{"id":5487,"date":"2006-05-01T17:43:50","date_gmt":"2006-05-01T21:43:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5487"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:25","slug":"the-ugly-duckling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5487","title":{"rendered":"The Ugly Duckling (by deansgirl)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Margaret Roberts was always the ugly Roberts daughter–the quiet one who could never find a boyfriend.\u00a0 But the the doctor told her she was dying and she decided to have some fun before it happened.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (6,215 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Ugly Duckling<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Christina Roberts was married Margaret Roberts was there. Margaret was only sixteen then so no one was concerned. When Jane Roberts was married Margaret Roberts was there. Margaret was twenty then and she still did not have a boyfriend. Now her family was starting to get concerned. When Margaret\u2019s younger sister Mary Roberts was married Margaret was twenty-two and still alone. When the youngest Roberts girl was married, eighteen year old Emily, Margaret had just celebrated her twenty-sixth birthday.<\/p>\n

Most of the guests had the same thing to say to Margaret at Emily\u2019s wedding. It was, \u201cMarg, when will we be invited to your wedding?\u201d OR \u201cMarg, you\u2019re not getting any younger.\u201d<\/p>\n

John and Nicole Roberts, Margaret\u2019s parents were concerned by their daughter\u2019s apparent lack of suitors. Margaret was a quiet, obedient girl, a little taller than her eldest sister with almond eyes and mouse colored hair. Her coloring was much too pale but she refused to make it up. She tried to act as though she did not care about the lack of men in her life, but she did care, she cared very much. And although, she held her head high and smiled at all the snide remarks people made that day, inside she was burning.<\/p>\n

The pain first started at Emily\u2019s wedding. Margaret was drinking a glass of punch and watching her sister when she felt it. It started in her chest and quickly spread through the rest of her body. It was a warm piercing pain that almost caused Margaret to pass out. There was a pounding in her temples as though all her blood had rushed to her head. But she was a lady to the end. She set her glass down and excused herself to no one in particular and ran up the stairs to her room. She almost made it to the bed but collapsed on the floor.<\/p>\n

It was several hours before she revived. She stood weakly up and poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher beside her bed. The pain had gone. She carefully made her way to the head of the stairs and looked down. The party was still in full swing. No one had noticed that she had gone. She walked down the stairs, patted her hair, which she wore high on her head and reentered the room. Her father had ordered musicians for the wedding and they were getting ready for the dance. Margaret sat down with a sigh. She would never be asked to dance.<\/p>\n

What was her surprise, then, when Hoss Cartwright walked over to her and stood shyly beside her, he asked her for the honor of the dance. Margaret looked at Hoss for a moment. Surely he was jesting! Why would a Cartwright want to dance with her? But she accepted his invitation with a smile and Hoss took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa know, Miss Margaret.\u201d Hoss looked at her. \u201cYa\u2019re mighty purty when ya smile.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded her head gratefully. \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d No one had ever told her that before. She was always the \u2018ugly Roberts daughter.\u2019 But she decided to enjoy the dance while she could. She had taken so many dance lessons, why let them go to waste?<\/p>\n

She had the same pain two days after Emily\u2019s wedding. It started in her chest and quickly spread to the rest of her body. It was a warm piercing pain that always caused Margaret to pass out. There was always a pounding in her temples as though all her blood had rushed to her head. So far she had been lucky enough to avoid fainting in front of anyone. This day, though, her mother was entertaining guests when Margaret first started to feel it. She hastily excused herself and walked stately up the stairs her hand on her heart. She managed to get to the bedroom and shit the door before she passed out on the floor.<\/p>\n

As it always was, Margaret awoke after several hours. She had been lucky this time and no one had seen the incident. But there may come a day when it was not so. Margaret knew that she needed to see someone about the pain. Since it was around her heart, she knew she had to see a professional man, a doctor\u2014Dr. Paul Martin.<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin did not say much as he listened to Margaret Roberts\u2019 story. Occasionally he asked a brief question such as, \u201cWhen did you first notice the pain?\u201d But for the most part he was silent.<\/p>\n

When Margaret had finished her story Dr. Martin leaned back in his chair and pressed his fingertips together. He closed his eyes dreading having to tell the young girl what he had to tell her\u2014what he suspected was wrong with her. He took her thin white wrist in his hand and placed his first tow fingers over her pulse. As he had feared, it was weak and thready. \u201cHow do you feel, Miss Roberts?\u201d Dr. Martin searched her too white face.<\/p>\n

