{"id":5858,"date":"2010-06-03T00:57:09","date_gmt":"2010-06-03T04:57:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5858"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:41:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:41:12","slug":"ennui","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5858","title":{"rendered":"Ennui (by Patina)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>The 15th story in The Battle of Wills series. Hoss fears that he’s sick and dying while Pa and Adam are out of town.<\/p>\n

Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count=3791<\/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

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

Ennui<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss slowly pulled on a long piece of yarn so that it slithered across the floor. A small paw darted out from behind a chair and slapped at the retreating serpentine string before disappearing from sight. The boy gathered up the yarn, tossed its length towards the chair, and began again; this time, he was rewarded with a pounce from Stormy.<\/p>\n

The kitten leapt upon her prey and gathered it up with her paws before rolling over. She bit at it, batted it with her rear paws, and then ran for the stairs with a yowl. Hoss grinned from ear-to-ear as the kitten\u2019s thundering paws echoed in the room.<\/p>\n

A loud, \u201cGo away, chaton!\u201d was yelled and Stormy came racing back to the first floor. She stopped wide-eyed in the middle of the room, tail twitching, and then quickly lapped the perimeter before collapsing in a panting heap by Hoss.<\/p>\n

He scratched her belly and giggled as she held onto his wrist and thumped his bare arm with her back paws, her claws sheathed. Gently, he rolled Stormy back and forth as she purred.<\/p>\n

Marie came downstairs, weary from lack of sleep. Her normally vibrant eyes were dull and stray strands of hair had escaped her simple braid, creating a gently frazzled halo. Her husband and eldest son were due back tomorrow from a cattle buying trip and Hop Sing was in San Francisco with relatives. Petit Joseph\u2019s care had fallen entirely on her shoulders. She missed Adam\u2019s help with the baby and the naps she was afforded while he tended to his youngest brother. Hoss helped with diaper changes, but he didn\u2019t have Adam\u2019s calming influence when the baby fussed. All Joseph seemed to need was a few whispered words from his eldest brother to soothe him.<\/p>\n

Seeing something new to play with, Stormy pounced at the hem of Marie\u2019s dress. Feeling a tug, Marie looked down and said, \u201cHoss, get toi chaton. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy scooped up his playmate, which nuzzled his cheek and purred. Little Joe looked over his mother\u2019s shoulder, reached a pudgy hand towards the kitten, and babbled. Stormy\u2019s ears pricked and she mewed at the infant.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that somethin\u2019, Mama? Lil Joe and Stormy are talkin\u2019 to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Marie could answer, the clip-clop of a horse could be heard coming from the yard. \u201cPa an\u2019 Adam are home!\u201d The boy set his little friend on a chair and hurried across the room, flinging open the door.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin saw the disappointment on the boy\u2019s face and said, \u201cYour father and brother will be back soon. May I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor smiled and ruffled Hoss\u2019s hair on the way in. Hoss was a child who could entertain himself but was missing the companionship of his older brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBonjour, Doctor. What brings you this way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was on my way back to Virginia City and thought a cup of coffee would taste good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Hop Sing out of town, all I can offer you is my caf\u00e9, which is a poor substitute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou make excellent coffee.\u201d The doctor took in Marie\u2019s weariness and asked, \u201cI\u2019m not imposing, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Brushing a stray strand of hair, she said, \u201cMais non. Please come in the kitchen. The pot\u2019s on the stove.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul reached for Little Joe and asked, \u201cHow\u2019s the youngest Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe babbled and smiled, exposing pink gums and an emerging tooth.<\/p>\n

Before the adults reached the kitchen, Hoss flopped onto a chair and announced, \u201cThere ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s eyebrows raised in appraisal. The boy had a vast playground to roam and chores that probably needed doing. Giving the boy a quick glance, he asked, \u201cAre you feeling well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMon fils seems to have a terrible case of ennui.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor nodded as he appraised his patient.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you read a book or play with your animals, mon fils?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Satisfied that Hoss was in good health, Paul said, \u201cHow about that coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

With the adults out of the room, Hoss felt tendrils of dread slowly spreading through his body. What did Mama say he had? Was it bad? The doctor didn\u2019t even get his bag.\u00a0Shouldn\u2019t he look at my throat or feel my head?<\/em>\u00a0he thought.<\/p>\n

