Elizabeth Stallard\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cPa this wire was addressed to me but uh\u2026 I think it is for you.\u201d Adam handed his father the message Earl had transcribed neatly.<\/p>\n
\u201cElizabeth Stallard? No son it\u2019s not for me either\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cEver since Earl laid eyes on Sissie McFee the telegraph office is in an up roar.\u201d<\/p>\n
* * * * *<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, it\u2019s for you Adam, yes I have double checked. Mr Adam Cartwright The Ponderosa, Carson County, that\u2019s you aint it?\u201d Earl asked.<\/p>\n
Adam pursed his lips and bristled slightly \u2013 he always thought the government ought to hire literate men for the telegraph office, where correct English was critical.<\/p>\n
He put his hat on and turned to leave the office\u2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere\u2019s the stage now Adam, you could at least check\u2026oh Hello Sissie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s reply fell on Earl’s now deaf ears.<\/p>\n
He lent on the hitching rail with his arms folded across his chest, his hat tipped forward to shield his dark intelligent eyes from the noon day sun. He was watching passengers descend from the dust covered stagecoach: an older businessmen, a nun, a young looking cowboy type, an elegant woman about Pa\u2019s age and finally a young lady wearing a pink dress.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam Cartwright\u201d. The elegant woman called as soon as she saw him.<\/p>\n
He stood up straight and tipped his hat, \u201cM\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Adam I would know you anywhere\u201d<\/p>\n
Rubbing his lips thoughtfully Adam replied, \u201cI on the other hand, if you will excuse me m\u2019am, I don\u2019t recognise you at all\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell of course not. We have never met! Yet you are so clearly Elizabeth\u2019s son I could not fail to recognise you. Ah Elizabeth\u2026\u201d The woman\u2019s eyes misted over, but not so much that she missed the reaction in the handsome man standing before her.<\/p>\n
\u2018So he loves his mother, even though he never knew her. Well done Ben<\/em>\u2019 the woman was lost in her thoughts for a moment or two.<\/p>\n\u201cAdam, this is my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPleased to meet you, uh Miss Stallard?\u201d In response Miss Stallard smiled the sweetest smile he had ever seen.<\/p>\n
\u201cMama, you need to explain who you are,” the young girl encouraged her parent.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh dear didn\u2019t I do that already\u2026no? I am so hot and tired from this stage ride\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Wooed by the smile of the daughter Adam stepped forward and said, \u201c If you will allow me Ladies, I will escort you to the hotel where we can all have a cooling glass of lemonade and sort this out\u2026..Hank keep the ladies’ luggage here will you\u201d.<\/p>\n
In the shade of the parlour at the International Hotel, with a few sips of lemonade in her and her hat removed, Mrs. Stallard seemed more composed. However, Adam was less composed for Miss Stallard had removed her dainty bonnet to reveal blonde hair the colour of corn in Kansas. She had the bluest of eyes, clear and innocent, yet wise and tender. His heart had missed a beat.<\/p>\n
\u2018I certainly hope they are not distant relatives<\/em>\u2019 Adam mused.<\/p>\n\u201cI feel much better now,\u201d Mrs Stallard sighed and relaxed back into her chair.<\/p>\n
\u201cMama you must hurry and explain I don\u2019t think it\u2019s fair to keep Adam in the dark any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018Adam Adam Adam<\/em>‘ his name rang in his head as she had said it. \u2018How wonderful mother gave me a name that could sound as fine as that from lips like those.<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n\u201cAdam, I do apologise. Did you not get my letter? No? Well it seems not.\u201d Elizabeth Stallard leant forward and placed her hand over Adam\u2019s long fingers. “Your mother Elizabeth, was my best friend; and I hers. We went through school together; we grew up in one another\u2019s homes. Why I even stayed with her family for six weeks when my mother was ill with malaria.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam withdrew his hand, not withstanding his attraction to Miss Stallard he felt very wary.