\u201cA little sick, Doctor.\u201d She answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike you were going to faint?\u201d he pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d She replied. \u201cNot that kind of sick. I have a pain in my heart before that happens. And my heart starts to beat awfully fast. I have this feeling in my head as though all my blood was up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doc Martin nodded and stood up. He dropped her wrist and stared out the window for a moment. He could not bring himself to speak. Margaret had a heart condition\u2014something that Doc martin could do nothing about, except perhaps give her a pill to ease the attacks.
\n\u201cDoctor, how bad is it?\u201d Margaret asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin turned to look at her again. Everyone in town called her the \u2018ugly Roberts daughter\u2019 but Paul Martin thought her to be very beautiful that day. She wore a blue dress with lace at the collars and neck. Her matching hat and veil covered her face when she had first arrived. But she had removed it to see him and her brown hair had fallen to her shoulders. It framed her pale face as though it was a darker halo. Doctor Martin could not tell her. But he knew that he had to. He cleared his throat and looked at her. He sat back in his chair and took her hand in his again. If he had to tell her he could at least try to soften the blow. \u201cMiss Roberts,\u201d he answered slowly, \u201cMiss Roberts, you have a very serious heart condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

A look of fear crept into Margaret Roberts\u2019s brown eyes. A new sort of pounding started in her temples. But this was not a painful pounding, this was a pounding of fear. She moistened her lips carefully and looked at Doc Martin again, \u201cTell me honestly, Doctor, how long do I have?\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin felt her hand tremble within his grasp. \u201cMaybe six months,\u201d he answered, \u201cmaybe six weeks. I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears glistened in her eyes. She lowered her head. \u201cThank you, Doctor.\u201d She carefully shook his hand loose and picked up her hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMargaret,\u201d it was the first time anyone outside of her family had used her first name in more than six years, \u201cMargaret, what are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo, Doctor?\u201d she replied standing up. \u201cI\u2019m going to live life like I have never lived it before.\u201d She carefully placed her hat on her head and looked at him. \u201cI would appreciate it, Doc, if you did not mention this to anyone. Especially not my family.\u201d And then she left his office.<\/p>\n

Hoss Cartwright was shocked to walk into Charlie\u2019s Saloon and discover the new barmaid. She wore a low cut pink dress with white stockings and black shoes, typicall of barmaids. She wore her hair long and a pink flower just above her right ear. She smiled at him and walked over to him, \u201cHello, Hoss,\u201d she smiled. \u201cWould you like to buy me a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMargaret Roberts!\u201d Hoss exclaimed removing his hat. \u201cWhat\u2019s a nice girl like ya doin\u2019 in a place like this?\u201d
\n\u201cI want to have some fun, Hoss.\u201d She answered, a sad look creeping into her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhadda ya\u2019re family think?\u201d Hoss demanded taking her by the arm and leading her to one of the tables.<\/p>\n

She shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d she answered. \u201cThey kicked me out of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are ya livin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked consternation written on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cUpstairs.\u201d She nodded towards the staircase. A saloon girl in green was walking up them one of the patron\u2019s on her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. \u201cMiss Roberts, ya live there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, Hoss.\u201d She laughed. \u201cI said I was going to have a good time. I don\u2019t call that a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u201cAh was worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me.\u201d Margaret looked at him. No one had ever worried about her before. \u201cI can take care of myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya eva cain\u2019t, Miss Roberts,\u201d Hoss stood up, picked up his hat, and clumsily took her hand, \u201cYa come and find me. Ah\u2019ll do anythin\u2019 for ya, anythin\u2019.\u201d He kissed her hand like he had seen Adam do and placed his hat on his head. Then he walked out the door.<\/p>\n

Margaret watched him for a long while after he left. Then she got up and walked upstairs. For the first time since she had decided to live life this way she felt dirty. There was surely cleaner ways to enjoy her last few days.<\/p>\n

Margaret Roberts sat in her room above the saloon for several moments deep in thought. What could she do? she picked up a stack of letters. They all begged her to be sensible and return home. One was from her mother asking, \u201cMarg, how do you expect us to live down the disgrace of you living in at the saloon? The Roberts name is tarnished and your father and I tried so hard to teach you girls clean living.\u201d Margaret frowned. The Roberts name was always the only thing that ever mattered. Another letter caught her eye. It was Dr. Paul Martin and he said that he was worried about her. Would she come and see him? He wanted to help her.<\/p>\n

