Summary:\u00a0 First love can be painful in more ways than one.\u00a0 When Adam first begins to explore the world of girls and love, the whole family find this out as they and he try to come to terms with his ‘growing’ pains.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG13\u00a0 (28,900 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SWEET CAROLINE<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 1<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dust rose in clouds as the horseshoe clunked down against the peg.\u00a0 The alley way was dirty and hot on this June afternoon but shaded just enough to allow the group of six or seven boys to sit in relative comfort while watching the game.\u00a0 Two pairs of boys were playing while the others cheered them on.\u00a0 A tall dark boy watched from the sidelines too.\u00a0 He had just arrived and hadn’t been noticed by the others yet.\u00a0 He was clutching the hand of a younger boy with dark curls and a grubby face and it was obvious that neither one was pleased with the arrangement.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Adam.\u00a0 Come on over and play,\u201d one of the boys called.<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno, Ross.\u00a0 I’m s’posed to be looking out for Hoss and Little Joe,\u201d he indicated the small boy and another of almost his own size who had come up behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cThey ain’t gonna run away,\u201d his friend retorted. \u201cThey can watch.\u00a0 I need a partner.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was desperate to join in the game of horseshoes with his friends but he was supposed to be caring for his brothers while his parents were in the store.\u00a0 He hesitated, he shouldn’t but it was too tempting to refuse.<\/p>\n \u201cSit there and don’t move,\u201d Adam instructed his little brother as he pushed him down on to the sidewalk.\u00a0 Nine-year-old Hoss was no problem, he had already lost interest and had his nose pressed against the window of the mercantile trying to decide which candy he preferred.\u00a0 Adam grinned he knew Hoss wouldn’t move far from that window until Marie came out with the groceries.<\/p>\n Three year old Joe wriggled and protested, \u201cI wanna play.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can’t you’re too little,\u201d Adam replied in exasperation.\u00a0 \u201cNow sit there, please Joe just for five minutes.\u00a0 I’ll give you some candy,\u201d he tried bribery and it appeared to work.\u00a0 The fact that he didn’t have any and no money to buy any was a minor problem, he’d deal with later when Joe had the inevitable tantrum.<\/p>\n Adam turned his attention to the game and forgot his brothers for a while.\u00a0 He and his partner Ross were winning when a voice said casually, \u201cWhere’s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s right ….\u201d\u00a0 He turned around to see Hoss standing on the edge of the sidewalk but no sign of his little brother.<\/p>\n \u201cOh hell.\u00a0 Where’s he wandered off to?\u201d\u00a0 Adam snapped, moving over from the alley where he had been playing to look up and down the street.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Adam.\u00a0 You playing or not?\u201d one of his opponents shouted.<\/p>\n Adam looked distractedly back at the game. \u201cI’ll come back; I gotta go find my brother.\u201d He turned back to Hoss, \u201cYou go that way right to the end of the street then come straight back here, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon’t see why I have to go look for him, you’re<\/em> s’posed to be looking after us,\u201d Hoss grumbled but he headed off down the street anyway.<\/p>\n Adam hurried in the other direction, cursing his little brother under his breath. Why couldn’t that child stay put.\u00a0 Pa and Marie would be back soon and he would have to help load the wagon and Little Joe had better be there then or he was in trouble.\u00a0 He looked in all the alleys and between the tents that made up more than half the residences of Johntown, but of a small boy there was no sign.\u00a0 The town wasn’t large but it was scattered and Joe could be in anyone of a hundred alleys.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, you lost something?\u201d a sarcastic voice shouted at him from across the street.<\/p>\n Adam swung around to see Rick Bonner leaning against a shack and laughing at him.\u00a0 He crossed over and stood with his arms on his hips.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, my little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s out back with my kid sister.\u00a0 I found him wandering down here, he said he was looking for a cat and got lost.\u00a0 Your family sure don’t look out for things properly do they?\u201d Rick grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI hear your Pa got the contract…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, no thanks to you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam moved threateningly towards the older boy.<\/p>\n \u201cDon’t try it Adam.\u00a0 We was friends, I’d hate to beat up on you and you know I can.\u201d\u00a0 Rick moved warily to one side watching Adam’s eyes.\u00a0 He was more than a year older than Adam and thicker set.\u00a0 He was also streetwise and tough and in the few fights the two boys had engaged in he had always won.\u00a0 He knew the signs to look for in Adam; the cold hardness that came into his eyes and the tense calculating stance that the younger boy would adopt just before he hit out. They had known each other for more than three years.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long you gonna hold a grudge, its bin more’n eight months since I stampeded that herd.\u00a0 Even your Pa has spoken to me since then, he warn’t too pleasant to me but he gave Ma some money for the kids just a month back.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed, \u201cYou could’ve lost him everything Rick. It was a mean trick to play on me too; you were s’posed to be my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick shrugged, \u201cI got mad when Jake slung me out. I wanted to get even.\u00a0 It all turned out okay. Your Pa got the contract and I gotta new job.\u00a0 I work at Dutch Pete’s now, come by sometime for a drink. \u2018less o’ course you had your fill of whisky last time,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n Adam frowned \u201cI’m not supposed to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well that figures, but when did you ever do what your Pa told you?\u201d\u00a0 He turned around as Joe ran up to them.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I finded a cat,\u201d he said with a cheeky grin.<\/p>\n Adam grabbed him by the arm and bent down to his level, \u201cI told you to stay put.\u00a0 Why don’t you ever do as you’re told?\u201d He gave his little brother a shake.<\/p>\n Joe’s face fell, \u201cI only wanted to play wiv it.\u00a0 You was playin’ wiv your friend,\u201d he said with tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cTurn off the tears Joe, they don’t work with me.\u00a0 Pa said you were to mind me, didn’t he?\u201d\u00a0 Adam said sternly.<\/p>\n Joe nodded and wiped away a tear with his sleeve.\u00a0 He hoped his older brother wasn’t going to tell Pa he had wandered off or there would be no candy and he wanted some peppermint sticks.\u00a0\u00a0 He put a grubby hand into Adam’s and looked up appealingly at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, ADAM!\u201d\u00a0 Ben Cartwright’s voice more than carried down the street and his son could tell he was not pleased.<\/p>\n \u201cRick, I gotta go.\u00a0 I’ll see you sometime huh?\u201d\u00a0 Adam held tight to Joe and turned to go.<\/p>\n Rick nodded, \u201cSure anytime you’re in town call in at Pete’s.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright was standing outside the store with his hands on his hips.\u00a0 Joe ducked behind his brother and stuck a grubby thumb in his mouth, Pa looked angry.<\/p>\n \u201cI’d have thought you would have had enough trouble from associating with Rick Bonner to last you a lifetime,\u201d Ben said sternly.\u00a0 \u201cI expected you to be here to load the wagon not off with someone you know you are not supposed to see.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shuffled his feet. \u201cSorry Pa, it was only a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh…well get on and help Hoss load the supplies.\u201d\u00a0 Ben bent down and swung Joe up into his arms then held him away in disgust.\u00a0 \u201cWhere on earth have you been to get this dirty?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled his thumb out of his mouth and Ben was horrified to see that it was clean and pink while the rest of his son’s hand was black.<\/p>\n \u201cI made pies with Val,\u201d he said proudly.<\/p>\n Adam closed his eyes and winced, someday he’d get his little brother to understand that you didn’t volunteer information to Pa, especially information that was going to get you or worse still your older brother into trouble.<\/p>\n Ben’s eyes narrowed and he looked at his oldest son who was trying to avoid him by concentrating on lifting a bag of seed.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you said you were only with Rick for a minute?\u00a0 Were you lying to me?\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir,\u201d Adam protested.\u00a0 \u201cIt was the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pursed his lips and nodded, \u201cThen how did Joe have time to play mud pies with Valerie?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed.\u00a0 He’d have to tell it.\u00a0 \u201cHe wandered off when I wasn’t looking.\u00a0 I told him to stay put but he never listens to me,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou left him on his own while you went off with friends, did you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked sternly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa.\u00a0 He was right by me, honest he was.\u00a0 I was playing horseshoes and Joe was watching.\u00a0 Hoss was there too, I never left them on their own.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Adam was earnest in his own defence.\u00a0 He had been in trouble before for not looking after his brothers properly.\u00a0 It wasn’t fair they were always under his feet.\u00a0 He thought the words but didn’t say them that would be asking for trouble.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are far too casual about watching him, you know he wanders off.\u00a0 He’s only a baby.\u201d\u00a0 Ben fixed his oldest son with a stern stare before returning to the supplies still to be loaded.<\/p>\n Adam picked up a pickle barrel and slammed it into the wagon angrily.\u00a0 \u201cHe’s a spoiled brat,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n Ben decided to ignore the remark.\u00a0 He didn’t want yet another run in with his oldest son or the sulking that usually followed it.\u00a0 The boy was growing up fast, wanting to do things on his own and the clashes between father and son were becoming more frequent as Ben tried to curb his son’s more outrageous exploits.<\/p>\n They had almost finished loading when Marie came out of the store and Joe ran to her with a huge grin on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cMama, Mama.\u00a0 Did you get candy?\u201d he squeaked.<\/p>\n Marie bent down and held her small son at arm’s length. \u201cNot until you are clean little one, you look like one of the miners.\u00a0 How did you get so dirty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI played wiv my friend and I finded a black cat and…,\u201d he chattered on but Marie had stopped listening and was frowning at Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cHe wouldn’t listen to me,\u201d Adam snapped. \u201cHe wandered off.\u00a0 Pa’s already yelled at me I don’t need another lecture.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was on the other side of the wagon or Adam would have felt rather than heard the reprimand.\u00a0 \u201cThat’s enough, get in the wagon and don’t say another word or you’ll regret it,\u201d he barked.<\/p>\n Adam looked defiantly from Marie to his father, obeying the order silently and sulkily.\u00a0 Hoss climbed up behind his brother, keeping his head down.\u00a0 He hated these arguments and couldn’t understand why Adam constantly provoked them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had got over his sulks by supper time, mainly because he wanted to ask his father if he could spend Sunday with his friends and he knew that Pa needed to be in the right frame of mind to let him go.\u00a0 He had done all his chores in record time and helped Hoss with his, much to his brother’s surprise and delight.<\/p>\n By the time they had washed and presented themselves at the table, their parents were already seated and Hop Sing was bringing in the dishes.\u00a0 Adam slid into his seat opposite his younger brothers and bowed his head while his father said grace, then tucked into the chicken stew and vegetables that Hop Sing put in front of him.\u00a0 Hoss was also concentrating on eating; only Joe wasn’t interested.\u00a0 He wanted to talk about the cat he had found.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on sweetie, eat a little, please!\u201d\u00a0 Marie begged, pushing a spoonful into his mouth.\u00a0 She was convinced that Joe didn’t avoid food because he wasn’t hungry or disliked it, but simply because he wanted to talk or play instead.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanna cat like Blackie for my very own,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n \u201cWho’s Blackie?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked, not aware of the reason for Joe’s absence this afternoon.<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s the cat I finded,\u201d Joe explained with a sigh, \u201cI toldya.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie took advantage of his open mouth to pop in another spoonful of stew.\u00a0 She was tired of this game.\u00a0 Her own meal always got cold while she attempted to make sure Joe ate something.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, it would be neat to have another cat wouldn’t it Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss enthused.<\/p>\n \u201cGinger’d be kinda put out, he’s been champion mouser for years,\u201d Adam grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cGinger’s not mine.\u00a0 I want my cat,\u201d Joe said loudly.\u00a0 He knew from experience that to get his opinion heard over his brothers he had to shout.<\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u201cJoseph, stop shouting and eat your supper,\u201d he said sternly. \u201cNo more talk of cats, one cat is quite enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I finded him, he’s mine,\u201d Joe protested further.<\/p>\n Marie raised her eyebrows at her husband.