Ben Cartwright watched from his seat in front of the Overland Stage Line<\/strong> in Virginia City the nervous pacing of his youngest son. Joe had asked him every five minutes what time it was. Ben fought to hide his amusement at the young man and his impatience. He knew that Joe was more than excited at the thought of one particular passenger on the stage who would soon be arriving. A very special friend would soon be visiting the Ponderosa for the first time and Joe had insisted on making everything as comfortable as possible for the young woman. Of course despite all the well-set plans, the stage line had decided to throw a slight kink in the preparations.<\/p>\nRachel Cartier. Ben thought back on the three years since his son had met the girl who would become the boy\u2019s closest friend. Their meeting had come during a rather unpleasant time for all of the Cartwrights. There was a man from Joe\u2019s mother\u2019s past, one Rene Marchant to be exact, and he had put the entire family through pure hell. The evil man had come from New Orleans and taken Joe back to New Orleans with him insistent that he was the seventeen year old Joe\u2019s father. Once in New Orleans, Joe had been both emotionally and physically abused by the sick and twisted Marchant. It was during the two long months of captivity that Joe and Rachel had bonded their forever friendship. The young girl, being the same age and also a prisoner to Marchant, had tried to help set the boy free. She had even risked her life to produce information concerning Marchant to Ben Cartwright to protect them all. It was after the evil Marchant\u2019s death that Joe had finally been able to do something for the young girl who had acted out of love and friendship to the boy who had been so alone in New Orleans.<\/p>\n
Joe Cartwright was given heir to all of Rene Marchant\u2019s holdings. The man had a vast amount of personal wealth and all had been left to Joe in the man\u2019s will. The fact that the young Cartwright was not of legal age did not stop Joe from making sure that Rachel, her mother, and her family would be well taken care of. He had appointed a close friend an ally, Avery Bastille, to look over Marchant Enterprises and to see to all of the Cartier family\u2019s needs. The man had done well with his charge over the three years that had passed. Even though a war had waged during that period of time, nothing bad had befallen Rachel or her mother. And now, all the better, they were no longer considered slaves.<\/p>\n
Ben again chuckled to himself to see the look of frustration on Joe\u2019s face as he stared off in the distance and once again began to pace on the dusty street in front of his father. Feeling a deep pride at the twenty-one year old son of his at the moment Ben took pity on him and called out. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you sit down here and just relax, Joseph? You are going to be all spent before Rachel gets here!\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe gave a sheepish grin, unaware that he was so transparent in his impatience. But, he was known to wear his heart and all emotions visibly on his sleeve, so Joe understood why his father knew exactly what he was thinking. Taking a seat next to his father Joe sighed out loud.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy in the devil does that blasted stage always have to be late anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t you write the company?\u201d Ben said a bit of sarcasm trickling out in his question but followed by a pat to his son\u2019s back. \u201cShe\u2019ll be here shortly. I don\u2019t think I have ever seen you this nervous!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just that it took all that I had to convince Rachel to come all the way out here. I want everything to be just right. I haven\u2019t seen her in over a year you know! Back then the war was still going on. We have a whole lot to catch up on.\u201d Joe answered and Ben detected a wistful smile dance across his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014that\u2019s so right\u2014and the last time you saw her you were not the wealthy young man that you are now either. Let\u2019s not forget that.\u201d Ben teased.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014can I help it if that idiot Marchant made me his heir? I didn\u2019t want it you know? I only agreed to it so I could help Rachel and all.\u201d Joe protested and then felt Ben\u2019s hand squeeze his shoulder to stop his recital.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, Joseph\u2014I was only teasing. I know what you have done with a lot of that money. I also know you have been more than generous to your family as well. I remember the first day you opened your new bank account. As I recall you went out and bought your brothers and myself gifts didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014gosh that was fun! I never knew having money could give so much pleasure to folks.\u201d Joe was now grinning thinking back to the several months that had gone by since his twenty-first birthday and all the gifts he had bought others in that time.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2014well you do remember what I told you I hope?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2014yes sir\u2014I am not throwing it around or anything. But, I do intend to spoil Rachel when she gets here. She deserves it more than anyone else I know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, looks like you are about to get your wish. Here\u2019s that stage!\u201d Ben replied and Joe bolted from his seat on the bench.<\/p>\n
The stage pulled up and four passengers disembarked leaving Rachel the last one to step out of the coach. Joe reached up and took her hand and helped her out.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe!\u201d Rachel sounded out loudly as Joe swept her into his arms laughing as he swung her around.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you\u2019d never get here!\u201d Joe said and stopped swinging the young woman long enough to hug her. \u201cI am so sorry the stage was late\u2014you must be so tired!\u201d Joe was quick to apologize.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh hush\u2014it was fine.\u201d Rachel replied and then caught the sight of several people on the sidewalk staring at the two friends who still held on tightly to each other. Joe was totally oblivious to the scene they had created, and to the harsh stares that were directed their way.<\/p>\n
Ben had caught on what Rachel had seen and hurried over to her. \u201cRachel\u2014so wonderful that you came! We have been looking forward to this for a long time.\u201d Ben smiled warmly at the young lady and she grinned back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you so much for having me here, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2014\u201d Ben paused and still could see various Virginia City citizens staring toward them. \u201cWe have our carriage right over here. Let\u2019s get you to the Ponderosa so you can catch your breath. Joe\u2014why don\u2019t you grab Rachel\u2019s bag?\u201d Ben tried to distract his son and to give him the subtle hint that he needed to release Rachel from his firm grip.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay\u2014be right there!\u201d Joe responded and turned toward the driver to retrieve the luggage. Ben and Rachel made it over to the buckboard. He helped her up into the back seat of the surrey and Joe was quickly back to them, luggage in hand. Climbing up next to Rachel Joe took her hand and squeezed it affectionately.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel just like a kid again\u2014I am so excited to have you here!\u201d Joe smiled and threw his arm around Rachel\u2019s shoulder as Ben sent the team forward. As they started on their journey towards the ranch, Ben noticed the continuing stares that were cast there way. He knew what the townsfolk were thinking, and the idea of it worried him to the core. The war wasn\u2019t over in many people\u2019s minds, and seeing a white boy escorting a black girl was sure to make tongues start to wag. Ben had not been able to broach the subject with his youngest son prior to Rachel\u2019s arrival. He didn\u2019t have the right words to explain to Joe what prejudice was all about. He knew Joe thought of Rachel as a person and that was all. Ben took pride in the fact that he had raised such a fine young man; however, that did not stop his worry. Prejudice was a disease as far as what Ben had seen in his lifetime. And sometimes it had unfortunate innocent victims. Ben prayed his son wouldn\u2019t be one of those victims to it. He knew Joe Cartwright more than Joe knew himself. Once he cared about someone he would fight to the end to defend them, he had always watched over his friends. Listening to the two young people on the ride out to the ranch, Ben couldn\u2019t help wondering if theirs was just that\u2014a friendship. Or perhaps it had the potential of becoming something more.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Rachel had watched in quiet amazement the beauty of the countryside as the carriage traveled onto the vastness of the Ponderosa. The scenery was so very different from her native New Orleans. The trees were not covered in moss and their heights seemed to touch the sky. She marveled at the expanse of mountain range at the higher altitude. Joe had been carefully studying the young woman\u2019s facial expression and he found joy in his heart to see that she was awestruck by the sights of his homeland.<\/p>\n
Pulling up in front of the Ponderosa ranch house, the surrey was greeted by both Hoss and Adam Cartwright. Hoss was first to call out his welcome and to assist Rachel out of the carriage. Grinning his famous Hoss Cartwright smile, he made the young woman feel right at home. A little more subtle a greeting came from the oldest Cartwright brother, Adam. He did smile at Rachel and welcomed her the same as his brother, but there was something different in Adam\u2019s eyes. Rachel had not seen Adam since their first meeting in New Orleans during the custody battle between Rene Marchant and Ben Cartwright over three years previous. She looked at him and could tell there was a difference in his appearance and demeanor than on their first meeting. Joe had filled Rachel in on what had happened to his oldest brother over the years. He had traveled east and had done a brief stint with the Union Army during the war. Adam had seen battle, and had returned somewhat more reserved than he had been before. He had been injured during one of the bloodiest battles and it had left him a bit emotionally wounded as well. Adam\u2019s battle scars had faded from view and had not left a permanent disability. However, the sights and sounds and smells of war still troubled his mind and soul. He had watched as several close friends had been killed before his very eyes. Adam had watched as old friends of his father had lost their homes and had seen beautiful countryside turn into barren wastelands due to deliberate fires set by opposing troops. Seeing all of this had made it all that more difficult for Adam Cartwright to return home and try to be as he had been before. He knew he would never be that person.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou must be tired, Rachel\u2014\u201d Adam said and offered her his arm to lead her into the ranch house. She cast a glance back towards Joe and saw a nod. The two of them did not need words to exchange what was going on in their heads. Rachel was asking with her eyes if it was all right to take Adam\u2019s arm and Joe had given her the sign that it was okay. She was worried about Adam\u2019s feelings towards her, and was surprised to see him so accepting of her presence.<\/p>\n
Ben turned to Joe who was retrieving the luggage. \u201cI know what you both are thinking too. It will be fine\u2014I had a talk with your brother before we left.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe set down Rachel\u2019s bags and stared towards the sight of Rachel, Hoss and Adam walking into the house. \u201cPa\u2014I hope I haven\u2019t done wrong by asking her to come. She went through an awful lot with the war too. She had ten brothers and now only has two. If this brings up bad memories for either her or Adam then it\u2019s all my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben put his arm around his youngest son\u2019s shoulder and smiled at Joe\u2019s explanation. \u201cI know exactly why you wanted Rachel here, Son. And, who knows? Maybe this will help both her and your brother. You know that Adam believed as strongly as anyone else that slavery needed to be abolished. Seeing Rachel here, free of bondage, may help him to see that all the death and destruction was not all a waste.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014what am I doing running my mouth talking? I need to get in there!\u201d Joe shot back with his most brilliant smile. Once again, as was often the case, his father had offered the reassurance that he had needed. He walked with his father into the house to join the others.<\/p>\n
***********<\/p>\n
Joe watched Rachel as she took in the beauty of the interior of the main room of the house. It was a man\u2019s house, but had a quiet grace to it, which had been inspired by the love and dedication of his own mother prior to her death. Seeing Rachel standing by the fireside, Joe was taken aback by her own quiet beauty. She was slim and petite and had the kind of smile that matched her twinkling brown eyes. Joe had never seen anything in Rachel other than his very best friend, but, today he also saw her as a woman and it stunned him rendering him momentarily speechless. He thought of his mother, though only fleeting memories remained of her now. Joe was so young when she died, that only a very few stolen glimpses into the past with her remained to keep a hold of the love that she had shown him as a child. He did remember one thing, and that was of her scent. He remembered that Marie smelled of vanilla. He had even asked his father about it to be sure it wasn\u2019t his imagination. Ben had confirmed that at times Marie did indeed smell of vanilla but insisted it was because she loved to cook and had often made cookies for the boys that were heavily laced with the extract.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey! Are you ignoring me?\u201d Rachel called over to her friend. He seemed to be in another world.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014sorry\u2014guess I was daydreaming.\u201d Joe apologized and joined her in front of the fireplace. \u201cSo\u2014what do you think of the place?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just as I had imagined it, Joe. From every letter you wrote me, from all you told me, this is how I thought it would be. It\u2019s warm and friendly and gives a stranger a feeling of comfort.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2014it\u2019s not the great Marchant mansion\u2014but we sure like it.\u201d Joe grinned despite the image that had shot in his mind of Rene Marchant and the awful experience of living in his house for months. Joe had seen to it that the mansion was redone to reflect Rachel and her mother\u2019s taste in art. The way the house had been was simply a memory now; a bad one at that.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow about me showing you to your room so you can get some rest before dinner?\u201d Hoss asked their guest.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess I am a bit tired\u2014that would be kind of you, Mister Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa! Right there, Rachel!\u201d Ben protested. \u201cNo mister Hoss, mister Ben or mister Adam around here. It\u2019s Ben, Hoss, Adam\u2014oh and Hop Sing\u2014he is in town but will be back soon and he will be called by his name as well!\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel\u2019s laughter responded to Ben\u2019s kindness and filled the room. \u201cHard to rid myself of years of this\u2014but I will try to remember, Ben. Thank you all\u2014for your kindness and friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe pushed his way past his huge brother Hoss and reached for the young woman\u2019s hand. \u201cThe pleasure is all ours! Oh\u2014I think I will take Rachel upstairs to her room. Thanks just the same, Big Brother!\u201d Joe winked and walked up the staircase with his friend.<\/p>\n