Margaret viciously tore off her pink saloon dress and threw it in a corner. She walked over to a black trunk and dug around in it for several seconds before she found her old blue dress with the lace trimmings. She pulled her hair into a loose bun and looked in the mirror. She was much prettier with her hair down. So she shook her hair loose and placed her hat over it. Then she walked stately down the stairs and towards Dr. Martin\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin was alone in his office when Margaret knocked on the door. He was a little surprised to see her. After hearing how she refused to listen to her family\u2019s pleas he did not expect to see her but there she stood pale in her dark blue dress clutching a black handbag. \u201cDr. Martin,\u201d she said softly, \u201cyou wrote me a letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin smiled and took her arm, gently leading her into the room. \u201cI wanted to talk to you, Miss Roberts.\u201d He answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to talk me into returning home?\u201d Margaret asked suddenly becoming defensive. \u201cBecause if you are then I am leaving right now. I\u2019m dying, Doc, remember? All my life I had to be the \u2018ugly Roberts daughter.\u2019 I was always the meek quiet one that always did everything I was told. I want to have some fun now, Doctor? Please?\u201d Her eyes had a pleading look in them.
\nPaul Martin was enchanted by the look in her eyes. She was so beautiful when she was frightened. \u201cCalm down, Margaret,\u201d he helped her into a chair. \u201cI\u2019m not going to tell you not to enjoy your life. But don\u2019t you think that maybe you are overdoing it just a little bit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mean working in the saloon?\u201d Margaret asked lowering her eyes.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin scratched his chin and looked away from the girl. \u201cWael, yes, Miss Roberts, yes.\u201d He finally answered.<\/p>\n

Margaret Roberts had tears in her eyes as Doctor Martin turned to look at her. \u201cI know, Doc, I know. I saw Hoss Cartwright at the saloon today. I never saw him look so hurt. You know he asked me to dance at Emily\u2019s wedding. He\u2019s the only man that ever has.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul Martin looked at her carefully. Margaret was dying. He knew that. But he thought the way she was trying to live was much too dangerous. He surveyed her from the tip of her hat to her pointed black boots, barely visible under the hem of her skirt. She was pretty in a quiet way. He understood why she was the \u2018ugly Roberts daughter.\u2019 She did not have the flashing beauty of Emily or the cheap beauty of Christina. Nor did she have the \u201cEastern beauty\u201d of Mary. She was a natural girl, not beautiful but pretty. Her eyes, though, were tired and old looking. They had a despondent sad look in them. It was said that the eyes are the windows of the soul and if this was true then Margaret needed a serious uplifting and some truthful flattery. So Doc Martin cleared his throat and sat down next to her. He took one of her gloved hands in his large ones and patted it gently. \u201cMargaret, I think you underestimate yourself.\u201d He told her carefully choosing his words. \u201cYou are very beautiful and desirous. Just because you are older than your sisters were when they got married does not make you any less wanted. I know men who want you, Margaret. Perhaps some men are not ready to talk about it, yet, but there are men out there still. Don\u2019t do anything rash, Margaret. Wait a little longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer?\u201d she asked some of the hurt gone from her eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t have much more time, Doctor. Remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul released her hand and stood up again. \u201cI know, Margaret.\u201d He answered. \u201cI know<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going home.\u201d She stood up. \u201cI felt dirty working at the saloon. But it was the only excitement I could think of. My parents will be angry for awhile but if I am going to die, I\u2019ll die at home. My family need never know I\u2019m dying. In fact I don\u2019t want them to know.\u201d she smiled and headed towards the door. \u201cThank you, Doctor. Good afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Margaret.\u201d Doc Martin watched her leave.<\/p>\n

Stroking his chin Paul Martin walked out into the street. He saw Hoss Cartwright walking down the broadwalk towards his office. Hoss saw him standing outside and called, Doc, Doc Martin, cin I talk to ya?\u201d he hurried towards his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, sure, Hoss. Come on in.\u201d Doc Martin closed the door behind the bulky Cartwright man. \u201cNow what can I do for you, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid ah jist see Margaret Roberts leaving here?\u201d Hoss asked, sitting down in the seat Margaret had just left.<\/p>\n

