quickly over to the other side of the bed. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said, turning his back on her as he began to rummage through his own bag.\u00a0 He quickly changed without turning around and when he finally did he was pleased to see that she had done the same and was ready. \u2018We\u2019d better go then,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they left the room, Joe wondered how long it would be before all of this stopped being so awkward and began to feel normal to them.\u00a0 He sighed as he realised that they had the rest of their lives to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the stage neared Virginia City, Joe stretched his legs and tried to ease the stiffness in his back. It had been a long trip and one that he would rather not have had.\u00a0 The few days had been nothing but difficult for both of them and if it wasn\u2019t for the fact that they now had to face everyone, he would have been sincerely glad to be back home again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t that they hadn\u2019t got on well enough.\u00a0 In fact he and Anna had seen a lot of the sights in Sacramento and had had quite a good time.\u00a0 There had been many times when they had found themselves forgetting that they were in fact a married couple and could relax as just friends, but then someone would refer to them as Mr and Mrs Cartwright and it would all come flooding back again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The nights had been the worst.\u00a0 That first night they had lain side by side without talking, each one willing the other to go to sleep so that they could then relax.\u00a0 Unfortunately they had both been so agitated about the situation that they found that they couldn\u2019t and so the tenseness between them had grown to such a level that Joe had finally felt obliged to speak. He had been so glad that it was a dark night and they couldn\u2019t see each other during the conversation, as he knew that they would have been too embarrassed to say the things that they had in daylight.\u00a0 Basically, they had agreed to take things slowly and not feel any pressure to live as a married couple and once they had both agreed that that was how they felt, the tension between them had eased and they had drifted off to sleep.\u00a0 Joe had woken up the next morning with Anna fast asleep beside him feeling much more positive about things now that they had the understanding.\u00a0 He felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders and the next couple of nights had been much easier because of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still, they both knew that the situation couldn\u2019t remain like that and the tenseness was still there between them like an axe waiting to fall.\u00a0 Joe felt that perhaps the sooner they got it over with the better, but he just didn\u2019t feel confident enough to make the first move.\u00a0 He thought about how strange it was that in the past it was something he had spent so much time thinking about, but now he was trying so hard to avoid those very feelings that had led him to getting married in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the stage drew to a halt he smiled at Anna. \u2018Sure good to get back,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She returned the smile. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stepped down from the stage and turned to help Anna down as well. He turned as he heard the sound of a shrill scream. \u2018Anna!\u2019 shouted Beatrice Reeves and pushed Joe to one side as she hugged her daughter. Joe stood silently watching as Anna hugged both her parents and assured them that she was all right.\u00a0 He felt very awkward and the feeling only increased as they pointedly ignored him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 he heard a voice behind him and turned quickly to see his father standing there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 he said, flinging his arms around his father and hugging him tightly. \u2018How are you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the hug and then held his son back at arm\u2019s length to look intently at his face. \u2018I\u2019m fine boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018How are you, more to the point?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a smile. \u2018I\u2019m fine Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are Adam and Hoss here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 We felt it would be better not to have too big a crowd to meet you,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re waiting for you at home. Come on and we\u2019ll get your luggage organised.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt grateful to have something to do to ease the awkwardness he still felt and quickly grabbed his and Anna\u2019s bags and loaded them into the buggy. There was a moment\u2019s silence when he finally turned to face Anna and her parents. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 said Albert Reeves as he nodded his head at him slightly to acknowledge him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. \u2018Mr Reeves,\u2019 he said and then tipped his hat at the man\u2019s wife. \u2018Ma\u2019am.\u2019 Beatrice Reeves didn\u2019t acknowledge his greeting, but simply looked straight through him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well we\u2019d better be going,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We\u2019ll see you in Church tomorrow Albert and Beatrice.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna hugged her parents again. \u2018I\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 she said, but Joe detected a glint of a tear in her eye as she got into the buggy. \u2018I\u2019ll see you tomorrow.\u2019 Joe climbed up beside her and Ben hitched the horses up as they drove up Main Street. Several pairs of eyes followed them as they left town and Joe could almost hear the words behind them as they did so.\u00a0 He wished it could all be over, but knew that it would be quite a while until it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they headed towards The Ponderosa, Ben tried to keep the conversation going, but found it hard going.\u00a0 Neither of the young people behind him in the buggy seemed inclined to talk and finally he gave up and they all sat in silence.\u00a0 He glanced at Joe a couple of times during the journey and his heart constricted as he noticed how depressed the boy seemed.\u00a0 During the past few days Ben had done a lot of thinking and he had made up his mind to put everything behind them and make the best of the situation, and he just prayed that Joseph and Anna could do it as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knew that there were difficult times ahead of the young couple and he aimed to support them however he could.\u00a0 It would be hard enough for them without their families against them as well and he wanted so desperately for this marriage to succeed for his son.\u00a0 After all, there really was no choice now and Joseph would just have to learn to grow up in these coming months and deal with his new life the best way he knew how.\u00a0 Still, the father in Ben cried inwardly for his son and for his lost youth that had been snatched away from him so abruptly. There was no getting around the fact that his life would be very different from now on and he just hoped that Joseph would be able to adjust to it and rise to the challenges that it would bring.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He worried about them both.\u00a0 It was obvious to everyone who knew the story that they weren\u2019t in love and Ben just could begin to imagine being married to someone without the love that he had himself felt in his life. His three wives had all been so different, yet they had all in their own way been so dear to him.\u00a0 When he had married each of them he had felt such a desire to be with them and protect them forever and his heart just bled for his son whom he knew couldn\u2019t possibly be feeling that way about his new wife.\u00a0 He prayed that in time Joseph would come to have those feelings for Anna and in the meantime he would learn to deal with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had both looked so young as they had stepped down from the stage.\u00a0 Too young to be married and having a family! It was true that Ben himself hadn\u2019t been more than a couple of years older than Joseph was now when he had married for the first time, but then again his life had been so very different to that of his son\u2019s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had left home at an early age and the rigours of the life he had chosen at sea had made him mature beyond his years.\u00a0 By the time he and Elizabeth had married he had felt very confident in dealing with a wife and a family.\u00a0 Joseph, however, had always been the baby of the family and much and all as he would have disputed the fact, there was still a lot of the boy in him.\u00a0 He had led a very sheltered life on The Ponderosa, cared for and shielded from so many things by his father and brothers and Ben doubted that he was in any way ready to take on the responsibilities that he now had to face. Which was all the more reason for them all to be there to support him.\u00a0 Anna also didn\u2019t seem terribly mature to Ben.\u00a0 She was the treasured only child of Albert and Beatrice and had never had to really make her own way in life.\u00a0 Ben prayed with all his heart that she would grow to love his son and make a fine wife and mother.\u00a0 He vowed to do everything in his power to help them both along.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the buggy pulled up outside the ranch house he pulled the horses to a halt and smiled at them both. \u2018Welcome home,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Would you like some more vegetables Anna?\u2019 asked Ben kindly as he held out the plate towards her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No thank you Mr Cartwright,\u2019 replied Anna.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence around the table for a moment and then Adam spoke. \u2018So how was Sacramento?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother gratefully. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018We enjoyed it, didn\u2019t we Anna?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was another silence. \u2018So what\u2019s been happening here?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Did you get those horses finished?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mmm.\u00a0 We delivered them yesterday,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018We can start on the new batch on Monday.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why not tomorrow?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s Sunday Joseph,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Had you forgotten?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yeah,\u2019 said Joe lamely. \u2018I kinda lost track of the days I guess.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You can start them on Monday,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Tomorrow we\u2019re all going to church.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018Do we have to?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think the sooner you face people the better, don\u2019t you?\u2019 replied Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your father\u2019s right Joe,\u2019 said Anna. \u2018We have to get it over with.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so,\u2019 said Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up from the table. \u2018Well I think we could all do with an early night,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll just go and check on the stock before I go up.\u00a0 Good night everyone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Night Pa,\u2019 chorused his three sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good night Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said Anna.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The four of them sat awkwardly around the table for a moment until Hoss stood up as well. \u2018Well I\u2019m going upstairs,\u2019 he said. \u2018Night.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam finished his coffee quickly and left the table as well so as not to make the situation any more awkward than it already was. \u2018Night,\u2019 he said as he disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked across the table at Anna. \u2018You want to go on up?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so,\u2019 she replied as she stood up from the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up as well. \u2018I\u2019ll show you where my\u2026 I mean our room is,\u2019 he said half-heartedly as he walked towards the stairs with Anna following him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they reached his bedroom he stood aside to let her enter first. \u2018Hoss and Adam put your things in here,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll move some of my stuff around so that you can fit yours in.\u2019 He opened the cupboard. \u2018Oh.\u00a0 I guess they\u2019ve already done some of it for us.\u00a0 There\u2019s some room in here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And in these drawers,\u2019 she said as she opened one. \u2018This is plenty.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have many things with me. Maybe I\u2019ll go into town on Monday and pack up the rest of my things.\u00a0 I\u2019ll probably need to do some shopping as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m going to need some new clothing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018Isn\u2019t it a bit soon to be worrying about things for\u2026. Well for the baby?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t mean that.\u00a0 I meant for myself,\u2019 Anna replied. \u2018My things won\u2019t fit me for much longer.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh.\u2019\u00a0 Joe tried not to look embarrassed as he caught on to her meaning. He sighed as he realised that it would mean asking his father for more money again. \u2018I guess you will,\u2019 he said. He looked around. \u2018I might go downstairs for a bit,\u2019 he said. \u2018You all right up here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe left the room, grateful to have escaped for a while.\u00a0 Anna sat down on the bed and looked around here, noting the picture frame on the dresser beside the bed.\u00a0 She picked it up and looked at it. The woman looked so much like Joe that she realised that it must be his mother.\u00a0 She wondered how she would find living here with all these men and as she stared at the picture she wondered how the last Mrs Cartwright had fared.\u00a0 With a sigh she replaced the picture and began to unpack her bag dispiritedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the buggy pulled to a halt outside the church, the Cartwrights felt many eyes staring at them.\u00a0 By the now word had spread that Anna Reeves had left town yesterday in the Cartwright buggy instead of going home with her parents and the very fact that she and Joe had got off the stage together had been the topic of conversation for all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe helped Anna down from the buggy and with a deep breath turned to face the crowd. He grabbed hold of her arm as they began to make their way towards the church, but they hadn\u2019t gone more than five steps before Mrs Watkins touched him on the arm and stopped them. \u2018Well hello there!\u2019 she said brightly. \u2018Anna dear, you\u2019ve been staying with the Cartwrights I see?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence as Anna took a deep breath.\u00a0 Before she could speak however, Joe interrupted her. \u2018Anna and me got married a few days ago,\u2019 he said in a loud voice.\u00a0 \u2018We\u2019ve just come back from Sacramento.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a general murmur around the crowd and Mrs Watkins\u2019s eyes bulged open. \u2018I see,\u2019 she said. \u2018Well \u2026 Congratulations to you both.