As soon as the two young people were out of sight Ben turned to address his other two sons. \u201cThank you both for the warm welcome for Rachel. It really does mean a whole lot to Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShucks, Pa\u2014she\u2019s been a good friend to Joe and this family\u2014of course she is welcome here.\u201d Hoss replied and patted his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
Adam seemed a bit far away as he avoided his father\u2019s eyes and turned suddenly pensive.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam? Worries?\u201d Ben asked nearing him.<\/p>\n
Adam looked into his father\u2019s somber brown eyes and answered, \u201cI guess I was just thinking\u2014I hope there won\u2019t be any problems for those two.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe war is over, Adam.\u201d Ben said reading why the worry was in his son\u2019s facial expression.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it, Pa? I don\u2019t think so. It\u2019s still very much alive in some people\u2019s hearts and minds. And there are those who would have a big problem with Joe escorting a black woman around.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI only hope that you are wrong, Son.\u201d Ben sighed and sat down in his chair.<\/p>\n
************<\/p>\n
Rachel walked into her room and her eyes fell on the elegance of the furnishings. Though she had seen many fine things in her life, having lived at Rene Marchant\u2019s exquisitely furnished mansion, this room was different. The picture that was painted in her mind was one of a warm and loving hand that must have decorated the interior. The bedspread was a brilliant rose pattern and the curtains were pastel and dainty, not like one would normally find in a man\u2019s house.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s anything you need\u2014you just tell me and I will make sure you have it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will\u2014hey what\u2019s this?\u201d Rachel asked as she lifted up a brightly colored package that was sitting on her nightstand. She turned to Joe and looked up into his eyes, which held a familiar sparkle to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014that\u2014well it\u2019s nothing\u2014just a little welcome present.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, Joe, you know you don\u2019t have to buy me things. You are gonna spoil me so bad.\u201d Rachel carefully removed the wrapping paper and out came a delicate porcelain music box. She opened the lid and heard the tune it played and smiled brightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to spoil you, Rachel! Now don\u2019t ruin my fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful\u2014just beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd so are you.\u201d Joe replied and kissed her forehead lightly. It was a gesture he often did to show his fondness for his best friend. \u201cNow\u2014you go on and get some rest\u2014dinner will be ready in a couple hours. You just sing out if you need me.\u201d Joe said turning towards the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are the best friend I have ever had, Joe.\u201d Rachel whispered as the young man closed the door.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Hop Sing had done his best to also welcome the guest. He had prepared a fine roast with all the trimmings and had run the young lady out of his kitchen when she had insisted that she would help with the meal. Hop Sing informed Rachel that he was totally capable of serving the dinner by himself, and that guests were to relax and enjoy themselves when they were with the Cartwright family. The young lady had already won the hearts of the Cartwright men, and Hop Sing was finding himself a victim to her charms as well.<\/p>\n
After dinner Joe walked Rachel outside and they stood together looking at the star filled sky. They shared moments from the past and all that had brought them together by fate.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou remember that root you put on me way back?\u201d Joe teased.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014I remember, you put one on me too as I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, maybe they worked after all. You are here and safe and so am I.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat seems like a lifetime ago, Joe. You and I were kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014I am still a kid!\u201d Joe protested acting hurt by her remark. \u201cLeast ways\u2014when you are around you make me feel like one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad you can still feel that way. After the war and all, I don\u2019t feel young anymore. Matter of fact I feel that I have aged twenty years since then.\u201d Rachel\u2019s remarks came off laced with sadness. Joe could tell that she was thinking about the brothers she had lost in battle.<\/p>\n
Turning Rachel\u2019s chin so that their eyes could meet, Joe replied, \u201cI know what you and your family has gone through. That\u2019s one of the reasons I bugged you so much to come on out here. I know I can never make up for all that you have lost\u2014but I want to make you happy, Rachel. Somehow I am gonna try to make you feel like that little girl in pigtails again. To start with we are going on a picnic down by the lake tomorrow. Pa has given me a couple of days off here. We are going to go and have some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014so I finally get to see the great Lake Tahoe do I? Well, I have heard you talk about it all these years\u2014I can\u2019t wait to see if it is as wonderful as you have touted!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTomorrow, my friend, I will show you that I did not exaggerate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m getting kinda cold, Joe\u2014maybe we should go in?\u201d Rachel pulled her shawl closer and Joe could see she was starting to shiver. He removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. \u201cOh\u2014not just yet. You have to meet Cochise first!\u201d Joe insisted and they started towards the barn.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014yeah\u2014your wonder horse! You have mentioned that he is half human\u2014let\u2019s go see.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe opened the barn door and the two of them walked to the stall where the pinto waited. Joe threw the lead rope around the horse and brought him around so Rachel could see it better.<\/p>\n
Immediately Cochise snorted his approval and lowered his snout in readying for a pat. Rachel laughed as Joe began the introduction. \u201cCochise\u2014this is Rachel\u2014Rachel this is Cochise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNice to meet you.\u201d Rachel laughed and stroked the pinto\u2019s snout. \u201cHe is gorgeous, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHear that Cooch? She thinks you are gorgeous!\u201d Joe addressed the horse and gave it a hidden signal that made the animal make a slight bow with its front two legs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is human!\u201d Rachel said amazed to see Cochise respond as he had.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee\u2014I told you I don\u2019t lie\u2014well maybe I stretch the truth a little\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sometimes stretch it till it breaks, Joe!\u201d Rachel answered giggling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Pa would agree with you on that one. Okay\u2014enough with Cochise for now.\u201d Joe patted the pinto\u2019s neck and led him back into the stall. \u201cLet\u2019s get you in the house and get you some tea to warm you up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam stood as Joe and Rachel made their way into the living room. Ben and Hoss came in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m gonna get Rachel some tea, Pa. You all entertain her for me for a minute.\u201d Joe insisted and hurried to get Rachel something to warm her up on the inside.<\/p>\n
Adam sat back down as Rachel moved to sit on the settee herself. Hoss and Ben joined them next to the fire in the two chairs closest to the bright flames that lit the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, how is your mother, Rachel?\u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, she is doing better. Now that Willie and Charles are back with her. She has taken in some of the local widows who didn\u2019t have a place to go after the war. There\u2019s some talk about starting a little school right there on the grounds of the house. Since I am one of the few who has some education they want me to help get it going.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is a good thing, Rachel. I bet your momma sure is proud of you.\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing the only girl in the family has its good and bad points I guess. She has been after me to get hitched\u2014they are starting to call me an old maid already.\u201d Rachel\u2019s laughter again filled the room and warmed it far more than the blazing fireplace.<\/p>\n
Joe had listened from the doorway to the kitchen all that had been said around the fireplace. He was a little taken aback by Rachel\u2019s mention of her folks wanting her to get married. Joe thought on how that would change their friendship if she were to go off and marry someone in New Orleans. Shaking his head at the thought, he walked back into the kitchen to get the tea.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere you go. And Hop Sing showed me how\u2014so don\u2019t say it isn\u2019t good.\u201d Joe grinned and handed the young lady a cup of tea. He turned toward the others and asked, \u201cCare to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2014I think the three of us are about ready for bed. How about it?\u201d Ben turned and shot his other two sons a look. They read on his face that he wanted Joe and Rachel to have time alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014got those dad gum fences to fix tomorrow, Older Brother. You know that no account brother of ours ain\u2019t gonna be helping us around here for a few days.\u201d Hoss said and gave Joe a quick jab to his ribcage.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are both right.\u201d Adam announced standing from his position on the settee. The three oldest Cartwrights bid both Rachel and Joe a fond goodnight and headed up the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery good tea.\u201d Rachel broke the sudden silence which had fallen over the room.<\/p>\n
Joe sipped his tea and made a face at the weakness of it. \u201cI am not exactly a tea fan\u2014but I am glad you like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFinish your cup.\u201d Rachel insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to read your tea leaves at the bottom that\u2019s why.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe downed the liquid and handed over his cup as he moved closer to Rachel to see what she was doing. \u201cOh so what do you see in my leaves? Go ahead\u2014tell me my fortune Madame Cartier!\u201d He laughed and she slapped his knee playfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s see here.\u201d She started and swirled what remained in the bottom of the teacup. \u201cYou are a handsome man. You have many friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014I like this already!\u201d Joe interrupted.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are impulsive and easily angered but have a heart of pure gold.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYep\u2014you got that right. But what about my future?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014let\u2019s see you are going to fall madly in love and get married and have nineteen youngins!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNineteen! Wow! Looks like I need a bigger house!\u201d Joe laughed and then he took Rachel\u2019s teacup and looked into it. \u201cOkay\u2014now my turn. You are extraordinarily beautiful. You have the soul of an angel. You also tell stories and put roots on people to get your way!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd my future?\u201d Rachel asked going along with Joe\u2019s teasing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are going to fall in love and get married and have nineteen children\u2014all boys too!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat makes thirty eight kids between you and me\u2014hey we can start a whole state with that many youngins!\u201d Rachel was now laughing hysterically.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also said that you need to go to bed so that you can have a wonderful time with this handsome escort tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are oh so modest, Joe.\u201d Rachel answered as she stood from the settee. \u201cBut, you are right. I guess I am tired. Think I best turn in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe stood and when he went to give her the customary kiss to her forehead, suddenly, without planning on either of their parts, Rachel moved her face a tad higher and their lips met for the first time.<\/p>\n
It was just a brief kiss, but it rendered the two confused young people speechless. It had come out of nowhere and the intensity from its meaning shot all kinds of thoughts through both of their minds. Rachel turned quickly and hurried up the stairs leaving Joe there in stunned confusion. Beating a fast exit as well, Joe decided to go out to the barn. He needed to go and think about it all and what it meant.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Rachel had trouble sleeping. The bed was comfortable and the room warm, but it was her mind that kept her from falling off to sleep. Rachel felt a curious blend of both fear and excitement over what had happened that night between Joe and herself. She tried her best to rationalize it but was losing that battle. It had happened innocently enough, two friends in a moment of joint happiness sharing a kiss. But, it didn\u2019t seem like that was all that it really was. In her heart Rachel heard what it was trying to tell her but she fought against it. Joe was her friend, her best friend plain and simple. He was everything a girl wanted for a friend and protector. He was brave and strong and reliable. But, he was white. That was the problem, and somehow, unknowingly they had both crossed the visible barrier that had kept them just friends<\/p>\n
