Summary: A young girl, living with her step-family, catches Hoss’ eye, but it’s another Cartwright that helps the two connect. A Cartwright version of Cinderella.<\/p>\n
Rating: G, Word Count: 4517<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Rose for Hoss<\/p>\n
Chapter 1<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia McDonald cleaned the large house she lived in with her stepmother and stepsisters. She wished for the day she could leave but she feared she\u2019d die here. She kept a secret for over a year that had been burning to get out. Lydia was afraid of what her so-called family would do to her. She sighed as she continued cleaning the floor in the front room.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLydia, you missed a spot.\u201d Her stepsister Agnes said pointing behind her where her muddy footprints were.<\/span><\/p>\n She looked at Agnes\u2019 muddy boots.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI just cleaned that floor and you knew that.\u201d Lydia said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look like it and no I didn\u2019t know that.\u201d Agnes snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s because you just walked in here. You did it on purpose!\u201d Lydia snapped back.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better hurry and clean it before the Cartwright\u2019s get here. They should be here within the hour.\u201d Agnes said and flaunted out.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia glared at her stepsister. She wanted to slap her but instead she grabbed her water pail and cloth and cleaned the mud off the floor. <\/span>Why did my mother have to die in childbirth and why did my father have to marry a horrible woman like Bertha Jenkins?<\/span><\/i> She thought angrily to herself as she scrubbed the floor. Her thoughts turned to her father David McDonald. He was a kind, gentle man. He had blue eyes and dark, curly brown hair and was quick to smile but when angered his blue eyes would flash. He rarely yelled. He had been killed the year before during a logging accident.<\/span><\/p>\n Bertha yelled at the Cartwrights, blaming them for her husband\u2019s death. Ben paid her every month to keep her and the three girls living comfortably. Lydia didn\u2019t see any of it. The money was used all on Agnes and Millicent, Bertha\u2019s daughters who were older than Lydia. She never blamed the Cartwrights. It wasn\u2019t their fault her father was killed. It was just an accident. She admired the Cartwrights and had known them since she was little. They were always there for her when she needed them and after her father died, they continued to be there for her.<\/span><\/p>\n After cleaning the mud, Lydia took rugs out to clean them. She grabbed the rug beater and went out and started beating the rugs. She enjoyed beating the rugs because she was able to take out her frustrations.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHello, Lydia.\u201d A voice said.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia jumped and spun around holding the rug beater ready to swing. Hoss stood in front of her with a scared look on his face and holding his hands up.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss, I didn\u2019t hear you come up.\u201d She apologized.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine. How are you?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m all right. Shouldn\u2019t you be inside with your father and brothers?\u201d Lydia was afraid to be caught talking with Hoss or any Cartwright for that matter. Bertha had threatened to beat her if she was talking to any of the Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I should be but I wanted to see how you are.\u201d Hoss said, fiddling with his hat that were in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia smiled seeing him being nervous around her. Lydia, of all people that he\u2019d be nervous around. She wasn\u2019t anything important or beautiful like her stepsisters were. Hoss opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a shrill voice. The two looked over and saw it was Agnes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLydia, Mother says you need to come in and make tea for everyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m coming.\u201d Lydia sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n Hoss followed her in the house and joined the family in the front room. He wanted to help Lydia get everything together but he wasn\u2019t sure what everyone would say.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia brought in a tray of tea, cups and cookies and set it on the table. She poured the tea for everyone and started to walk out when Bertha called to her.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLydia, please join us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia looked at her stepmother in surprise. She had never been invited to join the family when company came over. She usually had to stay in her room or in the kitchen. She took a chair but sat by the doorway and quietly listened. She watched Bertha and knew that this was all an act of being sad and lonely without David there. Bertha had hardly mentioned David since he died. Lydia watched Ben give Bertha money and it took everything in her not to yell out for Ben to stop. But she knew she would be in trouble if she had told Ben. She clenched her fists in her lap then got up and walked out. She didn\u2019t realize Adam and Hoss were both watching her. They looked at each other concerned. They went to get up but Ben started to talk and they stayed where they were.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re having a masquerade party next weekend. I\u2019d like you all to attend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben. We\u2019ll be there.\u201d Bertha said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll get going.\u201d Ben said standing.<\/span><\/p>\n Adam, Hoss and Joe followed suit and the four men left.<\/span><\/p>\n Millicent walked in the kitchen where she found Lydia washing the dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMother won\u2019t let you attend the party.\u201d She snidely said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright invited all of us. I\u2019m going.\u201d Lydia shot back.<\/span><\/p>\n Bertha came in and stood next to her daughter. \u201cIt looks like we\u2019ll need new dresses and Lydia you\u2019ll be making them. We\u2019ll go into town and get the material and the masks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBut if I make your dresses then I won\u2019t be able to make my dress and attend the party.\u201d Lydia pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t be attending.\u201d Bertha said and walked out.