He scooped up Stormy and snuggled her against his neck. \u201cI wish Adam was here. He\u2019d know what to do.\u201d Pulling his boot-shod feet under his body, he took comfort in the kitten\u2019s presence. The sounds of conversation and laughter carried in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Marie and Paul returned to the main room and she noted with disapproval the manner in which Hoss was sitting. \u201cAhem. Boots off the chair, mon fils.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss kicked his boots off and curled his feet back under him. A small pout formed on his lips as he noted the adults were busy with his little brother.<\/p>\n

Reaching the front door, Paul handed the infant over. \u201cHe\u2019s doing just fine. A bit of fever is to be expected as his teeth come in. Give my regards to Ben when he returns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will. Bonjour.\u201d<\/p>\n

A loud sigh from Hoss grated Marie\u2019s fragile nerves. \u201cFind something to keep busy, mon fils. I\u2019m putting Petit Joseph down for a nap.\u201d<\/p>\n

With another sigh, he listened to his mother\u2019s retreating footsteps as he stuffed his feet back into his boots. Giving Stormy one last cuddle, he left the kitten on the chair and selected the largest apple from the fruit bowl. Stormy watched with interest as he opened the front door, but she soon curled up into a tight ball on the warm leather and fell asleep.<\/p>\n

Entering the barn, Hoss went to Bonnie\u2019s stall and pulled the treat from his pocket. He ran his fingers along her neck, under her mane, as he listened to the noisy crunching. Any other time he might have laughed at the juice trailing down the horse\u2019s chin, but not now.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I got some kinda sickness\u2014Mama called it awnry or somethin\u2019 like that. Doc Martin was here but he didn\u2019t even check me over. Seems like he would\u2019ve looked at my throat.\u201d The boy wrapped his arms around Bonnie\u2019s neck and said, \u201cWhat if I die before yer baby gets here? Or before Pa an\u2019 Adam get home?\u201d Hoss began to sniffle a bit; Bonnie only nuzzled his pocket in hopes of getting another apple.<\/p>\n

Bill Palmer, the Ponderosa\u2019s foreman, entered the barn to see The Boss\u2019s son with Bonnie. \u201cShe should be foalin\u2019 in a week or two. I shore could use yer help.\u201d He barely heard Hoss\u2019s soft, \u201cI hope I can.\u201d The foreman thought it a strange answer from a boy who always wanted to help with the stock.<\/p>\n

Hearing The Boss\u2019s wife, Bill said, \u201cYer mama\u2019s callin\u2019 ya, Son. Best go on in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

After one last soft stroke for the horse\u2019s neck, Hoss ran for the house. Bill raised a questioning eyebrow and placed a calloused hand on Bonnie\u2019s soft nose. \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bonnie pricked her ears, nuzzled Bill\u2019s vest in hopes of finding an apple, and then snorted in frustration.<\/p>\n

Without thinking, Hoss slammed the front door behind him. He came to a sudden stop and grimaced as he thought of the scolding he knew was coming when he heard crying from upstairs.\u00a0Maybe if I try to help, Mama won\u2019t be mad<\/em>, he thought.<\/p>\n

Marie was walking back and forth, trying to soothe her fussing child. She spoke softly in French, hoping the sound more than the words would calm him.<\/p>\n

Hoss stopped at the doorway, unsure if he should go inside and offer to lend a hand. He caught his mother\u2019s eye and his shoulders slumped at the look of disappointment on her face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, mon fils.\u201d She sat down in the rocking chair with her precious burden and settled into a slow, steady rhythm.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam taught me a Swedish song. Can I try it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s cries were temporarily stifled by the small fist he was trying to work into his mouth. Marie gently pried the slobber-covered hand away, which resulted in a loud whimper as her petit\u2019s faced scrunched up in the beginnings of another round of wailing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSing to your fr\u00e8re,\u201d she instructed Hoss.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t remember all of the words, but he knew the melody. The boy took a deep breath as he\u2019d seen Adam do and then belted out what he could recall.<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened in surprise as his brother\u2019s attempted crooning echoed in the room. Marie\u2019s frazzled nerves tensed as a bowstring and she found she could no longer think in English.<\/p>\n

