Summary:\u00a0 A long-time family friend returns to Virginia City with the threat of the Rawlins Gang hanging over the territory.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 \u00a0 34,000 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n
Though the Library already contains stories from this author, this story was forwarded by Corina to be included as part of this project.<\/p>\n
Summary: A long-time family friend returns to Virginia City with the threat of the Rawlins Gang hanging over the territory.
\nRating: T
\n________________________________________
\nThe Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories. Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories. We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.
\nThough the Library already contains stories from this author, this story was forwarded by Corina to be included as part of this project.
\n________________________________________
\n\u201cTHE SEAMSTRESS\u201d<\/p>\n
PROLOGUE<\/p>\n
The Rawlins Gang, composed of five psychopathic members and headed by the notorious Ken Rawlins, simply couldn\u2019t be captured. At least once a week, the newspapers were filled with articles of the Rawlins\u2019 misdeeds \u2013 everything from home robberies to stage robberies to bank robberies to train robberies and to outright murder. They were simply known as \u201cThe Gang,\u201d and they appeared, committed their well-planned crimes and then disappeared seemingly into thin air. Sheriffs and U.S. Marshals from the far Western parts of the country spent inordinate amounts of time searching for this small group of men but the searches were in vain. \u201cThe Gang,\u201d according to The Territorial Enterprise, seemed to be heading toward Nevada Territory, but who could be sure of where they would actually show up? Rumor had it that members of \u201cThe Gang\u201d were prone to performing unspeakable acts on women and therefore women feared to walk alone, preferring to stay in groups or in the company of trusted men or husbands. Doors were locked and guns were kept at the ready. Panic was sweeping through the West.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER ONE<\/p>\n
Ben Cartwright looked up from reading a letter and smiled at his sons.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooks like we\u2019re going to have a visitor in two days.\u201d<\/p>\n
Receiving questioning looks from all three of his sons, his smile broadened. He enjoyed playing a cat-and-mouse game with his family, and he began one now.<\/p>\n
\u201cFemale,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Adam, Hoss and Little Joe\u2019s faces lighted up as they suggested names of their favorite women.<\/p>\n
\u201cNope,\u201d Ben answered casually. \u201cI\u2019ll give you a hint. You haven\u2019t seen her in about fifteen years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, there\u2019s a lot of females we ain\u2019t seen in about fifteen years.\u201d This from Hoss as he looked up briefly from the game of checkers he was winning \u2013 finally \u2013 from Little Joe.<\/p>\n
Ben continued to smile. \u201cBlond hair, gray eyes. Tall and willowy. Quite attractive, as I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n
Little Joe, always the opportunist, moved Hoss\u2019s checkers quickly while Hoss was looking at his father. With a grin, Joe cleared the checkerboard and won the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cDadburnit, Joe!\u201d Hoss shouted. \u201cYou cheated when I wasn\u2019t looking!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid not,\u201d Joe answered with a grin. Then he turned his attention to Ben. \u201cWe need more clues, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked up from his book and grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeredith!\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not Meredith. Older than you boys.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam now was perplexed and was drawn into the guessing game.<\/p>\n
\u201cSang in the church choir.\u201d Ben continued.<\/p>\n
Blank looks from three different faces. Almost all the women they had ever known had sung in the church choir at one time or another. And a woman older than they were?<\/p>\n
\u201cStrong-willed and opinionated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss sighed and put the checkers away, muttering under his breath. Little Joe muttered right back, but Ben had their complete attention.<\/p>\n
Ben laughed out loud. \u201cShe loved all of you and would gently smack each of you on the back of your heads when you were out of line.\u201d<\/p>\n
Three voices shouted in unison. \u201cCorinne!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019s hand went to the back of his head. \u201cShe weren\u2019t gentle all the time!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam put his book down and leaned forward. \u201cDidn\u2019t she marry some guy and then move away to St. Louis?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben nodded. She married John Harland from Reno, and they moved to St. Louis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember her wedding. Simple but elegant.\u201d Adam leaned back in his chair. \u201cShe was quite a beauty then. But the years have gone by, and now she\u2019s practically as old as Pa.\u201d Adam\u2019s lips quivered as he tried to harness a laugh and then ducked as Ben threw an apple at his eldest son\u2019s head.<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing!\u201d Ben called. \u201cWe need to get a guest room ready. Company will be here in two days!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hop Sing appeared and, when he learned the guest\u2019s name, he made a face. \u201cShe always in kitchen. Tell how to cook. Then give smack on head if Hop Sing not fast enough.\u201d There was more muttering in Chinese as Hop Sing left the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs she arriving by stage?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Ben answered as he folded the letter and placed it on the table beside him. He lit his pipe. Memories swept over him as he remembered Corinne nee Donnelly. Adam was right. Corinne was closer to his age and was quite a beauty. He wondered vaguely why he didn\u2019t marry her himself.<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s brows furrowed. \u201cTraveling by stage isn\u2019t very safe right now, what with the Rawlins Gang on the loose.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben could answer only, \u201cCorinne does what Corinne wants to do when she wants to do it.\u201d And that was the truth!<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWO<\/p>\n
The Cartwrights stood at the stage depot and waited for the stage which was already an hour late. It finally arrived in a cloud of dust and lurched to a stop. On top of the stage, along with the driver, were two armed men \u2013 apparently the stage line wasn\u2019t taking any chances on a run-in with \u201cThe Gang.\u201d<\/p>\n
And then Ben spied Corinne as she tentatively disembarked. She was a little older than when he had seen her last, but she was still very attractive, willowy and tall. And she still had those mysterious gray eyes.<\/p>\n
Ben took her hand and smiled into her face. \u201cCorinne! How wonderful to see you!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBen? Is that you? Is that really you?\u201d came her familiar voice as she took his hand. With her other hand, she touched his face gently, accidentally knocking his hat askew.<\/p>\n
It was then that Ben realized something was amiss. Corinne was blind!<\/p>\n
Adam, Hoss and Joe looked at each other and realized the same thing at the same instant. As Corinne\u2019s feet reached the ground, she stumbled slightly. All three sons were at her side in an instant. Ben gripped her hand tightly to steady her.<\/p>\n
She reached out, touching Hoss who was closest to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss, I\u2019d recognize you anywhere! You always were a big boy!\u201d Corinne laughed her melodic laugh as she ran her hand from one side of Hoss\u2019s shoulder to the other.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2019m,\u201d Hoss answered, not knowing what else to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere are Adam and Little Joe?\u201d Corinne asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m right here,\u201d answered Joe as he touched her arm.
\nHer hand seemed to know where his face was, but her fingers went to his hair. \u201cBen, this boy still needs a haircut. Can\u2019t you afford a barber?\u201d<\/p>\n
In spite of the surprise at her blindness, Ben found his voice and laughed. \u201cI can afford one, but I can\u2019t get him to go!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne giggled. \u201cAnd Adam? Where is Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m hiding behind Little Joe,\u201d Adam answered with a chuckle. \u201cI don\u2019t want to get smacked on the head.\u201d He stepped in front of Joe and took Corinne\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
Her hand immediately went to his face, and she let her fingers run through the stubble that shaving just never seemed to remove.<\/p>\n
\u201cAha! You came out of the womb with that stubble, and I see that you haven\u2019t managed to get rid of it yet!\u201d And, somehow, she reached around the back of his head and gave him a gentle \u201cthwack.\u201d \u201cYou and Little Joe both need the help of a good barber!\u201d<\/p>\n
The tension was broken when all four men laughed out loud. Corinne\u2019s giggle was contagious.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, you haven\u2019t changed a bit,\u201d Ben said, feeling comfortable once again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if you don\u2019t count my being blind, I\u2019m still the same person I\u2019ve always been.\u201d She spoke of her blindness in an off-handed manner as though it were a natural part of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is John? You didn\u2019t say so in your letter, but I just assumed he\u2019d be coming with you.\u201d This from Ben.<\/p>\n
A flash of sadness crossed Corinne\u2019s face. \u201cOh, Ben. I guess you haven\u2019t heard and I didn\u2019t write. John died in an explosion several years ago. I was there at the time, and the explosion left me blind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben was now uncomfortable again. What does one say to news like that?<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, I\u2019m so sorry. I had no idea.\u201d He squeezed her hand gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cLife isn\u2019t always a bed of roses, is it, Ben? You know that much better than I.\u201d Corinne spoke softly. Then, \u201cI\u2019m starving! Is the International House still the best place to get a good steak?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing already has a wonderful meal planned for us,\u201d Ben interrupted. \u201cAnd I\u2019m hungry, too! You know how Hop Sing hates when we\u2019re late for a meal, and I\u2019ll bet he\u2019s more than just a little upset that we\u2019re not already home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, Hop Sing.\u201d Corinne smirked. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see him. Can I smack him on the back of his head so he\u2019ll remember me?\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a chorus of loud \u201cNo\u2019s\u201d followed by relaxed laughter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe surrey is close by,\u201d Ben said as he took Corinne\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n
Adam took Corinne\u2019s other arm.<\/p>\n
Corinne shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m blind, not feeble! Adam, you can let go. There\u2019s nothing wrong with my ability to walk.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you know it was me? Adam asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour after-shave cologne. I smelled it when I touched your face.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t miss much, do you?\u201d Adam laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Ben walked Corinne to the surrey, Hoss spoke to his brothers. \u201cWell, let\u2019s get her luggage. We don\u2019t want Hop Sing to throw out supper! I can smell that roast pork from here!\u201d He licked his lips in anticipation.<\/p>\n
Adam and Joe rolled their eyes. Hoss wouldn\u2019t miss Hop Sing\u2019s roast pork for anything! And, if the truth be known, neither would they!<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THREE<\/p>\n
The ride to the Ponderosa was a sharing experience of information. Corinne was a master at keeping all the Cartwrights talking about what they were doing, places they had visited, townsfolk who were good friends. But every now and then, Corinne would ask Ben to stop the surrey. She would close her eyes and tilt her head back and breathe deeply. She always seemed to know where she was \u2013 the smell of the trees in the glen, the smell of the flowers in the meadow, the smell of the vast waters of Lake Tahoe. Then she would urge Ben towards home.<\/p>\n
By the end of the ride, the only things that the Cartwrights knew about Corinne herself were that John was dead, Corinne was blind, that she had been working as a seamstress for a dressmaker in Denver after John\u2019s death, and that she and John had no children. It would prove to be precious little knowledge\u2026<\/p>\n
Upon arriving at the house, Hop Sing burst into view, an irritated look on his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou late! Dinner getting cold! Come eat now!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled at the Chinaman as he lifted Corinne down from the surrey.<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing, aren\u2019t you even going to say \u2018hello\u2019 to Corinne?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hop Sing immediately put his hand to the back of his head and stayed out of reach of Corinne\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Missee Corinne! Very nice see you. Now come eat!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne whispered to Ben, \u201cHe hasn\u2019t changed at all, has he? I don\u2019t think that you run the Ponderosa. Hop Sing runs it!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head and tried to cover his broad smile.
\nCorinne stifled a giggle and batted at her dress which she knew was dusty and dirty.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, I really would love to bathe before we eat. That horrible conveyance that\u2019s called a stagecoach is really a trap for dust and dirt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before Ben could answer, Hop Sing interrupted.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo time for bath. Eat now or Hop Sing close kitchen down! Everybody starve!\u201d<\/p>\n
It was a stand-off, and Corinne had to settle for washing her face and hands in a queue with her hosts before Hoss bolted for the dining room.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Hoss sits down before we do, there won\u2019t be any food left,\u201d groused Joe, eliciting a round of laughter.<\/p>\n
Adam gathered Corinne into his arms and sprinted to the table. Ben and Joe were more sedate \u2013 they trotted with gusto, preceded by Corinne\u2019s melodic laughter.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FOUR<\/p>\n
Hop Sing served the meal quickly and managed to stay away from Corinne \u2013 he was never sure of the reason that he would get smacked on the back of the head, but he was unwilling to find out. Nobody had yet informed him that Corinne was blind, so he scurried away quickly.<\/p>\n
There was an uncomfortable silence as Ben tried to decide exactly how to handle the serving dishes. Usually, his sons just helped themselves or passed the serving bowls around the table. What to do with Corinne?<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, fellas,\u201d Corinne said when she felt the tension. \u201cThere\u2019s a method to my madness as far as eating goes. My plate is like the face of a clock. Meat is placed at twelve o\u2019clock, potatoes are at nine o\u2019clock, vegetables are at three o\u2019clock, and anything else is at six o\u2019clock. Whatever we have to drink, and I smell wine, goes to the right of my plate at about one o\u2019clock. Unless you want food all over the table, Ben, I would appreciate your serving me.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was an almost audible sigh of relief from around the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you know that there were potatoes? Hop Sing often makes stuffing to go with the pork.\u201d Joe just had to ask.<\/p>\n
Corinne turned her head in the direction of Joe\u2019s voice. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with my nose, young man! And I can hear a gnat sneeze from a mile away! One of my senses is gone, but the others make up for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then, \u201cAdam, you\u2019re closest to Little Joe. Will you do the honors for me?\u201d<\/p>\n
With a grin, Adam cuffed Joe playfully on the back of the head.<\/p>\n
And so the meal began with a round of chuckles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis brings back memories of the old days when my parents used to bring me here,\u201d Corinne reminisced. \u201cI have such wonderful memories of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled. Corinne was finally talking about herself and had mentioned her parents who were now dead and were buried in the Virginia City cemetery.<\/p>\n
\u201cBill and Emily were good people,\u201d Ben stated as he stabbed a potato.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, they were. I think I was a handful, even then, though.\u201d Corinne cut a piece of the pork with no trouble. As she chewed, she added, \u201cHop Sing hasn\u2019t lost his touch. This is delicious!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hop Sing, who had been standing just around the corner, had overheard the entire conversation thus far and now was aware that Corinne was blind. He felt the back of his head and figured he was safe from being smacked. But he would still give Corinne a wide berth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat memories stand out the most?\u201d This question came from Adam, the inquisitor.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing is when Hoss took me to see a mama fox and her babies. Hoss was always so good with animals, and the mama fox trusted him enough to let us actually sit and watch her and her babies for well over an hour. I was impressed and overwhelmed all at the same time. I don\u2019t know any other folks who have the rapport with animals, both wild and tame, like Hoss did \u2013 and probably still does.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss stabbed another potato, and his cheeks burned red. He had always been teased about his love of food. Nobody had ever complimented him on anything but his strength. Corinne had seen deep into his soul and really knew him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother memory,\u201d Corinne continued, \u201cwas when I made a pie for Little Joe. And he ate it and then got sorta\u2026 sickly\u2026 for the rest of the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe immediately jumped at the bait. \u201cThat was a mud pie, and I was too young to know the difference! You told me that it was chocolate\u2026\u201d His voice trailed off amid the laughter, and he, too, blushed.<\/p>\n
All Corinne could manage to say was, \u201cI lied. You were so gullible then. And I was young then, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember my first kiss which came much later than mud pies,\u201d Corinne added. And stopped. She had a devilish smirk on her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho kissed you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben looked incredulous. Hoss grinned and Joe snickered.<\/p>\n
Adam, who had been quiet, shrugged. \u201cI liked older women.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe, the mischief-maker, just had to ask, \u201cHow was it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt needed improvement,\u201d came the answer. \u201cBut I made the mistake of saying that I\u2019d try anything once. Twice if I liked it. Not bad at all the second time.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was explosive laughter, and Adam blushed to the roots of his hair.<\/p>\n
Ben, still laughing, asked the question nobody else would ask. \u201cYou were much older than Adam. Were you trying to lead my son astray or was it the other way around?\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, Corinne blushed. \u201cBen, you have to remember that I was tall and gangly. Other girls were going out with boys by then, but I was the one who sat at home alone. Even though there was a big difference in our ages, Adam was very mature then and he was a good listener. I told him that I had never been kissed by a boy and that I wanted to know what it was like. I asked him to kiss me, and he did. I liked it and asked to be kissed again. Just out of curiosity, you understand. It was a learning experience. And Adam was quite obliging\u2026\u201d Corinne\u2019s voice trailed off, and she smiled in Adam\u2019s direction. \u201cIt was harmless and happened only once. I knew it wasn\u2019t proper and I felt guilty for quite a while after that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne quickly went on to the next thing that came to mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then there are memories of Ben \u2013 when I was grown. First when my father died and again when my mother died. I remember how comforting he was as I laid my head against his chest. His voice was deep and resonated against my ear. I could smell his pipe tobacco, and I\u2019ve loved the smell of pipe tobacco ever since. Ben, do you still smoke a pipe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOccasionally,\u201d Ben answered, his heart touched by Corinne\u2019s memory.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d was all the woman could say.<\/p>\n
There was a silence. Then Adam spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you moving back to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Actually, I\u2019m on the way to Kansas, but I just had to stop and see all of you first. And I want to put flowers on my parents\u2019 graves. Sometimes there\u2019s comfort in memories.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said you were a seamstress,\u201d Ben sipped the last of his wine. \u201cHow do you manage that when you can\u2019t see?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cActually, I do the fittings. My fingers are my eyes, and I could probably fit a horse in a dress if I needed to. Once a dress is fitted, the dressmaker does the rest. It sounds like a big job, but I find out the most interesting gossip!\u201d Corinne snickered. \u201cAs a matter of fact, I might stay in Virginia City for a while if a dressmaker will hire me. The dressmaker could go to the Dry Goods store with me, I could choose decent material by feel alone, and she could tell me what color it is. Plus, she could tell me all about who wanted the dress and why she wanted it, designs could be discussed, and an appropriate dress could be made. That\u2019s how I did things in Denver.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope you decide to stay,\u201d Ben said softly. He really liked this sassy, honest woman and thoroughly enjoyed her company. She brought brightness into the house \u2013 not only did he enjoy her company but it was obvious that his sons felt the same way.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll see what happens,\u201d came Corinne\u2019s answer, and her hand touched Ben\u2019s \u2013 just for an instant, but both woman and man felt something special in that touch.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIVE<\/p>\n
Hop Sing smiled broadly as he brought in the dessert \u2013 large slabs of peach pie. The aroma was tantalizing and, though she felt she couldn\u2019t eat another bite of food, Corinne\u2019s fork went to her slice of pie as though it had a will of its own.<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing, I do believe that you perform magic on all the food you cook. My mother, God bless her, would turn over in her grave if she knew that you were a better cook than she!\u201d A pause. \u201cWell, she\u2019s probably spinning several times now that she\u2019s heard me tell you that!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hop Sing knew a heartfelt compliment when he heard one, and he smiled broadly at Corinne.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou eat good tonight. Hop Sing cook for you any time. Put meat on those skinny bones.\u201d Hop Sing leaned in close to Corinne.<\/p>\n
Quickly, Corinne\u2019s hand went out and playfully cuffed the Chinaman on the back of his head, causing Hop Sing to jump and launch into a long torrent of Chinese as he scurried back into the kitchen. If the truth be known, that gentle smack to the back of his head made him feel like part of the family. He smiled happily to himself \u2013 but he would remember to give Missee Corinne a wider berth from now on.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone for brandy?\u201d Ben asked as he led Corinne from the table into the living room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI might as well. In for a dime, in for a dollar,\u201d Corinne laughed as she patted her full tummy. \u201cI think I\u2019m a pig. I certainly ate like one!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam poured the brandy and gave each person a glass. For a few moments, there was a companionable silence. Then Corinne opened up the discussion that she was most interested in.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell me about \u2018The Gang.\u2019 I\u2019ve been hearing all kinds of tales about them and wonder why it is that they haven\u2019t been caught.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTerrible men. They commit heinous crimes and then disappear, seemingly into thin air,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n
Corinne thought about this. \u201cWell, it seems to me that, if the leader\u2019s name is Ken Rawlins, people would recognize him and be able to find him easily. But I hear that there are no likenesses of him on any Wanted posters. Why is that? And how does anyone know that the man\u2019s name is Ken Rawlins to begin with?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam answered. \u201cThe name is an alias. One of \u2018The Gang\u2019 was caught and the only thing he would say is that the world could call the leader by that name. All the members wear hoods, and nobody can make identification. That may be one of the reasons that they haven\u2019t been apprehended \u2013 nobody knows what they look like. Nobody knows where they will strike next.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne snorted. \u201cThey could be living right here in Virginia City and nobody would know it? That\u2019s scary.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s about the size of it,\u201d Ben answered as he lit his pipe and watched as Corinne\u2019s face turned toward the puffs of tobacco smoke. She smiled momentarily.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, they obviously ride horses. Horses leave tracks. Can\u2019t lawmen or a posse just follow the tracks?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss answered this question. \u201cSure, the horses leave tracks. But the men stick to roads that are well-traveled. The tracks just mingle with the hoofprints of other horses. I reckon the men could get just out of sight, take off their masks, and look like ordinary folks. Who would know the diff\u2019rence? Not even their horses can be identified. The horses are just run-of-the-mill horses with no distinctive markings.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Corinne countered, \u201cif I saw a bunch of strange faces on the road, coming into town or leaving town, I\u2019d be curious as to who they were.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne,\u201d Ben said gently, \u201cyou know that there\u2019s a gold strike going on almost every day in this part of the country. Hundreds of strange faces arrive in towns every day. And hundreds leave for other towns every day. There\u2019s so much coming and going that groups of people can locate and relocate at will.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe they commit their crimes and then split up. Has anyone thought about that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe shook his head. \u201cLawmen have been thinking of every angle, but they still can\u2019t predict where or when these guys will strike or how they manage to get away so easily.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they must blend in with the townspeople. They could be friends or neighbors or anything\u2026\u201d Corinne\u2019s voice trailed off.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy the interest in Ken Rawlins?\u201d This from inquisitive Adam.<\/p>\n
Corinne just shrugged. \u201cHe seems to be the topic of conversation everywhere. People aren\u2019t safe in their homes, banks aren\u2019t safe, trains aren\u2019t safe, stagecoaches aren\u2019t safe. It\u2019s a deplorable state of affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finishing her brandy, Corinne turned in Ben\u2019s direction and inhaled deeply. How she loved the smell of that tobacco smoke! And, to tell the truth, she had always had a crush on Ben though she never let it show.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, I know it\u2019s late, but I need to go back to town and try to get a room at Ma\u2019s Boarding House. I\u2019ve decided I want to stay in Virginia City for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben gave a quizzical look at his sons. \u201cBut I thought you would stay here, on the Ponderosa, with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne smiled. \u201cBen! A widow-woman in a house full of grown men? It would be absolutely scandalous!\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe chuckled. \u201cWe like scandal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot if it\u2019s associated with the Cartwright name,\u201d Corinne countered.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss, would you be so kind\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss smacked his younger brother on the back of the head, almost knocking him from his chair.<\/p>\n
\u201cYouch!\u201d Joe yelped. \u201cCorinne never hits me that hard!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss just grinned and there was a low chuckle from Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll compromise with you,\u201d Ben said after a moment of thought. \u201cStay here tonight. Tomorrow I\u2019ll take you into town \u2013 we\u2019ll see if Ma even has a room for you. If she doesn\u2019t, then right back here you\u2019ll come. Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne thought this over. \u201cDeal!\u201d<\/p>\n
Then, she stifled a yawn. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long day for me. Is it too late for me to take that bath? I can\u2019t crawl into bed as filthy as I am now. I\u2019m surprised that Hop Sing didn\u2019t make me eat outside on the porch!\u201d Another melodic laugh.<\/p>\n
Hop Sing, who had been eavesdropping all night, had stayed one step ahead of Corinne. \u201cWater ready for Missee Corinne! Hop Sing have towels and soap and robe ready too!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a wonder, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Corinne giggled. \u201cHe seems to anticipate everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam chuckled. \u201cThat sly fox has probably been within earshot all evening. I wouldn\u2019t put it past him.\u201d<\/p>\n
And so it was that Corinne got her bath. And so it was that she ended up in Ben\u2019s bathrobe \u2013 she knew that it was Ben\u2019s by its scent. She rubbed her cheek against the satiny fabric. And, when she reappeared into the living room, all clean and shiny and smelling fresh, something in Ben stirred. Feelings that he wasn\u2019t used to and which confused him. Gently, after she said good night to Adam, Hoss and Little Joe, Ben guided Corinne to the guest room and folded down the covers. Corinne crawled into the bed and had time only to say, \u201cThank you for a wonderful evening.\u201d She fell asleep in the middle of blowing a kiss to Ben. He made his exit and closed the door quietly. A warm smile flickered across his face.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIX<\/p>\n
Corinne awoke slowly and stretched like a cat. Immediately it dawned on her where she was, and the special Braille watch around her neck told her sensitive fingers that she had overslept. The big house was completely quiet, and she haltingly moved across the room and opened the door a crack. All was still quiet, and she assumed that the Cartwrights had begun their day at their usual early-morning hour \u2013 she was alone in the house. Or maybe Hop Sing was here, but there were no noises coming from the kitchen. She knew where everything was located, and she wasn\u2019t afraid. Not bothering to take off Ben\u2019s bathrobe, not bothering to brush her hair or splash cold water on her face, Corinne boldly stepped through the door and turned left toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n
Hearing a slight unidentifiable noise that came from her right, she got distracted and bumped painfully into a chair.<\/p>\n
Immediately, she exploded with a fairly graphic expletive. Then, \u201cWhy is this chair here?\u201d It was, of course, a rhetorical question.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning, sleepy head,\u201d a deep voice intoned. \u201cAnd for future reference, that kind of language will not be tolerated in this house.\u201d<\/p>\n
The voice belonged to Ben, and the ensuing chuckle belonged to Adam.<\/p>\n
Corinne was mortified. Here she stood in nothing but Ben\u2019s bathrobe, hair all askew, and she was busily rubbing her bare leg where it had made unfortunate contact with the chair. And she had sworn, and gotten caught at it!<\/p>\n
\u201cCoffee,\u201d she croaked, while she tried to think of something to say. \u201cAnd who put that chair there? I don\u2019t remember it being there last night!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat chair has always been there, right against the wall. It\u2019s an extra chair to be used when it\u2019s needed at the table.\u201d Ben was trying very hard not to laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cNice leg,\u201d Adam whispered as he went to Corinne\u2019s side and seated her at the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re a pervert!\u201d Corinne hissed. She wanted to swat him but, by the sound of his boots on the floor, he had jumped out of reach.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you two still doing here, anyway?\u201d she asked. \u201cThe house was so quiet that I thought I was alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben laughed. \u201cIn answer to your first question, we live here. The house is quiet because Adam and I didn\u2019t want to wake you. We\u2019re going over some timber contracts, and that process requires quiet concentration.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne heard coffee being poured and gratefully reached for the cup. The hot liquid wiped the cobwebs from her head. Her hands flew to her hair, which surely had become a tangled mess as she slept, and she moaned in embarrassment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe state of your coiffure is the least of your problems. You\u2019re wearing Pa\u2019s robe and apparently not much underneath it.\u201d This from Adam who was enjoying the whole scenario.<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s hands flew to the robe and, finding that none of her body parts had escaped, she breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, your eldest son is demented!\u201d<\/p>\n
A very deep chuckle. \u201cYes, he does seem to be that way, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne jumped up and hissed, \u201cYou\u2019re both incorrigible! I\u2019m going to get dressed and brush my hair and wash my face right this minute!\u201d<\/p>\n
As luck would have it, as she jumped up and headed into what she hoped was the guest room, she banged her other leg into the chair against the wall. She took a deep breath and started to swear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch your language!\u201d Ben intoned. And that voice meant business.<\/p>\n
Limping slightly, with her hand against the wall, Corinne found the guest room and she disappeared inside, slamming the door behind her.
