{"id":41191,"date":"2000-03-20T17:53:51","date_gmt":"2000-03-20T22:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=41191"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:04:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:04:08","slug":"mistakes-misconceptions-2-building-by-amg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=41191","title":{"rendered":"Mistakes & Misconceptions #2 – Building (by AMG)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: As much as I can master in the art of building a romance. Ben in love – and a couple of other things thrown in for good measure. The events of this story take place after “Mistakes and Misconceptions”. While the Cartwright boys are building the new schoolhouse, Ben is building his future with Emily…
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 8;905
\nMistakes Series<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Mistakes & Misconceptions<\/a>
\nBuilding<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

\n

Building<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI may stay in the city overnight,\u201d Adam said, \u201cso Hop Sing can count me out of supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe both know how far I am from questioning you, but as last night you stayed in the city, it wasn\u2019t in the hotel…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs Thompson invited me for supper and then asked me to stay overnight,” explained Adam with a slight smile. “She says she feels safer if she’s not alone in the whole house. Well, there is the old gardener and his wife, but they live in the back of the house. I’d like to visit her again, today, as she has some interesting suggestions for a new schoolhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you build it?\u201d Ben always felt pride in such moments, pride in his son\u2019s hard work, talent and achievements.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might.\u201d
\nAdam put the jacket on and picked up the hat. \u201cAnything to tell Miss Emily?\u201d he grinned. The three brothers were already betting on what the next movement of their father would be towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, uhm… why not ask her for dinner tomorrow?\u201d Ben hesitated, seeing the opportunity to invite Miss Emily to the ranch again. \u201cYes, ask her that. If you can, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, boss.\u201d Adam had noticed Ben\u2019s dislike for the \u2018sir\u2019 in his son\u2019s \u2013 THIS son\u2019s lips, and \u2018Pa\u2019 he himself found too personal for everyday conversation. He used it less than occasionally. \u2018Boss\u2019 was neutral enough.
\n\u201cSee you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd give our regards to Miss Emily and Mrs Thompson, too,\u201d grinned Hoss broadly. \u201cThey\u2019re such nice women.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd to Kitty,\u201d Joe sent Adam a wink. \u201cIf you happen to meet her, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah,\u201d Adam laughed. \u201cAnd to every other lady in the city, eventually. I\u2019ll take the liberty to give our regards to Roy, too, although he\u2019s hardly a good match, is he, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, he left to the city. So that was… Roy, bank, Miss Emily \u2013 or maybe first Miss Emily and then the bank \u2013 then Roy, the post office and Mrs Thompson. So the rest of the day was planned.
\n***<\/p>\n

Knock, knock.<\/p>\n

The door opened, revealing a womanly figure in a light peach dress.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, hello! Please, come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man smiled politely. \u201cI won\u2019t take up much of your time, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman gestured him inside. \u201cI believe you can at least sit down, can\u2019t you? It would be impolite of me to leave you standing on the porch, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d Adam complied, stepping inside. \u201cYou look blooming today, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he smiled to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d she led him to the sofa. \u201cWill you drink something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ma\u2019am, thank you. I\u2019m not intending to take much of your time, as I have said.\u201d They sat down, and Adam continued. \u201cOur father and we would be honoured if you joined us for dinner tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

She blushed slightly and hid her eyes behind the eyelids. \u201cIt\u2019s an honour to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe honour is all ours,\u201d Adam protested politely. \u201cSo, can we count on your presence?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, Adam, you know I\u2019d hate to disappoint you. Or miss Hop Sing\u2019s cooking.\u201d They laughed. \u201cWhat time should I appear?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will come for you around three.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to put you on,\u201d she began protesting, but he shushed her with twinkling eyes, \u201cWe invited you, Ma\u2019am, and we intend to see to it that you come.\u201d<\/p>\n

They laughed again.
\nAfter the man had left, she hastily flew to her room and opened the wardrobe, thinking how she should dress to look appropriately. Ben would definitely like her in a light dress, maybe the green one… but she wasn\u2019t so familiar with his sons, maybe she should choose something more formal. They were actually just polite to her. Yet nothing too formal, she decided, Ben wouldn\u2019t like that. She felt good in his company; she wanted to spend more time with him and wanted him to be pleased. The dark velvet one… too formal. They said, Adam was the most aloof of the three, and yet he seemed to like her \u2013 at least a bit. She shouldn\u2019t cool the atmosphere at dinner by a formal rather than friendly appearance. Ben should be pleased, and hopefully his sons would be, too.
\n***<\/p>\n

Emily smiled in response to Ben\u2019s compliment and asked Adam curiously, \u201cHow long will it take to build the schoolhouse? I heard someone say that the old one\u2019s roof was leaking, and that you would have to hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe roof is to be repaired,\u201d answered Adam with a grateful smile. Her interest seemed genuine to him. \u201cThe building will be used for other purposes after we finish the new school.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat purposes?\u201d asked Joe curiously. Hoss\u2019 eyes were also questioning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mayor is to decide,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cWhen I last met him at the party a week ago, he didn\u2019t know yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe Max Thorkwell had brought you to that party,\u201d Ben turned to Emily, who nodded after a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I think so. Don\u2019t think I forget my companions so quickly,\u201d she added hastily. \u201cHe had just brought me there out of neighbourly kindness, and left me there. I DO remember that YOU brought me home after the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I remember you were afraid for your reputation…\u201d murmured Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you I didn\u2019t usually walk out with a man,\u201d she blushed. \u201cAnd I said I was ALMOST afraid…\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Adam folded the napkin and looked questioningly at his brothers. \u201cKeep an eye on things, will you? People seem nice and friendly, but I\u2019m an awful suspicious bad kind of character and just want to make sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Adam. You expect trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, but people like to add my jail history to my record and \u2013 \u201d he hid his mouth behind a cup of coffee, shrugging his shoulders. \u201cI just don\u2019t want trouble. If the men don\u2019t want to shake my hand, they don\u2019t have to. But only as long as it doesn\u2019t turn into hostility and sabotage. The mayor will do only as much as come once a week and see how the work is going. I\u2019m counting on you, guys,\u201d he murmured, to which he got equally murmured answers of reassurance.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The brothers quickly raised their heads and glasses as Ben began the toast.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the most beautiful…\u201d
\n***<\/p>\n