\u201cArr\u00eat! Arr\u00eat!\u201d She repeated her request louder so Hoss could hear her over the baby\u2019s bawling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d She touched fingertips to her temple and exhaled slowly. Hoss meant well so she didn\u2019t want to upset him. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go downstairs while I try to get your fr\u00e8re to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026,\u201d he said with a pout.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can help me by chopping the vegetables for our soup.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s eyes lit up at the idea of assisting with a different chore. \u201cI\u2019ll be real quiet, too,\u201d he said in a loud whisper as he left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cTres bien,\u201d Marie sighed out as she listened to the clomping of boots on the stairs. \u201cNow, mon petit, let us be quiet as well.\u201d She began humming a song she\u2019d heard along the waterfront in New Orleans; the words weren\u2019t fit to say aloud in mixed company but the tune was pretty.<\/p>\n

Downstairs in the kitchen, Hoss happily hummed as he scooped flour from the barrel into a bowl. He\u2019d watched Hop Sing make biscuits many times, so he knew there wasn\u2019t much to it\u2014flour, butter, salt, some sourdough from the stoneware pot, then a whole lot of kneading on the worktable. Pulling another measure of flour, he generously sprinkled it on the table\u2019s surface as he\u2019d seen the cook do.<\/p>\n

After briskly mixing all of the ingredients together and dumping the dough onto the work table, he stood on a stool and punched the gooey mass in the manner he\u2019d seen Hop Sing do it. Puffs of flour wafted up and gently dusted his hair and cheeks as he lifted the dough up and dropped it back onto the table. Working up a sweat, he swept the back of his hand along his cheek and forehead.
\n\u201cDone,\u201d he announced to the pots, pans, and stove. He brushed his palms together briskly over the table, in imitation of Hop Sing, before reaching for the rolling pin. With each pass, he said, \u201cforward\u201d or \u201cback,\u201d and the mound was soon flattened to a thin sheet. Before setting the wooden pin aside, he plucked off stuck pieces of dough and popped them into his mouth.<\/p>\n

A burning smell caught his attention and he realized that the pot containing the vegetables he\u2019d chopped was sitting on the stove. The handles were warm, so he used one of the dish towels to move the pot to a small table. He\u2019d have to add some chicken stock before placing it on the stove again.<\/p>\n

Turning his attention back to the biscuits he\u2019d cut, he picked up a baking sheet and plopped them on in neat rows. Some overlapped but that would just make for bigger, fluffier biscuits. Using the dishtowel, he opened the firebox to add a few sticks of wood and then placed the pan in the oven.<\/p>\n

This awnry Mama said I got sure makes a person tired<\/em>, Hoss thought. Climbing on to the stool, he leaned his arms on the floured surface of the worktable to pillow his head. A short nap couldn\u2019t hurt anything.<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Marie swung her arms after putting her son in his crib to banish the feeling of pricking pins. Joseph was getting bigger by the day; she wondered if he\u2019d favor Adam or Hoss in size. Gently squeezing the back of her neck, she moved her head from side to side and felt some of the tension relieved with loud cracks and pops. She knew Hoss was bored without Adam to talk with and he only meant well when tried to sing Joseph to sleep. Maybe a meal more than plain old soup was called for to raise his spirits.<\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Adam reined in their horses and admired the view of the house in the cheerful glow of the evening sun. Sometimes it seemed a lifetime ago that the two of them had worked from morning to night, selecting and felling majestic Ponderosa pines to build a sturdy home that would stand for generations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sure is a beautiful sight,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you mean. In all my travels, no sight has ever been finer than the place I call home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s gonna feel good to sleep in my own bed and not hear or smell cattle.\u201d He pulled his shoulders back in a stretch and said, \u201cI sure hope Hop Sing has a fine meal in the oven.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, Son\u2014you can sleep on the softest sheets or eat in the finest restaurants, but nothing will feel or taste the same as it does in the place you call home. Someday you\u2019ll have a spread that\u2019s all yours and you\u2019ll feel the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa\u2014you can\u2019t get rid of me that easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you . . .,\u201d Ben got out in mock anger before Adam sidled Beauty out of his father\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cRace ya!\u201d yelled Adam over his shoulder as his horse sprang forward.<\/p>\n