\u00a0 A temper tantrum was not far off and she tried to avert it as best she could.\u00a0 \u201cI expect Blackie has a nice home with a family sweetie.\u00a0 He wouldn’t want to leave that.\u00a0 Next time we are in town we’ll try to visit him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cI bet he was a scraggy old alley cat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was not, he’s gonna come and live wiv me,\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n Marie glared at Adam.\u00a0 There was no way she would get Joe off the subject of the cat now.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d Ben said sharply, \u201cYou’re old enough to know better.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam dropped his eyes to the tablecloth, now Pa was mad at him which was what he didn’t want.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can come and live wiv us can’t he Mama?\u201d\u00a0 Joe pleaded.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I’ve already told you, no.\u00a0 Now be a good boy and eat your supper,\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t want I,\u201d Joe shouted, pushing his plate away from him so hard that it knocked over his glass of milk.\u00a0 \u201cI want my cat.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie and Hoss both jumped back as the milk spread across the tablecloth toward them.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Joseph,\u201d his mother exclaimed crossly.<\/p>\n Ben didn’t speak he acted.\u00a0 He was out of his chair and beside his son’s instantly.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe was lifted up and carried kicking and screaming up the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cIf you can’t behave you don’t eat with us,\u201d Ben informed him, although with the noise his young son was making it was doubtful if he was heard.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss exchanged glances both a little guilty about the part they had played in Joe’s tantrum.\u00a0 Pa was strict about meals and Joe’s behavior at the table wasn’t good at the best of times.\u00a0 They heard Joe’s door close and Ben re-appeared down the stairs his expression still stern.\u00a0 He took his seat again.<\/p>\n \u201cNow perhaps we can have our meal in peace,\u201d he said sharply. \u201cI don’t want to hear another word about cats.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kept his head down. He wasn’t sure how to make his request now.\u00a0 Pa would almost certainly say no in this mood.\u00a0 When supper was over he made an effort to help clear the table and waited until his father was seated in his favorite chair and his pipe was well alight.\u00a0 Now was the best time if he was to get a positive answer he decided.\u00a0 He sat on the settee opposite his father and worked out how to best frame his question.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, if I was to get up early and get all my chores done…,\u201d he started.<\/p>\n Ben looked across at his son hiding a smile.\u00a0 Adam wasn’t expecting him to agree to his request or he wouldn’t be going around the point to get to it.\u00a0\u00a0 But it wasn’t to be so easy, as Adam paused a soft sound was heard on the stairs and a small boy sniffling and shuffling came into view.\u00a0 Ben glanced upward and raised an eyebrow at his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you stopped that silly noise?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n Joe reached the bottom step and he nodded, \u201cI ‘fink so,\u201d he replied with a hiccup.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd are you going to be good until bedtime?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes Papa,\u201d Joe said in a small voice.<\/p>\n Marie opened her arms and Joe ran into them and was lifted up on to her lap. \u201cIf you try to be good, I’ll read you a story.\u00a0 Hoss, could you fetch a book please?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss loved stories too and was only too happy to oblige.\u00a0 Adam frowned he wanted to talk to Pa and all these interruptions were making it difficult.<\/p>\n \u201cPa…,\u201d he tried to attract attention,\u00a0 \u201cPa, about tomorrow…\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was smiling at the picture of Marie ruffling her son’s curls and Joe’s beaming smile, so different from half an hour ago.\u00a0 He didn’t hear Adam at first.<\/p>\n \u201cPa…,\u201d\u00a0 Adam repeated louder and with an impatient tone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d\u00a0 Ben said a trifle sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cI was asking about tomorrow, can I go fishing with my friends?\u201d\u00a0 Adam rushed out before he could be interrupted again.\u00a0 It sounded abrupt and demanding and Ben reacted to it in that way.<\/p>\n \u201cThe question is ‘may I? And what makes you think you have been behaving well enough to be permitted a day out with your friends?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew that fighting it was not going to work so he tried another tack.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll do all my chores before I go sir and I’ve finished all the extra ones you gave me,\u201d he said referring to an earlier punishment for being disrespectful to Marie.<\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cWell…all right,\u201d he said reluctantly. Hoss, would you like to go along?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam’s jaw dropped that wasn’t the idea at all.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes please, Pa,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss replied enthusiastically.\u00a0 He knew Adam would never have asked him and he grinned at his brother’s discomfort.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Pa…it\u2019s just older kids.\u00a0 He’s too little,\u201d\u00a0 Adam protested.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not,\u201d Hoss shouted back. \u201cI’m most as big as you now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s enough,\u201d Ben barked. \u201cEither Hoss goes with you or you don’t go.\u00a0 Now what’s it to be?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grumbled out an \u201cokay.\u201d but he gave his young brother a look as black as thunder.<\/p>\n Marie shook her head at him and then settled back to read to the two younger ones.\u00a0 Adam’s frowned deepened until it made his black brows draw together and he spent the rest of the evening in a sulk.\u00a0 Tomorrow wasn’t quite the fishing trip he had led his father to believe.\u00a0 True he was going fishing and with friends, Ross, Amy and Caroline.\u00a0 The addition of his little brother wasn’t going to please any of them.\u00a0 The scheme he and Ross had hatched didn’t include anyone else.\u00a0 They planned to meet the girls at the bridge where the road crossed the Franktown River and after a picnic they would split up and go ‘fishing’ in different places.\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 Ross would be sure to see that they split up now and Hoss would play chaperone to him and Caroline.\u00a0 It wasn’t fair.<\/p>\n He leaned back in his chair and imagined how it could have been.\u00a0 Ross kept boasting that he had kissed Amy and more than once.\u00a0 He and Caroline had barely held hands, there was always someone else around when they were together.\u00a0 Tomorrow had been his first opportunity to be alone with her and now Pa had ruined it.\u00a0 He wondered if he could persuade Hoss to go off somewhere fishing by himself, but it was risky, he might tell Pa.\u00a0\u00a0 For some reason Adam knew that Pa would not approve of Caroline being alone with him and he was sure Mr. Watson wouldn’t.\u00a0 Caroline’s father always asked who was going to be with them before he consented to Caroline accompanying Adam anywhere.<\/p>\n He came back to the present as Joe climbed on his knee to plant a very wet kiss on his cheek and said \u201cgoodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNight, Joe,\u201d he said absently.\u00a0 He lifted Joe to the floor and then got to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cI think I’ll go read in my room, I’ve got some schoolwork to do, if that’s okay Pa.\u00a0 I’m kinda tired.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow but nodded, \u201cGoodnight, son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNight Pa, night Hoss.\u201d He caught Joe’s hand, \u201cYou want me to put him to bed?\u201d\u00a0 he asked Marie.<\/p>\n Joe jumped up and down. \u201cWill you read me a story.\u201d\u00a0 Joe liked Adam’s stories they were more fun than the ones Mama read.<\/p>\n \u201cOne story… just on,\u201d’\u00a0 Adam grinned.<\/p>\n Marie smiled, \u201cWell, thank you Adam.\u00a0 That’s very kind but if you have work to do…?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, it won’t take long for ONE story, will it Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Marie watched them go up the stairs and went to sit on the arm of Ben’s chair.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do I always get suspicious when Adam’s co-operating and being helpful?\u201d she asked with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe because it\u2019s rare these days.\u00a0 He’s usually sulking about something or being stubborn and cantankerous.\u00a0 I sure wish growing up didn’t have to be so painful for everyone concerned,\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied puffing clouds of smoke around his head which made Marie cough.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you’d better get used to it because they all have to go through it and I’ve a feeling the worst is yet to come,\u201d\u00a0 Marie replied with a sigh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tucked the covers securely around his little broth. He really did look quite sweet when he was clean and ready for bed.<\/p>\n \u201c ‘Kay which story then\u201d’<\/p>\n Joe pulled a book from the night table. ”Dis one.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned it over in his hand. \u201cThis isn’t a proper story book Joe, its one of Hoss’s animal books.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s got pitures,\u201d\u00a0 Joe pleaded. \u201cI wanna see pictures of cats\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave a wry grin, \u201cOkay but don’t tell Pa.\u00a0 He said no more talk about cats, remember.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ‘member Adam, but I do want Blackie, will you find him for me?\u201d he looked at his older brother with big sorrowful hazel eyes that Adam found hard to resist.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t think Blackie wants to be found Joe, he likes being free, most animals do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGinger likes livin’ wiv us,\u201d\u00a0 Joe protested.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well he’s been here since he was a little kitten, it\u2019s his home.\u201d\u00a0 Adam could see he was in a difficult spot here.\u00a0 If he agreed with Joe he would be expected to produce the cat, and if he disagreed Joe would have a tantrum that would bring one of his parents up to investigate.\u00a0 Adam could bet that if his father came it would be him that got it in the neck for discussing cats.\u00a0 He opened the book and hurriedly found the chapter on cats.<\/p>\n \u201cHere look at this one it\u2019s a Bobcat like we get around here.\u201d\u00a0 Adam tried to distract Joe with the picture and breathed a sigh of relief when it was successful.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat’s that one Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Joe pointed to a larger cat that to his baby eyes looked exactly like a Bobcat.<\/p>\n \u201cA cougar, we get those too.\u00a0 You remember Pa told us there was one raiding the herd a while back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that a baby cat, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Joe pointed to another picture.<\/p>\n \u201cWell sort of, I\u2019s a cougar cub but it will grow up big like its mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want one of ‘dose,\u201d Joe stated firmly.<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cPa sure wouldn’t like that.\u00a0 They kill the cattle Joe.\u00a0 Mountain Lions and ranching don’t mix.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned the pages and asked hundreds of questions about the other pictures until he had exhausted the supply of cats and moved on to bears.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, wait a minute,\u201d Adam interrupted the flow, \u201cOne story and that was it.\u00a0 You said cats not bears.\u00a0 We’ll save that for another night.\u00a0 It\u2019s time you were asleep and I got work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kinda work, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Joe changed his direction rapidly.<\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cNice try buddy, but I know you.\u00a0 I’m not going to answer any more questions.\u00a0 You go to sleep for me, okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease Adam…just one more story?\u201d\u00a0 Joe wheedled.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you snuggled down and close your eyes or I’ll go get your Mama,\u201d\u00a0 Adam said firmly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy isn’t she your Mama too?\u201d Joe tried something different; it was a question that had just begun to puzzle him.\u00a0 He and Hoss called her Mama but Adam didn’t and he didn’t understand.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cShe just isn’t, now go to sleep.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Joe a cuddle then lowered the lamp and walked to the door. \u201c’Night little buddy, sleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe thought about another protest but he knew it would do no good with Adam. Hoss could always be persuaded and Mama sometimes, even Papa would give in to him if he was really worked hard at being angelic, but Adam never unless he threw a tantrum.\u00a0 He knew that another tantrum tonight would get him into real trouble, so he cuddled down under the covers and resolved to dream of cats.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam kicked idly at the rail along the edge of the wooden bridge and then looked over as a few stones rattled into the stream beneath.\u00a0 He and Hoss had got here about ten minutes ago and there was no sign of any one else, maybe they wouldn’t come and then he wouldn’t be embarrassed.\u00a0 He couldn’t decide which was worse, not seeing Caroline or seeing her with Hoss along as chaperone.\u00a0 His younger brother was sitting on the bank, his boots beside him, dangling his feet in the cool water and Adam wished he was miles away.\u00a0 He had looked forward to this Sunday and now it was spoiled.