Doc Martin nodded his head. \u201cYes, Margaret was here.\u201d He answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs somethin\u2019 wrong wit her?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think so?\u201d Do Martin suddenly became defensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh saw \u2018er at the saloon earlier.\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cShe is a wonderful gurl. Ah caint believe she is workin\u2019 there. Unless she \u2018as a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has a reason.\u201d Doc answered thinking of the day he had to tell her that she was dying, \u201cShe wants to have some excitement.\u201d
\n\u201cShe calls that excitement.\u201d Hoss demanded. \u201cThat\u2019s pretty low.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe never had a boyfriend, Hoss, remember?\u201d Paul Martin said softly. \u201cShe has to find fun another way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s worried \u2018cause she never \u2018ad a boyfriend!\u201d Hoss was surprised. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she is the \u2018ugly Roberts daughter.\u2019\u201d Doc Martin answered watching Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho calls \u2018er that?\u201d Hoss demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone.\u201d Doc Martin answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a very lovely gurl.\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cHardly ugly.\u201d
\n\u201cTo people like you, Hoss, and me she is lovely. But to others she is not pretty at all.\u201d Doc Martin could hardly believe his ears at what he was saying. True he was alone but he never thought that he would fall in love with Margaret Roberts either. As he sat there looking at Hoss and thinking over what he had just said he realized that he had fallen in love with Margaret Roberts the first time she had come to his office with her heart pain. He had a catch in his throat as he remembered that the girl was dying.<\/p>\n

But Hoss was talking and Doc Martin snapped his attention back to his friend. \u201cSo tat\u2019s why she\u2019s workin\u2019 at the saloon?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cShe don\u2019t have a boyfriend and she\u2019s worried \u2018cause of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s part of it, Hoss.\u201d Doc answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThar\u2019s more?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Doc Martin nodded. \u201cBut as a professional man I can\u2019t talk about it. You understand that don\u2019t you, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded a little confused. \u201cShore I understand, Doc. But if its a boyfriend she wants why don\u2019t she git one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that easy, Hoss, and you know it.\u201d Doc Martin answered. \u201cI told her that there were men who liked her. I think she took comfort in that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t thar?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know one at least.\u201d Doc Martin answered thinking of himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh think thar should be more.\u201d Hoss stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what are you going to do?\u201d the doctor detained his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh danced with Margaret at Emily\u2019s weddin\u2019.\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cAh think ah\u2019ll pay a visit on \u2018er.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you love her?\u201d Doc demanded. He had to know.<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled. He thought of how beautiful Margaret looked to him the day they danced. \u201cYes, Doc. Ah think ah do.\u201d and then he was gone.
\nDoc Martin sat alone in his office for a long while after Hoss left. He loved Margaret, too. And she was dying. She wanted to have a boyfriend. Would it be wrong for her to have two?<\/p>\n

Margaret Roberts was lying facedown on her bed. Her face was streaked with dried tears. Her heart was once again causing her pain and she poured herself a glass of water to take one of the pills Doc Martin had given her. She heard her mother\u2019s heels tapping lightly across the floor to her room. She hid the pill bottle under her pillow and lay back on her bed. Her mother knocked on the door and Margaret weakly called, \u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mother opened the door and walked towards the bed. \u201cMarg, honey, are you feeling all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret turned towards her mother. The pain had been getting worse lately and she knew she was nearing the end of her life. She nodded. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Mother, fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been so quiet since you came back to live with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret smiled slowly. \u201cYou should be glad I\u2019m back, Mother. The Roberts name is unsullied. I never took one of the patron\u2019s upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried about that.\u201d Mrs. Roberts answered. \u201cYou\u2019ve been so quiet. You\u2019ve been staying in your room and not even coming down for meals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just tired, Mother. Very tired.\u201d Margaret turned her face away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Marg.\u201d Her mother looked sadly at her daughter. \u201cI just came to tell you that Hoss Cartwright is here. He wants to see you downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss Cartwright is here!\u201d Margaret sat up quickly. \u201cWhat is he doing here?\u201d she demanded gazing in the mirror across from her bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said he came to see you.\u201d Her mother answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Margaret asked. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw him dance with you at Emily\u2019s wedding.\u201d Her mother answered. \u201cMaybe he cares about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Margaret repeated. \u201cI\u2019m not the type of girl a Cartwright would like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is not like his brothers.\u201d Nicole Roberts answered. \u201cHe\u2019s the type that would like a sweet girl like you, Marg. Now why don\u2019t you go down and see him?\u201d she offered her daughter her hand.<\/p>\n

