{"id":5730,"date":"2007-03-02T21:09:49","date_gmt":"2007-03-03T02:09:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5730"},"modified":"2025-12-25T07:22:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T12:22:31","slug":"a-gift-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5730","title":{"rendered":"A Gift Horse (by Patina)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 4th story in the Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben announces at supper that he is going to buy a horse for Marie. Adam becomes unhappy because Ben had promised to buy him a horse before leaving for New Orleans. Will this situation cause another rift between Marie and Adam?<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended. Original plot and characters are property of the author. This story is for entertainment and no money was made from it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated K\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count=3059<\/p>\n

Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n

The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Begins<\/a>
\nEducation is More than 3R\u2019s<\/a>
\nThe Shadow of Jean deMarigny<\/a>
\nA Gift Horse<\/a>
\nNew Expectations<\/a>
\nRemembering Childhoods<\/a>
\nA Room Full of Memories<\/a>
\nA New Pattern<\/a>
\nNaming the Newest Cartwright<\/a>
\nPresents from the Heart<\/a>
\nLove\u2019s Labor<\/a>
\nBig Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby\u2019s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n

A Gift Horse<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights sat at the supper table, enjoying Hop Sing\u2019s meal of duck, coleslaw, new potatoes, and peas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearing his throat, Ben announced \u201cTomorrow we are going over to the Walking T to buy your mother a horse.\u201d\u00a0 Marie smiled in excitement.\u00a0 Adam just scowled.\u00a0 Hoss was just excited that he was going to get to look at horses tomorrow. <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam began to smash the peas on his plate.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t being noisy about it, but he was making sure that each pea was thoroughly squashed. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you excited, Adam?\u201d Ben asked. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d The boy responded sulkily. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEat your supper, Son.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m full.\u00a0 May I be excused?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Marie noticed that only half the food on the plate had been eaten.\u00a0 The rest was smashed together.\u00a0 \u201cAre you feeling unwell, mon fils?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am\u201d he answered. <\/span><\/p>\n

Marie gave Ben a concerned look and said to the boy, \u201cYou may be excused.\u00a0 Would you like Hop Sing to make some tea?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you, Ma\u2019am.\u201d With that, Adam got up, trudged over to the staircase, and plodded his way up to the second floor. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what that was about?\u201d mused Ben aloud. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you \u2018member, Papa?\u00a0 You tole Adam before ya went to New Orleans that you was gonna get him a horse when ya got back.\u00a0 Ya still ain\u2019t got him a horse.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s brows drew together. \u00a0He had completely forgotten.\u00a0 There had been too much excitement in New Orleans and he\u2019d been busy around the ranch since getting back.\u00a0 Plus, he\u2019d been settling into married life with Marie.\u00a0 He wanted to kick himself for his forgetfulness. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, mon chere, no wonder Adam is not feeling well.\u201d\u00a0 Marie\u2019s supper was not settling well, either.\u00a0 Now, her older step-son would have yet another reason to dislike her. \u201cHave you finished your supper, mon fils?\u201d she asked Hoss. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost, Mama.\u00a0 Hop Sing shore can cook duck real good, huh?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCertainement\u2026I mean certainly, mon fils. When you finish, why don\u2019t you go up to your room and play with your animals.\u00a0 You may take an apple if you wish.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face lit up at the mention of an apple.\u00a0 He quickly cleaned his plate, got up from the table, took an apple from the fruit bowl, and went upstairs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Once Hoss had left the first floor, Ben and Marie retired to the big room.\u00a0 He poured them each a glass of brandy before they sat down on the settee. \u201cHow could I forget my promise to Adam?\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember telling him that I\u2019d get him a horse.\u00a0 If Hoss says I did, then I must have.\u201d\u00a0 He took a sip of the brandy.\u00a0 \u201cNo wonder Adam looked so dejected when I announced that I was going to get you a horse.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Marie had listened but had her own feelings of guilt.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t blame yourself, mon chere.\u00a0 You made that promise nine months ago.\u201d\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Seven of those Ben had spent traveling between the Ponderosa and New Orleans.\u00a0 She took a deep breath and said \u201cAdam will equate your forgetfulness with me.\u201d\u00a0 She sighed and slumped a bit. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I didn\u2019t forget because of you, darling.\u00a0 I forgot, plain and simple.\u00a0 How can I make him understand?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould we buy him a horse tomorrow\u201d she asked hopefully. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben kissed his wife and said \u201cWe\u2019ll try.\u00a0 But he\u2019s stubborn enough to refuse because I\u2019m buying you one.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, the family loaded up in the wagon for the trip to the Walking T.\u00a0 The ranch was owned by the Tate family.\u00a0 They had come to the territory from Kentucky.\u00a0 Their ranch had been established with some quality stock from that state.\u00a0 Over the years, they had bred their Kentucky horses with mustangs to create very spirited horses that could be used for work or pleasure. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss tried to get Adam to talk, but the boy refused to speak.\u00a0 Instead, he watched the landscape go by.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben told Marie about the Tates\u2014Andrew, his wife Becky, and their daughter Maggie.\u00a0 Hoss was a year older than Maggie, but the two occasionally played together. \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