\u00a0 That\u2019s wonderful news!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled Anna towards the church and they hurried up the stairs and into the building as quickly as they could.\u00a0 Ben tipped his hat to Mrs Watkins. \u2018Ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said shortly and motioned for Hoss and Adam to follow him. Behind them the crowd began to erupt into loud chatter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During the Service, Joe felt everyone\u2019s eyes upon him and Anna who was seated beside him in the Cartwright pew.\u00a0 He had never felt so uncomfortable and even though he desperately wanted to be out of there he dreaded the moment when the Service was over and they would have to face the people again. However, eventually it was and he took another deep breath as he stood to face everyone. With heads held high, he and Anna left the Church quickly and made their way towards the buggy.\u00a0 Anna\u2019s parents quickly came over and began to talk to their daughter, so Joe found it necessary to step away and give them some space.\u00a0 Immediately he felt a presence beside him and glanced over gratefully to see Hoss standing beside him. \u2018I thought ya could probably do with some company right about now,\u2019 his brother said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I sure could!\u2019\u00a0 He glanced around the yard and caught Mitch\u2019s eye and smiled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch grinned back at him and came over. \u2018Well congratulations you old married man you!\u2019 he said, slapping him on the back with forced bravado.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked at him closely. \u2018Any time you\u2019re ready for a drink or a talk buddy just let me know,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe again, this time gratefully.\u00a0 He smiled again at his friend. Maybe things in time wouldn\u2019t be so bad after all?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben!\u2019 called Paul Martin as his friend passed him by. \u2018Have you got a moment?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned at the sound of the doctor\u2019s voice. \u2018Paul,\u2019 he said. \u2018Good to see you.\u2019\u00a0 He held out his hand and shook Paul\u2019s firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I just wanted to say that I\u2019m glad all this is out in the open at last,\u2019 said Paul.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You knew?\u2019 said Ben surprised. \u2018Oh of course,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t think.\u00a0 Anna would have consulted you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u2018She was in a pretty bad way when she first came to see me,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t know who the boy was of course, but when I heard that she and Joe had gone to Sacramento well of course I guessed.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his friend with pity. \u2018How are you holding up with all of this?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019m just concerned for the two of them of course. Once they get the news of their marriage over with there\u2019s still more to come, as you know.\u00a0 I just hope they\u2019re up to it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well the sooner it\u2019s all out in the open the better,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018They won\u2019t be able to wait much longer though of course.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted an eyebrow. \u2018Well surely there\u2019s no rush,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s still a bit of time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked slightly confused. \u2018If you say so,\u2019 he said. \u2018To tell you the truth I thought things would have been settled before now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well Anna only told Joe a few days ago,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul hesitated. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence. \u2018Well \u2026 as I said she\u2019s been mighty upset about it Ben, so I suppose it\u2019s only natural that she waited for a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Paul exactly how long ago did Anna first come to you?\u2019 he asked. \u2018How far along is she?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul hesitated. \u2018Ben I\u2019m sorry, but I really can\u2019t say.\u00a0 She\u2019s my patient after all \u2026. You understand?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said. \u2018I shouldn\u2019t have asked. Thank you Paul, I\u2019ll be in touch.\u2019\u00a0 He walked over to the buggy and smiled at his sons. \u2018Ready?\u2019 he said. \u2018Where\u2019s Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was making his way over to the buggy as well when he heard a remark behind him that made his stop and turn. \u2018Well I suppose we\u2019ll be hearing an announcement soon from that pair,\u2019 said Mrs Watkins haughtily. \u2018As if it isn\u2019t obvious what\u2019s going on.\u00a0 There\u2019ll be a new addition to the Cartwright family soon you mark my words Bertha!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned and stared at the two women behind him until they blushed and turned away. \u2018Ladies,\u2019 he said with a wicked glint in his eye. He smiled to himself as he continued on his way to their buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Weren\u2019t you going into town today to do some shopping?\u2019 asked Joe as he got up from the breakfast table.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna shook her head. \u2018No,\u2019 she replied. \u2018I\u2019ve changed my mind.\u00a0 After yesterday morning I think it might be best to wait for a few days.\u00a0 It\u2019ll only give people more to talk about.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see you later then. Bye Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben picked up his coffee cup and studied Anna over the rim as he sipped. \u2018What would you like to do today then Anna?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think I might just rest Mr Cartwright,\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s been a hectic few days and I\u2019m really rather tired.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018You must be exhausted.\u00a0 Especially in your condition.\u2019\u00a0 He gave her a long stare and she blushed. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Anna,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t mean to embarrass you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna swallowed before replying. \u2018It\u2019s all right,\u2019 she said. \u2018I suppose I\u2019m just a bit sensitive about it all.\u00a0 I think it\u2019ll be better when everyone knows and we can talk about it openly.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted an eyebrow as he continued to study the girl. \u2018And when will that be?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Soon?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna swallowed again and avoided meeting his eye. \u2018I suppose so,\u2019 she said. \u2018The sooner the better.\u00a0 I\u2019ll talk to Joe about it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018You do that,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna stood up. \u2018Well I think I\u2019ll lie down for a while if you don\u2019t mind,\u2019 she said. Ben watched her as she left the table. For some reason he had a nagging feeling that everything wasn\u2019t as he thought it had been.\u00a0 There was something about the way that Paul had spoken yesterday and now Anna that made him feel\u2026 well\u2026. not quite right.\u00a0 He sighed as he stood up and walked towards the front door.\u00a0 He supposed that it would take quite a while for things to seem right around here again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben entered the front yard he saw Joe and Hoss mounted and ready to leave. Joe looked the happiest he had seen him look for days and waved at his father. \u2018Bye Pa!\u2019 he called. \u2018See you at lunch!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waved back and stood with his hands hitched into his belt as his two sons disappeared around the corner of the barn. As he was about to turn away again, Adam led his horse into the yard. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m just going in to get the mail like you asked. Anything else while I\u2019m in there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father closely. \u2018Is anything the matter?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You look a bit strange.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son, amazed as always at how perceptive Adam could be. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just thinking about Joe and Anna that\u2019s all.\u2019 Adam waited, knowing that there was more to come. \u2018Joe seems better this morning,\u2019 continued Ben after a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mmm. Probably happy to be back at work so that he can forget about it all for a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded thoughtfully. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. He turned to face his eldest son. \u2018Adam what do you think of Anna?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked surprised. \u2018I don\u2019t really think anything of her yet,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I don\u2019t really know here enough to say. Why?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I just wondered,\u2019 he said. \u2018It just seems so strange to think that the girl is a Cartwright now and as you say we don\u2019t really know much about her at all.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence for another minute. \u2018I suppose we soon will though,\u2019 he finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose we will,\u2019 agreed Adam.\u00a0 He turned and mounted his horse. \u2018See you later.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waved to his son and thoughtfully turned back towards the house again.\u00a0 He glanced up to Joe\u2019s room \u2026 he corrected himself as he thought about the fact that it was now Joe and Anna\u2019s room\u2026 before entering the house again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and inhaled the pungent aroma of his pipe tobacco and then watched as he exhaled the smoke towards the ceiling.\u00a0 Across from him on the sofa Anna was quietly knitting something and Joe and Hoss were playing chess.\u00a0 Adam was reading in his usual spot in the corner. Ben settled himself comfortably into this chair and thought about how peaceful things were tonight. These past few days had certainly taken their toll upon them all, the atmosphere in the house decidedly tense as they had all sought to feel at ease with one another.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Anna spoke. \u2018Joe would you take me into town in the morning please? I really need to get to that shopping.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ve left it long enough.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018Why can\u2019t you go in by yourself?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019ve got work to do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna looked decidedly unhappy at his words and Ben interrupted quickly. \u2018I don\u2019t mind if you take the morning off son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a frustrated look. \u2018I want to get those horses finished,\u2019 he said. \u2018Anna can go in by herself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d rather you go in with me,\u2019 said Anna. \u2018I don\u2019t really want to do it by myself yet.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to hide his true feelings. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said, somewhat ungraciously. \u2018But I\u2019m not staying in there very long.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was an awkward silence until Anna spoke again. \u2018Well I have to see Doctor Martin as well and I thought I\u2019d visit my parents, so it might take quite a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t manage to hide his feelings this time. \u2018That\u2019ll take all day!\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You can have the day off work,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We\u2019re not too busy at the moment.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up angrily. \u2018I don\u2019t want the day off work,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t ask for it.\u2019 Ben gave him a long stare and he stopped. \u2018Thank you anyway Pa,\u2019 he said in a quieter voice. \u2018But I won\u2019t be needing the whole day off. We\u2019ll only take the morning. I\u2019m going to bed now \u2026 Goodnight.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced over at Anna who looked embarrassed and began to fold up her knitting. \u2018I\u2019d better go too,\u2019 she said. \u2018Goodnight.\u2019\u00a0 She hastily followed Joe up the stairs.\u00a0 When she reached the bedroom she found him sitting on the window ledge looking down into the front yard. \u2018Why did you do that?\u2019 she asked angrily<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 he asked without even bothering to turn around.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Embarrass me in front of your father and your brothers,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I embarrassed you?\u00a0 You embarrassed me!\u2019 he replied, just as angrily. \u2018How do you think it feels to have them listen to you telling me what to do?\u00a0 Do you think I really want to follow you around town all day?\u00a0 I told you I\u2019ve got work to do!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmph!\u00a0 It seems to me that work never stopped you from coming into town before!\u2019 she said. \u2018You\u2019re always slacking off from work to get in there.\u00a0 You told me that once yourself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s different!\u2019 he replied. \u2018That\u2019s because I wanted to go in there. Not because I\u2019m told to go in and help you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I would have thought you\u2019d want to go in and help me,\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s your fault after all that all this is happening!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s jaw dropped. \u2018My fault!\u2019 he said. \u2018I seem to remember you having something to do with it as well!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna tried unsuccessfully to keep her temper and the words exploded out of her mouth. \u2018You took advantage of me and you know it!\u2019 she said. \u2018I was upset because Fred Tyler had left town and you moved right in and took advantage of the fact that I was feeling vulnerable!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018In your dreams!\u2019 he spat back at her. \u2018You know very well that you\u2019d been making eyes at me for a long time!\u00a0 You came onto me, not the other way around!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anna put her hands on her hips and glared at him. \u2018Joe Cartwright\u2026\u2019 she spluttered. \u2018How dare you!\u2019\u00a0 She pointed her finger at him. \u2018You are nothing but a \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 Suddenly she swayed a little and put her hands on her forehead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and looked at her anxiously. \u2018What\u2019s wrong with you?\u2019 he asked in a quieter tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took a few deep breaths before replying. \u2018I feel \u2026. A bit strange,\u2019 she said in a quiet voice and sat down on the bed. \u2018It\u2019s probably just the baby.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up and walked over to her. \u2018Maybe you\u2019d better lie down,\u2019 he said and pushed her back onto the bed before picking up her feet and putting them on the bed as well. He sat down next to her. \u2018Is that better?