Margaret sat up listlessly and took her mother\u2019s hand. \u201cAll right I\u2019ll go down and see him but only to make you and Daddy happy.\u201d It wouldn\u2019t matter to her.<\/p>\n

Hoss Cartwright looked up to see Margaret walking down the stairs. She wore one of her light blue dresses and a strand of pearls was braided into her long hair.<\/p>\n

Hoss shyly smiled at her. \u201cMiss Margaret, you are beautiful.\u201d He exclaimed. \u201cIf ya donna mind I\u2019d like ta take ya to Ellie\u2019s fur supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret smiled. She had never been asked out before. \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright. I would love that.\u201d She answered.
\nEllie had a diner at the corner of Virginia City\u2019s Main Street. She looked up a little surprised to see Margaret Roberts and Hoss Cartwright. \u201cTable for three?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked over at Margaret\u2019s father. He smiled. \u201cTwo, Ellie, and a single near by for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellie nodded. Despite the accepted practice that the girl\u2019s father accompany his daughter when she went out with a young man John Roberts always let his daughter and her friend sit alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Margaret, ah meant to tell ya at ya\u2019re sisters weddin\u2019 but ah think ya\u2019re a very lovely lady.\u201d Hoss was suddenly very shy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks you, Hoss.\u201d She answered. She wanted to enjoy this time she had left but knowing that she was going to die kept her from having fun. But then again she did want to live life before it happened. So she smiled at Hoss and he smiled back.<\/p>\n

It was two days since Hoss Cartwright had first asked Margaret Roberts out to supper. He had seen her every day since, then. But then one day when Hoss came to pick Margaret up she locked her self in her room and refused to come out. Hoss was shocked. He and Margaret had such a good time together. He could not understand her suddenly strange attitude.<\/p>\n

Her mother walked up to her room and knocked on the door. Margaret did not answer. Her mother tried the door and called her name. Still Margaret did not answer.<\/p>\n

When Margaret\u2019s mother returned to where Hoss stood in the foyer downstairs she reported that Margaret did not answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would she be avoidn\u2019 me?\u201d Hoss asked, puzzled. \u201cAh knew she saw me comin\u2019.\u201d
\n\u201cI know she saw you, too.\u201d Nicole Roberts answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes she perhaps not want me?\u201d Hoss asked puzzled. \u201cTat\u2019s da only reason ah could think of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nicole Roberts smiled sadly. \u201cShe was so much in love with you, Hoss.\u201d Nicole answered. \u201cBut I reckon that if she\u2019s avoiding you she doesn\u2019t want to see you again. I\u2019ll tell you what, though, Hoss, when she gets out of this mood I\u2019ll have a talk with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mrs. Roberts.\u201d Hoss shook his head sadly and left.<\/p>\n

Margaret Roberts saw Hoss Cartwright enter the house. She was so happy to see him. Although she was dying being with Hoss almost made her forget that\u2014almost. So she was ready to run down and meet him. Just as she reached the head of the stairs she started to feel that awful, old pain. She could not let Hoss see her in a faint\u2014see her the way she appeared when she got those spells. She rushed into her room and locked the door. This time she was lucky\u2014she made it to her bed.<\/p>\n

She was out only a few minutes. She did not hear her mother pounding on the door or calling her name. But when she awoke she immediately went to the door and slipped into the hall. She heard her mother and Hoss talking below her.<\/p>\n

She could hear Hoss talking. \u201cDoes she perhaps not want me? Tat\u2019s da only reason ah could think of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mother had a sad note to her voice as she replied \u201cShe was so much in love with you, Hoss. But I reckon that if she\u2019s avoiding you she doesn\u2019t want to see you again. I\u2019ll tell you what, though, Hoss, when she gets out of this mood I\u2019ll have a talk with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss turned towards the door. \u201cThanks, Mrs. Roberts.\u201d He left.
\nMargaret went slowly back to her room and shut the door. She had to explain everything to Hoss. She had to tell him why she did not see him that night. But she could not leave now. Her father and her mother were still up. She would have to wait until they fell asleep.<\/p>\n

It was almost midnight before John and Nicole Roberts went to bed and Margaret was finally able to slip out. Her father\u2019s horse was kept in the livery. She had to get it. She dressed hastily in a red riding outfit and, as an afterthought she slipped her pills into her purse that she tied to her wrist. Then she hurried out the front door closing it silently behind her.<\/p>\n