<\/p>\n He spun around as he heard laughter behind him.\u00a0 Amy and Caroline were walking along the road chattering and swinging a picnic basket between them.\u00a0 Ross was trailing behind leading his pony and ignoring the feminine conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cHi Adam.\u00a0 You been waiting long?\u201d\u00a0 Ross called as they came up to the bridge.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged, \u201cNo, only about ten minutes.\u00a0 Hi Caroline… Amy.\u201d<\/p>\n The girls giggled and said hello and then Amy pointed at Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWhat’s your brother doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam blushed, \u201cMy Pa said I had to bring him. It ain’t my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n Amy giggled again, \u201cWell it don’t matter to us, does it Ross?\u201d<\/p>\n Ross threw his friend a sympathetic glance.\u00a0 He knew Adam wanted to be alone with Caroline and this wasn’t going to make that an easy thing to accomplish.<\/p>\n \u201cWe gonna have our picnic here? It\u2019s a good spot,\u201d Caroline said quickly, anxious to change the conversation.\u00a0 She could see Adam was upset and once he got mad it took a while for him to cool off.\u00a0 She liked him a lot and she didn’t want the day ruined by Amy’s silly comments.\u00a0 Amy was her friend but she could be a pain at times and her teasing over Adam always made Caroline angry.<\/p>\n Ross took up the cue. \u201cGreat idea, we can eat first then fish.\u201d\u00a0 He took a blanket off his saddle and spread it out on the grass.\u00a0 \u201cSo who’s got the best picnic?\u201d\u00a0 he grinned.<\/p>\n The girls unpacked the food they had brought and Caroline called to Hoss to join them.\u00a0 He had been hanging back not at all sure of his welcome.\u00a0 When Pa had suggested a fishing trip it had sounded fun now he wasn’t so sure.\u00a0 He had reckoned that Adam’s reluctance to take him was because he was going with Rick and Jeff Bonner and didn’t want Pa to know.\u00a0 He hadn’t expected the other friends to be girls.\u00a0 He had seen the silly way Amy acted around Ross and he knew his brother went all red when Caroline was mentioned.\u00a0 Hoss always felt uncomfortable in the presence of girls anyway and these two in particular, although Caroline was always nice to him.\u00a0 He shyly joined them and sat on the edge of the group but when Caroline offered him fried chicken he soon began to relax and enjoy the picnic.<\/p>\n Once they had eaten the boys gathered up fishing poles and discussed where to fish.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m gonna go upstream by the willow,\u201d’\u00a0 Adam announced.<\/p>\n Ross nodded, \u201cOkay we’ll go downstream to the island.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to a tiny sand bar in the middle of the stream.<\/p>\n Adam looked at Ross and then at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don’t you fish from here, Hoss?\u00a0 You could sit on the bridge.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked disdainfully at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cI won’t catch nuthin’ here.\u00a0 I’ll come with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam clenched his teeth and tried to avoid saying anything.\u00a0 He didn’t want Caroline to think it had all been planned.\u00a0 He nodded and sighed.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, c’mon then.\u201d\u00a0 He heard Amy giggle again and at that moment wished he could hit her.<\/p>\n Hoss followed Caroline and his brother to a shady spot under the willows and soon set himself up with his fishing pole and leaned back to await a bite.\u00a0 Adam watched him for a moment before casting his own line then settling himself beside Caroline.\u00a0 He gazed across the stream at the other bank desperately trying to think of something to say.\u00a0 He sensed Caroline beside him and occasionally he risked a sneaked glance.\u00a0 She looked really pretty today, her hair was loose instead of in braids and she was wearing a pink dress with a lace collar.\u00a0 He moved closer to her and was pleased that she didn’t move away.\u00a0 he thought about holding her hand and had just reached out to touch her when Hoss got a bite and turned around to grin at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I got one, Adam,\u201d\u00a0 he said proudly.<\/p>\n Adam tried to smile but it froze on his face as Caroline moved her hand away quickly and began fiddling with a blade of grass.\u00a0 Adam suppressed a sigh and glared at his younger brother.\u00a0 When Hoss turned away again, looking a little hurt, Adam touched Caroline’s arm gently.\u00a0 \u201cWe could go for a walk if you’d like he whispered\u201d’<\/p>\n She nodded, \u201cIs it all right to leave your brother on his own?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, he’ll be fine,\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied confidently, delighted that she had agreed so easily.\u00a0 He got to his feet and held out his hand to help her.\u00a0 As their hands touched he felt a shiver of anticipation, it would be the first time they had been truly alone.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, we’re going for a walk.\u00a0 You stay here, you hear me?\u201d\u00a0 Adam called.<\/p>\n Hoss glanced up for a second and frowned but he nodded that he had heard.\u00a0 He watched his brother saunter off holding Caroline’s hand and sniffed; he couldn’t see the attraction of a walk in the meadows when you could sit and fish.\u00a0 He shrugged, girls were funny he decided and not worth trying to figure out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie sat on the porch watching her husband and son in the yard.\u00a0 Ben was walking a little gray pony around while Joe sat proudly in the saddle pretending he was a real cowhand. Marie smiled, her young son looked as if he had been born on a horse.\u00a0 On the next circuit Ben stopped in front of her and went to lift Joe down to the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet Papa, please,\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough for today Joe, Shadow’s kinda tired.\u00a0 He’s worked hard all week,\u201d Ben said gently as he lifted his son from the saddle.<\/p>\n \u201cI could ride Sport, Papa, he hasn’t done nuthin’.\u00a0 Adam don’t ride him,\u201d\u00a0 Joe appealed and put on his most persuasive smile.<\/p>\n \u201cSport’s not ready to be ridden yet, maybe in a month or so, but he’s Adam’s horse.\u00a0 Shadow is your pony,\u201d Ben explained patiently.\u00a0 \u201cWe have to go unsaddle him and give him a nice rub down now, then maybe you can find a carrot or an apple for him.\u00a0 You go ask Hop Sing, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was reluctant to stop the riding but he ran off to find a treat for the pony.\u00a0 Marie smiled. \u201cMay you always get your way so easily.\u00a0 I’ve got a feeling that the minute he can ride out alone, we shan’t see him for hours at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben dropped down on to the porch step and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHe’s going to be a good rider and he’s crazy about horses, much more than the other two.\u00a0 Adam hasn’t really worked hard enough with Sport, he ought to be ready to ride by now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s too occupied with other things\u201d,’ Marie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cHis mind isn’t on school or the ranch for the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben leaned back against the pillar, \u201cNo, that’s true.\u00a0 He’s been neglecting his chores and getting home later and later from school.\u00a0 I’ve been meaning to say something but until recently it wasn’t bad enough to warrant the sulks we’d have to suffer if I mentioned it.\u00a0 I’ll talk to him tonight.\u00a0 He can turn over a new leaf next week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon’t be too hard on him, first love can be a little hard to handle,\u201d Marie smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst love?\u00a0 Don’t be ridiculous,\u201d Ben scoffed, \u201cHe’s only fifteen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh and how old were you?\u201d\u00a0 Marie asked laughing.<\/p>\n Ben grinned, \u201cOh about six and she was my schoolteacher,\u201d\u00a0 then his face took on a faraway look.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I was seventeen …,\u201d\u00a0 he said softly.<\/p>\n Marie sobered too. \u201cLiz?\u201d\u00a0 she said simply.<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cLiz,\u201d he echoed.<\/p>\n Marie’s relief at the timely appearance of a lively three-year-old was evident.\u00a0 She almost jumped to her feet and grabbed his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on sweetie, I’ll help you put Shadow to bed.\u201d She didn’t look back at her husband, she couldn’t; fighting that particular ghost was too hard.<\/p>\n She and Joe had barely finished feeding and bedding down Shadow when Hoss came into the barn.\u00a0 Joe ran to him and threw his arms around him.\u00a0 Marie smiled as Hoss bent down to give Joe a hug.\u00a0 \u201cMissed you,\u201d he said with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cWanna help me with my chores?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and his mother smiled.\u00a0 In a few years Joe would be as anxious to get out of doing chores as his brothers but for now he thought it was grown up to help Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll leave him with you then Hoss,\u201d’ she said turning to go. \u201cBy the way where’s Adam?\u201d’<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u201cGone for a walk with Ca..ro..line,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss drawled. \u201cThey didn’t want me around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean he left you and you rode home alone?\u201d\u00a0 Ben said sharply from the barn doorway.<\/p>\n Hoss looked up quickly, \u201cIt\u2019s okay Pa.\u00a0 I didn’t wanna stay anyhow.\u201d\u00a0 He could see his father wasn’t pleased and he shifted uneasily from one foot to the other.\u00a0 If Pa was angry with Adam then his older brother would blame him for telling tales.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s not the point.\u00a0 He was supposed to be looking after you,\u201d\u00a0 Ben said crossly.<\/p>\n \u201cAw Pa.\u00a0 I don’t need no looking after.\u00a0 I’m almost ten.\u00a0 I can take care of myself.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss complained.<\/p>\n Ben grunted and reluctantly allowed himself to be led away by Marie.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss is right he is old enough to look after himself on a fishing trip and you have to admit it probably wasn’t much fun for him with two couples,\u201d\u00a0 she said gently.<\/p>\n Ben snorted, \u201cTwo couples?\u00a0 They are children and in any case they shouldn’t be alone together.\u00a0 Charles Watson would have a fit if he knew.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie couldn’t help smiling. \u201cIf they are such children why are you both so worried about them being alone together.\u00a0 You really should try to be consistent my darling,\u201d’ she chuckled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Caroline walked along by the stream and as soon as they were out of sight of Hoss, Adam slid his hand into hers.\u00a0 She responded by smiling up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so nice and peaceful here.\u00a0 You really are lucky not to live in town,\u201d\u00a0 she said.<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s nice now but in winter when I can’t get to school I wish I lived in town like you.\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline giggled, \u201cYou are the only boy I’ve ever known who liked going to school.\u00a0 The only one who can quote Shakespeare and poetry too.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam blushed. \u201cSomethin’ wrong with that?\u201d\u00a0 he said sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no of course not.\u00a0 I like it when you talk about poetry and books.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Caroline said quickly, anxious that nothing should spoil the afternoon. \u201cLets sit down on the bank and you can tell me which speech you are going to learn for next week.\u201d<\/p>\n She seated herself on the grass and arranged her skirts around her reminding Adam of a princess in one of Joe’s storybooks.\u00a0 He dropped down beside her and casually put his arm behind her so that it would take only a slight movement for his arm to be around her.<\/p>\n \u201cI can’t decide what to choose.\u00a0 Maybe something from one of the histories, or perhaps Romeo and Juliet,\u201d\u00a0 he said quietly.<\/p>\n Caroline smiled and took up his cue. \u201cWe could always do something together,\u00a0 Mr. Lawson suggested we work as teams.\u00a0 You could stop by my house after school next week and we could work together.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam moved closer and allowed his arm to touch her back, and was delighted when she appeared to lean toward him.\u00a0 \u201cI’d like that, if you think your mother would allow me to visit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, if it\u2019s for school projects she won’t mind.\u00a0 We could rehearse Romeo and Juliet together,\u201d she said turning her face toward him.<\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath; he wasn’t going to get a better opportunity.\u00a0 He leaned forward and kissed her swiftly on the lips, moving away quickly in embarrassment.<\/p>\n Caroline smiled and put her hand on his. \u201cLet\u2019s stay here for a while,\u201d she said softly as she moved closer and allowed him to slip his arm around her.\u00a0 She leaned back against his shoulder and sighed contentedly.<\/p>\n He pulled her closer to him and matched her sigh.\u00a0 For a moment he simply enjoyed the closeness then he put his hand under her chin and tilted her head towards him.\u00a0 This time when he kissed her he felt her respond to him and he increased the pressure of the kiss as she relaxed in his arms.\u00a0 She didn’t protest when he moved his other arm around her and held her close.\u00a0 Their kisses were becoming more intense and Adam felt his heart beating faster as his lips moved from her lips to her cheek, her ear, her neck.<\/p>\n \u201cAhem…\u201d there was a light cough behind them.\u00a0 \u201cYou two walking home or staying here for supper?\u201d\u00a0 Ross said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n Adam and Caroline broke apart, both flushed with embarrassment.\u00a0 Ross and Amy stood watching them from the trees which sheltered the bend in the stream.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s awful late.