Rachel wondered what Joe was thinking and feeling. Perhaps, he hadn\u2019t thought any more about it than a simple kiss and was not struggling over its other connotations. Rachel wondered if she was making something out of nothing. It had probably happened by mistake and would never happen again. The trouble was, in Rachel\u2019s heart, she now wanted it to happen again.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Joe had just about brushed the very hide off of his horse that night. Mulling over what had happened with Rachel, Joe had sought the serenity of the barn and his pinto friend to try and sort it all out. He felt bad, real bad. Watching Rachel fleeing up the stairs so fast, he was afraid that he had unknowingly upset her by his actions. He cursed his stupidity. Why had he let it happen? Rachel was his best friend in the world, someone he cherished and would not allow anyone to harm. And now he felt that he was the one who had hurt her. Joe wondered what she was thinking about him now. She probably thought of him as a cad, Joe assumed. There was also this strange gnawing at his heart that Joe was fighting. He didn\u2019t want to admit to himself that he was not at all really sorry that it had happened. So what if he was white? So what if she was not? What was so wrong in it all anyway, Joe wondered. They were best friends. Or was there something more to it all, that he had not even recognized or admitted to himself?<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Ben was surprised at how subdued both Joe and Rachel had seemed that morning at breakfast. They didn\u2019t speak much and when they would happen to look at each other, immediately they would look back down at their plates. When they had left to go on the picnic, Ben watched when Joe helped Rachel up into the carriage and thought that his son looked a little bashful when he had taken the woman\u2019s hand. Bashful? His Joseph? No, that couldn\u2019t be. Ben shrugged it off as the carriage pulled away from the front yard.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Rachel spread out the blanket at the base of a tree and began to set out the contents of the picnic basket. Joe had not spoken much on their journey to the lake. Rachel was uneasy herself. They both were trying their best to pretend that nothing had happened the night before.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe\u2014the lake is just what you said it would be. It is breathtaking.\u201d Rachel forced a smile and Joe finally made eye contact with her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad you like it\u2014\u201d Joe stammered and sat down at a distance from her on the blanket.<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing sure knows how to pack a picnic.\u201d Rachel commented for lack of other words to say. The silence was once again back on the two young people and it hung in the air till it almost suffocated them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just wanted to say\u2014\u201d Both Rachel and Joe spoke the same words at the exact same moment. This sudden outburst reduced them both to laughter, and at last the ice was broken.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo on.\u201d Rachel said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2014you go ahead.\u201d Joe replied, still fighting for the right words.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout last night\u2014\u201d Rachel started and then stopped abruptly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d Joe interrupted. \u201cIt was all my fault and I am so sorry it happened, Rachel. You must think I am a real idiot now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would I think that?\u201d She asked and was beginning to think Joe was indeed sorry it had happened. The thought of that hurt her heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cI upset you\u2014and I never wanted to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUpset me? You think I am upset?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way you ran up those steps\u2014I was sure that you never wanted to speak to me again. I almost canceled the picnic\u2014heck\u2014I almost ran away from home too! Just so I wouldn\u2019t have to face you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel started to laugh and it left Joe not knowing what to think or say now. He couldn\u2019t even begin to imagine why she found this amusing. Rachel saw the confusion in Joe\u2019s eyes and ceased laughing. \u201cJoe\u2014I\u2019m sorry but this is funny isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d Joe responded out of hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen\u2014it\u2019s funny that you were thinking the same thing that I was thinking. I thought you would be upset with me for allowing it to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh? You were thinking that really?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2014and I didn\u2019t run up to my room because I was upset. I ran up to my room because I thought you didn\u2019t really want to kiss me\u2014and somehow it was my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now Joe was laughing at how in tune to each other\u2019s thoughts that they were. \u201cHey\u2014I was worried you were gonna run and tell my father or something! No kidding I thought I was in big trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe you thought that! I was worried that you would never want to talk to me again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are a real pair aren\u2019t we? Why do you suppose this was so \u2014well\u2014scary in a way?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know for sure, Joe. I guess because we have always been such great friends that it never crossed our minds that anything like this would ever happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe was quiet for a moment and then got up the nerve to ask, \u201cWell\u2014are you sorry that it happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel stared into the eyes of the friend that she had cared for so many years. \u201cAre you sorry?\u201d She replied, her own eyes trying not to give away her answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I am not sorry either.\u201d Rachel said and reached over and squeezed Joe\u2019s hand for assurance.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did this happen? I mean for years we have confided in each other everything? We have been closer than any two people I know\u2014even when we are hundreds of miles away. Why didn\u2019t we see this was happening?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe because we knew it wasn\u2019t supposed to happen. We seemed to have crossed over some kind of line. I have loved you since the first day I met you. But, it was the love of a friend\u2014or so I thought. I knew that no matter what happened\u2014if I needed someone to help me all I had to do was call on you. I never went beyond thinking of you as a friend because I wasn\u2019t supposed to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe it\u2019s because we did start out as friends\u2014maybe that is why this feels so easy\u2014so right.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo you and me it does\u2014but to the rest of the world it is going to mean trouble. That\u2019s why I better go before anything else happens.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014gonna run away again?\u201d Joe chided and saw her defiant eyes cast their disapproving look.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t run away from things. Not without good reason at least.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen don\u2019t run now. Because, despite the fact that this wasn\u2019t supposed to happen\u2014it DID happen. And despite the rules of nature or the rules of this world, I happen to love you, Rachel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel could tell in Joe\u2019s intense hazel eyes that he had meant every word he had just said. She knew in her mind that the best thing for both of them would be to hop on the next stage east. But, in her heart she could not restrain her feelings for the young man who had found his way there.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat will your family think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will think that I am crazy.\u201d Joe laughed and put his arm around Rachel and pulled her so that she could rest her head on his strong shoulder. \u201cBut, there\u2019s nothing new to that. I do know that they love me, and they can\u2019t help but to love you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not all as simple as you think, Joe. There are people out there who will hate us, hate seeing us together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRachel\u2014I only know that I am in love with you. I am not making any kind of statement as to the rest of the world or what others should do personally. I do not represent all white men no more than you represent the entire black population. But, no-one is going to tell me who to love and who not to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you sure I shouldn\u2019t leave?\u201d Rachel whispered against Joe\u2019s collar.<\/p>\n
Joe could smell the fragrance, which seemed so familiar. Rachel smelled of vanilla just as his mother had. To him it was but another sign that they were supposed to be together, despite all odds. \u201cIf you leave, I will follow you. Let\u2019s stay here and take it one day at a time. We are two people who are in love, isn\u2019t that enough for right now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, that\u2019s more than enough for me.\u201d Rachel replied and closed her eyes as she listened to Joe\u2019s rhythmic heartbeat. For the moment at least they were both safe, warm, and very much in love.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Ben smiled watching Rachel and Joe step out of the surrey later that afternoon. Despite their behavior when they departed that morning, the two young people were back laughing and kidding each other as they walked over to him on the front porch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2014have fun you two?\u201d Ben asked and already knew the answer just looking at them.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Ben the lake is beautiful! And Hop Sing filled that picnic basket with so much food I am so stuffed I could bust.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a great time, Pa. Adam and Hoss back yet?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2014but they should be here before long. So what are your plans now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I myself could use a nap.\u201d Joe laughed and then put his arm around Rachel\u2019s shoulder. \u201cBut, I promised Rachel I would let her beat me in a couple of games of checkers first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben saw that look. It was the Joe Cartwright is in love look. He had seen it before over the years, but never as noticeable as it was at that moment. Looking over at Rachel he could see she had the same look of love on her face. Ben fought to hide his worry now. Perhaps he was reading more into things than were actually there? Maybe his fatherly intuition was wrong this time? Looking again over at Joe he knew his earlier assessment had been dead right. The boy was in love. Thinking they needed to talk, Ben struggled to find an excuse.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know I gave you the day off, Son\u2014but if you wouldn\u2019t mind delaying your checker game just a few minutes would you mind helping me for a minute? These wood boxes need filling and Hop Sing needs some wood for the stove too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure thing, Pa. Rachel, why don\u2019t you take a short nap to rest up? Then I will let you beat me a couple of times in checkers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA nap does sound good to tell you the truth. I\u2019ll be down in an hour or so.\u201d Rachel smiled and walked into the house.<\/p>\n
Joe walked around to the side of the porch and started to pick up the cut wood. Ben was soon over to his son and stopped him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI used the wood as an excuse, Joseph. I really just wanted to talk to you.\u201d Ben confessed and Joe set the wood back down.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome here\u2014let\u2019s sit down.\u201d Ben directed his son over to the side steps of the porch. The two sat down and Ben tried to choose his words correctly. \u201cIt\u2019s about you and Rachel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about us?\u201d Joe asked innocently.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there something you have to tell me?\u201d Ben asked forcing his gaze on his son. Joe dropped his head down releasing his eyes from the piercing brown eyes of his father.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2014not really.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben asked again and his tone was requesting an honest answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay\u2014well\u2014as it turns out\u2014I mean\u2014\u201d Joe struggled with his explanation and Ben broke in again.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou two are in love.\u201d Ben said flatly and Joe looked up again amazed that his father knew what had happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes it show that much?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery much.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd\u2014you don\u2019t approve\u2014is that what this is about, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben pulled Joe close and shook his head disturbed at what he had asked. \u201cIt is not a matter of disapproving, Joseph. It is a matter of understanding how things are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat things? You mean the fact that we are not the same color? I understand that all too well. Unfortunately my heart does not know colors, it just knows feelings.\u201d Joe was now on the defensive.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know how fond of Rachel I am\u2014and it should go without saying how I feel about you. I am just worried about what this will cost the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the family? Are you worried about the family reputation?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you should know the answer to that. You never should have to ask me that. My sons and their happiness is all I ever cared about. I am not your enemy\u2014I just need to warn you about what might happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPa\u2014this was not a well thought out plan\u2014in fact there wasn\u2019t even a plan at all. I didn\u2019t just decide I was going to fall in love with Rachel\u2014no more than she decided that she was going to fall in love with me. I hate the inconvenience this will cause the rest of the world\u2014but I only care about Rachel\u2019s happiness now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore things get too serious\u2014maybe it would be wise if\u2014\u201d Ben trailed off and Joe stood up angrily.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Rachel would just leave? Is that what you were gonna say?\u201d Joe spouted harshly.<\/p>\n
