{"id":5756,"date":"2007-06-02T22:51:42","date_gmt":"2007-06-03T02:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5756"},"modified":"2026-02-11T10:22:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T15:22:10","slug":"a-new-pattern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5756","title":{"rendered":"A New Pattern (by Patina)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>8th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The Cartwrights go into town so Marie can order baby furniture and Adam can get a haircut. Hoss goes shopping with Marie and, while in the store, he overhears her conversation with two elderly ladies about food cravings and whether the baby will be a boy or a girl. Which of course leads to questions.<\/p>\n

Rated K+\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Word Count=4384<\/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

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

 <\/p>\n

A New Pattern<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marie had finally persuaded Ben to take her into town for a shopping trip.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think that she should do much traveling in her condition.\u00a0 That always made Marie laugh.\u00a0 Her husband obviously hadn\u2019t made comments like that to his second wife, Inger.\u00a0 She had traveled over rough country while carrying Hoss.\u00a0 When reminded, Ben always fussed that that had been different.\u00a0 If Marie asked how, Ben always became flustered and claimed it just was.\u00a0 Then Marie got her way.<\/p>\n

This shopping trip was mostly for baby furniture.\u00a0 Marie wanted to order a bassinet and a crib.\u00a0 She had overheard Adam telling his father that he could make those items, which would be better crafted than anything store-bought.\u00a0 When Ben had told his son that Marie preferred to order those items, Adam became angry and said it was wasteful to buy items that could be made.\u00a0 She knew Adam could make furniture, but she worried about the sturdiness of a bassinet made by an eleven year old.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were coming along on this trip.\u00a0 Hoss just wanted to go to the mercantile to ogle the jars of candy.\u00a0 The boy knew if he behaved, his parents would reward him with a penny\u2019s worth of licorice.\u00a0 Ben was going to take Adam to the barbershop for a haircut. Adam\u2019s curly hair was now falling over his ears, which annoyed Ben.\u00a0 The elder Cartwright son was no longer a little boy who could sport a mop of curls\u2014at least in his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

As the wagon slowly made its way to Virginia City, Adam read from The Pioneers.\u00a0 Hoss, as usual, chattered nonstop about the countryside.\u00a0 How Hoss could see something different every time in this stretch of landscape was beyond Adam.\u00a0 The scenery included the same rocks, plants, and trees.\u00a0 Marie was only too happy to indulge Hoss with questions about the scenery.\u00a0 All Adam could do was tune out the conversation and concentrate on his book.<\/p>\n

After what seemed an eternity, at least to Adam, the wagon rolled into Virginia City.\u00a0 Ben pulled the wagon up to the hitching post outside of the mercantile.\u00a0 He jumped down from the bench seat and then helped Marie down.\u00a0 Feeling eyes on him, Ben looked around and saw Mrs. Ford and Widow Avery watching with disapproving looks.\u00a0 No doubt the old biddies thought Marie should be cooped up on the Ponderosa instead of in town.\u00a0 Instead of shooting the ladies a glare, Ben just nodded his head and tipped his hat.\u00a0 The ladies nodded back and headed for the mercantile.\u00a0 He hoped that they wouldn\u2019t pester Marie about coming into town in her condition.<\/p>\n

The boys got out of the wagon and stood on the sidewalk.\u00a0 Adam had noticed the exchange of looks between his father and the two older ladies.\u00a0 He thought Marie should be at the house, too.\u00a0 Pregnancy had been different for Mama\u2014they were traveling with the wagon train then.\u00a0 And Mama worked as hard as most of the men did, without complaint.\u00a0 Marie seemed very delicate compared to Mama.<\/p>\n

Hoss was starting to fidget with impatience by the time Ben and Marie joined him and Adam on the sidewalk.\u00a0 \u201cYou mind Mama in the store, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d the boy answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go visit the barber.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d was the sullen answer.<\/p>\n