The night has stolen onto Virginia City, just as James Thompson also stole into his own house. His mother wasn’t asleep yet, however, and he would have greeted her aloud, out of some remnant of politeness, but stopped as he saw a dark head reclining on his mother’s shoulder. The man had clearly fallen asleep over some work, some papers \u2013 plans \u2013 were strewed over the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need some money,\u201d said James quietly, not wanting to wake his mother’s guest and having to explain things.<\/p>\n

She looked up, surprised at his entrance, startled at his words.
\n\u201cAre you all right, son? Are you well?\u201d she asked immediately with motherly concern, trying to ease the dark head gently from her shoulder to be able to hug her son.<\/p>\n

James shot another look at the sleeping man. \u201cDon’t… Just sit there, I’ll take what I need. I’m fine. Father’s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

He saw his mother’s eyes cloud, then moved to the drawers. \u201cDidn’t want to wake you. I won’t be staying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn’t wake me,\u201d she said softly. The ensuing awkward silence revealed both James’ unease and his mother’s pain, the emotions trembling in the tense atmosphere like butterflies caught in a little boy’s net.<\/p>\n

Mrs Thompson felt some movement, and put her hand soothingly on the dark head of the sleeping man in an instinctive gesture.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather\u2019s been dead for some time now,\u201d she heard her son speak up behind her back. \u201cAnd so you are free. Uhm… I took as much as I\u2019d need, but I left some.\u201d The bills shuffled.<\/p>\n

The young man looked at his mother, who absent-mindedly stroked the dark head. He hadn\u2019t seen her ever since he went away with his father as a teenager. He wanted to go on with such life as he had led with his father.
\n\u201cSorry, if you wanted something else of me, but I\u2019ve got my life set that way and I\u2019m not going to change it,\u201d he added, putting the rest of the money in his pocket, and rose to his full height. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll write some day.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sleeping form stirred, and suddenly James Thompson felt two piercing eyes on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cUhm… Adam, this is my son James,\u201d explained Mrs Thompson quietly. The man sat up now, deep crimson rising upon his cheeks. \u201cJames, this is… Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI took your place,\u201d noticed the dark haired man calmly, although his blush betrayed the embarrassment. \u201cPlease accept my apologies, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m no \u2018sir\u2019,\u201d James gazed curiously at the handsome guest of his mother. His place, he said… \u201cI guess mothers shouldn\u2019t be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither should children,\u201d Adam smiled non-committally, rising. \u201cPleased to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSame way here,\u201d James shook the offered hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJimmy… James said my husband was dead,\u201d said Mrs Thompson.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo sorry, Ma… Ma\u2019am,\u201d reacted Adam sympathetically. \u201cAnything I can do to make you feel better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust be there,\u201d she sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s to make ME feel better,\u201d he gave her a dazzling smile of assurance and turned to James.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou came and are going to leave tonight, as I understand?\u201d he asked politely, taking in James\u2019 dusty jacket, which he hadn\u2019t taken off.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2026 have some business to attend to,\u201d answered James vaguely. He had nothing to attend to, just wanted to roam about.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you stay a few days?\u201d offered Adam. \u201cYour mother has given interesting suggestions concerning building the new schoolhouse, wouldn\u2019t you like to get acquainted with them? Unless you can\u2019t afford the time\u2026\u201d he appeared to withdraw. \u201cBusiness is business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA\u2026 few days won\u2019t make such a difference,\u201d James hesitated. \u201cIs mom building the schoolhouse?\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, actually I am,\u201d Adam laughed and introduced himself, \u201cAdam Cartwright, I\u2019m the architect.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man was a couple of years older than him, James estimated, and that somehow felt intimidating.<\/p>\n

\u201cJames Thompson. Pleased to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

They smiled at each other politely. Mrs Thompson rose from the settee and steered them towards the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cA light snack before going to bed?\u201d she suggested. Adam shook his head, \u201cI\u2019m full.\u201d<\/p>\n

James, however, nodded. \u201cI\u2019d like some, I\u2019ve actually had no supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can that be?\u201d she wrung her hands and hurried to the kitchen. \u201cAdam, you really won\u2019t eat anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make myself some coffee,\u201d he gave in a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ll make it,\u201d she shooed him back to the table. \u201cI\u2019m the hostess here, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, M-Ma\u2019am,\u201d he complied and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it difficult to build a house?\u201d inquired James with interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam laughed at his own awkward statement. \u201cI guess it requires some skill, some education, and the will to do it. I have never thought of it; I simply like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do you begin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have already begun, in fact. Would you like to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUhm,\u201d James laughed somewhat nervously, \u201cyou mean like building?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, why not,\u201d Adam smiled in answer. \u201cIt\u2019s actually the city members, and yes, some ranchers that build it. We don\u2019t hire any workers, it\u2019s our own project, I mean the city\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might do just that,\u201d decided James, quite unexpectedly for himself. \u201cJoin in, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow splendid,\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes flashed with a smile. James forgot at that moment any thoughts of regretting his decision. Oh, shucks, a few days here might even be interesting.
\n***<\/p>\n

Mr John Trent was a respected citizen of Virginia City. Strong-willed, he intended to remain respected.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not work for a jailbird! No, definitely not!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr Trent,\u201d Adam gave him his most polite smile. \u201cI simply happen to be the architect engaged by Mrs Thompson. You work for the city, I work for her and the city. I do not see how you could possibly be in any way at my disposal. As you are a respected citizen and represent the city, I actually work for YOU, as it were.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trent snorted but digested that.
\n\u201cHow come you give orders here, Cartwright, if you work for us, huh?\u201d he found another doubt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI work as \u2013 an extension of the plan Mrs Thompson had suggested,\u201d Adam was smiling inadvertently. \u201cI am only her voice and hand, and dare not order. I only suggest\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll work for neither a jailbird nor a woman!\u201d Mr Trent yelled and turned to leave.<\/p>\n