Ben stood and grabbed Joe\u2019s arm to take hold of him and the situation. \u201cJust a minute there, Young Man. I am not firing off at you and I expect the same courtesy from you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked down at the ground and sighed. He felt bad now. He had not meant to yell at his father. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. This has gotten to me. I mean I can\u2019t let go of it. You know what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben now broke into a smile despite himself. \u201cI know you think that I am ancient and can\u2019t possibly remember what it feels like to be in love. I assure you I remember it very well. I just wish that things could be different for you, Joseph. You can\u2019t blame me for being worried about your future\u2014I am your father\u2014and I will always worry about you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that, Pa.\u201d Joe returned his father\u2019s smile and patted his arm. \u201cAnd no\u2014I do not think of you as being ancient either! That\u2019s why I thought you\u2019d know what I am feeling because I know how much you loved my mother. I feel that same way towards Rachel, in spite of our color difference, in spite of our different backgrounds, in spite of what the world may or may not do to us. I love her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head in defeat. He wondered now why he had even broached the subject with his youngest son. He was of course, the child who had to learn everything in life the hard way. He was the child who thought with his heart and not his brain.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake it slow\u2014that\u2019s all I am asking right now. And, if it just so happens that you decide that the two of you have to be together\u2014well\u2014no matter what, you will have my blessings. Now\u2014go get that blasted wood will you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe hugged his father to thank him for the vote of support and to show him how much he appreciated his concern and love. \u201cYes, Sir!\u201d Joe made a half-hearted salute, which was followed by a string of laughter. Ben stood on the porch shaking his head at the boy who was so much like mercury that it almost scared him.<\/p>\n
********<\/p>\n
After dinner, both Joe and Rachel had decided to turn in early. They had plans to venture into Virginia City the next day and wanted to get an early start. Ben sat by the fireplace half-heartedly reading a book. Hoss had also turned in for the evening leaving Ben and Adam alone in the living room.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to talk about it?\u201d Adam asked his father and handed him a brandy.<\/p>\n
Ben looked up surprised at the sudden question and what it meant.<\/p>\n
\u201cTalk about what, Son?\u201d Ben asked sipping the brandy slowly.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe and Rachel.\u201d Adam commented flatly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly someone who was blind wouldn\u2019t see what was going on between the two of them at dinner. They couldn\u2019t keep their eyes off each other. They are in love.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2014I am afraid that is the case.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2014you going to put a stop to it or what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you really think I could? You know your little brother once he is dead set on something. There is nothing I could ever do to break the two of them up. If I tried it would send him off with her and I would never see him again. I am not willing to take that chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam neared his father and looked down at him. \u201cPa, no matter what our personal views on slavery, no matter what great ideals you implanted in us as boys, this is going to destroy this family. And I think you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben stood and faced Adam head on. \u201cWhat would you have me do, Adam? Send the two of them packing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis world\u2014hell\u2014even this country will persecute them relentlessly! Slavery was not abolished in men\u2019s hearts no matter what Mr. Lincoln\u2019s intentions were. I don\u2019t think prejudice will ever be abolished. I saw the worst of the worst during the war\u2014and still the hatred persists!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben softened his expression. He could tell that everything that Adam had said was said out of love and worry for Joe and Rachel as well. He could also tell that the war still was being fought, and it was on the battleground that existed in his son\u2019s mind. \u201cWe have to let them have their chance, Son. It is a million to one, but we have to let them try. If not they will forever wonder if it would have worked. All we can do is offer our support and love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam settled back down into his chair and thought for a moment. \u201cThey are going into town tomorrow\u2014you know that don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2014I know.\u201d Ben answered solemnly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss and I are going too\u2014just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can\u2019t always have bodyguards you know.\u201d Ben warned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can for the time being.\u201d Adam remarked and it showed his intentions. Both he and Hoss would make sure that no harm came to their brother nor the woman he loved.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
The next day Joe and Rachel went out in the surrey again. They did not see his two brothers as they mounted up earlier and also headed into Virginia City. The pair would remain in the background just in case they were needed.<\/p>\n
Joe pulled his rig up at the livery stable and helped Rachel down. One of the livery stable workers came out to greet them. It was a friend of the Cartwright family named Jeb Taylor. He was a black man in his later forties who had worked as both livery stable employee and also blacksmith when needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cJeb\u2014this here is Rachel. Rachel, this is Jeb Taylor.\u201d Joe started the introductions.<\/p>\n
\u201cNice to meet you.\u201d Rachel nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cPleasure, Miss Rachel. What brings you to our little town?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVisiting Joe right now.\u201d She replied.<\/p>\n
Jeb watched the looks that passed between Joe and Rachel and he felt an anger start to arise in his chest. He wondered if Joe was serious in his feelings toward the young lady. He watched as she grabbed for Joe\u2019s hand and he accepted it. Jeb knew what he was seeing and still could not believe it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill you stable the horses for me, Jeb? We are going to be shopping for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLivery is full\u2014best go elsewhere.\u201d Jeb said indignantly and turned away from the couple. Joe didn\u2019t catch on right away to what was happening. Unfortunately Rachel was well aware of the feelings the black man had displayed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHamm what got into him?\u201d Joe asked himself and then looked at Rachel. \u201cDon\u2019t worry\u2014we can stable them down at the end of town.\u201d Joe helped Rachel back into the surrey and they drove to the other livery. Once there, Joe left the horses and walked Rachel around the town.<\/p>\n
Rachel looked in the display window and saw a beautiful gown at the town\u2019s dress shop. Joe saw how she looked at it and knew that he had to get it for her. \u201cC\u2019mon\u2014let\u2019s go inside for a second.\u201d He said and dragged her inside before Rachel could protest.<\/p>\n
\u201cMrs. Lindstrom.\u201d Joe nodded toward the owner of the shop. \u201cMy friend Rachel here was admiring the dress in the window. Do you have anything like that in her size?\u201d<\/p>\n
The owner looked at the petite black girl and then over to some patrons who stood with their mouths wide open. Mrs. Lindstrom did not want to do anything that would make her lose the business of her regular clientele.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am afraid we have nothing like that. Good day.\u201d The owner said coolly to the couple.<\/p>\n
Joe spied a rack of clothes off to the side and there was the identical dress. He held it up and said, \u201cThis looks about right doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs. Lindstrom walked closer to Joe and whispered in his ear, \u201cWe do not attend colored girls in this establishment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe set the dress back on the rack and took Rachel by the arm and walked out of the shop. He almost ran right into his two brothers who were standing outside waiting.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014you almost bowled us over, Little Brother.\u201d Hoss said and then read the look on Joe\u2019s face and knew there had been trouble.<\/p>\n
\u201cRachel\u2014stay here with Hoss for a minute. Hey\u2014Adam\u2014I need to talk with you.\u201d Joe said and he walked off into the alley with his older brother.<\/p>\n
\u201cI take it you had some trouble in the dress shop?\u201d Adam said and Joe nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014is that why the two of you showed up?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2014we just thought\u2014\u201d Adam started but Joe cut in again.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay\u2014I am not mad\u2014in fact I need you two to do me a big favor. I have to go to the bank for a couple of minutes. Will you take Rachel over to see Roy and introduce her? I am sure she will have no problem with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd exactly what do you plan to do at the bank?\u201d Adam pried knowing that expression on his brother\u2019s face. The face said he was going after revenge, pure and simple.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll tell you when I get back, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure\u2014you go ahead\u2014I am looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve anyway.\u201d Adam grinned and patted his brother\u2019s back.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Joe sat in the back office of the bank manager. He had already spoken to the man and was very clear in his intentions. Joe demanded immediate assistance, and was catered to since he now was one of the largest depositors. It took almost an hour, but Joe waited patiently for the man to perform his duties. When the bank manager returned he had in his possession the lien to Mrs. Lindstrom\u2019s dress shop.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou hold the lien now, Joe. What in the world made you decide to take over a dress shop anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe grinned and shook the man\u2019s outstretched hand. \u201cOh\u2014I just thought it was about time that I diversified a little with my holdings. Thanks for taking care of this for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnytime, Joe\u2014anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next stop was Mrs. Lindstrom\u2019s dress shop. Joe walked in and motioned the woman over to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am going to bring my friend back in here and you are going to treat her as well as you treat any other client in here. I now hold the lien to your shop. Need I say more?\u201d Joe asked, his eyes still full of rage at how Rachel had been treated earlier.<\/p>\n
Mrs. Lindstrom looked at the lien papers that Joe held in his hands and frowned. She couldn\u2019t afford to take any chances. She was already two months behind on her note.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Mr. Cartwright. You bring the young lady in and I will be happy to make her feel comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought so.\u201d Joe nodded and turned to leave.<\/p>\n
********(**<\/p>\n
Rachel stood outside of the dressing room and modeled her new dress for Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d She asked turning around so he could get a total view.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it is almost as beautiful as you are.\u201d Joe replied smiling. He noticed how several other patrons walked out of the dress shop rather abruptly. Mrs. Lindstrom stood off to the side trying her best to hide her ire at the situation before her. \u201cWe\u2019ll take it.\u201d Joe said to the store owner.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine\u2014I\u2019ll ring you up now.\u201d She replied hastily.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot just yet. Rachel, Darling\u2014choose another dress\u2014there is a dance Saturday and I want you to find one that will show off your beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut\u2014Joe\u2014\u201d Rachel stammered\u2014she had seen how the others in the shop had fled due to her appearance in the store.<\/p>\n
Joe reached for a bright blue satin dress and brought it over to Rachel. \u201cThis looks about your size. How about trying it on\u2014for me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel shook her head amused at Joe\u2019s persistence. \u201cOkay\u2014just one more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam and Hoss watched from a distance as Joe and Rachel left the dress shop carrying the two packages. \u201cYou got to give it to the kid\u2014he knows how to get to people, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam smiled over at his brother Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014he is a defiant cuss! Looks like they are heading down to the International House now. Let\u2019s follow.\u201d Hoss answered and they still followed their brother at a good distance.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2014now what do we have here?\u201d Mitch Devlin asked walking out of the saloon and addressing his old friend Joe and his girlfriend,<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014Mitch! This is Rachel\u2014I\u2019ve been telling you about her for years. Rachel this is my old pal Mitch.\u201d Joe introduced the two.<\/p>\n
\u201cNice to meet you, Mitch.\u201d Rachel nodded toward the man.<\/p>\n
\u201cPleasure is all mine, Rachel. Gee\u2014Joe\u2014you weren\u2019t fooling when you said how pretty she was!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe\u2014did you really tell him that?\u201d Rachel asked amused at the thought that Joe had bragged about her to his friends.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2014actually I told him you were gorgeous!\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014you two coming to the dance this Saturday?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure are! We just got Rachel a dress for it\u2014she will be the prettiest girl there too!\u201d Joe replied and took her hand into his.<\/p>\n
Two other men stepped out of the saloon and looked over at Joe holding the young black girl\u2019s hand. Instantly they started in on the couple.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe Cartwright! What the hell is wrong with your vision, boy? That there is a slave girl!\u201d One of the men shouted loudly and a small gathering started due to the commotion.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go, Joe.\u201d Rachel insisted, wanting to break the tension of the situation.<\/p>\n
Joe would hear nothing of it; he walked closer to both men. \u201cAre you done loud mouth?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014Jim here was just warning you, Cartwright. No reason to get mad and all. Those slaves have a place in the world\u2014but it ain\u2019t around white folks!\u201d The other man laughed.<\/p>\n
