Rating: T<\/p>\n
Word Count=10,632<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0<\/span>A What Happened Instead story for The Lady From Baltimore. Deborah Banning’s scheme to marry her daughter to a Cartwright had come to fruition when Joe proposed to Melinda. But Melinda was in love with Adam. What if Melinda decided to have Adam, no matter the cost?<\/span><\/p>\n Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended against Elliott Arnold’s script. 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 <\/p>\n A Tangled Web<\/strong><\/p>\n When Deborah Banning planned this trip out to the Ponderosa from Baltimore, her goal was to see how wealthy Ben Cartwright was. He hadn\u2019t seen his old friend, Horace Banning, her husband, for twenty-five years. Since he didn\u2019t know her or her daughter, Melinda, Ben would be a gracious host for the sake of his old friend.<\/span>
Fortunately, Ben had three single sons. All she had to do was keep Melinda quiet and let the boys become intrigued with the girl. Deborah\u2019s goal on this trip was to secure a wealthy husband for Melinda so the girl could take care of her parents.<\/span>
Deborah was impressed upon meeting Ben Cartwright. Virginia City didn\u2019t seem to be much, but Benjamin certainly dressed well. Upon crossing the boundary of the Ponderosa, she was stunned to realize that the Cartwrights literally had an empire. She knew she would have to tread carefully to secure a husband for Melinda. Benjamin must be used to women trying to worm their way into this kingdom.<\/span>
Supper their first evening on the Ponderosa had been very enjoyable. Deborah saw to it that Melinda was seated next to Little Joe, Benjamin\u2019s youngest son. The boy seemed to be easily impressed with stories of high society. She observed Benjamin\u2019s two other sons during the meal. Adam, the oldest, had been to college back east and was not at all impressed and seemed rather disdainful of her talk of servants and dinner parties with the governor. Hoss, the middle son, was seemingly impressed with the talk of dinners but she didn\u2019t think he would be well-suited for Melinda. Joseph, however, was perfect. Benjamin\u2019s youngest son seemed to be na\u00efve and rash. By flattering him and being coy, Melinda should be able to get Joseph to propose marriage very quickly. Surely Benjamin wouldn\u2019t deny his youngest son anything, especially marriage to his old friend\u2019s daughter. If everything went according to plan, Joseph and Melinda would be married quickly, her financial security would be assured, and Horace would never know she had exploited his old friend.<\/span>
Following supper, Melinda and her mother had retired to their room. Deborah had said they were tired from their journey.<\/span>
\u201cI like Adam, Mother. He was so magnificent on that bronco this afternoon.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNo, my dear, Adam is not for you. Joseph is far better.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut Adam is so dashing and daring. He\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAdam is far too cunning, Darling. He would be too difficult for us to control. I\u2019m sure he would quickly grow tired of you. No, Joseph is definitely the one for you.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cMother, don\u2019t I get a say in this?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m only doing what\u2019s best for you, Darling. I can\u2019t let you squander this opportunity by being flighty. Besides, how can you possibly be in love with Adam? You just met him this afternoon.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat if Little Joe grows tired of me?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat won\u2019t happen, Darling. I saw the way he looked at you during supper. You\u2019ll be able to twist Joseph around your finger to get anything at all you want.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat if\u2026?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Melinda. I\u2019m doing what\u2019s best for you. Now come to bed.\u201d<\/span>
Over the next few weeks, Deborah made sure that any free time Joseph had was spent with Melinda. When not working, Joseph took walks with Melinda or took her horseback riding. He even took her on a picnic at Lake Tahoe. Melinda told her mother that she felt guilty for using Little Joe for financial gain. Deborah\u2019s only problem was noticing the way Melinda was mooning after Adam. Fortunately, Joseph was oblivious to Melinda\u2019s interest in his brother.<\/span>
Melinda decided to cook supper one afternoon. Deborah had encouraged Ben to give Hop Sing the day off. Joe and Melinda were in the kitchen and she was making a beef stew. Joe was much more interested in kissing her than helping with the stew.<\/span>
Taking a spoonful out of the pot, Melinda took a taste. She then took the spoon over to Joe.<\/span>
He tasted the stew and said \u201cIt\u2019s delicious. What other talents do you have?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI have many others, Little Joe\u201d she said with a flirty smile.<\/span>