\u201d\u00a0 Amy took Ross’s hand and grinned at Caroline. \u201cMaybe we should walk home without you or we’ll be late for chores.\u201d\u00a0 She looked at Adam with a sly smile. \u201cYour brother’s already gone.\u00a0 Guess he’ll tell your Pa you were with us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glared at her.\u00a0 Why did she always make him feel like a kid? He scrambled to his feet and helped Caroline to stand continuing to hold her hand in defiance of Amy’s superior smile.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll walk Caroline home.\u00a0 I can catch up on my chores anytime.\u201d\u00a0 Even as he said it Adam knew it wasn’t true. If Hoss had gone home Pa would be in full cry by the time Adam got there, but he wasn’t going to be put at a disadvantage by Amy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cNow children I want you to work on the problems on the board while I mark your homework.\u00a0 No talking,\u201d Lawson snapped as two of the younger children caught his attention.\u00a0 Every head in the room bent over their work and Mr. Lawson wandered around the room once more before settling to his marking.\u00a0 It was a beautiful day and keeping the children’s minds on their studies had been difficult.<\/p>\n At the back the older children were now working hard on the mathematical problems they had been set, all except one.\u00a0 John Lawson noted that once again at least one of his pupils had his mind on something other than mathematics.<\/p>\n Adam Cartwright’s head was bent over his notebook too but he was trying to solve an entirely different problem.\u00a0 Pa sure had been angry last night and as a result Adam was confined to the yard for a week with extra chores to make up for those he had missed yesterday.\u00a0 He had been sent to his room and then made to suffer through a lecture on responsibility and duty before Pa had set down his punishment for being late home and for neglecting his younger brother.\u00a0 When he had walked Caroline home he had promised to spend time after school this week working on their Shakespeare project.\u00a0 How could he do that now?\u00a0 If he was late home from school Pa would consider it an act of deliberate defiance and he didn’t want to contemplate the consequences.<\/p>\n He felt a nudge in the ribs and looked up to see Ross raising his eyebrows and pointing at the notebook.\u00a0 \u201cYou’d better write something or Lawson will have a fit,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cTry putting Caro’ out of your mind for five minutes,\u201d he added with a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Marquette, if you have finished those problems, I can soon find you more,\u201d’\u00a0 Lawson’s voice boomed from the front of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no sir,\u00a0 I was just…well …I was giving advice,\u201d\u00a0 Ross replied.<\/p>\n At this the whole class snickered.\u00a0 The idea of Ross, the worst mathematician in the class giving advice to Adam, the best, was laughable.<\/p>\n \u201cQuiet,\u201d thundered Lawson, \u201cOr you will all remain after class to finish your work.\u201d<\/p>\n Peace was restored and Adam applied himself to the problems of mathematics instead of romance for the next half an hour.\u00a0 When Mr. Lawson asked for the work to be handed to him, Adam had done about three-quarters of the problems.\u00a0 He scribbled the next answer hurriedly as the papers were being collected but he knew that the teacher wouldn’t be pleased with his efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may go children…all except Adam Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Mr. Lawson fixed his pupil with a stern stare.<\/p>\n Adam’s heart sank. Oh no, not tonight.\u00a0 Pa would never believe he’d been kept after school. He’d think he had deliberately defied him.\u00a0 He picked up his books and walked slowly to the front of the class, trying not to catch Mr. Lawson’s eye.<\/p>\n \u201cSit down Adam, I want to have a talk with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Lawson sounded concerned rather than angry, maybe he wouldn’t keep him long.\u00a0 Adam slid into the front desk and ran his fingers over his books, finally looking up to see Mr. Lawson watching him intently.<\/p>\n \u201cIs something wrong Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u201cNo sir, why should you think there is anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Lawson dropped Adam’s homework on the desk in front of him and the large D stared up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYour mind is not on your studies is it?\u00a0 This is the worst piece of work you have ever done for me and the mathematics this afternoon is likely to earn you no more than a C.\u00a0 Your grades have dropped in every subject.\u00a0 Until a few weeks ago you were my best student and anything less than an A was rare.\u00a0 So I ask you again what’s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged again. \u201cDon’t know, maybe I’m fed up with school.\u00a0 I could ask Pa to let me leave there’s plenty of work to do on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that what you want?\u201d\u00a0 John Lawson perched on the edge of the desk. \u201cI thought you told me you wanted to be an engineer, to go to college,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cPa wouldn’t let me go any how, so I guess it doesn’t matter much what my grades are like,\u201d\u00a0 Adam said sulkily staring at the pile of books.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam…sulking and getting poor grades is hardly likely to convince him is it?\u00a0 Would you like me to have a talk with him?\u201d\u00a0 John Lawson inquired gently.<\/p>\n Adam’s head shot up.\u00a0 \u201cOh no sir.\u00a0 That’d just make him mad.\u00a0 He doesn’t know I want to go to college.\u201d<\/p>\n What Adam really meant was that the last thing he wanted was Mr. Lawson telling his father just how little work he’d been doing lately.\u00a0 If he wasn’t playing hooky with Caroline, then he was walking her home or thinking about her.\u00a0 He still harbored a vain hope that he would catch up by the end of the school year and make his report good enough to pass his father’s scrutiny without too many questions, but the prospect was receding with every poor grade he received.<\/p>\n John Lawson sighed, \u201cAll right Adam, if you say there is nothing wrong and you don’t want me to speak to your father then I’ll say no more on the subject… but,\u201d\u00a0 and he looked sternly at his pupil, \u201cthis standard of work isn’t good enough and you either start doing your best or I’ll be speaking to your father for a different reason.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Lawson indicated that the boy could leave and a relieved Adam made for the door in a hurry.\u00a0 He rode like the wind all the way home praying that Pa wouldn’t be back yet and that his stepmother wouldn’t notice the state of his horse.<\/p>\n He was in luck on the first but not the second.\u00a0 Marie was standing by the corral with Hoss.\u00a0 Joe was being held firmly by his mother on to the top rail with his feet just short of the one below.\u00a0 They had been giving Joe a riding lesson and now stood back to discuss the other horses in the corral.\u00a0 Marie frowned as she saw the lathered pony.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’d better get that horse rubbed down before your father sees him,\u201d\u00a0 she scolded.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u201cI plan to,\u201d he muttered.\u00a0 What did she think he was gonna do, he thought as he led the pony into the barn and proceeded to unsaddle him.<\/p>\n Marie lifted Joe down from the rail and sent him and Hoss toward the house before following Adam into the barn.\u00a0 \u201cI suggest you adjust your attitude a little too.\u00a0 You are in enough trouble without adding to it.\u201d<\/p>\n She came over to him and leaned on the stall, rubbing the pony’s nose.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s about time you did some work with Sport too.\u00a0 He’s not improving by being left in the corral with no training.\u00a0 He ought to be almost ready for you to ride.\u00a0 I thought you’d want to be exercising him properly this summer and maybe riding by the end of the vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up at her, his expression sulky. \u201cWhen do I ever have time?\u00a0 If I’m not in school or doing homework, Pa has me doing chores.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe extra chores are your own fault and as for the rest, well Hoss manages to get all his work done with no problems.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss is just a baby, he don’t have near as much work to do as I have,\u201d Adam snapped angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cCould it be that you have other things on your mind?\u201d\u00a0 Marie probed gently.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam threw down the brush and headed for the door.\u00a0 \u201cWhy does everyone want to talk to me, can’t you all leave me alone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cADAM,\u201d\u00a0 Marie said sharply, \u201cCome back here right now and finish this job.\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated in the barn doorway.\u00a0 Should he defy her or would that be the last straw needed to make her report his lateness to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cNo matter how angry you are you will not walk out on your chores or turn your back on me when I am talking to you,\u201d she said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don’t want to tell me what is wrong, then that’s fine but you will show some respect… AND you will finish your chores, all of them.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n Her tone left him in no doubt that if he kept walking his father would hear about it and the week’s restriction might turn into more.\u00a0 He turned around and sullenly walked back toward the stall, keeping his head down to avoid her angry glare.<\/p>\n \u201cI said is that understood, young man?\u201d she repeated.<\/p>\n Adam gave an imperceptible nod. \u201cYes, Ma’am,\u201d he said wearily.<\/p>\n Marie sighed.\u00a0 Why did he have to be so difficult?\u00a0 His sullen manner over the past few weeks was driving his father crazy; her too.\u00a0 He did everything as if it was an imposition on his time and when he wasn’t sulking he was gazing off into space.\u00a0 She had jokingly referred to his preoccupation as being in love but now she wondered if maybe she had been nearer to the truth than she thought.\u00a0 Maybe a few words with Anne Watson would help.\u00a0 She took one more look at him, now bent over the task of grooming his pony and sighed.<\/p>\n Outside the barn she almost giggled, she could remember the pain of first love and if that’s what Adam was suffering from then it would get worse before it got better.\u00a0 She had fallen in love with a boy who delivered groceries to the convent and had shocked the nuns by openly flirting with him.\u00a0 It had only lasted a few weeks but waiting for him to call and taking secret walks with him had been her whole life for a short time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam muttered and grumbled after his stepmother left the barn, but he did finish his work and even spent some time working with Sport, turning down the chance to go to the pond with his brothers.\u00a0 He was in the corral finishing up with the horse and giving him a rub down when his father returned.\u00a0 Ben dismounted and flipped Buck’s reins over the rail.<\/p>\n \u201cHe looks good,\u201d he called as he walked over to lean on the fence.\u00a0 \u201cAnother few weeks and you can start getting him use to a blanket and a light saddle.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited for Adam’s response.\u00a0 These days he never knew which way the boy would jump? Fifteen was sure a difficult age.\u00a0 He smiled. Adam had been pretty difficult at twelve, thirteen and fourteen too.\u00a0 Not more disobedient or mischievous than other boys but certainly harder to understand.\u00a0 He could be open and forthright but he could also shut up like a clam when he wanted to and hide his feelings behind a mask.<\/p>\n Adam gave Sport a final pat and the horse tossed its head and swung away from him almost knocking him off his feet.\u00a0 He laughed at the horse’s exuberance and Ben shook his head, yes, you never knew which way he would go.<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s shaping up okay,\u201d Adam said as he ducked under the rail cleaning off the brush and comb as he came up to his father.\u00a0 \u201cYou think he’ll be ready to ride by the end of the summer, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cHe will if you keep working on him.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced around the yard \u201cHoss around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe took Joe for a walk down to the pond about half an hour ago.\u00a0 They should be back soon.\u201d<\/p>\n The two moved toward the barn, Ben leading Buck and encouraging Adam to continue talking.\u00a0 He tried to gently steer the conversation around to the problem of chores and schoolwork to find out what was worrying the boy, but as soon as Adam realized where he was going he shut up.<\/p>\n \u201cI’d better go inside and get on with my homework,\u201d he sighed. \u201cI’ve got to prepare a piece of Shakespeare for a presentation.\u00a0 Mr. Lawson said we could work in pairs so would it be all right if I stayed over some nights and worked with a friend in town?\u00a0 I could still get my chores done before supper.\u201d\u00a0 He didn’t look at his father but rubbed his toe in the dust of the barn floor.<\/p>\n Ben’s eyes narrowed. \u201cDid Mr. Lawson say you had to work together?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Adam debated lying, but figured the risk was too great.\u00a0 Pa would be sure to assume he was working with Ross and ask Mr. Marquette or worse still Mr. Lawson.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir, but it would be much better if I could work with someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved until he was in front of his son. \u201cI don’t know how many times you’ve told me that you prefer to work alone and that other folk only spoil your ideas, so why the change of heart?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI dunno, its easier with a play if there are two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n His father shook his head. \u201cYou are confined to the yard this week, so unless Mr. Lawson insists, the answer is no you may not stay over.\u00a0 You’ll have to work on the project on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam almost swore, it wasn’t fair.\u00a0 Hell it was for school wasn’t it.