Joe lit into both men and Mitch moved Rachel away from the fight. Hoss and Adam charged down the sidewalk and were thrust into the middle of the event. Joe knocked one man off the walkway and into the street. Hoss took care of the other man with a left hook to the jaw. Joe still was relentless with his fists. In his mind he wasn\u2019t just fighting the man or his ill remarks; Joe felt he was fighting prejudice itself.<\/p>\n
Coughing out blood, the man on the street begged to be let go.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow you apologize or I will finish you off!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay\u2014okay\u2014I am sorry for saying what I did.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot good enough!\u201d Joe shouted and threw another punch.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry for calling her a slave!\u201d He yelled again.<\/p>\n
\u201cC\u2019mon, Joe, let him go.\u201d Adam said grabbing his brother\u2019s left hand before it could send another blow to the man\u2019s face. Joe tried to gain his composure. He stood and turned to see Rachel. She looked so frightened and so sad. Joe then saw the people who stood staring at the spectacle that the men had all made.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis goes for all of you!\u201d Joe shouted towards the crowd. \u201cThis lady\u2014Rachel Cartier\u2014is my friend\u2014no not just friend\u2014\u201d Joe paused and walked up to the sidewalk and put his arm around Rachel\u2019s shivering shoulder. \u201cShe is my girlfriend. And anyone who has a problem with that can come and see me! Let\u2019s go.\u201d Joe turned Rachel in the other direction and walked off. He could still see the looks of the other people. They appeared to be in shock.<\/p>\n
Mitch caught up with his friend and handed Joe the packages that he had inadvertently left in front of the saloon. \u201cSorry about that, Rachel. Not all of us here are total idiots. I hope you will give us a chance to redeem ourselves and our town.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel looked from Mitch to Joe and back again. She broke into the most beautiful saintly smile and it melted both men\u2019s hearts to see it. \u201cThank you, Mitch, Joe said you were a real friend\u2014you have proved that today. There will always be people like those two down the street. I consider it very fortunate that there will always be folks like you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mitch smiled at the young woman\u2019s statement and put his arm around both Rachel and Joe. \u201cOkay\u2014I expect a dance out of this deal then, Old Buddy\u2014that is if you can let Rachel out of your arms for a minute on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou got it.\u201d Joe winked and patted his friend on the back. \u201cThanks, Mitch\u2014for taking care of Rachel while I was taking care of that loud mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014what are friends for? You just sing out if anyone else starts something\u2014I\u2019ll be right there! See you two Saturday!\u201d Mitch winked and walked off.<\/p>\n
Joe pulled Rachel closer. \u201cPlease forgive the way things went today\u2014it won\u2019t always be like this \u2014I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel looked at Joe\u2019s bruised left hand; she brought it up to her face and kissed it. \u201cThank you for being my protector.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways.\u201d Joe whispered and brought her chin up and kissed her. This time it was no mistake. It wasn\u2019t a quick kiss either. It sealed the love he felt in his heart for Rachel.<\/p>\n
Rachel looked into his eyes when the kiss was broken. \u201cI am not running off this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe laughed and pulled her close again. \u201cI\u2019ll never let you run off again.\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n
The two lovebirds heard someone cough and looking around they saw it was Adam and Hoss standing there. \u201cIf you two are done\u2014\u201d Adam grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now\u2014\u201d Joe winked.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf\u2019n you think you have caused enough stir to this here town\u2014how about we go home? I know you were going to the restaurant\u2014but I have a taste for real food. And there ain\u2019t nobody cooks better than Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2014let\u2019s go home.\u201d Rachel nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cHome.\u201d Joe repeated feeling very happy that she felt that way about the ranch now.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you both for watching out for us today.\u201d Rachel said and hugged both Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cVanilla!\u201d Hoss said loudly. \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019ve been smelling. You have the scent of vanilla, Rachel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel blushed and then giggled. \u201cYou folks are gonna laugh\u2014but that is exactly what kind of perfume I use\u2014it\u2019s vanilla extract. I love the fragrance. Not too cultured am I?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam hugged the young woman and fought back tears. He, too, remembered Marie Cartwright\u2014a woman he had loved like his very own mother. \u201cMarie\u2014your fragrance reminds me of Joe\u2019s mother.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe was surprised to see Adam so touched by the memory of his mother. Maybe it wasn\u2019t just that either. Joe felt that having helped to protect Rachel that Adam was starting to feel like his old self; pre-war days. That thought eased Joe\u2019s heart and made a moment of pure peace. He saw how his brothers had accepted the woman that he loved and it made it so much easier on the two young lovers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI happen to be partial to vanilla myself.\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cMe too\u2014reminds me of cookies! Dadburn it\u2014you three are making me even hungrier! Let\u2019s get home!\u201d Hoss laughed and they walked off to get the surrey and the two horses.<\/p>\n
*********<\/p>\n
Ben couldn\u2019t help noticing the fact that all three of his sons looked a might tousled upon their return home late that afternoon. He also detected the bruised cheek and left hand that Joe sported. Knowing that there had been trouble, Ben waited to address it. The family ate their dinner and all talk was light and cheerful. They spoke of many things, none of which was what had happened in Virginia City that day.<\/p>\n
When Rachel had announced that she was ready for bed, Joe walked her to her room.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry that this day didn\u2019t exactly come off as I had planned it.\u201d Joe apologized again.<\/p>\n
Rachel touched the bruises on Joe\u2019s face and smiled. \u201cOh you just wanted to show off that\u2019s all!\u201d She teased.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was rather charming wasn\u2019t I? I sure knocked the wind out of that jerk\u2019s sail!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cModesty\u2014one of the things I love about you.\u201d Rachel laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally\u2014I am sorry.\u201d Joe turned serious again.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t have to be sorry, Joe. I told you that there would be trouble with all of this. You didn\u2019t notice the man at the livery stable but I did. That man obviously hated the thought of us just as much as some of the white folks did. Prejudice is on both sides of the color issue you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s their problem.\u201d Joe said turning defiant once more. \u201cAll I care about is you. I love you so much.\u201d Joe bent down and kissed Rachel. They embraced and held tightly to one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish we could make our own world, Joe. But, unfortunately we are stuck in this one. I wish everyone all of a sudden would go blind. Imagine that for a minute! No-one would know who to hate!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014there would always be something to hate, Rachel. If not color, then it would be someone\u2019s religion, or someone\u2019s status in life. I remember Pa saying that the only place that doesn\u2019t allow hate is Heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we are alone\u2014just the two of us\u2014I feel like I am in heaven already.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe kissed her again and then pulled away. \u201cI could stand here all night\u2014but you better get some rest. You and I will go off on our own tomorrow\u2014no-one to bother us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to keep you from your work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2014I have one more day off, let me enjoy it will you? Then it will be back to the same old grind. Just because I\u2019m now independently wealthy doesn\u2019t mean that Pa won\u2019t work my hide off!\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll look forward to tomorrow, Joe. Goodnight.\u201d Rachel said pulling open her door.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight\u2014I love you.\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you too.\u201d Rachel replied and then walked into her room.<\/p>\n
By the time Joe had made it down the stairs he could tell that his brothers had filled his father in on everything that had happened in town that day. He braced himself for what was to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, congratulations, Joseph\u2014I hear you now own a dress shop!\u201d Ben called over to the boy, a bit of sarcasm bleeding out in his statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, Pa\u2014always wanted one you know!\u201d Joe teased and sat down on the settee next to Hoss for back-up.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout the little incident\u2014\u201d Ben began and Joe broke in.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t much\u2014nothing to get all up in arms about.\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, maybe not this time. But, what about next time?\u201d Ben replied trying to get his son to take off the blinders and face facts.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne day at a time, Pa. Aren\u2019t you always telling me that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2014I do remember saying that many times.\u201d Ben broke into a smile at his words coming back to haunt him. \u201cI just want you and Rachel to be careful\u2014that\u2019s all I was getting at.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2014thanks to my two bodyguards here\u2014no harm was done really. And, I will try to keep from fighting if that\u2019s what is bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLook at your face and tell me I shouldn\u2019t be bothered.\u201d Ben retorted and saw his son slink down on the settee in response.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey just got to get use to the idea\u2014those townsfolk\u2014that\u2019s all, Pa.\u201d Hoss jumped to Joe\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s gonna take some time for them to do that, Hoss. That is if they ever really will get use to it.\u201d Adam chimed in.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t personally give a damn if they like it or not!\u201d Joe said hotly.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben shot him a look to watch his tongue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry but it\u2019s how I feel. It\u2019s my life and not theirs. If they don\u2019t like it they can go elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben sighed in frustration and sat back down. He decided to change the subject. \u201cI have to go over to see Mr. Hawkins tomorrow to sign the papers on that new tract of land up by north shore. You all try and stay out of trouble will you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTrouble? Us?\u201d The three brothers said in unison and Ben had to laugh at the innocent looks they were giving him.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy little angels\u2014why would I suggest that you would be in any trouble?\u201d Ben replied and it broke up the room. The family was together, and they were trying their best to tackle a most formidable foe; prejudice and the hatred which caused it. The Cartwrights would close ranks and try to fend even the evil of hatred off if need be to protect one of their own.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
The next day turned out beautiful. Joe and Rachel had gone out to see the many sights around the ranch. They enjoyed their time alone and it only fueled their love for one another. Rachel had said it the night before; when they were alone in their own world it was like being in heaven.<\/p>\n
Stopping briefly to pester his two brothers, Joe and Rachel stopped by the branding corral and then made their way off to another site to relax and enjoy another picnic. They wished that the day would never end, but it was starting to get dark and the wind had picked up by the lake. Joe worried about Rachel catching cold and had decided it was time to head back to the house. Rachel went right to her room to change into warmer clothes and Joe walked over to where his family was discussing something over in Ben\u2019s study.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d He asked sitting down on the corner of the desk.<\/p>\n
Ben looked up and Joe could tell there had been some kind of trouble. His father\u2019s face was as easy to read as his own.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Hawkins canceled the sale of that tract of land.\u201d Adam announced.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would he do that? I thought it was a done deal?\u201d Joe asked confused.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. I can get along without it.\u201d Ben stated with ire still in his tone.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you wanted it to move the herd on this winter!\u201d Joe protested and then sensed that they were all keeping something from him. \u201cOkay, what\u2019s the real reason for this?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben cleared his throat and carefully chose his words. \u201cIt seems that Mr. Hawkins doesn\u2019t like our choice of houseguest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked back and forth between his family members exasperated. \u201cWhat does Rachel have to do with this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a most prejudice man, Joseph. He heard about you and Rachel. It seems that what happened in town yesterday was just what the town gossips were waiting for. Once he found out about it he canceled the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s fist clenched at the idea of what had happened. \u201cYou know I would have thought more of Virginia City than that. I guess I was wrong. I\u2019m sorry, Pa. Maybe Rachel and I should find somewhere else to live.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben stood and put his arm around his youngest son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou were not raised to run away from a problem now were you?\u201d He asked quietly.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Sir. But, I\u2019m not going to stick around and let my being in love with Rachel effect this ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014and your leaving wouldn\u2019t effect this ranch?\u201d Ben asked ironically.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa\u2019s right, Joe,\u201d Hoss interjected. \u201cThis ranch is the four of us. And anyone else who becomes a Cartwright. We have fought off others who have tried to tear us apart. This is no different.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe wiped the tears that had now drifted from his eyes. He looked upon the faces of his brothers and his father and their expressions were nothing but love for him. \u201cThanks\u2014you are about the best family anyone could ever ask for.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u2014\u201d Ben coughed again to clear his throat. He, too, was a bit emotionally affected by the warmth in the room. \u201cLet\u2019s figure out what we are gonna do about this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m gonna go to the dance with Rachel tomorrow\u2014you all know that right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know. And we will be there as well. Maybe if they see how we are as a family, they will know how serious we are about this prejudice nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anything happens\u2014I just want you all to watch out for Rachel for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will watch out for BOTH of you.\u201d Ben replied and gave Joe a pat on his back.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy\u2014you all look like the Indians are fixin to attack!\u201d Rachel called from the staircase.<\/p>\n
