{"id":48154,"date":"2024-09-01T13:04:20","date_gmt":"2024-09-01T17:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48154"},"modified":"2026-04-14T10:57:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T14:57:06","slug":"marys-story-1-a-young-girls-dream-by-ah83","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48154","title":{"rendered":"Mary’s Story #1 – A Young Girl’s Dream (by AH83)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Young Mary (Adam and Emma’s adopted daughter) has grown up and is dreaming of college. But with two suitors vying for your attention, she seeks guidance from friends and family on how to make the right choice. Meanwhile, Adam finds a change coming in his life and also has to make a tough decision.<\/p>\n

Rating: PG, Word Count: 4482<\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

A Young Girl’s Dream (Mary’s Story)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary went riding around the Ponderosa thinking about her date with Mark that night. She was nervous for the date. She\u2019d never really been on one. She had known Mark for a year but she felt something was wrong whenever she was around him. She couldn\u2019t think of what though. He was nice and sweet. He helped get her father to the doctor and came back for her in the windstorm. She went by the lake and climbed off Major and walked to the lake\u2019s edge.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary picked up a few flat rocks and began to skip them. Hoss had taught her how to do it. Yesterday there was a storm. It had seemed like forever ago. She had been terrified but because her father had been badly injured she had to take care of him. She sighed as she thought of everything. She didn\u2019t even tell her father how scared she had been. The breeze started to pick up. Mary looked around scared. She ran to Major, climbed on and rode home before the wind picked up. She knew she also had to go home and get ready for her date.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary and Mark walked around town after dinner talking about whatever came to their minds.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot to ask, how is your father doing after being injured in the windstorm yesterday?\u201d Mark asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing well. Thank you again for helping us. I don\u2019t know what I would have done had you not found us,\u201d Mary replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark stopped walking and Mary did the same. He turned to her and took her hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think someone else would have found you both. I\u2019m glad it was me because the payment for helping has been great,\u201d he said smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary smiled. Mark leaned down and kissed her. Butterflies flew through Mary\u2019s stomach. And yet there was still something there that wasn\u2019t quite right. Mark pulled away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s walk some more,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary nodded and followed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo now that you\u2019re out of school what will you be doing?\u201d Mark asked, changing subjects.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI may work at the mercantile. I spoke with Martha about it and she agreed to hire me on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d work there?\u201d Mark asked incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Is there a problem with my working there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, there is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is that a problem?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to marry you. If you start there, you\u2019d just have to quit. I don\u2019t want any wife of mine having to work. I\u2019ll<\/span><\/p>\n

be providing for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary looked shocked. \u201cMark, I am not sure how to answer that. Besides, you should be talking to my pa about that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll talk to him soon. I\u2019d better get you home. May I take you out again next week?\u201d Mark asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Mary replied. She had wanted to say no but she felt that perhaps she could find out what was bugging her about him. He took her hand and led her to the buggy and took her home.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Mary got home, Adam asked how the date went.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d she replied and went upstairs not seeing Adam\u2019s questioning look.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary changed into her nightgown then sat on the window seat looking outside. She leaned her head against the window and sighed, fogging the window slightly. A tap came at the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome in,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked in and sat across from her on the seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary looked at him and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou always know when something is wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I\u2019m your father. So, what happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe date was fine. What was wrong was that he wants to marry me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are your thoughts on that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you tell him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told him I wasn\u2019t sure how to answer and he needed to talk to you first. Pa, I don\u2019t want to marry him,\u201d Mary<\/span><\/p>\n

said almost forcefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? He seems like a nice young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s just something about him that doesn\u2019t seem right. I know he helped us and I\u2019m grateful but when I<\/span><\/p>\n

thought about it this morning when I was at the lake, there was something wrong. I don\u2019t know what it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat quietly and thought about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I want to go to college. That\u2019s why I got the job at the mercantile. I want to try and go in August.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you thought about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince I graduated school. I ordered some information on different colleges back east a few weeks ago when I was in the mercantile. Martha ordered them for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you thinking of going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVassar College in New York.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a good school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think of me going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s a wonderful thing for you to do. I\u2019m surprised you have chosen so quickly. You\u2019ve surely thought this<\/span><\/p>\n

through. But you are independent. I\u2019ll help with your schooling. I know your grandfather and uncles will too so don\u2019t tell them no,\u201d Adam said pointing his finger at her trying to be stern.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His smile gave him away. Mary laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you told Mark?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. He asked me on another date and I said I\u2019d go. I\u2019ll tell him then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMary, I want you to know that I am so proud of what you\u2019ve become. You\u2019ve grown into a beautiful young woman. I thank the Lord every day for leading Hoss and me to you and Jimmy. I\u2019ll let you get some sleep,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