Putting his hands around her waist, Joe brought her close for a kiss. Drawing back, Melinda asked \u201cDo you have any wine?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIsn\u2019t it a bit early for a glass of wine?\u201d he asked.<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s not for me. The wine is for the stew.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWho puts wine in stew?\u201d Joe asked with raised eyebrows.<\/span>
\u201cThe recipe is French. Wine is used in many sauces in France.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat will the French think of next?\u201d he asked, drawing her in for another kiss.<\/span>
\u201cIf you think hard enough you\u2019ll remember where Hop Sing keeps the wine.\u201d<\/span>
Adam\u2019s voice startled Joe and Melinda. She blushed a bright red. Seeing Joe\u2019s confused look, Adam said \u201cCheck the pantry. That\u2019s where Hop Sing keeps the wine.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOh yeah\u201d said Joe, leaving the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span>
Adam went to the pump for a glass of water. Melinda approached him nervously.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ve missed you, Adam\u201d she said.<\/span>
\u201cHave you? Seems you\u2019ve been very busy with my brother.\u201d<\/span>
Thinking back to what her mother said, Melinda chose her words carefully. \u201cI want to get to know you better, Adam.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat’s this? My brother\u2019s back is turned and now you\u2019re turning your attention to me?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet me explain\u2026\u201d She realized she couldn\u2019t tell Adam the truth without hurting Little Joe and ruining her mother\u2019s plans.<\/span>
Joe entered the kitchen with a bottle of wine to see Adam and Melinda looking very serious. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI was asking Adam if he wanted to taste the stew. He said he wants to be surprised at supper.\u201d Then she gave a flirty laugh as she took the bottle from Joe. He followed her over to the stove. Adam took this in with narrowed eyes.<\/span>
At supper, everyone enjoyed the stew. Ben praised Melinda\u2019s cooking skills frequently. Hoss kept saying he hadn\u2019t ever had stew that good. Adam paid her a compliment, but kept close watch on her and Joe. Deborah went on and on about Melinda studying cooking with a French chef.<\/span>
Following supper, Joe and Melinda went outside to talk. He kissed her and then said \u201cI\u2019ve never known a girl like you. You\u2019re so beautiful.\u201d<\/span>
She blushed and said \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve known lots of beautiful girls.\u201d<\/span>
After a pause, he asked \u201cWhat are you thinking?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI miss home and Daddy.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou must be getting lonesome for all the things back in Baltimore.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m used to it back there. Everything here is still so new.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDo you think you could get used to the way it is out here?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span>
\u201cWhen you get used to love, it doesn\u2019t matter where you are, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDoes that mean what I hope it means?\u201d he asked, gazing at her directly.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019re sweet, Little Joe, and the nicest man I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI haven\u2019t been able to think of anything else since you arrived. When I\u2019m working, I can\u2019t wait until I have some free time to spend with you.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m glad I came here\u201d she said, looking into his eyes.<\/span>
Joe blushed and said \u201cI\u2019d like to ask you a question. I don\u2019t know if you can give me an answer.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat answer would you like to hear?\u201d she asked.<\/span>
He reached for her and drew her in for a kiss. They kissed passionately before she drew away. Looking up at him, Melinda said \u201cThe answer is yes, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span>
Joe smiled and drew her into a hug. He was so happy that she had agreed to be his wife. Melinda knew she would have to tell her mother and seek her advice. As she hugged Little Joe, she thought of Adam. And she felt guilty for using Little Joe like this.<\/span>
When Melinda and Joe came back inside, Deborah noticed that her daughter looked very flushed. \u201cAre you feeling well, my dear?\u201d she asked with concern.<\/span>
\u201cI think I need to lie down. Good night, everyone.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Deborah said, \u201cIf you gentlemen will excuse me? This has been a delightful evening.\u201d Ben, Adam, and Hoss stood with Deborah and waited until she had gone upstairs to sit back down.<\/span>
\u201cYou look happy, Lil Joe\u201d said Hoss.<\/span>
\u201cI am\u201d was his only response.<\/span>
Adam gave his youngest brother a shrewd look. He hoped Melinda wasn\u2019t going to break Joe\u2019s heart.<\/span>