Ben let his horse set its own pace for the house.<\/p>\n

Adam was tying Beauty to the hitching rail as his father arrived in the yard. \u201cI\u2019ll put the horses up after I get my bath, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dismounting stiff-legged, Ben replied, \u201cMaybe I should claim the privilege of age and get the first bath while you see to the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2018bout I take yer horses so you can both git baths?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d appreciate that, Bill,\u201d said Ben extending his hand towards his foreman. \u201cEverything been okay while we\u2019ve been gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir, \u2018cept for Hop Sing havin\u2019 to leave to take care of a relative. Missus Cartwright\u2019s had her hands full without Adam to mind Lil Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face lit up at the mention of his youngest brother\u2019s name. He headed for the door, eager to see if that stubborn tooth had cut through the gum yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make a mess in the house,\u201d said Ben, taking in his eldest\u2019s dusty clothes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take my boots off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss was behavin\u2019 might peculiar this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomethin\u2019 seems to be troublin\u2019 him. He don\u2019t seem inclined to talk about it, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Ben could answer, he heard his wife\u2019s voice. A smile lit up his face as his eyes feasted on the sight of her. She made the house a home, his safe harbor in a vast, untamed sea. He knew that when they were old and surrounded by grandchildren, he\u2019d still bask in her beauty.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to yer horses. Evenin\u2019, Ma\u2019am.\u201d Bill headed for the barn.<\/p>\n

Reaching her husband, Marie greeted him with a kiss and then lightly brushed at the dust on his clothing. \u201cTsk, Monsieur Cartwright. You must be wearing half of Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben inhaled deeply, savoring the scents of perfume and baby spit. \u201cA flower as beautiful as you needs plenty of soil to flourish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie snorted as she laid her check against his broad chest. \u201cFlatterer. I look terrible, Mon Cher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re as beautiful as the day we met.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I know you flatter me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I only wanted to flatter you, I\u2019d tell you that your hair is as golden as a palomino\u2019s coat.\u201d<\/p>\n

She broke into laughter and hugged him tighter. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect you home until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe made good time and I figured it was worth it to push a little harder to make it home today.\u201d In a teasing tone, he added, \u201cOf course I can always head to town and come home tomorrow if you\u2019d prefer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would\u00a0not<\/strong>\u00a0prefer that, Mon Cher.\u201d She emphasized her point with a lingering kiss. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a shake of his head, Ben said, \u201cAll Adam could talk about on the way home was Joseph. When is our boy ever going to discover girls?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for some time, I hope,\u201d said Marie, squeezing her husband\u2019s waist. \u201cBesides, I appreciate all of his help with his fr\u00e8re. If he found filles far more interesting, I\u2019d never have a moment for you.\u201d She added a wink to make her point.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, Mrs. Cartwright, perhaps it\u2019s best that Adam\u2019s too busy for other pursuits.\u201d He kissed her gently and then held her close as they walked to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that smell?\u201d asked Marie as she wrinkled her nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably cattle. It\u2019ll come off in the bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Come quick!\u201d yelled Adam from the kitchen door. Black smoke poured outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d yelled Marie, fearing the worst.<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed a nearby bucket and scooped water from the trough before running inside. He was relieved to see there weren\u2019t any flames. Instead, thick smoke was pouring from the open oven.<\/p>\n

Adam was shaking Hoss, trying to wake him. Ben dipped a hand in the bucket and gently rubbed his son\u2019s flour-dusted cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the fire out?\u201d asked Marie from the big room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no fire. Just burning biscuits,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

She entered the kitchen to see a very pasty Hoss sitting on the stool, leaning against his father\u2019s chest, blinking owlishly. The boy\u2019s straw-like hair stuck straight up on one side and flour was smeared on his face and clothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, mon fils?\u201d she asked with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I gonna die, Mama?\u201d Hoss asked in a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMais non. Neither your pere nor I will kill you for burning some biscuits.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cocked his head and looked at his brother. \u201cIf Pa hasn\u2019t killed you yet, I don\u2019t think he will now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d said Ben with a stern look at his eldest. \u201cWhy would you think you\u2019d die?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tilted his head back to look at his father. \u201cMama said I had awnry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie mouthed the word as she shifted Joseph to her other hip.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s \u2018awnry\u2019?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cMama told Dr. Martin that\u2019s what I got.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realization hit Marie\u2014she\u2019d told the doctor that her son had ennui. She hadn\u2019t bothered to think that he wouldn\u2019t know what it meant.<\/p>\n