\u00a0 He turned on his heel and strode off toward the house only allowing his curses to spill out when he was absolutely sure his father couldn’t hear him.<\/p>\n Ben watched him go with a sigh.\u00a0 Five minutes of pleasant conversation and now an evening of sulking and bad temper, would the boy ever grow up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam set his books up on the dining room table, here he could spread them out which made working easier.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss had left his homework untidily and Adam stacked it up into one corner with a sigh.\u00a0 He had barely got started when his father came in and leaned over his shoulder, a habit which Adam found particularly annoying.\u00a0 He sighed and then wished he hadn’t as he felt the angry glare he knew Pa was giving him.\u00a0 Ben moved away without comment and went to the hearth to fetch his pipe.\u00a0 He relaxed into his favorite chair and was soon enveloped in blue smoke and the pleasant smell of his Virginia tobacco.<\/p>\n Once again Adam settled to his work only to be startled as the front door banged open and his two brothers hurtled into the room, the door slamming shut behind them.<\/p>\n Ben reacted quickly too, sitting bolt upright and glaring at his younger sons.\u00a0 \u201cErik, how many times do I have to tell you to close the door quietly?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked suitably chagrined. \u201cSorry Pa… but we…\u201d<\/p>\n He was interrupted by his little brother rushing past him. \u201cPa we see’d a lion…\u201d\u00a0 at his father’s raised eyebrow he continued, \u201c…really we did.\u00a0 It was big as… big as …\u201d\u00a0 the little boy struggled to find anything as terrifying as the lion he wanted to describe.<\/p>\n Hoss saw his father’s shock and fear and attempted to reassure him. \u201cWe didn’t actually see anythin’ Pa… we heard a cougar and there were tracks all around the pond.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe’s bottom lip stuck out. \u201cI did see’d one,\u201d he protested, his imagination and desperate need to be important overriding the truth.\u00a0 He gave his older brother a push to emphasize his point.<\/p>\n Ben caught his arms. \u201cHey, that’ll do.\u00a0 Now you go wash up for supper.\u201d As they went to obey he added, \u201cAnd both of you stay away from the pond and don’t wander out of the yard on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grumbled all the way to the kitchen about being treated like a baby but his father chose to ignore it. Joe rushed past Adam to get to his mother first to repeat his story, knocking Adam’s text book to the floor.\u00a0 Adam swore and bent to retrieve it.<\/p>\n Ben was on him in a split second. \u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNuthin’, Pa,\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied sullenly.<\/p>\n Ben glared down at his son who kept his head bent over his book.\u00a0 \u201cI won’t tell you again to watch your language and your attitude,\u201d\u00a0 he spat out.<\/p>\n Adam pushed to his feet, \u201cOh sure, I’m always wrong.\u00a0 What about him?\u201d He pointed in the direction Joe had run.\u00a0 \u201cHe gets away with everything….\u201d he ignored his father’s rapidly rising temper as he continued, \u201c…he even lies to you and you ignore it.\u00a0 If that was me or Hoss we’d’ve got a tanning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s a baby he exaggerates a little that’s all.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben tried to calm down and speak reasonably.\u00a0 He didn’t want another fight.<\/p>\n Adam slammed his books shut.\u00a0 \u201cHow longs he gonna be a baby, ’til he’s twenty maybe.\u201d He went to stalk off but Ben caught his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cI won’t be spoken to like that and I’ll not put up with anymore of this attitude of martyrdom.\u00a0 We are all tired of your moods and your temper.\u00a0 You can spend the evening in your room, I’ll send your supper up.\u00a0 You might spend the time thinking over what a difficult and unpleasant young man you are becoming,\u201d Ben snapped.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged off his father’s hand and made for the stairs.\u00a0 Marie came in from the kitchen in time to see him disappear around the corner.<\/p>\n \u201cTrouble again?\u201d\u00a0 she asked wiping her hands on her apron.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m sick and tired of him,\u201d Ben exploded.\u00a0 \u201cHe’s sullen and rude most of the time and I don’t know how to deal with these mood swings of his.\u00a0 I’ve sent him to his room.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie rested her hand on her husband’s arm. \u201c’Hardly a way to solve the problem darling.\u00a0 He prefers to be in his room alone so its no hardship for him and the more time he spends alone the deeper his black moods go.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you’re right but I don’t know how else to deal with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cHow about if I invite the Watsons over for lunch on Saturday.\u00a0 That would allow him to see Caroline on his home ground and us time to talk this through with Charles and Anne.\u00a0 Perhaps we can find a way for them to spend time together that doesn’t upset school or chores and keeps parents happy too.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head and grinned.\u00a0 \u201cYou are just born matchmaker aren’t you.\u00a0 All I can say is he’d better snap out of these bad moods pretty quick.\u00a0 I can’t stand much more of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie squeezed his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cGive him time.\u00a0 He’s in love.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pursed his lips and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cA few dances at a birthday party and carrying her books hardly constitutes being in love.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie smiled and raised her eyebrows, \u201cOh and what did you do with your first girlfriend that was so different?\u00a0 She disappeared into the kitchen again her laughter ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 4<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss…Hoss,\u00a0 where are you?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe called from the barn doorway.\u00a0 \u201cI wanna go see the ducks.\u201d<\/p>\n His older brother groaned.\u00a0 He had just got himself comfortable in the hayloft with a piece of Hop Sing’s apple pie.\u00a0 There had only been a small piece left and he had washed up the dish hoping that Hop Sing might forget it had been there at all.\u00a0 He decided to keep quiet and hope Joe would go searching elsewhere then his conscience kicked in.\u00a0 If Joe wandered off alone he might get hurt.\u00a0 He crammed the apple pie into his mouth determined not to miss that. He was about to peer over the edge of the loft when a mop of brown curly hair and a small face appeared at the top of the ladder.\u00a0 He drew in a sharp breath.<\/p>\n \u201cBe careful Joe, you know you ain’t allowed up here.\u201d He reached over and grabbed Joe’s arm before he could fall.\u00a0 \u201cIf’n Pa catches you we’ll both be in trouble.\u201d He pulled Joe on to the platform and then holding tightly to him swung himself over the edge and descended the ladder.<\/p>\n \u201cNow what’s all the yelling about and does Mama know you’re out here?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss bent down to the little boy’s level and gripped his shoulders.<\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cShe’s talkin to Miz Watson and tol’ me to find you to play wiv’.\u00a0 I wanna go to the pond ag’in will you take me?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u201cPa said we wasn’t to go there no more, leastwise not ’til they get the cougar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ain’t afraid.\u00a0 We could take a gun and shoot it.\u201d\u00a0 Joe boasted, thinking of the rifles that were kept in the big room.\u00a0 They fascinated him, partly because they were out of reach and he couldn’t see them properly and partly because he knew he mustn’t touch them.<\/p>\n Hoss looked at him in shock.\u00a0 \u201cYou mustn’t touch the guns Joe, even I’m not allowed to do that and I’m near ten.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam could,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHe’s got a gun of his very own,\u201d he said in awe.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but he won’t come with us.\u00a0 He don’t want to play with us no more,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said sourly.\u00a0 It was a source of bitterness to Hoss that Adam had deserted him for older friends.<\/p>\n \u201cHow old you gotta be to have a gun, Hoss? Joe asked.\u00a0 He hated being the baby it seemed that everything he wanted to do, someone told him he couldn’t do until he was older.<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u201cAdam was about ‘leven or twelve I guess when Pa got him that old squirrel gun and he had his rifle for his birthday ’bout a couple of years later.\u00a0 Ain’t no use talkin’ about it Joe, we ain’t old enough yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cTake me for a ride ‘den,\u201d\u00a0 he begged.<\/p>\n Again Hoss shook his head. \u201cYou know we ain’t allowed without a grown up, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe groaned.\u00a0 The same argument again, not old enough to do anything.\u00a0 He picked up a small wooden box with holes in it from the ground beside the barn door.\u00a0 \u201cWhat’s in \u201c’\u00a0 he asked.<\/p>\n Hoss took the box from him and carefully cracked open the lid.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a mouse I took away from Ginger.\u00a0 He was playing with it and it was hurt, its better now, I can let it go soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked into the box.\u00a0 \u201cLet me hold him.\u201d He put his hand out to take the mouse.<\/p>\n Hoss hesitated then shook his head. \u201cYou’d squish him or let him go and Ginger\u2019d get him again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me hold the box then,\u201d\u00a0 Joe persisted and was rewarded by Hoss’s nod.<\/p>\n Both boys were bored.\u00a0 It was Saturday afternoon, Mama and Pa were busy entertaining Mr. and Mrs Watson.\u00a0 They had come over to visit and Adam had taken Caroline for a walk.\u00a0 Hoss saw the two of them strolling back toward the barn holding hands.\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 Adam was so bossy and never wanted to play now, all he wanted was to be with Caroline.<\/p>\n Hoss watched the two disappear into the barn and then nudged Joe to follow him.\u00a0 \u201cLet’s surprise \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n They crept to the barn door and peeked in.\u00a0 Adam was introducing Caroline to Sport and she was stroking the colt’s nose.\u00a0 The two younger boys crept in to the barn and hid behind one of the stalls to listen.<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s mine and I’m training him myself.\u00a0 I should be able to ride him by the end of the summer,\u201d Adam was saying with pride.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I had a horse of my own but Papa says that I don’t need one living in town as we do,\u201d Caroline complained.<\/p>\n Hoss’s nose wrinkled up in thought.\u00a0 He wanted to do something to annoy his older brother and embarrass him in front of that soppy girl, but he couldn’t think of anything except spying on them to tease him later.<\/p>\n Joe glanced up at Hoss and when he saw that his older brother’s attention was on Adam he cracked open the box to take a closer look at the little mouse.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss saw him do it from the corner of his eye but he wasn’t quite quick enough and the mouse was gone, scuttling under the partition to surface on Caroline’s foot.\u00a0 Her scream echoed around the barn and Adam jumped back in alarm.<\/p>\n It was difficult to tell what happened next.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe came out from behind the partition and tried to catch the mouse which had retreated to the back of the barn. An irate Adam yelled at them, while trying to help catch the little creature.\u00a0 In the ensuing chaos Caroline tripped and grabbing Adam to save herself pulled them both down on to the barn floor.<\/p>\n Ben and Charles Watson were on the porch and at the sound of Caroline’s scream came running into the barn.\u00a0 By this time Hoss and Joe had chased the mouse into a far corner and the sight that met the two men was of Adam and Caroline in a heap on a pile of straw.<\/p>\n Charles Watson moved like lightening to drag his daughter to her feet, leaving a shocked Adam to struggle to his.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat’s going on here?\u201d\u00a0 Ben spluttered.<\/p>\n Charles Watson had no doubts. \u201cI would have thought that was obvious.\u00a0 Caroline go back to your mother and tell her we are leaving right now.\u201d\u00a0 He glared at Adam and then rounded on Ben.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll leave you to discipline your son.\u00a0 If I don’t leave now I may do something I’ll regret,\u201d he said angrily. \u201cYou will stay away from my daughter if you know what’s good for you,\u201d’ he spat at Adam as he left.<\/p>\n Adam was open mouthed as he watched Mr. Watson storm across the yard to the house.<\/p>\n Ben caught Adam by the arm. \u201cGet in the house,\u201d\u00a0 he ground out.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, it wasn’t …\u201d Adam started to explain.<\/p>\n Ben was shaking with anger. \u201cI said get in the house,\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n At that moment the two younger ones emerged from the back of the barn.\u00a0 Hoss was carrying the box with the mouse now safely inside again.\u00a0 Adam launched himself at his younger brother, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was your fault. You and your damned animals.\u201d\u00a0 Adam swore at him vehemently.<\/p>\n Ben dragged them apart and glared at them both.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve told you twice to get inside, now do it,\u201d\u00a0 he yelled giving Adam a shake and releasing him but holding firmly to Hoss’s collar.\u00a0 Adam retreated to the door but did not obey his father’s command.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was an accident Pa,\u201d Hoss blurted out. \u201c’We didn’t mean the mouse to escape.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sniffed and tears started in his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe didn’t like it when Pa yelled and he knew this was his fault, although he wasn’t sure why Papa was mad at Adam.<\/p>\n Ben heard the sniff and looked down angrily at his youngest son who was very pale and nervous.