In their room, Deborah helped her daughter undress. \u201cLittle Joe sort of proposed to me, Mother.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat do you mean by sort of? A man either proposes or he doesn\u2019t. Did he ask you to marry him?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe said he wanted to ask me a question and then he kissed me. I told him the answer is yes. Are you happy, Mother?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOf course I am, Darling. Do you think Joseph has told his family yet?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI asked him to wait until tomorrow night. I wanted him to think it\u2019s possible I might change my mind.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cGood girl, Melinda. This will only make him want this marriage even more. You\u2019re already learning to get him to do what you want.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat about Adam?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat about him, Melinda?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m in love with him.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNonsense, Darling. You love the idea of being in love with him. Adam is too smart for his own good. You should avoid him until I can arrange your wedding.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat do you mean, Mother?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ll have to talk with Benjamin about the wedding arrangements. It\u2019ll be better if we can set it up quickly. Perhaps you will be Mrs. Joseph Cartwright by the end of this week.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut what about Daddy? He won\u2019t have time to make it out here for the wedding. He\u2019ll be so disappointed.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThe last thing we need is your father. If Benjamin knew our true financial status, he would never approve a marriage between you and Joseph. Besides, a marriage is a legally binding contract. Our true situation won\u2019t matter one bit after you\u2019re married.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThis doesn\u2019t seem right, Mother.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOh nonsense, Child. You may even come to love Joseph. Tomorrow, we\u2019ll ride out to see what kinds of chores are done on this ranch. After all, you will be the wife of a working rancher.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYes, Mother\u201d was Melinda\u2019s only reply before blowing out the lamp.<\/span>
The next morning, Deborah and Melinda dressed in their best riding clothes to inspect the ranch. Joseph had invited them to come out to watch the calf branding. As the two women approached, Adam looked up with aggravation. \u201cWho asked them to come out here?\u201d he asked.<\/span>
\u201cI invited them\u201d said Joe defensively.<\/span>
\u201cBranding is not a sight for a lady.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThey\u2019re our guests, Adam\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWe should make them feel welcome.\u201d<\/span>
Hoss and Joe went over to the ladies\u2019 horses to help them dismount. Adam was exasperated. Deborah saw the fire and assumed they were camping out.<\/span>
\u201cWhat are you cooking?\u201d she asked.<\/span>
\u201cOh, we\u2019re not cooking, Ma\u2019am\u201d said Joe with a slight laugh.<\/span>
Adam approached the fire to check the branding irons.<\/span>
\u201cYou don\u2019t seem happy to see us, Adam\u201d said Melinda.<\/span>
\u201cI was thinking of your comfort. This might be a rough sight to see.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThank you, Adam\u201d said Deborah, \u201cbut you\u2019ll see that Melinda can accustom herself to anything that happens on a ranch.\u201d<\/span>
Adam\u2019s eyes darted between the two women. They obviously were not going to be leaving. He told Hoss to bring over a calf and told Joe to get some more wood.<\/span>
Hoss roped a calf and hog-tied its back legs. Then he dragged the struggling animal over to the fire. As he got it settled, Deborah looked on in astonishment. Adam pulled the red-hot iron out of the fire.<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019re not going to burn that tiny thing?!? Melinda asked in disbelief.<\/span>
\u201cAll cattle look alike. It\u2019s the only way we have of putting our name on them. Besides, it\u2019s not as bad as it looks.\u201d<\/span>
Melinda stepped back a few paces to give Adam room to work. He placed the red-hot brand against the calf\u2019s flank. The smell of burning flesh and the calf\u2019s bawl were too much for Melinda. She fell to the ground in a faint.<\/span>
Adam dropped the iron, let out an aggravated sigh, and went over to Melinda\u2019s limp form. He knelt down beside her, ready to assist in any way. At that moment, Melinda opened her eyes to see Adam\u2019s face. She smiled as she realized that he did care for her. Adam helped her to sit up and Joe came running over in fright.<\/span>
\u201cWhat happened to her?\u201d Joe asked with great concern.<\/span>
\u201cI told you women shouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d Looking at Deborah, he added \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go on back to the house?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t talk to her that way, Adam!\u201d warned Joe.<\/span>
\u201cAll right. The girl\u2019s sick. Why don\u2019t you take her home?\u201d<\/span>
Joe\u2019s nostrils flared and his face hardened as he looked at Adam and said \u201cI\u2019ll take her home, but only because she\u2019s sick.\u201d<\/span>