After a long ride, the Cartwrights arrived at the Walking T.\u00a0 Andrew was at the corral with his hands, looking over the horses that Ben was going to choose from.\u00a0 Becky had suggested only having mares in the corral, but Ben had told Andrew that Marie was an excellent rider.\u00a0 Several mares, a couple of geldings, and three two-year old stallions were milling around in the corral. \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

As the wagon pulled into the yard, Becky and Maggie came out of the house.\u00a0 Ben tipped his hat to the ladies and then jumped down.\u00a0 He helped Marie down from the bench seat and said \u201cGood morning Becky, Maggie.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to introduce my wife, Marie.\u201d \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Becky smiled at Marie and said \u201cWelcome to the Walking T.\u00a0 Would you care to come inside for some coffee?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee would be delightful\u201d she replied with a smile. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019re here to get ya a horse, Mama\u201d said Hoss with a tug to her sleeve. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be plenty of time, mon fils.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you and Adam go look over the horses?\u00a0 You can help your pere choose one for me.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was surprised.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t she want to pick her own horse?\u00a0 That\u2019s what he\u2019d do if Pa was buying one for him.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was so excited that he took off for the corral.\u00a0 Maggie started after him, but her mother called out \u201cCome inside with Mrs. Cartwright and me.\u00a0 Leave the men to look over the horses.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Mama\u2026\u201d Maggie began to whine. <\/span><\/p>\n

Becky shot her daughter a look, which resulted in a pout on Maggie\u2019s face.\u00a0 Marie had to stifle a giggle.\u00a0 Maggie reminded her of herself at that age\u2014high-spirited and strong-willed. <\/span><\/p>\n

The ladies went inside and Marie sat in a plush chair in the parlor.\u00a0 Prints of horses dominated the walls, along with a large portrait of a woman dressed in clothing from the previous century. As Becky brought a tray with the coffee pot, cups, and saucers into the parlor, she noticed Marie gazing at the portrait.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

She set the tray down on a small table and said \u201cThat was Andrew\u2019s grandmother, Margaret.\u00a0 Maggie is named for her.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s quite beautiful, Becky.\u201d\u00a0 She then looked at Maggie, whose red hair, freckles, and buck teeth didn\u2019t bear any resemblance to the woman in the portrait.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure Maggie will be as beautiful as her grandmother.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Becky smiled as she poured the coffee.\u00a0 Marie\u2019s comment had sounded sincere.\u00a0 Most people thought Maggie was very homely with her lanky hair and freckles.\u00a0 The child was only four and would most likely change as she aged. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew said that Ben is going to buy you a horse.\u00a0 Do you ride often?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI used to, in New Orleans. My previous husband bred race horses.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

So Ben had married an experienced woman.\u00a0 Becky wanted to ask if she had children, but decided on a slightly more tactful question.\u00a0 \u201cWere you widowed?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Marie flushed at the question.\u00a0 How could that information be Becky\u2019s business?\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 He died during a fever epidemic.\u00a0 Our son also died of the fever.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Becky immediately felt guilty for being so intrusive.\u00a0 She reached for Marie\u2019s hand and said \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have pried.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