Adam decided further argument might do more harm than good, and so kept respectfully quiet. He imagined what he might just do with Mr Trent, and his smile became more genuine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do hope you gentlemen won\u2019t mind following Mrs Thompson\u2019s modest suggestions,\u201d he turned quietly to the crowded city dwellers. No one could resist the gentlest expression, the almost submissive tone and the treacherous personality of the question. They came back to work, humming the well-known melody of own opinions and comments.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you were wonderful,\u201d James eyes him admiringly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t I,\u201d Adam glanced towards his plans, and lit up at the sight of Mrs Thompson. \u201cI think somebody wants to talk to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have hit him, or at least yelled his head off,\u201d continued James.<\/p>\n

\u201cConflicts are a nuisance,\u201d Adam\u2019s shoulders shrugged indifferently.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you sometimes want to let some steam off?\u201d wondered James.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just don\u2019t know how much steam you need to smile at times, Jimmy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, wait for us!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam steeled himself for a pat from Hoss, then nodded towards Mrs Thompson.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy employer appears to ask for my presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe prodded him gently. \u201cI haven\u2019t finished with my part of the wall… may I do it later?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019ve noticed,\u201d acknowledged Adam. \u201cJimmy\u2019s finished it for you, as far as I could see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUhm…\u201d Joe looked surprised. \u201cEr… thanks, James. Adam… you\u2019ve noticed and haven\u2019t told me to go to work?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour first reaction would have been to protect your independence as a man, I believe,\u201d Adam grinned at him. \u201cJane is a fine lady, truthfully, and I myself would feel mighty bad if someone had treated me like that.\u201d There was no mistaking the treatment Joe would get at Adam\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh… er… so?…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, conflict is the last thing I need right now right here. And could you please be somewhat more articulate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean I can get away with unfinished chores, does it?\u201d asked Joe pitifully, but they recognised the attempt to lighten the mood. Though Adam didn\u2019t seem any upset.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that doesn\u2019t mean anything of the sort,\u201d the eldest smiled kindly at him. \u201cAnd don\u2019t you think I really, truly didn\u2019t desire to order you back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that sounds like you,\u201d agreed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOH, MAMA!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eager delight and hungry looks betrayed the hopes he was putting in the huge basket Mrs Thompson held.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, boys,\u201d she lit up with a smile. \u201cI thought you needed some rest; it\u2019s nearly lunchtime.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced meaningfully at her basket. \u201cI didn\u2019t suppose Ben Cartwright might have prepared a picnic for you, so I expect to have lunch with four handsome men here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss \u2018mmm\u2019-ed loud; whether for the food or compliment, you couldn\u2019t tell.
\n\u201cYou heard her, she called me handsome,\u201d he boasted immediately to his brothers, commonly taken for more attractive.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, how else, my dear,\u201d she scolded him gently. \u201cAren\u2019t you? Adam, when do you take a break?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a couple of minutes, Madam,\u201d he glanced back. \u201cLet us finish with the wall there. Joe, Jimmy, don\u2019t you just stand there, Mrs Thompson shouldn\u2019t be carrying such a big basket, what are you there for? Hoss, I\u2019ve noticed Bessy Lou coming \u2013 she seems to have a problem with another big basket; be a gentleman, go and help her. I\u2019ll be right back, as soon as the work\u2019s there finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you dared not order,\u201d mumbled James. Adam\u2019s smile made him squirm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp your mother, Jimmy.\u201d
\nWith the added lunch from Hop Sing, all four felt as though they could work until the next day non-stop. As soon as they were able to roll to their feet, anyway. Other men seemed well-nourished, too, and the building went smoothly.<\/p>\n

After some time, someone brought news about Mr Trent; he had had an accident, and was at the doctor\u2019s office. Nothing serious, some bruises, and he swore rather in a healthy manner, they said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing\u2019s good about it,\u201d mumbled Hoss. \u201cHe won\u2019t be coming here to yell at Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming from the gentlest of men, the comment seemed striking. Joe looked up at his mountain of a brother with something close to compassion. Gentle as he was, Hoss didn\u2019t like anyone to criticise his big brother Adam that way. It hurt the more when Adam just took it with an inadvertent smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh, ol\u2019 Adam won\u2019t like it,\u201d Joe hushed his brother. \u201cHe\u2019ll tell you you can\u2019t be happy with the other\u2019s misfortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I\u2019m upset he got hurt,\u201d Hoss backed, ashamed at his previous words. \u201cBut you know, you have to find good sides to everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wild explosion of laughter from Joe drew all pairs of eyes to them, even a cursory glance from Adam from over the plans, where he seemed to matter-of-factly ignore the presence of a hairy mountain of a man beside him. Had he ever been to Africa, he would have compared the man to a gorilla. Then again, the gorilla might have felt offended.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I get connected to that, I\u2019ll make sure you\u2019re in for the rest of your life.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t as much as glance at the huge man beside. \u201cAny more accidents, and I\u2019ll break your sturdy neck myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the Trent was a nuisance,\u201d the man shifted his weight closer to Adam. \u201cAnd my neck\u2019s harder than yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNecks that can bow are harder to break,\u201d Adam made a small correction in the plans and studied the building site carefully. \u201cOne can\u2019t be happy with the other\u2019s misfortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man whistled unpleasantly. If it wasn\u2019t for the forest of hair on his face, one could have sworn he wore a smirk.
\n\u201cWords of wisdom, huh? And from heaven itself. Where did you get the one about necks, Angelboy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou taught me,\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed. The sun was shining in his face now, as he gazed at the working people.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t quite bow your head with the tattoo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s rather hard when five men pin you down to the floor.\u201d This time, Adam shot a straight look at him. It wasn\u2019t outrightly hostile, but neither was it very friendly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me you like it,\u201d the man smirked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t hurt now, Angelboy,\u201d the man cooed derisively.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hurt enough.\u201d Adam made a conscious effort not to fold his hands in fists. \u201cIt itches; often. Must have got infected. Maybe some day I won\u2019t be able to use the hand. I don\u2019t know.\u201d
\nHe raised his head, his face a mask of calm. \u201cEither work, or get away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou let me work here, Angelboy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hold you responsible for any accident here, don\u2019t you worry.\u201d He smiled amiably, seeing Mrs Thompson approach from the corner of his eye. \u201cAnd I\u2019m Mr Cartwright for you. Leave here, Hank,\u201d his gentle tone was coming dangerously close to a growl.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to suggest something, Adam, if it\u2019s not too late,\u201d Mrs Thompson took his arm, glancing at the plans.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of corrections are still possible,\u201d unknown to many, even Adam\u2019s matter-of-fact self could smile nicely. \u201cDon\u2019t we owe you for the picnic?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, Hop Sing\u2019s a better cook than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA point for discussion,\u201d he noted. Her pleasure didn\u2019t go unnoticed by him. \u201cIt\u2019s actually difficult to judge right now, for the company much excelled and therefore eclipsed the food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I came here in business, you ladies\u2019 man,\u201d she hit his arm with her small fist. \u201cListen to me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Obligingly, he invited her to inspect the plans.
\n***<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d Miss Emily smiled at the man helping her down from the buggy. He flashed his teeth politely and offered her his arm. Just then, Ben appeared at the porch, and she brightened at his smile.<\/p>\n