The livery stable was dark. She stopped at the door and tried it. It was locked. She had to get in. She had to see Hoss. Margaret walked to the back of the stable. The door there was locked too but there was a window open. She found a box nearby the stable and climbing on the box she crawled into the window.<\/p>\n

Her father\u2019s horse was in the last stall nearest the big front doors. Margaret saddled her father\u2019s horse then pushed open the big front doors. She was just riding out when she heard a man\u2019s voice shouting, \u201cHey, you come back with that horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret looked back just once. She saw the man, the owner of the livery stable. And then she spurred the horse and disappeared into the shadows of the night.<\/p>\n

The last thing Ben Cartwright was expecting that night was a visitor. But just as he was dimming the lights and preparing to go upstairs to bed he heard a horse thunder into the yard. Since his sons were all upstairs and the ranch hands did not have the night off, Ben decided it must be important. He rushed to the front door and threw it open. He saw a girl\u2019s figure tying a horse to the hitching post then Margaret Roberts walked stately towards the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Roberts!\u201d Ben exclaimed as she stopped before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I come in, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d she asked as though it was noon instead of almost one in the morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, of course.\u201d Ben answered stepping aside to allow her to enter. \u201cPlease forgive me. I did not expect to see you this late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI normally do not travel this late.\u201d She smiled. \u201cBut something happened tonight that I must talk to Hoss about.
\n\u201cIs it the fact that you did not come down when he arrived?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe told you?\u201d there were tears in Margaret\u2019s eyes. \u201cYes, Mr. Cartwright, that is what it is about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call him.\u201d Ben headed towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas he upset much?\u201d Margaret bit her lower lip.<\/p>\n

Ben stopped and looked back at her. \u201cI\u2019m afraid so, Miss Roberts. He thinks quite a bit of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret blinked her eyes. \u201cAnd I of him. But it would never work, Mr. Cartwright, never.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Ben asked puzzled. \u201cI think Hoss made a good choice in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d She answered. \u201cBut please let me explain why to Hoss.\u201d
\nBen nodded. \u201cOf course.\u201d Then he headed up the stairs and disappeared.<\/p>\n

Hoss was not asleep when his father entered his room. He was lying with his eyes open staring at the ceiling and trying to figure out why Margaret had seen him but had not come down. She must have had a good reason.<\/p>\n

Then his father entered the room. \u201cHoss,\u201d his father called softly.<\/p>\n

Hoss sat up. \u201cAh\u2019m not sleepin\u2019, Pa.\u201d He answered. \u201cIs somethin\u2019 wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMargaret Roberts is here.\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cMargaret!\u201d Hoss breathed her name. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said she must talk to you\u2014to explain to you about tonight, err last night.\u201d Ben corrected himself remembering the time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is thar to explain?\u201d Hoss rubbed his eyes. \u201cShe saw me and yet she turned back into \u2018er room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps she has a good reason.\u201d Ben tried to reassure his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr a good excuse.\u201d Hoss replied a little bitterly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Hoss, that does not sound at all like you.\u201d Ben admonished his son. \u201cGo down and talk to her. I think she cares alot about you but for some reason she said it would not work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould not work?\u201d Hoss asked stunned. \u201cWhy not? She\u2019s jist the kind of gurl that Ah get along wit\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d his father replied. \u201cBut she would know the answer, son, not me. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa.\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cAh\u2019ll be down. Jist let me throw on some clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss Cartwright stopped at the head of the stairs and looked down. Margaret Roberts sat on the settee, her handbag open on her lap. She held one hand over her heart and the other hand fumbled in the bag and came up with a bottle of pills. She pulled her hand away from her heart and poured two little pills into it. Her face was extremely pale and she shook slightly. Hoss could not understand and he walked down to where she sat.<\/p>\n