They both stood and hugged each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Mary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNight, Pa,\u201d Mary replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He walked out and closed the door. Mary smiled and went to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day, Mary started working at the mercantile. She was a fast learner and she loved Martha.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a great worker. Did you know that your mother owned this store?\u201d Martha asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot she did. I know she quit after Jimmy and I came to live with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe owned it before she married your father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow, that\u2019s really neat. I didn\u2019t know that. What did my father think of her working?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was fine with it. He came to help and so did your uncles. Well, mostly Hoss. Emma kicked Joe out after he<\/span><\/p>\n

flirted with the single females and didn’t get any work done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary laughed as she wiped tears away that showed up.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you told your father about going to college?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did. He was surprised I had already picked a college and classes. He says he wants to help me and thinks Grandpa and my uncles will want to help too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll do quite well. We\u2019ll hardly recognize you when you come home to visit!\u201d Martha said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary smiled. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two ladies returned to their work. At the end of the day, Mary went home happy after having a successful first day at the mercantile.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam decided to go to Virginia City to see how Mary was doing. He walked down the boardwalk and accidently smacked into a woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I never!\u201d the woman said indignantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m terribly sorry. I didn\u2019t see you,\u201d Adam apologized.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t see me? How could you not? I guess your mind was elsewhere or do you make it a habit to run into<\/span><\/p>\n

women?\u201d she asked, softening her tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy mind was elsewhere. My name is Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Julia Mabry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at her. She had dirty blond hair and blue eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I take you to dinner as a better way of apologizing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d she said smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about tomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Julia repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you live?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI live in the blue house at the edge of town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good. I\u2019ll see you at seven tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good.\u201d She smiled and walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched her walk away. He turned and went to the mercantile.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood in the doorway of the mercantile and watched Mary working. Flashbacks of Emma came to Adam\u2019s mind. Though Mary was adopted, she still reminded him of Emma. He smiled and walked in.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s my favorite girl?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary looked up from filling a container with candy and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s your first day been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been busy but good. Martha and I have even had a chance to talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMostly about Ma.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMartha can surely tell stories of your mother.\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have some news,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI literally just ran into a woman and asked her to dinner tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Mary asked in unbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHer name is Julia Mabry. She seems like a nice woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m happy for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re also having dinner at Grandpa\u2019s tonight so you can tell them about college,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful. It\u2019ll be interesting to see their reactions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be thrilled for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A customer came in and Mary looked over at the couple.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll let you go. I\u2019ll see you tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hugged Mary and headed home.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary turned to help the customers. The woman came up to her. She had dark hair, and bright blue eyes. She looked<\/span><\/p>\n

sad and nervous.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I help you?\u201d Mary asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, may I get some black thread, please?\u201d the woman asked in a whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary had to lean over to hear her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary got the requested item.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband is getting the rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary looked at the man. He looked familiar and then it hit her. It was Mark\u2019s father. Mark was the image of his father. The woman was his mother. He walked up to her with a few items.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be Mary Cartwright,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy son Mark has told us about you. He wants to marry you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to marry him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, after your father gives his blessing you will. And no wife of his will be working in an establishment such as this,\u201d Mr. McClellan said in disgust.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father approves of me working here and he won\u2019t be giving his blessing to Mark. Now, may I help you with anything else or are you ready to pay?\u201d Mary said in a tight voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re done,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary rang them up and he paid. She watched Mrs. McClellan timidly walk out. She was hunched over as her husband spat insults at her as they walked out. Mary wished she could help and vowed to never marry Mark. She knew that\u2019s how their marriage would be. She sighed as she put away the box of thread.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That night after dinner, the Cartwrights had finished dinner and were sitting in the front room talking.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMary has some news,\u201d Adam announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone looked over at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to college!\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone was silent then said their congratulations to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere will you be going?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVassar College in New York.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will you be leaving?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be leaving in August. I got a reply from them accepting me to the school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you thought of classes to take?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the information I received they have many classes. I thought about journalism and astronomy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve surely thought this through,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Pa said when I told him,\u201d Mary chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll help with your schooling,\u201d Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary smiled and looked at her father. He smiled knowingly at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Anything will help. What I get from the mercantile is going to it also.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy, my, wasn\u2019t it just yesterday you and Jimmy came to us? You\u2019re all grown up and leaving us,\u201d Ben said and<\/span><\/p>\n