\nWhat a shame that she missed Ben and Adam\u2019s broad smiles.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVEN<\/p>\n
By the time Corinne emerged from her room, she had had time to see the humor in the whole situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry for the bad language and my poor attitude. I\u2019m not fit to be around people until I\u2019ve had my morning coffee.\u201d She smiled as she tentatively made her way to the table, studiously avoiding any contact with the chair against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn that case, please sit down and have some breakfast.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice didn\u2019t sound angry, and Corinne was relieved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow can you tell he\u2019s not here?\u201d Ben asked in wonderment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t smell his cologne nearly as strongly as before. That means he\u2019s either in another part of the house or he\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s outside throwing a saddle on Sport. He has a meeting with some contractors about supplying lumber for train tracks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is everyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss and Little Joe are doing some fence repairs, and Hop Sing is in the kitchen whipping up a quick breakfast \u2013 just for you. You and I have a date to check out Ma\u2019s place later. The day has been planned all the way around.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hop Sing entered with a plate of fresh scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, and fried potatoes. Corinne smiled as she caught the aroma of the meal, and she touched Hop Sing\u2019s arm gently as he put the plate down.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Hop Sing. Hot coffee and a delicious breakfast are a good start for a very busy day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMissee Corinne must eat to keep up strength.\u201d Then he disappeared into the kitchen once more.<\/p>\n
Corinne had just finished the last bite of her breakfast when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned her body to face the sound of the footsteps.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, again, Adam,\u201d Corinne said abruptly. \u201cI know you\u2019re back in the room because I smell your cologne.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no sneaking up on you, is there?\u201d Adam half-laughed.<\/p>\n
He then turned to Ben. \u201cWe need supplies from town and we need to make a list. Corinne, will you write some things down for us?\u201d He guided Corinne\u2019s hands to a pencil and a notebook of paper.<\/p>\n
There was something strange about Adam\u2019s request, and there was also something strange about his voice. Ben looked quizzically at his eldest son but said nothing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, I need help writing,\u201d Corinne said matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I must be mistaken. You must not\u2019ve written that letter to Pa about your coming to Virginia City. Did someone write it for you?\u201d There was that strange tone again \u2013 rather cool in nature. Too cool.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I wrote that letter myself. But I had help. If you\u2019ll bring me the small valise from the bedroom, I\u2019ll show you how it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Quick as a flash, Adam had the valise and stood, rather than sat, as Corinne\u2019s fingers explored the bag. She smiled and pulled out leather bag and emptied its contents onto the table. What Adam and Ben saw was something that looked like an open wooden frame with small rulers placed vertically in precise positions. Corinne moved the frame over the paper that Adam had given her.<\/p>\n
Slowly and laboriously, Corinne began to write above the top ruler. When she reached the edge of the frame, she dropped down to the second line and began to write again.
\n\u201cSee? This keeps me from scrawling up and down all over the page. But, I have been told that the spacing between letters and words is all wrong, so a friend of mine – who happens to be blind and is a whiz at reading Braille – introduced me to a way that helps with that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Adam and Ben leaned in for a closer look as Corinne pulled out a thick piece of almost worn-out paper.
\n\u201cNow, on this piece of paper – if you could read Braille – you would find the letters of the alphabet. Capital letters and small letters. There are even numbers. Right below each of those letters or numbers are areas that can be easily traced by pen or pencil. I\u2019ll show you. I\u2019ll just print a very short sentence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Easily and quickly, Corinne moved the paper up and down underneath the wooden frame. When she had finished, the printed word read \u201cBen smokes a pipe.\u201d The letters and words were easily read. Nobody would\u2019ve known that a blind person could print so well.<\/p>\n
\u201cImpressive,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut I remember how you used to write and you never printed. Your letter to Pa was written in script.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben shot an accusatory look at his eldest son. \u201cThat letter was written to me. Did you read it yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam shrugged. \u201cWhile I was sitting at your desk earlier this morning, I had to open the drawer to get a contract out. I saw the letter and read it. Corinne has beautiful penmanship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne could feel the tension between father and son. She herself was tense, and she hurriedly pulled another thick sheet of paper from her valise. She went through the same process and explanation as she had done with the first sheet of paper. When she was finished, the paper showed \u201cBen smokes a pipe\u201d written in perfect script.
\nShe sat back and waited, holding her breath, while Ben and Adam looked at the paper in silence.<\/p>\n
Ben spoke first. \u201cYou should put a patent on this process. It\u2019s incredible!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to agree, Corinne. Is it hard to get the hang of it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI struggled with Braille for a long time. And when I felt comfortable with it, I wanted to be able to write. Of course, I can\u2019t read what I write, but there\u2019s always a kind soul who can check things for me.\u201d She felt herself exhale in relief. Then she added, \u201cYou two could do this easily because it\u2019s tracing an outline that you can see. I\u2019m so used to Braille that just feeling the outline of letters is difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat will you do when these pieces of paper wear out?\u201d Ben held one gently in his big hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll get back in touch with the people in Denver and have them make me new ones. That\u2019s what I\u2019ve had to do before. Now, let\u2019s make that supply list. While you and I are in town, we can get whatever is needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the list was made, Corinne took her valise back to her room. But she could hear Ben\u2019s low voice as he spoke to Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t read mail that\u2019s addressed to you, and I don\u2019t expect you to read mail that\u2019s addressed to me unless I specifically give you permission. We always have respected each other\u2019s privacy, and I see no reason to change that policy. Understood?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstood,\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you and I are going to discuss this matter later on. I get the feeling that you were accusing Corinne of something or trying to catch her in some kind of lie, and I\u2019m going to know the reason why by the time we finish talking!\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was low and very angry.<\/p>\n
In the face of his father\u2019s wrath, all Adam could say was, \u201cYes, sir.\u201d He really didn\u2019t understand this weird feeling that Corinne was up to something but his gut told him to be on the alert. And his gut feelings weren\u2019t usually wrong.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER EIGHT<\/p>\n
Even Ben had a niggling feeling when he drove Corinne into town. Perched on the high seat of the buckboard, she seemed to be staring at people \u2013 but how could she? She was blind!<\/p>\n
Subtly, Ben asked, \u201cWhat are you looking at?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne jumped slightly and then answered with a snort, \u201cYou know that I can\u2019t see. But I\u2019m listening to conversations and trying to see if there are still some familiar voices.\u201d She rested her hand on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cBesides, I\u2019m hoping that everyone will see me with the most handsome man in the Cartwright clan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you after my scalp as well as the scalps of my sons?\u201d Ben asked with a smile. He knew he was being flattered, but he liked it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want your scalp only if you give it to me willingly,\u201d came Corinne\u2019s honest answer.<\/p>\n
Ben didn\u2019t know what to say in response, so he changed the subject. \u201cAll I hear is the buzz and drone of people walking and talking. What do you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve learned to focus my hearing. For example, there\u2019s a woman to our left who is begging her husband to buy her a new hat. And to our right are two men trying to decide who\u2019ll pay for lunch at the International House.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben had no idea if she was right or wrong, so he didn\u2019t argue the point. Instead, he pulled the horses to a stop at the General Store.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll drop off the list we made and pick up the supplies on my way out of town. Or on our way out of town if Ma has no rooms available.\u201d<\/p>\n
He took longer in the store than he had thought he would. There were several people who asked who the lady in his buckboard was. These were people he had known for quite a while but who had never known Corinne or her family. He was rather disgruntled with the questions, but he decided that answering truthfully was the best route to take. By the time he emerged from the store, Corinne was smirking. She answered his unspoken question as he climbed up onto the seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cGossip has already begun,\u201d she giggled. \u201cThere were two ladies standing nearby discussing whether you and I are a couple. At some point, there was a third lady who jumped into the conversation. They obviously don\u2019t know that I\u2019m blind and they must think I\u2019m deaf! One woman has a voice that would carry from here to Reno!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne now dissolved into laughter, and Ben couldn\u2019t help but laugh also. There were, indeed, three women outside when he exited the store. They were openly staring at Corinne who appeared to be staring right back at them and smiling sweetly.<\/p>\n
Ben chuckled. \u201cYou are definitely describing Leona McTavish. If you think her voice is loud, you definitely have to attend church services with us to hear her sing! It\u2019s a wonder that any of us have eardrums left!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDescribe her to me, Ben. I need to get a picture of her in my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, she\u2019s short, overweight, has graying hair, and wears enough perfume to stop up your nose permanently. She\u2019s married to Octavius McTavish, owner of one of the banks here. He\u2019s quiet and shy, very intelligent and likeable. How he hooked up with Leona is anyone\u2019s guess.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the other two ladies? One of them speaks with a distinctive German accent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat one is Mattie Stern. She and her husband, Oliver, came here from Germany years ago. Mattie is tall and thin and rather gaunt \u2013 and very nosy. Her husband sells fine china and jewelry and has a wonderful sense of humor. In self-defense, I would imagine. And, before you ask, the third member of the group is Belle Latimer. She\u2019s part owner of one of the saloons here. She has impossibly red hair and a very ribald sense of humor. I have to say that she has a good heart in spite of some tragic things that have happened during her life. Like Leona and Mattie, she\u2019s been here for quite some time and, despite her line of business, she\u2019s quite well-liked.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Ben. Now I\u2019m familiar with at least three voices in town. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll be full of more questions if I can find a job here. Let\u2019s head to Ma\u2019s!\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER NINE<\/p>\n
Delightedly, Ma embraced Corinne as though Corinne were a long-lost daughter. One of the oldest residents of Virginia City, she never forgot a face or a name. She knew everything that there was to know about every soul in town \u2013 she was a fountain of information but she wasn\u2019t a gossip. She was well-loved and well-trusted. And she did have a room for Corinne.<\/p>\n
As Ben brought in the luggage, Corinne explored the room, touching everything and counting under her breath. \u201cTen steps from the door to the bed, three steps to the chair by the window\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019re you doing?\u201d Ben asked as he placed the luggage on the bed where Corinne could reach it easily.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m familiarizing myself with the room. I count how many steps there are from one place to another so I don\u2019t trip or fall. There are seven steps to the dresser. There are almost ten steps to the window. And, by the feeling of the morning sun on my skin, the window must have a northeastern exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt most certainly does. And you\u2019re at the rear of the house where it\u2019s relatively quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne opened the window and gazed out. \u201cWell, bless my soul, there\u2019s Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben, who wasn\u2019t looking out the window, was
\nstartled. \u201cHow do you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne paused. \u201cThe wind is blowing in this direction. I can smell his cologne.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe must be looking for me,\u201d Ben mused. \u201cI\u2019ll be back by the time you unpack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben met Adam before Adam even got to Ma\u2019s back door.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, I was just coming to ask you a question about this contract. I figured you\u2019d be here and I needed your advice quickly so I came up the back way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne said you were coming this way, so I decided to meet you outside. She\u2019s getting settled in one of the quieter rooms in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d Adam said with surprise. \u201cHow did she know I was coming here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe said she could smell your cologne on the wind blowing through the window.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, Pa\u2026\u201d Adam hesitated. \u201cI\u2019m downwind from the rear of the house. She couldn\u2019t possibly have smelled my cologne.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s jaw dropped in surprise. \u201cWell, someone else must have been close by. Someone who wears the same after-shave as you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure that must be it, Pa.\u201d But Adam wasn\u2019t at all convinced. And he had that gut feeling again. Something was amiss but he decided not to pursue the matter. The contract he had in his hand was the most important thing right now. And, after a brief discussion with his father, Adam left. Ben went back up to Corinne\u2019s room, but he said nothing. He did notice, however, that the curtains at Corinne\u2019s window weren\u2019t moving. There wasn\u2019t even the tiniest of breezes\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TEN<\/p>\n
Ben walked carefully along the boardwalk as he led Corinne to a dressmaker\u2019s shop, appropriately named \u201cHaute Couture.\u201d Corinne felt Ben\u2019s reluctance to enter a ladies\u2019 dress shop, so she asked if he would mind just waiting outside for her. The relief in his voice was obvious, and Corinne heard him as he sat down in one of the creaky chairs outside the window of the high-fashion shop. Then she went inside.<\/p>\n
He was thinking about Corinne. How could she have known Adam was approaching the boarding house from the back entrance when there wasn\u2019t a breath of wind? He shook his head but couldn\u2019t arrive at an answer.<\/p>\n
He jumped when he felt a hand on his arm. Startled, he looked up and saw Corinne standing by his side.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you get the job?\u201d was the only thing he could think of to ask.<\/p>\n
Corinne snorted. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t work for that snobby Genevieve if she paid me triple salary! I\u2019ve never seen such a hoity-toity woman in my entire life! And I\u2019m not even sure that she\u2019s French!\u201d Then, \u201cWould you mind walking with me to a place that she suggested might be \u2018more suitable\u2019 for my \u2018disability\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben looked into Corinne\u2019s gray eyes and knew that her feelings had been hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I\u2019ll take you!\u201d And then he whispered, \u201cI never cared for Genevieve anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
As they turned to walk away, Corinne made an obscene gesture toward the shop. Ben grabbed her arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne! Try very hard to remember that you\u2019re a lady.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben didn\u2019t know whether to be angry or whether to laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cYessir,\u201d came the contrite answer.<\/p>\n
But, when Ben wasn\u2019t looking, Corinne turned and stuck her tongue out. She felt better, faced forward and continued walking.<\/p>\n
Her face was a study of concentration.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you listening to people?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes and no. I was trying to hear conversations and count how many steps we\u2019ve come so far, and I\u2019ve failed miserably at both.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dejection was written on Corinne\u2019s face. Ben patted her hand reassuringly, causing a young couple to stop briefly in their tracks and gawk. Ben greeted them as he and Corinne passed by, and Corinne heard his deep chuckle.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just passed Jennifer Roper and Robert Corliss. A very nice young couple who are planning to be married soon. They gawked at us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne smothered a laugh. I\u2019m ruining your reputation, you know.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep,\u201d Ben answered happily. \u201cFun, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER ELEVEN<\/p>\n
Virginia City had only one tailor\u2019s shop which happened to be owned by Genevieve\u2019s husband, Francoise. Genevieve herself had the high-class dressmaker\u2019s shop. There was only one other shop to check out, but Ben secretly doubted that Corinne would be employed there. The owner\/dressmaker was a delightful woman, close to Ben\u2019s age, who had been widowed several years ago. She didn\u2019t exactly have a booming business, and Ben suspected that her income was meager. Her rates were extremely reasonable and the clothes she made were attractive. Unfortunately, most of her business right now leaned toward dressing the saloon girls. She put a lot of effort into making even those dresses. And, she also did some tailoring for men.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s try this shop,\u201d Ben suggested, not bothering to say that this was the last dressmaker\u2019s shop in town.<\/p>\n
A bell rang over the door as Ben and Corinne entered. A woman\u2019s voice called from the back room.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t go away! Have a seat and I\u2019ll be right with you!\u201d<\/p>\n
So, Ben and Corinne sat. Corinne fidgeted. There were few times in her life when she was nervous \u2013 few times when she didn\u2019t get what she was after. But finding a job in Virginia City was of the utmost importance. And it had to be the right job!<\/p>\n
From the back room, there was a thump followed by an expletive, and then Corinne heard a rustling of a skirt as a woman entered the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen! How wonderful to see you!\u201d Corinne heard what sounded like a kiss on Ben\u2019s cheek. \u201cPlease tell me that you need a suit or vest or shirt or something. Business has been rather slow lately.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben paused. \u201cI don\u2019t need anything today, Bethany, but I have someone here I\u2019d like you to meet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Words came out of Corinne\u2019s mouth in a rush. \u201cMy name is Corinne Harland, and I need a job. I\u2019m also quite blind. But I do excellent fittings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany had a distinctive laugh. \u201cYou don\u2019t waste any time, do you, gal? Slow down and let\u2019s talk a minute. And, Ben, you stay right where you are. There isn\u2019t anything Corinne and I can\u2019t discuss in front of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne liked Bethany immediately. There was no snobbery in her voice \u2013 she sounded like she was a down-to-earth lady. Her laugh gave Corinne a sense of calm.<\/p>\n
Corinne and Bethany traded questions and answers. Bethany needed to know exactly what Corinne\u2019s capabilities were and she wanted Corinne to know that her business wasn\u2019t exactly booming. Corinne needed to know about the saloon girls. Bethany needed to know how long Corinne had been blind. Now came the test.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, I\u2019m making a dress for myself. I\u2019m quite short but would like to appear taller. I need a dress that doesn\u2019t make me look like I\u2019m wearing a sheet, but I can\u2019t fit myself and then make the dress too. I\u2019ve ripped out so many seams that my fingers are raw. I\u2019ve been invited to Jennifer and Robert\u2019s wedding, and I want to look especially nice. Let\u2019s see if you can help me.\u201d Then, \u201cBen, you stay right where you are. You\u2019re going to judge how I look \u2013 good or bad. You\u2019re as honest as the day is long!\u201d<\/p>\n
With that, Bethany half-dragged Corinne into the back room. Ben waited patiently and tried to overhear the conversation.<\/p>\n
Bethany first tried on the dress she had worked so hard on. There was much rustling and stirring about. Bethany guided Corinne\u2019s hands to the material.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan I be honest?\u201d Corinne asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019d better be!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the wrong material for you. It\u2019s too bulky and too hard to work with. What color is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPale blue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe color is right. Do you have any other material here that I can touch? My fingers are my eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indeed, Bethany had invested a good bit of her money in bolts of material, and she watched as Corinne touched one bolt after another.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat color is this?\u201d Corinne finally asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cA medium-dark lavender with darker pinstripes running vertically.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what color is your hair? Your skin tone?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy hair? It\u2019s brown with a little gray. My skin is rather pale.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne smiled. \u201cPerfect!\u201d And, after Bethany had shed the first dress, blind Corinne proceeded to wrap, tuck, pin and baste until Bethany was tired of standing. Corinne had come up with a creation completely different than what Bethany had had in mind \u2013 for one thing, the waist was made differently. It didn\u2019t matter that the material was draped all around Bethany\u2019s body \u2013 it already looked like a dress made from an expensive pattern.<\/p>\n
Bethany looked in her triple mirror and was astonished. The color was perfect, and the pinstripes did give the appearance of making Bethany look taller. It would make a perfect dress for Jennifer\u2019s wedding, dressy but not bold or gaudy.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen! Ben! What do you think of this dress?\u201d Bethany chortled as she fairly flew into the front room, leaving Corinne to try to find her way on her own.<\/p>\n
\u201cBethany, I\u2019m not a judge of women\u2019s dresses,\u201d Ben said with a sigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you do have an opinion of this dress. Men always have opinions but never say
\nmuch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay. The dress is charming. The color absolutely suits you. But you need to wear a higher pair of shoes because the hem is dragging the floor.\u201d Ben hated to make such a criticism, but he also needed to be honest.<\/p>\n
Bethany burst into howling laughter. \u201cThe dress is dragging the floor because I\u2019m not wearing any shoes! I must look taller!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben tilted his head. \u201cYou do, indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne had found her way into the front room and was listening intently to what was being said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you make me look taller?\u201d Bethany was breathless with excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a subtle difference. A combination of different material, the vertical pinstripes, and changing the area and style of the waistline.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany hugged Corinne tightly. \u201cYou\u2019re hired. But I can\u2019t pay much right now until business picks up. It seems to go up and down like a yo-yo. When can you start working?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as you\u2019re ready,\u201d Corinne answered, her face flushed with excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen come in tomorrow morning. Ben, can you bring her in early?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s staying at Ma\u2019s. I won\u2019t be bringing her in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, that works out well because she can walk here and then walk back to Ma\u2019s. It\u2019s not a long walk, either. But this woman is so pretty that you should keep her under lock and key and marry her yourself before someone else does.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben blushed. \u201cCorinne\u2019s a family friend. She\u2019s not looking for marriage.\u201d He didn\u2019t speak for himself.<\/p>\n
Bethany hugged Corinne again. \u201cThis is just perfect!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne thought that it was more perfect than anyone would ever know. She smiled brightly and promised to be at work first thing in the morning. Then she took Ben\u2019s arm and was guided out the door. Bethany dashed back to look at herself in the triple mirror, managed to extricate herself from the material without getting scratched by the pins, and then she began to sew, smiling happily to herself.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWELVE<\/p>\n