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u2018A bit,\u2019 she replied and closed her eyes. Joe looked at her and noticed the slight bulge at her stomach.\u00a0 For some reason the thought made him feel strange inside and he tried to sort out his feelings.\u00a0 For the first time he realised that this baby was more than just something they had all been talking about.\u00a0 It was real and here he was looking at it for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leant over her. \u2018Do you want me to get you something?\u2019 he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Anna I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll take you into town tomorrow.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have spoken like that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s all right,\u2019 she said without opening her eyes. \u2018You don\u2019t have to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d be happy to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your father was asking about when we were going to tell everyone about the baby,\u2019 she said after a moment. \u2018We have to soon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018I didn\u2019t think we\u2019d have to yet,\u2019 he said uncertainly. \u2018I mean\u2026\u2019 he glanced at her stomach again. \u2018I didn\u2019t think it \u2026 well \u2026\u00a0 kinda showed for a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She opened her eyes and saw him looking at her.\u00a0 Instinctively she covered her stomach with her hands. \u2018I think it\u2019s starting to,\u2019 she said. \u2018I can\u2019t help it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t say that you could,\u2019 he said, feeling defensive again. \u2018But isn\u2019t it kinda soon?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked away from him. \u2018How do I know?\u2019 she asked. \u2018I haven\u2019t done this before.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well all I meant was\u2026\u2019 he stopped, not sure what he had meant.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll talk to Doctor Martin about it tomorrow,\u2019 she said. \u2018He\u2019ll know. Now if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to get changed for bed.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up.\u00a0 Since coming home they had tried to give each other the space they felt they still needed and he usually left her to get changed by herself while he waited outside. After she had turned off the lamp he would come in and get changed himself in the dark and then join her in the bed. He supposed it was stupid to be carrying on this way, but all he knew was that it suited both of them and made them feel easier.\u00a0 As he stood in the hallway and waited, he wondered about how long all this would go on for.\u00a0 They were still keeping their distance from each other and with the baby now making it\u2019s presence felt, he thought that it would only exacerbate the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, he heard footsteps and Adam came down the hallway.\u00a0 He stopped and looked at his brother. \u2018Waiting for something?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe blushed and looked at the ground. \u2018I\u2026 um\u2026 I just dropped something,\u2019 he said. He bent down and pretended to search on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Well\u2026 I hope you find it.\u2019\u00a0 He went into his own room and closed the door, trying to hide the grin that was on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at the closed door. It wasn\u2019t enough that he felt like a fool standing out here while his wife got changed, but now his brother had to know about it as well!\u00a0 He kicked the door in frustration and then entered the room without knocking. Anna looked up quickly. \u2018I\u2019m not finished yet!\u2019 she said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Tough!\u2019 he replied just as angrily. \u2018I ain\u2019t staying out there any more. You\u2019ll just haveta get used to dressing with me in here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t be rude!\u2019 she said as she covered herself up with her nightgown.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re married remember?\u2019 said Joe sarcastically as he began to unbutton his shirt. \u2018Get used to it!\u2019 He took off his shirt and began to wash in the basin, sensing her eyes upon him.\u00a0 By the time he had finished she had put on her nightgown and was getting into the bed and he pulled on his own nightshirt and carefully pulled it down to retain his modestly before taking off his boots, socks and pants. By the time he had got into the bed and turned off the lamp he was seething with anger again and rolled over onto his side, staring at the wall in frustration.\u00a0 He wished he could have his own bed back again to himself and not have to share it with the likes of her.\u00a0 He wished with all his heart that he could wake up in the morning and find that this was all a bad dream, but he knew that the nightmare was here to stay. Joe felt the bed move slightly as Anna rolled over as well and the covers began to slide off him.\u00a0 He pulled them back angrily, and muttered under his breath in frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Back to index<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 2 by Joan<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re fine,\u2019 said Paul Martin as Anna straightened her clothing. \u2018Those dizzy spells are to be expected in your condition.\u00a0 They\u2019re perfectly normal.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna breathed a sigh of relief. \u2018I thought so,\u2019 she said. \u2018I just thought I\u2019d ask to be sure.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018They should pass soon,\u2019 continued the doctor. \u2018They usually do around the fourth month.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna didn\u2019t say anything, but patted down her skirt.\u00a0 After a moment she looked up again. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said. \u2018When should I come and see you again?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018In another month or so,\u2019 he replied. \u2018And congratulations by the way. You and Joe Cartwright I mean.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna cleared her throat. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said. She turned to go and then turned back again. \u2018Thank you for being so\u2026 well \u2026 you know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Anna, I\u2019m a doctor,\u2019 Paul replied. \u2018You\u2019re my patient and that\u2019s all there is to it.\u00a0 Anything that is said in this office remains here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled at him. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said, obviously relieved. \u2018It\u2019s just that\u2026 I was so\u2026 well\u2026 upset you know when I first found out.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t tell anyone\u2026. I mean, I couldn\u2019t tell Joe for a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u2018I understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m glad you\u2019ve got it all sorted out now though.\u00a0 Joe Cartwright is a fine young man and I\u2019m sure it will all turn out well in the end.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She blushed deeply and avoided his eyes. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said again. \u2018I have to go.\u2019 Paul stared after her as she left his office and shook his head as he went back into the examining room again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside, Joe was waiting for her. \u2018What did he say?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Dizzy spells are normal apparently. They\u2019ll go\u2026 well, they\u2019ll go soon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Good.\u00a0 Have you finished now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019ve seen my parents and the Doctor, but I still have the shopping to do,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Will you come with me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed impatiently. \u2018Why?\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t know anything about women\u2019s clothing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I just don\u2019t want to go in there by myself,\u2019 she explained. \u2018Not yet anyway.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018All right,\u2019 he said with a sigh. \u2018Come on.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get it over with.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they entered the shop, Joe felt embarrassed.\u00a0 He\u2019d never been in a woman\u2019s clothing store before, except when he\u2019d been much younger and had snuck in there a time or two hoping to get a glimpse of something interesting.\u00a0 Each time he\u2019d been shooed outside within minutes though, and hadn\u2019t really had time to see what it was all about.\u00a0 Now he wished he wasn\u2019t getting the chance to finally find out after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Good morning,\u2019 said Mrs Margaret Summers behind the counter. \u2018Can I help you Anna?\u2019\u00a0 She gave Joe an amused look and he slunk back as far as he could into the corner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m just looking for a few things,\u2019 replied Anna. \u2018A couple of new skirts and a dress perhaps.\u2019\u00a0 She looked around and pointed. \u2018Something like that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Margaret. \u2018I\u2019ll get it in your size.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Um\u2026 maybe a size bigger,\u2019 said Anna, trying to appear casual.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Margaret\u2019s eyebrows practically disappeared into her forehead and Joe knew that the information would be around town by the end of the day. The woman gathered up the articles of clothing and handed them to Anna who disappeared into the back room to try them on.\u00a0 Margaret smiled at Joe. \u2018Nice of you to come with your new wife while she does her shopping,\u2019 she said sweetly. \u2018I suppose she\u2019ll be buying quite a few new things in the coming months.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but casually turned and fingered some clothing on the counter beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Interested in those?\u2019 Margaret asked in the same sweet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Huh?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Margaret pointed to the undergarments in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe dropped them immediately. \u2018Um\u2026 no,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m just \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He turned gratefully as Anna came back into the room. \u2018Are you ready?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll take them all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Margaret in the same sweet tone.\u00a0 \u2018And we have them in larger sizes as well if you need them.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Margaret batted her eyelids innocently a few times. \u2018Just in case you put on any weight,\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s always best to be prepared.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Anna tersely. \u2018Joe, would you pay for these please?\u2019\u00a0 She left the shop abruptly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joe gave Margaret a hard stare. \u2018Put it on the Cartwright account,\u2019 he said. \u2018For\u00a0Mrs<\/em>\u00a0Cartwright,\u2019 he continued with the emphasis on the word \u2018Mrs\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Margaret and chuckled as he left the shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe caught up with Anna he noted a tear escaping down her cheek. \u2018Don\u2019t let her upset you,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018You see what it\u2019s going to be like?\u2019 she said. \u2018They\u2019ll all be talking about it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He shrugged. \u2018Well we can\u2019t stop them I guess,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019ll get sick of it and leave us alone in time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I hope so,\u2019 she sighed. \u2018Can we go home now Joe?\u00a0 I want to get out of here.\u2019\u00a0 He took her arm and they continued up the street to the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna was bored.\u00a0 She was so bored that she felt like screaming at the walls and Joe\u2019s attitude wasn\u2019t helping any either. Every day it seemed that he could hardly wait to get out to work and away from her and every day she found herself with less and less to do.\u00a0 Hop Sing seemed to run the house so efficiently that she didn\u2019t seem to be needed to do anything there and there was just so much knitting and reading that she could do.\u00a0 She was used to living in town and getting out and about to see people when she felt like it but out here there wasn\u2019t the same contact with others that she craved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She couldn\u2019t even get out riding any more as Doctor Martin had warned her against it now.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t for her occasional trips in the buggy with Joe she would have felt herself a real prisoner in this house, much and all as she liked living here.\u00a0 Mr Cartwright and Joe\u2019s brothers were all being very kind to her and were as polite as could be expected and her parents weren\u2019t far away of course, but still she fretted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She wandered out into the front yard and saw Joe standing near the corral with his two brothers. \u2018Hello,\u2019 she said as she came up to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Hi,\u2019 said Joe and continued to hitch up the buckboard as if she weren\u2019t there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Where are you going?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Into town.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Can I come?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re going to get supplies.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t be very interesting for you,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I could go shopping while you\u2019re doing it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I thought you didn\u2019t want to go shopping by yourself?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna shrugged. \u2018I do now,\u2019 she said. \u2018Anything would be better than staying here by myself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other. \u2018Sounds like a good idea ta me,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018You could ride in with Joe and we\u2019ll follow on horseback.\u2019 He grinned as Anna smiled at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re probably going to take a while,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018We\u2019ll be too long for you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t mind waiting,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll go and get my shawl.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s the matter with you little buddy?\u2019 asked Hoss as Anna disappeared into the house again. \u2018It don\u2019t hurt fer her ta come with us.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but scowled at his brother. Hoss looked at Adam and shrugged his shoulders. \u2018It seems to me that you\u2019d better get used to having her around a bit more Joe,\u2019 said Adam carefully. \u2018You are married to her after all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Hmph!\u2019 said Joe, continuing to hitch the horses together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 said Hoss putting an arm around his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018It ain\u2019t her fault ya know.