Marie took Hoss\u2019 hand and went into the mercantile.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning, Mr. Anderson\u201d she said with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Mrs. Cartwright.\u00a0 How may I help you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to look at your sales samples.\u00a0 We need some new dishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you have a particular pattern in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really.\u00a0 I was hoping you could show me some different styles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI keep the samples in the back.\u00a0 Excuse me while I go get those for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you\u201d she replied with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I look around, Mama?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOui, mon fils.\u00a0 But please be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Avery took the opportunity to abandon their examination of fabrics to approach Marie. \u00a0The two older ladies decided to offer their opinions on the sex of the child she carried.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Mrs. Cartwright\u201d said Ginny Avery.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re looking well for a lady in your condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie began to grit her teeth but turned and said as sweetly as possible \u201cGood morning, Mrs. Avery.\u00a0 Good morning, Mrs. Ford.\u00a0 I am doing well.\u00a0 Thank you for your concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Ford said \u201cI do believe Mr. Cartwright is looking quite healthy.\u00a0 And you certainly look like a rose in full bloom.\u00a0 You must be expecting a girl.\u00a0 Have you chosen a name?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Marie could tell Mrs. Ford to mind her own business, Mrs. Avery gave her opinion.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, Clara, it\u2019s obvious that Mrs. Cartwright is going to give Mr. Cartwright another son.\u00a0 You should be sure to eat lots of that beef Mr. Cartwright runs so the baby will be a fine, strapping boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you craving pies and cakes, Mrs. Cartwright?\u201d asked Mrs. Ford.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a sure sign the baby will be a girl, Ginny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Clara\u201d said Mrs. Avery, \u201cif Mrs. Cartwright is salting all of her food, then the baby is definitely a boy.\u00a0 Are you craving sweet or salt, Mrs. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie tried to snap off an answer, but Mrs. Ford was saying \u201cMr. Cartwright must want a daughter. \u00a0He\u2019s got two boys already.\u00a0 He certainly doesn\u2019t need a third.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Ginny, every man wants strapping sons to carry on his name.\u00a0 Teddy is proud of his five sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust because you only had boys doesn\u2019t mean that your husband never wanted a girl.\u00a0 God didn\u2019t see fit to let any of my children live.\u00a0 But I can tell you that my Simon would have been just as proud of a daughter as a son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA man needs sons to help him work the land and tend the stock, Ginny.\u00a0 Besides, who will take care of things after a man passes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just nonsense, Clara.\u00a0 A woman can plow just as easily as a man.\u00a0 Women have brains, too, and can do figures as easily as a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before the two women could debate any further, Mr. Anderson reappeared with five small, wooden chests containing samples.\u00a0 \u201cHere we are, Mrs. Cartwright, the latest setting samples I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you ladies will excuse me?\u201d Marie said as politely as she could.\u00a0 She would have preferred to admonish Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Avery for their prying, but she knew Ben would not approve of her treating the old biddies disrespectfully.<\/p>\n

Hoss had overheard the ladies as they asked Mama questions.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t decided if he wanted a brother or sister yet.\u00a0 How long did he have to make up his mind?\u00a0 Did Adam tell his birth mother that he wanted a brother?\u00a0 Is that how this worked?\u00a0 Mrs. Ford had said Mama had to eat cakes and pies to have a girl while Mrs. Avery said Mama had to eat meat for a boy.\u00a0 Mama had been eating lots of bacon at breakfast, but she had also been eating lots of cookies, too.\u00a0 Maybe she hadn\u2019t made up her mind yet about a boy or a girl.<\/p>\n

Marie was looking at the samples and trying to eliminate patterns from further consideration.\u00a0 They were using a blue willow pattern now, but the dishes were full of chips and cracks.\u00a0 Ben had bought those while married to Inger and the dishes had survived the journey west.\u00a0 Marie didn\u2019t mind using another woman\u2019s dishes, but the dishes hadn\u2019t fared so well in a house full of men.\u00a0 Ben, the boys, and Hop Sing weren\u2019t very careful when stacking the dishes, which resulted in wear and tear.<\/p>\n

The floral pattern was pretty, but she didn\u2019t think the boys would appreciate eating off of such pretty plates, especially when company was at the table.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m finished with the blue willow and this floral pattern, Mr. Anderson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that leaves these three to choose from\u201d he said as he closed the chests for the patterns no longer under consideration.<\/p>\n

Now she was faced with a set that was plain except for bands of blue, red, and black around the edges, a set with country scenes done in green, and a set with animals in pink.\u00a0 Marie didn\u2019t care for the set with the bands of color on the edge.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t like this set either\u201d she told Mr. Anderson while indicating the banded pattern.\u00a0 He closed that chest, too, leaving the final two patterns.<\/p>\n