As Joe helped Melinda up, Adam said \u201cI\u2019m sorry you had to see the steer and keel over that way, Melinda.\u201d With that, he stalked back to the fire. Melinda didn\u2019t know what to make of that remark. Joe threw a glare at his brother\u2019s back.<\/span>
That afternoon, Melinda decided to apologize to Adam. She found out from Hoss that Adam was working at the forge. Garnering her courage, she went over. There had to be hope, she thought. Adam had been the first to help her after she fainted. Maybe the engagement with Little Joe would fall though and she could marry Adam.<\/span>
As she approached, she saw him wearing a leather apron. She also noticed that his shirt was half unbuttoned, exposing his chest. He looked so handsome and ruggedly masculine. The sight of him made her think back to seeing him riding that bronco. There was something mysterious about him that made her want to find out more. If only she hadn\u2019t been forced to pursue Joe.<\/span>
Nearing the forge, Melinda tried to make light conversation. A coil of wire drew her attention. \u201cWhat kind of wire is that?\u201d she asked.<\/span>
\u201cBarbed\u201d was Adam\u2019s only response.<\/span>
She reached out to touch the wire. One of the points pricked her finger. \u201cIt\u2019s full of sharp points\u201d she remarked.<\/span>
\u201cExperience, that\u2019s the best way to learn\u201d said Adam with a glance at Melinda.<\/span>
\u201cBut it\u2019s so cruel!\u201d she replied.<\/span>
\u201cIt goes along with everything else here. Breaking horses, branding calves. Everything\u2019s done with pain.\u201d He plunged the metal he was working into the bucket of water and hoped she would go away.<\/span>
\u201cYou don\u2019t have a patent on hurt\u201d she said insistently.<\/span>
\u201cMelinda, you are a guest here and you\u2019re free to come and go as you please. But it is a working ranch and, at the moment, I\u2019m pretty busy.\u201d He went back to shaping the metal he was working on.<\/span>
Seeing she wasn\u2019t making any headway, Melinda angrily turned to leave. Her skirt caught on the barbed wire, though, and she could hear it ripping as she tried to free herself. Hearing the sound of ripping fabric, Adam put down the metal and hammer and went to help her. He bent over to free her skirt. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ben and Joe heading for the forge. With one last rip, Adam freed her skirt and helped her stand up. His hands were on her upper arms and she was facing him.\u00a0<\/span>
Knowing that Ben and Joe were heading their way, she quickly hatched a plan. She yelled \u201cLeave me alone! Get away from me!\u201d She reached up and tore the right sleeve of her blouse. Noticing the blood on her finger where it had been punctured by the barbed wire, she dabbed it on her lower lip. Adam looked at her in complete surprise. Melinda realized that perhaps she wasn\u2019t completely lacking in scheming skills. If Adam wouldn\u2019t love her, then she would break him like one of the broncos. He would just have to suffer the consequences.<\/span>
Joe and Ben had increased their pace when they heard Melinda scream. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d Ben asked, taking in Melinda\u2019s appearance and Adam\u2019s hands on her. Melinda disentangled herself from Adam and ran over to Joe.<\/span>
\u201cShe got her dress tangled in the wire and I helped her. That\u2019s all\u201d said Adam.<\/span>
Joe\u2019s face was red and he quickly boiled with anger. Adam must be jealous of what he had with Melinda. However, he would never have suspected that Adam would try to take advantage of a lady in such a way. Joe wiped the blood from Melinda\u2019s lip with his thumb as she cried in his arms. \u201cGo back to the house, Melinda. I\u2019ll be in soon.\u201d<\/span>
Melinda ran for the house, the sound of her sobs in the Cartwrights\u2019 ears. \u201cI\u2019m awaiting an explanation\u201d said Ben with a look of terror for his son. He had not raised his boys to commit acts such as this. What could possibly be going on?<\/span>
\u201cI told you what happened\u201d said Adam, crossing his arms over his chest.<\/span>
\u201cHow did her clothes get torn? Why was there blood on her lip?\u201d demanded Joe.<\/span>
\u201cHer skirt got caught on the wire and it ripped as she tried to back away. She must have pricked her finger on the wire, too.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow did her blouse get ripped? Blood was on her lip, not her finger.\u201d Joe began to advance on Adam. He couldn\u2019t believe that his oldest brother would do such a thing.<\/span>
Ben put out an arm to hold his youngest son back. \u201cAdam gave us an explanation. Perhaps we should hear Melinda\u2019s version.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe know what her version is\u201d replied Joe, not taking his eyes off of Adam. \u201cWe heard her screaming as he tore her clothes.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Joseph!\u201d Ben thundered.<\/span>
\u201cI won\u2019t have him taking liberties with the woman I\u2019m going to marry!\u201d announced Joe. He then turned and ran for the house.<\/span>
\u201cMarry?\u201d Adam asked his father in surprise. \u201cWhen did this happen?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSon, I think you should stay in town for the rest of the Bannings\u2019 visit. This way, we\u2019ll avoid any uncomfortable encounters between you and Joseph.\u201d<\/span>