\n\u201cMy father has never mentioned you. I do not recall seeing photographs of you.\u201d He leaned his chair back on two legs. \u201cIndeed I have never heard you name until your wire reached me.\u201d Adam\u2019s response was cool and distant. He had his defenses up; other people had tried to get to him through memories of his mother. Mrs. Stallard began to weep.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam,\u201d Miss Stallard spoke gently, \u201cwe come with the best intentions. Might these reassure you?\u201d Adam felt as if her cool tiny had had smoothed across his brow.<\/p>\n
In trying to pull something from her valise Miss Stallard first withdrew and laid upon the table an old leather bound book. As she returned to her search for the reassuring evidence Adam reached for the slim brown volume. To his surprise, and delight he found it was a copy of Milton\u2019s \u2018Paradise Lost\u2019. From habit he flipped open the cover and came across the inscription \u201cTo ES from ES \u2013 friends for ever\u2019. Miss Stallard having retrieved the package she was looking for tipped the contents onto the table.<\/p>\n
Several daguerreotypes\u2019 of two young woman cascaded across the white cloth\u2026Adam inspected one then another; there before him was indeed a young Elizabeth Stallard and his heart leapt in confirmation as he recognised his own mother. Indeed it was almost like looking at a twin of himself.<\/p>\n
* * * * *<\/p>\n
Adam drove the hired buggy home. Sport was tied to the rear of the chassis and trotted along merrily enjoying his rider less journey. His ears flicked this way and that as he heard Adam laughing.<\/p>\n
Mrs. Stallard had stepped forward to be assisted into the buggy seating herself next to where Adam would sit. He therefore, though somewhat reluctantly assisted the charming Miss Stallard into the rear seat and stashed their luggage next to her. The seating arrangements were not to his liking however he turned regularly to make sure Miss Stallard was not excluded.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour mama and I met when we were just seven,\u201d Elizabeth Stallard was explaining. \u201cWe attended the same school from then. We shared the same birth date and the same size shoes and the same love of books.\u201d Adam managed the horse easily but it was difficult to pay attention to the history of the Elizabeth\u2019s when he wanted only to talk to Miss Stallard.<\/p>\n
‘I wonder what her name is?’<\/em> he pondered.<\/p>\nAs they came up to the majestic view of the lake Elizabeth asked if they might pause in the shade a while as she had something important to say to him.<\/p>\n
*****
\nPart two<\/strong><\/p>\nAdam drew the buggy into the shadow a cluster of Ponderosa Pines and realised that Miss Stallard was climbing down from the buggy. He leapt from his seat and in three strides was at her side. Her delightful smile made the sparkling of the lake\u2019s water dull by comparison and the touch of her tiny cool hand in his made his heart skip yet again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know mama wishes to speak with you alone, I will just stroll along the lake shore a little distance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStay within sight dear,\u201d her mother commanded<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, do stay within sigh,t\u201d Adam urged. Please please never be gone from my sight again\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cAdam,\u201d Mrs. Stallard sat up very straight and starred ahead. \u201cAdam, I need to explain something \u2013 before we meet your father. If you have never heard my name then it means your father never forgave me.\u201d She fished a kerchief from the cuff of her glove and dabbed her eyes. \u201cAs I said your mother and I were friends from when we were young girls. When Ben, your father began courting her I \u2026well I didn\u2019t like him. There I\u2019ve said it. He was a sailor and I felt Elizabeth could have done much better and he was so so, well, there, all the time. I think I became a little jealous and he and I had an argument over Elizabeth and then\u2026oh dear\u2026\u201d her tears were flowing now \u201cMy dearest friend and I had a falling out.\u00a0 Shortly afterwards my parents took me to Europe where I met some very distant relatives and fell in love with my 6th cousin. We married in Paris and traveled extensively due to his Diplomatic postings. It was years before we returned to Boston, and I heard the dreadful news that my beloved friend had died. Your grandfather told me of your birth and Ben\u2019s determination to strike for the west.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou saw my grandfather after we left?