Marie lifted a plate from the green set and a plate from the pink set from their respective chests.\u00a0 She felt there was just something odd about eating from dishes with scenes of smiling couples.\u00a0 Who wanted to be enjoying a bowl of soup and then be confronted with a smiling face?\u00a0 The set with the animals was adorable, she thought, and reflected the Ponderosa.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, would you come help me choose a pattern?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss left the shelf with the hats to go up to the counter.\u00a0 Mama was going to let him help choose the plates.\u00a0 He was excited!\u00a0 Now he was glad that Adam had to get his hair cut.<\/p>\n

Marie showed Hoss the two samples.\u00a0 He carefully looked over each one.\u00a0 The smiling people looked like they were having fun and the green sure was pretty.\u00a0 But he did like the cows on the pink one.\u00a0 The cow looked funny, like it was looking over its shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWhich one do you like, mon fils?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one\u201d he answered, pointing to his preference.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I\u201d she answered with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to order this set, Mr. Anderson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many place settings will you be needing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEight should be enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you need serving dishes, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the order information together.\u201d\u00a0 With that, Mr. Anderson closed the chest containing the rejected set and took it to the back along with the other three sets.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are pretty plates, Mama.\u00a0 Ya think Papa\u2019ll like \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a smile, Marie said \u201cI believe he will, mon fils.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie then turned her attention to the bolts of fabric.\u00a0 She would be needing more clothes as her waistline expanded.\u00a0 Hoss provided his opinion on patterns and colors as she looked through the bolts.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, mon fils, I don\u2019t believe this fabric will flatter me.\u00a0 The flowers are so large that I\u2019ll look like a house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss giggled at the thought.\u00a0 Maybe dark colors would be better, Marie thought, since they might minimize her girth later on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like this one, Mama\u201d said Hoss tugging at a bolt of bright yellow fabric.\u00a0 Marie felt practically blinded even though she was inside the store.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps for some trim, mon fils, not an entire dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould ya make me a shirt outta this?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

Marie fixed Hoss with a skeptical look and asked \u201cAre you sure, mon fils?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mama.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie shook her head as she pulled the bolt out of the stack.\u00a0 For herself, she finally settled on navy blue, a small floral print, a dark green (which would compliment her eyes), and brown.<\/p>\n

Hoss helped her carry the bolts up to the counter for Mr. Anderson to cut off the appropriate amount of fabric from each bolt.\u00a0 Mr. Anderson looked at Marie and blushed.\u00a0 He knew that her measurements were going to be changing, but he wasn\u2019t sure how to tactfully ask the amount of fabric she would need.\u00a0 Marie realized that Mr. Anderson was uncomfortable and said \u201cJust double my usual pattern requirements.\u201d\u00a0 With a relieved smile, Mr. Anderson answered \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened and Dr. Martin entered.\u00a0 He removed his hat when he saw Marie and said \u201cGood morning, Mrs. Cartwright.\u00a0 Hoss.\u00a0 How are you both today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re well, thank you\u201d she answered with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow have you been feeling, Mrs. Cartwright?\u00a0 Any sickness?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNon, doctor.\u00a0 Absolutely none.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Avery says Mama should eat lotsa meat for a boy and Mrs. Ford says Mama should eat lotsa pies for a girl.\u00a0 Is that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shot Marie a look of surprise and then tried to answer the five year old\u2019s question.\u00a0 \u201cLadies sometimes crave different foods than normal in this condition.\u00a0 Some folks believe that eating certain foods will make the baby a boy or a girl.\u00a0 I personally don\u2019t think there\u2019s any truth to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa always says too much candy\u2019ll rot my teeth.\u00a0 That ain\u2019t true, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor was actually relieved that Hoss had switched to another topic.\u00a0 \u201cYour father is right, young man.\u00a0 Too many sweets can harm your teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Mama gonna really get as big as a house?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie turned scarlet at Hoss\u2019 question.\u00a0 Even Paul blushed.\u00a0 Before he could even begin to come up with an answer, the door opened and both Ben and Adam walked in.<\/p>\n