<\/p>\n \u201cMouse… what mouse?\u201d\u00a0 Ben demanded, turning his attention back to Hoss.<\/p>\n Hoss held out the box. \u201cHe\u2019s hurt and I was looking after him,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said softly.\u00a0 \u201cI didn’t mean to scare Caroline.\u00a0 He escaped.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean this was caused by you all chasing a mouse?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were spying on your brother and planning to tease him is that it?\u201d\u00a0 Ben persisted.<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, his face flushed as he looked at his boots.<\/p>\n Adam moved back into the bar. \u201cHe’s always doing it,\u201d\u00a0 he said in exasperation, forgetting that he was supposed to be on his way to the house.<\/p>\n Ben whirled around and glared at Adam but his temper was cooling.<\/p>\n \u201cIt really was an accident Pa,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss repeated.<\/p>\n Ben grunted. \u201cThat better be the truth young man if I find out different you’ll find sitting mighty uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss kept his eyes on his boots, it was safer that way.<\/p>\n By the time they all trudged back to the house the Watsons had gone and an anxious Marie was waiting for them.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She let them get inside and then stared intently at her eldest stepson making him squirm uncomfortably.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn’t my fault,\u201d he blurted out.\u00a0 \u201cI didn’t do anything except try to catch his damn mouse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCool off and watch your language,\u201d\u00a0 Ben snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cBut what happened?\u201d\u00a0 Marie asked, still mystified. \u201cCharles stormed in here with Caroline and said they were going home.\u00a0 She was covered in straw and sobbing her heart out.\u00a0 All he said was that Adam had ….\u201d she stopped aware of small ears listening.<\/p>\n Ben sighed. \u201c’Hoss let his mouse out in the barn and it scared Caroline.\u00a0 They tried to catch it and\u00a0\u00a0 I suppose things got out of hand.\u00a0 When Charles and I got there… well Adam and Caroline had fallen over,\u201d he finished off quickly.<\/p>\n Marie tried hard not to smile. She could imagine what they had seen and Charles Watson’s interpretation of it.\u00a0 She looked at her stepson’s still angry expression.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on Adam, Mr. Watson will cool down and I’ll speak to Mrs Watson.\u00a0 Just give him a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u201cI don’t care what he says I’m going to see Caroline,\u201d\u00a0 he responded sullenly.<\/p>\n Ben caught him by the shoulder and turned him around to face him.\u00a0 \u201cYou will do no such thing.\u00a0 Until you are given permission, you will do as Mr. Watson says and stay away from her, is that understood?\u201d\u00a0 he said sternly.<\/p>\n Adam shook himself free from his father’s grasp and raced up the stairs to slam his bedroom door in temper. He would see her again, no matter what any of them said.\u00a0 He threw himself down on his bed and punched the pillow.<\/p>\n Downstairs Marie shooed the two younger ones into the kitchen to wash for supper barely waiting until they were gone before she started to giggle.<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyes to the ceiling and shook his head in despair. \u201cWhat is so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh Ben, it must have been a picture; poor Charles, the two of them rolling in the hay.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben tried to maintain his stern expression but in the face of her laughter he couldn’t and he started to smile.\u00a0 \u201cThat’s not fair it must have seemed bad to Charles.\u00a0 If I had a daughter I’d be furious too….\u201d He stopped speaking as he saw Marie’s smile crumple at the thought of the daughter they had lost.\u00a0 He put an arm around his wife and hugged her.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have three fine sons and Adam is not the undisciplined rake Charles has him marked down as, although I must admit when I saw them my reaction was the same as Charles’s.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie looked thoughtful. \u201cIt might be an idea to see that they are chaperoned in future.\u00a0 He is growing into a very handsome young man and Caroline is a pretty girl.\u00a0 They aren’t children playing anymore and it could become difficult.\u201d\u00a0 She eyed her husband and gave a wry grin. \u201c’Maybe its time you had a little talk <\/em>with our eldest son.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took her meaning and gave her a pained look.\u00a0 \u201cWe’ve done the father and son chat, if that’s what you mean,\u201d he smiled at her. \u201cBut I’ll talk to him about how he should behave with Caroline.\u00a0\u00a0 Even so I think it will be a while before I can persuade Charles to let them see each other even with a chaperone.\u201d He touched Marie’s cheek\u00a0 \u201cBut I’ll try and smooth the path a little for our young Romeo.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 5<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam Cartwright\u201d’\u00a0 Mr. Lawson’s voice boomed across the classroom.\u00a0 \u201cWould you care to share that note with the rest of the class?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam blushed a deep red and swallowed hard.\u00a0 \u201cN…no, sir,\u201d\u00a0 he stuttered as he got to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I suggest that you retrieve it from Miss Watson and bring it to me,\u201d\u00a0 Lawson continued his expression stern and unyielding.<\/p>\n Adam walked across the aisle to Caroline’s desk and held out his hand.\u00a0 Caroline looked up at him with sympathy and handed the unread note back to him.\u00a0 He walked forward feeling all eyes on him as he handed Lawson the note.\u00a0 Without opening it the teacher tore it into small pieces and dropped them into the bin at his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may now return to the problems of the Mexican army in Texas with renewed vigor,\u201d\u00a0 he said sharply.\u00a0 He rapped on the desk to gain the children’s attention as Adam returned to his seat.\u00a0 \u201cAfter recess we will begin our play readings. The younger children may listen to the older ones and then tell us what they enjoyed and what they understood of the readings.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat down at his desk next to Ross with a sigh.\u00a0 It had been four days since the incident in the barn and apart from casual chat at recess, he had been unable to speak to Caroline at all.\u00a0\u00a0 Mrs Watson had taken to meeting her from school, effectively ruling out all contact.\u00a0 He knew Caroline didn’t like the restriction anymore than he did but her father had threatened to keep her away from school if she disobeyed him and saw Adam at any other time.<\/p>\n He flushed as he recalled the chat with his father.\u00a0 Pa had been almost as embarrassed as he was, as he tried to explain why Mr. Watson was so upset and that he and Caroline mustn’t see each other alone in future.\u00a0 He knew what his father was trying to say but he had never thought about it in connection with himself and Caroline before.\u00a0 Sure it had been fun to steal kisses but it was only in the past week or so that he had felt the stirring of more intense emotions and physical responses to her touch.\u00a0 Having experienced them he wanted more.\u00a0 He understood that this was exactly what his father was telling him to guard against but he couldn’t help it.\u00a0 His one aim was to be alone with her to test out those feelings again and it seemed as if everyone else was bent on making sure that couldn’t happen.\u00a0\u00a0 He felt Lawson’s eyes on him again and bent his head over his books.<\/p>\n He applied himself to his studies for the next hour but every so often he would glance up at Caroline and often he found her looking at him. \u201cRecess,\u201d he mouthed silently at one point and she nodded.<\/p>\n First out of the door when recess was called he made his way over to the fallen tree which had become their special place.\u00a0 When Caroline joined him he helped her to climb up beside him.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m sorry Mr. Lawson saw the note,\u201d she apologized. \u201cI wasn’t expecting it and I almost dropped it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head and moved closer to her, \u201cIt doesn’t matter.\u00a0 I only wanted to be sure we could talk at recess.\u00a0 Your mother is always here when class lets out.\u00a0 I don’t see how we can spend any time together.\u00a0 Pa checks up on me when I get home and I have to ride back with Hoss.\u201d He turned slightly to face her,\u00a0 \u201cCould you get away on Saturday afternoon?\u00a0 Pa and Marie are going into Carson City, so they won’t know if I slip away for a couple of hours.\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline stared at her shoes. \u201cI don’t think we should Adam,\u201d she said remembering the embarrassing talk her mother had subjected her to on Saturday evening.\u00a0 \u201cPapa was awful mad and if he found out we’d both be punished and I wouldn’t be able to see you at all.\u00a0 He’d take me out of school.\u00a0 Your father came over to talk to him but he won’t budge.\u00a0 Mama understands that we want to see each other and she is trying to persuade him.\u00a0 It will be all right if we just wait a while,\u201d she pleaded.<\/p>\n Adam slipped from the tree trunk and started pacing up and down.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not fair, we didn’t do anything.\u00a0 It was all my little brothers’ fault.\u201d He kicked angrily at a stone.<\/p>\n Caroline put her hand on his and her touch sent shivers down his spine as his body reacted without any conscious thought on his part.\u00a0 He wanted to be alone with her, not in full view of every child in the school.<\/p>\n \u201cAt least I get to play Juliet to your Romeo for the play readings,\u201d\u00a0 she said softly.\u00a0 She kept her hand almost in his as they went back to the classroom.<\/p>\n The play readings ranged from long rambling and incorrect versions of Henry V speech to his soldiers to short sharp speeches obviously learned in desperation.\u00a0 When Caroline’s name was called, Adam got to his feet too but Mr. Lawson stopped him.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you work together on this reading?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Adam looked puzzled.\u00a0 \u201cNot exactly, sir.\u00a0 We each learned our own part.\u201d<\/p>\n Lawson smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I suppose you don’t need to rehearse any more than you do already in class.\u00a0 I look forward to a flawless performance straight from the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n The other children giggled and Adam flushed scarlet, a black mood descending as he walked to the front of the room.<\/p>\n Caroline sighed, why did Mr. Lawson do that?\u00a0 She knew Adam would now be angry and it would spoil the whole thing for her.\u00a0 She began her first passage and delivered it confidently watching his face as he tried to control his anger and concentrate on the play.\u00a0 He managed his first speech without a mistake but his heart was not in what he was saying and it came out wooden and difficult to follow.\u00a0 Caroline ignored him and made her second passage even better but in the face of her confidence he became nervous and his next response at first hesitant began to disintegrate altogether.<\/p>\n \u201cNor that is not the lark, whose notes do beat… The…the vaulty heaven so high above our heads<\/em>\u00a0 he attempted to speak more quickly afraid that he would forget the next part.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/em> he faltered and Caroline prompted him in irritation.<\/p>\n He frowned and his brows drew together, embarrassed at being shown up in front of his classmates.<\/p>\n \u201cI have more care to stay than will to go:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Come, death, and welcome! Juliet wills it so\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 at this point the words deserted him completely and he stood in silence his face suffused with color.<\/p>\n John Lawson rescued him from further torment.\u00a0 \u201cIt would seem that you should have rehearsed a little more.\u00a0 Thank you, Miss Watson; a good performance considering the inadequacy of your partner.\u00a0 You may return to your seats and we will hear the comments on the performances from the others.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat down and kept his eyes on the desktop.\u00a0 He didn’t look at the other children or at Caroline.\u00a0 He was angry, angry at Lawson, angry at his father and Mr. Watson and angry at Caroline for making a fool of him.\u00a0 When school let out he was gone before any of the children could say anything to him.\u00a0 Caroline caught up with him at the corral and she approached with caution.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam…\u00a0 I’m sorry.\u00a0 I only wanted to help,\u201d\u00a0 she pleaded.<\/p>\n \u201cWell you didn’t,\u201d he snapped back at her as he lifted the saddle on to his pony.\u00a0 \u201cYou made me look stupid\u201d’<\/p>\n Caroline sighed.\u00a0 There was no talking to him when he was in this mood.\u00a0 She turned away and joined Amy and Ross who were chatting while Ross saddled up for his ride home.<\/p>\n Adam hesitated.\u00a0 He wanted to say he was sorry for the way he had acted, but his pride had been hurt and he couldn’t bring himself to apologize and dent it any further.\u00a0 By the time he had decided he would have to say something Caroline was heading down the road chatting to Amy and Steve Rimmer.\u00a0 He was about to call after her when he heard her laughter and saw her smiling at Steve.\u00a0 He knew they were laughing at him, he just knew it.\u00a0 He mounted up and rode off at speed toward home leaving Hoss staring after him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie was standing on the porch when he rode into the yard and even from a distance she could tell he was angry.\u00a0 \u201cOh no, what now?\u201d she muttered.\u00a0 She reached out and grabbed Joe as he went to run to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cI don’t think Adam will want you under foot while he does his chores Little Joe. Why don’t you wait until he comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe fought against her.\u00a0 \u201cBut I wanna tell him ’bout the lion.\u00a0 Jake see’d it too,\u201d\u00a0 he protested.<\/p>\n \u201cYes sweetie, but you can tell him later…\u00a0 when he’s in a better mood,\u201d\u00a0 she added under her breath.