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, just the once. I was so shocked at the news he had given me. So devastated that I had not been there for Elizabeth. All this time had past, and Ben was gone and so were you\u2026the only connection to my friend. I was ill for sometime, from the news, you understand. When sufficiently recovered I was then dealt another blow for I went to the Chandlers\u2019 Shop only to be told your grandfather had died the week before.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Adam took all this in, his gaze followed the graceful figure of Miss Stallard. She had petted Sport and rubbed his ears \u2013 which he loved \u2013 and then wandered along the side of the lake. She seemed quite content and almost, well to him she looked at home. Surely she knew what her mother would be telling him; however, she had graciously withdrawn.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you find me?\u201d Adam asked only one of the dozens of questions in his mind and heart.<\/p>\n
——————————————————————————–<\/p>\n
Part three<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cIn a strange turn of events a delivery was made to me, just three months ago. It seems your grandfather realised he was ill, thus he wrote to me after my visit but had not been able to have the letter franked. Months later when they cleared his desk the letter was found and delivered by hand. Along with a package. In the letter, I have it with me and you may have it, he told me where Ben had settled and a little about you. About how delighted he had been to have you living with him when you attended University and about how you had made a final decision to return out west, I mean out here, to be with your family. Oh, he said family\u2026Adam do you have a wife and children.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh no m\u2019am I don\u2019t have a wife and children.\u201d He glanced at Miss Stallard who was now gathering wildflowers\u2026.\u201dThe family my grandfather was referring to would be my two younger brothers. Hoss and Lil Joe. And of course, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, yes I see. You understand Adam, your father may not be thrilled to see me. But I had to come: to beg his forgiveness, to meet you and… and bring you such things of your mother\u2019s as I have. You do understand, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou leave Pa to me Mrs. Stallard, in no time at all you will feel very welcome and at home at the Ponderosa\u2026as will your daughter, I hope. Uh may I ask her name?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFleur Elizabeth. She is my only child; and the joy of my heart. Especially since my husband died.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sorry to hear of your loss \u2013 may I ask if it was recent?\u201d From the lightness and brightness of Miss Fleur Elizabeth Stallard it didn\u2019t seem so.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been some eight years now. Fleur was just twelve and missed her Papa for a long time. However, he left us well situated and so we have managed nicely.\u201d Her eyes followed Adam\u2019s gaze and for the first time, but not the last, she noticed his interest in Fleur.<\/p>\n
Part four<\/strong><\/p>\nMrs. Stallard looked at Adam now, seeing him for himself rather than as Elizabeth\u2019s son. He was clearly handsome and intelligent. He had proved himself to be a gentleman and able to take control of the difficult situation at the stage depot. She concluded he was a man of means as he had insisted on paying for the refreshments and easily dealt with the hire of the buggy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow far to the Ponderosa Adam?\u201d She was suddenly tired but eager to meet Ben again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are on the Ponderosa, all this,\u201d he swept his arm in an arc, \u201call this, and more is the Ponderosa,\u201d he said it with humility; with a respect for the land and the stewardship he and his family felt for this earth.<\/p>\n
As they approached the house Adam sought to push thoughts of the delightful twenty-year-old Fleur from his mind, and consider how he might win his father over into forgiving Elizabeth, this Elizabeth.<\/p>\n
* * * * *<\/p>\n
Two weeks later on the 17th of May Adam drove Fleur into Carson City. She had some mail to post and some errands to run and he was more than delighted to accompany her.\u00a0 He had managed to calm his father and the delight of meeting a long-time acquaintance and beloved friend of his first wife soon softened Ben\u2019s heart. The visit became a delightful time and as Adam had expected Ben insisted the ladies become their guests. Their acceptance more than delighted Adam. For this gave him the opportunity to have breakfast lunch and supper with Fleur. His initial enchantment increased.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Part 5:<\/strong><\/p>\nAdam found it wonderful to read to Fleur, to be read to by her, to sing with her and she played the piano accompanying him on guitar. He showed her around the Ponderosa which she loved. They took long rides and walked hand in hand by the lake. He took her to the town social\u2019s and introduced her to his friends; they went to church together; she won everyone over and even more so when everyone observed how happy and outgoing Adam was these days.<\/p>\n