She looked up at him. Her eyes were wide with fear and pain. Her lips moved silently for a moment and then she managed to ask for \u201cwater.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss rushed to the kitchen and brought her a glass of water. When he reentered the living room, she was paler than she had been before. Her lips had started to turn blue and she swayed where she sat. She reached her hand for the water and then she collapsed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Hoss screamed. \u201cPA!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright appeared at the head of the stairs. \u201cHoss!\u201d he exclaimed rushing down the steps. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe fainted, Pa.\u201d Hoss answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an understatement.\u201d Adam appeared at the foor of the stairs pulling on his shirt. \u201cHoss, go and get Doc Martin quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened to her?\u201d Hoss asked as he rushed to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d Adam replied but as Hoss closed the door behind him, Adam turned to his father and said softly, \u201cPa, I think she\u2019s dying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doc Martin rushed into the Cartwright house his black bag clutched in his hand. \u201cWhere is she?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Adam pointed to the sofa where Margaret was sill lying pale and quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, what\u2019s wrong, wit\u2019 \u2018er?\u201d Hoss asked sitting on the table next to Margaret.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s her heart, Hoss.\u201d Doc Martin answered without looking at his friend as he rolled up his sleeves. \u201cIt\u2019s been bothering her for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019 she tell me?\u201d Hoss demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wanted someone to love her.\u201d Doc Martin answered bending over her and brushing a stray lock out of her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan ya \u2018elp \u2018er?\u201d Hoss demanded turning almost as pale as Margaret.
\nPaul Martin looked up. \u201cI\u2019ll do the best I can, Hoss. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, boys.\u201d Ben looked at his sons. \u201cLet\u2019s leave Doc alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doc Martin opened his bag and looked at Ben. \u201cYou had better send someone for her parents.\u201d He said gently. \u201cI don\u2019t think Margaret is going to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Margaret opened her eyes two hours later Doc Martin was alone with her. Her brown eyes looked around the room for a moment and then focused on the doctor. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d she managed to ask.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin took her hand in his. \u201cYou had another attack, Margaret, much worse this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret nodded. \u201cI remember now. I was going to tell Hoss that it would never work out when I felt it coming on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Margaret,\u201d Paul sighed heavily.<\/p>\n

Margaret looked at him. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know it already, I think.\u201d He answered. \u201cAt least part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I\u2019m dying?\u201d Margaret asked. \u201cYes, I know. But it does not seem that bad anymore, Doc. I have had someone love me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul bent closer to her. \u201cRemember when I told you that there were men who loved you, Margaret?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

She nodded slowly. \u201cAnd shortly after that Hoss asked me out.\u201d She smiled at the memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d he answered slowly. \u201cMargaret, I have to tell you this. I cannot let you leave without first knowing how much I care about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, Doctor?\u201d her eyes were heavy but she was at least alert enough to hear him. \u201cYou cared for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery much.\u201d He answered pressing his lips against her hand. \u201cI was going to ask you to be my wife but then Hoss asked you out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d she whispered and he looked at her.<\/p>\n

Her eyes were full of a childish look. \u201cMargaret,\u201d he answered and leaning over her his lips closed over hers. She made no move to stop him. It was a moment they would both treasure forever.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin walked into the kitchen where the Cartwrights and Margaret\u2019s parents sat nervously. It had been two hours since he had arrived. While he worked tirelessly to save Margaret\u2019s life, Little Joe had ridden into town and awoken the Roberts bringing them to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Nicole Roberts looked at the doctor as he slowly rolled up his sleeves. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d she wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s she?\u201d Hoss pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is very weak.\u201d Paul answered. \u201cBut she wants to see you, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cShe said she want to explain everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stood a moment in thought. \u201cGo on, son.\u201d Ben urged.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe needs you, Hoss.\u201d Nicole Roberts gently placed her hand on Hoss\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

If Margaret\u2019s mother had said that two hours ago Paul Martin would have felt a twinge of jealously. But as it was he and Margaret had shared a kiss and Doc almost felt sorry for Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded at last. \u201cAll right. Ah\u2019ll go.\u201d And he walked into the living room where she still lay.<\/p>\n

Her eyes were closed as Hoss approached the settee. Her lashes were long and black against her white face. Hoss sat on the table beside her and took her hand. She opened her eyes, then, and smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you understand now, Hoss, why it would never work?\u201d she asked gently and there were tears in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long hav ya known dis?\u201d Hoss was felling choked up but he had to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince several days after Emily\u2019s wedding.\u201d Margaret answered softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t ya tell me?\u201d Hoss asked gently.<\/p>\n

Margaret closed her eyes and sighed. \u201cI was selfish, Hoss.\u201d She answered. \u201cI wanted to have some fun before…before it happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya have any fun?\u201d Hoss asked. His voice was huskier than usual.<\/p>\n

She opened her eyes and smiled at him. \u201cIt was the best time of my life, Hoss.\u201d She answered honestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMargaret,\u201d Hoss leaned towards her.<\/p>\n