Corinne had one more stop that had to be made, and that stop would take her to the bank which Ben trusted the most. If Ben kept his money there, then so would Corinne! So, into the bank they went and proceeded to the desk of Octavius McTavish, the bank owner and president.<\/p>\n
Ben started to make the introductions but was interrupted by Corinne.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy name is Corinne Harland, and I wish to make a deposit.\u201d She extended her hand and grasped Mr. McTavish\u2019s hand firmly. \u201cI think you need to know that I am blind and, with the Rawlins Gang mucking about, I want to be reassured that this bank is safe. My deposit is not large, but it\u2019s all the money that I have. Can you give me that reassurance?\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Ben and Octavius gaped. Corinne appeared to be confident and to-the-point.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can assure you that this is the safest bank in Virginia City,\u201d McTavish answered proudly. There are bars on all the windows. The bank tellers are in individual cubicles to ensure total privacy of all transactions. These tellers have been here for years, and I trust each one of them. The tellers keep only a certain amount of money in their cubicles. It\u2019s a well-known fact that, if someone wants to make a large withdrawal or deposit, that person needs to be here in the afternoon when the safe can be opened. The bank safe itself is custom-made with solid double-steel walls all the way around. The safe door works on a timer and can be opened only at certain times of the day \u2013 namely once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once at the end of the day. We have two armed guards, one for the morning shift and another one for the afternoon shift. And I have a gun in my desk drawer. Is that reassurance enough?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne smiled her sweetest smile. \u201cI don\u2019t think I could ask for anything more. I\u2019d like to make my deposit now.\u201d<\/p>\n
To give Corinne privacy, Ben stepped away while Octavius and Corinne verified the amount of money to be deposited and then Corinne was given a book to keep track of her deposits and withdrawals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t read what the passbook says. I\u2019ve just been hired at Bethany\u2019s shop and I will be transacting business here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, then, come to me or one of the tellers and they will help you. The matter will be one of strict privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once again, Corinne extended her hand. Octavius clasped it and nodded his head slightly at Ben. This was the signal to Ben that Corinne\u2019s personal business had been completed and that it all right to approach. Corinne thanked McTavish, took Ben\u2019s arm, and the two of them exited the bank. But neither of them could miss a very loud voice. The voice, of course, came from Leona.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor that pittance of a deposit, she could\u2019ve kept her money in her pillowcase. It\u2019s not enough to steal! And working for Bethany? Why, she won\u2019t be in here much at all. If you ask me, she\u2019s a gold-digger after Ben\u2019s money and the Cartwright name!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeona, for God\u2019s sake, keep your voice down! Miz Harland\u2019s business, like everyone else\u2019s, is personal and private!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne just couldn\u2019t resist. Spinning away from Ben, she looked straight at Leona and hissed, \u201cI resent being called a \u2018gold-digger.\u2019 And Ben should resent it also. The Cartwrights have been friends to my family and to me for as long as I can remember. But for the fact that Ben is here right now, I\u2019d take my \u2018pittance of a deposit\u2019 and go to another bank! I may be blind. I may not have a high-paying job. But I do have a job and my money will be in this bank. Furthermore, I certainly have never been referred to as \u2018rude\u2019 which is more than I can say for you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Leona\u2019s mouth dropped, and she started to say something.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Leona, do shut up!\u201d her husband demanded. \u201cAnd go find someone else to bother. I\u2019m very busy.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a rustling of skirts and the sounds of stomping feet. Then a door slammed.<\/p>\n
Octavius approached Ben and Corinne. \u201cI apologize for my wife\u2019s behavior and for her rudeness. I don\u2019t know what else to say.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben was quiet, waiting for Corinne\u2019s response.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Mr. McTavish. Your apology is accepted. You can\u2019t be held responsible for what your wife says.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outside the bank, Ben spoke. \u201cYou\u2019ve made one friend and one enemy in that bank. Having Leona McTavish gossiping about you will be a detriment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, I can handle myself,\u201d Corinne said confidently. \u201cI\u2019ve had a lot of practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben thought a moment and then asked a question. \u201cLeona\u2019s voice bounces off walls. It\u2019s almost impossible to tell where she is, but you looked her square in the eye. How did you know where to look?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust luck,\u201d Corinne answered succinctly. \u201cI assumed she was standing at Mr. McTavish\u2019s desk because she saw the amount of my deposit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut she could\u2019ve been standing somewhere else,\u201d Ben pursued.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike I said, it was just luck. Now let\u2019s drop an unpleasant situation. I\u2019m hungry as a bear! Now that I\u2019m employed, I\u2019m going to buy us a late lunch!\u201d<\/p>\n
It never entered Ben\u2019s mind that Corinne was after the Cartwright money. But there was just something about Corinne\u2019s \u201cabilities\u201d that put questions in his mind\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTEEN<\/p>\n
During lunch, Corinne was animated and delightful. Ben laughed so hard at some of the things she said that he made heads turn in the direction of his table. He felt rather like a schoolboy again \u2013 a schoolboy who was entranced with the attention of a pretty schoolmate. And Corinne was pretty, in a mature way. She wasn\u2019t a beauty, but she kept herself looking fit and attractive. She still had her mysterious gray eyes and her blond hair. Her lips were full, her cheeks were naturally rosy, her teeth were white and almost perfectly straight. But, when he took a minute to look closer, he could see the fine lines around her mouth and at the corners of her eyes and in the middle of her forehead. If he looked very closely, he could see that she had some gray in her hair. These things reminded him that she was not terribly much younger than he. Of course, her sometimes subtle, sometimes outrageous flattery of him was very good for his ego. She was intelligent, smart, funny and feisty. He couldn\u2019t find an unattractive quality about her at all. He just enjoyed being in her company and managed to lose track of time until he looked through the caf\u00e9 window and realized that the sun was low on the horizon.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hate to do this,\u201d he said sincerely, \u201cbut I have to get the buckboard and take the supplies home. I just don\u2019t know where the time went.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it that late already?\u201d Corinne asked. Her fingers went to the Braille watch around her neck. \u201cWell, I guess it really is. I hate to see this day end.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whispering quietly to the waitress who had magically appeared, Corinne reminded Ben that this was her treat. Knowing that this was an important part of her independence, Ben allowed Corinne to pay the bill. He watched as she pulled a wallet from her purse and paid the waitress. She left a tip on the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow can you tell how much money you gave her?\u201d This was an innocent question from Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoins are different sizes, and I can feel the difference in each of those. Paper money is folded in a certain way according to denomination. Heaven help me if I forget to fold it the right way or to fold it at all!\u201d Corinne laughed that wonderful, contagious melodic laugh of hers.<\/p>\n
The caf\u00e9 happened to be on the same side of the street as Haute Couture, the bank, and Bethany\u2019s dress shop. As Ben felt Corinne take his arm, he began walking her toward Ma\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Ben started to speak, but was hushed by Corinne who had stopped abruptly. \u201cI\u2019m trying to count the number of steps I take. I already know how far it is from Bethany\u2019s to here, so all I need to know is the approximate distance from here to Ma\u2019s. I deliberately take certain strides so I\u2019m pretty good at measuring from one point to the next. And I have a special cane that I can use so that I don\u2019t run into people and as a flag for people to not run into me. I had it painted a very bright red-and-silver stripe so folks can see it. Besides, by tomorrow, this town will know that I\u2019m blind. I think they\u2019ll be helpful if I get lost.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben felt a reassuring squeeze on his arm. He covered Corinne\u2019s hand with his own and remained quiet as they began to walk. He greeted passing people quietly and smiled at the odd looks on their faces. It was not unusual to see Ben Cartwright with a woman, but it was unusual to see Ben Cartwright practically arm-in-arm with a woman. And a woman new to town, to boot!<\/p>\n
Arriving at Ma\u2019s front door, Ben looked into Corinne\u2019s gray eyes and felt his heart warm. It had, indeed, been a good day for both of them.<\/p>\n
Without warning, Corinne threw her arms around Ben and hugged him tightly. Her hands finding his face, she felt his smile and proceeded to kiss him squarely on the lips. Involuntarily, Ben jumped in surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess that was quite forward of me,\u201d Corinne said, her voice shaking a bit. \u201cBut, if anything, I\u2019ve always been spontaneous\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood night, Corinne,\u201d was all Ben could say. \u201cI\u2019ll be seeing you often \u2013 very often.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope so,\u201d came Corinne\u2019s answer, and then she disappeared through the doorway.<\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s smile didn\u2019t disappear from his face until he was halfway home. One might say that he was euphoric. But then thoughts began crowding his mind and the smile disappeared. Thoughts of Corinne\u2019s seeming to smell Adam\u2019s cologne on a wind that wasn\u2019t there. Thoughts of Corinne looking squarely into Leona\u2019s eyes at the bank. Ben hadn\u2019t told Corinne that Leona was not at Octavius\u2019s desk \u2013 she was closer to the teller\u2019s window, well to the side of the big desk. Ben\u2019s face took on a puzzled expression.<\/p>\n
When he arrived back at the Ponderosa, after the supplies were unloaded, Adam reminded him of the \u201cdiscussion\u201d that was planned relating to Corinne\u2019s letter. Ben shook his head and told Adam that there was nothing to discuss \u2013 he had said earlier everything that needed to be said and there would be no more talk about that incident. He almost told Adam of the strange things he had seen Corinne do this day, but he decided against it. Corinne had an explanation for everything, and he would take everything she said on faith. He didn\u2019t believe she was after him for his name or money, he certainly enjoyed her company and, for all the time he had known her \u2013 except for the incident of the \u201cchocolate\u201d mud pie – Corinne had never lied. At least, not that he was aware of.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FOURTEEN<\/p>\n
Maybe Ben could keep his mouth shut, but Adam couldn\u2019t. He spoke to both Hoss and Joe about the things that were bothering him about Corinne. She just simply had too quick an answer to puzzling things. Hoss, who believed in everybody, stated that Corinne was quick with answers because they were the truth. Joe, however, scratched his head and decided that Corinne was truthful or that she was a mighty good liar. All of them agreed that she needed to be watched. But they wouldn\u2019t mention any of this to Ben because it seemed he had already made up his mind about Corinne and had fallen under some kind of spell that she cast.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa believes what he wants to believe. We may be all wrong about Corinne. But, until we have positive proof, our hands are tied. She\u2019s fun and funny and we all enjoy her company. Just keep your eyes peeled.\u201d Adam looked at his brothers.<\/p>\n
Heads nodded. The pact of silence had been made.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTEEN<\/p>\n
This was to be Corinne\u2019s first day at work, and she awoke with excitement. It was too early to eat at Ma\u2019s, so Corinne went to the caf\u00e9 and ate a leisurely breakfast. She also focused in on voices and conversations. Just as she had thought, there was some talk of her, her blindness, and her association with the Cartwrights. When she was through with breakfast, she paid her bill, grabbed her red-and-silver cane, and then strode down the boardwalk towards Bethany\u2019s shop. Along the way, she managed to bang her cane against Mattie Stern\u2019s dress, and Corinne wasn\u2019t sorry at all.<\/p>\n
Bethany had been right \u2013 business was slow at her shop. Corinne asked Bethany to read the newspaper aloud so she could keep up with the current news. Bethany was unaware of how much Corinne was interested in specific news of the Rawlins Gang and their latest escapades and where they had committed their latest crimes. Corinne was a master at listening and busied herself feeling bolts of fabrics and otherwise familiarizing herself with the shop while she kept track of what Bethany read. Some of the news of the Rawlins Gang was noteworthy\u2026<\/p>\n
The bell over the shop\u2019s door jingled, and Corinne heard Bethany greet a woman warmly. Introductions were made, and Corinne now met the \u201cimpossibly red-haired woman\u201d whom Ben had described just yesterday. The woman was Belle Latimer from \u201cThe Oasis\u201d saloon. Belle was earthy and funny, and Corinne liked her immediately.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour dress is ready to be fitted,\u201d Bethany said happily to Belle.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure am glad t\u2019 hear that!\u201d Belle laughed. \u201cIt won\u2019t be long before we get some drovers into the saloon and I want to look especially nice. The gals who work for me will be needin\u2019 new dresses, too, so get your thread ready!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne sat quietly while Belle tried on the dress that Bethany had made. There was a silence in the room as Belle apparently looked at herself in the mirror.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe color is right,\u201d Belle mused, \u201cbut the dress isn\u2019t exactly what I had in mind. Bethany, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne heard the rustling of skirts and mutterings from both women. Then Bethany did what Corinne had hoped \u2013 she asked for Corinne\u2019s help.<\/p>\n
Corinne felt the material, felt the touches that Bethany had added, and even felt the hem of the dress.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat exactly did you have in mind?\u201d Corinne asked Belle.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I wanted somethin\u2019 that would be diff\u2019rent than what the other girls wear. I\u2019m part owner of the saloon and would like t\u2019 give that impression in a more subtle way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh-huh,\u201d said Corinne as she snipped away the flower from one shoulder strap. She also snipped away the other shoulder strap, trimmed the original flower down to almost nothing and then put it slightly off-center at the waist. Fortunately, Bethany had left enough material at the bodice because Corinne immediately ripped out the seam, announcing that the bodice was way too tight and needed to be let out \u201cjust a wee bit.\u201d By the time Corinne had made the changes, Belle was smiling happily.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a few minutes,\u201d Bethany said, with a smile of her own, \u201cI can have this dress finished in a jiffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I have the time. The saloon won\u2019t open for another hour yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
So it was that Belle and Corinne sat down in the front room and chatted while Bethany\u2019s feet worked the treadle to her sewing machine. Corinne was subtly pumping information from Belle about the clientele of \u201cThe Oasis,\u201d but found out only that Belle didn\u2019t want the saloon to become known as \u201csleazy\u201d and that she wanted to present a more upper-class feeling to the building.<\/p>\n
Belle whispered, \u201cBethany is an excellent seamstress and her rates are more than reasonable, but she\u2019s rather old-fashioned in her ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne whispered back. \u201cPlease send your girls back here for their dresses. I think Bethany is open to new ideas. The proof will be if you really like your dress with the changes that have been made.\u201d Corinne had more than one reason for saying this\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cReady!\u201d boomed Bethany.<\/p>\n
Belle fell instantly in love with the minor but important changes and promised that Bethany would find herself busier than ever because all the \u201cOasis\u201d girls would be making a change in their wardrobes.<\/p>\n
Belle paid Bethany almost double what the original dress cost and exited the store as a very-excited and satisfied customer. Bethany and Corinne were going to make a good team.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTEEN<\/p>\n
The bell over the door jingled again, and both Bethany and Corinne jumped in surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy, Little Joe! What in the world are you doing here? I thought that slave-driving father of yours would have you mending fences or such.\u201d Bethany laughed good-naturedly. She loved the whole Cartwright family.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood late-morning-early-afternoon, ladies,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI\u2019ve come to take you both to lunch. Don\u2019t tell Pa, but I sneaked away from the chores at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne felt the watch around her neck. \u201cLordy, it\u2019s time to eat already! Bethany, put the \u2018Closed\u2019 sign on the door. We\u2019ve snagged ourselves a Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n
All three of them laughed as Bethany followed Corinne\u2019s suggestion and closed her shop. Still laughing, the trio headed for the caf\u00e9 with Corinne brandishing her cane and clearing the way.<\/p>\n
But, try as he might, Joe couldn\u2019t find a single flaw in anything Corinne did. She appeared to be completely blind \u2013 even to spilling her glass of water on the table. Joe would have nothing to report to Adam that day.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN<\/p>\n
Belle was true to her word. When Bethany and Corinne returned from lunch, there were two girls from \u201cThe Oasis\u201d waiting at Bethany\u2019s door. Bethany had a reputation for treating every customer with respect, rich or poor, fat or skinny, old or young. Of course, the richest people did business with Genevieve, but Bethany\u2019s goal was to upgrade her shop as her finances improved. She had already spent a good bit of her savings on the sewing machine \u2013 using money that was fast dwindling in the bank.<\/p>\n
While Bethany measured one girl, Corinne asked questions of the other girl about favorite colors and then ran her fingers over bolts of cloth. As she had done with Belle, Corinne asked lots of questions that had nothing to do with clothing but were subtly aimed at the clientele of \u201cThe Oasis.\u201d Once again, she came up with no useful information.<\/p>\n
Bethany sketched dress designs from patterns that she already had, described them to Corinne who, in turn, suggested a few changes. Belle had wanted her girls to look a little classier, and both Bethany and Corinne worked hard to provide what Belle had yearned for. By the sounds of \u201coohs\u201d and \u201cahs,\u201d the ideas had met with great approval. The two girls left with the promise from Bethany that the dresses would be ready to be fitted in three days\u2019 time.<\/p>\n
Corinne sat down, somewhat discouraged at the lack of information she sought. Bethany was busy cutting out patterns and failed to notice the look on Corinne\u2019s face. There wasn\u2019t time anyway because, as luck would have it, one more girl from \u201cThe Oasis\u201d entered the shop. Her name was Mandy and her excitement was almost palpable.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw Belle\u2019s dress, and it\u2019s beautiful!\u201d she said breathlessly. \u201cAnd Chloe and June told me that I really needed to come here to get a new dress. Actually, I need only one new dress to work in, but I need two dresses to wear when I\u2019m not working. Before you ask, I can afford three dresses. Well, not on what I earn at work\u2026 But I have a\u2026special man in my life who sends me lots of money quite frequently.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe sounds like a very thoughtful man,\u201d Corinne said, now openly interested. \u201cWhat kind of work does he do?\u201d Corinne had a hard time believing that a man who was able to send \u201clots of money\u201d to a saloon girl would have a well-paying job.<\/p>\n
Mandy was more than happy to discuss this man. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t get to see him much. He\u2019s been on every trail drive in the world, it seems, and he doesn\u2019t get to Virginia City as often as I\u2019d like, but\u2026\u201d Her voice trailed off.<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s mind was whirling. She knew for a fact that a drover\u2019s pay wasn\u2019t much, but a drover would be in many places at different times. And a drover would be a perfect candidate to be found in a saloon.<\/p>\n
Mandy continued. \u201cMaybe you know of him? His name is Randall McTavish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne was startled. \u201cIs he related to Leona and Octavius McTavish? I just opened a bank account at their bank.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Mandy answered. \u201cBut they don\u2019t talk about him hardly at all. He caused them a lot of trouble and was in and out of jail so much that I think they washed their hands of him.\u201d Then, \u201cPeople can change, can\u2019t they? Just because Randall was a problem when he was growing up doesn\u2019t mean that he\u2019s a problem now, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s mind was whirling. Was this important information or not? \u201cOf course people can change. If he\u2019s staying out of trouble, and if he\u2019s good to you, then that\u2019s what counts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then Mandy provided another piece of information. \u201cI think he feels very self-conscious and insecure because he has a bad limp. His leg hurts him a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPoor man.\u201d Corinne tried to sound sympathetic. \u201cHow did he hurt his leg? Was he born with that problem?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know for sure,\u201d Mandy answered. \u201cHe always tells me that he just doesn\u2019t want to talk about it. But it wasn\u2019t something that he was born with. Whatever the cause is, it popped up less than a year ago. Probably something to do with being gored by a steer or falling off his horse.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cProbably that\u2019s it. A drover\u2019s life is full of accidents.\u201d Corinne now had information that might be important. But it might not be. She wanted to meet this man and told Mandy to bring him by when he next was in town.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, he\u2019ll be here soon. He\u2019s on a trail drive bringing steers right here to Virginia City! That\u2019s why I want some new dresses!\u201d<\/p>\n
There was nothing subtle about Mandy. \u201cWere you born blind or did you have an accident that took your sight. Chloe and June were talking about you but were afraid to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne had to choose her words carefully. \u201cI had my eyesight for many years \u2013 that\u2019s when I learned to sew. But it\u2019s gone now \u2013 something I don\u2019t really want to talk about. You understand. The memories are painful. I can\u2019t make dresses any more, but I\u2019m a whiz at fitting them!\u201d<\/p>\n
At that moment, Bethany entered the room. \u201cHello, Mandy!\u201d<\/p>\n
Proudly, Mandy stated, \u201cHello, Bethany! I\u2019ve come to ask you to make three dresses for me!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat feller of yours must\u2019ve struck gold,\u201d Bethany laughed. \u201cCome on back here and let\u2019s pick out some patterns. Corinne can then pick out the materials you\u2019ll need!\u201d<\/p>\n
When the patterns were chosen and discussed, and when the materials were picked out, Mandy left happily. Bethany was ecstatic. And Corinne\u2019s mind was whirling with questions that needed answers.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN<\/p>\n
By the end of the day, Bethany had cut out all the pattern pieces to three of the five dresses. Usually, she would have cut out a pattern and then basted the pieces together, but she decided that Corinne\u2019s nimble fingers could be trained to follow the cutting procedure \u2013 even if it took longer. That would leave Bethany\u2019s hands free to do the basting of each dress.<\/p>\n
Corinne was hesitant at first. But with Bethany pinning the patterns to the material, the cutting out was just a matter of feeling where the edge of the pattern and the material came together. Corinne was a very fast learner, much to Bethany\u2019s relief and delight.<\/p>\n
Corinne was sitting cross-legged on the floor in the front room and was deep in concentration with the scissors when the bell jingled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be with you in a minute,\u201d Corinne said as she cut the material. This last piece was almost done.<\/p>\n
She heard a deep chuckle and recognized the sound.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen! I\u2019m almost finished here so have a seat!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTake your time,\u201d came Ben\u2019s familiar voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m learning to cut the material around dress patterns. We\u2019ve had a run on orders from three of the girls from \u2018The Oasis\u2019. I\u2019m slow but I don\u2019t seem to have made any major mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany hollered from the back room. \u201cBen! What are you doing here?\u201d Bethany was never one to mince words. She giggled to herself as she quietly whispered to herself, \u201cAs if I didn\u2019t know.\u201d She had seen the way that Ben looked at Corinne and recognized the look as something that could develop into more than just friendship. With a smirk, she finished basting the last piece of the dress she was working on and went into the front room to give Ben yet another hug.<\/p>\n