Of course, the local girls were somewhat miffed, and their mama’s less than happy. It certainly looked like Adam cartwright was in love. And even though Fleur was a stranger to them she seemed sweetly besotted with her beau.<\/p>\n
It was Roy who told her that she had captured the most eligible bachelor in the county, maybe even the state. She came to know the reputation of the Cartwright family and the regard the men and women of the town had for Adam. She was quietly impressed. But said nothing to her mother.<\/p>\n
Mrs. Stallard began to hope, and Ben began to watch with interest. Hoss treated Fleur like a little sister from the word go and Joe was just puzzled as to how Fleur could apparently prefer his older brother to him. But clearly, she did.<\/p>\n
Just a few days ago after a picnic by the lake Adam had asked Fleur, \u201cMay I kiss you?\u201d<\/p>\n
He knew the answer was yes and bent down and gently brushed her lips with his. He realised she had never been kissed before. Adam kept his kiss sweet and light.<\/p>\n
Sport had also taken a fancy to Fleur and loved the way she rubbed his ears.<\/p>\n
When it was time to go home from the picnic Adam tied the second horse’s reins to Sports saddle and after he had mounted up he edged Sport over to a large rock and bade Fleur climb up, then he lifted her onto Sport in front of him.<\/p>\n
Conveniently he now had his arms around her. He nudged Sport into a very slow walk. When they arrived home, he lifted Fleur down very carefully. She was now extremely important to Adam and he wanted only the best and the best care for her. Hand in hand they entered the barn, Adam leading his trusty horse. Normally Sport received Adam’s immediate attention but now there was someone far more attractive to the tall man in black. He wrapped his arms around Fleur and drew her to him. The look in her eyes was all the encouragement he needed and again he stooped to kiss her. This time she responded and gently he lifted her arms and guided her to put them around his neck. After he had kissed her Adam stood simply holding her in his arms; they stood silent for a long time. With her head against his strong chest Fleur could hear the steady beating of his heart.<\/p>\n
“I love you,” he whispered. Fleur heard him.<\/p>\n
The next Saturday at the party his father had given for Doc Martin\u2019s birthday, after several dances Adam invited Fleur to take the air with him. They left hand in hand.<\/p>\n
Both parents noticed them leave and looked up and smiled at one another. With no words they had agreed this would be a perfect match.<\/p>\n
Part 6.<\/strong><\/p>\nBen had sternly and effectively warned Hoss and Lil Joe to not tease their brother about Fleur and to mind their manners at all times. He finished his warning with the threat that the first one out of line would be packed of to Texas to buy cattle and the other wouldn\u2019t be far behind.\u00a0 Taking the measure of their father\u2019s words, Lil Joe and Hoss were on their best behaviour.<\/p>\n
Leaving the party and walking a little distance from the house Fleur laughed and said, “Adam Cartwright, spring in Nevada is so beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI must confess this spring seems to be more than beautiful than usual.\u201d She noticed he was not looking at the landscape around them. He took her in his strong arms. She went willingly. She is so soft to hold, she fits under my chin perfectly he thought.<\/p>\n
He whispered to her, “You look so very very beautiful in pink, it is my favourite colour on you…so far.”<\/p>\n
She rested comfortably against his broad warm chest. Just today she had seem him without his shirt on; he was chopping wood and glistened with sweat from the labour. She had liked what she had seen. He had looked up suddenly and caught her watching him; he had winked at her. She had blushed delicately.\u00a0 Now in the cool air, he bent his head and kissed the top of hers. A couple of other guests came outside and Adam drew Fleur further away with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s visit Sport,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In the barn he kissed her several times \u2013 with a little more passion each time; but not so much as to frighten her. She slid her hands slowly up his chest and around his neck. Good, she is getting the idea,<\/em> he thought.<\/p>\n\u201cOh Adam,\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n