As they headed for the house, Deborah came stalking towards them. She reached the two men and slapped Adam as hard as she could. Adam stood there in complete surprise. \u201cHow dare you do that to my daughter!!\u201d she yelled. \u201cBenjamin, Melinda and I will be moving into the hotel in Virginia City. Joseph is helping Melinda pack our things. He will be taking us into town and staying with us.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDeborah, I\u2019m so sorry. I\u2019m not sure what happened\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201dI know exactly what happened\u201d said Deborah with venom in her voice. \u201cYour son couldn\u2019t keep his hands off of my child. He\u2019s been waiting for just the right moment to get her alone. Thank goodness you found them before he could really hurt my little girl.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIs there anything I can do?\u201d asked Ben, looking dejected.<\/span>
\u201cYou can keep this animal away from me and my daughter.\u201d Deborah turned on her heel and marched back to the house.<\/span>
Looking at his father, Adam said \u201cPa, you\u2019ve got to believe me. I didn\u2019t harm Melinda in any way. Her skirt got caught on the barbed wire. I was trying to help.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow did her blouse get torn?\u201d Ben asked. He had never had reason to doubt one of his sons before. Now, though, the evidence was not supporting Adam\u2019s statement.<\/span>
\u201cShe tore her blouse herself because she was mad at me.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhy would she be mad at you, Son?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cMelinda isn\u2019t in love with Joe, Pa. She\u2019s been making advances at me when his back is turned. I can\u2019t believe that Joe wants to marry her.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cTell me the truth, Adam\u201d Ben pleaded. \u201cHave you given Melinda any reason to believe that you\u2019re interested in her?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOf course not, Pa. She\u2019s just a kid.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI want to believe you, Son. Maybe going into town will be the best thing for Melinda right now.\u201d<\/span>
Chet, one of the hands, had seen the entire exchange between Adam and Melinda at the forge. He knew exactly what had happened. However, he had an intense dislike for Adam. The man thought he was better than everyone else, even his own family, because he had an education. Chet had seen Miss Deborah slap Adam and heard her tirade. He decided to be helpful to Miss Deborah and Miss Melinda if it would bring about Adam Cartwright\u2019s fall.<\/span>
Hitching a horse to the buggy, Chet brought it around front to await Little Joe and the ladies. Chet was sure that Little Joe would appreciate having someone on his side. Miss Deborah brought Miss Melinda out, her arms holding her daughter tightly, steering her out of the house. The poor girl was still sobbing. Little Joe was carrying the bags. Chet noticed that Miss Melinda had changed her clothes.<\/span>
Helping the ladies into the buggy, Little Joe said \u201cThanks for taking us into town, Chet. Please take us to the hotel. I\u2019ll be staying there, too.\u201d<\/span>
Ben came out of the house, desperate to restore harmony with his guests. \u201cDeborah, please reconsider. I can send Adam to town.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNo thank you, Benjamin\u201d she replied in a steely voice. \u201cWhat\u2019s happened here has marred our visit. I couldn\u2019t stay here knowing how close my daughter came to being violated. Please come to see me at the hotel so we can work out the details of Joseph and Melinda\u2019s wedding.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou still want to go through with the wedding? Shouldn\u2019t Melinda have time to\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cPa, I love Melinda. Nothing is going to stop me from marrying her. Not even Adam.\u201d Ben could only look at his youngest in disbelief. \u201cTake us to town, Chet\u201d Joe ordered.<\/span>
As the buggy pulled away, Ben was disconsolate. What had really happened? The romance between Joe and Melinda had progressed quickly. He knew romances could occur in a whirlwind. He had quickly fallen in love with Marie and set tongues wagging in New Orleans and Virginia City by marrying her. He had not seen any indication from Adam that he had an interest of any sort in Melinda. In fact, he seemed to be irritated by Deborah\u2019s stories of dinner parties and Melinda\u2019s many talents. Nor had he seen Melinda showing any interest in Adam. All of her time was spent with Joseph or her mother. Ben couldn\u2019t put his finger on what was making him so uneasy.<\/span>
On the way into town, Deborah told Joe \u201cI want to make a report to the sheriff. Your brother\u2019s actions cannot go unpunished.\u201d<\/span>