Ben and Bethany quietly watched Corinne\u2019s careful wielding of the scissors and heard her happy sigh as the last snip was made.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease tell me that I did all right,\u201d Corinne pleaded. \u201cTell me I didn\u2019t destroy anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany looked through the pinned-material patterns. \u201cYou did much better than I thought. There are a few minor mistakes but nothing that can\u2019t be hidden or fixed. I\u2019m proud of you!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll do better next time, I promise!\u201d Corinne said earnestly.<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s back ached from leaning over so long, and her feet had gone to sleep. When she stood up, her legs began to give way. She felt strong arms around her giving her support long enough for her legs to hold her. For an instant, she wanted to stay in those arms forever. They were Ben\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI came here to take you two hard-working ladies to supper at the International House,\u201d Ben said as he reluctantly released his hold on Corinne.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Ben,\u201d sighed Bethany. \u201cYou\u2019re so sweet, but may I request that we eat at the caf\u00e9 instead? The International House is such a fine place but, by the time I clean myself up, I\u2019ll just be too tired to want to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy vote is for the caf\u00e9,\u201d said Corinne as she rubbed her sore back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen the caf\u00e9 it will be,\u201d Ben laughed as he took Corinne\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n
Bethany giggled. \u201cTwo meals with two different Cartwrights in the same day. People\u2019s tongues will be wagging!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t get it. Two meals? Two different Cartwrights?\u201d Ben was confused.<\/p>\n
Corinne giggled. \u201cLittle Joe took us to lunch today.\u201d She remembered that Joe had said he had sneaked away from his chores, but Bethany had already spilled the beans.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, he did, did he? He was supposed to be mending fences with Adam and Hoss.\u201d
\nBethany sighed. \u201cI opened my mouth when it should have been shut. It was just lunch, Ben. Don\u2019t be mad at Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben raised his eyebrows. \u201cI won\u2019t say anything. I promise. Now let\u2019s go eat a good, hot supper. Looks like you two have earned it!\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER NINETEEN<\/p>\n
Ben seated Corinne first, then Bethany. He sat between the two women and waited for the arrival of the menu. Bethany, enthusiastic over the days\u2019 sales, was animated and did most of the talking. Ben was truly happy that her business looked like it might take a turn for the better. Corinne just smiled. The meals were ordered and Corinne asked how Ben\u2019s day had been. Before he could answer, the caf\u00e9 door opened and a very loud, familiar voice could suddenly be heard. Corinne recognized the owner of that voice \u2013 it was Leona.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat voice just goes right through me!\u201d Corinne said quietly. \u201cIs she deaf or just loud?\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany laughed. \u201cLeona\u2019s been like that ever since she came to town. Poor Octavius. He tries to make her lower her voice, but she ignores him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leona apparently spied Ben and couldn\u2019t resist saying something.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook at that. Ben has two women with him. Isn\u2019t one woman enough?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne was angry and started to make a retort, but Ben\u2019s low voice stopped her.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d was all he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut she\u2019s insulting you!\u201d Corinne stuck out her bottom lip.<\/p>\n
Ben laughed. \u201cI don\u2019t think being pointed out as having two women in my company is an insult!\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Ben and Bethany laughed, and then Corinne had to laugh too.<\/p>\n
But Leona\u2019s arrival opened the door for a discussion of the McTavishes. Corinne learned that Octavius had learned the business of banking from the ground up. He had worn many hats \u2013 bookkeeper, teller, loan officer, vice-president, president, and then president\/owner. Leona had worked many jobs to supplement their income until her husband had made enough money so that she could quit working.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Randall?\u201d Corinne asked with an innocent look.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a sad story. Randall is the McTavishes\u2019 only child, and he was absolutely spoiled rotten. He got everything he ever wanted and was a terrible bully. Every time he got into trouble, Leona managed to smooth things over. When he was in school, he was a terrible bully \u2013 no amount of disciplining him ever worked. Octavius kicked him out of the house when Randall was old enough to be on his own, and I don\u2019t think Leona ever forgave her husband for that. Randall cheated at cards, was caught at it and went to jail. Leona bailed him out. Randall stole things, got caught again, and Leona was right there to make amends. Randall spent as much time in jail as he did out of it. When Mattie and Oliver Stern moved to town, Randall made a friend \u2013 Jonas Stern, another troublemaker. Add Genevieve and Francoise\u2019s son, Maurice, to the mix, and there was always trouble. Roy Coffee was sheriff by then, and he kicked all three of them out of town.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember that,\u201d Bethany added sympathetically. \u201cThere were three sets of parents who had broken hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo the boys keep in touch with their families?\u201d Corinne was curious.<\/p>\n
Ben shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know and I don\u2019t ask. But I do hear that Randall comes back here every now and then. I haven\u2019t seen him, though.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hear that he walks with a bad limp,\u201d Corrine mused. \u201cMust\u2019ve been an accident or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Ben and Bethany shrugged. No more mention was made of Randall or his friends.<\/p>\n
By now, dessert had been served and eaten, and it was time to leave. Ben and Corinne walked Bethany home and then Ben felt Corinne tuck her arm into his.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was very nice of you to take us both out to eat. Thank you, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy pleasure,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n
At the door to Ma\u2019s, Corinne did not kiss Ben. But she did give him a big hug, one which left both man and woman feeling warm and happy. Ben invited Corinne to attend church services with him and \u201cthe boys\u201d and then to indulge in a church picnic afterwards. Corrine happily accepted the invitation and then disappeared into the boarding house.<\/p>\n
Hurriedly she sped up to her room and began writing in a notebook which she kept hidden. Then she wrote a letter \u2013 one that she hoped would prove to be important.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY<\/p>\n
While Bethany worked on the last two dresses for Mandy, Corinne decided that she wanted a dress for herself to wear to church and to the picnic. She knew her size and knew what kind of pattern she wanted, and she really wanted to look nice on Sunday. The truth is that she adored all the Cartwrights, and they had all been so kind to her. Especially Ben. She was proud to be seen with any or all of them and she wanted them to be proud of her, too.<\/p>\n
Bethany helped her pick out the material and the pattern. Corinne wanted something simple but flattering. Since her husband\u2019s death, she hadn\u2019t taken the time to make something especially for herself. Most of the time, she would go into a store and buy a ready-made dress. But not this time!<\/p>\n
The pale yellow material was soft and easy to work with. And a brighter yellow satin sash would be the perfect touch! Bethany took the time to pin the pattern to the material, and then Corinne took up the scissors and began to cut carefully around the pattern. And the dress could be worn with a green sash or bow \u2013 Bethany had said there were tiny pale green flowers in the material. Besides, Corinne needed to be distracted from the letter she had sent earlier and, in her mind, this dresswork was therapy.<\/p>\n
By the time Bethany was finished with Mandy\u2019s dresses, Corinne had her material all cut out and ready to be basted together. While that process was going on, Corinne explored the shop. Bethany had made a large investment in her choices of materials and accessories. All she needed was the right clientele to make her shop a success.<\/p>\n
In one corner, Corinne discovered that Bethany had several \u201cclothing closures\u201d (in later years they would become known as \u201czippers.\u201d) But these \u201cclosures\u201d didn\u2019t work well with the canvas material that men used strictly to work in because, even with the sewing machine, the \u201cclosures\u201d would eventually pull away from the canvas.<\/p>\n
Corinne had a very bright idea and approached Bethany with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cDrovers and miners usually wear canvas pants, don\u2019t they?\u201d she asked Bethany.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep. And farmers, too. But I don\u2019t get much call for making men\u2019s britches,\u201d came the answer. \u201cFrancoise does most all the men\u2019s tailoring.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I bet he doesn\u2019t make work clothes,\u201d Corinne mused. \u201cCowboys and miners and farm workers probably buy their pants in the General Store. Canvas isn\u2019t expensive, but I bet it just rubs men\u2019s legs raw.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany snipped off the last basting thread on Corinne\u2019s dress and instructed her to put it on. Then, \u201cWhat\u2019re you getting at?\u201d<\/p>\n
While two pairs of hands checked the fitting of the dress, Corinne answered. \u201cI met a man several years ago \u2013 his name is Levi Strauss \u2013 and he made lots of money using a new material that doesn\u2019t chafe. It\u2019s French and is called \u2018serge de Nimes\u2019 (which would later be called \u2018denim\u2019.) I could write Levi and ask him to either tell me where to order the material or ask him to sell me several bolts of it, we could make work pants right here in the store and, as an added feature, we could put the \u2018closures\u2019 in. The material would be comfortable, and there would be no buttons to fumble with. The material itself is blue, but we could dye some of it black just for a color-change. And your sewing machine would make things go faster. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s fingers felt only a few places on her dress that needed to be sewn a little tighter and she stuck pins in those places as a guide for Bethany\u2019s eyes. Off came the dress which went immediately to the sewing machine to be finished.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, I don\u2019t know if such a thing is in my budget. I\u2019m still paying for the sewing machine and for a lot of the better fabrics that I already have. But it was a wonderful idea.\u201d Bethany sighed sadly.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook,\u201d Corinne began. \u201cI have some money of my own. I\u2019d love to take care of purchasing the new material. Besides, if I know Levi, he\u2019ll be delighted to give me a large discount. He was very good friends with my husband. Please, let me help. I just know this plan will work. Please, Bethany.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m doing this against my better judgment,\u201d Bethany answered slowly. \u201cI don\u2019t like borrowing money.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDammit!\u201d Corinne swore and looked around to make sure nobody was in the shop to hear her. \u201cYou gave a blind woman a job, and this is the least I can do to pay you back. Anyway, I believe it\u2019ll be a money-maker, and we\u2019ll both profit from it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany was laughing as she finished the final touches on the dress. \u201cYou just said \u2018dammit\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d Corinne giggled. \u201cBen Cartwright would blister my bottom if he heard me say that again. I\u2019ve already been chastised for it once.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s write Levi right now,\u201d Corinne said as she shrugged out of her new dress. \u201cBut you\u2019ll have to write the letter and pretend that you\u2019re me. I can\u2019t write without my \u2018gadgets\u2019 that allow me to do my own writing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, goodie,\u201d came Bethany\u2019s sarcastic but humorous remark. \u201cNow I can be a forger, too!<\/p>\n
\u201cJust write what I tell you to,\u201d Corrine said as she gave Bethany a gentle pinch. \u201cThis will work. I just know it will!\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany pulled out a piece of paper and began to write as Corinne dictated. Then Bethany fairly flew out of the shop to mail the forged letter. Corinne was ecstatic!<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE<\/p>\n
Sunday arrived and so did the Cartwrights. Ben drove the surrey which Hop Sing had packed with every imaginable food he could think of. Corinne wore her new dress and received compliments on how pretty her attire was. Taking Ben\u2019s arm, Corinne confidently strode into church. Even Leona\u2019s voice, which was loud even when she tried to whisper, didn\u2019t ruin the mood. In fact, Corinne took special pleasure out of Leona\u2019s \u201cThat\u2019s a beautiful dress. I wish that Genevieve would make me one just like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Cartwright voices blended beautifully together as hymns were sung. Corinne actually stopped singing herself because she herself just could not sing. She understood what Ben had meant when he had said that Leona\u2019s voice could hurt her eardrums \u2013 the poor woman sounded like a strangled frog! Corinne started to giggle but quit when she felt a gentle elbow to the ribs from Ben \u2013 there was no mistaking the fact that he wanted her to maintain some decorum while in church. And Adam\u2019s whispered \u201cPa, stop grinning\u201d told Corinne that Ben needed an elbow to his own ribs.<\/p>\n
The sermon was shorter than usual. Mercifully, the service ended more quickly than usual. Leon\u2019s loud \u201cAmen\u201d at the end of the last hymn signaled that it was time to leave and head to the meadow for the picnic.<\/p>\n
As Hoss and Joe spread the blankets on the ground, Hoss spoke. \u201cWhat\u2019d you think of Miz McTavish\u2019s voice?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne fired back. \u201cExcuse me, Hoss. I\u2019m not only blind but am now partially deaf too! That voice could shatter glass!\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a big belly laugh from Hoss, a snicker from Joe, and a chuckle from Adam. As Ben was helping Corinne sit on a blanket, she could hear soft laughter coming from him as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re glowing today,\u201d Ben commented as he looked at Corinne. \u201cAnd Leona is right about your dress \u2013 it\u2019s quite lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBethany helped me make it,\u201d Corinne smiled. \u201cI\u2019m trying to be a walking advertisement for her dressmaking skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss went through the litany of the food Hop Sing had packed in the picnic basket. \u201cWhat can I put on your plate for you, Corinne?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat fried chicken smells wonderful!\u201d came the answer. \u201cJust load me up with some of that and a little bit of everything else!\u201d Then she made oinking sounds.<\/p>\n
Putting her plate on the blanket in front of her, Adam deliberately turned the plate so that the chicken would be in a different place than its usual twelve o\u2019clock position. He looked quickly at both of his brothers and caught their eyes. Ben was busy helping his own plate and wasn\u2019t aware of this silent communication among his sons.<\/p>\n
When each person had a plate and was seated, Corinne reached surely and deliberately for the fried chicken. She didn\u2019t have a fork in her hand to reach for the potato salad or another item on her plate first \u2013 she was using her fingers. How could she have known that the chicken was far away from where it should have been?<\/p>\n
Adam looked at his brothers. They noticed what Corinne had done, and they nodded their heads in silent acknowledgment. Conversation had stopped.<\/p>\n
Too late, Corinne realized what she had done, and she turned her plate around so that everything was where it was supposed to be. She wondered if anyone had noticed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow about that?\u201d she said. \u201cI was reaching for one of Hop Sing\u2019s special rolls, and I found the chicken!\u201d<\/p>\n
But the damage had been done and further explanation would\u2019ve sounded lame. Corinne wisely kept quiet and listened as the men talked about round-ups and steers and timber. But she also knew that Adam was quick to notice anything and everything. She was worried.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO<\/p>\n
Ben escorted Corinne back to Ma\u2019s while Adam, Hoss and Joe returned to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has been another wonderful day, Ben. If all of you keep treating me like this, I could get used to being spoiled.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou deserve to be spoiled,\u201d came the answer.<\/p>\n
Ben hesitated, then kissed Corinne on her cheek. How warm his lips were! Corinne longed for a real kiss but smiled brightly instead.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be seeing you again soon,\u201d Ben stated as he turned to leave. \u201cThe next supper will be at The International House. As a matter of fact, how about we plan on Wednesday night?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d really like that, Ben.\u201d Corinne was genuinely honest. \u201cI\u2019ll see you on Wednesday!\u201d<\/p>\n
When Corinne was in her room, she was worried sick. She decided that a private talk with Ben was definitely in order. Would he be angry or understanding?<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE<\/p>\n
Adam reined in Sport halfway to the Ponderosa. He wanted to talk to Hoss and Joe out of Hop Sing\u2019s earshot. Hoss and Joe stopped and looked at Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you see that?\u201d Adam asked. He didn\u2019t have to mention what he was referring to.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d came Hoss\u2019s slow answer. \u201cBut it could\u2019ve been a fluke. Maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was no fluke!\u201d spouted Joe. \u201cShe knew where the chicken was and went right for it! Should we alert Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam shook his head. \u201cWe have to keep our mouths shut. At least until we have more proof that Corinne apparently isn\u2019t blind. We all really like Corinne, and Pa is a different man since he met her. He seems to be more relaxed. He certainly laughs more. I don\u2019t want any one of us to burst his bubble \u2013 not yet, anyway. I think Corinne realized her mistake and will be more careful. We\u2019ve got to keep our eyes peeled. Then we can decide what we\u2019re going to do when the time comes. We\u2019ll have to keep each other updated if we notice anything overt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heads nodded. The group headed for the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR<\/p>\n
Both Monday and Tuesday were extremely busy days at Bethany\u2019s shop. The girls from the \u201cBucket of Blood\u201d had heard about the dresses that Chloe, June and Mandy were having made, so there was a virtual stampede to Bethany\u2019s door to see for themselves what Bethany had come up with. Between fittings and patterns and fabrics, Corinne and Bethany had busy but happy hands. Not to be outdone, other girls from \u201cThe Oasis\u201d appeared and wanted new dresses, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this keeps up, I\u2019ll have to hire another dressmaker,\u201d Bethany announced wearily to an equally-tired Corinne. \u201cBut I\u2019m not complainin\u2019. Would you be averse to having another dressmaker help us while we\u2019re so busy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot at all,\u201d came Corinne\u2019s answer. \u201cBeing this busy is wonderful. And I\u2019m no help in picking out patterns, and I certainly am slow at basting! We really could use an extra pair of hands! I hope that Genevieve is pea-green with envy. From what I hear, her business is slower than usual.\u201d Corinne gave a fiendish smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your idea of writing Levi Strauss pans out, we may find ourselves making men\u2019s clothing as well as women\u2019s! Wouldn\u2019t that just be wonderful?\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s smile was Bethany\u2019s answer. An extra pair of hands would be exceedingly helpful if business picked up.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE<\/p>\n
Ma tapped on Corinne\u2019s door. \u201cBen\u2019s here!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne opened the door and adjusted her shawl.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo I look okay, Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust beautiful,\u201d came Ma\u2019s honest answer. Then, \u201cYou really like Ben, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMa, Ben is just a good friend. He always has been. I enjoy his company and he seems to enjoy mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ma snorted and walked to the sitting room with a nervous Corinne.<\/p>\n
Ben, always the gentleman, rose as both women entered the room. But he had eyes only for Corinne \u2013 a fact that didn\u2019t escape Ma\u2019s discerning eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust friends,\u201d she muttered as she left the room. \u201cYeah, right. And I was born yesterday\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBen?\u201d Corinne asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight here,\u201d came the answer. And Corinne felt Ben\u2019s hand on her arm. Such a strong hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you hungry?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cIf it\u2019s too early for you to eat, I brought the surrey. We can go for a buggy ride.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne heart was touched. Ben had brought the surrey, so he must be planning on a ride either before or after supper. Putting off the inevitable discussion, Corinne said that she was ravenous and would love to take a surrey ride after supper.<\/p>\n
\u201cRavenous and beautiful,\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlattery will get you anywhere,\u201d Corinne laughed as she took his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will, will it?\u201d came the answer with a chuckle. Ben enjoyed this flirtation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, not anywhere,\u201d Corinne said with a smirk. She, too, enjoyed this flirtation. \u201cBut I also mentioned that I was ravenous, so forget the flattery and let\u2019s go eat!\u201d<\/p>\n
Standing outside at the surrey, Corinne felt Ben\u2019s hands around her waist as he lifted her up onto the seat.<\/p>\n
What wonderfully strong hands and arms he has. How protected I would feel if I could just have those arms around me. How comforting that would be\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX<\/p>\n
Though the whole town knew that Corinne was blind, the waiters at The International House had no idea how to arrange her plate. Ben was subtle but, when the meal was served, Corinne hesitated.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere, let me turn the plate for you. I\u2019ll be discreet.\u201d Corinne could hear the slight movement of the plate against the tablecloth. The wine Ben had ordered was moved slightly, just where Corinne had said it should be placed. A feeling of guilt coursed through Corinne\u2019s body but, judging from the sounds around here, there were too many ears that didn\u2019t need to be privy to what she needed to discuss with Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Corinne?\u201d Ben had noticed a strange look on Corinne\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing, Ben,\u201d Corinne lied. \u201cNothing that your company and a wonderful meal can\u2019t fix.\u201d<\/p>\n
Halfway through the meal, something happened. Corinne was busily cutting into her portion of standing-rib roast, and the bone came away from the meat. It sailed across two tables, landing smack dab onto Genevieve\u2019s rather strange, tightly-wound corkscrew of a bun on the back of her head. She screeched instantly and stood straight up, batting at her hair. The table tipped precariously and dumped all of Francoise\u2019s wine into his lap, along with a small portion of food.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, my God!\u201d Corinne blurted. \u201cWhat is happening?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben couldn\u2019t answer. He was laughing too hard and excused himself, leaving Corinne sitting alone at the table. But Corinne could hear bits of conversation \u2013 Ben\u2019s apology, Genevieve\u2019s quavering voice, and Francoise\u2019s voice rising above the din. Corinne was glad that he was speaking in French because she intuited that he was swearing up a storm. Ben was promising to pay for the ruined meal and to have Francoise\u2019s trousers cleaned. Then there was calm once more.<\/p>\n
Ben returned to the table and told Corinne what had happened. Pulling her napkin from her lap, Corinne covered her face with the fine linen.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t cry,\u201d Ben consoled. \u201cIt was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not crying,\u201d Corinne answered in a strangled tone. \u201cI\u2019m laughing! Poor Genevieve and Francoise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, Corinne,\u201d Ben said, trying to stifle his own laughter. \u201cYou are such a wonderful tonic.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN<\/p>\n
After dessert and a cup of coffee, Ben paid the bills for both sets of meals. Footsteps approached and a French voice spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, you have not to pay for our meal,\u201d Francoise stated. \u201cThis woman who cannot see has no fault in the unfortunate incident. We have money enough to pay for our own meal. But thank you for your kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I insist on paying,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYour meal was ruined.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, but we were finished almost. As for the trousers, I have many more. Genevieve knows a lady who can clean the stain. It is a good thing that the wine was white, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben laughed. \u201cYes, it is a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne heard the exchange of what sounded like money and then the sounds of feet walking away.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre they gone?\u201d Corinne whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, they\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen let\u2019s get out of here. I think I need a surrey ride to calm my nerves.\u201d<\/p>\n