Releasing her, he spread a saddle rug upon a bale of hay and bade her sit while had a quiet word with Sport. The horse nuzzled his hand reassuringly. Thus heartened, Adam turned and approached Fleur. He knelt down on one knee and took her little hand in his.<\/p>\n
\u201cFleur, oh my beautiful delicate flower, darlin\u2019 Fleur.” His eyes misted. \u201cI love you beyond the dreams I had of how I might love anyone. You brighten my days, and lighten my heart. I love you and will love you forever. Fleur\u2026\u201d his voice broke with emotion, \u201cWill you, will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife\u201d.<\/p>\n
Fleur\u2019s eyes filled with tears\u2026..she wanted to shout yes from the mountain tops and out across the lake. To be Mrs Adam Cartwright; she had hardly dared hope. But now she knew this was all she wanted: to be his wife, the mother of his children, to work the land with him: side by side, hand in hand, forever and ever.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, oh Adam my love,\u201d she coyly whispered, \u201cI, I hardly know what to say. It is the easiest and most difficult question all at once. I do so love you. But what about mama, I am all she has, and and Joe said you are so much older than me. Are you? Does it matter? No, it doesn\u2019t\u2026oh Adam. I want to say yes with all my heart \u2013 you have taken me by surprise, yes yes I hoped\u2026 but so soon, Adam help me.\u201d She flung her arms around his neck and sobbed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSShhh my darlin\u2019 \u2026It will all be all right. I think you are just a little overwhelmed. Don\u2019t answer now. Talk to your mother, perhaps she will consent to stay here in Carson City so that she may be near you and you may be near her. She could be mother to both of us and I have a father for us both. He stroked her hair and her tears eased. He kissed the finger tips of her hands and then her wet cheeks. \u201cTake a few days \u2026only please my love; be sure the answer is yes, for I know now I do not want to live, if I must do so without you beside me\u2019.<\/p>\n
Part seven<\/strong><\/p>\nDrawing back from Adam’s comforting embrace Fleur said, \u201cWould it be all right if I gave you my answer on your birthday?\u201d<\/p>\n
It was as if 4th of July rockets had gone off in his heart and mind; but Adam gently replied, \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n
This time her lips found his, and after the sweetest kiss and a kiss with promise they returned hand in hand to the celebrations.<\/p>\n
* * * * *<\/p>\n
Now, as he waited outside the Post Office, Adam smiled to himself as he remembered every detail. Oh Fleur, please be mine, please say yes<\/em>.<\/p>\nTomorrow was his birthday. Normally he didn\u2019t celebrate or allow his family to do much in the way of acknowledging the event. It had always been bittersweet for him. However, this year\u2026well maybe he could surprise them, with a special announcement.<\/p>\n
He had asked Fleur to tell only her mother, and for the proposal not to be mentioned to the others in his family, or anyone else.<\/p>\n
Adam was not therefore surprised when Elizabeth asked him to stroll with her one pleasant spring evening. She had asked him several questions that he had always expected to be answering to a young lady’s father.<\/p>\n
None the less he appreciated the care of the mother for her daughter. For as mothers are, daughters will become.<\/p>\n
* * * * *<\/p>\n
Driving home with all Fleur\u2019s packages, some supplies and the ranch mail he had collected, Adam was very quiet. In one hand he held the reins and in the other Fleur\u2019s soft little hand nestled comfortably. She lent on his arm but didn\u2019t speak.\u00a0\u00a0That was one of the many, many things he loved about her\u2026she did get insecure when he was silent.<\/p>\n
Today his thoughts turned, quite naturally to his mother. The pictures and treasures the Stallards had bought from Boston had shed quite some light upon her life. The two Elizabeths had had a great deal of fun at school. They looked quite similar and delighted in wearing similar clothes and being Elizabeth Stoddard and Elizabeth Stallard they had led many a merry dance with attendance rolls and so forth.<\/p>\n
\u201cFleur.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was serious, \u201c I never celebrate my birthday, in a big way, well not really in a small way either. No party or anything. Do you understand ?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes my love I do,\u201d\u2026she squeezed his arm reassuringly. A moment later she reached up and kissed his cheek tenderly.<\/p>\n