<\/span><\/p>\n Millicent shot Lydia a triumphant look and followed her mother out of the room. Lydia knew going to the dance was too good to be true and she resigned to never go out again.<\/span><\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia spent the next week making dresses for her stepmother and stepsisters. She almost screamed in frustration when they would complain about how she was ruining the dresses because it was too tight, too long, too short or whatever other reason they gave. Lydia was up nights fixing the dresses. Her eyes hurt from getting little sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n When Lydia was left alone so Bertha and her daughters could get what they needed for the party. She enjoyed the alone time. There was a knock at the door and she opened it.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, what are you doing here?\u201d She asked surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI wondered if you were going to the dance.\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not. I don\u2019t have a dress. I\u2019ve been working on Bertha and the other girl\u2019s dresses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI was hoping you would. For Hoss not for me.\u201d He said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t he ask?\u201d Lydia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s shy but I have an idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s your idea?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m sure Bertha won\u2019t allow you to come. Am I right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia grimaced and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI figured as much. What would you say to my getting your attire and you come under a different name? It would get you there to be with Hoss. I know how you feel about him. I\u2019ve seen you light up. Will you tell me about why your stepfamily treats you like they do?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia looked away debating on if she should tell him about what she heard over a year ago. She took a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI overheard Bertha telling her daughters about my father. It wasn\u2019t an accident. She paid one of the men to kill my father. All of her sadness and being lonely without my father is all an act. She laughed when they came home and she said how much she\u2019d get money out of your family. I think she may be seeing the hired hand in secret. Bertha has kept me at home or near her so I couldn\u2019t say anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam stood looking at her in surprise. \u201cI will have to talk to my father about this. All right, onto the dance. I will get your dress and mask and take you to the dance. I know that Hoss will be happy to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBut what about Bertha and her daughters? They\u2019ll see it\u2019s me and they\u2019ll come after me.\u201d Lydia said worriedly.<\/span><\/p>\n Adam placed his hands on her shoulders and kindly smiled at her.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right. Things will work out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d better get going before they come back.\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n He hugged Lydia then quickly left.<\/span><\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/span><\/p>\n The day of the dance found Bertha and her daughter scurrying to get ready. Lydia helped tie corsets and dresses.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry you won\u2019t be able to attend but it is better this way. Besides, it\u2019s the girls Hoss wants to see, not you.\u201d Bertha sniffed.<\/span><\/p>\n When did the girls start liking Hoss? Why not Adam or Little Joe? Lydia wondered.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYeah, we don\u2019t want to be seen with the ugly stepsister.\u201d Millicent said snidely.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia rolled her eyes and walked out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n An hour after Bertha and her daughters left, Lydia cleaned up the mess left by the women. When she finished cleaning there was a knock at the door. Lydia went and opened the door and saw Adam standing there with a smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, what are you doing here?\u201d She asked in surprise, moving out of the way as he walked in.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI told you that I\u2019d be taking you to the dance.\u201d He said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBut Adam I really wasn\u2019t planning on going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTough. You\u2019re going. Hoss wants to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know he does?\u201d Lydia asked, folding her arms.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI see him light up when he sees you. He also told me that he hoped you\u2019d come. You are the only one he wants to dance with. But how can we tell him it\u2019s me without anyone else finding out who I am?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure but we\u2019ll try to tell him. Now, try these on and tell me if they fit.\u201d Adam said, handing her the wrapped box he had in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia took it and went to her room.<\/span><\/p>\n She opened the box and saw a light purple dress neatly folded with a matching mask laying on top. Lydia moved the mask and pulled out the dress then tried it on. She looked at herself in the full length mirror. The dress fit perfectly and she couldn\u2019t help but grin. Lydia had never looked this beautiful before. The dress was long and full with the help of a hoop and the sleeves were capped and slightly off the shoulders. She put on shoes that were also in the box and grabbed her mask and headed downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia found Adam in the kitchen getting the stove heated up for the curling iron which was still on the stove from earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam.\u201d She said to get his attention.<\/span><\/p>\n He turned around and his eyes widened as he straightened up.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDo I look that bad?\u201d Lydia joked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou look beautiful. I know that Hoss will want to be near you all night.\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia felt herself blush. The irons were heated and she quickly curled her hair then pulled part of it up, slipped her mask on while Adam put the fire out in the stove and they left for the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n They arrived at the Ponderosa but Lydia was hesitant and Adam felt it.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ll know it\u2019s me. What will you tell everyone when you introduce me?\u201d Lydia asked worriedly.