\u00a0 Be a bit nicer to her why don\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Why don\u2019t you just mind your own business!\u2019 said Joe as he shrugged his brother\u2019s arm off. \u2018I wish everyone would just leave me alone and let me get on with my life my way!\u2019\u00a0 He stomped off into the barn and Hoss shrugged his shoulders at Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018It don\u2019t seem like things are getting any better between em,\u2019 he said sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pulled a face. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think our little brother is finding all this a bit much. Maybe Pa should have a talk with him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Come on, let\u2019s get saddled up if we\u2019re riding in after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched Joe and Anna carefully on the way into town and didn\u2019t like what he saw.\u00a0 The two hardly spoke and didn\u2019t even seem happy to be sitting together.\u00a0 It seemed to him that they were like two strangers and the thought kept nagging at him during the whole drive.\u00a0 By the time they reached town, he could sense that Joe was quite anxious to get away from Anna and as he handed her down from the buckboard he heard him say, \u2018Don\u2019t forget we\u2019ll be a long time here. Don\u2019t blame me if you get bored.\u2019 Anna gave him an angry look and walked off down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018That was a bit uncalled for, don\u2019t you think?\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at him and stomped off into the store, leaving his older brother shaking his head behind him. \u2018Come on Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ve got work to do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time the brothers had finished, the buckboard was full and they were ready for a rest. \u2018How about a drink?\u2019 suggested Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll be in that,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018How about you Joe?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Sure,\u2019 said Joe, his mood somewhat calmer now. \u2018I haven\u2019t had one in ages.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Come on then little brother,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018My treat.\u2019\u00a0 He flung his arm around his brother\u2019s shoulder and pulled him towards the Saloon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just at that moment there was a voice behind them. \u2018Joe!\u2019 called Anna. \u2018Have you finished?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Nearly,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re having a drink before we leave.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 she said. There was silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Can\u2019t you find something to do while we\u2019re in there?\u2019 he asked impatiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She hesitated. \u2018I\u2019ll just sit here in the buckboard and wait,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Fine!\u2019 Joe turned and began to follow his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joe,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You can\u2019t just leave Anna sitting there like that!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Why not?\u2019 said Joe defensively. \u2018You heard her\u2026 she offered to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave him a long stare and Joe flinched. \u2018I deserve a drink don\u2019t I?\u2019 he said defensively.\u00a0 Adam said nothing, which made Joe even madder. \u2018Oh all right then!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018You two go on and leave me behind why don\u2019t you?\u00a0 I\u2019m getting used to missing out on everything around here anyway!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam glared back at his brother. \u2018Would you lower your voice?\u2019 he snarled. \u2018How do you think you\u2019re making Anna feel talking like that?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned and stomped away from his brothers and back to the buckboard.\u00a0 He climbed up and sat silently next to Anna who glanced at him sideways. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018I don\u2019t mind sitting here by myself.\u00a0 Really I don\u2019t.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Forget it!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m here now aren\u2019t I?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They sat in silence for a few moments until Anna spoke. \u2018I heard that there\u2019s a dance on next Friday night,\u2019 she said. \u2018Do you want to go?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What for? I can\u2019t dance with anyone except you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well thank you very much!\u2019 she said. \u2018You used to enjoy dancing with me if I recall.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t mean that.\u00a0 I just meant that you probably wouldn\u2019t want to dance too much and then I couldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Of course you could.\u00a0 Just because we\u2019re married doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t dance with other girls you know.\u2019\u00a0 She smiled at him. \u2018As long as you don\u2019t get fresh with them or anything.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at her. \u2018That\u2019s exactly what I mean,\u2019 he said. \u2018Those days are over now, so what\u2019s the point of going?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018To dance,\u2019 she said. \u2018Honestly Joe, would you just grow up a bit?\u00a0 You\u2019re acting like a child!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Now you\u2019re beginning to sound like my father,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sorry if your husband is not to your liking!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna closed her mouth, not trusting herself to say something that she might regret later.\u00a0 The two of them sat in silence together with faces like thunder until Sheriff Coffee passed them by and greeted them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joe! Anna!\u2019 he said. \u2018How are you both?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Fine!\u2019 said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m well thank you Sheriff Coffee,\u2019 said Anna.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee sensed the tension in the air immediately.\u00a0 He tipped his hat at the young couple and walked away immediately thinking that all was not well for the two young people who had only been married for such a short time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Why don\u2019t you wear your new one?\u2019 asked Joe as he watched Anna struggle to do up the fastenings on her dress. \u2018That one\u2019s getting tight on you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I should have thought of it before,\u2019 she said. \u2018My new one isn\u2019t a dancing dress, it\u2019s a day dress.\u00a0 I really should have got something to wear tonight, but I just didn\u2019t think about it. Try and do this up for me, will you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe struggled to do up the fastenings down her back. \u2018We\u2019re gonna havta tell people soon,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re beginning to look\u2026 you know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018We can\u2019t!\u2019 she said anxiously. \u2018We\u2019ve only been married two weeks and they\u2019ll know!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well they\u2019re gonna know in a few months anyways,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll just say that the baby came early,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Will they believe it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 she said. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to wait and see I guess.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018When is it due anyway?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018It takes nine months don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna turned away from him. \u2018At the most,\u2019 she said. \u2018They usually come before that though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I think it will be early.\u00a0 Most babies in my family are.\u2019\u00a0 She fiddled with her shawl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well then, when will it be?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shrugged and continued to fiddle with her shawl. \u2018Oh\u2026 I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Sometime before Christmas I guess.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well that\u2019s a bit vague,\u2019 he said. \u2018When before Christmas?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Aren\u2019t you ever going to be ready?\u2019 she asked. \u2018We don\u2019t want to be late you know.\u00a0 Come on!\u2019 Anna flounced out of the room leaving Joe shaking his head behind her. \u2018Women!\u2019 he said as he picked up his hairbrush.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018So how is married life treating you Joe?\u2019 asked Becky Anderson as she came up beside him. \u2018Happy?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah!\u2019 he said sarcastically. She looked at him strangely. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he said in a milder tone. \u2018Yeah I\u2019m happy.\u00a0 How are you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I\u2019m fine,\u2019 she said. \u2018I must be honest and say that I was disappointed to hear that you were married Joe.\u00a0 A lot of girls around here were.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He said nothing, but stared straight ahead and watched the dancers. \u2018You wanna dance?\u2019 he asked after a moment\u2019s silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you think you should stay with your wife?\u2019 Becky said, motioning towards Anna who was seated behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well, I\u2019ll see you later.\u2019\u00a0 He walked over and sat down next to Anna and watched his two brothers dancing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss seems to be having a good time,\u2019 said Anna after a moment. \u2018I thought you said he didn\u2019t like dancing?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018He doesn\u2019t usually,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He just likes Betsy-Sue more than dancing I guess. You wanna dance again?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ve had enough.\u00a0 You go on though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Everyone seems to think I should be here with you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Every time I go to talk to anyone they remind me that you\u2019re over here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He shrugged. \u2018I guess I gotta get used to it.\u2019\u00a0 They sat in silence for another few minutes. \u2018You wanna go home?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u00a0 I\u2019m enjoying just being here,\u2019 she said. \u2018Unless you do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He shrugged again. \u2018Nah!\u2019 he said. \u2018Guess I\u2019ll just watch too.\u2019\u00a0 The two of them sat without saying a word while everyone danced around them.\u00a0 Joe felt as lonely as he had ever felt and wondered at how strange it was to feel that way in the middle of a crowded room.\u00a0 If this was what married life was about, then he didn\u2019t like it one bit!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>
\n+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat at his desk and tried to concentrate on the accounts in front of him and ignore the shouting that was taking place upstairs. He shook his head as he thought about the fact that every time Joe and Anna got together lately they just seemed to get into an argument.\u00a0 It was as if they couldn\u2019t help themselves.\u00a0 He flinched as he heard the bedroom door upstairs slam and watched as Joe came pounding down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said. Joe ignored his father and strode towards the front door. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 repeated Ben. \u2018Come here please!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned and walked towards his father\u2019s desk. \u2018Yeah Pa?\u2019 he said sullenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Sit down.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve got work to do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I said to sit down!\u2019 repeated Ben firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat down on the edge of a chair and looked at his father.\u00a0 His jaw was clenched, his eyes were bright with anger and he was breathing heavily. \u2018Is it necessary for you and Anna to involve the whole household in your disputes?\u2019 asked Ben quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at his father \u2018I didn\u2019t ask anyone to listen,\u2019 he said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018We have no choice but to listen,\u2019 said his father. \u2018The way you two have been yelling at each other, everyone in the district could hear it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. \u2018Well I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll try not to yell so much then.\u00a0 We\u2019ll whisper when we fight next time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed and stood up.\u00a0 He walked around to the other side of the desk and pulled a chair up close to his son as he sat down. \u2018Joe,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018I\u2019m sorry things aren\u2019t working out for the two of you son, but you really have to try and make this work.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father sadly, all the anger dissolving at the man\u2019s words. \u2018I\u2019m trying Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I just can\u2019t help it.\u00a0 We\u2019re really starting to get on each other\u2019s nerves you know and it\u2019s like\u2026 well, we really don\u2019t like each other very much lately.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I see. Joe I don\u2019t really know what to say to that except to say that you both have an obligation to each other and \u2026 well, you don\u2019t want things to continue in this way do you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018To tell you the truth Pa, I feel real miserable living like this.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I know son.\u2019\u00a0 Ben massaged the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018But you see, you really don\u2019t have much choice.\u00a0 You and Anna have to make up your minds to get along with each other for both your sakes. Are you really trying hard enough?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know what else I could do,\u2019 Joe admitted. \u2018We \u2026 well, we don\u2019t really see eye to eye about things.\u00a0 And we don\u2019t even\u2026\u2019 he hesitated, not really wanting to talk to his father about all this, but feeling desperate to confide in someone. \u2018We don\u2019t even \u2026 well\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Have a relationship together?\u2019 asked his father gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded, grateful not to have to say the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed. He had suspected as much\u2026 it was obvious in the way the two young people acted around each other.\u00a0 His heart constricted as he thought about the wonderful married life he had had with this boy\u2019s mother.\u00a0 He wanted so desperately for his son to be as happy as he had been in his life, but it seemed as if that wasn\u2019t to be.