Handing Joseph to Adam, she gently caressed Hoss\u2019s cheek and said, \u201cEnnui means bored. I know you\u2019ve felt lonely with Adam away and no one to share your secrets and treasures with and we\u2019ve both been kept awake by Petit Joseph\u2019s crying at night. I\u2019m so sorry, mon fils, for scaring you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss slid off the stool and hugged his mother tightly. She smoothed his hair and was astonished by the flour that covered her palms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t mad?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMais non,\u201d she answered. \u201cWhy would I be angry with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the vegetables burned, too.\u201d He began to sniffle.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, mon fils. We\u2019ll find a way to use them.\u201d<\/p>\n

He drew back and looked up into her eyes. \u201cYou mean I can still help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing the excitement among the tears, she said with a warm smile, \u201cOf course, mon assistant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the flour on his face, she kissed his forehead and then hugged him to her. Ben exhaled a sigh of relief that all was okay with his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam. Let\u2019s get cleaned up while your mother and brother get supper together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie inspected the pot of vegetables while Hoss plucked the burned biscuits from the pan.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hoss?\u201d called Adam from the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna come help me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe needs changing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stopped and briefly thought of tossing a hard biscuit at his brother but knew Mama would fuss if he did. \u201cIt\u2019s your turn,\u201d was all he finally said as he again busied himself with the pan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you all you need to know about driving cattle,\u201d said Adam to Little Joe as they headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut mon petit in his crib while you get your bath,\u201d Marie called after him.<\/p>\n

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

Ben gave Marie a quick kiss and ruffled Hoss\u2019s hair, raising a small cloud of flour that made him sneeze.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better clean up before all of that dust makes you ill,\u201d advised Marie as she separated out the remaining burned vegetables.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d answered Ben rubbing his nose before leaving the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Mama?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOui, mon fils?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I make an apple pie? I\u2019ve watched Hop Sing make lots of \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced over at Hoss and noticed the hopeful yet excited look on his face. \u201cLet me finish this and then we\u2019ll make it together. How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go pick out the apples!\u201d he said enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

She shook her head and chuckled. Hearing Adam pass through the big room, talking to Joseph, who babbled in response, she felt blessed to have two sons who enjoyed helping her with such mundane chores as baking and diaper changes.<\/p>\n

Feeling a tug at the hem of her dress, she looked down to see Stormy. \u201cHoss! Get this chaton out of my kitchen!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss came rushing in with the fruit bowl and set it down so quickly an apple fell to the floor. Stormy immediately forgot Marie and pounced on her new toy. The boy laughed and said, \u201cStormy wants to help us with the pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChatons don\u2019t belong in the kitchen. Why don\u2019t you put her in the other room for now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d said Hoss as he scooped up his little friend. The kitten sniffed at his face and he giggled as her raspy tongue touched his cheek. \u201cHow about you help Adam with his bath?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Marie shook her head and hoped whatever Hoss was up to didn\u2019t include dipping Stormy into his brother\u2019s tub. She soon heard Adam shouting, Hoss cackling, and Ben yelling. Joseph\u2019s wailing was soon added to the cacophony.\u00a0The Cartwright household is certainly never boring<\/em>, she thought as she selected apples for the pie.<\/p>\n

The End
\nJune 2010<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0The 15th story in The Battle of Wills series. Hoss fears that he’s sick and dying while Pa and Adam are out of town.<\/p>\n

Rating: K Word Count=3791<\/p>\n

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Rating: K Word Count=2265 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":6025,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6025","url_meta":{"origin":5858,"position":4},"title":"Remembering Childhoods (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"April 28, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a06th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 It's the morning after the events in New Expectations. Ben's thoughts of the coming baby make him remember Adam's childhood and Hoss' early years. 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