Still seething with anger, Joe was in complete agreement. He and Adam had been at odds many times and even come to blows before. However, he had never ever thought that his oldest brother would go this far to take a woman from him. Was Adam so jealous of him that he would stoop to such a level? Joe thought back to Adam\u2019s disgust at seeing Deborah and Melinda arrive to watch the branding. Adam had been angry then and very annoyed when Melinda fainted. Did he decide at that moment that he would have the girl any way he could? Joe shivered as he thought about this. His relationship with Adam was never going to be the same. Especially if his brother went to prison for this.<\/span>
Arriving in town, Chet took the trio straight to the International House Hotel. Bystanders stared curiously at the young lady sobbing on the older lady\u2019s shoulder. Joe alit from the buggy and helped the ladies out. He quickly escorted them inside, secured two rooms, and took them upstairs.<\/span>
After Deborah got Melinda settled in, she went to Joe\u2019s room and knocked on the door. He answered the door looking very tired. \u201cPlease take me to the sheriff, Joseph. I wish to file charges.\u201d<\/span>
Getting his hat, Joe took Deborah to Roy Coffee\u2019s office. When his door opened, Roy saw a lady enter followed by Joe. \u201cHowdy, Little Joe, Ma\u2019am. What can I do for you?\u201d He noticed Joe looked miserable while the lady looked mad enough to spit nails.<\/span>
Gesturing to a chair, Roy invited the lady to sit. Taking the chair, she said \u201cI\u2019m Deborah Banning. My daughter and I have been guests of Benjamin Cartwright for the past few weeks. Joseph and my daughter are betrothed.\u201d Roy glanced between Deborah and Joe, trying to figure out what was going on.<\/span>
\u201cWhat seems to be the problem, Mrs. Banning?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI wish to file charges against Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat kind of charges?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe tried to take liberties with my daughter?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAre you saying what I think you\u2019re saying?\u201d Roy asked in disbelief.<\/span>
\u201cShe most definitely is\u201d said Joe.<\/span>
\u201cDid either of you witness what happened?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span>
\u201cNo\u201d answered Joe. \u201cBut we saw what Adam had done to her. My fianc\u00e9e\u2019s clothes were torn, her hair was disheveled, and there was blood on her lip.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m going to need a statement from your daughter, Mrs. Banning. Is she well enough to come here?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI should think not!\u201d replied Deborah, eyes flashing.<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2019re staying at the International House\u201d offered Joe.<\/span>
\u201cWould it be alright of I came to your room to take her statement?\u201d asked Roy.<\/span>
\u201cThat will be acceptable. Can you come now?\u201d Deborah asked.<\/span>
Putting on his hat, Roy picked up a small notebook and a pencil. He didn\u2019t relish doing this. After he took Miss Banning\u2019s statement, he\u2019d have to go out to the Ponderosa to get Adam\u2019s version of events. Roy hoped there was a witness who would be able to confirm or deny the events.<\/span>
Deborah tapped lightly on her hotel room door. \u201cDarling, I\u2019ve brought the sheriff to take your statement. Are you up to speaking with him?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYes, Mother\u201d Melinda answered.<\/span>
The trio entered the hotel room. Roy noticed that Melinda had no bruises on her face. If Adam had hit her, there should be bruising or at least a cut.<\/span>
Sitting down in a chair, Roy opened his notebook and asked \u201cCan you tell me what happened, Miss Banning?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI saw Adam working at the forge and decided to go talk to him. I thought he could give me some advice regarding Little Joe.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat was Adam doing?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span>
\u201cHe was pounding a piece of metal with a hammer.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe told me to come closer, so I did. Then he threw the hammer and piece of metal and grabbed at me.\u201d She put the handkerchief to her eyes and dabbed. Her voice began shaking. \u201cI tried to get away, but my skirt caught on some barbed wire. He saw I was trapped and grabbed my blouse. He tore my sleeve as I tried to turn away. Then he slapped me.\u201d She was now crying. Joe\u2019s eyes were flashing in anger and his mouth was set in a hard line. Deborah was watching her daughter intently; making sure that Melinda\u2019s story would have the desired outcome. \u201cI screamed for help and Mr. Cartwright and Little Joe arrived just in time.\u201d Her shoulders shook with her sobbing.<\/span>
\u201cMay I see the garments you were wearing at the time, Miss Banning?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span>
\u201cWhat for?\u201d demanded Joe.<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s all part of an investigation, Little Joe. I need to see the evidence before I get Adam\u2019s statement.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d asked Deborah.<\/span>
\u201cI have to get his version of the events\u201d said Roy. \u201cI need to be sure of the evidence before I lock a man up.\u201d<\/span>