\u00a0 He heart ached for his son\u2019s lost chance at happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sorry that things have turned out for you this way.\u00a0 Anna too.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced up at the stairs. \u2018I\u2019m sure all this can\u2019t be good for her in her condition.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Probably not,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I\u2019ll just try to stay away from her more I guess.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joe that\u2019s not going to solve the problem,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You have to face it together, not apart.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe put his face in his hands. \u2018I don\u2019t know what to do Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t even like her very much!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018I\u2019ve got to get to work now,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see you at dinner.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat silently as his son left the room.\u00a0 He picked up the picture of Joe\u2019s mother that stood on the desk next to him and stared at it. \u2018Help him Marie,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t know how to this time\u2026 but you might, my love.\u00a0 Help him. Show him how to deal with his new life.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna lay on the bed with her hands on her stomach.\u00a0 She could feel the baby kicking for the first time and the thought of it made her smile.\u00a0 She squirmed as a feeling of nausea washed over her suddenly and she wiped her hand across her forehead wearily. She just felt so tired lately and didn\u2019t have any energy at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly the door opened and Joe entered the room. \u2018Aren\u2019t you coming down for dinner?\u2019 he asked abruptly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t feel like it,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Could you just ask Hop Sing to fix me up a tray?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Suit yourself,\u2019 he replied as he began to wash his face and hands. \u2018Pa and my brothers will think we\u2019ve had another fight though if you don\u2019t come down again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What do I care?\u2019 she asked crossly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018No, what would you care?\u2019 he said as he reached for a towel. \u2018You don\u2019t care about anything but yourself lately.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna sat up and glared at him. \u2018I\u2019m having a baby in case you haven\u2019t noticed,\u2019 she said sarcastically. \u2018I have every right to think about myself.\u00a0 No one else around here does!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018That isn\u2019t true and you know it!\u2019 he retorted. \u2018Pa and my brothers would do anything for you that they could.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018More than you do!\u2019 she said. \u2018You don\u2019t seem to care about me at all.\u2019 Joe was silent as he took off his shirt and reached for a clean one. \u2018You don\u2019t care about me or this baby,\u2019 continued Anna. \u2018You would be pleased if we just disappeared out of your life altogether.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t be stupid!\u2019 said Joe angrily. \u2018I do care about the baby.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018But not me!\u2019 she retorted. \u2018You wouldn\u2019t care if I lived or died Joseph Cartwright!\u00a0 Well maybe I don\u2019t care about you either!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just lay down again and rest,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re not doing the baby any good.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sick of hearing that!\u2019 she said angrily. \u2018All anyone cares about is this baby! What about me for a change?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe buttoned up his shirt. \u2018Oh be quiet!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Everyone will hear you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Too bad!\u2019 she said. \u2018I don\u2019t care!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well I do,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sick of everyone hearing us fight. Besides I meant it\u2026 it isn\u2019t good for the baby.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018You just mind your own business and leave me to mind mine!\u2019 she said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018That baby is my business,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018No it isn\u2019t!\u2019 she shouted. \u2018It\u2019s mine, not yours!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at her. \u2018What?\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018What did you say?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna went pale. \u2018I said it\u2019s my business,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018You said it was your baby, not mine,\u2019 said Joe, staring at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I meant that I\u2019m the mother, not you!\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at her. He strode over to the bed and pulled on her arm to force her to sit up again. \u2018What did you mean by that?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna swallowed. \u2018I just told you,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m the mother, not you!\u2019 she avoided looking at him and pulled her arm away and rolled over on the bed. \u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 she said as she began to cry. \u2018Just leave me alone!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared down at her, breathing heavily.\u00a0 After a moment he strode out of the room and down the hallway.\u00a0 As he reached the bottom of the stairs, his father looked up. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he called. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 Joe didn\u2019t answer him, but ran towards the front door.\u00a0 Within seconds he had disappeared into the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin had just sat down to his dinner when he heard a loud thumping on his door. He sighed as he pushed his plate away and looked at the food longingly. Since he could first remember he had always wanted to be a doctor and he really did enjoy his chosen profession, but he did admit that there were times when he could have done with a few less interruptions while doing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He opened the door to see Joe Cartwright standing there in front of him. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he said surprised. \u2018Are you all right?\u00a0 Is there something wrong at home?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018Everyone\u2019s fine Doc,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need to talk to you though.\u00a0 Is it OK?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul stood aside to let the boy into his room. \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said, motioning him to a chair. \u2018What is all this about?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe licked his lips. \u2018I need to talk to you about Anna,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u00a0 What about her?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019re her doctor and you\u2019d know,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul narrowed his eyes slightly. \u2018Joe as you say I\u2019m Anna\u2019s doctor,\u2019 he said. \u2018But there are some things I can\u2019t discuss even with you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018But I\u2019m married to her!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018True,\u2019 acknowledged the doctor. \u2018Tell me what it is you want to know first and I\u2019ll see if I can help you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I need to know when she first came to see you,\u2019 said Joe. And how far\u2026 I mean \u2026\u00a0 when the baby is due to be born.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul hesitated. \u2018Anna\u2019s visits to me prior to you knowing about the baby are confidential,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018When is the baby gonna be born?\u2019 Joe persisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Hasn\u2019t she told you?\u2019 Paul looked at the boy with pity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018She said sometime before Christmas,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018That\u2019s all she\u2019ll tell me.\u2019 He looked at the doctor pleadingly. \u2018I really gotta know,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul hesitated. \u2018Wait here,\u2019 he said. He stood up and turned a couple of pages of a large book that was on the table next to him and patted the page he left open meaningfully. \u2018I have to go into the next room for a moment,\u2019 he said looking at Joe intently. \u2018You stay here and\u2026.wait.\u2019 His eyes went to the book again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the doctor as he stood up. He watched as the man left the room and then he turned the book towards him.\u00a0 It was an appointment book, outlining all the doctor\u2019s appointments for the past few months.\u00a0 He ran his finger down the page and drew in his breath as he saw Anna\u2019s name written there.\u00a0 The visit was dated two months ago.\u00a0 Joe felt his head spinning.\u00a0 The date was even before\u2026he closed his eyes as he tried to remember the night they had been together.\u00a0 It was only days before the date of her visit to the doctor!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul entered the room again. \u2018Do you still need to talk to me?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and stood up. \u2018No,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Are you all right?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer, but walked towards the door silently, his shoulders hunched and his head down.\u00a0 Paul Martin stood silently as the door closed behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

The house was dark by the time that Joe finally made it home again.\u00a0 He had spent the past few hours riding aimlessly in the dark, not really caring where he was going and it was only his eventual exhaustion that finally made him head towards the ranch again.\u00a0 He tried to block his thoughts and concentrate on his riding, needing to get some space between himself and Anna before he would be forced to face her again.\u00a0 He was so angry and confused that he didn\u2019t know if he could trust himself not to hurt her and he didn\u2019t want to place either of them in a position where he might.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So it was with a sigh a relief that he approached the house after seeing to his horse. He had hoped to be able to sneak in quietly and it seemed that it was to be the case.\u00a0 As he opened the front door, however, a quiet voice broke the stillness. \u2018Joseph?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to see his father sitting next to the fireplace in an easy chair, a lamp turned down low beside him. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 Ben repeated. \u2018Are you all right son? You ran out of here in such a hurry that I was worried about you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine Pa,\u2019 said Joe in a low voice. \u2018Goodnight.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Just a moment young man,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I want to talk to you.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and walked over to this son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe put up his hand. \u2018Please Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I really need to go upstairs now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018But I\u2026\u2019\u00a0 Ben stopped as he drew close to the boy and saw the drawn look on his face and the hollow eyes. He nodded. \u2018All right Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll talk in the morning. Good night son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Goodnight Pa,\u2019 said Joe and turned to mount the stairs.\u00a0 As he approached his bedroom he noticed a light coming from under the doorway and he squared his shoulders as he opened the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna was lying on the bed in her nightgown and robe with a lamp turned on low beside her.\u00a0 Her eyes were closed and she seemed to be sleeping.\u00a0 Joe sat on a chair next to the bed and stared at her, his thoughts whirling around in his head.\u00a0 Suddenly her eyes opened and she looked directly at him. \u2018You\u2019re back,\u2019 she said. Joe nodded silently, still staring at her. \u2018I was worried about you,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Were you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna sat up. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m sorry about what I said before Joe. I didn\u2019t mean it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Didn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at him nervously. \u2018No.\u00a0 Can\u2019t we try and forget all about the stupid fight we had.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, I said I was sorry\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yes\u2026 so you did.\u2019\u00a0 Joe leant forward. \u2018What else are you sorry about Anna?\u00a0 Or aren\u2019t you really sorry about any of it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna looked worried. \u2018What are you talking about?\u2019 she asked tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I went to see Doc Martin,\u2019 said Joe and noticed how she immediately went pale. \u2018I know the truth about the baby.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What truth?\u2019 she asked with a false laugh. \u2018I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yes you do,\u2019 he replied, staring at her coldly. \u2018I told you I know about the baby.\u00a0 I know it isn\u2019t mine.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna went even paler. \u2018He had no right to tell you that!\u2019 she declared. \u2018No right!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018He didn\u2019t,\u2019 said Joe as he sat back in his chair. \u2018I saw your name in his appointment book.\u00a0 Your first appointment with him was before we\u2026 were together. The baby isn\u2019t mine and you knew it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna shook her head. \u2018Joe you\u2019ve got to believe me!\u2019 she said. \u2018That wasn\u2019t why\u2026 it happened!\u00a0 I swear it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t lie any more,\u2019 he said coldly. \u2018You wanted to be with me to\u2026 well to make it look like I was the father,\u2019 he said. \u2018You planned this all from the beginning.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna shook her head even harder. \u2018No!\u2019 she said. \u2018No Joe! You\u2019ve got to believe me\u2026 I didn\u2019t!\u00a0 I swear it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s Fred Tyler\u2019s isn\u2019t it?\u2019 asked Joe.\u00a0 That\u2019s why he left wasn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded miserably. \u2018Yes.\u00a0 I told him about the baby and he just left town.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want it or me.\u2019\u00a0 She began to cry.\u00a0 \u2018But believe me Joe that wasn\u2019t why I was with you that night.\u00a0 I was just so upset and confused and when you were so nice to me at the dance that night I just\u2026 well I guess I just wanted a bit of comfort.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well you certainly got it,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018And when did you decide to use me like this?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna swallowed. \u2018I didn\u2019t think about it until later,\u2019 she said. \u2018I was so scared Joe.