No, you shouldn\u2019t have, thought Marie.\u00a0 But she decided to make the best of the situation.\u00a0 \u201cBen told me that Andrew has some of the finest horses west of the Mississippi River.\u00a0 I\u2019m looking forward to having a spirited horse to ride.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie had been listening closely to Marie.\u00a0 She finally couldn\u2019t hold her curiosity any more.\u00a0 \u201cYou talk funny.\u00a0 Where ya from?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaggie!\u201d her mother reprimanded. Marie just giggled.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m from New Orleans, in Louisiana.\u00a0 My family is French.\u201d\u00a0 Trying to make herself feel Becky\u2019s equal, she added \u201cWe are descended from the soldiers who had been stationed at Biloxi in Mississippi and the casket girls who were sent there by the King to be wives for the soldiers.\u00a0 My ancestor was transferred to New Orleans before the Spanish takeover.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Becky began to thaw towards Marie.\u00a0 She sounded as blue-blooded as her own and Andrew\u2019s families.\u00a0 Ben had obviously married very well.\u00a0 The two ladies began a friendly conversation about their husbands and life in Nevada. <\/span><\/p>\n

Out at the corral, Adam was leaning against the fence and looking at the horses longingly.\u00a0 He wished he could have a horse.\u00a0 Ponies were for boys, like Hoss.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t fair that she was getting a horse when Pa had promised him one.\u00a0 Everything had changed since she came here.\u00a0 Pa didn\u2019t care about him like he used to. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Andrew had been talking about their wives and keeping women happy.\u00a0 Andrew asked Ben about his trip to New Orleans and if there had been any news about the new President, John Tyler.\u00a0 President Harrison had suddenly died shortly after being inaugurated as President.\u00a0 Ben said he hadn\u2019t had much time for reading papers, what with the business he had to do in New Orleans and then getting married. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas it a bolt of lightning, Ben?\u201d Andrew asked.\u00a0 \u201cIt certainly was when I saw Becky as an adult for the first time.\u00a0 That was at her debut ball.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was actually a horse\u201d said Ben with a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cI was making my way to the residence of a friend and a lady on a horse nearly ran me down.\u00a0 She laughed in pure enjoyment as the horse reared.\u00a0 And then she was on her way.\u00a0 All I could do was shake my head in admiration.\u00a0 Believe me, I was surprised when I met her and realized that she had been the one on that horse.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think there\u2019s a chance you\u2019ll tame her anytime soon?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt she\u2019ll ever be tamed.\u00a0 Especially considering how impulsive and strong-willed she is.\u00a0 But hopefully, we\u2019ll have children before too long.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paled to hear that.\u00a0 If Pa had more children, he\u2019d probably have to share his room with Hoss.\u00a0 There was another room upstairs, but that would probably be the nursery.\u00a0 She and Pa would probably want to have a whole pack of kids.\u00a0 Maybe he should ask Pa again about going to live with Grandfather in Boston. <\/span><\/p>\n

A flash of chestnut caught Adam\u2019s eye.\u00a0 One of the young stallions was prancing around the corral.\u00a0 The horse had a blaze on his face and two white socks.\u00a0 How Adam wished he could have a horse like that. <\/span><\/p>\n

Marie, Becky, and Maggie came out to the corral.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready, darling?\u201d Ben asked his wife. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u201d she said with a smile for her husband.\u00a0 She turned her attention to the horses.\u00a0 There were so many to choose from.\u00a0 Chestnuts, bays, a few grays, and a few roans.\u00a0 After watching them for a few minutes, she made her decision.\u00a0 Out of curiosity, she decided to ask the boys. \u201cWhich would you choose, Hoss?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like that little strawb\u2019ry roan, Mama.\u00a0 She\u2019s real pretty with that star on her head.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd which would you choose, Adam?\u201d He wanted to lie and pick the lousiest horse of the bunch.\u00a0 But all of the horses were very, very good looking.\u00a0 Plus, Pa said she could handle a spirited horse.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d pick that young chestnut with the blaze and socks.\u00a0 He\u2019s got spunk.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Marie reached out for Ben\u2019s arm.\u00a0 He turned to her and caught her eye.\u00a0 \u201cAndrew, we\u2019ll take that young chestnut with the white markings.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

One of Tate\u2019s wranglers cut the horse from the herd and brought it over to the Cartwrights\u2019 side of the corral.\u00a0 The horse tossed his head a couple of times and snorted.\u00a0 Adam sighed, seeing the horse of his dreams up close, knowing that it would never be his. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a fine animal, Ben.\u00a0 He\u2019s got a lot of promise as a pleasure and work horse.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s right.\u00a0 He\u2019s got spunk.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he have a name?\u201d asked Marie. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the boys have been calling him Blazing Thunder.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam mouthed the name.\u00a0 It sure seemed long for such a fine horse. <\/span><\/p>\n