He thought she looked gorgeous. The afternoon sun glistened on her fair hair, making into a crown. Her eyes gleamed with joy, turning into the clearest, bluest diamonds with a warm fire entwined in the dancing twinkles of sun and smile. Her wise, calm beauty, enriched by the experience and values of age, evolved into a royal air around her flowing silhouette; each dignified step led her to a king\u2019s throne in Ben\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Her dress was flowing around her like a breath of green mist around a forest goddess, her body all mystery but the white, slender arms and shapely head blossoming out of the calyx of her silky dress, flower-like, Venus-like, water-green foam of flounce bulging playfully around her feet with each step. And each of the dignified steps brought her closer to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are welcome at the Ponderosa, Your Royal Highness,\u201d he bowed to her delicate, and delicately scented, white hand.<\/p>\n

Her laughter, devoid of the girlish giggle, had the same beauty, wisdom, and calmness as her face; and eyes; and lips.
\n\u201cTruly, to be invited by a king, I must be a queen.\u201d Her voice flowed softly, soothingly, enveloped him and his senses, and he barely noticed the food about the taste and looks of which he had so worriedly inquired of Hop Sing hundreds of times in the last half an hour.
\nAdam, Hoss and Joe exchanged glances, and each of them smiled. While Emily occasionally turned the dialogue towards them, Ben had eyes only for her. They chatted pleasantly throughout the dinner, then Adam remembered something that required the brothers\u2019 attention. Emily sent a smile after them; Ben never noticed them leave.
\nOnce outside, Adam began calmly undoing the buckboard wheel, whistling a melody to himself. Hoss scratched his head worriedly, placing himself so that he shaded Adam\u2019s actions. Joe massaged the back of his neck, watching them, and pursed his lips in thought. \u201cI don\u2019t think this can be repaired till evening, can it, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

His eldest brother shook his head, studying the wheel pensively. \u201cYou know, with all the chores we have to do, and the repair of the barn roof, I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll manage before late evening,\u201d he said. \u201cI guess we have to tell Hop Sing that our guest stays for supper. I would hate to let anyone drive that thing until we are sure it\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d This time, Hoss scratched his nose. \u201cI\u2019ll tell Charlie I\u2019ll take care of it once I\u2019m free.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst you have to help us with the roof,\u201d Adam reminded him matter-of-factly. \u201cI\u2019m going to town today, so I\u2019d like to have this one behind me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to town again?\u201d Joe was clearly annoyed. \u201cIt\u2019s the middle of the week! I want to go, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs Thompson invited me to come,\u201d explained Adam patiently. \u201cIt\u2019s about the schoolhouse, I don\u2019t think you\u2019d be extremely interested. I won\u2019t be going to a saloon for a beer, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be back tonight?\u201d asked Hoss, noticing the sour look on Joe\u2019s face that could lead to an outburst.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam smiled apologetically to Joe, following Hoss\u2019 line of thought. \u201cIt depends on the number of Mrs Thompson\u2019s suggestions, and of course on James.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realising Adam wouldn\u2019t be seeing any young ladies or any male friends of his (but James, obviously), Joe soon lost the sour look and patted his brother on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re staying as chaperons, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled. \u201cYeah, sort of, brother. Sort of.\u201d
\n***<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like it\u2019s almost done,\u201d noticed Mr Gilroy\u2019s cousin. He had just come to the city to visit his family, and was accompanying Mr Gilroy to the building site.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will take a couple of days yet,\u201d answered Gilroy, eyeing the building with pleasure. He had his part in it, too. \u201cYou must meet the architect, Mr Cartwright. He plans to make it the best school building in the area, better than in Carson City and others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarson City has a much bigger school,\u201d doubted the cousin. \u201cYours will have to go some ways to excel it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat we are planning,\u201d answered him a voice from behind. A tall, dark-haired man approached them and offered his hand. \u201cAdam Cartwright. How do you like the school so far?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDonald Benson,\u201d the man shook the offered hand almost enthusiastically, which elicited a small smile from Adam. \u201cIt looks nice, but it\u2019s rather small \u2013 in comparison to the one in Carson, for example.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have as many school children yet,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s not about size, it\u2019s about style. I was hoping to make it the nicest school in the area, so that kids like going there.\u201d He smiled again. \u201cThough I\u2019m aware that it does not depend on the building itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Adam noticed someone waving him over. Benson shook his hand again vigorously.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was nice meeting you, Mr Cartwright. I hope I can be of use, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is invited,\u201d Adam accepted the offer graciously, then smiled almost apologetically. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you have been told yet, but someone may want to fill you in on that, so I\u2019d better do it myself. I have been to prison, Mr Benson, and some men do not shake hands with me so eagerly as you have. You are free to reconsider your offer of co-operation. I won\u2019t hold you to that if you decide you don\u2019t want to work under my instructions. Have a nice day, Mr Benson, Mr Gilroy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Benson watched after the man in stunned surprise, then turned mutely to Gilroy, who shrugged his shoulders. \u201cI guess they\u2019d tell you that with a few adornments, and he wanted to prevent that. He had been cleared of the charges, though not after some time in jail. He\u2019s as decent a guy as few are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Behind them, a hairy shadow smirked, shaking his head. They had figured the man\u2019s innocence at once \u2013 what took so-called justice so long? He was such a decent guy\u00a0 \u2013 that\u2019s why they had called him Angel \u2013 that he had stuck to the letter of the law even in jail. Hank grinned to himself. As much as he hated to admit it aloud, he\u2019d grown to like this guy in some strange way; whatever the situation, he could rely on Angel to help if help was needed. Yeah, that was what he liked about the guy, he nodded to himself and lifted the box to bring it over to the other workers.
\nAdam took a last look at the finished part and sighed. It wasn\u2019t that it was bad, there was just so much to do yet. The youngsters beside him misunderstood the sigh, however, and hurried to learn what was to be improved.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the board crooked, Mr Cartwright? I tried to get it as straight as possible, really, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it set in the wrong order, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it very bad, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can we fix it, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed again, this time smiling at the youngsters\u2019 anxiety to do everything right. It was very important to them to be trusted with a responsible job and do it accordingly. He put a reassuring arm around young Trent, who happened to be closest, and shook his head. \u201cEverything is fine. You did a splendid job on that. I was just thinking about how much is left to do. Would you like to help some more?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Mr Cartwright!\u201d they chorused in happy unison. Adam smiled at the title again, silently glad that he had acquired some respect amongst the youngsters after all.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would I do without you?\u201d<\/p>\n