The food incident was not why Corinne was so ready to leave. It was the thought of the upcoming conversation.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere would you like to go?\u201d Ben asked as he clucked at the horse.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomewhere quiet and peaceful. A place that doesn\u2019t have bones that become airborne,\u201d Corinne answered, a smile crossing her face in spite of herself.<\/p>\n
Even though she had a shawl wrapped around her shoulders, the cool night air gave her a reason to snuggle up against Ben\u2019s broad shoulder and strong arm. Besides, Ben smelled good, and Corinne inhaled deeply so she would never forget the smell of him this night. She shivered with delight.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you cold?\u201d Ben asked, concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, just happy to be with you. You make me feel all goose-bumpy.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a silence, then Ben shifted and put his arm around Corinne\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that better?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cMuch.\u201d Corinne found herself at a loss for words.<\/p>\n
There was little conversation after that. One man. One woman. Two people who cared for each other. Ben felt contentment. He felt \u201cwhole.\u201d Corinne felt the pounding of her heart \u2013 not from fear of what she would be saying in a little while \u2013 but from the nearness of Ben. She had loved John but it had taken a long time before she truly knew it. With Ben, it was different \u2013 what she felt was coming on stronger and stronger very quickly. But she didn\u2019t know how Ben felt. Perhaps he had \u201cfatherly\u201d feelings for her. She just didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n
Ben reined in the horse, and Corinne smelled the waters from Lake Tahoe. She sighed with delight.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s walk a bit,\u201d Corinne suggested.<\/p>\n
She felt the surrey jiggle as Ben got out, and then she felt his strong hands around her waist to help her down. Her feet touched the ground and, to her great surprise, Ben grasped her hand and didn\u2019t let go. Corinne justified this \u2013 not as a romantic gesture \u2013 but as assurance that she didn\u2019t fall over the uneven ground.<\/p>\n
Ben spoke. \u201cThis is one of my favorite places. Lake Tahoe is like a beautiful woman. She never is quite the same \u2013 sometimes calm and peaceful, sometimes stormy and windswept \u2013 but she is always beautiful. The sliver of moon has kissed her tonight and changed her appearance once again. I wonder what secrets she holds in her depths.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there a place where we can sit down?\u201d Corinne asked, trying to put off the inevitable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a tree that has fallen down not far from us. Are you tired? Do you want to go back to town?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBen,\u201d Corinne said, taking a deep breath, \u201cwe need to talk. It\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE<\/p>\n
When Corinne was seated on the huge bole of the tree, she began to talk. She told Ben her story from the time she got married until right up to the present. All of it. The moon moved across the sky, changing the appearance of Lake Tahoe once more. Ben didn\u2019t interrupt the conversation. He asked no questions. He just listened. And when Corinne swore him to absolute secrecy, it was only then that he spoke: \u201cYou have my word.\u201d<\/p>\n
A single tear slid down Corinne\u2019s cheek. Ben did the only thing he knew to do, and that was to put both arms around Corinne and hold her tight. Then they walked to the surrey and Ben took Corinne back to town. The trip was a silent one. Corinne knew she had done the right thing but wondered what Ben was thinking. She couldn\u2019t tell, and she wouldn\u2019t ask. She knew he needed time to think.<\/p>\n
The very first rays of dawn were peaking over the Sierras as Ben helped Corinne from the surrey at Ma\u2019s. He walked her up the stairs and quietly inserted Corinne\u2019s key into the locked door. He let his fingers trail over Corinne\u2019s smooth skin \u2013 a gentle touch, a tender touch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Ben, for such a lovely supper. And for being\u2026you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then Ben spoke. \u201cI\u2019m going to be needing a new vest for Jennifer and Robert\u2019s wedding. Do you think that Bethany will make one for me? Francoise made the last one, but I want Bethany to make a new one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne sighed with relief. This was a positive response.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course she will. Is it all right if I do the fitting?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have it any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n
And then Ben turned, climbed into the surrey and drove out of sight.<\/p>\n
With mixed feelings, Corinne went to her room. She hoped she had done the right thing in telling the truth. And she hoped that Ben would keep her secret.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY<\/p>\n
Three pairs of eyes stared at Ben as he strode into the house. Well, four pairs of eyes counting Hop Sing\u2019s countenance.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are all up early,\u201d Ben said casually as he accepted a cup of hot coffee from a glaring Hop Sing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were worried about you.\u201d Adam was not in a good mood.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh? Why is that?\u201d Ben baited his sons.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, you were gone all night!\u201d Hoss spluttered.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmm. So I was.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere were you?\u201d This from Little Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are some things a man just doesn\u2019t tell,\u201d Ben said with a grin. \u201cNow, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019m going upstairs, getting in my bed, and going to sleep. Don\u2019t forget that you all have chores to do today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hop Sing left the room, muttering in Chinese. Adam, Hoss and Little Joe looked at each other slack-jawed.<\/p>\n
Joe spoke. \u201cYou don\u2019t suppose that Pa and Corinne\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019s eyes got big as pie plates. \u201cNaw, not Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShould we tell Pa about Corinne?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n
Adam shrugged. \u201cNo. Not now. He\u2019ll find out for himself soon enough. He\u2019s a grown man. And, judging by that look on his face, he\u2019s a happy man. With a secret.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t know how right he was on all counts.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE<\/p>\n
As Ben crawled into bed, his mind was whirling. He had put on a good front for his sons, but the fact remained that he was seriously concerned about the things that Corinne had told him. He didn\u2019t know exactly what to do at the moment, so he tossed and turned until he fell into a fitful sleep. One thing was for sure \u2013 he had made a promise to Corinne, and he never broke his word. But there might come a first time\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO<\/p>\n
Bethany\u2019s shop had turned into a booming business overnight \u2013 the dresses had all been fitted, made, tried on one more time, and payments had been made. Bethany gave Corinne her first paycheck, making sure that Corinne knew the amount. Then Bethany very carefully counted out the money that needed to be deposited at the bank, making sure that she wrote the correct amount on the outside of the envelope. Inside the envelope, she tucked in her passbook and then sent Corinne to the bank.<\/p>\n
By now, Corinne had learned by heart every business on Bethany\u2019s side of the street so, with cane in hand, she headed toward the bank with both her money and Bethany\u2019s deposit tucked carefully into her purse.<\/p>\n
Entering the bank, Corinne heard familiar voices \u2013 apparently Genevieve, Leona and Mattie were there all at the same time. Corinne put on her best smile and headed in the direction of Octavius\u2019s desk. It\u2019s not that she didn\u2019t trust the tellers to make the correct notations \u2013 she just wanted to get to know Octavius better. She had her reasons.<\/p>\n
As luck would have it, Octavius was not at his desk. But Leona \u2013 with Genevieve and Mattie in tow \u2013 sped to help Corinne.<\/p>\n
Leona just couldn\u2019t resist a jibe. \u201cI hear that you tried to kill Genevieve last night during supper.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? I didn\u2019t try to kill anyone!\u201d Corinne was horrified.<\/p>\n
Genevieve piped up in her fake French accent. Francoise was truly French, but his wife apparently fell short of mimicking his accent.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou threw at me a bone which hit the head! How true it is that killed I wasn\u2019t, but the head hurts! It\u2019s jealousy that caused this terrible incident. You have what is called a \u2018grudge\u2019 for me because I wouldn\u2019t hire you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne dropped her voice and made each word count. \u201cIt was an accident. You know that I\u2019m blind. When I cut around the bone in the roast, that bone just skittered off my plate. I had no idea what had happened until Ben told me all about it. How fortunate for you that your hair was twisted tight enough to deflect the force of the bone. And don\u2019t think for one single second that I\u2019m jealous of you or your business. I wouldn\u2019t work for you if my life depended on it!\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE<\/p>\n
Corinne thought she heard Mattie giggle. Genevieve and Leona snorted in contempt.<\/p>\n
\u201cI came to make two deposits. I would very much like to transact my business with Leona\u2019s husband. Please excuse me.\u201d Corinne moved in the direction which she knew to be Octavius\u2019s desk. She conveniently used her cane.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy husband has stepped out for the moment,\u201d Leona boomed. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of your money transactions myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne hoped that she could actually find the desk on her own. She did but she didn\u2019t sit down. She heard Leona open one envelope and announce loudly that Corinne\u2019s paycheck was \u201cpitiful.\u201d And then she announced exactly how much the paycheck was.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was under the impression that business transactions were private,\u201d Corinne said as her blood began to boil. \u201cNobody in this bank needs to know how much money I\u2019ve made, but you\u2019ve managed to tell everyone within earshot of my personal business. I can\u2019t undo that. I would like to deposit half and take the other half in cash.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mattie was watching like a hawk as Leona completed the transaction. She spoke up immediately.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeona, you gave Corinne the wrong amount of cash. You shorted her almost five dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid not.\u201d Leona was angry.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you did. I shouldn\u2019t have been watching, but I saw that you made a mistake. Corinne works for her money and should trust that she gets the correct amount.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne had not yet put her money in her purse, and she felt Leona snatch the money from her hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell!\u201d pronounced Leona. \u201cIt appears that I did make a slight mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n
In her loud voice, she counted out the correct amount and put it in Corinne\u2019s hand. Corinne would ask Bethany later to help her fold the bills correctly so they could be identified easily when she needed them. Mattie\u2019s curiosity had turned into a blessing.<\/p>\n
Next came Bethany\u2019s deposit, so carefully counted, along with her passbook. Corinne was on guard this time, and it was a good thing. Leona made a larger mistake and argued with Corinne over the correct amount of the deposit.<\/p>\n
Furious now, Corinne slammed her cane on the desk and heard something fall to the floor. There was the sound of shattering glass.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR<\/p>\n
Leona shrieked in anger. \u201cLook what you\u2019ve done! You\u2019ve broken one of the few photos that shows me, Randall, and Octavius! The frame is ruined and the picture is torn.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d lied Corinne. \u201cI\u2019ll pay for the frame and the glass. Maybe the picture can be fixed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once again, Mattie spoke up. \u201cCorinne, Oliver and I have some beautiful picture frames. And Oliver is very good at repairing torn photos. Come to my shop with the picture and the frame and we\u2019ll make amends for Leona.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leona shoved the frame and the photo into Mattie\u2019s hands. \u201cI want the very best frame you have. Randall deserves the best! He\u2019s my only child!\u201d<\/p>\n
As luck would have it, Octavius appeared. Seeing his wife and Corinne both in distress, it didn\u2019t take him long to find out what had happened. Indeed, Leona had made yet another mistake on Bethany\u2019s account. Quite a large mistake as it turned out.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeona, please give Corinne and me some privacy. Go to Genevieve\u2019s and buy a hat or something. Just leave.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne heard feet stomping in the opposite direction and then heard the slamming of a door.<\/p>\n
Corinne spoke first to Mattie. \u201cI don\u2019t know how to find your shop. Will you wait for me to finish my business here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I will,\u201d came the answer. \u201cI\u2019ll just stand by the door until you\u2019re ready to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n
Octavius didn\u2019t speak until he knew that he could have privacy with Corinne.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what comes over Leona.\u201d Octavius sounded truly embarrassed. \u201cShe goes through phases where I just can\u2019t trust her with counting money correctly. From now on, talk to me or go to a teller\u2019s window. I have complete faith in my employees. It\u2019s my own wife that I can\u2019t always trust.\u201d How sad he sounded.<\/p>\n
When the business was complete and when Bethany\u2019s passbook was written in correctly and initialed by Mr. McTavish, Corinne spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m truly sorry about the picture and its frame. Mattie is going to take me to her shop to replace the frame and to see if her husband can fix the picture. Leona said this picture is one of the few that you have of your son.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur son. Of course. She wouldn\u2019t have cared if it had been just a photo of her and me. But Randall always comes first. And you don\u2019t need to have Mattie replace the frame. It\u2019s an inexpensive one and I can replace it at the General Store. Anyway, I hate the picture and hope it can\u2019t be fixed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s voice softened. \u201cI broke the frame. And the picture was apparently torn. Just because I\u2019m blind doesn\u2019t mean that I don\u2019t feel a sense of responsibility. I will leave the matter to Mattie\u2019s discretion and will make things right again.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a sigh, Octavius put the frame in a sack. The picture he put into Corinne\u2019s hands. Then he called Mattie over.<\/p>\n
\u201cPick a frame that you think is appropriate \u2013 I don\u2019t care if it\u2019s the cheapest frame you have. And give the photo to Oliver and let him see if anything can be done. The tear is slight and doesn\u2019t ruin the whole picture. I don\u2019t understand why Leona threw such a fit.\u201d And then an impish smile crossed his face. \u201cMaybe Corinne should hit Leona in the head with a steak bone! It might knock some sense into her!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne couldn\u2019t help it. She burst into laughter. And so did Mattie. Octavius even laughed.<\/p>\n
With Mattie by her side, Corinne left the bank and proceeded to Mattie and Oliver\u2019s shop. While Mattie was looking at frames, Corinne pretended to be touching some of the fine china. But her eyes were on the photo and the likeness of Randall was burned into her memory.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE<\/p>\n
Corinne returned to Bethany\u2019s shop later than anticipated and could hear Bethany\u2019s feet working the treadle to the sewing machine.<\/p>\n
\u201cLordy, I\u2019m glad to see you!\u201d Bethany\u2019s voice sounded relieved. \u201cI thought you might have been robbed or something!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne explained everything that had happened, and Bethany\u2019s voice sounded astonished.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had trouble with Leona and money before,\u201d she said when Corinne had finished talking. \u201cNot always, but I don\u2019t think she pays attention to what she\u2019s doing.\u201d Then, \u201cYou did right to get a new frame. And obviously the photo was repaired quickly, so there couldn\u2019t have been too much damage. And you seem to have formed new friendships in Mattie and Oliver. I hope Leona approves of both frame and picture \u2013 at least they\u2019re back on McTavish\u2019s desk. Now let\u2019s get to work. We\u2019ve got a few more dresses to tend to!\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX<\/p>\n
Ben was as good as his word. Bethany and Corinne were still making a few dresses, but things had slowed down quite a bit. Bethany was beginning to despair, and there wasn\u2019t much for Corinne to do.<\/p>\n
But with Ben\u2019s arrival came good news \u2013 he needed a new vest, and Hoss had outgrown his good trousers. These would have to be made before Jennifer\u2019s wedding. That meant a few extra dollars for Bethany\u2019s business. Hoss had wanted to go to Francoise to have his trousers made, but Ben had convinced him otherwise. Hoss appeared at Bethany\u2019s strictly under protest.<\/p>\n
Bethany and Corinne greeted the two Cartwrights warmly and then ushered them into the back room. Ben had brought his old vest to use as a pattern, but Bethany clucked as she had him try it on.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t use this vest as anything but a guide for the style you prefer. You\u2019ve gotten broader in the shoulders and through the chest. Hold still and let me measure you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben sighed and did as he was told. When the measuring was done, Corinne led him back to where the finer fabrics were stored. Corinne felt Ben\u2019s hand in the small of her back and got goose-bumpy again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t sure that you really would come in here,\u201d Corinne whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you that I would,\u201d came the whispered answer. \u201cAnd I promised that your secret would be safe with me, and it will be \u2013 unless you tell me otherwise. But I have to tell you that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany interrupted the conversation. \u201cWill you two stop lollygagging back there and bring me some fabric!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne shot Ben a questioning glance, and she and Ben picked out the fabrics and the buttons that would be needed. So much for private conversations\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN<\/p>\n
\u201cBeautiful,\u201d crowed Bethany when she saw the fabrics. \u201cThis color for the front and then the other color for the back. The buttons can be covered with the first material. Dressy but not gaudy. Very appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben stood quietly and watched Corinne as she placed the material across his chest, marking areas to be cut away for the vest opening. Bethany worked with the material in the back and pinned it to the front material \u2013 at the shoulders and the sides.<\/p>\n
When the piecing together of the fabric was completed, Bethany told Ben that it would take her only a few hours before he needed to come back for the final fitting \u2013 a fact that suited Corinne just fine. The more she could see of Ben Cartwright, the happier she was. Maybe he could finish what he had started to say earlier\u2026<\/p>\n
Ben had errands to run, so he left Hoss in the capable hands of Bethany. And Corinne. He didn\u2019t bother to let Corinne know that he, too, had goose-bumpy feelings when Corinne touched him.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, Hoss. It\u2019s your turn now,\u201d Bethany announced.<\/p>\n
Hoss lumbered into the back room, muttering under his breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cShuck off the britches you have on,\u201d Bethany said.<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019s face turned bright red. \u201cDo I have to?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you do!\u201d Bethany had her hands on her hips. \u201cUnless you want trousers that don\u2019t fit you right. And the ones you are wearing are fine for everyday wear, but they\u2019re too big for a wedding. I\u2019ve got to get the correct measurements, and everything will be all wrong if I measure you with those britches on. Now, shuck \u2018em!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s heart went out to Hoss. She knew he was modest, but Bethany was right. There was no other way to correctly measure a man of Hoss\u2019s size.<\/p>\n
To make matters worse, the bell over the door jingled. Bethany poked her head around the corner of the back room and saw that Adam and Little Joe had arrived.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll have to wait a while,\u201d Bethany called. \u201cCorinne and I are ready to make trousers for Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know,\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re here.\u201d This from Joe. \u201cWe don\u2019t need anything made right now. We just came to watch Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMoral support, you might say,\u201d chuckled Adam.<\/p>\n
Corinne reached for the curtain between the front room and the back room and snapped it closed. \u201cYou two hooligans can sit right down and wait. Hoss is uncomfortable enough without having you two making trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re hooligans,\u201d Adam chuckled again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard that!\u201d This from Corinne behind the curtain.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there anything that she can\u2019t hear?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hear just about everything. Why don\u2019t you two just go have a beer or something for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNah,\u201d Adam chuckled. \u201cWe\u2019ll wait for Hoss. He may want a beer when this is done.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSuit yourselves. But I don\u2019t want to hear a word from either of you!\u201d<\/p>\n
By now, Hoss was stripped to his underwear and Bethany had fetched a huge bolt of fabric and a pattern from a little-used drawer. Though Bethany had made clothes for men in the past, she wasn\u2019t too sure that she was ready for making trousers for a man of Hoss\u2019s size. Her reputation depended on the fact that she did an excellent job.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE<\/p>\n
There was no guile about Hoss. If he was asked a question, he would answer it honestly. And Corinne, not having seen Mandy in several days, asked Hoss a simple question as he fidgeted while the fabric was being wrapped around him.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it true that the Ponderosa is expecting a large herd of cattle from Texas fairly soon?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2019m. In about a week, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Mandy will be so happy to see that man that she told me about. His name is Randall McTavish \u2013 you know, Leona and Octavius\u2019s son. Will he be on that drive?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t rightly know. There\u2019s gonna be several herds comin\u2019 this way. That Randall McTavish is trouble. I wish Mandy would find her another feller.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne filed this information in her memory \u2013 along with the memory of the photo she had seen of Randall.<\/p>\n
Corinne had invented a tape measure in Braille. It was so accurate that Bethany let Corinne do the measuring.<\/p>\n
As Corinne began trying to measure Hoss\u2019s inseam, Hoss fidgeted even more as Corinne\u2019s fingers traveled northward up Hoss\u2019s legs. He jumped and squirmed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss! For Heaven\u2019s sake, hold still! If I don\u2019t get this measurement right, then your trousers will be either too long or too short! Now tell me which side you dress on.\u201d<\/p>\n
For a moment, Hoss couldn\u2019t speak. He knew what Corinne was asking, but it was a very personal question. He finally mumbled, \u201cEither side.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGee, thanks,\u201d Corinne muttered. She could hear chuckles and giggles from the front room and knew that Adam and Joe were enjoying this immensely.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, Corinne.\u201d Hoss began to stammer. \u201cYou\u2019ve got pins in your hands!<\/p>\n
\u201cI certainly do! And if you ever want to be a father, you\u2019d better hold still! Don\u2019t forget that I\u2019m blind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Lordy,\u201d Hoss moaned. But he stood still, his face as red as a beet.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY<\/p>\n
There was a crash from the front room. And Adam was laughing out loud.<\/p>\n
Bethany hollered through the curtain, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on in there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Through his laughter, and the giggles of Little Joe, Adam answered, \u201cJoe just fell out of his chair. Nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Lordy! I\u2019m gonna kill both of you!\u201d Hoss shouted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be at the Bucket O\u2019 Blood,\u201d Adam shouted back as he and Joe made their exit. They didn\u2019t know what an embarrassed and angry Hoss might do to them. A beer might calm him down. Hopefully.<\/p>\n
Bethany finally told Hoss to put his britches back on. He would need to come back in a couple of days for the final fitting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to go through this again?\u201d he moaned.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. You will not leave this shop with trousers that don\u2019t fit correctly. I want everybody at the wedding to see that I can make men\u2019s clothes as well as women\u2019s clothes. This is important to me, Hoss. Please be a good sport.\u201d Bethany was sincere, and it was that sincerity that touched Hoss\u2019s gentle heart. He nodded and then fled to meet his \u201chooligan\u201d brothers.<\/p>\n