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know what to do.\u2019 She hesitated. \u2018It could have been yours.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a hard look. \u2018But it isn\u2019t.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head. \u2018No,\u2019 she said quietly. \u2018No, it isn\u2019t.\u2019\u00a0 She looked at him fearfully. \u2018What are you going to do now?\u2019 she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at her silently for a full minute before standing up. \u2018You got what you wanted,\u2019 he said. \u2018You got a name for your baby Anna and I hope you\u2019re happy.\u00a0\u00a0 But don\u2019t expect me to ever forgive you for ruining my life!\u2019 The look he gave her made her draw back against the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Are you going to tell your father?\u2019 she asked tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know yet,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Please Joe,\u2019 she said as she reached towards him and grabbed him by the arm. \u2018Please don\u2019t tell anyone!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He shook himself free of her. \u2018Don\u2019t touch me,\u2019 he said in a quiet voice. \u2018Don\u2019t you ever touch me again.\u2019\u00a0 Anna drew back again and stared at him. \u2018I hate you,\u2019 said Joe as he turned away from her. \u2018I really hate you Anna for what you\u2019ve done to me.\u2019\u00a0 He opened the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Where are you going?\u2019 she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sleeping in the guestroom,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t feel like sharing a bed with you tonight.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Your father and brothers will wonder why,\u2019 she said desperately. \u2018Please Joe!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave her a cold look. \u2018I don\u2019t care,\u2019 he said as he shut the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked through the window of the study and watched his youngest son fall yet again from the horse.\u00a0 He shook his head.\u00a0 Joseph had been riding that animal for the past half-hour as if his very life depended on it and judging by the events of the past couple of days Ben wasn\u2019t at all surprised.\u00a0 There was a build up of anger in the boy that was easy to see and he was obviously taking it out on the horse as he strove to break it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The other night when Joe had come home it had been obvious to his father that something was eating away at him and all attempts to get him to talk about it since had failed.\u00a0 They had all tried.\u00a0 When Ben couldn\u2019t get through to him he\u2019d asked first Hoss and then Adam to try, but they had all come up with nothing.\u00a0 It was as if the boy had shut himself off from them all and was determined to shoulder whatever was troubling him alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben felt that Anna knew what was going on though.\u00a0 Her behaviour had also been strange lately and the tension between the two of them had reached breaking point.\u00a0 She spent a great deal of time in their room upstairs, only coming out when she had to and Ben hadn\u2019t seen the two young people exchange more than a handful of words in all that time. It was as if they were deliberately avoiding each other, which as far as Ben was concerned was possibly a good thing at the moment.\u00a0 Whatever was going on between them, they obviously needed some space.\u00a0 At least they weren\u2019t all being subjected to the incessant fighting that had been their habit of late.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben strode out onto the front porch and stood watching as Joe mounted up yet again. He turned as Adam came and stood next to him. \u2018Determined cuss isn\u2019t he?\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I wish we could get to the heart of what\u2019s going on,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019ll sort through it Pa,\u2019 replied Adam with a glance at his father\u2019s worried face. \u2018You know what Joe\u2019s like.\u00a0 One minute he\u2019s down in the dumps and the next he\u2019s laughing again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018This has gone on for a few days now. See what I mean?\u2019\u00a0 He pointed to the corral where Joe had just hit the dirt for another time. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he called. \u2018Stay off that horse and give both of you a break!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a dark look and reached for the reins again. \u2018Stop him Adam,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He\u2019ll kill himself or the horse if he doesn\u2019t stop this nonsense.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked over quickly to the corral and climbed the fence.\u00a0 He reached the horse just as Joe was about to mount up again. \u2018Pa said to give it a rest,\u2019 he said. \u2018Have some sense Joe.\u00a0 The animal has had it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well I haven\u2019t!\u2019 replied Joe angrily as he tried to wrench the reins from his brother\u2019s hands. \u2018Let me have them Adam!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam refused to let go. \u2018Stop it Joe!\u2019 he said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reached out and pushed his brother backwards and knocked him off balance.\u00a0 Before Adam knew it he was sprawling in the dirt and looking at the sky. \u2018That\u2019s it!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019ve just about had it with you!\u2019\u00a0 He got up and punched his younger brother square on the jaw with a blow that sent him reeling backwards.\u00a0 Joe gave a yell and launched himself at Adam and within seconds the two brothers were rolling in the dirt, arms and legs flailing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben opened the corral gate and pulled the horse away from them, tying it to the corral fence well out of the way. \u2018Stop it!\u2019 he yelled at both of them. \u2018I said stop it the both of you!\u2019\u00a0 He reached down and pulled Joe off Adam, holding him back by the arms and shaking him. \u2018Stop it Joseph!\u2019 he shouted in the boy\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes landed on his father and for a moment it seemed like he was about to continue to struggle.\u00a0 But something about the man\u2019s demeanour stilled him immediately and he stood still. \u2018That\u2019s enough,\u2019 said Ben in a quieter tone as he turned to see Adam getting up from the ground. \u2018What\u2019s gotten into the two of you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Ask him,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He started it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at his brother. \u2018If you\u2019d just mind your own business and let me do things my way I wouldn\u2019t have needed to push you,\u2019 he said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Your brother was doing exactly as I asked him to,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You were riding that horse too hard young man.\u00a0 Stop taking out your bad temper on everyone and everything around here for a change.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but simply stared at his father.\u00a0 Ben pulled him by the arm through the corral gate. \u2018Come over here,\u2019 he said. \u2018I want to talk to you.\u2019 Adam picked up his hat and walked into the barn leading the horse behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve got work to do,\u2019 said Joe grumpily as his father forced him to sit down on the edge of the porch and sat next to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I said to sit down,\u2019 repeated Ben. \u2018Now what\u2019s gotten into you?\u00a0 Why are you finding it necessary to carry on like this?\u2019 Joe clenched his jaw and said nothing. \u2018Is it something between you and Anna?\u2019 asked Ben and noticed his son jump slightly.\u00a0 So he had been right!\u00a0 Whatever it was it was between the two of them. \u2018Is this still the fact that you\u2019re not getting on?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Because if it is\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018It\u2019s not just that.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Then what? Do you want to talk about it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Well when you\u2019re ready to son, I\u2019m here to listen. All right?\u2019 Joe nodded, still staring straight in front of him. \u2018And in the meantime do you think you could just try to calm down a bit?\u2019 asked his father. \u2018My nerves can\u2019t take much more of this young man.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at his son and then frowned, as the boy didn\u2019t so much as glance at his father in response. Ben patted him on the back. \u2018Now you get back to work,\u2019 he said. \u2018But take it a bit easier from now on OK?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded again. \u2018Can I go now?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u2019\u00a0 Ben watched his son go over to the barn and enter it, hoping that he was going to apologize to Adam. He shook his head as he stood up and went back into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The tension was so thick in the room that Ben could almost see it.\u00a0 Granted that most of them were trying to relieve it with conversation, but it just wasn\u2019t enough to cover the feelings that hung in the air.\u00a0 From Hop Sing\u2019s expression as he carried the coffee tray into the room, Ben could see that even he was aware of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was teaching Anna how to play chess and Joe and Hoss were engaged in a game of checkers at the other end of the table.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t escaped Ben\u2019s notice that when Anna had sat down Joseph had moved as far as possible to the other end of the sofa either.\u00a0 Was it really so bad between the two of them that his son couldn\u2019t even stand to sit next to his own wife?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s very good,\u2019 said Adam as Anna took one of his knights. \u2018I didn\u2019t even see that coming.\u00a0 You\u2019re going to make an excellent player if you keep this up.\u2019 Anna smiled at him.\u00a0 It seemed to Ben that it was the first real smile that he\u2019d seen on the girl\u2019s face in days and his heart warmed at the look of it. \u2018You see that Joe?\u2019 continued Adam. \u2018This wife of yours will give you a run for your money if you want to play her next.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glanced up. \u2018No,\u2019 he said shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Aw, go on Joe,\u2019 urged Hoss. \u2018I ain\u2019t any competition for her.\u00a0 You\u2019ll haveta play her next.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at the checkerboard. \u2018I said no,\u2019 he said in a low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow at his father and Anna looked as if she were about to cry. I\u2019ll play you next,\u2019 said Ben kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna smiled at him, \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said, forcing a smile onto her face. \u2018I\u2019d like that Mr Cartwright.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018You know,\u2019 said Ben, deciding to push a point to break the tension. \u2018I know you have your own father Anna, but don\u2019t you think it\u2019s about time that we thought of something for you to call me other than Mr Cartwright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What would you like me to call you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben noticed the angry expression on Joe\u2019s face and decided after all that it wasn\u2019t a good time to pursue the subject. \u2018Well let\u2019s just think about it shall we?\u2019 he said. \u2018Maybe when that grandchild of mine is born we\u2019ll come up with something.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stiffened at his father\u2019s words. \u2018Hey you\u2019ll haveta get used ta being called Grandpa then,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018Won\u2019t that be something eh?\u2019 Joe stood up abruptly, knocking over the board.\u00a0 \u2018Hey!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Watch what you\u2019re doing will ya Joe?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m going to bed,\u2019 said Joe with a dark look at Anna and strode towards the stairs.\u00a0 There was silence as he left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After a moment Anna stood up. \u2018I think I\u2019ll go on up too,\u2019 she said. \u2018Goodnight.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As she entered their room, she noticed that Joe was already undressing and getting into bed. \u2018You\u2019re going to bed early,\u2019 she said. \u2018Is it to get away from me?\u2019 He didn\u2019t answer her, but climbed under the covers and turned his back on her. \u2018Joe?\u2019 she persisted. \u2018I asked you a question.\u2019\u00a0 There was still no answer from the bed. She sat down next to him. \u2018I know you\u2019re very angry with me,\u2019 she said, \u2018But we have to at least pretend for your family\u2019s sake don\u2019t you think?\u2019 When there was still no answer her voice rose in anger. \u2018Aren\u2019t you ever going to speak to me again?\u00a0 Are you going to carry on like this for the rest of our lives?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He rolled over to face her. \u2018That\u2019s exactly what it is, isn\u2019t it Anna?\u00a0 Thanks to you we\u2019ve got the rest of our lives to live like this. Well you\u2019d better get used to it because I\u2019m not changing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She glared at him. \u2018So you\u2019re going to treat me like this forever?\u2019 she demanded. \u2018What about when the baby\u2019s born?\u00a0 Do you expect it to live with its parents not speaking to each other for its whole life?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyes widened. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare speak about that child as if it\u2019s mine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Its quite clear that it isn\u2019t and even though I might have no choice now but to raise it as my own I don\u2019t have to pretend between us that it is!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Do you mean to say that you\u2019re going to tell everyone about this?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He stared at her. \u2018What\u2019s the point?\u2019 he said. \u2018It wouldn\u2019t be fair to the baby. I wouldn\u2019t take all this out on an innocent child, even if it is yours!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She breathed a sigh of relief. \u2018Well I\u2019m pleased to hear that,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He continued to stare at her. \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 But it don\u2019t change my opinion of you any,\u2019 he said. \u2018I meant what I said the other day.\u00a0 I hate you for what you\u2019ve done to me and I can\u2019t see that changing.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t expect me to treat you any differently that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What about your family?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What about them?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What are they supposed to think if we go on like this?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t enjoy upsetting them\u2019 he said. \u2018But just you remember that they\u2019re my family not yours!\u2019 He sat up. \u2018Do you know how hard it is hearing my father saying things about his grandchild and knowing that it\u2019s really not true? Not only have you made my life a farce, but you\u2019re about to do it to my father and brothers too.