Adam reined the horse in and turned to her; drawing her close and kissed her ever so gently. With his arms wrapped around her, he thought to himself, I cannot live without you\u2026please please say yes<\/em>.<\/p>\nDusk was settling in as he drew their buggy into the front yard of the big house. Adam was alarmed to see his family outside decorating. Hoss was up a ladder hanging bunting and Joe was on the porch roof attaching lanterns. Adam was not amused!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
** Part Eight **<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cWhat\u2019s all this?\u201d Adam asked as he handed Fleur down from the buggy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey big brother, it\u2019s for tomorrow,\u201d Joe called.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa! You know I don\u2019t like fuss on my birthday \u2013 I don\u2019t want all this.\u201d Adam clenched his jaw and flexed his hands as he spoke to his father.<\/p>\n
Ben looked at his first born sternly, \u201cNow son don\u2019t go jumping to conclusions. This is not for a birthday party, I know how you feel. You have made it very clear over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine, then what\u2019s it for?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey Adam we just thought we\u2019d celebrate spring,\u201d Hoss climbed down from the ladder and tossed his arm across Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpring? That\u2019s a pretty flimsy excuse for a party,\u201d Adam shrugged his brother\u2019s arm away.<\/p>\n
Adam was furious with his family; Fleur watched nervously as he unloaded the buggy. Sport had been tied to the hitching post and was nibbling some spring grass. Adam finished taking the parcels and packages into the house…his mood not improving at all; for inside the house was evidence of several hours decorating….<\/p>\n
His anger had reached a fever pitch, however he tried to lighten his tone as he said to Fleur, \u201cI am going for a ride, don\u2019t wait supper for me; don\u2019t wait up either.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want me to come along?\u201d love and concern filled her voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I need to be alone,\u201d he kissed her cheek and swung up into the saddle.<\/p>\n
Sport kicked up a lot of dust as they made a hasty departure.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you he wouldn\u2019t like it,\u201d Fleur\u2019s eyes filled with tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow now, dear,\u201d Ben reassured her. \u201cHe may not like it now but when he finds out the reason for the party he will be delighted.\u201d<\/p>\n
* * * * *<\/p>\n
Although Adam had said not to wait up for him Fleur found it difficult to make the decision to turn in. Yes, he was a full gown man, and she just a very young woman and yes he knew the land both during the day and the night. He had gone off in such a blind rage – no matter what her feelings for him were, she could not help but worry.<\/p>\n
He was armed and could protect himself, but she worried more about his distress then his physical safety. She whiled away the evening playing the piano and reading. The others all turned in, however she remained downstairs with just the evening lamp glowing softly. Still, he did not return. At 12:10am she gave up and she climbed the stairs to bed thinking as she went ‘Happy Birthday Adam – ride safe<\/em>‘.<\/p>\nShe awoke to the sound of shouting. It was dawn. Adam and Ben; oh and Hoss and Lil Joe were all yelling. She decided to stay out of it and then jumped with fright as she heard the door next to hers slam. Adam was in his room.<\/p>\n
She could hear him talking to himself in anger. Then a mighty crash, silence followed. Just as she decided to get up and go to him the door slammed again and she heard his footsteps pause at her door.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Fleur,\u201d she heard his tremulous voice. Then he continued down the hall, and a moment later the big front door of the house slammed. Climbing out of bed she rushed to her window, in time to see Adam remount Sport and ride off, again in a cloud of dust.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Part nine<\/strong><\/p>\nIt was very late into the afternoon when Adam returned. He was tired, disheveled and irritable. He tended to Sport who also looked somewhat exhausted. As he walked across from the barn to the house he saw tables laid with cheery red and white cloths and several punch bowls. There must be quite a few guests coming to celebrate spring. He dusted off his hat on the side of his leg and swung the front door open.<\/p>\n
Everyone was in the big room. There was an abundance of wildflowers around the room; their fragrance was indeed evocative of the spring season; somewhere in his mind he noted they were the particular wildflowers that Fleur loved so much.\u00a0 His father and brothers were all dressed up in white shirts and fancy waistcoats. With ties and slick hair.<\/p>\n