<\/p>\n Joe allowed himself to be dragged inside and settled himself down by the hearth to await Hoss.\u00a0 He knew his older brother would be interested in his lion.\u00a0\u00a0 Jake had seen it near the herd so to Joe’s innocent mind that meant it was safe to go back to the pond again and he intended to persuade one of his brothers to take him soon.<\/p>\n Hoss listened to his little brother’s chatter while they shared milk and cookies but he was adamant that they still couldn’t go to the pond.\u00a0 Joe pleaded but finally gave up and sulked.\u00a0 Well if Hoss wouldn’t go with him he’d go on his own he decided.\u00a0\u00a0 He’d just have to find the right moment when Mama wouldn’t miss him.<\/p>\n Marie wondered if she should mention to Adam that she had spoken with Anne Watson but in the mood he was in he’d probably be cross with her for interfering.\u00a0 She stood at the kitchen window watching her stepson attack the pile of logs as though it was an enemy.\u00a0 Who had upset him this time?<\/p>\n Adam’s bad mood extend through the evening.\u00a0 Hoss avoided him knowing the reason and not wishing to make things any worse.\u00a0 He knew his older brother was embarrassed that he had witnessed the scene in school.\u00a0 He kept his head bent to his homework and for once didn’t even ask for any help.\u00a0 After a raised eyebrow at Marie who shook her head in answer, Ben left his oldest son alone.\u00a0 Joe had no such reservations.\u00a0 He had been patient before supper and good while he ate his meal but now he wanted to share his news with his brothers.\u00a0 He slipped from his seat by the hearth and first sidled up to Hoss who was counting on his fingers to find the answer to a sum.<\/p>\n \u201cJake see’d my lion,\u201d\u00a0 he said quietly.\u00a0 Then when Hoss continued to count, he pulled at his brother’s shirt and repeated his news more loudly.\u00a0 \u201cJake see’d my lion.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook him off irritably as he lost count. \u201cDon’t do that,\u201d\u00a0 he said crossly.<\/p>\n Adam glanced up from his history book. \u201cIts hardly your lion and if Jake saw it then he’ll have men out to shoot it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe moved swiftly around the table to his older brother. \u201cIt is too, mine.\u00a0 I see’d it first.\u00a0 I’m gonna catch it, not Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam closed his book over his finger and regarded Joe with a pained expression.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn’t see it you heard it and saw footprints.\u00a0 You really ought to learn to tell the truth.\u00a0 You’re old enough to know the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe started to sniff. He didn’t like Adam when he was being grown up.\u00a0 \u201cI d…did see’d a lion,\u201d\u00a0 he said his lip trembling.<\/p>\n Adam sighed.\u00a0 \u201cYou did not, don’t lie,\u201d he said sharply.<\/p>\n There were tears in the little boy’s eyes now and Hoss who had given up on the sum, watched the exchange and took pity on him.\u00a0 He couldn’t bear to see his little brother upset, and Adam had been annoying him<\/em> for weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave him alone, maybe he did see a lion.\u00a0 How would you know you never look at anything but Ca…ro..line, anymore,\u201d he drawled.<\/p>\n Adam pushed to his feet and planted his hands on the table fixing Hoss with an angry glare. \u201cShut your mouth or I’ll do it for you,\u201d\u00a0 he snarled.<\/p>\n Hoss didn’t flinch but he did glance over at his father and saw as he had expected that Ben was on his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s enough.\u00a0 Adam take your books and finish your homework in your room.\u201d\u00a0 Ben’s voice was calm but firm.\u00a0 He bent down and picked Joe up.\u00a0 \u201cCome on young man we’ll go read a story and let Hoss finish his figures.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam threw a none to flattering glance at Hoss and slammed his books shut and muttered something under his breath as he headed for the stairs.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben watched him go and debated following to have further words with him about his attitude but he knew it would do no good at this moment.\u00a0 Adam was in the sort of mood which would lead to more arguments.\u00a0 Instead he settled down in his blue velvet chair to entertain his youngest son.<\/p>\n Upstairs Adam threw his books hard against his bed and then dropped down on to it himself.\u00a0 Why was he always the one in the wrong?\u00a0 Recently nothing had gone right for him.\u00a0\u00a0 Well from now on he wasn’t going to let other people bother him, not his father or his brothers or girls.\u00a0 No, he decided, girls were definitely trouble and he wanted nothing to do with them, especially Caroline Watson.\u00a0 He lay back on his bed and no matter how he tried thoughts of Caroline flooded his head.\u00a0 How she looked in her pink Sunday best dress.\u00a0 How she looked in that checked shirt she sometimes wore when they went riding.\u00a0 The way it fell open at her throat, the way her figure showed through it.\u00a0 The way she felt when he kissed her.\u00a0 The way he<\/em> felt when they kissed.\u00a0 His breathing became rapid as he imagined being alone with her…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Downstairs Marie set aside her sewing\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I ought to go talk to him.\u00a0 I spoke to Anne today and I think we persuaded Charles to let him meet with Caroline under supervision.\u00a0 Perhaps that news would make him happier.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced up, \u201cI’d wait until its certain.\u00a0 If you tell him and then Charles still says no, his mood will be ten times worse and then I would<\/em> have to take some action.\u00a0 As it is, I don’t plan to put up with much more of this.\u00a0 He’s got to learn not to take his frustrations out on everyone around him.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie sighed and sat down again.\u00a0 She was sure Ben was wrong, surely giving him at least a hope was better than letting him be so miserable. But being only a stepmother she didn’t like to interfere too strongly between her husband and his older sons.\u00a0 She glanced up at the staircase, if only Adam wouldn’t take setbacks so hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam…. Adam,\u201d\u00a0 Caroline called as she hurried across the schoolyard.\u00a0 Adam continued to unsaddle his pony without looking up and Caroline faltered.\u00a0 \u201cYou’re not still mad at me for the play reading yesterday, are you?\u201d\u00a0 she said in disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cI told you I was sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam snorted, \u201cYeah, so sorry that you went off laughing at me with Steve Rimmer,\u201d he said in disgust.\u00a0 \u201cWell if you want him for an escort, you can have him,\u201d\u00a0 he snapped, full of hurt pride.<\/p>\n Caroline smiled then thanked her lucky stars that Adam wasn’t looking at her or he would surely have misinterpreted that as well.\u00a0 He was jealous.\u00a0 She reached out and gently touched his shoulder to make him turn around.\u00a0 \u201cI don’t want Steve, you idiot,\u201d\u00a0 she said softly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we weren’t laughing at you, we were talking about Steve’s little sister.\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated a second, not willing to give up his mood yet, even though her touch sent shivers through him.\u00a0 \u201cOh… I thought…\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline giggled, \u201cWell stop thinking and listen to my news.\u00a0 Your stepmother came over yesterday and talked to my mother and together they explained to Papa what happened on Saturday and persuade him that we should be allowed to see each other.\u00a0 He says we can meet on Saturday afternoons as long as you come to our house and he or Mama are there.\u201d She watched his expression carefully.\u00a0 \u201cI know its not perfect but at least we can see each other… Unless, of course, you don’t want to see me anymore,\u201d\u00a0 she said hesitantly.\u00a0 He didn’t seem as excited by her news as she had hoped.<\/p>\n He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cOf course I want to see you, but I wanted to take you to the dance not sit in your parlor with your father watching us.\u00a0 I can’t kiss you if he is there.\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline giggled.\u00a0 \u201cI think that’s why he is insisting on being there.\u00a0 We don’t have to sit in the parlor, we can walk in the yard and have lemonade on the porch.\u00a0 Maybe if we are careful he will relax a little and you can take me to the dance another time.\u00a0 I mean there are lots of people at dances.\u00a0 Pap couldn’t object to that, we wouldn’t be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Her mood was infectious and he smiled.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, lemonade on the porch and I’ll be the perfect gentleman.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled too.\u00a0 When he was in a good mood he was fun to be with.\u00a0 \u201cWe could quote appropriate bits of Romeo and Juliet at each other and pretend we were still studying,\u201d she said with a mischievous grin.<\/p>\n He took his cue. \u201cAnd hold hands so that I can get the atmosphere right,\u201d he added.\u00a0 \u201cI can get my chores done before mid morning and be with you right after lunch.\u00a0 Will that be all right?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded enthusiastically as the school bell rang.\u00a0\u00a0 They went inside hand in hand both smiling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie ran a hand across her forehead.\u00a0 It had been a long and tiring day and she was looking forward to the boys coming home from school.\u00a0 Maybe they could amuse Joe long enough for her to get supper on the table.\u00a0 It should have been a pleasant day.\u00a0 Ben was working at home and she usually enjoyed his company but not today.\u00a0 She hated the last Friday in the month when Ben spent all day at his desk doing the accounts ready to pay the wages.\u00a0 He was grumpy and it was necessary to keep Joe well away from him.\u00a0 To add to her worries Joe seemed to be out to try her patience.\u00a0 Several times she had found it necessary to go hunting for him and each time she had found him in the back yard obviously planning some mischief.\u00a0 The final straw had been a frantic Hop Sing rushing back from town to tell her his cousin was very sick and he needed to go to Sacramento.\u00a0 She had long since ceased to keep track of all his relatives and had merely acquiesced with as good a grace as she could manage.<\/p>\n \u201cI hate payroll day,\u201d\u00a0 she said vehemently as she put a fresh cup of coffee in front of her husband.<\/p>\n Ben put down his pen and stretched.\u00a0 \u201cNo more than I do my love.\u00a0 I’ll be glad when Adam’s old enough to do it.\u00a0 He seems to enjoy all these columns of figures.\u201d<\/p>\n He pulled her towards him and gave her a hug.\u00a0 \u201cI’m sorry I get so grouchy.\u00a0 Is Little Joe all right, I’m afraid I yelled rather loudly when he wanted to help.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie nodded. \u00a0\u201cHe’s fine but he’s up to something.\u00a0 What is so fascinating in the back yard?\u00a0 Three or four times today I’ve missed him and he’s been out there and I’m sure he’s planning something.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged and sipped at the hot coffee.\u00a0 \u201cNothing special that I can think of, but three year olds do have different ideas from us about what is fascinating.\u00a0 What’s all this about Hop Sing going away?\u201d<\/p>\n She sighed and perched herself on his desk.\u00a0 \u201cOne of his many cousins is sick and he wants to go and nurse him.\u00a0 He’s not sure how long he’ll be away but I couldn’t say no.\u00a0 We’ll manage fine but it does mean that my trip to Carson City tomorrow is off.\u00a0 We can’t take Joe if we are carrying the payroll back with us.\u00a0 I had thought he’d be all right here with Hop Sing but…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy can’t Adam look after him?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked with a puzzled frown.<\/p>\n Marie leaned closer and kissed him, \u201cBecause, my darling, I spent a very difficult hour persuading Charles and Anne to let him visit with Caroline tomorrow afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell he’ll just have to put it off until next week.\u00a0 It\u2019s been months since you’ve had a day to yourself and I know you were looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I couldn’t do that to him, not now that Caroline will have told him the good news,\u00a0 he’d be so disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen he’ll have to be disappointed.\u00a0 Good heavens he sees her everyday in school, one afternoon without her isn’t going to hurt him and if Charles has agreed this week he’ll agree next,\u201d Ben said irritably.\u00a0 \u201cNo, he can stay here and look after Joe and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie raised an eyebrow,\u201d All right, but I think you’ll get an argument,\u201d she warned him.\u00a0 \u201c’I can hear them in the yard now, maybe you should wait until after supper to mention it.\u00a0 It would be nice to have a pleasant meal together for a change without you two glaring at each other over my apple pie.\u201d<\/p>\n She headed back to the kitchen shaking her head.\u00a0 If Ben told Adam he had to stay here and look after the little ones tomorrow then this was not going to be the pleasant evening she had planned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had heard his brothers too and he raced to the kitchen door and out into the yard before his mother returned, all she saw was the swinging door.\u00a0 He ran full speed across the yard and was only stopped from a headlong dash by Adam reaching out and swinging him high in the air.\u00a0 \u201cHey, little buddy, where you going in such a hurry?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe giggled.\u00a0 Adam was in a good mood and when he was happy they had fun together.\u00a0 \u201cI wanna help wiv’ the horses.\u201d He struggled to get down and finally Adam complied giving him a tickle as he set him down on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, you go get some oats and start on the hay and I’ll unsaddle him,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n Hoss tousled Joe’s hair as he passed.\u00a0 \u201cHow come Adam gets help and I don’t,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n Joe looked up in total innocence, \u201cAdam can take me to the pond.