As for Corinne, all she could hope for would be that Levi Strauss would get the letter and get the requested fabric soon so that Bethany could make some ready-to-wear sizes that could compete with the General Store prices. Drovers would be interested in a material other than canvas. And the \u201cclothing closure\u201d might cause enough of a stir for the men to come into the shop.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE<\/p>\n
Right after Hoss\u2019s speedy departure, who should walk in but Mattie Stern with a package under her arm. She was greeted by Bethany and Corinne, but it was to Corinne that she spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, I\u2019m truly sorry about the way Leona and Genevieve treated you. There\u2019s no excuse for exceedingly bad manners.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou owe me no apology,\u201d Corinne murmured. \u201cThose are your friends, and sometimes friends do or say things that are hard to swallow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve known both women for a long time,\u201d Mattie said slowly. \u201cTheir tongues are as sharp as knives and they\u2019re both mean-spirited. I\u2019ve made the decision not to spend time with them any more. If you lay down with dogs, you get up with their fleas.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what to say,\u201d Corinne almost stammered.<\/p>\n
Mattie turned to Bethany. \u201cGenevieve made a dress for me to wear to Jennifer\u2019s wedding. The truth is that it\u2019s too gaudy. But I like the general design of it. Can you make alterations or adjustments or something to make it more seemly?\u201d Then, \u201cI want to send a silent message to Genevieve that her \u2018skills\u2019 weren\u2019t quite up to snuff. I know it\u2019s wrong of me to feel that way, but I do. My son, Genevieve\u2019s son, and Leona\u2019s son were very good friends and, from what I hear from my son, I think that they still are. But that\u2019s no reason that I have to go along with what those two witches say and do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne had just heard some very interesting information: Three boyhood friends, all of them with bad reputations. And they were still friends? It might mean nothing \u2013 or it might mean a lot.<\/p>\n
Bethany didn\u2019t hesitate. Although she would have accepted business from anybody right now, she truly liked Mattie \u2013 despite the woman\u2019s choice of friends. Bethany ushered Mattie into the back room where the \u201cgaudy\u201d dress was donned.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrightful,\u201d was all Bethany said.<\/p>\n
Corinne ran her hands over the dress with its sequins and pearls and bows. This might be called \u201cfashionable\u201d in Paris, but it was a disaster to be seen in Virginia City. But Mattie was right \u2013 the basic dress was a pretty one. It just needed to be fitted correctly.<\/p>\n
By the time Bethany and Corinne had finished with Mattie\u2019s dress, Mattie was clapping her hands in excitement. She hugged Bethany and then hugged Corinne, promising both women that they would have all her business \u2013 and that she would spread the word that \u201cBethany\u2019s\u201d was the place to come to for new attire or alterations.<\/p>\n
Before Corinne had time to ask questions about Jonas, Mattie\u2019s son, Mattie had paid Bethany handsomely and then rushed out the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cMattie, God bless her, does have the tendency to run her mouth. In this case, it\u2019s to our advantage – I think we\u2019re liable to have a more upscale clientele soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne nodded but her mind was on Jonas, Maurice, and Randall. Were they really still friends? And if Mattie\u2019s son was keeping in touch with Mattie, was there anything important about that?<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO<\/p>\n
Ben made his return to Bethany\u2019s to try on his new vest. But he needed to talk to Corinne also. The vest was a great success and needed just a wee bit of adjustment so, while Bethany did some handwork on the vest, Ben steered Corinne into a corner of the front room. In a very quiet voice, he spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to tell you something. I\u2019m taking a short \u2018trip\u2019 but will be back before Jennifer and Robert get married.\u201d<\/p>\n
And then he explained the reason for this \u201ctrip.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne\u2019s eyes got wide. \u201cBe very careful, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n
She got a smile in return. \u201cI didn\u2019t get to be my age by not being careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
And then he kissed her. A short, sweet tender kiss that meant the world to Corinne. She wished that he would kiss her again, but Bethany walked in with the finished vest. Acting as though she had seen nothing, she handed the vest to Ben, accepted payment, and watched as he headed for the door. At the last minute, he turned and chuckled.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, take good care of Hoss. I do want grandchildren one day!\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne gaped. Bethany snickered and said, \u201cHe must\u2019ve been having a beer with his sons. We may have traumatized Hoss.\u201d Again she snickered.<\/p>\n
Tugging at a piece of Corinne\u2019s sleeve, Bethany winked. \u201cI thought that you and Ben were just \u2018friends\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne felt her face get hot and she knew that she was blushing.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE<\/p>\n
Corinne fretted about Ben and his safety \u2013 she was distracted and quiet. Bethany seemed to be intuitive and carried on a conversation only when Corinne spoke up. The two women were making a few more dresses for clients who had exclusively frequented Genevieve\u2019s shop. Bless Mattie \u2013 she had, indeed, been talking about Bethany\u2019s shop and thus new customers were appearing.<\/p>\n
The day came when a large package arrived on the afternoon stage. Willy, who rode shotgun on the stage along with the driver, brought the package into the store.<\/p>\n
\u201cDidja hear about the train robbery not more\u2019n four days ago?\u201d Willy was sweet, was an excellent shot, but he loved to talk.<\/p>\n
Corinne ears perked up as she heard this. \u201cWhere did it happen? Was it the Rawlins Gang?\u201d<\/p>\n
Willy put down the package and tipped his hat at both Bethany and Corinne. \u201cYes\u2019m. It was about four days\u2019 ride from here. They robbed the passengers on the train and then just plain disappeared. One of \u2018em got shot and died before he could say anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you sure it was \u2018The Gang\u2019? How many people were there on that raid? And why take the time to rob the passengers. I thought they only robbed when there was lots of money to be stolen \u2013 things like gold or silver or payrolls or strongboxes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was supposed to be a strongbox on the train,\u201d Willy answered. \u201cBut for some reason it weren\u2019t there. There were four men and they all wore hoods to cover their faces. Nobody could identify the dead thief when they took his hood off. And he didn\u2019t have no identification on him. Gotta be \u2018The Gang\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willy put the large package on Bethany\u2019s counter, smiled and refused to take money from Bethany for bringing the package to her. He touched the brim of his hat and then left the store.<\/p>\n
Corinne tugged at a strand of her hair. Her mind whirled. Four days away was very close\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR<\/p>\n
Bethany\u2019s squeal startled Corinne.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne! That Mr. Levi Strauss sent us the fabric that you told me about! Lots and lots of it! And it came just in time because Virginia City is gonna be crawlin\u2019 with drovers soon! Let\u2019s get started makin\u2019 some different sizes to have on hand. We\u2019ll make the price lower than the General Store\u2019s prices. All we need to do is to have someone wear the first pair and be like a walking advertisement.<\/p>\n
Corinne thought for a minute and then smiled. \u201cAnd whose measurements do we already have? And who will be coming back to try on a new pair of trousers?\u201d<\/p>\n
In unison, two voices shouted, \u201cHoss Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n
Work began in earnest. But Corinne hadn\u2019t forgotten about Ben, and she was worried.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE<\/p>\n
With news of the Rawlins Gang being so close, the Virginia City citizens became anxious and began paying attention to new faces. Any new face was suspect.<\/p>\n
Though she and Bethany were busy making new work trousers in hopes of luring the soon-to-arrive drovers (and maybe some local men), Corinne was worried about Ben. So she breathed a sigh of relief when Hoss arrived and said that Ben would be arriving on the afternoon stage.<\/p>\n
Hoss was stoic during the fitting process which, to his relief, didn\u2019t involve any more pinning and measuring. He had his boots and britches off and was into the new pants so quick that Bethany had a fit of the giggles. Bethany and Corinne had done an excellent job and there were no alterations to be made.<\/p>\n
Hoss had only one question, and his cheeks turned red when he asked, \u201cWhat is this thing here?\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course he was referring to the \u201cclothing closure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany pulled a \u201cclosure\u201d from the shelf and demonstrated how it worked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAin\u2019t that somethin\u2019?\u201d Hoss was fascinated and took the \u201cclosure\u201d from Bethany\u2019s hands and made it work. Then he tried the one on his new trousers as Bethany warned him to be careful not to catch his underwear in the gadget.<\/p>\n
His face broke into a big smile. \u201cAin\u2019t that somethin\u2019?\u201d he repeated. \u201cReckon why nobody ever thought of this before?\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany grabbed up the work pants and handed them to Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019re these?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cA new material that\u2019s to be used as work pants,\u201d Bethany answered. \u201cWe used your measurements, so they should fit just fine. And they have a \u2018closure\u2019 too. Hoss, will you wear \u2018em around town for us? Maybe go to the saloon so other men can see them? We\u2019ve made a whole bunch in different sizes and lengths, and we plan to sell them cheaper than those canvas pants at the General Store. These are more durable and are much softer than canvas. And they all have the new \u2018closure\u2019 on them. Corinne and I are hoping that these will start a whole new fad for men to wear to work in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss didn\u2019t look too convinced. But he saw how earnest Bethany appeared, so he reluctantly tried them on.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, these feel good!\u201d he said happily. \u201cAnd they look good, too! I like \u2018em!\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany and Corinne could hardly contain their excitement and clapped their hands in glee.<\/p>\n
The end result? Hoss left with his trousers and wore his new free pair of work pants. \u201cWait \u2018til Adam and Little Joe see this!\u201d He scooted out the door with his trousers and old pants in a brown bag tied up with string.<\/p>\n
But Corinne barely heard him. Ben would be coming in on the afternoon stage. He was safe.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX<\/p>\n
Corinne made it her business to be at the stage depot when the stage arrived. She just had to know for sure that Ben was all right. So she waited and waited for the stage which, of course, was late arriving.<\/p>\n
When she heard her name being called, she recognized the voice as Ben\u2019s. Her heart sang with joy and relief as she felt his familiar touch on her arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, I was worried about you.\u201d Corinne was almost breathless with excitement and from the nearness of this man she was growing to love. She had loved John, but John was dead, and Corinne\u2019s life seemed to be taking a turn for the better. Then, \u201cI want to give you a great big hug!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben whispered close to her ear that a hug might not be appropriate right now. \u201cI have some things to tell you, but this is not the right place. There\u2019re too many people around here to be able to talk freely. Why don\u2019t I pick you up and we\u2019ll go to the Ponderosa for supper tonight? And you can give me a big hug when I come back later on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne reached out to touch Ben\u2019s face. In the few days that he had been gone, he obviously hadn\u2019t shaved because Corinne\u2019s hands and fingers could feel a great deal of stubble.<\/p>\n
\u201cShave before you come to town,\u201d she giggled nervously. \u201cYou must look like a hobo!\u201d<\/p>\n
Moving her hand from Ben\u2019s face to his chest, she could feel as well as hear the resonance of his deep laughter. She almost cried with relief!<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN<\/p>\n
Bethany knew that Corinne had gone to meet Ben and smiled to herself as she considered the possibility of a love-match between Corinne and Ben.<\/p>\n
Corinne entered Bethany\u2019s shop, her face flushed with excitement. She had to walk around the growing rows of the new work pants that were beginning to fill up Bethany\u2019s shop.<\/p>\n
Corinne, thinking of the upcoming supper at the Ponderosa, was absolutely useless to do anything helpful in the shop. She knocked things over and she was all thumbs when it came to doing any pinning of material.<\/p>\n
Bethany found that Corinne was more of a liability than an asset. And, when Corinne said that she\u2019d be dining at the Ponderosa, Bethany understood the reasons why Corinne wasn\u2019t able to concentrate.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, why don\u2019t you go back to your room? Take a bath, wash your hair, and pull out a dress that fits you really well. I\u2019ve got the hang of making these work pants, and I can get them done faster if you\u2019re not here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Bethany. I\u2019m just\u2026distracted.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know you are, honey,\u201d Bethany answered. \u201cOh, by the way, I\u2019ve come up with a name for these new pants. What do you think of calling them \u2018Levi\u2019s\u2019? After all, Levi Strauss was kind enough to send us the material \u2013 gratis, to boot \u2013 and I think the name is appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a wonderful idea!\u201d was all that Corinne could say. \u201cWe can write a letter to Levi and let him know what we\u2019ve come up with. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be delighted!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll write him immediately,\u201d came Bethany\u2019s answer. \u201cNow you scurry and get ready for Ben\u2026er\u2026supper.\u201d A slight slip of the tongue.<\/p>\n
Corinne hugged Bethany. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you all about it tomorrow. And I\u2019ll be ready to work like a fiend!\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT<\/p>\n
Just as Bethany had suggested, Corinne went back to Ma\u2019s and put water on the wood stove to get hot enough for a bath. Ma helped her get enough water into the tub so that the cold water and the hot water were just the right temperature. Corinne bathed and washed her hair with lavender soap, then she scampered back to her room clad only in a robe with a towel wrapped around her wet head. There was a warm breeze wafting through the open window, so Corinne removed the towel from her head and, as her hair began to dry, she began brushing it until it was completely dry. Her thoughts were on Ben.<\/p>\n
Her dresses were each marked with a Braille tag, so she pulled out one of her favorites and debated whether to wear it or not. Its bodice was low-cut, maybe too low for supper, but she decided to wear it anyway.<\/p>\n
Ma knocked on Corinne\u2019s door. \u201cBen\u2019s here,\u201d she announced. And Corinne rushed into the parlor with wings on her feet.<\/p>\n
Ben was rather taken aback by how glad he was to see Corinne. He took her hand and put it to his cheek. \u201cSee, no stubble.\u201d Man and woman laughed. And then they were in the surrey on their way to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell me everything,\u201d Corinne prodded.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the help of the sheriff in Edgarton, we started a rumor that the train would be carrying a large payroll for the drovers coming into Virginia City. In fact, the payroll is already in the bank in Virginia City, but nobody knew that. Apparently, the rumor reached the ears of the Rawlins Gang. I was on the train, along with deputies from other areas, when The Gang struck – out in the middle of nowhere. There were four men, but one got shot and died before he could say anything. No identification on him. The only things that were taken were the money that people had on them. No jewelry or any other personal effects were taken.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBen!\u201d Corinne was horrified. \u201cYou could have been killed! Were you recognized?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know about being recognized. I didn\u2019t shave and tried to look like I was poorer than a churchmouse. I deliberately carried only a minimal amount of money with me. But the deputies and I marked our paper money with small blots of printer\u2019s ink. If any of that money reaches Virginia City, we\u2019ll know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did the men look like?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHard to tell because of the hoods covering their faces. They were about my height or a little shorter. The one that got killed was positively bow-legged. One walked with a limp. One was thin and had a rather squeaky voice. One was stocky and spoke very little. But when he did speak, he seemed to have a lisp.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow will the folks in Virginia City know to look for ink blots on paper money?\u201d<\/p>\n
Roy Coffee will be talking to all the merchants in town and swearing them to secrecy. There\u2019s no sense in causing a panic if The Gang doesn\u2019t appear. He\u2019ll make sure that the people he tells know what to look for. Especially the bankers and the tellers. Everybody who knows about the marked money will report immediately to Roy if they find any of that money.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like that you took such a chance,\u201d Corinne murmured.<\/p>\n
Ben didn\u2019t answer that statement. He just stopped the surrey and said, \u201cThat\u2019s a beautiful dress. But your cleavage is most distracting!\u201d He wiggled his eyebrows. \u201cMy sons won\u2019t be able to eat a bite of supper because they\u2019re staring at you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess I chose the wrong dress.\u201d Corinne flashed an unhappy look.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, quite the contrary. You chose the perfect dress! And I want to collect on that hug you promised me.\u201d<\/p>\n
In unison, their arms reached for each other. Lips met lips hungrily – starting a fire in both man and woman. Corinne hadn\u2019t felt this state of arousal in a long time and was disappointed when Ben finally broke the deep kisses. Both man and woman were breathing hard.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, my,\u201d was all Corinne managed to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we don\u2019t get to the Ponderosa soon, Hop Sing\u2019ll have our heads on a platter,\u201d was all Ben could think of to say. He smiled slightly to himself as he contemplated the fact that he was sitting down instead of standing up. There are just some things that a man can\u2019t hide while standing\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY<\/p>\n
Ben didn\u2019t get a chance to help Corinne down from her perch in the surrey \u2013 Hoss, clad in his new blue pants \u2013 did the honors. He was full of excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese new britches feel real good! And a lots of fellers done asked me where I got \u2018em! \u2018Course they also wanted to know about this \u2018closure\u2019 thing, too. It sure beats buttons! I\u2019m gonna want more, but this time I\u2019ll pay for \u2018em.\u201d His cheeks turned pink.<\/p>\n
Little Joe ran up right behind Hoss. \u201cI want new ones, too! Anything that excites Hoss this much is worth investing in!\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Hoss and Joe hugged a laughing Corinne. Ben stood and watched this interaction between a woman he was falling in love with and two of his sons.<\/p>\n
Adam leaned against the front-porch wall, arms crossed. Like his father, he was surveying the scene of genuinely happy greetings for a woman that the whole family cared for. But he was leery. His mind had questions about Corinne, and he didn\u2019t want to see his father get his heart broken if Corinne wasn\u2019t what she seemed to be. Putting a smile on his face, he walked over to the surrey and kissed Corinne on the cheek. She beamed up at him as she took his arm and was escorted into the house. Ben\u2019s smile never left his face.<\/p>\n
Hop Sing greeted Corinne at the front door but he stayed out of arm\u2019s reach. He had no intention of getting smacked on the back of his head again. But, judging from his ear-to-ear smile, it was evident that he cared very much for Corinne.<\/p>\n
The meal, as usual, was delicious, and the conversation was animated. Corinne couldn\u2019t help but laugh at Hoss as he re-lived the commotion he had caused with his new blue pants.<\/p>\n
Adam took his last sip of wine and wryly added, \u201cThe placement of that \u2018closure\u2019 looks like it could be quite dangerous for a man.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks. Then she smacked Adam on the back of the head. Adam chuckled. Corinne was always fun to be around. But that didn\u2019t mean he stopped being wary. So far tonight, he hadn\u2019t caught any sign from her that she was not blind. And it was obvious that Ben was smitten with her and she with him.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE<\/p>\n
All too soon, the evening had come to an end. And, as Ben had predicted, Corinne\u2019s cleavage did get stared at. She and Ben shared winks several times throughout supper. When the meal was over, all four Cartwrights walked Corinne to the surrey, but it was to Ben that Corinne turned for a boost onto the seat.<\/p>\n
Adam was startled. How did she know exactly where Ben was? She hadn\u2019t turned in his direction \u2013 she had picked him out specifically and deliberately. Warning bells went off in Adam\u2019s head immediately. And then he saw it. The same thing he had seen when Corinne had arrived in Virginia City and had stepped down from the stagecoach. She had a gun strapped to one of her shoes!<\/p>\n
\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said when Corinne was seated in the surrey. \u201cI need to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLater, Adam,\u201d came Ben\u2019s answer. \u201cCorinne is tired and the hour is late. We\u2019ll talk when I get back home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam knew that tone of voice and knew it would be useless to try and pursue the matter. All he could do was to nod. And worry.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO<\/p>\n
Both Ben and Corinne couldn\u2019t seem to keep their hands off each other on the way back to Ma\u2019s. They would ride a while, snuggle and kiss a while, and then ride closer to town.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen younger folks act with more decorum than we are showing,\u201d Corinne giggled. \u201cWhat\u2019s gotten into us?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled his warmest smile and kissed Corinne on the tip of her nose. \u201cWho knows and who cares? I\u2019m happy. You\u2019re happy. We\u2019re happy together. Let\u2019s just enjoy these feelings without questioning them.\u201d<\/p>\n
And his lips were on hers again. Tender, gentle, passionate kisses that left them both breathless and aroused for the umpteenth time.<\/p>\n
Corinne broke the kiss and stared into Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cWhere are all these feelings coming from?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe the feelings are coming from our hearts. It\u2019s called \u2018falling in love\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne reached for Ben\u2019s hand and held it tightly. \u201cI like it. Now take me to Ma\u2019s before we get to something that we might not be ready for.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was no mistaking the meaning of Corinne\u2019s statement. Silently, but still holding hands, Corinne was delivered safely to Ma\u2019s. One last kiss and then Ben was gone. Corinne went to her room and twirled with excitement \u2013 Ben obviously felt the same way that she did!<\/p>\n
Ben pondered all the way home. Was he really in love or was he just infatuated? He soon dispensed with the idea of infatuation. He just couldn\u2019t deny the intensity of his feelings for Corinne. But he worried. Danger just might be on the horizon\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE<\/p>\n
Adam was sitting in a chair, trying to read and to stay awake so he could have a talk with his father. But his eyes were heavy and he began to nod off. He wasn\u2019t quite asleep when he heard the front door open, and he became instantly alert and jumped to his feet.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, we have to talk!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout what, son?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout Corinne. Pa, she isn\u2019t blind. I don\u2019t know why she\u2019s pretending to be blind, but she isn\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what leads you to that conclusion?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam cited all the evidence that he, Hoss and Joe had observed but didn\u2019t mention the gun attached to Corinne\u2019s shoe.<\/p>\n
Ben helped himself to a brandy and listened to everything his eldest son had to say.<\/p>\n
Adam now resorted to a final piece of evidence. \u201cPa, Corinne carries a gun. What blind person carries a gun?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, you know that some women carry Derringers for protection.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPa! It\u2019s not a Derringer. It looks like a Colt .45 attached to her right shoe! I thought I caught a glimpse of it when she first arrived in Virginia City and was getting off the stage. I saw it for sure tonight when she climbed into the surrey. Pa! Listen to me! There\u2019s no way of knowing what she\u2019s up to! She may be dangerous!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben swirled the brandy in his glass and thought hard. Adam was really upset. So Ben made a decision.<\/p>\n
Gently, he told Adam to sit down. And Ben Cartwright broke his promise to Corinne. He explained everything to Adam. And though he thought it unfair to not share the story with Hoss and Joe, he knew that Adam would keep his mouth shut. So much depended on complete silence. He had to swear Adam to secrecy.<\/p>\n