The four Cartwrights turned to the young lady and Ben called out.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a matter of fact, we were talking about something very serious, Young Lady!\u201d Ben gave Joe a quick wink to let him know everything would be kept from Rachel to protect her feelings. Ben made it to the bottom of the stairs and shot out his elbow for her to take. She placed her tiny hand around the massive arm and smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is so serious?\u201d She asked a little alarmed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, that son of mine was not going to let us have a dance with you tomorrow night. But, after some severe threatening he has at last caved in to our demands!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam and Hoss moved over to Rachel. \u201cYeah, and I got me first dibs too!\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Hoss.\u201d Adam started. \u201cWe are going by age\u2014so I will be first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot so fast there you whippersnapper!\u201d Ben laughed. \u201cAs patriarch of this wild bunch, I will get the first dance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe wiped the remaining tears from his eyes and hurried over to the stairs. \u201cWrong! I get the first dance as the youngest member and the one who happens to be madly in love with the young lady.\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014all right\u2014but then we go in line from oldest to youngest.\u201d Ben laughed and handed Rachel over to Joe\u2019s waiting arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have never been this popular in my life!\u201d Rachel giggled and Joe hugged her tightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou will be the belle of the ball tomorrow, my love, just remember who you are going home with.\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014all four of us!\u201d Hoss laughed and saw Rachel\u2019s eyes light up from all the love that was in the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait for tomorrow.\u201d Rachel said looking at the four men in front of her who had accepted her for herself despite any color difference.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
The town hall in Virginia City was decked out in her finest the next evening and already there was a full room of guests. Rachel paused on the steps and turned toward her escort, a look of fear on her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe\u2014maybe this isn\u2019t such a good idea. I haven\u2019t seen one woman of color here so far.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe took her hand and stared at her beauty. She wore the bright satin blue gown that he had chosen for her to wear. A matching bright blue ribbon adorned her hair that was secured on top of her head making her look even more stunning than usual. Staring into the troubled eyes, Joe\u2019s heart broke for her. He hated that she would feel this uncomfortable in his own home town.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow listen here, Rachel, you are the most beautiful woman Virginia City has ever seen. So any stares that you might get will be stares of pure envy. You have more than anyone here. You are beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. Now, I won\u2019t know about the others in there, ’cause I am only going to be looking at you. I\u2019m here with you and I won\u2019t let anything happen to you. Neither will my family. You said it yourself\u2014didn\u2019t you\u2014that some people will always hate the fact that we are in love? But, don\u2019t let that stop you from the ones who will come to accept us. We can\u2019t hide from this town.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look so handsome,\u201d she said in reply. Joe was dressed in his dark blue suit with a blue string tie and the two young people were stunning, despite their difference in skin tone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy thank you.\u201d Joe smiled and bowed at the waist. \u201cNow\u2014you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel took Joe\u2019s elbow and nodded. The two of them walked into the room followed closely by the other Cartwrights. The music was loud and the room packed with people, but still the stares began. Joe escorted Rachel across the room to where Mitch stood with his girlfriend.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe! Rachel!\u201d Mitch called out as they approached.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi, Mitch.\u201d Joe smiled and nodded over to his friend\u2019s date.<\/p>\n
\u201cRachel\u2014this here is Bonnie\u2014Bonnie this is Joe\u2019s girlfriend Rachel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNice to meet you, Rachel.\u201d Bonnie smiled. She had already been told about Joe\u2019s new girlfriend, and being of the same nature as Mitch, she accepted the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery nice to meet you too, Bonnie.\u201d Rachel smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe old place sure is packed.\u201d Joe commented and looked around the room. He could see that his family members were mingling with the guests, but also keeping an eye out for trouble.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014how about we impress these girls with our dancing abilities?\u201d Mitch asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWould you give me the great honor of this dance?\u201d Joe asked Rachel and she grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy pleasure, kind sir.\u201d She replied.<\/p>\n
Joe and Mitch escorted their ladies out to the dance floor where a waltz was just starting to play.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may be a little rusty,\u201d Joe whispered in Rachel\u2019s ear as the dance started.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have strong toes\u2014don\u2019t worry about me.\u201d Rachel laughed and Joe whirled her around the dance floor. They were in another world, one of their own. Never noticing the other dancers as they started departing from the dancing and made their way over to the sidelines. Soon it was just Joe and Rachel and Mitch and Bonnie dancing to the waltz.<\/p>\n
The other Cartwrights had witnessed what was happening and they each grabbed a partner and joined Joe and Rachel to make the departing dancers look totally foolish. Ben watched as he danced with the widow Thompson, he could see the spell that his son was under and it almost made him wish he were that young and in love again. When the song was over Joe brought Rachel over for some refreshments. He poured her a glass of punch and handed it to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome people!\u201d A woman by the punch bowl directed over to the young couple as an insult and walked away in a huff. Joe and Rachel just laughed in response.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother song is about to begin.\u201d Ben announced approaching Joe. \u201cI believe it is at last my turn to dance with the lovely Miss Rachel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay\u2014I guess we owe you this one.\u201d Joe smiled and winked at his father.<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I?\u201d Ben asked taking Rachel\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy great pleasure.\u201d Rachel nodded and Ben escorted her out to the dance floor. Joe watched his father as he danced with the young woman. It heartened him to see how Ben had accepted the woman he planned to make his bride and the first Cartwright daughter-in law.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t had much time to talk to you alone, my dear.\u201d Ben whispered as the two of them danced.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for sharing Joe with me, Ben. I hope I haven\u2019t upset your life too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot at all, Rachel. You know I guess I have known all along how Joseph felt about you. I could see it in his eyes a long time ago. I think you are a wonderful young lady. And if it\u2019s your decision and Joseph\u2019s I would gladly accept you as a daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel brushed the tears from her eyes and held on a little more tightly to Ben\u2019s hands. \u201cYou have no idea how much that means to me\u2014how much it means to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow don\u2019t you go getting all weepy on me or that hotheaded son of mine might pick a fight with his old man.\u201d Ben teased and handed her his handkerchief.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know why Joe is the way he is\u2014and it is because of the way you raised him. For that I will forever be in your debt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want what\u2019s best for him\u2014and for you. And if that is each other than so be it. But, you know it won\u2019t be easy with the way of things.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know. I wish everyone had a family like yours\u2014then maybe the world would be more accepting of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo more sad talk. Our dance is ending and I want to see you smile.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel looked up into Ben\u2019s soft brown eyes and did as instructed; she smiled. The sight melted Ben\u2019s heart and helped to make him realize exactly what his son had seen in the young woman.<\/p>\n
As Ben walked Rachel back over to Joe he heard a scuffle going on over at the far end of the room. He hurriedly handed the girl back over to her date and then went off to see what was happening.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said the war is over!\u201d Adam shouted and threw another man up against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust because your side won\u2014don\u2019t make it okay for you to bring your slaves into here to dance with!\u201d The man called back.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you know how many men died because of idiots like you?\u201d Adam said shaking the man by his collar. \u201cToo bad that people like you survived when a whole lot of good men are dead and buried!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben moved quickly over to Adam\u2019s side. He could read the intensity on his son\u2019s face and knew what he was thinking. He was again reliving the loss of his friends in battle and that was tearing him up on the inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d Ben shouted and pushed Adam\u2019s hand away from the man\u2019s throat. \u201cYou need to leave before someone kills you.\u201d Ben warned the man.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine by me!\u201d The man shouted and reached down to retrieve his hat. \u201cI\u2019d no sooner stay with you slave lovers than I would pigs in a sty!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben sent a fist flying with the remark the man made. It would have turned into a full-scale battle but Roy Coffee had made his way over to the three of them before Ben could land another punch.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay\u2014Pete\u2014seems you\u2019ve had a bit too much of the joy juice. You go on and get out of here.\u201d Roy warned the man.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother slave lover!\u201d Pete shouted and turned and stormed out the door.<\/p>\n
There was a sudden quiet in the room. The band had stopped playing and the gossips had started to whisper about what had happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cFire up that band!\u201d Roy yelled. \u201cThis here is a dance not a funeral!\u201d<\/p>\n
And with the sheriff\u2019s statement the room was once again filled with music and dancing. Adam walked over to Joe who was taking everything internally.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe it is my turn now?\u201d He said and Joe grinned at his brother.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you stand another Cartwright?\u201d Joe asked Rachel.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am having the time of my life!\u201d She replied and accepted Adam\u2019s outstretched arm, leaving Joe once more.<\/p>\n
The dance went on for hours, and once the initial shock of Joe\u2019s choice for a date had died down, things had gone more smoothly. There was time for several more dances and Joe took advantage of the opportunity to hold Rachel in his arms for each one of them. Finally, it was time for Hoss\u2019 turn with the young lady and Joe reluctantly turned her over to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay\u2014good thing I haven\u2019t got more than two brothers or you would be plum worn out!\u201d Joe said to Rachel and saw Hoss grin. \u201cI am going over to get the surrey\u2014I will be back in a couple of minutes. You keep an eye on her for me, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAn eye on her and an arm around her.\u201d Hoss winked at his brother as he headed out to the dance floor.<\/p>\n
If Joe hadn\u2019t been so exhausted from the night\u2019s events, he would have noticed that something was a bit amiss in the livery stable as he walked inside. But, his mind was on getting the surrey and hurrying back to Rachel.<\/p>\n
\u201cJeb? You here?\u201d Joe called as he moved inside and over to the back room of the stable.<\/p>\n
It was then that the doors closed and Joe spun around. There was a dimly lit lantern sitting on the table by the door giving just enough light to see the three men who stood by the doors. Joe recognized them to be the two men from the day of his fight in front of the saloon. The third man was the one who his brother Adam had thrown out of the dance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Joe asked as they moved closer. \u201cLook I don\u2019t want any trouble.\u201d Joe warned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen you shouldn\u2019t go to mixing with no slaves. It\u2019s time you were taught about life and the way it should be.\u201d The man named Pete said nearing Joe.<\/p>\n