Fleur and her mother were wearing lovely gowns he had not seen before. Adam was still angry, but he knew all about presenting a united family to company.<\/p>\n
He had buried his distress and locked up his feelings; yet again.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get cleaned up\u201d he said as he strode across to the stairs. He looked grim.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam I\u2026\u201d Fleur reached out to him as he brushed past her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot now. Not here. Meet me in the barn in half an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t want to be in the house when she turned him down, which was what he now was expecting. Why would she want him? He was quick to anger, selfish, arrogant and too old for her. What had he been thinking? She\u2019d be better of with Joe; though he wouldn\u2019t be able to stay and watch their life together. He would go to \u2026well he would go somewhere\u2026anywhere. He would leave tomorrow.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Part ten<\/strong><\/p>\nSome thirty minutes later a clean and elegantly attired Adam emerged from his room. There was little evidence of the exhaustion and distress from the night before or the day just ended. No guest would be able to reach any other conclusion that this was the normal reserved Adam Cartwright they were used to.<\/p>\n
He had been surprised to find his clothing for the evening all laid out, pressed and neat, ready for him after he had relaxed in a hot bath. He had shaved carefully and dressed with care.<\/p>\n
As he came to the top of the stairs, he smiled a smile of welcome, he did not feel. His eyes were dark and sullen. Coming down the stairs, he shook hands with a few men and nodded to woman from town, as he made his way to the front door. He turned and surveyed the room. He could see his father and Mrs. Ballard and his brothers; he could not see Fleur.<\/p>\n
Hopefully she was in the barn and they could get this over and done with. He checked his pocket, yes his clean kerchief was there, he expected tears. But it had to be done. Better now then later. Afterwards he would ply himself with punch until he could feel nothing. No doubt by the time he woke from the stupor he planned, the Stallard\u2019s would be gone.<\/p>\n
He would bury his pain in work and life would return to normal\u2026and if they had not gone, well, he had thought through his plans to leave The Ponderosa, once and for all.<\/p>\n
When Adam entered the barn and Fleur there was sitting on the saddle blanket over the bale of hay just as she had been when he foolishly proposed. His head throbbed. She looked so sweet and innocent. His heart broke. This was going to be tougher than he thought. He felt careless for putting such a young girl through this; what had he been thinking? Maybe he should go back for some punch first.<\/p>\n
But she had seen him, \u201cAdam, you look so handsome. I mean you always do, but I have never seen you all dressed up before.\u201d<\/p>\n
He shut the barn door but stood close to it. He felt sick inside; for her, yes and for himself. When would he learn, he was not like his father, he was not lucky in love.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam? Adam\u2026what\u2019s the matter? Why are you standing over there? Won\u2019t you come and sit by me?\u201d She patted the saddle blanket next to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I really think I would like to stay right here.\u201d He had worked out some theory that she, or he would hurt less if there remained a distance between them. He backed up against the barn door.<\/p>\n
Given what she had witnessed in his behaviour over the last twenty-four hours he had not thought she would have the temerity to approach him. Thus he was caught off guard when she stood, and as she came toward him he felt extremely vulnerable. No man would ever catch him backed up to somewhere with no way out.<\/p>\n
She came very close but did not touch him. \u201cWell Adam Cartwright,\u201d she said very somberly, \u201cI think it is a good thing I delayed my answer to your proposal as I have seen a different side of you since then. I have learnt much about you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why couldn\u2019t she just get on with it\u2026what was all this dragged-out torture? Maybe her revenge? Well all right let her have it \u2013 I surely deserve it<\/em>, he thought.<\/p>\n\u201cAdam.\u201d She said softly, stepping closer and putting her hand to his chest \u201cAdam, I would be honoured and proud to be your wife.\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence rang out. Fleur continued, \u201cI did as you suggested and discussed everything with mama.\u201d Still no response. \u201cShe said she had questions for you, I think she talked with you? Adam. Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n