Adam leaned against the fireplace and chewed on a match stick. \u201cI don\u2019t like this, Pa. It\u2019s too dangerous. But I\u2019ll keep this news to myself. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben grasped Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s late, son. Let\u2019s just go get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR<\/p>\n
As the days flew by, things began to happen. Ben was openly courting Corinne, and Leona was delighted to spread the gossip. Adam was a frequent visitor to Bethany\u2019s shop but never mentioned the secret that Ben had told him.<\/p>\n
Cattle arrived at the Ponderosa. Other trail drives camped outside of town, and the drovers came into town and filled up the saloons. Sheriff Coffee\u2019s jail cells were filled to the brim with drunken cowboys who were disturbing the peace. Overcrowding caused Roy to accept bail money to release his prisoners in the early morning so that he would have enough room to arrest more men the next day and night.<\/p>\n
Bethany\u2019s \u201cLevi\u2019s\u201d sold like hotcakes just as Corinne had predicted they would. A follow-up letter from Levi Strauss himself stated that he would sell the fabric to Bethany\u2019s shop any time it was needed. So Bethany wired this kind man with Corinne\u2019s blessings. Large bolts of the blue material were arriving almost daily. Both Bethany and Corinne now spent most of their time making the new \u201cLevi\u2019s\u201d in every waist size and length that they could imagine. Hoss bought more of them, and Little Joe even bought some. Adam, tired of listening to Hoss and Joe extol the virtues of the material \u2013 and the \u201cclosure\u201d- even bought some. And he liked them!<\/p>\n
Jennifer and Robert\u2019s wedding ceremony was beautiful, and Ben told Corinne that Jennifer looked positively radiant. Genevieve was truly incensed by the fact that Mattie\u2019s dress had been altered. Bethany was at the church when she was approached by Genevieve.<\/p>\n
\u201cBethany, you have bad taste in what a guest\u2019s apparel should look like,\u201d Genevieve snorted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe dress you made for Mattie was absolutely frightful,\u201d snapped Bethany. She watched as Genevieve strode off in a snit.<\/p>\n
Maurice – Genevieve and Francoise\u2019s son – arrived via stagecoach. Corinne was introduced to him when he sneaked into Bethany\u2019s to buy a pair of Levi\u2019s. Corinne measured him and found that he was tall and thin and had a bad attitude.<\/p>\n
\u201cI only came here because my parents don\u2019t make cheap stuff like this,\u201d Maurice said with a squeaky voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI prefer to use the word \u2018inexpensive\u2019,\u201d Corinne retorted. \u201cIf you think that price and quality make this garment \u2018cheap,\u2019 then I suggest you stick with canvas pants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maurice sniffed in disgust. \u201cJust wrap \u2018em up. I\u2019ll be the judge of how good they turn out to be.\u201d His squeaky voice went through Corinne\u2019s ears like a knife.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE<\/p>\n
Mattie and Oliver\u2019s son, Jonas, arrived in town on horseback. Unlike his parents, Jonas was stocky and he was afflicted with a bit of a lisp. But he had good manners and was very respectful. Mattie had brought him in, maybe to show him off, but the main reason was to buy some Levi\u2019s. Jonas had complained to Mattie that his canvas pants just chafed the skin right off his legs while on one of the cattle drives.<\/p>\n
Corinne found him to be very soft-spoken, almost to the point of shyness. His manners were impeccable. After Mattie and Jonas left the store, Bethany commented that, despite his brash and unruly ways when he was younger, he seemed to have changed for the better.<\/p>\n
As Corinne was walking back to Ma\u2019s one evening, holding onto Ben\u2019s arm, Mandy appeared. With Randall. Introductions were made and pleasantries were exchanged before each couple walked away. Corinne heard Randall\u2019s boots on the boardwalk and heard a pronounced limp.<\/p>\n
All three sons who had been forced to leave town when they were younger were now back in town all at the same time. Ironically, paper money with ink blots began turning up in a few places and a few of the businesses had been robbed\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX<\/p>\n
Ben arrived at Bethany\u2019s shop to take Corinne to lunch but was told, to his surprise, that Corinne had gone to see Sheriff Coffee. Bethany didn\u2019t know the reason for Corinne\u2019s visit \u2013 she said that it was none of her business so she didn\u2019t ask questions. Besides, she had hired a tailor and was overseeing his work with the new Levi\u2019s. The man\u2019s name was Larson Quigley, and he was turning out to be a godsend.<\/p>\n
Ben walked briskly to Roy\u2019s office and found Corinne and the sheriff drinking a cup of coffee and talking quietly. Ben had been worried about Corinne \u2013 had she been robbed or accosted?<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, is everything all right?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course everything is all right. What would make you think otherwise?\u201d came the answer.<\/p>\n
Breathing a sigh of relief, Ben spoke. \u201cWell, since you\u2019ve been in Virginia City, I\u2019ve never known you to come to the jail to see Roy. I was worried.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roy looked uncomfortable. \u201cCorinne\u2026 um\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Ben. I brought some Levi\u2019s for Clem to try on. He wants to buy a pair if the fit is right. And then we started talking and I lost track of the time. Besides, Roy told me that you were the instigator of starting the rumor of the payroll being on the train that the Rawlins Gang robbed. What a novel idea! And what a shame that it didn\u2019t work like you and the other law men had hoped.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s mouth dropped open. \u201cRoy told you about that? Nobody is supposed to know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roy finished his coffee. \u201cBen, I just assumed that you had told Corinne yourself. Besides, I have a feeling that Corinne is good at keeping secrets. She knows what to repeat and what not to repeat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s eyes shifted to Corinne, but she wasn\u2019t concentrating on the discussion at hand. She seemed to be listening to the voices coming from the now-sober drunks who had been arrested the night before.<\/p>\n
She was thinking hard. Too many men who are close to Ben\u2019s height, too many drovers who have a limp, too many thin men with squeaky voices, too many stocky men with a lisp. She sighed in frustration.<\/p>\n
Corinne reached in Ben\u2019s direction and took his arm. \u201cI hope you find out who\u2019s behind these robberies, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks. So do I!\u201d Roy answered. \u201cBut I\u2019d be willing to bet dollars to donuts that Randall, Maurice, and Jonas are behind every one of \u2018em. They\u2019re just plain bad. They started their lives of crime when they were young, and I don\u2019t think they could change even if they wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are not always what they seem,\u201d Corinne murmured. Then, \u201cBen, I\u2019m ready for lunch. Unless you\u2019ve changed your mind, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have not changed my mind!\u201d Ben said emphatically. \u201cWith the late hours you\u2019ve been working, I\u2019m lucky to see you at all!\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you know where to find me?\u201d Corinne asked as she scooped up a spoonful of beef stew.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went to Bethany\u2019s to get you, and she told me where you were. She also told me that she had hired a tailor \u2013 I believe his name is Larson Quigley?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAhhh, Larson. He just arrived the other day on the stage from back East and was looking for a temporary job. His intention is to go to San Francisco and open his own shop. He\u2019s tired of working for other people. And Bethany says that he\u2019s really talented at tailoring.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease tell Bethany to be careful who she hires. Right now, it\u2019s difficult to trust anybody. Roy and Clem can\u2019t catch the thieves and they can\u2019t figure out where the inked money is coming from. There\u2019re just too many new faces in town.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben thought he had Corinne\u2019s full attention. But Corinne\u2019s ears had picked up on a voice that was burned in her memory.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, are there any new faces in here? I\u2019m hearing a man\u2019s voice that doesn\u2019t sound familiar \u2013 he has a slight lisp.\u201d<\/p>\n
Subtly, Ben surveyed his surroundings. \u201cThere are about ten men in here who I don\u2019t recognize. Can you be more specific?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Corinne said sadly. \u201cThere\u2019s so much going on in here that I can\u2019t be sure what direction the voice is coming from. Maybe I\u2019m just mistaken.\u201d But she knew that she wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
As they made their exit from the caf\u00e9, Randall McTavish was making his entrance. He bumped into Corinne, almost knocking her down. He gave a lispy \u201cthorry\u201d before Ben could react.<\/p>\n
By the twist in his arm, Corinne felt that Ben was beginning to turn around.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t, Ben. Just let it go,\u201d Corinne said softly. \u201cI need to get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben hesitated and made his decision. That decision was to honor Corinne\u2019s wishes and to walk her back to Bethany\u2019s. They missed hearing a hushed conversation that was taking place at the table next to where they had been sitting.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT<\/p>\n
In a few days, many of the drovers had continued their jobs of driving cattle to towns elsewhere. But a large handful of the men quit those jobs and stayed in Virginia City to hunt for gold – hoping to strike a bonanza and become rich overnight.<\/p>\n
Randall, Maurice, and Jonas stayed in town. The robberies stopped and so did the circulation of the marked money. The townsfolk of Virginia City relaxed their guard.<\/p>\n
Despite the departure of most of the drovers, Bethany\u2019s shop remained busy. She and Larson had instigated a very workable plan: Bethany would take care of the ladies\u2019 clothing, and Larson would tend to the men\u2019s clothing. Corinne would lend a hand to whichever person needed help.<\/p>\n
Larson was well-versed in using the sewing machine. At first, Bethany was worried that the man might break it but, when she saw the results of his expertise, she relaxed. Her shop ran smoothly and had turned into a financial success. However, working with Larson wasn\u2019t easy. He was very quiet, spoke only when spoken to, and had absolutely no sense of humor. His saving grace was the fact that he could not only make fine
\nclothing for men but he could also find time to keep ahead of the demand for Levi\u2019s. If necessary, he could make custom-fit Levi\u2019s in just a few hours.<\/p>\n
This particular day, Adam entered the shop and was greeted by Bethany\u2019s usual enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI seem to have broken the \u2018closure\u2019 on this pair of Levi\u2019s,\u201d Adam announced. \u201cCan it be fixed?\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany called Larson into the front room to look at the problem. Bethany left the two men alone and went into the back room with Corinne.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can fix it in an hour,\u201d Larson said without emotion. Then he looked closely at Adam, his eyes wandering somewhere discretely south of Adam\u2019s belt. \u201cI can fix this \u2018closure\u2019 but it\u2019ll just break again. You need custom-made Levi\u2019s to allow for your\u2026build. It won\u2019t cost you anything except for the time I need to measure you. If the \u2018closure\u2019 breaks on pants that we\u2019ve made in this shop, the customer gets the next pair gratis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s eyebrow went up to his hairline. He could hear Corinne and Bethany giggling in the background and he felt his cheeks grow hot as Larson ushered him into the back room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can measure Adam for you,\u201d Corinne volunteered with a smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you will not measure me,\u201d announced an offended and embarrassed Adam. \u201cI need a tailor, not a seamstress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smothering a smile, Corinne moved into the front room with Bethany.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had no idea that Adam was so modest,\u201d Corinne whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cApparently, he is,\u201d came Bethany\u2019s quiet answer.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE<\/p>\n
Adam, always on the alert, stripped down so he could be measured correctly. Though he kept his voice low, Corinne could hear most of what was being said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hear that you\u2019re new to Virginia City,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh-huh,\u201d came the answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019d you come from?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBack East.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Larson didn\u2019t have a \u201cback East\u201d accent.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou always been a tailor?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou married? Got kids back home?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre they planning to join you here in town?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI take it that you don\u2019t plan to make Virginia City your home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope. Going to San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam was frustrated at the whole conversation. By the time he had been measured, he knew nothing more about Larson Quigley than he did when he came in.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can pick up the pants this afternoon after lunch,\u201d Larson announced. It was the longest sentence he had said all day.<\/p>\n
Adam put on his old pants and went into the front room where Bethany and Corinne were seated with pins and scissors in hand. Adam told them he\u2019d be back later and then exited the shop. He didn\u2019t like Larson but couldn\u2019t figure out why. When he came to pick up his Levi\u2019s after lunch, Larson had left the store to go put his wages in the bank. Adam wanted to know more about him\u2026<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY<\/p>\n
Slowly but surely, Bethany and Corinne noticed that Larson\u2019s business had begun to thrive \u2013 and in a good way. Bethany was thrilled that Larson\u2019s clientele began to lean toward finer clothing. Yes, Levi\u2019s were still the stock-in-trade for farmers and cowboys, but the more expensive fabrics were being used up quickly. Bethany was forever ordering more and more different kinds of expensive materials, and she was delighted. She seemed not to notice something odd, but Corinne did when she questioned both Bethany and Larson about these new customers\u2019 identities.<\/p>\n
Bethany scratched her graying hair. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t really know who they are. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve seen them before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Larson\u2019s answer was a cryptic, \u201cThey\u2019re new in town.\u201d<\/p>\n
And something else appeared odd to Corinne. For modesty\u2019s sake, Bethany and Corinne left Larson in the back room alone when he was measuring his customers. Many of those times, Larson seemed to be quite conversational \u2013 how unusual for him – but in whispered tones that even Corinne couldn\u2019t hear. And she had ears like a bat!<\/p>\n
This day, Larson made another quick trip to the bank. But he was longer than usual in returning to Bethany\u2019s shop.<\/p>\n
The only thing he said was, \u201cI had to wait. Large payroll came in.\u201d And then he glided into the back room to measure yet another customer who had been waiting silently for \u201cLarthon.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE<\/p>\n
Jonas sat in jail, twiddling his thumbs and looking distressed. Mattie was out of breath when she approached Roy.<\/p>\n
\u201cClem just told me that you have my son sitting behind bars!\u201d she moaned.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2019m, he\u2019s here,\u201d came Roy\u2019s answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn God\u2019s name, what did he do?\u201d wailed Mattie.<\/p>\n
\u201cSam, the bartender at the Bucket O\u2019 Blood, said that Jonas paid his tab with some of that marked money.<\/p>\n
Of course, Mattie and Oliver, being business owners, had been advised to watch out for money with an ink-blot. They had been extra cautious whenever they had received money of any kind and had not seen anything amiss. Because word had leaked out that certain paper money was \u201ctainted,\u201d Jonas should have been more perceptive.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, may I talk to my son?\u201d Mattie begged.<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly. But he\u2019ll tell you the same thing he told me \u2013 and that was that he won that money in a poker game from a man he\u2019d never seen before. He had a lot of it on him when I arrested him.\u201d Roy shrugged.<\/p>\n
Jonas rose when he saw his mother enter the room where the cells were.<\/p>\n
\u201cMa, thith ith all a big mithtake!\u201d Jonas proceeded to explain to her that he went to the saloon, had a few beers and then sat down to play some poker. He was on a winning streak, and the money had just piled up in front of him. He paid Sam with a bit of his winnings and never looked closely at the money.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho were you playing poker with?\u201d Mattie asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew Charlie and Will. But there were two other men that I might\u2019ve theen before but there\u2019th no way to be thure.\u201d Jonas reached through the cell bars and held Mattie\u2019s hand. \u201cMa, I\u2019m gonna be held for trial, and I don\u2019t even know what I\u2019ve done wrong!\u201d Jonas\u2019s eyes filled with tears.<\/p>\n
Mattie planted a kiss on her son\u2019s hand. \u201cWe\u2019ll get this straightened out. Don\u2019t you worry.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO<\/p>\n
As Mattie turned to leave her son, she heard a loud, screeching voice \u2013 immediately recognizable as that of Leona McTavish. Clem was bringing the limping Randall into the jail.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll sue you for false arrest!\u201d Leona shouted. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this to my son!\u201d<\/p>\n
Roy didn\u2019t know whether to hold his hands to his ears or whether to slap Leona. He did neither.<\/p>\n
\u201cClem, what happened? Why is Randall in custody?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was caught red-handed trying to pick Adam\u2019s pocket,\u201d Clem answered while Leona continued to shriek. \u201cHe didn\u2019t get far. You know Adam \u2013 he has a grip of iron \u2013 and Randall had Adam\u2019s wallet in his hands. Adam is preferring charges against Randall and is coming to sign the paperwork.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roy yelled over Leona\u2019s screeching. \u201cDo sit down and be quiet!\u201d<\/p>\n
Leona sat down but she was only a few decibels quieter. Her constant sniffing and wailing were driving Roy and Clem to the point of distraction. Randall was silent.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you try to steal Adam\u2019s wallet?\u201d Roy asked Randall.<\/p>\n
Randall shrugged. \u201cMy leg hurts. I wanna sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roy gave Clem the keys and requested that Randall be put in a cell distant from the one occupied by Jonas.<\/p>\n
The door to the Sheriff\u2019s Office opened. In strode both Adam and Octavius. When Leona saw her husband, her ear-splitting screeching began anew.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam Cartwright,\u201d she yelled, \u201chow could you do this to my son?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked her in the eye. \u201cHe tried to steal my wallet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you can just tell your father that he can take his banking business elsewhere! We don\u2019t need the Cartwright money!\u201d Leona stomped her foot and glared at Adam.<\/p>\n
Octavius, instead of trying to comfort his hysterical wife, turned to Adam. \u201cYou will not tell your father any such thing! We have always appreciated the Cartwright account and will continue to conduct business as usual with all of you. My wife is over-wrought. Please forgive her rudeness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leona forgot to wail and cry and then looked at her husband with her mouth agape.<\/p>\n
Mattie watched all of these proceedings silently. Both Jonas and Randall in jail? And Adam pressing charges against Randall \u2013 even though Adam now had his wallet back with his money intact? How unlike Adam \u2013 he was usually so forgiving.<\/p>\n
Adam signed the papers which Roy had placed on the desk. Now, Jonas and Randall would have to wait for the Circuit Judge to come to town to try both cases.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE<\/p>\n
Corinne couldn\u2019t help it. She just had to make a trip to the jail to find out what was going on with Randall and Jonas. What she discovered was a big nothing because neither of the inmates would talk to her, so she headed back to Bethany\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Bethany was busy making a dress for one of the wealthier women in Virginia City. She hummed as she worked the treadle with her feet.<\/p>\n
\u201cBethany, it\u2019s time for lunch,\u201d Corinne said as she felt her stomach growl.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I\u2019m not at a good stopping place yet,\u201d came Bethany\u2019s answer. \u201cLarson has gone to lunch. Why don\u2019t you do the same thing? When one of you comes back, then I\u2019ll go eat a little something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne suddenly decided that she would eat at The International House – a deviation that she happily shared with Bethany. Corinne could afford to splurge since Bethany had given her several raises. Besides, she had a hankering for that wonderful roast beef sandwich on sourdough bread.<\/p>\n
Not long after Corinne\u2019s departure, Ben and Adam entered Bethany\u2019s shop.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, you two!\u201d Bethany chortled. \u201cBen, don\u2019t tell me that you\u2019ve decided to buy some Levi\u2019s!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben laughed and shook his head. \u201cNot today. Adam and I decided to stop and see if we could take Corinne to lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAw, you\u2019re too late. She\u2019s already gone to lunch. She\u2019s splurging at The International House, bless her heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany gave Adam a not-so-subtle glance. \u201cI see that your Levi\u2019s seem to fit better. No more problems with the \u2018closure\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope,\u201d Adam replied quickly. Then he grabbed his father by the arm and practically dragged him from the shop. He didn\u2019t want to answer any more questions about the fit of his pants.<\/p>\n
The two men headed straight to The International House. There they found Corinne. And who should be in a very animated conversation with her? Larson!<\/p>\n
Ben and Adam stood for a minute and watched the two people in deep conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know that Larson was capable of making so much conversation,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know that Corinne was so interested in Larson,\u201d Ben muttered. He realized he was actually jealous.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, we\u2019re here now. We need to stop by the table and say \u2018hello\u2019. It would be rude not to.\u201d Adam saw a flicker of unhappiness on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
Ben shrugged, trying to pretend he didn\u2019t care. But he did care. So he and Adam strolled over to Corinne\u2019s table.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR<\/p>\n
Larson and Corinne\u2019s conversation stopped abruptly as soon as Corinne heard Ben and Adam\u2019s voices. But her face brightened.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen! Adam! How wonderful that you came in! Please sit down and join Larson and me. We haven\u2019t been served yet, and we would enjoy your company!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben hesitated. \u201cAre we interrupting anything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot at all,\u201d Corinne responded. Larson said nothing. And Larson said very little throughout the whole meal.<\/p>\n
When it was time to pay the bill, Larson paid for Corinne\u2019s lunch \u2013 a fact that rankled with Ben. And, when Ben offered to walk Corinne back to Bethany\u2019s, her response was that she and Larson were going in the same direction and that Larson would escort her.<\/p>\n
Ben had reached a slow, jealous burn. He was rather abrupt in his speech. \u201cFine. Adam and I have things to attend to anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben and Adam made a rather hasty departure. Corinne was thinking about the tone of Ben\u2019s voice and realized how the situation must\u2019ve looked to him. His seeming indifference both hurt her and pleased her. She hadn\u2019t set out to make him jealous, but she hadn\u2019t seen much of him lately \u2013 her work at Bethany\u2019s and Ben\u2019s work at the Ponderosa didn\u2019t leave them much time to be together.<\/p>\n
\u201cLarson doesn\u2019t talk much, does he?\u201d Ben asked Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot to us, he doesn\u2019t. But he sure was talking a lot to Corinne.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE<\/p>\n
It didn\u2019t take long for Leona McTavish to start a rumor about Corinne and Larson. They had been seen having meals together or walking together. Ben and Corinne spent time together when they could, but the feeling was just \u201coff.\u201d Something just didn\u2019t \u201cfeel right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not one marked piece of money turned up anywhere. The general consensus of opinion was that both Randall and Jonas were scouts for and members of the Rawlins Gang. But that fact couldn\u2019t be proven. Not even at the trial. No member of the jury could dispute the fact that Jonas might have been given marked money during the poker game and then, while under the influence of alcohol, had passed that money to Sam. So he was declared \u201cNot Guilty\u201d of the crime of deliberately passing stolen money.<\/p>\n
Adam relented and dropped the charges against Randall. He had never liked the young man and realized that he was just prejudiced due to Randall\u2019s past history.<\/p>\n
Roy Coffee had a long talk with both Randall and Jonas. They were not to go to saloons or drink any alcohol. They were released into society and would be watched closely by every citizen in town. If there was one more problem with either of the two young men, Roy would lock up the offender and throw away the key.<\/p>\n