With those words, he clearly bought them for good. Now, they shone with their own light.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that Jimmy Thompson has just been deserted by his helpers \u2013 I\u2019m sure he\u2019d be extremely grateful if you went over and helped in your usual reliable way.\u201d He smiled warmly. Then his smile, though his lips hadn\u2019t moved, grew increasingly colder. \u201cI\u2019ll be off to get the deserters this time. Excuse me, guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys didn\u2019t miss the fact that he hadn\u2019t called them \u2018boys\u2019 but \u2018GUYS\u2019, raising them to a standing equal to his own, nor the word \u2018reliable\u2019, and they seemed very adult to themselves all of a sudden. They sniggered boyishly, though, at the thought of what Mr Cartwright may do with those two \u2018deserters\u2019 named Joe and Hoss, and they hastened to help James. Apart from Mrs Thompson, only Mr Cartwright called him Jimmy; to the youngsters, it only proved Mr Cartwright was a very important person, whatever they may say about him. AND it was THEM who he chose to help \u2013 they thrust their chests forward with pride at the thought. \u201cWe can help you, Mr Thompson,\u201d they circled James with eager anticipation. \u201cWhat is there to be done?\u201d
\n***<\/p>\n

Ben breathed in the breath-taking landscape as though he were seeing it for the first time. Maybe it was because Emily WAS, and he felt young, and everything felt new and undiscovered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere would be a nice place for a little house where some couple could spend a lovely honeymoon,\u201d he whispered seductively into Emily\u2019s little ear, making her blush \u2013 not so much at the words as at the way he said them.<\/p>\n

\u201cLove makes every place good for that,\u201d she retorted slyly, making his deeply dark eyes gleam in a way that fascinated her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d she called him in a cosily hushed voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d he growled in a low voice in that special way that made her heart skip a beat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a basket of food to finish,\u201d she said in the same husky voice, waiting for his reaction.<\/p>\n

When the words sunk in, he looked surprised for a moment \u2013 or rather like one suddenly awakened \u2013 and then he started laughing. \u201cYes, my dear, a true feast it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

They ate in silence for a while; at some point, however, Ben turned his eyes back to behold the sight, and sighed with contentment.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t the Ponderosa all the paradise one needs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily sighed as well; she was overcome by the beauty of the landscape, but she was also thinking of the letter she had received the previous day. She was very glad that she could come today to the Ponderosa, see its beauty and talk to Ben. Not about the letter, of course, but so as to reassure herself of her true feelings towards the offer of her aunt. She needed to make a decision soon.
\n***<\/p>\n

James Thompson sighed contentedly, lying on the couch. He had long lost the desire to roam about all alone who knows where. He actually began feeling good at home. He could see that he had taken his mother for granted once and only now did he come to appreciate her qualities. His father hadn\u2019t, and that might have been the reason for James\u2019 blindness to the fact that his mother was the best ever. It was clearly to be seen in the way she interacted with the Cartwright brothers. Pity they didn\u2019t have a mother. Pity he didn\u2019t have a brother. Heck, even a sister would do.<\/p>\n

\u201cMom?\u201d he inquired from his comfortable position. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t I have any brother or sister?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did,\u201d came the answer from the kitchen, and seconds later his mother\u2019s figure emerged from there. \u201cWhy are you asking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did?\u201d marveled James, sitting up to look at his mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie was still-born,\u201d she explained softly, sitting down at his side. \u201cAnd Roseanne wasn\u2019t even two when she fell ill.\u201d<\/p>\n

James blinked in surprise. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, mom,\u201d he said with sincerity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know such things happen,\u201d said Mrs Thompson with a bittersweet smile. \u201cAt least I have you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to stay home, mom,\u201d he said on impulse. \u201cI… kinda… I… love you, mom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caroline Thompson held her breath for a second, then gently, slowly pulled James\u2019 head to her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the best mom ever, you know, and I wish dad hadn\u2019t left,\u201d\u00a0 he added from somewhere between the folds of her blouse. \u201cI\u2019m… I\u2019m glad I\u2019m back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I, sweetheart,\u201d she stroked his head. He chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d she enquired with a surprised smile. He raised his head to look at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted you to do that ever since I saw you do that with Adam,\u201d he confessed. \u201dGosh, now I think I\u2019ve been jealous,\u201d he chuckled. \u201cJealous of a friend. Silly, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it\u2019s silly,\u201d she shook her head in wonder. \u201cWhere do those men get their ideas from, I ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the head?\u201d suggested James innocently. She feigned impatience and gave him a mock thwack on the head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better be respectful towards your mother, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a long period of companionable silence James asked, \u201cMom, do you think Adam, Hoss or Joe will mind if I ask to be their brother?\u201d
\nIn the far corner of the saloon, Adam was sprawled across the table in laughter, and Joe was on the floor; James was trying to catch some air, while Hoss chuckled with tears in his eyes. It wasn\u2019t that the comment was that funny; although Adam had a point when he said Pa should at least know they were adopting themselves a new brother. They were just in such a good mood, and not at all thanks to the bottle on the table, which was more of a requisite in their little party on the occasion of the family having \u2018grown\u2019.<\/p>\n