With a nod from Marie, Ben placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder and said \u201cYou made a good choice, Son.\u201d\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam cringed inside.\u00a0 At least Pa was happy with him for once.\u00a0 And Adam hoped Marie liked the horse.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019ll take good care of your horse, Son.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head whipped around.\u00a0 He looked at his father in shock.\u00a0 \u201cM\u2026m\u2026my horse?!?\u201d he squeaked out. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s all yours, Son.\u00a0 I expect you to take care of him properly.\u00a0 You\u2019ve had experience taking care of your pony, Clipper, so you\u2019ll have no excuses if this horse isn\u2019t properly cared for.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir!\u00a0 I\u2019ll take good care of him!\u201d\u00a0 Adam was nearly crying with happiness.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Marie was smiling and her heart was practically singing with joy.\u00a0 Maybe Adam would realize that she wasn\u2019t a threat to his relationship with his father.\u00a0 \u201cWhat will you call him, mon fils?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

He looked up at her, eyes shining, and said \u201cI don\u2019t care that he is a stallion.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna call him Beauty.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a fitting name for such a well-made horse\u201d she said.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam just nodded his head in agreement. \u201cCan I ride him home, Pa?\u201d he asked hopefully. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Son, we didn\u2019t bring saddles or bridles.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather you rode him in the corral at home and get used to him there.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 He was disappointed, but he might get to ride Beauty later today.\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t the hands be impressed to see him on such a fine horse? <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one caught your eye, darling?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat strawberry roan mare.\u00a0 I have to agree with Hoss.\u00a0 She\u2019s a very pretty horse.\u00a0 And she seems as spirited as Beauty.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

“We\u2019ll take that strawberry roan mare, too, Andrew.\u201d\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

At a nod from Andrew, the mare was roped and brought over to the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Marie could see the intelligence in the mare\u2019s eyes. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatcha gonna call her, Mama?\u201d asked Hoss. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Bonheur.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHappiness.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe could call her Bonnie, for short.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose\u201d she said with a smile. <\/span><\/p>\n

Andrew\u2019s hands brought the horses out of the corral on lead ropes and tied them to the back of the wagon for Ben.\u00a0 Adam hugged Beauty\u2019s neck and Hoss stroked Bonnie\u2019s soft nose.\u00a0 Ben paid Andrew for the horses while Marie said her good-byes to Becky and Maggie. When the boys were loaded in the back of the wagon, Ben and Marie climbed up onto the seat.\u00a0 They said their farewells to the Tates and headed for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Adam talked the entire way home, even to Marie. Marie was so overjoyed that Adam was happy that Ben had not forgotten him.\u00a0 If it hadn\u2019t been for Hoss\u2019 reminder, Adam most likely would not have gotten Beauty today.\u00a0 Maybe she and Adam could become friends now.\u00a0 Breaking in their new horses would give them something in common and a neutral topic for discussion.\u00a0 At this moment, Marie didn\u2019t think it possible for her to be any happier. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The End <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a9 March 2007<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next story in The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

New Expectations<\/a>
\nRemembering Childhoods<\/a>
\nA Room Full of Memories<\/a>
\nA New Pattern<\/a>
\nNaming the Newest Cartwright<\/a>
\nPresents from the Heart<\/a>
\nLove’s Labor<\/a>
\nBig Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby’s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n