cleared his throat as his voice cracked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Grandpa, I\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you will. It\u2019s hard to let our loved ones grow and go away for a while. I had a hard time when Adam went<\/span><\/p>\n

to college,\u201d Ben said smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jimmy had been quiet the whole time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJimmy, what do you think of Mary going to college?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s great. I do. I\u2019ll just miss her! I hope you\u2019ll write and tell us what\u2019s going on,\u201d Jimmy replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That answer satisfied Jimmy who then turned his attention to his one-year-old cousin Alexander Joseph, or AJ as everyone called him. Mary smiled peacefully as she sat watching everyone talking about this, that and the other and enjoying the family chatter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next night, Adam picked up Julia and they went to dinner then for a ride in the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful night,\u201d Julia said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During dinner, Adam peppered Julia with questions about herself. She had moved to Virginia City in January and<\/span><\/p>\n

worked as a telegrapher.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about yourself, Adam,\u201d Julia said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot much really to tell. I was married before but she passed away. I have two children that Emma and I adopted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary is getting ready to head off to college and Jimmy is eleven. I help my father and brothers on the Ponderosa. That\u2019s about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a wonderful family. You all must be close.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re very close. Pa raised us that way. My brothers and I have had our fair share of squabbles, along with my children, but we are still there for each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked Julia to the door of her home \u201cI wonder if I can see you again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that,\u201d Julia replied as she unlocked the door. Adam waited for her to enter her home and close the door before he returned to the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walking to the street, Adam thought of their date and how wonderful Julia was. He knew that the children needed a mother. Perhaps Julia would be that mother to them? He figured it was more Jimmy who needed a mother than Mary since she\u2019d be off to college. It still wouldn\u2019t hurt to have a step-mother to help Mary out. But it was still too early to really think of it since this was their first date. He got in the buggy and headed home.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary had been busy at work through the end of May into June. She\u2019d been on a few dates with Mark. He had been nice and kept telling her she was to be his wife. She hadn\u2019t told him about college. Perhaps she\u2019d bring it up tonight when they met for dinner. Mary decided to stay in town and wait for Mark after work.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Mary waited, Martha took a few moments to chat with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you counting down to when you head back east?\u201d Martha asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSort of. I am so scared, nervous and excited all at the same time.\u201d Mary tried to smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martha patted her arm. \u201cThat\u2019s only natural. Your father has come in a few times and talked to me about how he\u2019s so proud of you. Your uncles and grandfather say the same thing when I see them. I heard your father is courting Julia Mabry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you happy about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess. He thinks that Jimmy and I need another mother. Though I guess he thinks more of Jimmy than me since<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be gone soon. He told us that last night. He\u2019s thinking about marrying her. They hardly know each other and he\u2019s already thinking about marriage. He did tell Jimmy and me that Ma told him to marry again. I don\u2019t think this is the way to go. But what do I know? I\u2019m only his child.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does Jimmy think? Have you both met her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we\u2019ve both met her. He had her over for dinner two nights ago. She seems nice. I honestly think the three of us are doing just fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps your father is lonely. I know he has you and Jimmy but it\u2019s different with a spouse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know it is,\u201d Mary sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martha hugged Mary.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThings will be alright,\u201d Martha reassured the young girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary smiled, still unsure.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary and Mark walked around Virginia City after dinner. It was basically all they did after dinner. Mary got bored with it. Mark was dull talking about himself and what he wanted to do and how they were going to be as a married couple. Mary never got a chance to tell him about going to college because he wouldn\u2019t let her get in a word. They stood by the bank and Mary sat on a bench by the building. Mark sat next to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMark, I have something to tell you. I want to go back east and attend college,\u201d Mary finally said when they hit a lull in the one-sided conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAttend college? Why would you do that?\u201d Mark asked skeptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I feel that I should. My father went to college and I want to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour father is a man. Women don\u2019t need to go to college.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t? Why? What about the women who are teachers? They had to go to college to get a degree,\u201d Mary asked, trying to keep her temper under control.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWomen don\u2019t need to because they can get a husband. Those women who become teachers could never find a man to take care of them. They\u2019re too homely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey can find husbands! They want to teach children and when someone comes along they\u2019ll marry the man. Women are a lot stronger than you think,\u201d Mary said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark snorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what you think. I will be attending college.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does your father say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just fine with it. My whole family is. We spoke about it last week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour father is a fool to let you go. He obviously doesn\u2019t understand the women\u2019s roles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father doesn\u2019t think a woman should just stay home. My mother owned the mercantile before she married my<\/span><\/p>\n