Adam caught his breath with a moan, trying to wipe the still flowing tears from his eyes. \u201cAm I drunk already?\u201d he asked with a confused expression. \u201cI… didn\u2019t think I\u2019d had anything to drink today… maybe I just don\u2019t remember… even worse…\u201d He took a deep breath, trying to regain control of himself. \u201cSomeone tell Joe to stop that,\u201d he demanded with disgust, in a tone typical for drunks. \u201cHe knows his giggling is infectious.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three of them who were still sitting looked at Joe howling in laughter on the floor, exchanged glances and burst into laughter again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo… please… not again… someone stop it…\u201d moaned Adam painfully in-between fits of laughter. \u201cMy stomach hurts already…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLack of practice, Adam,\u201d giggled Joe, clutching his stomach in exactly the same way as Adam was. James took a desperately deep breath and helplessly burst into another fit of laughter.<\/p>\n

Adam was the first one to more or less recover, and he reached for the bottle. \u201cYou know, we haven\u2019t drank the brotherhood thing yet \u2013 I think they call it Bruderschaft somewhere in Europe…\u201d He drew a long steadying breath. \u201cSomeone gag Joe and come here, you all. Gimme your glasses. And no one dare laugh.\u201d He swallowed with effort as his muscles were still constricting and he controlled them with greatest difficulty.<\/p>\n

Chests heaving hard, they drained their glasses. They looked at each other and quickly looked away so as not to burst into laughter again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019d better go home,\u201d offered Adam in audibly hardly controlled voice. \u201cJust look at us, we are behaving like old drunkards.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all nodded and rose carefully, so as not to lose control over themselves, leaving the bottle behind. Sam, the bartender, noticed that and hurried to remind his customers and friends of taking what they have purchased, but Hoss shook his head and added a gesture of refusal. \u201cI… don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be needing it,\u201d he managed and quickly left with the others. Giggling helplessly and thus uncomfortably doubled over, the Cartwright brothers left town to begin the ride home that was to be the longest ever.<\/p>\n

Sam took the bottle in his hand, tested the weight, slashed the contents around in it and looked after the men in stunned surprise. Surely they didn\u2019t get drunk with one glass? They seemed sober when they came in… Strange. He scratched his head, shrugged his shoulders and took the bottle to the bar. It was good whisky and it couldn\u2019t get wasted. No one ever enquired, anyway, whether he opened a new bottle for each customer or not.<\/p>\n

Tonight, James came home to infect his mother with the laughter bacillus, and Ben Cartwright was very surprised to find all his sons in bed, deeply asleep, slightly red-eyed and clearly completely spent, after he got home from the Barclays in the evening.
\n***<\/p>\n

The moon was shining its round face down on the pair on the porch. They barely noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a beautiful evening,\u201d spoke the man in a deep, mellow voice, gazing long at the woman by his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d she agreed. They were silent for a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmily?\u201d \u201cBen?\u201d They spoke up simultaneously. She sank her eyes, waiting for him to speak first.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies first,\u201d he smiled at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026 I\u2019ve been thinking,\u201d she answered without a corresponding smile. \u201cWe feel good with each other, don\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we do,\u201d his voice crept on a yet lower tone, and his eyes swept over her face. He seemed to have expected the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have wonderful sons. Those things people say…\u201d she looked at him and shrugged her shoulders in a gentle motion, \u201cthat Hoss isn\u2019t clever, that Joe is careless, that Adam is aloof\u2026 this is all wrong. They are all intelligent and deeply caring young men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d He liked her flowing, calm, cosily muted voice. He wanted her to talk on.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have such a wonderful friend in Hop Sing,\u201d she went on, as though never interrupted. She seemed to talk to herself, or to the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is so much you have, Ben, and so much you can give. A woman that marries you will be the richest one in the whole world.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes flashed strangely in the shadows and he leaned towards her. Her hand suddenly halted him, resting firmly on his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ask me, Ben.\u201d Her eyes were serious. \u201cDon\u2019t ask me until I have finished telling you\u2026 please.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at the yard again.
\n\u201cBen\u2026 there is so much\u2026 like I said\u2026 so much you can give. I don\u2019t want it to go to waste\u2026\u201d She stopped his words , putting her fingers on his lips. \u201cBen, we still have a long future ahead. I\u2019m not\u2026 as sure as I\u2019d like to be\u2026 whether we should spend all of this future together. I\u2019m not sure\u2026 I\u2019d like to be certain, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked square in his eyes.
\n\u201cI am going to visit some family. It may take time \u2013 they live in England. We\u2019ll see what the time and the distance say about us. So please, don\u2019t ask me, Ben. Not tonight. Not now. Not yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked stricken, and didn\u2019t speak for a longer moment. He had already built a future for them in his mind; her words hurt him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like you, Ben. I like you sincerely. But I don\u2019t know if I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He still didn\u2019t speak up. She waited for some minutes, then went on quietly. \u201cIf they ask me to stay in England \u2013 I don\u2019t know what I might say. And I should be certain that I can\u2019t, because of you all, and the Ponderosa. If I stay there \u2013 it would mean any place or person could possibly drive me away from you. This wouldn\u2019t be fair towards you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gazed now at the yard, as she had before. Silence lengthened.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I asked you to leave the Ponderosa and come to England with me to live there \u2013 would you?\u201d She took his hand gently and held it. \u201cThink of it, Ben. Would you unconditionally agree?\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, he looked at her. She smiled at him sadly.
\n\u201cI thought if I told you all this, it would be better than if you made me answer any serious questions\u2026 It would hurt even more then. Think of the question I asked and answer it honestly to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