She smiled again but gently putting her hand on his chest she kept him from coming any closer. \u201cDon\u2019t, Hoss.\u201d She looked at him. \u201cI\u2019m not going to make it through the night. I don\u2019t want you to hurt any more than you already do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at her. Dear sweet, Margaret. Oh, if only she would live! Then she gave a little cry and Hoss turned towards the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc! Doc!\u201d and Doc Martin rushed into the room.<\/p>\n

The rest of the Cartwrights and the Roberts were right behind him. They watched in silence as he took Margaret\u2019s hand in his and brushed aside a stray lock of hair. \u201cYou know this is the end, don\u2019t you, Marg?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cYes, Doc, yes I know.\u201d she looked over at her parents. \u201cGood bye Mother, Father. You were the best. I will miss you very much.\u201d Her gaze shifted to Ben Cartwright. \u201cYou were very kind, Mr. Cartwright. Thank you.\u201d Her sight was diminishing but she could still hear her mother weeping. \u201cHoss,\u201d she whispered and he bent down to her, \u201cthank you for making my last days so wonderful.\u201d She could barely see anything now but she reached her hand up and gently stroked Doc Martin\u2019s face. \u201cThank you, Paul, for teaching me a most valuable lesson. I\u2019ll miss all of you.\u201d And then her eyes closed and Margaret was silent forever. But on her face there was a smile.<\/p>\n

The minister looked down at the body of the girl that lay before him. \u201cMargaret Roberts was a girl who was loved by her family and friends. And although she had few men who loved her she will always be remembered as the gentle, sweet Roberts daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doc Martin smiled sadly over at Hoss Cartwright. The ugly Roberts daughter had found peace at last. It was too late for her but the town had given the girl a new name\u2014the gentle sweet Roberts daughter. The Ugly Duckling had indeed turned into a swan.<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Margaret Roberts was always the ugly Roberts daughter–the quiet one who could never find a boyfriend.\u00a0 But the the doctor told her she was dying and she decided to have some fun before it happened.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (6,215 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":170,"featured_media":2181,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[17],"class_list":["post-5487","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-hoss","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":841,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/hoss.jpeg?fit=188%2C235&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2278,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2278","url_meta":{"origin":5487,"position":0},"title":"At Her Mercy (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"September 9, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe finds himself helpless and at the mercy of an older woman Rated: T (16,950 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\/04\/normal_TQoM2-JC11.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":49332,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49332","url_meta":{"origin":5487,"position":1},"title":"The Power of Goodbye (by Jess Cartwright)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0Ponderosa Fan-Fic. The Nevada Territory is plagued by a heat wave and the Greene Ranch is hit the hardest when their house catches fire. Margaret withdraws from the town and Hoss is the only one who might be able to help her... if he can only get over his own\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/The-Ponderosa-e1711394820446.png?fit=417%2C396&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":30101,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=30101","url_meta":{"origin":5487,"position":2},"title":"Birthright (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"August 16, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 In this third story of Adam and Selina, a painful memory from Adam's past becomes a problem in his life twenty-four years later threatening his family, his business, and his future. Rating: T\u00a0\u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 14,052 Selina Series, links to the stories are included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Birthright.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Birthright.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Birthright.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9598,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9598","url_meta":{"origin":5487,"position":3},"title":"A Cold Wind (by EPM)","author":"EPM","date":"December 30, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0This story contains explicit sexual images. \u00a0 Rated: \u00a0MA \u00a0WC 3000","rel":"","context":"In "MA-Rated \/ R-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"MA-Rated \/ R-Rated","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=690"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/6.jpg?fit=414%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":18351,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18351","url_meta":{"origin":5487,"position":4},"title":"Studio Executives #3 – The Roberts Dilemma (by pjb)","author":"pjb","date":"September 19, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0The studio executives have two problems. First, one of their stars wants to leave a hugely successful show. Second, his fans won't allow it. Approximately 1,600 words. Rating: PG. Studio Executives Series, links to all the stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Adam.png?fit=241%2C340&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":63319,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63319","url_meta":{"origin":5487,"position":5},"title":"Cartwright Saga #38 – The Lawyer # 2 – Advance Warning (by Lyn Robinson)","author":"Lynrobinson","date":"July 13, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: As Adam recovers at home three women bring him advanced warning of an attempt to claim the Ponderosa under an old Spanish Land Grant. 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