\u00a0 They\u2019re gonna think that this baby is related to them and it\u2019s not.\u00a0 How do you think that makes me feel? How do you think it would make them feel if they knew?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna wiped away the tears that were threatening to fall and said nothing.\u00a0 Joe rolled over and faced the wall again. \u2018Just leave me alone,\u2019 he said bitterly. \u2018Get lost will you?\u2019\u00a0 Anna stood up and walked over to the window and sat down on a chair.\u00a0 The only sound that could be heard was the soft cry of an owl in a tree outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe trudged across the front yard wearily.\u00a0 Lately all he had seemed to do was work and he had to admit that he was getting rather tired of it. The way he looked at it though, if he wasn\u2019t out working then he would have to be at home with Anna and anything was preferable to that.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t go to town much because he was sick of everyone asking how he and his new wife were and it galled him to think that everyone assumed that they were blissfully happy.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t really blame them, but it just helped to make him feel even unhappier than he already was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And so he lost himself in his work and tried not to think about it all too much.\u00a0 He knew that he had been distant from his father and brothers and that they were worried about him because of it, but he honestly didn\u2019t know how else to handle it.\u00a0 He could sense his father\u2019s eyes on him constantly and it worried him to think that the man was so concerned about him and so the best solution he could come up with for now was simply to stay out and work whenever he could.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He stretched his aching back as he reached the front porch.\u00a0 At least all the extra physical activity he\u2019d been indulging in helped him to sleep at night as well.\u00a0 It was better than lying awake next to\u00a0her<\/em>\u00a0and thinking about things.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe opened the door to be greeted by his father. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said wearily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son anxiously. \u2018Hello Joe,\u2019 he said and looked past him outside onto the porch. \u2018Is Anna with you son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 he replied in the wooden tone that he had begun to adopt when speaking of Anna. \u2018Why would she be?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I just hoped,\u2019 said Ben anxiously. \u2018She hasn\u2019t been around all day, but she didn\u2019t say that she was going anywhere.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Joe anxiously. \u2018Also, I found this on your bed.\u2019\u00a0 He held out an envelope with Joe\u2019s name on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took the envelope from his father and stared at it for a moment before going over to the sofa and sitting down.\u00a0 He ripped it open and began to read.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Joe,<\/span><\/p>\n

I suppose by now you have realised that I\u2019ve gone. \u00a0To stay would only have made both of us even more miserable and involve your family in our troubles which hasn\u2019t been fair to them all along.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know that I was wrong to involve you in my problem and whether you believe me or not I am truly sorry that I did.\u00a0 I realise now that I wasn\u2019t being fair to you and I do regret the way that things have turned out.<\/span><\/p>\n

I am going to San Francisco to find Fred.\u00a0 Perhaps he has changed his mind about wanting the baby and will have me now.\u00a0 If not, then I will survive somehow.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t follow me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When I am settled I\u2019ll begin proceedings for a divorce.\u00a0 Maybe in this way you will be free of me and my baby.\u00a0 I know the scandal will still be there for you to live with, but at least it is better than living as we have been.<\/span><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t feel that I can ask for your forgiveness and anyway, you have made it clear that you aren\u2019t willing to give it.\u00a0 I only ask that you try not to hate me too much for lying to you about the baby and forcing you into a marriage that I had no right to.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anna<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father. \u2018She\u2019s gone,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat down next to him on the sofa. \u2018Where?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe handed his father the letter to read. \u2018I guess there\u2019s no point in hiding the truth from you now,\u2019 he said and stared into the fireplace as his father began to read.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked up. \u2018Fred?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Fred Tyler.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded and continued to read again.\u00a0 When he had finished he handed Joe back the letter and was silent. \u2018The baby wasn\u2019t mine,\u2019 Joe said after a moment and Ben nodded. \u2018You don\u2019t look too surprised,\u2019 said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m not,\u2019 he said. \u2018I suspected as much.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked shocked. \u2018You did?\u2019 he said. \u2018You thought the baby wasn\u2019t mine and yet you still wanted me to marry her?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben put his arms around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018No Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t know at the beginning.\u00a0 It was after you were married.\u00a0 There were\u2026 I don\u2019t know\u2026 little things that didn\u2019t seem right.\u00a0 Things just didn\u2019t add up as they should have.\u00a0 I suspected, but I didn\u2019t know for sure and what good would it have done to stir things up if I was wrong?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018When did you find out?\u2019 asked his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018About a week ago,\u2019 said Joe quietly. \u2018She blurted it out one night without thinking and then I got to see her name in Doc Martin\u2019s appointment book.\u00a0 She\u2019d been to see him before we even\u2026 before we were together. She knew all the time.\u2019\u00a0 Ben sat silently listening to his son. \u2018How could she have done that to me Pa?\u2019 Joe blurted out suddenly. \u2018How could she have ruined my life that way?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018She was scared Joe.\u00a0 I know its no excuse for what she did, but I think she must have been very frightened, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I told her I hated her.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t mean that son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe faced his father. \u2018Yes Pa, I do.\u00a0 Sorry as I am to say it, I do hate her for what she\u2019s done to me. Even if she does go ahead and get a divorce from me, imagine what people around here will say? My life is still ruined no matter what happens now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 They both knew what the attitude would be to a young man who was divorced.\u00a0 It would make Joe not acceptable amongst polite society and while there were plenty of people in the West who wouldn\u2019t think twice about it, there were plenty who would. He would be barred from relationships with many of the eligible young ladies in the district and beyond, a fact that they both knew very well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll just have to get used to it I suppose,\u2019 said Joe sadly. \u2018I guess it can\u2019t be any worse than it is at the moment.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment there was a knock on the front door and Ben stood up to open it. Albert Reeves stood there, with a face like thunder. \u2018Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve come to talk to\u2026\u2019 he glanced over the man\u2019s shoulder. \u2018To him!\u2019 he said angrily and pushed past Ben and into the living room. \u2018You!\u2019 he said, pointing a finger at Joe. \u2018You explain to me how you allowed my daughter to get on a stage this afternoon in her condition!\u00a0 When I heard from Charlie at the stage-line that she had caught the stage I couldn\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 What kind of person are you to encourage her to do it? And just where has she gone anyway?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood up and reluctantly faced the irate man. \u2018Mr Reeves\u2026\u2019 he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you \u2018Mr Reeves\u2019 me!\u2019 shouted Albert. \u2018I want an answer! Where is my daughter?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father briefly before answering. \u2018She\u2019s gone to San Francisco,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018San Francisco?\u2019 exploded Albert. \u2018Why in God\u2019s name would she go there?\u00a0 And why didn\u2019t you go with her to look after her if it was so important that she go in her condition?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t know she\u2019d gone until a few minutes ago,\u2019 explained Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Anna and Joe were having a few problems,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019d to be pretty stupid if I didn\u2019t know that!\u2019 said Albert. \u2018It was obvious!\u2019 He stepped forward and grabbed Joe by the shirt collar. \u2018What did you do to my daughter?\u00a0 What did you do to her to make her leave like that?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe struggled to free himself of the man\u2019s grasp. \u2018I didn\u2019t do anything to her!\u2019 he declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Liar!\u2019 shouted Albert and drew back his fist and struck Joe full on the face.\u00a0 Joe reeled back and fell to the floor as Ben sprang forward and pulled Albert away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Albert!\u2019 Ben yelled. \u2018Get control of yourself!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert pulled himself out of Ben\u2019s grasp and turned to face them both. \u2018I want to know what that son of yours did to my daughter!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Isn\u2019t it enough that he got her into this condition in the first place?\u00a0 And now he\u2019s done God knows what to make her leave like this!\u2019\u00a0 He stepped towards Joe again. \u2018What did you do?\u2019 he repeated. \u2018Tell me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe got up warily and stepped back out of the man\u2019s reach. \u2018I told you I didn\u2019t do anything!\u2019 he declared again. He glanced at his father who nodded at him slightly.\u00a0 Still looking at Albert, Joe reached down and picked up the letter which had fallen on the floor and held it out to the man. \u2018Here, read this,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert snatched the letter from Joe\u2019s grasp and read it quickly, the surprise evident on his face.\u00a0 He was silent for a few moments and then sat down heavily on the sofa. \u2018I\u2026 I don\u2019t understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018What does she mean by all of this?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. \u2018She means that it wasn\u2019t my baby,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018She tricked me into marrying her.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben and motioned for his son to be silent. He sat down next to Albert and looked at him intently. \u2018This must all be quite a shock for you Albert,\u2019 he said. \u2018Would you like some brandy?\u2019 Albert stared into the fireplace and said nothing. Ben reached over and poured a glass of brandy for the man and gave it to him and Albert downed it quickly. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He looked over at Joe. \u2018I\u2019m going after her,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are you coming?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert nodded. \u2018All right. Then I\u2019ll go alone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018And do what?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018And bring her back here of course,\u2019 said the man. \u2018Whatever may have happened, she is my daughter and I intend to look after her.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Joe a strange look. \u2018It seems like I\u2019m the only one willing to do it now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood up next to him. \u2018Albert\u2026.\u2019 he said. \u2018You can understand Joe\u2019s reluctance to go after her, can\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert said nothing, but turned to walk towards the door. \u2018No daughter of mine will be divorced,\u2019 he said. \u2018No matter what has happened, this will be worked out. There will be no divorce and no more scandal here.\u2019\u00a0 He left the room abruptly, slamming the door behind him.\u00a0 Joe looked at his father silently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Mrs Watkins loudly. \u2018How are you today?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Fine thank you Ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Joe, tipping his hat to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018And Adam,\u2019 she continued. \u2018How lovely to see you both.\u2019\u00a0 She turned to Joe again. \u2018How is that lovely young wife of yours Joseph?\u2019\u00a0 She watched the young man carefully to gauge his reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hesitated and glanced at Adam. \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018She\u2019s still in San Francisco.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs Watkins looked puzzled. \u2018Still?\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s been quite a while hasn\u2019t it?\u00a0 I would have thought that young lovebirds like you would have wanted to be together.\u00a0 You must be anxious for her return.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tipped his hat at her again and turned away, but the woman wasn\u2019t going to be put off so easily. \u2018Well I must say that whatever her business is in San Francisco, it must be very important to keep her there this long,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018You must excuse us Ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We have business at the Bank.\u2019 \u00a0He pulled Joe away by the arm and strode across the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t hear Pa say we had to go to the Bank,\u2019 said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018He didn\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Just keep walking unless you want to go back and talk to her again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned at his brother as they mounted the steps to the Bank. \u2018Thanks Adam,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They entered the building and smiled at the tellers, trying to look busy in the corner as they glanced out of the window. To their relief they saw Mrs Watkins disappearing around the corner of the street. \u2018Just as well,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I can\u2019t stand much more of this.\u00a0 Anyone would think that some of these people had nothing else to think about!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow at his brother. \u2018Some of them don\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018\u2019Come on\u2026 let\u2019s get out of here before she comes back.