Adam was wearing a frown on his face.\u00a0 He felt the barber had practically scalped him.\u00a0 Whenever he said that enough had been taken off, Pa said \u201cA bit more.\u201d\u00a0 What did it matter what his hair looked like?\u00a0 It was under his hat when he was outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Paul\u201d said Ben extending his hand to the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben.\u00a0 I was telling Hoss that too much candy is bad for his teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to the doctor, Son.\u00a0 He\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie looked at Adam and was disappointed to see his curls were gone.\u00a0 Those curls framed his face so well.\u00a0 At least Ben was the one who suggested the haircut, she thought with relief.\u00a0 Adam would probably hold a grudge if she had been the one to make the suggestion.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been good, Papa.\u00a0 Can I have some candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s behaved very well, mon chere.\u00a0 He even helped me pick out new dishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow.\u00a0 He thought she was ordering baby furniture.<\/p>\n

She gestured for him to come up to the counter to see the sample dishes.\u00a0 Ben and Adam looked over the plates.\u00a0 \u201cThis is what you want?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026but\u2026they\u2019re pink!\u201d said Adam in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Adam, they got cows on \u2018em.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re pink!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they\u2019re certainly different, darling.\u00a0 Are you sure this is the pattern you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOui, mon chere.\u00a0 I thought they reflected the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Do you like them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was trying to craft an answer when Paul came up for a look.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a nice pattern, Mrs. Cartwright.\u00a0 It\u2019s very popular in Pittsburgh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut who wants to eat off of a steer\u2019s butt?!?\u201d asked Adam, still reeling in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your language, young man\u201d said Ben sternly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d was the sullen reply.\u00a0 At a glare from his father, Adam added \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the crib and the bassinet?\u201d Ben asked as Mr. Anderson returned from the back with packages of wrapped fabric.<\/p>\n

Marie looked at Adam and caught his eye.\u00a0 \u201cI thought that perhaps a hand-crafted crib might be sturdier than a store-bought one.\u00a0 Perhaps you and Adam could make one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked surprised and then said \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 Pa and I could make a fine looking crib for the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie smiled and said \u201cI know the baby will love it since it\u2019s been made by you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled for the first time that day.\u00a0 He would make the best crib ever.\u00a0 After all, this was for his newest brother or sister.<\/p>\n

Ben mouthed \u201cThank you\u201d to Marie and then went to the licorice jar.\u00a0 He pulled out a penny\u2019s worth for both Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWould you care for some candy, Paul?\u00a0 My treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you\u201d said Paul with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about joining us at the International House for lunch then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do, Doctor\u201d said Marie with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u00a0 Thank you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paid for the candy and then gathered up Marie\u2019s fabric purchases.\u00a0 The family and the doctor then left the store for the hotel restaurant.\u00a0 Adam was lost in thought about the crib while Hoss was thinking about what Mama should eat for lunch.<\/p>\n

Sitting down at a table, Ben asked Paul \u201cAre you keeping busy here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore so than I would have thought.\u00a0 I never realized how dangerous ranching can be.\u00a0 Small cuts become infected quickly and broken limbs seem to be a regular occurrence for bronco busters.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n

While waiting for the waiter, Hoss asked \u201cDo you want a brother or sister, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already got a little brother.\u00a0 A little sister might be a nice change.\u201d<\/p>\n

The adults smiled at this.\u00a0 \u201cWhich do you want, Mama?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want a healthy baby, mon fils.\u00a0 We\u2019ll just have to wait until the baby comes to see if it\u2019s a boy or a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich do you want, Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got two sons.\u00a0 A daughter would be a nice addition.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the waiter approached the table, Hoss said \u201cYa better just eat some dessert, Mama.\u00a0 That way you\u2019ll be sure to have a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie blushed, Paul looked out the window, and Ben\u2019s jaw dropped.\u00a0 \u201cWhere did you hear that, Son?\u201d\u00a0 Ben finally asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Ford said that Mama\u2019ll have a girl if she eats sweets.\u00a0 You and Adam want a girl, so Mama should just eat some pie or cake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t listen to Mrs. Ford, Hoss\u201d admonished Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t it be wrong to not listen to her?\u201d<\/p>\n