Stalking over to Melinda\u2019s valise, Deborah pulled out her daughter\u2019s ripped skirt and blouse. \u201cHere, sheriff. You can see for yourself what that animal did to my little girl.\u201d<\/span>
Roy carefully noted that the rip on the skirt was close to the hem, not the waist. The right sleeve of the blouse was torn. That was odd, thought, Roy\u2014Adam\u2019s right-handed. Also, if Adam had hit the young lady and there was blood, there should be a cut or a bruise. Her face had no marks at all.\u00a0<\/span>
Finishing up, Roy said \u201cI have to go out to the Ponderosa to get Adam\u2019s statement. Little Joe, will you be staying here with the ladies?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYes\u201d answered Joe, putting an arm around Melinda\u2019s shoulder protectively.<\/span>
Roy left the hotel with a feeling of dread. He had a feeling that Melinda was lying about what happened. However, if there were no witnesses, he\u2019d probably have no choice but to arrest Adam. The kind of charge Mrs. Banning had made required a trial. Not many people in town would be kind if word got out about these charges. Poor Ben, he thought. His heart must be breaking to have one son\u2019s fianc\u00e9e accuse another son of such an act.<\/span>
Arriving at the Ponderosa, Roy dismounted and tied his horse at the rail. He slowly walked to the door and knocked. Hoss opened the door. \u201cWe\u2019ve been expecting ya, Roy\u201d said Hoss morosely.<\/span>
Entering the room, Roy saw Ben sitting in his red chair, his shoulders slumped. Adam sat ram-rod straight in his blue chair. Sitting down on the settee, Roy pulled the notebook and pencil from his shirt pocket.<\/span>
\u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry, but Mrs. Banning has filed charges against Adam. I have to get his version of the events.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat do you mean my version?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span>
\u201cMiss Banning has accused you of over-familiarity. She made some pretty strong statements about what happened. Ben, if you and Hoss would like to leave the room, I\u2019ll understand.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNo, Roy\u201d said Ben, \u201cwe\u2019ll stay.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cTell me exactly what happened, Adam\u201d said Roy.<\/span>
\u201cI was working at the forge when Melinda approached me. She touched the barbed wire and asked me what it was. I told her what it was and she must have pricked her finger when she touched it. She tried to engage me in conversation, but I told her I was busy. I went back to work and she turned to leave. Her skirt got caught on the barbed wire and ripped. I went over to help her and bent down to free her skirt. As I freed her skirt and helped her to stand up straight, she yelled at me to leave her alone. Then she ripped her sleeve and dabbed blood on her lip. Pa and Joe arrived then.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhich sleeve was ripped\u201d asked Roy.<\/span>
\u201cShe tore her right sleeve.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhere were your hands when her blouse was torn?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cRoy!\u201d Ben protested.<\/span>
\u201cI need the facts, Ben. Where were your hands, Adam?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOn her arms.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDid you slap her?\u201d asked Roy.<\/span>
\u201cOf course not!\u201d Adam answered angrily.<\/span>
\u201cAdam would never hit a lady\u201d Hoss said.<\/span>
\u201cWhat did you see, Ben?\u201d asked Roy.<\/span>
\u201cI heard Melinda scream at Adam to get his hands off of her and to leave her alone. Joseph and I rushed to the forge. Adam had Melinda by the arms. Her skirt and blouse were torn. There was blood on her lip.\u201d Tears were in Ben\u2019s eyes. He was only making Adam sound guilty of the alleged crime.<\/span>
\u201cIs it possible her skirt was torn on the barbed wire?\u201d Roy asked Ben.<\/span>
\u201cMaybe\u201d said Ben. Adam was stunned that his father didn\u2019t believe him.<\/span>
\u201cWere there any witnesses, Adam?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span>
\u201cNo\u201d was the answer.<\/span>
\u201dI\u2019m sorry, Adam. I\u2019m going to have to take you in. Ben, I\u2019m sorry to have to do this.\u201d<\/span>
Adam stood angrily and marched over to the door. He snatched his hat and jammed it on his head. He glared at his father before opening the door and going outside to saddle Sport.<\/span>
\u201cWhat am I going to do, Roy\u201d asked Ben miserably.<\/span>
\u201cAre Little Joe and Miss Banning still planning their wedding?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span>
\u201cYes. Deborah wants me to come into town to assist in the arrangements. I think she wants our children to be married before the end of the week.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhy would she still want her daughter to go through with the wedding so quickly?\u201d asked Roy.<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe she hopes that marrying Joseph as planned will restore some normalcy. Now I\u2019m afraid that she\u2019ll insist they live in Baltimore instead of here.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat do you mean, Ben?\u201d asked Roy. There seemed to be something behind this intrigue after all.<\/span>