Joe dove towards the oncoming assault. His fists met several targets before his arms were pinned behind him and he started to feel the blows inflicted by all three men. Joe doubled over due to the attack. When they dropped him on the stable floor they began to kick him in the ribs and Joe gasped for air. He tried his hardest to make it to a fetal position to shield himself from the sharp assault of the three men\u2019s boots but it was no use. Over and over again they pummeled and kicked him. He tasted the blood that seeped from a gash above his right eye and fought off the need to vomit.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo get it, Pete.\u201d One of the other men said and Joe saw through blurry vision the man walking to the back of the stable. He was back with something in his hands but Joe couldn\u2019t tell what it was. It was only when he felt the leather of the whip that he realized what was happening. Joe felt his suitcoat being ripped away and his shirt being torn by the strips of leather of a bullwhip. Screaming in pain, Joe prayed for someone to find him, but no one came. Lying on the dirty floor of the livery stable Joe fought back tears of pain. He thought the torment was over when the whip stopped its attack. It was then that he smelled the pungent odor of axle grease.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou like \u2018em so much\u2014let\u2019s make you one of them.\u201d Pete laughed and he poured the thick black grease all over Joe\u2019s face and exposed body. It was then that he lost consciousness.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d came a voice from just beyond the outside door to the town hall. Ben heard the call and walked outside. He saw Jeb Taylor standing there.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it, Jeb?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like your boy taking him a black girlfriend\u2014I don\u2019t think it\u2019s proper.\u201d Jeb started.<\/p>\n
\u201cJeb\u2014this really isn\u2019t the time for this discussion.\u201d Ben replied angrily and started to turn away but the man grabbed his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like it none\u2014but still you all\u2019s been real good to me\u2014so I gotta tell you that Joe is in trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat!\u201d Ben exploded as he stared into the other man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI seen three men go into the stable right after Joe walked in. I was just coming back from shoeing a horse. Figured there was something bad going on in there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss!\u201d Ben called through the crowd. \u201cStay with Rachel! Adam, come with me!\u201d<\/p>\n
People inside the dance wondered why Ben Cartwright sounded so agitated. Hoss kept a hold of Rachel as Adam hurried over to his father.<\/p>\n
Ben and Adam raced to the livery stable. By the time they arrived there was only one person inside. Joe. Ben rushed to his side and almost immediately felt he would be physically ill looking at the damage that had been done to him. Adam handed his father his handkerchief and kneeled down next to them both.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoseph\u2014oh Joseph\u2014what have they done to you, Boy?\u201d Ben cried as he wiped the axle grease off of his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
Joe only came around for a brief moment. He stared up into his father\u2019s tear filled eyes. \u201cPa\u2014don\u2019t let them hurt Rachel.\u201d Joe mumbled and fell back off into the unconscious world where there was no pain.<\/p>\n
Ben turned and looked over at Adam. \u201cI want you to get Hoss to take Rachel home. It will kill her to see what they have done to Joe. I\u2019m taking Joe over to Doctor Martin\u2019s.\u201d Ben reached over and scooped Joe up into his arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat am I gonna tell Rachel\u2014what am I gonna tell Hoss?\u201d Adam asked as he followed his father outside.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell them Joe had a little accident. They will hear the real story soon enough. Meet me over at the doctor\u2019s office as soon as Hoss and Rachel are safely away.\u201d Ben said and then strode briskly across the street. All that mattered to him now was his youngest son and the damage that had been done to the boy. Ben knew hate very well, but not the kind of hate that could have done this to his son. He vowed to get whoever had done this, just as soon as he knew Joe would survive his injuries.<\/p>\n
*********<\/p>\n
Doctor Martin was just hanging up his coat when he saw the door burst open. He was shocked to see Ben and the battered boy who was in his arms. Having just himself returned from the dance, the doctor could not fathom how Joe could have been injured. He had just spoken to Rachel and Joe just an hour previous.<\/p>\n
\u201cSet the boy over on the examining table, Ben.\u201d Paul instructed and rolled up his sleeves.<\/p>\n
Ben tried to gingerly lay his son down but even though unconscious Joe moaned in pain from the movement.<\/p>\n
\u201cHelp me peel these clothes off of him. Be careful with what is left of his shirt.\u201d Paul said seeing that parts of the material were now deeply imbedded in Joe\u2019s skin on his back. Slowly the two men stripped Joe to his underclothing and the doctor began prodding to see what was broken. Looking over at Ben, who was his long time friend, Paul could sense the anger that was ready to boil over in the man. \u201cWho in the world would do this to Joe?\u201d Paul asked as he dabbed rubbing alcohol on a towel and tried to clean the numerous wounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know but I can assure you I will find out.\u201d Ben replied and grimaced as the doctor turned Joe over on his side and he got the first good look at his son\u2019s back. \u201cJust wait until I get my hands on the man who whipped my boy!\u201d Ben threatened.<\/p>\n
\u201cCalm down, Ben. We\u2019ve got far too much to do to fix Joe\u2014and I\u2019m gonna need a level head here to do it.\u201d Paul reprimanded his friend and then walked over to his table and drew up some medicine in a syringe. \u201cHe\u2019s gonna need something to keep him out while we do all this,\u201d Paul said and injected Joe with a strong sedative. \u201cLet\u2019s start with his head and work our way down. Looks like that gash on his forehead is going to need some sutures. We need to get all this grease off of him to prevent infection.\u201d Paul cleaned Joe\u2019s face thoroughly and Ben kept handing him what he needed. Then came the ten stitches to sew his forehead injury. Ben bit at his bottom lip as he watched the doctor pull the thread threw his son\u2019s pale skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s done. Now we have to wash the rest of him down good with alcohol and soap and water before we can tend the rest of his injuries. Wish I could get him into a bathtub\u2014but that is out of the question. You keep wringing the towels and hand them to me. First the ones with alcohol then the soap and water.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben nodded at the instructions and slowly and meticulously the two men cleaned every inch of Joe\u2019s battered body. The grease was everywhere, and Ben knew why his son had been coated with the liquid and it made his stomach churn at the thought of it all.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow let\u2019s tend his back. I have some ointment that should help prevent infection.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWill it scar?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not sure this time, Ben. Those are some pretty deep lacerations.\u201d Paul shook his head; this was about as bad as he had ever seen Joe Cartwright. And he had seen the young man through just about every kind of illness and injury known to man.<\/p>\n
Once the back was tended the doctor, aided by Ben, taped up Joe\u2019s broken ribs. They tightened the binding and then the doctor looked at the boy\u2019s left arm. \u201cBroken\u2014in two places. Gonna have to set this and cast it. Looks like somebody tromped him good.\u201d Paul again shook his head, his own anger was now mounting. He thought of Joe Cartwright like the son he had never had.<\/p>\n
The two men set Joe\u2019s broken arm and went about applying the plaster cast. Then the doctor positioned the boy so that he was on his side and off his battered back. Rolling back down his sleeves, Paul finally made eye contact with the worried father.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s all for now, Ben. He will sleep for awhile. It won\u2019t be until tomorrow that you can take him home. I suggest you get a mattress in the back of the buckboard for the long drive home, too. It\u2019s going to be a hard trip for him I am afraid. After seeing what happened here in this town, I am sending him back to the Ponderosa for his own protection instead of suggesting the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben let out a deep breath and stroked the matted hair off his son\u2019s forehead. It was then he heard commotion in the outer room. Both he and Doctor Martin went out into the waiting room to see what was going on.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. I couldn\u2019t keep either of them from coming over here.\u201d Adam apologized and Hoss and Rachel neared him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened to Joe?\u201d Hoss demanded followed by Rachel.<\/p>\n
\u201cSit down\u2014the both of you!\u201d Paul commanded. \u201cI\u2019ve got a very injured patient in there and he doesn\u2019t need to hear any of this!\u201d<\/p>\n
Reluctantly Hoss and Rachel took seats and looked up at Ben for an answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone jumped Joe when he went to get the surrey.\u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs he going to be okay?\u201d Rachel asked blotting tears with her handkerchief.<\/p>\n
Ben put his hand on her shoulder. \u201cHe\u2019s going to pull through, Rachel\u2014he\u2019s just been beaten pretty badly.\u201d Ben replied hoping to hide the whole truth from the girl for her sake.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy? Why would someone do this?\u201d Hoss asked shaking his head in grief.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s because of me\u2014it\u2019s all my fault. They hate me and they took it out on Joe.\u201d Rachel now was consumed with sadness. Adam pulled her into his arms and felt her tears fall onto his neck.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe is a big boy. No one tells him what to do\u2014heck no one ever told the kid what to do. He knew the danger was there, but it was worth it to him. Because you are worth it to him. Joe\u2019s a tough kid, he will be fine.\u201d Adam pulled her chin up to look into her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou promise? You promise he\u2019s gonna be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go take a look.\u201d Adam said and saw Ben\u2019s eyes protesting the move.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe not just yet\u2014\u201d Ben started.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a big girl\u2014I don\u2019t care how bad he looks. I will never get to sleep until I see him with my own eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery well\u2014for a minute.\u201d Ben caved in to her requests and brought Rachel in to the back room. Both Adam and Hoss followed the two.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014Joe\u2014\u201d Rachel sobbed as she put her hand on his forehead. She saw the stitches and the cast on his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe will be back to the ranch tomorrow. We have him heavily sedated right now. The best thing you can do for him now is to take care of yourself. He only came to briefly and he made me promise to see that you were okay.\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n
Rachel bent down and kissed Joe\u2019s forehead. She looked up through tear filled eyes at Ben. \u201cYou are telling me the truth\u2014he will get better?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled and put his hand on her trembling shoulder. \u201cTrust me\u2014injuries are nothing new\u2014you do remember Joseph\u2019s grand dive onto the pavement in New Orleans don\u2019t you? He survived a fractured skull and brain surgery. This is nothing compared to all that.\u201d Ben tried to speak light of his son\u2019s newest injuries even though he did not feel that way about it. He wondered how the boy endured such a brutal beating and survived. \u201cNow, you let Hoss and Adam take you home. I am going to stay the night and tomorrow I\u2019ll bring Joe home to you. And knowing Joseph he won\u2019t like the tears in your eyes\u2014so be sure and have a smile ready for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel stroked Joe\u2019s cheek and nodded. \u201cBring him home as soon as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will. Now you all go home and get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what about you?\u201d Rachel asked and Joe\u2019s brothers both laughed at the question.<\/p>\n
\u201cRachel you obviously don\u2019t know our father\u2019s mission in life\u2014\u201d Adam started, \u201cIt is to sit by Joe\u2019s side every time he gets hurt and worry and fuss over him. And he\u2019s had plenty of practice doing it\u2014so Joe is in good hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
To that statement Rachel finally gave off a quick smile. She touched Ben\u2019s arm and said, \u201cTake care of him for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI promise you I will.\u201d Ben nodded and watched as the three of them left the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll go drag out that cot you like so much,\u201d Paul teased. He knew there would be no sleep that night for either of them as they checked Joe every other minute.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
The weak voice called out his father\u2019s name into the darkness and Ben was quickly over to his side. It was almost dawn and Joe had been totally out of it for hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m right here, Joseph.\u201d Ben whispered as he grabbed his son\u2019s right hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere am I?\u201d Joe asked confused.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour little home away from home.\u201d Ben grinned at his son.<\/p>\n