How could Ben make Hoss realize that sometimes people are full of nonsense?\u00a0 \u201cSome people hold to certain ideas that have no basis in fact.\u00a0 It sounds like Mrs. Ford might be one of those people.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was obvious from the look on Hoss\u2019 face that he didn\u2019t.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Ford is a gossiping biddy, Hoss.\u00a0 She\u2019s always giving folks advice they can\u2019t use.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Adam\u201d said Ben.\u00a0 He was embarrassed that Paul had witnessed this conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Adam\u201d said Paul.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve noticed that she always wants to give me advice on how to treat different medical conditions.\u00a0 She means well, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

The waiter reached the table to take their orders.\u00a0 Marie ordered a pork chop and mashed potatoes.\u00a0 Hoss thought that Mama must want a boy, she was ordering meat.\u00a0 Everyone else ordered steaks, mashed potatoes, and green beans.<\/p>\n

When the waiter came to clear the empty dishes, Marie asked what kind of pies had been baked.\u00a0 \u201cApple and cherry, Ma\u2019am\u201d was the answer.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have a slice of apple pie.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am\u201d answered the waiter.\u00a0 As he turned to walk back to the kitchen, Marie said \u201cNon, I\u2019ll have a slice of cherry pie.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am\u201d he again answered.\u00a0 As the waiter headed for the kitchen, Marie said loudly \u201cI\u2019d rather the apple pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frustrated, the waiter turned to glare at her, his arms full of dishes.\u00a0 Ben said \u201cBring her a slice of each.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYes, Sir\u201d replied the waiter.<\/p>\n

Hoss was now confused\u2014meat for a boy and sweets for a girl.\u00a0 Mama couldn\u2019t make up her mind about the pie.\u00a0 What did that mean?\u00a0 Was it possible to have a boy and a girl?<\/p>\n

Before the boy could ask any questions, the waiter appeared with two slices of pie.\u00a0 He set these down in front of Marie and quickly headed back for the kitchen.\u00a0 She took a bite from each, gave a satisfied sigh, and said \u201cI can\u2019t hold another bite, mon chere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at her in disbelief.\u00a0 He reached over, picked up the plates, and set them in front of the boys.\u00a0 \u201cYou two share your mother\u2019s dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d replied Hoss eagerly.\u00a0 He always had room for dessert.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to see that you\u2019re doing so well, Mrs. Cartwright\u201d said Paul.\u00a0 \u201cIf you have any concerns, don\u2019t hesitate to let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Doctor, but I think it will be a while yet before we need your services.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope so\u201d he answered with a smile.\u00a0 Paul then stood and said \u201cThank you for lunch, Ben.\u00a0 It\u2019s always a delight to share a meal with your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood and extended his hand to the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cOur pleasure, Paul.\u00a0 Come by the Ponderosa any time for coffee or a meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ben, Ma\u2019am, boys.\u201d\u00a0 With that, Paul left the restaurant.<\/p>\n

Seeing that the boys had finished the slices of pie, Ben said \u201cWe should be getting home.\u00a0 Are you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOui, mon chere.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once in the wagon and headed for home, Adam went back to reading and Hoss was unusually silent.\u00a0 He was thinking about what Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Avery had said.\u00a0 Maybe he could check with Hop Sing to see what Mama should eat.\u00a0 But he didn\u2019t know if he wanted a brother or sister.<\/p>\n

Finally pulling into the yard at the Ponderosa, Ben was relieved to be home.\u00a0 Marie looked in the back of the wagon and saw that both Hoss and Adam were asleep.\u00a0 When Ben stopped the wagon and set the brake, Marie nudged him and whispered \u201cLook in the back, mon chere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to look and a smile spread across his face.\u00a0 His boys appeared so angelic in sleep.\u00a0 He had to admit that Adam looked far less boyish without his curls.\u00a0 Perhaps he should have listened to Marie.\u00a0 At least the curls would grow back soon.<\/p>\n

Jumping down from the wagon, Ben reached up to help Marie down.\u00a0 He began to usher her into the house when she asked \u201cWhat about the boys?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get Hop Sing to help me with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was glad that Marie had decided on a hand-made crib.\u00a0 He knew Adam would make it sturdy and fine-looking.\u00a0 And the boy would make it with great pride.\u00a0 After all, it would be for the newest Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Coming out of the house with Hop Sing, Ben was surprised to see Adam sitting up, wiping the sleep from his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYa want me to wake up Hoss?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cNo\u201d Ben said as he climbed into the back of the wagon.\u00a0 He gently picked up his younger son and handed him down to Hop Sing.\u00a0 The cook cradled Hoss gently in his arms and took the boy into the house.\u00a0 Settling Hoss on the settee, Hop Sing gently ruffled the boy\u2019s hair and whispered to him in Chinese.<\/p>\n