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moments later they were seated in the buckboard and were headed towards The Ponderosa. \u2018You\u2019re real good at hiding like that Adam,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Anyone would think you\u2019ve done it before.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I have,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018 Plenty of times.\u2019 Seeing Joe\u2019s puzzled expression he added, \u2018Abigail Jones.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe giggled. \u2018Oh yeah.\u00a0 I forgot,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess she has given you plenty of practice hiding.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I know all the best spots,\u2019 said his brother with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018I can show them to you, if you like.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018I might need them.\u2019 he said. \u2018Everyone seems to think that Anna and me are their business.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence for a moment. \u2018I thought her father would have come back by now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe he\u2019s having trouble finding her,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018San Francisco is a mighty big place Joe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah. Still, I thought we might have heard from him at least.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well from what you told me, you\u2019re still not exactly his favourite person. Maybe he doesn\u2019t want to let you know what\u2019s happening.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018You didn\u2019t see him that day.\u00a0 He may not like me, but he was pretty sure that we weren\u2019t gonna get a divorce.\u00a0 I\u2019m the one who\u2019s been making his daughter respectable after all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pulled a face. \u2018True.\u00a0 So you think he\u2019ll still support you both being married even though the truth about the baby has come out?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018I dunno about any of it any more. I just wanna be rid of Anna Reeves that\u2019s all I know.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his brother sadly. \u2018I\u2019m sorry I ever got to know her.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head. \u2018Well maybe you might be a bit more careful next time about\u2026 well getting to know girls too well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blushed. \u2018Well, you can\u2019t honestly tell me that you haven\u2019t\u2026 I mean \u2026 well \u2026 you know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tried to hide a smile from his brother. \u2018No I can\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I\u2019ve never been so stupid as to put myself in a position where this sort of thing can happen,\u2019 he said. \u2018There are ways you know.\u00a0 I think you and I need to have a talk little buddy.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at his brother. \u2018I realise now that I should have had it with you before.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blushed even more. \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid Adam!\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa and I had that talk a long time ago.\u00a0 How do you think all this happened in the first place?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pulled the horses to a halt. \u2018Joe that\u2019s not what I mean,\u2019 he said. \u2018There are some things that you can\u2019t really talk about with Pa, if you get my meaning.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Oh.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Later on when all this has been settled you and I are going to have a talk little buddy.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want this sort of thing ever happening again do you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe snorted. \u2018There\u2019s no chance of that!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I\u2019m gonna be real careful from now on!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018That\u2019s exactly what I\u2019m talking about,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now you\u2019re getting the message.\u2019\u00a0 He brought the horses to a halt in the front yard. \u2018I wonder whose horse that is?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I dunno,\u2019 said Joe as he jumped down from the buckboard. \u2018I don\u2019t recognise it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment the front door opened and Ben Cartwright appeared. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he called. \u2018Come over here son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled a face at Adam and walked over to his father. \u2018Yeah Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben put an arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder and began to walk him into the house. \u2018Albert Reeves is here,\u2019 he said and felt Joe stiffen at the sound of the man\u2019s name. \u2018It\u2019s all right,\u2019 he continued as he walked him through the door. \u2018He\u2019s not angry with you this time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at Albert as the man stood up. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Mr Reeves, did you find Anna?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert sat down again and faced the fireplace. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe over to the sofa. \u2018Sit down Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Albert has to tell you something.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at Albert warily. \u2018What?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The man continued to stare into the fireplace. \u2018Anna is dead,\u2019 he said woodenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018What?!\u2019 he said. \u2018How?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert took a deep breath. \u2018It took me ages to find her,\u2019 he said. \u2018I searched everywhere I could think of.\u00a0 I even went to the police, but they couldn\u2019t find anything. I was getting desperate until the day that I finally tracked down Fred Tyler.\u00a0 He was living on the waterfront and about to take off on a ship for God knows where.\u00a0 At first he denied that Anna had even been to see him, but finally I got the truth out of him that she had.\u2019\u00a0 He rubbed his knuckles absentmindedly as he spoke and looked at Joe. \u2018I suppose I owe you an apology Joseph.\u00a0 I know now that what was in the letter was correct.\u00a0 Tyler was the father of Anna\u2019s baby.\u00a0 He admitted it to me.\u00a0 In fact he laughed about it.\u2019\u00a0 Albert put his face in his hands and was silent for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018How did Anna die?\u2019 asked Joe quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018After I left Tyler I went back to the police.\u00a0 I thought they might be able to force some information out of him.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t tell me, but I was sure that he knew where she was.\u2019\u00a0 He went pale. \u2018They had found\u2026 her body in the harbour.\u00a0 She drowned.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at the man with pity in his eyes.\u00a0 No matter what he\u2019d thought of Anna he knew that he hadn\u2019t wanted her to die and to see Albert in front of him now in so much grief just tore at his heart. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert nodded as he continued to stare into the fireplace. It wasn\u2019t clear how it had happened,\u2019 he continued. \u2018Tyler was questioned of course once I\u2019d told the police the story, but nothing could be proven. They said they were unsure whether it was murder or\u2026 or suicide.\u2019\u00a0 He took a deep breath. \u2018I know the truth though.\u00a0 Anna would never have done anything like that \u2026 not to her baby.\u2019\u00a0 He buried his face in his hands again and Ben reached out and put his arm around his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m so sorry Albert,\u2019 he said. \u2018We both are.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Joe meaningfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert looked up at him again. \u2018I\u2019ve apologised to you as I came to do,\u2019 he said. \u2018But don\u2019t expect that I can just forget all of this. I can\u2019t say it was your fault Joseph, but I do know that you played a part in it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Albert,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018What are you saying?\u00a0 Surely you can\u2019t blame Joe for Anna\u2019s death?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018I just meant that your son has been mixed up in this tragedy from the beginning and I can\u2019t just forget his part in it.\u2019\u00a0 He stared at Joe. \u2018You had cause to believe her when she said the baby was yours or you never would have married her, isn\u2019t that right?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe clenched his jaw. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert nodded as he stood up. \u2018Well I hope you\u2019ve learned your lesson young man.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad that you had the chance to.\u00a0 My Anna didn\u2019t get that chance after all.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to leave. \u2018I\u2019d best be getting back home,\u2019 he said. \u2018I came via Carson City so that no one would see me before I had the chance to speak to you out here.\u00a0 I have to go and tell Beatrice now\u2026\u2019\u00a0 He hung his head. \u2018Lord knows how she\u2019ll take the news.\u2019\u00a0 He straightened his shoulders. \u2018No one knew about the baby. Even though some people mighta guessed I\u2019m grateful that no announcement was ever made.\u00a0 At least my daughter\u2019s reputation can be at peace with her.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Joe as he reached the front door. \u2018And yours,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re free again Joseph. I just ask that you pray for my daughter\u2019s soul.\u2019\u00a0 He left the room, closing the door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben dismounted from his horse and walked across the clearing to where his son was sitting on the grass staring across the lake. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said as he sat down next to him. \u2018I was wondering where you were.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe faced his father. \u2018 I couldn\u2019t sleep last night,\u2019 he said. \u2018So I got up before breakfast and came out for a ride.\u2019 He turned to stare across the lake again. \u2018I can\u2019t stop thinking about things.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Anna?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes\u2026Anna.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed. \u2018I told her I hated her Pa.\u00a0 And I guess that I shouldn\u2019t feel like that anymore now that she\u2019s \u2026 gone.\u00a0 But the truth is that I just can\u2019t change my feelings towards her. I mean \u2026 I feel sorry for her and I never wanted her to die \u2026 but I still can\u2019t bring myself to stop hating her for what she did to me. I know that I should.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat in silence for a few moments. \u2018I think that hate is probably too harsh a word Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can understand you being so angry with her that you\u2019d dislike her, but to hate someone?\u00a0 Well I don\u2019t know if you\u2019re capable of that to tell the truth.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know Pa,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018She made me feel pretty damn \u2026\u2019 he stopped. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a half-smile. \u2018I think in time your feelings won\u2019t be so strong,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018And what about now?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Everyone\u2019s treating me like some sort of grieving widower and I feel like a real fraud. I wish they\u2019d all stop it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018They will in time,\u2019 said Ben quietly. \u2018Believe me I know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u2018Yeah I guess you would,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, there\u2019s still the question of your behaviour in all of this son,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Huh?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well as Albert said, you wouldn\u2019t have agreed to marry Anna if you didn\u2019t have cause to think that the baby could have been yours.\u00a0 While I applaud you taking responsibility in that way your behaviour in general still needs to be questioned.\u2019\u00a0 Joe looked away from his father. \u2018I don\u2019t want to think of a son of mine carrying on like that Joseph,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018I think that you and I need to have a talk about things if you know what I mean.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blushed. \u2018Not you too,\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s just that Adam offered to have that talk with me as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows arched upwards until they nearly disappeared into his hairline. \u2018Oh did he?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I guess I\u2019ll let you both talk about it and decide which one\u2019s gonna do it then.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked thoughtful. \u2018I think that might be best.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have a talk with Adam first shall I?\u2019\u00a0 He gave a short chuckle. \u2018Come on young man\u2026 let\u2019s get back for breakfast.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and pulled Joe to his feet. Father and son walked back towards their horses with their arms linked.\u00a0 Behind them the lake glistened in the early morning sunshine and the promise of another day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The End<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Disclaimer:\u00a0All 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Summary: \u00a0Joe takes responsibility for his actions and as a result finds himself trapped in a loveless relationship \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (22,910 words)<\/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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1716,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":2119,"position":0},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12136,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12136","url_meta":{"origin":2119,"position":1},"title":"The Rebirth of Joe Cartwright (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12134,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12134","url_meta":{"origin":2119,"position":2},"title":"In My Father’s House (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":2119,"position":3},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12135,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12135","url_meta":{"origin":2119,"position":4},"title":"Prelude to Rebirth (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":62233,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=62233","url_meta":{"origin":2119,"position":5},"title":"Captured Minds – PTL – Rita","author":"rita","date":"May 31, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis: The second in a series about Joe and Anna. Anna is abducted and Joe is hurt in her rescue,leaving him with severe headaches and loss of memory of the incident. Anna is upset that every time someone hurts Joe, she has to suffer along with him and decides to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2119","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=2119"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2119\/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=2119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}