<\/span><\/p>\n Adam sat and pondered her question. He looked at her and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHow about we call you Rose? You\u2019re as pretty as one.\u201d he suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia sat and thought about it, smiled and nodded. He got out of the buggy and helped Lydia down.<\/span><\/p>\n As they walked to the house, Lydia could hear the faint sound of music playing. Butterflies fluttered around her stomach as she became nervous to go into the dance. She grasped Adam\u2019s arm and he looked at her.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019ll take you to Hoss.\u201d He opened the door and she walked in.<\/span><\/p>\n They were greeted by the music and Adam steered Lydia to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHoss, I\u2019d like you to meet a dear friend of mine. Her name is Rose.\u201d Hoss looked at Lydia and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll leave you two to get to know each other.\u201d Adam said smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia looked at Adam and smiled. He winked at her and found himself a girl to dance with<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWould you like to dance?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d love to.\u201d Lydia said.<\/span><\/p>\n He led her to the dance floor and they began to dance.<\/span><\/p>\n Chapter 4<\/span><\/p>\n Hoss had danced with other women and Lydia danced with other men, including Adam but she was mostly with Hoss. Hoss hated leaving her side when other women would come and ask him to dance or when a man would ask her to dance. He had fallen in love with Rose. But then guilt struck him. He had feelings for Lydia and now had feelings for another woman. What was he to do? He knew Lydia wasn\u2019t there because Bertha had given Lydia\u2019s regret that she was unable to attend because she did not feel well. Hoss would enjoy Rose\u2019s company and see what would happen afterwards.<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia danced with Hoss again and enjoyed the evening. Hoss asked how she knew Adam and she replied through a family friend. Hoss asked if she had feelings for his older brother. She replied she didn\u2019t and he was happy but kept that feeling to himself. Lydia wondered if he had feelings for her. When the music ended, Hoss took her by the hand and led her to a chair.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI need a drink. May I get you some punch?\u201d Hoss asked as she sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat would be nice. Thank you.\u201d Lydia said.<\/span><\/p>\n He smiled and walked away. She loved his smile. It lit up his face. She smiled and felt happy inside. But then it was squashed just as quickly because she wasn\u2019t sure of his true feelings. He didn\u2019t know who she really was. For all she knew he had feelings for Rose but what would he do when he found out who she was? A few minutes later Adam rushed up to Lydia.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to take you home now.\u201d He said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYour stepmother and stepsisters claim they are going home. I asked a few men to dance with them then I can get you home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He took Lydia\u2019s hand and they snuck out through the kitchen and ran to the buggy when they got outside. He helped her in the buggy and climbed in after her.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, my shoe! I lost my shoe!\u201d Lydia said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe have no time right now and I\u2019ll get it when I get home.\u201d Adam got the horses going and sped home.<\/span><\/p>\n They arrived at the house and Adam took her to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI wish I could stay but I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll be coming home. I\u2019ll try and let Hoss know who Rose is. I\u2019m sorry you couldn\u2019t tell him tonight or spend more time with him.\u201d Adam apologized.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right. What I had was good. Thank you, Adam. Safe travels.\u201d Lydia said.<\/span><\/p>\n Adam smiled and left quickly<\/span><\/p>\n Lydia went to her room and changed into her nightgown. She carefully placed her one shoe, dress and mask in the box and hid it in a secret compartment in her dresser. Her father had built the secret compartment so she could hide her special things from her stepmother and stepsisters. She lay in her bed thinking about the dance and how Hoss was to her. She had fallen harder for Hoss. But did he really feel the same way? She wondered.<\/span><\/p>\n Voices floated up the stairs twenty minutes later and Lydia heard her family had come home. She went downstairs to greet them.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHow was the dance?\u201d She asked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt was fine. Hoss danced with Millicent many times. I think he likes her.\u201d Bertha said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell, he danced with another girl many times.\u201d Millicent said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShe was a strange girl. She didn\u2019t talk to anyone but those she danced with. She didn\u2019t even come to talk to us.\u201d Bertha sniffed.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDid you go and talk to her?\u201d Lydia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOf course not. She should have come and spoke with us.\u201d Agnes said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell you shouldn\u2019t complain if you did not make an effort to meet her. Meeting someone rests on both parties.\u201d Lydia pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n Bertha glared at Lydia and slapped her face.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t speak to me like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBertha, I was just pointing something out to you. I didn\u2019t need to be slapped for it.\u201d Lydia said sternly and went back to her room holding her stinging cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n The women climbed the stairs talking about the dance and made it so Lydia could hear them talk about how sweet Hoss was to them and speculated that he was in love with Millicent or Agatha. They wished each other good night as they went into their rooms, changed into their nightgowns and headed to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n Chapter 5<\/span><\/p>\n Bertha forced Lydia to do more chores as days went on and she hardly ate because she had been so busy. Lydia was working in the kitchen when the door flew open with a loud bang against the wall. She flinched when she heard the door mixed with Agnes\u2019 shrill voice.<\/span><\/p>\n