Adam helped his father put up the wagon, unhitch the team, and take care of the animals.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did Marie change her mind about the crib?\u201d he asked his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a woman\u2019s prerogative to change her mind, Son.\u00a0 Maybe she decided that a store-bought crib wouldn\u2019t get here in time.\u00a0 Whatever the reason, it doesn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 I know you\u2019ll do a fine job, Adam.\u00a0 Just let me know if you need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you gonna help me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly if you need me to.\u00a0 I know you can make the crib on your own.\u00a0 Besides, this can be your special gift for the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled from ear-to-ear at that.\u00a0 Pa had confidence in his carpentry skills.\u00a0 And this would be something from just him to the baby.\u00a0 Now he was glad Marie had changed her mind.\u00a0 If her taste in cribs was anything like her taste in plate patterns, who knows what she would have selected.<\/p>\n

As Adam and Ben finished up, the boy asked \u201cDo you really want a girl?\u201d\u00a0 Ben answered \u201cA daughter would be a nice addition, but like your mother, I just want a healthy baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too, Pa\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 With that, they headed for the house, content that they shared the same concerns about the coming baby.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

June 2007<\/p>\n

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

Naming 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

<\/p>\n

\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>mohegan\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>15 Apr 2011 12:58 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A New Pattern\u00a0There were several little stories running here, but I’m afraid the thing that most held my attention was the thought of the men of the Ponderosa having every meal off pink “cow” plates.\u00a0 So funny!\u00a0 And poor Hoss, trying to figure out if he wanted a boy or a girl, pinning his hopes on steak vs. pastry.Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, mohegan.\u00a0 Hoss believed what those little old ladies said, so he was sure that he could get the sibling he wanted by making sure his mother ate “right” (lol).\u00a0 There must be a reason four adult men eat off of pink plates and it makes sense to me that it’s because of Marie.\u00a0 I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed this little glimpse into the Cartwrights’ lives.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Reah Reinink\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>19 Apr 2010 10:18 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A New Pattern\u00a0this is cute stories and l know what is going to have a boy and his name going to be joseph france cartwritght\u00a0 for the family.Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, Reah.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>jojay\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>14 Dec 2009 03:13 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A New Pattern\u00a0I read this earlier but went off to research china patterns!\u00a0 Another charming look at family life.Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, jojay.\u00a0 I’m pleased to know you enjoyed this story.*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Caroline\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>09 Aug 2008 12:29 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A New PatternA nice story revolving around the\u00a0expected\u00a0family addition.\u00a0 I\u00a0love the innocence\u00a0of\u00a0Hoss thinking that diet determined the baby’s gender!! and\u00a0I agree with Adam about the plate patterns!!\u00a0 Well done PatinaAuthor’s Response: Thank you, Caroline!\u00a0 There just has to be an explanation for why four grown men eat from pink dishes (lol).\u00a0 I’m pleased to know you enjoyed this story.<\/i><\/p>\n
*<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Kaci<\/a>\u00a0Signed<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>05 Aug 2008 03:52 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A New Pattern\u00a0A sweet story…if only we could decide about our babies. I like Hoss’ ideas…the dessert for me!Author’s Response: Thank you, Kaci.\u00a0 I’m glad to know you enjoyed this story.<\/i>*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>joegirl<\/a>\u00a0Signed<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>24 Jul 2008 09:22 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>A New Patternlove itAuthor’s Response: Thank you, joegirl.<\/i><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a08th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The Cartwrights go into town so Marie can order baby furniture and Adam can get a haircut. Hoss goes shopping with Marie and, while in the store, he overhears her conversation with two elderly ladies about food cravings and whether the baby will be a boy or a girl. Which of course leads to questions.<\/p>\n

Rated K+\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Word Count=4384<\/p>\n

The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":14972,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5756","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2424,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/blue-plate.jpg?fit=598%2C598&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5967,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5967","url_meta":{"origin":5756,"position":0},"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":5730,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5730","url_meta":{"origin":5756,"position":1},"title":"A Gift Horse (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"March 2, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: 4th story in the Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben announces at supper that he is going to buy a horse for Marie. 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