He was staring at her blankly. \u201cI said Yes. You told me you wanted me to say yes \u2013 have\u2026oh. have you changed your mind?\u201d She began to cry, \u201cI have let you down, over the party \u2013 haven\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
Yes yes yes<\/em> was all he could hear.<\/p>\nThen something about her mother insisting she must discuss it with Ben, after all she and Adam had only known each other a few weeks. Then there was the age difference; mama had said there was ten years between her and Fleur\u2019s Papa and look how happy they had been. Their respective parents had talked but his brothers had ove heard and decided to have a party. She was sorry she hadn\u2019t been more insistent with them; she would be in the future for as his wife she might speak with some authority.<\/p>\n
His wife, his wife his wife<\/em>. Adam was trying to speak but the words weren\u2019t forming. His eyes filled with tears. His heart melted.<\/p>\n\u201cAdam, did you hear me? I am so sorry. Adam, Adam you are angry with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
She turned away, as her tears increased. He gently led her back to him\u2026and slipped his arms around her tiny waist.\u00a0 \u201cDo you really want to be my wife\u2026even after what you saw and heard today?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes Adam, of course. I know you love me, but today I could see you need me too. I love you Adam, I also need you.”<\/p>\n
\u201cOoo Fleur\u201d. She was too wise for him; he clasped her to his chest and kissed her deeply. The fear drained away from him to be replaced by passion. His feelings of love surged and against it Fleur\u2019s lips parted, Adam deepened the passion of this, their first engaged embrace.<\/p>\n
* * * * *<\/p>\n
Some little time later, after they had talked and he had kissed her at least six times more, they emerged from the barn. The music of the party could be heard as they approached the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s tell them later,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt might be hard secret to keep,\u201d she replied but she wasn\u2019t sure he heard her.<\/p>\n
As they came through the front door Ben caught her eye and she gave the briefest of nods and a smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cLadies and gentlemen,\u201d Ben called as he climbed onto the hearth of the fireplace.\u00a0 \u201cAs you all know today is my first-born son\u2019s birthday and as you also know, he loathes celebrating it. Many years have passed with him resisting all our best intentions. Though this is indeed May 18th we are not, here celebrating his birthday, you have not been invited here for a birthday party.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam was listening carefully, but fortunately for his father he was enveloped in a bubble of joy and had no intention or reacting to the comments being made.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not celebrating spring either,\u201d Hoss quipped. Everyone laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWe are not celebrating Spring \u2013 as such, but rather what spring does.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d Roy and Doc Martin asked almost in unison.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, now as we all know, Spring,\u201d he looked over everyone to Adam, \u201cSpring is when a young man\u2019s fancy turn to love. Isn\u2019t that right son?\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n
Adam smiled softly in return \u201cYes Pa, that\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThus friends I, and Elizabeth here, have the wonderful joy of announcing the betrothal of Fleur and Adam. This is a betrothal party. May 18th will ever be a sweet day for him, for them; for all the years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled in wonder at the cleverness of these his loved one\u2019s in having turned the saddest day of his year into what would always be one of the happiest.<\/p>\n
As his father pushed his way through the crowd to embrace him, Adam suddenly realised Fleur must have been in on this too.<\/p>\n
Ben said, \u201cFleur, this is quite a man you have here. And Adam this is quite a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam turned to gaze at his wife to be, and clasped his arm about her shoulders; seeing her in a new light.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes Pa, I am fast leaning that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHappy Betrothal Day my love,\u201d Fleur gazed at him lovingly.<\/p>\n
To everyone\u2019s cheers of delight Adam kissed her most passionately. As she drew away somewhat breathless Fleur smiled at Adam. His eyes twinkled and his dimples appeared as he whispered to her,\u00a0\u201cThank you for my birthday surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n