father. He was just fine with her continuing working after they got married. She only quit to take care of my brother and me. There are many women out there who are doing what they want. Nurses, scientists. They are doing it without being married. I met your parents the other day in the store. Your father keeps his thumb on your mother. She can\u2019t do anything without consulting him. She didn\u2019t look happy! I know that\u2019s how we\u2019d be if I were to marry you. I don\u2019t want that!\u201d Mary shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you speak like that against my father. When we marry, you will do as I say,\u201d Mark said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will not be marrying you. I don\u2019t want a husband who is abusive. No woman deserves that,\u201d Mary said between clenched teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark slapped her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever talk about my father that way and you will marry me. Right now,\u201d he said angrily, grabbing Mary\u2019s arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She was yanked off the bench and pulled to the Justice of the Peace. She struggled and pulled back making it hard for Mark to walk. He stopped and turned on her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will do as I say,\u201d he spat, hitting her again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She kicked him in the leg and he let go. Mary started to run and scream for help. Mark caught up to her, hit her and shoved her to the ground. He held her arms down and screamed in her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to make you my wife and make you do what I tell you! You will obey me!\u201d He screamed over and over hitting her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A hand grabbed Mark\u2019s shoulder and shoved him away. It was the sheriff and the deputy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him to jail. You take care of Mary. This reminds of Josh and Emma. Send someone to fetch Adam,\u201d Roy said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Sean said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was in his mid-twenties with curly brown hair, blue eyes and a dimple when he smiled. He was married to Elizabeth Lowry, the local dressmaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy took Mark to the jail as Mark still screamed at Mary.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked helping her up<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took out his handkerchief and dabbed her bloody lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy was he doing that to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone crazy. He wanted me to marry him and forced me to go to the Justice of the Peace. I tried to get away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sean stood listening to her story. He hated hearing that a man would dare abuse a woman. He put a supporting arm around her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you to the doctors,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He led her to the doctors to see if she had any injuries. Sean also sent a young man to find Adam and tell him what happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sean sent Kyle Marvin to get Adam. Kyle rode as fast as his horse could go. He was careful with it being dark. Adam and Kyle rushed to Virginia City. Adam went into Paul\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is she?\u201d he asked Sean who was still there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc says she\u2019ll be all right. She was beaten up a bit. She\u2019s lucky nothing is broken. She does have some lacerations on her face where Mark struck her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did Mark hit her?\u201d Fury in his words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why,\u201d Sean replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul came out from the back followed by Mary. Adam rushed to her side and looked at her and wrapped his arms around her. Mary started to cry in relief that he was there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Adam asked worriedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor Martin says I\u2019m fine, but Pa\u2026\u201d She slowly told him what happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anger filled Adam. He let go of Mary and jerked the door open making his way to Roy\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, come back!\u201d Mary cried out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stormed into Roy\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, where is he? Why did Mark hurt Mary?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, simmer down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t! My daughter is in Dr. Martin\u2019s office because she was beaten up by Mark McClellan. What made him do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMark won\u2019t tell me. All he said when we got him off Mary was \u2018I\u2019m going to make you my wife and make you do what I tell you. You will obey me.\u2019 He said it over and over. I had Sean take Mary to the doctor. She can tell you more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe already told me. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here!\u201d Adam went into the jail cell to talk to Mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you hurt Mary?\u201d Adam asked angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark looked up at Adam and smiled. To Adam it looked evil.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, so glad you are here. I wanted to talk to you about Mary. I would like to marry her so she won\u2019t have to attend college. It\u2019s not for girls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter what I heard you did to her, you will never marry her. You stay away from her. No one does that to my daughter and gets away with it. I will be pressing charges. You\u2019ll be staying here until Mary has gone to college. Then I will allow you to get out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Mr. Cartwright, I want your daughter,\u201d Mark said smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not having her. Ever! She has a life to live and you don\u2019t deserve her and that\u2019s that,\u201d Adam snapped and walked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leaving the cell Adam sank into the chair across from Roy\u2019s desk and put his face in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis reminds me of Emma and Josh. With McClellan hanging around I\u2019m going to have to protect Mary better than I did Emma. She won\u2019t get kidnapped like Emma did,\u201d Adam vowed looking up at Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand. I can have Sean stay by Mary when she works and escort her home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss or I will escort her home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get back to Paul\u2019s office. Listen, I\u2019m sorry for yelling at you,\u201d Adam apologized as he stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand. Let me know how Mary is. Or have Sean tell me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and left.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He walked into the doctor\u2019s office and looked at Mary and Sean.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI spoke with Roy and we\u2019re going to have Sean stay with you at work and Hoss or I will take you home. Do not argue with me. I already went through this with your mother. I refuse to go through it again with you,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary was ready to argue but knew she\u2019d never win and nodded. Adam turned to Sean.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right with being with Mary? Will Elizabeth be all right with it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Mr. Cartwright. I will do all I can to protect her. I\u2019m sure Elizabeth will be all right about it. I\u2019ll talk to her about it,\u201d Sean promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince it\u2019s so dark out we\u2019ll have to stay at a hotel. I\u2019m surprised young Kyle didn\u2019t kill himself or his horse getting to my place in the dark,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKyle\u2019s a good rider for fifteen,\u201d Sean spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is. I could hardly keep up with him when we were coming to town. Well, we\u2019d better go. Thank you, Paul. Thank you, Sean. I appreciate your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d Sean and Paul said at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Mary walked to the hotel and got their rooms. There was an adjoining door between their rooms. Adam opened it to talk with Mary before they went to bed. She was sitting on her bed looking downcast.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you doing all right? I know it had to be frightening with what happened,\u201d Adam asked, sitting next to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was. Pa I was so scared when Mark attacked me. But I feel much better with you here, and Uncle Hoss watching out for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hugged Mary and decided to change the subject. \u201cI do have some good news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting married to Julia!\u201d he said happily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are? Congratulations. When will it be?\u201d Mary asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNext month. I wanted to get married while you were still here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does Jimmy say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s happy for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d better let you get some sleep. I\u2019ll keep the door open in case you need me. Good night, Mary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He got up and kissed her forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Night, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam went to his room. Mary lay down and quickly fell asleep. Adam\u2019s thoughts turned to Emma and Josh and<\/span><\/p>\n