\u201cDocs?\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. You have been knocked out for quite awhile. I guess I don\u2019t have to ask you how you are feeling, do I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2014you don\u2019t.\u201d Joe said grimacing in pain. \u201cRachel\u2014is she okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Son\u2014she is fine. She\u2019s at home with your brothers. Wish I could say the same thing for you. You took some beating there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThose two guys from the other day\u2014and that guy that Adam fought with at the dance they did it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid they tell you why, Joseph?\u201d Ben asked but knew the answer in his heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey said I was a slave lover. The bastards.\u201d Joe said and then moaned as he tried to turn on the table. \u201cThey whipped me pretty good. I didn\u2019t have a chance\u2014I was outnumbered three to one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou just lay still. We will get them\u2014you don\u2019t have to worry. All you have to do is get well. I\u2019ve been so worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes Rachel know\u2014I mean know what they did to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe knows some of it\u2014not all\u2014I didn\u2019t want her to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d Joe said squeezing his father\u2019s hand as another sharp pain ripped through his body.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to thank me you will lay still. You have a whole lot of mending to do, Young Man.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to go home.\u201d Joe protested being away from Rachel.<\/p>\n
\u201cLater today\u2014if you follow orders that is.\u201d Ben warned and saw that Joe was starting to drift back off. \u201cThat\u2019s it\u2014you close those eyes and rest. You will be home soon enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry for all of this, Pa\u2014sorry that you had to go through this.\u201d Joe whispered as tears stung at his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cHush now\u2014there\u2019s nothing for you to be sorry about. You just sleep now, Joseph.\u201d Ben said stroking Joe\u2019s arm to help ease him back into slumber and away from the pain.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
The trip back to the Ponderosa that day was a long one for Joe, just as the doctor had said it would be. He ached with every rut in the road that they hit. Ben tried his best to steer clear of as many jolts as he could, hoping to prevent his son further pain. Roy Coffee had been quick in his determination to catch and arrest the perpetrators and all three men were now locked up securely in the Virginia City jail.<\/p>\n
Having been settled in his room, and also fussed over by each member of his family and Rachel, Joe succumbed to exhaustion and was quickly asleep. Rachel sat at his side all afternoon and evening. Ben had peeked in on his son off and on but decided to let Rachel have the first watch to ease her mind.<\/p>\n
It was almost midnight and Joe stirred in bed and slowly opened his eyes. He saw Rachel staring over at him and his father walking into his room.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinally decided to come back to us did you?\u201d Ben smiled and walked around to the other side of the bed. He felt of Joe\u2019s forehead and was glad not to detect a fever.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooks like the two of you need some sleep now.\u201d Joe stated looking at the two careworn faces.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe aren\u2019t the ones with the injuries. How do you feel, Joe?\u201d Rachel asked holding his right hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh\u2014me\u2014I\u2019m fine. Guess you had to see me lose a fight eventually.\u201d He smiled to reassure them both.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never ever want to see you hurt again.\u201d Rachel replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou better tell her, Pa. Tell her that this is how I spend my spare time\u2014recuperating from injuries.\u201d Joe teased.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, he\u2019s not lying there, Rachel.\u201d Ben nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do have something that I would like to do\u2014but can\u2019t quite manage it right now.\u201d Joe remarked and they both looked at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Rachel asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I\u2019d like to get down on one knee and propose to you. But, since that isn\u2019t going to happen for awhile\u2014think I\u2019ll just ask you right here and now and save the knee stuff for later. So, if you will have this battered man\u2014I would like you to be my wife. I want to spend my life with you.\u201d Joe said looking directly into her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe\u2014\u201d Rachel stammered not knowing what to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know I don\u2019t look like the best catch right now\u2014but once I heal\u2014and I do heal quickly I will be the best husband you could ask for. I will spend my life proving that to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I will leave the two of you alone to discuss this,\u201d Ben said and turned toward the door. He paused briefly and called over to them both. \u201cIf the answer is yes\u2014you both have my blessings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe smiled as Ben closed the door. \u201cDon\u2019t keep me in suspense. What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe\u2014I love you\u2014I love you with all of my heart and you know that. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut\u2014what? I know of no better reason to get hitched do you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe, I have been doing a whole lot of thinking since last night. I want you to listen to me. This world just isn\u2019t ready for us. Maybe next century\u2014maybe then we won\u2019t be judged by what color our skin happens to be\u2014but by what we have inside our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho cares about the rest of the world\u2014as long as we are together.\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n
\u201cI care\u2014and I almost lost you last night because of it. I am never going to let that happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRachel\u2014that\u2019s not fair! I have been in so many fights in my life\u2014this is ridiculous!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey almost killed you because of your love for me. I would have died if you had been killed. And what if we did get married? What then? What about our children, Joe? I would want to give you many children. But, they would be subject to this same kind of prejudice\u2014or even worse since they would be a blending of both the white world and the black world. They would be hated by both sides. Would you want that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we won\u2019t have children\u2014it doesn\u2019t matter as long as we have each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Joe, you just don\u2019t get it do you? We have to contend with the whites who hate us as well as the blacks who hate us. It\u2019s all too much. It would destroy us. And I love you far too much to see that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe let his tears roll down his face, he didn\u2019t care. His heart was breaking. What Rachel had said would have been easier to take if it hadn\u2019t been the God-awful truth, but Joe knew it was.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome folks believe in reincarnation\u2014have you ever heard of it?\u201d Rachel asked stroking Joe\u2019s cheeks and pushing aside the tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe\u2014in the next life time\u2014maybe then we can be together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2014I can just see it\u2014I will be born a white woman and you will be a black man and it will be the same thing. We still won\u2019t be together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be together\u2014someday\u2014not in this little world we created\u2014not in our own heaven\u2014but in the real thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to go on without you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou will never be without me. And I will never be without you. You are so deeply embedded in my heart\u2014and will be there until the day I die.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKiss me, Rachel.\u201d Joe insisted and she reached across the bed and kissed him on the lips. Her tears fell onto his face. It was still there, the magic that they had when they shared their first kiss. \u201cPlease don\u2019t leave me.\u201d Joe begged hugging her to his chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to go back home\u2014back to my world. Thanks to your generosity there is a school opening up\u2014I told you about it the other day, remember? Maybe by teaching others not to hate\u2014I can make a difference so that someone in the future doesn\u2019t have to feel the pain we feel right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll love you forever.\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll love you more,\u201d she said and straightened up to standing. \u201cAdam will take me into town tomorrow. I don\u2019t want you to see me off. I\u2019ll write to you often.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will never be the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2014but it will be something. I have to go and get packed now. Never forget that I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI could never forget that\u2014you will always be in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rachel turned and hurried out of the room. She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and then knocked on Ben\u2019s bedroom door.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it, Rachel\u2014why are you crying?\u201d Ben asked putting his arm around her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to leave, Ben. I love Joe more than anyone I have ever loved. But, you know as well as I do that it won\u2019t work. We would be hated\u2014and so would our children. If I don\u2019t leave now\u2014I never will have the courage to. I\u2019m going to ask Adam to drive me into town tomorrow to catch the stage. Please take care of Joe for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben hugged the young woman and his heart broke for both his son and Rachel. \u201cI hate to see you go, my dear. You have touched all of our lives. I wish things could be different\u2014for you both.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeday\u2014not in this lifetime\u2014maybe in another. Please go to him now\u2014he needs you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben kissed Rachel\u2019s forehead as he released her from his embrace. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of him.\u201d Ben whispered and Rachel hurried to her room.<\/p>\n
Ben entered his son\u2019s room; even from outside the door he had heard the muffled sobs. His heart ached for his youngest son and for a life that could never be. Ben didn\u2019t have the words to say. He wasn\u2019t really sure if there were any. Walking over to the chair by the bed he reached for Joe\u2019s right hand and squeezed it to let him know he was there.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome kind of world isn\u2019t it, Pa? Some kind of world that won\u2019t allow two people who love each other to be together.\u201d Joe cried.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeday, Joseph\u2014perhaps in your lifetime\u2014surely not mine\u2014things will be different. Some day the color of someone\u2019s skin won\u2019t be used as a hate tool. I only wish for you and Rachel that someday was now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love her, Pa. I don\u2019t think I can bear this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt took great love and great strength for her to let you go. You need to do the same for her sake, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not that strong, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben lifted his son\u2019s chin and stared into his eyes and replied, \u201cYes you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe fell off into an exhausted sleep due to the emotions that ate at his heart. It was just before daybreak that Rachel stole into the room with a pair of scissors. Quietly she carefully snipped a lock of Joe\u2019s hair. She needed something of him to take with her. And she would cherish that lock of hair, that remembrance of the love of her life forever.<\/p>\n
***********<\/p>\n
Epilogue:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nRachel Cartier went back to her life in New Orleans. She became a teacher and taught children how to read and spell and also how to love each other. She kept in contact with Joe throughout the years, though they never again laid eyes on each other. They couldn\u2019t. The love as well as the pain remained in the two of their hearts forever.<\/p>\n
Rachel went on to marry and have thirteen children. She lived to see the turn of the century. She lived to see blacks get the right to vote. But, she did not outlive prejudice. It was still live and kicking when she died at the ripe old age of one hundred and three. Rachel was laid to rest with but one possession. As requested in her final breath, a locket was made to remain on her neck when she was put into the casket. Inside that locket was the lock of hair from the man who was her first and only real love.<\/p>\n
*****End*****<\/p>\n
Note from the author<\/em>: This story was a fictional account of the love between Joe and Rachel. However, the prejudice that was addressed in this story is not fictional. It is still out there in the world even into this new century. As long as people are judged by skin color and not by the content of their character there will always be people like Joe and Rachel who have to give up on true love to appease the racists who hate them. There is really only one race of people on this planet\u2014the human race. Maybe some day we will all accept and understand that. Like Joe and Rachel in this story, I also hope I will see it in my lifetime.<\/p>\nDisclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary: \u00a0This is a sequel to Always My Son\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rated: K+ \u00a0WC 18,000<\/p>\n
Always My Son Series, links to stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":57000,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1015,23,1008,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2465,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2004\/04\/Screenshot_20250528_171044_YouTube.jpg?fit=850%2C642&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2979,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2979","url_meta":{"origin":5009,"position":0},"title":"Captain Joe (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"November 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This story is in response to November's Chaps and Spurs Challenge. 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Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (1,125 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\/2014\/05\/Rose-01.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4822,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4822","url_meta":{"origin":5009,"position":4},"title":"Ring of Memories (by Storm)","author":"storm","date":"January 29, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0\u00a0This is my story for the January challenge. \u00a0 Rated: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a01000","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":914,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=914","url_meta":{"origin":5009,"position":5},"title":"Like Father Like Son (by the Tahoe Ladies)","author":"Tahoe Ladies","date":"January 26, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Some light-hearted\u00a0chat between father and son. 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