Life wasn\u2019t easy for Randall or for Jonas after that. They were whispered about or were talked about openly \u2013 their names linked to the Rawlins Gang forever.<\/p>\n
Mattie and Oliver couldn\u2019t watch Jonas every second, though they tried to. Leona continued to be angry with Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe should never have filed charges against my son to begin with,\u201d she snarled. She was guilty of not watching her son, and so was Octavius.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the dead of night when nobody was watching, four people gathered together briefly to speak in hushed tones and then sneaked back to their own beds. The Rawlins Gang was plotting yet another crime.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX<\/p>\n
Ben made it a point to ask Corinne to supper at The International House. No matter how busy he was at the Ponderosa, he wanted \u2013 needed \u2013 to talk to Corinne. Leona\u2019s rumors were all over town about the \u201cbudding relationship\u201d between Corinne and Larson. Ben had to find out from Corinne if what he was hearing was true.<\/p>\n
After the meal, instead of taking a surrey ride, Ben and Corinne walked to the edge of town and stood under a copse of trees. Corinne had not been herself all night \u2013 Ben thought she seemed \u201cdistracted.\u201d Even with his gentle questioning, he could only discern that Corinne was not romantically involved with Larson, a fact which made the Cartwright patriarch feel somewhat better. But something was still bothering Corinne, and she wouldn\u2019t tell him.<\/p>\n
There were dark circles under Corinne\u2019s eyes \u2013 it was obvious that she hadn\u2019t been sleeping well. What was on her mind? Admitting that she was tired, Ben walked her back to Ma\u2019s. Under the lamplight, Corinne cradled Ben\u2019s face in her hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, it isn\u2019t proper for a lady to speak right out. But, then, maybe I\u2019m not a \u2018lady\u2019.\u201d She took a deep breath. \u201cI want you to know that I love you more than words can say. Please remember that always.\u201d<\/p>\n
And then she kissed him so hard, so fiercely, that Ben almost lost his balance.<\/p>\n
\u201cPromise me that you\u2019ll remember what I said,\u201d Corinne begged to a rather startled and befuddled Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cI promise,\u201d came Ben\u2019s answer.<\/p>\n
Corinne fled into Ma\u2019s. Ben was truly worried. What was going on? He was afraid for Corinne\u2026<\/p>\n
Under cover of darkness, the Rawlins Gang met again. The plot was almost complete.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN<\/p>\n
Leona couldn\u2019t keep a secret if her mouth were sewn shut. She began bragging about the large amounts of money in the bank and she strutted like a peacock. When Octavius heard the gossip, he was furious!<\/p>\n
\u201cLeona, you don\u2019t go around talking about what money the bank does or doesn\u2019t have! You\u2019re inviting trouble. Don\u2019t forget that Jonas is out of jail and that Maurice could possibly be in cahoots with both Jonas and our own son. For all we know, they might have something to do with the Rawlins Gang.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leona was furious. \u201cRandall wouldn\u2019t be a member of such a despicable gang. But I don\u2019t doubt for a minute that Maurice and Jonas are trouble. It\u2019s just too ironic that they all arrived within days of each other. Don\u2019t forget that Jonas was spending marked money!\u201d<\/p>\n
Tiredly, Octavius answered. \u201cHe was found \u2018not guilty\u2019 by a jury of his peers. It could have been a completely innocent thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI doubt it!\u201d spat Leona. \u201cWith Maurice and Jonas in town, there\u2019s bound to be trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n
For the first time in her life, Leona was right.<\/p>\n
Again, under cover of darkness, hoods were being pulled out of hiding places and guns were being loaded. The time was almost right.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT<\/p>\n
It was business as usual the next day. Corinne seemed to be concentrating hard on her work. Bethany was taking stock of new fabric that had arrived earlier. Larson used up a specific shade of thread and had to go buy some more to replace it.<\/p>\n
Afternoon approached. Corinne hadn\u2019t eaten breakfast and the loud growling of her stomach prompted Bethany to beg Corinne to go get something to eat. Both women laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile I\u2019m out, why don\u2019t I make our deposit at the bank?\u201d suggested Corinne brightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not a bad idea. I\u2019ve got more money than usual in the cash register.\u201d Bethany counted the money and put her passbook in the envelope.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll go straight to the bank and then to the caf\u00e9,\u201d Corinne said. \u201cI won\u2019t be long. And Larson should be back soon. I bet the aroma from the caf\u00e9 has led him to stop and pick up a sandwich.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bethany returned to the bolts of material and finished the job of making notations in her \u201cSupplies\u201d book.<\/p>\n
Corinne proceeded to the bank, her familiar red-and-silver cane in her hand.<\/p>\n
Trouble was about to start.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE<\/p>\n
Corinne knew her way around inside the bank and stood in line at Fred\u2019s teller window. She liked Fred and trusted him implicitly.<\/p>\n
Leona approached her. \u201cI could make business go faster if you let me handle the deposit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, thank you. I\u2019ll wait for Fred.\u201d Corinne forced a smile as she moved one step closer to Fred\u2019s window.<\/p>\n
Corinne heard a door being shut and rightfully assumed that it was the main-entrance door. There were sounds of shades being pulled down. Corinne pretended not to notice.<\/p>\n
And then there were muffled voices that reached Corinne\u2019s ears. One voice that she would never forget.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody over here,\u201d one squeaky voice demanded. \u201cAnd be quiet about it. The first person who makes a noise gets shot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred whispered frantically. \u201cIt\u2019s the Rawlins Gang with hoods on! We\u2019re being robbed!\u201d Then Corinne heard some scuffling feet and knew Fred had moved away.<\/p>\n
\u201cOpen the thafe!\u201d demanded another voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Octavius answered. \u201cThe safe is on a timer and won\u2019t open for another few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, lady! Are you deaf? I told everybody to move over here,\u201d said the squeaky voice.<\/p>\n
Corinne turned slowly being sure to use her cane to tap on the floor around her. \u201cI am not deaf, you idiot! I\u2019m blind! And I don\u2019t know where \u201cover there\u201d is!\u201d<\/p>\n
There was the sound of someone approaching her, someone who walked with a limp. Roughly, Corinne was grabbed by the arm and propelled to a far corner of the bank. There was the sound of Leona\u2019s wailing and then the sound of a slap. Leona shut up.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, for Heaven\u2019s sake,\u201d Octavius bravely said. \u201cRob the bank if you want to, but let these people leave with their lives intact.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody hath to thtay right here.\u201d This from the lispy man.<\/p>\n
The man with the limp was walking around. \u201cWe already know that the vault is on a timer. We\u2019ll be in and out of here so quick that nobody\u2019ll notice. This is no time for heroes. Do as we say or we\u2019ll turn this bank\u2019s floor red with blood.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne, clutching her purse and dropping her cane, fell to the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cLookth like the blind lady fainted,\u201d the lispy-voice said with no emotion.<\/p>\n
Octavius made a move toward Corinne but was stopped. \u201cLeave her alone. It\u2019s one less person to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wrong. So sneakily did Corinne\u2019s hand move that it went virtually unnoticed. Down to her ankle went her hand. And when her hand reappeared, it was holding a Colt .45. And it was pointed at one of the hooded men.<\/p>\n
Calmly, Corinne announced, \u201cPinkerton Detective Agency. And you\u2019re all under arrest.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVENTY<\/p>\n
There was stunned silence. Then the squeaky voice spoke. \u201cLady, that gun is way too big for you to use. I can blow you to bits before you can squeeze off your first shot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t count on it,\u201d Corinne answered. Whereupon she fired one shot between the man\u2019s feet. She obviously could fan a gun faster than most men. \u201cI could\u2019ve shot you dead, but I chose not to.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the four men removed his hood. It was Larson who had successfully infiltrated The Gang and knew all the plans. He, too, carried a \u201cPeacemaker.\u201d With a big grin, he collected guns from the felons and stood by Corinne. \u201cYep. I\u2019m with Pinkerton, too. Now let\u2019s take off those hoods and see who we\u2019ve got here.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Corinne wasn\u2019t quite through. She stared at the faces and then focused on one face in particular. The man bore an incredible resemblance to Randall.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes your leg hurt you? Do you still carry the bullet where my husband shot you before you blew up our office? You never saw me, but I saw you. I\u2019ll never forget your face as long as I live. I was in the office when you threw that dynamite. I was blinded by the flash from the explosion, but my vision came back. And now I\u2019m going to kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCorinne, put the gun down,\u201d Larson said calmly. \u201cThese three men will be punished. But it\u2019s not up to you to do the punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne thought about this.<\/p>\n
Larson continued. \u201cAnd after they\u2019ve been sentenced, they\u2019ll have plenty of time to think about their sins and their fate.\u201d Then, \u201cDon\u2019t shoot, Corinne. We go by the law \u2013 always have and always will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne nodded slowly.<\/p>\n
By this time, Leona had unlocked the front door and had run screaming into the streets.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bank\u2019s being robbed! The bank\u2019s being robbed!\u201d Which, of course, was not true. The timer on the vault hadn\u2019t opened the door yet. People didn\u2019t know whether to run and hide or peak around corners to watch.<\/p>\n
Both sheriff and deputy had been eating lunch at the caf\u00e9 and appeared in what seemed like seconds. Clem still had his napkin tucked into the opening of his shirt. These two men took The Gang straight to jail. And Corinne, who had seemed to be in such control, did something she never did. She fainted.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE<\/p>\n
Corinne, dazed and with cobwebs filling her head, heard a voice from far away. She felt something cool on her forehead. Her first words were, \u201cI have a deposit to make for Bethany.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now the cobwebs were clearing from her mind. The far-away voice belonged to Ben, and she felt the familiar pressure of his hand. And there was a noise that sounded like Adam\u2019s familiar chuckle.<\/p>\n
\u201cWha\u2026Wha\u2026?\u201d Corinne just couldn\u2019t get the words out. Gentle hands pushed her back as she tried to sit up. The cool cloth was applied once again to her forehead.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re all right,\u201d Ben said soothingly. \u201cYou just fainted, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne jutted out her chin stubbornly. \u201cNonsense! I never faint!\u201d<\/p>\n
For the first time, Leona spoke in a genuinely gentle tone. \u201cWell, my dear, you did faint this time. And you saved the bank from being robbed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Memories of the past few minutes flooded Corinne\u2019s mind. \u201cWell, I wasn\u2019t scared. Not one bit!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course you weren\u2019t,\u201d Ben said with a smile. And then he scolded her. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you ask me to help you? Adam and I were both here in town. Bethany told us where you were.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want anything to happen to you,\u201d Corinne said. Her eyes began to water. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not crying either!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course you\u2019re not crying,\u201d Octavius said as he handed over his monogrammed handkerchief. \u201cYou were very brave.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did what could have turned out to be a stupid thing,\u201d Adam announced.<\/p>\n
Corinne rose to her feet, her legs a wee bit wobbly. She smacked Adam on the back of his head. \u201cI knew what I was doing. And I had Larson with me as a back-up. I wasn\u2019t in any real danger\u2026\u201d But she knew that she had been in a great deal of danger.<\/p>\n
Doc Martin arrived on the scene, checked Corinne\u2019s pulse, and pronounced her to be okay. But, to be sure, he wanted to give her a more thorough check-up in his office.<\/p>\n
Without hesitation, Ben scooped Corinne up in his strong arms and carried her to the doctor\u2019s office. \u201cYou acted foolishly,\u201d he chided.<\/p>\n
Whereupon, Corinne smacked him on the back of the head. Or tried to. She couldn\u2019t get much leverage from being held so close to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter Doc makes sure that you\u2019re okay for sure, we\u2019re going to have a nice, long chat.\u201d Ben said in his no-nonsense tone. One knew to not argue with that tone of voice, so Corinne settled back comfortably in Ben\u2019s arms and leaned her head against his shoulder.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO<\/p>\n
When Doc had finished his examination and was satisfied that Corinne was fine, Ben started asking questions in no particular order.<\/p>\n
Corinne had asked the whereabouts of Larson. She was concerned for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s at the jail with Roy and Clem. He\u2019s fine. Who is he and how did he come to be here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a tailor and works undercover for Pinkerton. I wrote him and asked him to come here \u2013 Bethany really needed more help, and so did I. I really believed that Randall was a member of the Rawlins Gang. And I assumed that Maurice and Jonas were members, too. I was wrong on all counts. I was the one who told Larson about the timer on the bank vault. I had no idea that Leona would spread the word about large amounts of money being in the bank. I figured that Randall would tell The Gang about the timer. Larson managed to infiltrate the real Gang and supplied them with information. Apparently, they were easy to fool. Larson made it a point to keep his mouth shut about almost everything personal. He appeared to be just the man The Gang needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam leaned against the door jamb and swapped a matchstick from one side of his mouth to the other.<\/p>\n
Corinne thought for a moment. \u201cI need to get back to Bethany\u2019s. If Larson hasn\u2019t told her the news, then I want to tell her. She\u2019ll be relieved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head, not knowing if Corinne really understood what she was saying.<\/p>\n
With a grin, Corinne announced quietly, \u201cThis is not information to leave this room. Bethany was married to one of Allan Pinkerton\u2019s agents. Bethany and her husband were sent here by Allan \u2013 sort of spreading out agents all over the place to be Allan\u2019s eyes and ears. When Bethany\u2019s husband died \u2013 a heart attack \u2013 she decided to stay here and continue with what had been started. Can you think of any other reason that she would hire a blind woman to help her? She had already gotten a letter announcing my arrival and that I would be looking for work. If it helps you any, I am a dressmaker by trade. I just had to pretend to be blind to avoid suspicion.\u201d<\/p>\n
The matchstick dropped from Adam\u2019s mouth, and Ben\u2019s mouth went agape.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo more talking for now,\u201d Corinne stated firmly. \u201cI need to speak with both Bethany and Larson. Please don\u2019t give Bethany\u2019s secret away. She will always remain an informant for the Pinkertons.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, we\u2019re going to walk with you to Bethany\u2019s. We\u2019ll leave as soon as you\u2019re inside the shop.\u201d Ben\u2019s no-nonsense tone again. \u201cAnd tonight you\u2019ll be coming to the Ponderosa. The whole story needs to be told!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, sir! You deserve to know everything! But I don\u2019t want Larson\u2019s name mentioned any more than I want Bethany\u2019s name mentioned in connection with the Pinkertons. Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n
Doc, Ben and Adam\u2019s heads nodded. And then Corinne was escorted to Bethany\u2019s.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE<\/p>\n
At the Ponderosa that night, Corinne began her story to the whole Cartwright family.<\/p>\n
\u201cI already told you that I was a dressmaker. John worked as a gunsmith \u2013 an undercover agent for Allan Pinkerton. I worked in the shop next door to John, and we had a secret passage so we could move from shop to shop without being seen. We almost caught Ronald Sowers, aka Ken Rawlins, without his hood, but John only wounded him in the leg. By then, we were sure that Ronald was head of the Rawlins Gang. Ronald went into hiding and then reappeared \u2013 I saw him going into John\u2019s shop. He threw the dynamite before John could get to his gun. My own gun misfired. Ronald didn\u2019t see me or hear my gun over the sound of the explosion. John was killed, and I was blinded by the flash of the explosion. Ronald Sowers bears a remarkable resemblance to Randall McTavish, and I truly believed that Randall had killed my husband. I made a promise to myself that I would find Ronald and kill him myself. But I first had to go to a school for the blind and learn how to read Braille, how to continue to sew, how to write, how to use my senses of hearing and smell \u2013 all to my advantage. The doctor had said that I might be blind my whole life or my sight might return. After almost a year, my sight did return, but I kept up the ruse of blindness. Who would expect a blind woman to be on a man-hunt? I remembered the different voices but was unsure of how anybody looked except for Ronald.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne stopped to take a sip of brandy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe \u2013 the Pinkertons \u2013 kept tabs on The Gang but just couldn\u2019t keep up with them. Allan\u2019s motto is \u2018We never sleep\u2019, and that\u2019s about the truth of it. In places all over the country, some Pinkerton men are awake, plotting to find the next felons, while other agents are asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss, Joe and Hop Sing were entranced by this whole story. Ben had told Adam the secret and had broken his promise to Corinne, but Adam hadn\u2019t breathed a word of what he knew to his brothers or to Hop Sing. And Corinne would never know that Ben had broken his promise.<\/p>\n
\u201cAllan sent a personal letter to Bethany, and that\u2019s how I got hired. Besides, Genevieve wouldn\u2019t hire me anyway. I don\u2019t know what I would\u2019ve done if she had actually given me a job.\u201d Corinne laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cRandall, Maurice and Jonas had bad reputations. Their specialty was robbery. I tried to focus my attention on them. Randall limps, Maurice has a squeaky voice, and Jonas has a lisp. With all three of them arriving in town at just about the same time, my senses were heightened. When I broke the picture on Mr. McTavish\u2019s desk, I looked and thought that Randall was Ronald. I was just so sure that I had the right man \u2013 or men\u2026 That\u2019s when I wrote Allan and asked him to send Larson. Bethany would\u2019ve been a danger to herself if she had a gun, and I care for her and didn\u2019t want her to get hurt. So we got Larson.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPretending to be blind is very difficult. I made several mistakes and feared I had given myself away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam, Hoss, Joe and Hop Sing said nothing. Wisely, they kept their mouths shut.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Ben and Adam saw me several times in Larson\u2019s company \u2013 well, appearances are deceiving. Larson was filling me in on what The Gang was up to. And then things snowballed so fast that there wasn\u2019t time to get help. And you know the rest of the story.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne finished the last sip of brandy. The secret that she had told Ben, plus the added secrets that he didn\u2019t know, had been told. \u201cI haven\u2019t been invited to spend the night here, but I\u2019m inviting myself. Now I\u2019m going to bed. We can talk more tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that, Corinne walked to the guest room, shucked her clothes, and went immediately to sleep.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR<\/p>\n
Roy appeared bright and early the next morning to tell Corinne that The Gang was on its way to Reno under heavy guard. There was a Judge there who never left \u2013 unlike the Circuit Judges who went from town to town. Corinne and Larson would have to make the trip to Reno also.<\/p>\n
Breakfast was pleasant, and no more questions were asked. Ben drove Corinne to Ma\u2019s to pack her bags, and he escorted her to the stage depot.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you want for me to go with you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Ben. I can do this by myself much easier.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you coming back here?\u201d Ben had to know.<\/p>\n
Corinne smacked Ben on the back of the head gently. \u201cAs soon as the trial is over, I\u2019ll be here. Count on it!\u201d Then, rather coyly, \u201cBethany needs a good dressmaker. I can\u2019t let her down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kissing away the befuddled look on Ben\u2019s face, Corinne boarded the stage. It left in a cloud of dust. Ben sighed. But he also remembered that Corinne had said she loved him, and that gave him great comfort.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE<\/p>\n
The trial in Reno didn\u2019t take long. The Gang was found guilty on what Larson and Corinne could prove. Corinne was an eyewitness to her husband\u2019s murder by Ronald, and both Corinne and Larson were eyewitnesses to the attempted bank robbery in Virginia City. The Judge, in his infinite wisdom, threw in \u201ctaking of hostages\u201d and \u201cthreats of deadly force.\u201d Because nobody else had ever seen The Gang without their hoods on, they couldn\u2019t be identified and charged with any of their other crimes. It didn\u2019t matter. The punishment was \u201cdeath by hanging.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne didn\u2019t stay around for that, but Larson did. He wanted to make sure that the punishment was meted out beyond any doubt.<\/p>\n
Corinne wired Ben and asked him to meet her at the stage depot in Virginia City. And Ben was there when Corinne confidently stepped off the stage and threw her arms around Ben\u2019s neck and held on tightly. The surrey was waiting.<\/p>\n
Halfway to the Ponderosa, Corinne begged Ben to stop. Jumping lightly from her seat, Corinne ran into the meadow and twirled happily. Ben followed, a smile lighting his own face. Corinne was herself again.<\/p>\n
But she was more woman now. As Ben stood next to Corinne, she gave him another hug, this time molding her body against his \u2013 chest to chest, hip to hip. Ben\u2019s response came in the form of deep and repeated kisses, his lips hungry for her. His body hungry for her. And Corinne matched each movement with enthusiasm. Together they sank into the lush green grass.<\/p>\n
Corinne drew away from Ben momentarily. She was breathing hard and so was Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, I couldn\u2019t tell you beforehand about the bank robbery. I wasn\u2019t completely sure that it would happen when it did. But the main reason was that I already lost John. I just couldn\u2019t take a chance on losing you, too. But I had to tell you what was in my heart the night before the robbery. I\u2019m not ashamed to tell you that I love you. More now than ever. It doesn\u2019t matter if you don\u2019t feel the same way that I do. We\u2019ve had time to share a part of our lives and, if that\u2019s all there is, then so be it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben hesitated a moment as he looked into Corinne\u2019s gray eyes. Then he reached into his vest pocket and pulled out an envelope. \u201cOpen it,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n
The envelope\u2019s contents revealed a lot of gray hair. Corinne looked at Ben, thoroughly confused.<\/p>\n
Ben smiled. \u201cQuite a while back, I asked you if you were after my scalp as well as the scalps of my sons. Well, this is the only part of my scalp that I can give you. Do you understand what I\u2019m trying to say?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to hear it from your lips.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you! Don\u2019t you know that? I\u2019m asking you to marry me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corinne squealed with delight and planted kisses all over Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, yes! A thousand times, yes!\u201d Then, \u201cWhat will your sons say about this?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben grinned. \u201cI have a sneaky suspicion that they already know. Maybe a Pinkerton agent could find out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll have to get in touch with Larson. I quit the Pinkerton Agency after the trial.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Larson\u2019s real name is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI ain\u2019t sayin\u2019!\u201d Corinne smacked at Ben\u2019s head but he dodged her hand quickly and laughed. \u201cNow let\u2019s go tell the world our wonderful news!\u201d<\/p>\n
EPILOGUE<\/p>\n
And so it was that Corinne became Mrs. Ben Cartwright. She had the blessings of Adam, Hoss, Joe and even Hop Sing. She worked with Bethany as a dressmaker until other help could be found. Larson returned and continued being the tailor. Though Leona\u2019s voice continued to grate on everybody\u2019s nerves, her personality changed for the better. She and Corinne actually became friends. Not good friends, but Leona stopped making snide remarks about and to Corinne. Genevieve\u2019s demeanor also made changes \u2013 Bethany\u2019s shop was a business to be reckoned with, and Genevieve decided to be friends with her competition. Mattie and Corinne became very good friends. Randall, Maurice and Jonas stayed in Virginia City and never gave Roy any more trouble. The Rawlins Gang did hang for their crimes.<\/p>\n
And Adam\u2019s Levi\u2019s fit just fine \u2013 no more trouble with the \u201cclosures.\u201d He continued to purchase more custom-made Levi\u2019s\u2026<\/p>\n