He slowly opened his mouth to say something, closed it, and thoughtfully nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d he said quietly. Without another word, they rose from their seats and went into the house.
\n***<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam sat down quietly on the porch beside his father. Ben acknowledged him with a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I have invited Mrs Thompson and James for supper tonight,\u201d said Adam gently. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNice of you to at least inform me,\u201d answered Ben tersely. He didn\u2019t really mean to sound off like that, he was just in a foul mood. Emily was already on her way to England. He hoped she was having a good journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it would be kind of me to tell you,\u201d agreed Adam evenly. Ben looked up at such insolence; it was the first time he actually looked at Adam. He was taken aback by the sudden change \u2013 Adam\u2019s hair was cut short. His eldest son smirked and waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would think so,\u201d agreed Ben eventually, deciding to turn it into a harmless joke. \u201cAm I to take it that I\u2019m invited as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tapped at his chin with his finger, then replied with reluctance, \u201cIn a way, yes\u2026\u201d He raised his eyes to his father. \u201cWe were planning you for the main course\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gaped at him for a few seconds, then boomed out with laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, goodness, Adam, you\u2019re awesome,\u201d he managed eventually, wiping the tears of laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo they say,\u201d agreed Adam modestly. This sent Ben off into gales of laughter again. Hoss and Joe, drawn to the porch by the commotion, exchanged looks with Adam and waited.<\/p>\n

Ben seemed to be winning over his self-control, eventually, and looked up to see three patient, almost indulgent faces. Adam was clearly thinking over some new comment, deciding: to say, or not to say. Ben almost convulsively tensed the laughter muscles. At last, Adam spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo nice to hear you laugh again, Pa,\u201d he said warmly. The muscles relaxed and Ben spontaneously reached out to his son; yet Adam was already pulling away, reminding them all of the soon-to-be-served dinner. Some things never changed, thought Ben.
\n***<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful to hear that,\u201d Ben answered Mrs Thompson. \u201cI believe that the schoolhouse will serve the children well, with all the improvements\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith all due respect, Mr Cartwright,\u201d Mrs Thompson gazed at him levelly, \u201cwould you shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly gagged on something he was swallowing, James started coughing, and Hoss and Joe seemed to have something stuck in their throats as well. Ben\u2019s jaw simply dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou talk like a politician,\u201d she continued with dismay. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen you ONCE on the building site, what do you really know about the schoolhouse?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben recovered just enough to deliver a feeble retort, \u201cI do know my son\u2019s talent, Ma\u2019am\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d she dismissed him calmly. Ben, almost seething, quickly cast a glance at the other dinner participants. Only James seemed properly ashamed; hard as they tried to hide it, his three sons literally grinned into their plates.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr Cartwright,\u201d Mrs Thompson cleared her throat and blushed apologetically. \u201cI just got so used to your sons that I felt as though I had known you for ages. I shouldn\u2019t have been so bold\u2026 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sized Adam up warily, then asked her, \u201cDo you really treat them in such a familiar way, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d she confessed. She was clearly apologetic now. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pursed his lips, then took her hand and said with perversity, \u201cBen. It\u2019s \u2018Ben\u2019 for you. I\u2019m not about to be bested by my sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked surprised, then a charming little smile appeared. \u201cOnly if you call me Carol.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost certainly, Carol.\u201d He kissed her hand courteously. \u201cI promise to go to Virginia City and take a good look at the new schoolhouse at the earliest opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be called for, Ben.\u201d She gazed at the quietly snickering quartet down the table. \u201cWould you behave, young men. This is the least bit of appropriateness you can afford.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d they chorused. However, Joe dove in his plate just a wee bit too quickly for her eye, Hoss somehow shifted to be able to turn his head away while eating, James covered his lips with his hand in a pensive pose, and Adam hid his mouth behind a glass of wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see your dimples, Adam Cartwright,\u201d she dismissed his efforts ruthlessly. \u201cAnd don\u2019t you go snickering into your food, Joseph. You don\u2019t sit with your back to a lady, Hoss. And you, James, don\u2019t make a thinker out of yourself when you aren\u2019t one.\u201d<\/p>\n

She cast a suspicious glance at Ben. \u201cAnd what are you laughing at? It\u2019s not funny to have to teach the basic manners to mature men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs Thompson wanted to visit the spot with the view to the lake,\u201d inserted Adam smoothly, keeping a straight face with a heroic effort. \u201cI thought we could make a picnic some weekend. What do you think, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA wonderful idea.\u201d Ben managed not to let his great relief show. His laughter muscles would have gone into a spasm shortly. \u201cHave you ever been there, Ma\u2019am? I mean\u2026 Carol,\u201d he corrected himself quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet,\u201d she smiled. \u201cBut Hoss described it so beautifully that I thought I had to see it. I might have mentioned something to the boys\u2026 I hope it\u2019s not too much trouble, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s definitely not, Carol,\u201d Ben assured her. \u201cWe\u2019ll be glad to share the beauty of the Ponderosa with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince Hoss claims it to be the most beautiful place on Earth, I can\u2019t say \u2018no\u2019 to such an offer.\u201d She had a warm, understanding smile. Not as beautiful as Emily, he thought, but she was pleasant company.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then,\u201d he took on his usual fatherly tone. \u201cSince tomorrow is Sunday, I suggest a picnic after church, and then we shall\u2026 or shall we make it at the lake?\u201d he looked inquiringly at his sons and his guests.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s a splendid idea,\u201d Adam smiled at him with appreciation.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d agreed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s splendid!\u201d Joe chimed in.<\/p>\n

James grinned at them. \u201cCan\u2019t say \u2018no\u2019 to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarol?\u201d Ben leaned towards his guest. She smiled again with a slight blush.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would very much like that,\u201d she admitted softly, raising her eyes to his face. \u201cIf it\u2019s not too much trouble, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA visit from a friend is never \u2018trouble\u2019,\u201d Ben tried to appear offended. \u201cIt\u2019s settled, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

His sons seemed pleased with that; they chatted with James familiarly and laughed together at some good-natured teasing. They had clearly befriended one another quickly; also, every time they came from the building site, there was the continual \u201cJames this, James that.\u201d Only Adam called him Jimmy; James didn\u2019t seem to mind. Carol was a naturally family-oriented woman, a kind of godmother for his boys. Maybe they needed that. He hadn\u2019t been able to give them a real mother for a long time; it was good for them to have a good auntie like Mrs\u2026 like Carol. The lack of a womanly hand was sometimes\u00a0 felt. That\u2019s why both man and woman had been created; Ben realised the hardships and lacks of lonesome parentship. Even one and a half fathers didn\u2019t make up for having no mother, he thought. Adam couldn\u2019t ever be a substitute. Yes, a good womanly heart was very much needed.<\/p>\n