\u201cI hoped that Melinda would remain out here after she and Joseph are married. But the Bannings are used to a social life back east that just doesn\u2019t exist out here. If they return to Baltimore, Melinda can throw herself into a whirl of social engagements and put this incident behind her.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhy would she want to be the center of attention so quickly?\u201d Roy wondered aloud.<\/span>
\u201cYou know how women are, Roy\u201d said Ben with a shrug.<\/span>
\u201cYeah\u201d was Roy\u2019s only response. \u201cI\u2019m going to go by the forge before leaving with Adam.\u201d<\/span>
Roy walked over to the forge, expecting to see the hammer on the ground. He was surprised to see the hammer and a piece of metal on the anvil. Pulling out his notebook, he saw where he had written that Adam threw down the hammer before grabbing Miss Banning. Looking at the coil of barbed wire, he saw cloth on the barbs. The material was near the bottom of the coil. He pulled it off and put it into his shirt pocket. Adam\u2019s footprints were facing the forge and then went over to the barbed wire. The prints were walking steps, not deeper prints made by lunging. The set of prints near the coil of wire appeared to reflect squatting. He jotted some notes in his book and realized that he was going to have to carefully review the two statements.<\/span>
Leaving the forge, he headed for the hitching rail. Adam was waiting there with Sport. Hoss was standing with his hands jammed into his pockets, looking at the ground. Ben had his hand on Sport and looked miserable.<\/span>
Mounting up, Roy said \u201cLet\u2019s go, Adam. You\u2019re free to come visit, Ben, Hoss.\u201d With that, the sheriff and his suspect headed for Virginia City.<\/span>
Back at the hotel, Deborah was talking with Melinda about her wedding to Joseph. \u201cBut don\u2019t you see, Mother? Adam will be forced to marry me now.\u201d Melinda\u2019s eyes shone as she said this.<\/span>
Deborah was appalled. \u201cIs that what this is about? You\u2019re trying to trap Adam into marriage?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow is that different from what you wanted me to do with Little Joe?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cJoseph adores you, Darling. Adam will hate you for this. Think of how difficult your life would be with Adam for a husband. Besides, you can\u2019t just cast Joseph aside when he\u2019s about to marry you.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAdam and I will just have to live in Baltimore. He\u2019ll do whatever I want out of guilt for what he did to me.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cMelinda, a man\u2019s reputation often precedes him. How on earth do you think you could have any kind of life with a man you\u2019ve accused of accosting you?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut nobody in Baltimore would ever know what happened out here. Adam would support me in a grand lifestyle.\u201d<\/span>
Deborah found her temper rising. \u201cYou will drop this notion of marrying Adam. You are going to marry Joseph and that\u2019s final. I will not have you making us into gossip-fodder.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cBut I don\u2019t love Little Joe, Mother.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t care, Melinda\u201d she answered hotly. \u201cYou will marry who I tell you to marry. I don\u2019t want to hear any more of this nonsense about Adam.\u201d<\/span>
A knock on the door abruptly ended the conversation. Deborah opened the door to see Chet standing there. \u201cKin I talk to ya, Ma\u2019am?\u201d he asked.<\/span>
\u201cDo come in\u201d Deborah said, opening the door wider.<\/span>
\u201cNo, Ma\u2019am. I\u2019d like to speak to you alone-like.\u201d<\/span>
Coming out into the hall, Deborah shut the door behind her. \u201cWhere would you like to talk?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cCan we go to the lobby?\u201d<\/span>
The pair went down to the lobby and sat on a settee in a secluded corner. \u201cI saw what happened at the ranch, Ma\u2019am\u201d said Chet. Deborah could see the scheming in his eyes. \u201cFer ten dollars, I could keep quiet about it.\u201d<\/span>
Deborah thought quickly. Maybe a way to get Adam Cartwright out of the picture was available after all. She took a glance out the window and saw the sheriff and Adam go by. Going to the window, she saw them stop outside of the sheriff\u2019s office, dismount, and go inside. Chet appeared at her side, seeing the two men enter the office.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ll give you twenty dollars to gain your silence and to get your help in removing Adam Cartwright from the picture.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat\u2019s a deal, Ma\u2019am\u201d said Chet with a wicked leer. He would have to devise something painful for that Adam Cartwright.<\/span>
Deborah went back upstairs and tapped on Joe\u2019s door. \u201cI saw the sheriff bring your brother in, Joseph. I thought you\u2019d want to know.\u201d<\/span>
Joe grabbed his hat and sped down the stairs. He went over to Roy\u2019s office. Not seeing his brother, he asked \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI have him locked up in a cell for now, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span>