prayed that Mary wouldn\u2019t deal with the same thing. He turned over and finally went to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Julia married the next month. They waited until Mary left for school to go on their honeymoon. Their stage heading to California left an hour before Mary\u2019s did. Adam gave Mary a tight hug before helping Julia on the stage and climbing in after her. Hoss put a hand on Mary\u2019s shoulder and she leaned into him. She was sad to see her father go. She hoped Adam would be happy with Julia. When Mary\u2019s stage came, she hugged her family and Hoss helped her on the stage. As it pulled away, she leaned out of the small window and waved to her family until she could no longer see them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the Brandsters.\u00a0 The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site.\u00a0 Brand it happy to offer this story a new home.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Young Mary (Adam and Emma’s adopted daughter) has grown up and is dreaming of college. But with two suitors vying for your attention, she seeks guidance from friends and family on how to make the right choice. Meanwhile, Adam finds a change coming in his life and also has to make a tough decision.
\nRating: PG, Word Count: 4482<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12475,"featured_media":62121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":14,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48156,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48156","url_meta":{"origin":48154,"position":0},"title":"Mary’s Story #2 – Adam’s Changed (by AH83)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"September 1, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This is a sequel to A Young Girls Dream (Mary's Story). Adam has found a new love but is she right for him and his children?\u00a0 Rating: PG, Word Count: 4694","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12890,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12890","url_meta":{"origin":48154,"position":1},"title":"Mary Knox’s Christmas (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"December 10, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Christmas finds Adam far from home. He takes shelter with a family who needs his help, and learns that the spirit of Christmas can manifest in different and sometimes mysterious ways. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (10,000 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":48047,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48047","url_meta":{"origin":48154,"position":2},"title":"The Fair – an Adam and Emma Story (by AH83)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"July 14, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwrights plan a visit to the Virginia City Fair. Rating: K, Word Count: 1491","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15601,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15601","url_meta":{"origin":48154,"position":3},"title":"A Child was Born (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"December 25, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This story was written for the 2017 Advent Calendar - Day 6 Summary:\u00a0 An unexpected visitor stirs up confusion when Adam keeps a promise. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (2,400 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":681,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=681","url_meta":{"origin":48154,"position":4},"title":"The Alternative Nativity Story (by Terri)","author":"Terri","date":"April 30, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: An unmarried mother arrives at the Ponderosa for Christmas. How will the family cope with the impending birth? \u00a0 Rated: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a07200","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":48144,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48144","url_meta":{"origin":48154,"position":5},"title":"Stormy Nights and Injuries (an Adam and Emma story) (by AH83)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"February 14, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Life married to a Cartwright can be fun but challenging as well. Emma learns this when Adam has to go on a cattle drive at the last minute and Emma encounters her own danger on the ranch. Rating: PG, Word Count: 5909","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12475"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=48154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=48154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=48154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=48154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}