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Reviews For<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>adamsgurl\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\" Date:\u00a0<\/span>19 Jun 2010 09:42 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift Horse\u00a0Can I just say that I love all the stories in this series? Thank you so much for centering on young Cartwrights! I love these stories so much. Good job.:) Um, ques. Do I have to do anything special to post my stories here? Cause I’d kinda like to. (okay, I’d really like to!!!) btw, rating goes for all your stories!Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you so much, adamsgurl!\u00a0 I’m thrilled to know you enjoy my Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Prequels are my favorite genre because it’s so much fun to imagine Adam, Hoss, and Joe as boys.I hope you’ll be posting your stories soon! :)*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Reah Reinink\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\" Date:\u00a0<\/span>14 Jun 2010 01:45 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift Horse\u00a0this is a good stories about a horse and l wish that l had a horse but l don’t any more so it is nice that adam has one and what about Hoss or joe are day getting a hose also fro later on . you just have to ask your father about it boys or mariebut any way have a good day at the ponderosa\u00a0 with the horsesfrom Reah reininkAuthor’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, Reah.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>poppsied\u00a0Anonymous<\/span> Date:\u00a0<\/span>02 Jan 2010 06:02 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift Horse\u00a0good oneAuthor’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, poppsied.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>jojay\u00a0Anonymous<\/span> Date:\u00a0<\/span>10 Dec 2009 09:24 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift Horse\u00a0Good story.\u00a0 Interesting about the “casket girls”.Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, jojay.\u00a0 Bonanza can be fun and educational (lol).\u00a0 I’m pleased to know you enjoyed this story.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>PBfan15<\/a>\u00a0Signed<\/span> Date:\u00a0<\/span>11 May 2009 01:26 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift Horse\u00a0Great storyAuthor’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, PBfan15.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>madabed32\u00a0Anonymous<\/span> Date:\u00a0<\/span>03 Jan 2009 09:45 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift Horse\u00a0Patina,I read this one on another site, and it was great reading it again, as this is one of my favorite prequels of Bonanza.. Marie tried to do her best to win Adam over, and this story really began to break the ice with her and Adam…Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, madabed, for giving this story another read–that’s what every author enjoys hearing.\u00a0 I’m so honored to know that this story is one of your favorites.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Caroline\u00a0Anonymous<\/span> Date:\u00a0<\/span>09 Aug 2008 12:49 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift Horse\u00a0I imagine the Marie\/Adam relationship was a bit strained in the early days, and you reflected it nicely.Author’s Response: Thank you, Caroline.\u00a0 It couldn’t have been easy for Adam to suddenly have a new mother.\u00a0 I’m glad to know you enjoyed this story.<\/i>*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>dusty\u00a0Anonymous<\/span> Date:\u00a0<\/span>17 Jul 2008 08:51 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A Gift HorseLoved the story. I love this series and look forward to each new chapter.Author’s Response: Thank you so much, dusty!\u00a0 I’m glad to know you’re a fan of this series!!<\/i><\/p>\n

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

Summary: 4th story in the Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben announces at supper that he is going to buy a horse for Marie. Adam becomes unhappy because Ben had promised to buy him a horse before leaving for New Orleans. Will this situation cause another rift between Marie and Adam? <\/p>\n

Rated K Word Count=3059<\/p>\n

The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":21978,"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":[1005,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2552,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Young-Adam-and-Ben-Journey-to-Remember.jpg?fit=537%2C355&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6044,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6044","url_meta":{"origin":5730,"position":0},"title":"The Battle of Wills Begins (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"December 3, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a01st story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben brings his new wife, Marie, home to the Ponderosa. Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count=4433 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5967,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5967","url_meta":{"origin":5730,"position":1},"title":"Naming the Newest Cartwright (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"July 3, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a09th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The Cartwrights try to decide on a name for the coming baby Rating: K+ Word Count=2542 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6931,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6931","url_meta":{"origin":5730,"position":2},"title":"New Expectations (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"April 5, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: 5th story in the Battle of Wills series. \u00a0Marie and Adam race their new horses. 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After examining both Marie and Adam, Paul has to relate Marie's and Adam's\u2026","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\/Marie-2.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie-2.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie-2.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie-2.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5816,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5816","url_meta":{"origin":5730,"position":3},"title":"Big Brother Lessons (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"December 3, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a012th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Hoss wants to learn how to be a good older brother to his new sibling. Rating: K Word Count=2598","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6011,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6011","url_meta":{"origin":5730,"position":4},"title":"Presents from the Heart (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"August 3, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a010th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The Cartwrights celebrate Adam's 12th birthday. Rating: K Word Count=5313 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","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\/2022\/11\/Bonanza-slide.jpg?fit=1086%2C815&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bonanza-slide.jpg?fit=1086%2C815&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bonanza-slide.jpg?fit=1086%2C815&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bonanza-slide.jpg?fit=1086%2C815&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bonanza-slide.jpg?fit=1086%2C815&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5993,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5993","url_meta":{"origin":5730,"position":5},"title":"No Regrets (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"February 3, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a013th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Marie writes a letter to her favorite aunt in New Orleans, describing her life on the Ponderosa. 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