–Wonder where Emily is now.–
\n***<\/p>\n

Ben went through the shop\u2019s door again, checking the list of supplies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be it, Sam. Count it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bell at the door rang again and there was a shuffle of a skirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, there was a letter for you,\u201d Carol smiled at him casually, handing him the envelope. \u201cAdam is by the wagon, helping Hoss,\u201d she added. Adam was supposed to collect the mail.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, I have a list here,\u201d she turned to the shop-keeper. \u201cJames will collect the things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned the letter in his hands, From Emily. England. He was almost afraid to open it. When he eventually did, he was seated in his favourite armchair by the fire.
\n\u201cDear Ben,<\/p>\n

I have arrived here a little more than a week ago. I knew you would impatiently wait for any news, so I hasten to inform you of the most important things. Other issues can wait for a longer letter, written in a calm manner rather than in haste. In this way, your patience will not be tried as much.<\/p>\n

I have arrived safely; I have had a good journey. My family welcomed me very warmly and took great care that I rest properly and have a pleasant time. On one of the social meetings \u2013 similar to our parties, yet different \u2013 I have met a far cousin of mine who is showing me around the country. The lands here are beautiful, the people genial, the customs genteel. I have been honest towards you when leaving, and I will be honest now, Ben \u2013 we have made the right decision.
\n\u201cDinner!\u201d announced Hop Sing, glancing worriedly at Ben, who hadn\u2019t moved from his armchair. Adam shook his head at Hop Sing, stopping any comments, and they quietly sat down to the table. \u201cHe\u2019ll be late, Hop Sing.\u201d
\n\u201cI know that my words hurt you then and that they hurt you now, but I would never love the Ponderosa as you do. I am already thinking of staying in England or travelling across the Continent \u2013 to Paris or Rome. Think of how grave our pain could have been if we had married and I would then want to go. You are and will always be my dear, dear friend, and I will always have a place for you in my heart, although it might not be THE place. I hope you can forgive me for raising your hopes for a closer relationship, as I had thought along the same lines as you. It just happened that I discovered a seed of doubt about my feelings and myself. Although painful for both of us, believe me that it was good to do so.<\/p>\n

The less important issues can wait for the next letter. I hope you will read it as one written by a good friend, however little it may mean to you at the very moment. I\u2019m sorry to write so briefly now, but I cannot make you wait any longer; it would take time to write down everything that has been happening, and the postman is waiting already.<\/p>\n

Give my love to the boys. Has Adam cut his hair short yet?<\/p>\n

I love you, my friend.<\/p>\n

Yours,
\nEmily\u201d
\nAdam started a bit when he felt a hand on his shoulder, then looked up and relaxed.
\n\u201cThe dinner is getting cold, sir… uhm, Pa,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled briefly at him and touched the back of Adam\u2019s neck. \u201cEmily asks whether you have cut your hair yet.\u201d He eyed his son absently. \u201cDid you say anything to her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026 I probably said I might,\u201d recalled Adam. \u201cIs there something wrong with that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son, certainly not,\u201d Ben moved to his seat. \u201cI just thought you\u2019d decided later, as you hadn\u2019t mentioned anything to me. By the way, what happened to the hair?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t bring it home,\u201d answered Adam laconically, not voicing his thoughts of where had Ben had his ears when the subject was mentioned. \u201cPotatoes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had, however, noticed a quick exchange of looks between Adam and Carol, then Carol blushed slightly, and Adam became very interested in his food.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you had long hair, Adam?\u201d inquired James.<\/p>\n

\u201cLong enough, I decided,\u201d explained the questioned one. \u201cWhat do you say we make a picnic on Sunday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI say, strange it took you so long to mention it,\u201d answered James. It had become a habit to have a picnic together every Sunday, just like having every other dinner at the Cartwright\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

Emily wouldn\u2019t come back. They wouldn\u2019t ever come together. There would be no together.<\/p>\n

\u201cJames, you promised to go fishing with me and Hoss!\u201d protested Joe. \u201cYou can\u2019t go back on it now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Jimmy,\u201d Adam held up the palms of his hands in surrender, when James looked at him. \u201cA promise is a promise. You have to go fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you could support me a bit,\u201d complained James, though with little energy. \u201cWhat kind of brother are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA reasonable one,\u201d Adam nodded towards Hoss. \u201cI can take Joe on, and you cope with the rest, how\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

THE END (for now)<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: As much as I can master in the art of building a romance. Ben in love – and a couple of other things thrown in for good measure. The events of this story take place after “Mistakes and Misconceptions”. While the Cartwright boys are building the new schoolhouse, Ben is building his future with Emily…
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 8;905
\nPart of the Mistakes Series, links to all stories included within<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"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":[7,23,1008,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","category-family","category-romance","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":419,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":41185,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=41185","url_meta":{"origin":41191,"position":0},"title":"Mistakes & Misconceptions #1 (by AMG)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 20, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam had been innocently sent to prison years ago and his family had never seen him since. Now, Ben gets a chance to know what had happened in the Nevada state prison from a new ranch hand, who\u2019d been to the same prison Rating: PG\u00a0 \u00a0 Words:\u00a0 9,685 Part\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Adam"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Adam","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1016"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45170,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45170","url_meta":{"origin":41191,"position":1},"title":"Water (by VRON)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 25, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Just brief musings from Ben. 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(actually years ago) Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0Words:\u00a0 1,045","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46841,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46841","url_meta":{"origin":41191,"position":2},"title":"The First Day of Spring (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 6, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is an expanded Bonanza Bit I did this spring, to the title prompt. Adam deals with homesickness while away at college. Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 550","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45159,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45159","url_meta":{"origin":41191,"position":3},"title":"Someone Watching (by VRON)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 25, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A brief and fanciful 'what if'. Rating:\u00a0 \u00a0G\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Words:\u00a0 1,240","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45151,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45151","url_meta":{"origin":41191,"position":4},"title":"Pharoah (by VRON)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 24, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A young Adam on the trail west has his first pet and learns a valuable lesson. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0Words:\u00a0 1,375","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Adam"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Adam","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1016"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46839,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46839","url_meta":{"origin":41191,"position":5},"title":"Mama’s Angel (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 4, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 See the Cartwrights through the eyes of a Christmas angel Ben carved. 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