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled and shook his head,\u00a0 he’s getting far too smart.\u201d<\/p>\n Chores finished, Joe repeated his request.\u00a0 \u201cSorry Joe, but I’ve got a lot of homework to do before supper and in any case Pa doesn’t want us going down there until the cougar is caught.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grabbed his older brother’s hand and pulled.\u00a0 \u201cBut you’re big, why can’t you go?\u201d The complexities of the situation were too much for his three year old mind.\u00a0 To him Adam was almost grown up and could do anything he wanted.\u00a0 It was a state he could only aspire to.<\/p>\n Adam bent down and picked him up.\u00a0 \u201cNot too big for Pa to yell at, little buddy.\u00a0 I’ll play soldiers with you after I’ve done my homework.\u00a0 How would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pouted and wriggled to get down.\u00a0 \u201cDon’ wanna play soldiers,\u201d\u00a0 he grumbled and went off in search of his mother.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged and went inside.\u00a0 He dropped his books on the table with a thump making Ben look up from his accounts.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Hi Pa.\u00a0 You want me to help?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced at the pile of schoolbooks.\u00a0 \u201cWell it would be helpful if you could add these payroll figures.\u00a0 I’ve got a different answer three times,\u201d he sighed and pushed<\/p>\n <\/p>\n the ledger toward his son and bit back a reprimand when Adam perched himself on the edge of the desk pushing the lamp to one side. \u201cDon’t let it keep you from your schoolwork though.\u201d spoiled yet again with Adam’s sulks.<\/p>\n \u201cThis won’t take a minute,\u201d Adam said absently as he applied his mind to the addition of the column of figures.<\/p>\n Ben smiled at his son’s dark head bent over the ledger.\u00a0 When he was in a good mood his whole personality changed and he was a pleasure to talk with and work with.\u00a0 Why did growing up have to be so difficult for all concerned.\u00a0 He decided to leave the bad news about tomorrow until the morning, that way the evening wouldn’t be spoiled yet again with Adam\u2019s sulks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 6<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHoss put those down until breakfast.\u201d\u00a0 Marie reached out and took the basket of biscuits from her stepson.\u00a0 \u201cI’ve more than enough to do this morning without chasing after you, or baking more biscuits.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss reluctantly backed out of the kitchen and leaned on the door post.\u00a0 It wasn’t like Marie to be irritable with him for something so small as snitching a biscuit or a bread roll.\u00a0 \u201cWhere’s Hop Sing anyhow?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s gone to Sacramento to nurse a cousin.\u00a0 Now please get out from under my feet and take Joe with you,\u201d she replied in exasperation, removing Joe’s sticky fingers from the clean tablecloth she had just put out with the cutlery.<\/p>\n The two boys wandered into the big room to await the summons to breakfast.\u00a0 Adam had come in from the yard and was checking his rifle and he quickly removed the bullets from the table and slipped them into his pocket before Joe could grab them.<\/p>\n \u201cYou goin’ huntin’?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked picking up an apple and biting into it.<\/p>\n Behind them, Ben came in and began to hang up his hat and gunbelt, half listening to their conversation.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNope, when I’ve done the rest of my chores, I’m going to town to visit Caroline.\u201d\u00a0 His happiness was obvious and an unusually wide grin was pasted on his face.<\/p>\n Hoss looked up in surprise, \u201cI thought you weren’t allowed to.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded with satisfaction, \u201cMarie and Mrs Watson fixed it.\u00a0 We gotta sit on their porch but at least we can still talk and visit with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved over to the dining room table.\u00a0 \u201cI’m sorry son that won’t be possible.\u00a0 Marie and I are going to Carson City and with Hop Sing away I need you to stay here and look after your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam’s jaw dropped in shock.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean?\u00a0 I can’t stay here I can only see Caro’ at her house.\u201d\u00a0 He couldn’t believe what Pa was telling him.\u00a0 He had been well behaved all week, he hadn’t even made a real fuss about not seeing Caroline after school, but this was too much.\u00a0\u00a0 To learn that he could see her again and then to have it snatched away from him was cruel.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m sorry Adam.\u00a0 There is no other option.\u00a0 You can see Caroline next week.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied calmly.<\/p>\n Adam dropped his rifle on the table with a clatter and stood up.\u00a0 \u201cWhy can’t Hoss look after Joe? \u00a0Why does it always have to me?\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss is too young to be responsible for a small child…\u201d\u00a0 Ben started.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d\u00a0 Adam yelled, his good mood gone and his temper rising rapidly.\u00a0 \u201cI was looking after him<\/em> when I was six or seven and you never said I <\/em>was too young.\u201d\u00a0 His face was suffused with anger.\u00a0 It wasn’t fair.\u00a0 He almost stamped his foot.<\/p>\n Ben’s amenable manner disappeared and his expression hardened.\u00a0 \u201cDon’t raise you voice to me boy.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam could see his pleasant afternoon slipping away and realized from his father’s attitude that he wasn’t going to get anywhere by fighting back.\u00a0 He re-thought his strategy and changed his tone.\u00a0 \u201cI’m sorry sir, but couldn’t you could take them with you or maybe one of the hands could look after them for the afternoon,\u201d he begged.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I’m sorry it spoils your plans but I can’t have the boys with me when I’m collecting a payroll and the hands expect their Saturday afternoons to be free.\u00a0 It is only one afternoon.\u00a0 It won’t hurt you to look after them for a few hours,\u201d\u00a0 Ben insisted.<\/p>\n Marie hurried in with the food and hesitated at the tension in the room.\u00a0 \u201cBreakfast’s ready,\u201d she said brightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t want any,\u201d Adam snapped, heading for the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d\u00a0 Ben’s voice boomed across the room stopping his son in his tracks.\u00a0 Adam turned slowly and stared defiantly at his father.\u00a0 \u201cYou will sit at the table.\u00a0 Whether you eat or not is your choice but you will not walk away from me in that fashion.\u00a0\u00a0 Marie and I will be leaving in an hour or so and we’ll be back by about six.\u00a0 You will stay here and look after your brothers until we return.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pointed at Adam’s chair and reluctantly his son moved to the table his face as black as thunder.<\/p>\n Adam stubbornly refused to eat and stared at his empty plate throughout the meal.\u00a0 Hoss was aware of his brother’s anger but was too distracted by Little Joe’s chatter to give it much thought.\u00a0 Towards the end of the meal as Marie rose to gather up the dishes, she raised her eyebrow at Ben and sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI could stay here,\u201d<\/em> she mouthed silently.\u00a0 Ben, now as stubborn as his son, firmly shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam silently went about his chores and when he saw the buckboard in the yard he deliberately went to the back of the barn so that his father had to call him.\u00a0 Ben drew in a sharp breath and fixed the boy with a glare.\u00a0 \u201cBeing difficult and sullen isn’t going to make me change my mind so you might as well make the best of it.\u201d He looked at the two younger ones.\u00a0 \u201cYou two will behave yourselves and do as Adam says and we will be back by supper time.\u201d<\/p>\n To Ben’s horror, Joe clambered up on to the wheel of the buckboard.\u00a0 He bent down and lifted the little boy on to his knee.\u00a0 \u201cYou mustn’t do that Joe, you could get hurt,\u201d he admonished gently.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanna go see the ducks,\u201d\u00a0 Joe responded not in the least put out by his father’s words.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot today Joe, I don’t want you boys anywhere near the pond or that grove of trees until Jake has dealt with this cougar.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at the older two.\u00a0 \u201cJake thinks he has a lair in those rocks and I want you to stay away from there.\u201d\u00a0 He set Joe down on the ground beside his brothers and smiled when Hoss caught Joe’s hand in his.<\/p>\n Adam watched them drive off with a thoughtful expression on his face. \u201cHoss, you finished your chores?\u201d\u00a0 he asked.<\/p>\n Hoss looked across at his older brother warily, \u201cYeah, but I ain’t doin’ yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI’m not asking you to,\u201d\u00a0 Adam responded quickly. \u201c’I thought maybe you could amuse Joe while I get finished that’s all.\u00a0 He needs someone to keep both eyes on him.\u00a0 Don’t you buddy,\u201d\u00a0 he added ruffling Joe’s curls.<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u201cOkay, we’ll go play on the porch until you’re finished.\u00a0 Then what we gonna do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I don’t know, I’ll think of something.\u201d\u00a0 Adam headed back to the barn, his mind working overtime on a small problem; how to convince Hoss to take care of Joe for the rest of the day.\u00a0 He finished his chores in record time and headed back to the porch his brain still checking and re-checking for any faults in his plan.<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe were building a rather rickety structure out of the logs on the porch and Adam frowned at first then decided that criticizing Hoss was not going to accomplish his end, so he said nothing about the obvious dangers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou still got homework to do?\u201d he asked his younger brother.<\/p>\n Hoss grimaced, \u201cAw c’mon Adam not now, you sound just like Pa.\u00a0 I got that dretful essay to write and some more sums.\u00a0 I don’t gotta do it now do I?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat down and put his feet up on the table.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe you don’t have to do it at all.\u00a0 I could write you a rough essay and you could just copy it and the sums are easy, I can do those in a moment.\u00a0 I might be persuaded then you’d have the whole day free.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss couldn’t believe his luck. He wasn’t in the least suspicious.\u00a0 Adam had been nice to him for a few days and he didn’t suspect a thing. \u201c’Would ya’\u00a0 that’d be great.\u201d\u00a0 He hesitated a second,\u00a0 \u201cMr. Lawson wouldn’t know would he?\u00a0 I mean he’d be awful mad and so would Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cOf course not, I’d make it look like your work.\u00a0 I’m not stupid enough to get caught.\u00a0 I’d be in trouble too, remember?\u00a0 It’ll be fine.\u00a0 You go fetch it.\u201d\u00a0 He watched his younger brother race away and smiled craftily.\u00a0 He knew Hoss well enough to know how to handle this part of the problem.<\/p>\n Half an hour later the math was half done but not complete and Adam had the draft essay in his hand.\u00a0 He stood up and stretched.\u00a0 \u201cOkay I’ll finish it when I get back,\u201d\u00a0 he said lazily tucking the sheets of paper inside his jacket as he slipped it on.<\/p>\n \u201cGet back from where\u201d’\u00a0 Hoss asked\u00a0 idly looking up from the tower he and Joe had built.<\/p>\n \u201cCaroline’s,\u201d\u00a0 Adam said simply.<\/p>\n Hoss’s jaw dropped open and he stared at his older brother. \u201c’You can’t.\u00a0 Pa said you couldn’t go.\u00a0 You gotta stay here and look after us,\u201d he spluttered.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can look after Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam headed for the barn with Hoss hot on his heels.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll be back in a couple of hours or so, well before Pa gets home.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grabbed his older brother’s arm.\u00a0 \u201cHe’ll skin you alive,\u201d he gasped.<\/p>\n Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cNo he won’t, because he won’t know.\u00a0 You aren’t going to tell him or you won’t get your homework back.\u201d<\/p>\n He saddled his pony while Hoss considered the problem.\u00a0 \u201cYou’ll be in trouble for doing it for me if I tell,\u201d’ he finally got out.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cIf you tell I’m dead anyway so I got nothing to lose but you<\/em> do,\u201d he said smugly.\u00a0 \u201cYou keep quiet and you get all your homework done and Pa need never know.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had an uneasy feeling about this arrangement but he couldn’t see a way out of it. \u201c’You\u2019ll be back before Pa won’t you?\u201d he pleaded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou bet your sweet life I will,\u201d Adam replied as he mounted up and rode off leaving Hoss to go back to his baby brother and their game on the porch.<\/p>\n Joe played happily with his brother for an hour then he began to get restless. \u201c’I wanna ride Shadow,\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI’m not allowed to do that with you unless Pa’s here.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe began to whine and Hoss didn’t know what to do.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go play in the barn for a while,\u201d\u00a0 he suggested.<\/p>\n His little brother looked doubtful,\u00a0 \u201cIn the hayloft?\u201d\u00a0 he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n Hoss screwed up his face into a frown.\u00a0 \u201cWe ain’t supposed to.\u00a0 Couldn’t we just play in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u00a0\u201cI wanna…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yeah, I know,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss interrupted before Joe’s whine got any louder.\u00a0 \u201cC’mon then, but you gotta be careful and do what I say.\u201d<\/p>\n To his brother’s relief, Joe was quiet happy to build a straw house in the corner of the hayloft well away from the opening and the edge of the overhang. Rooting around in the straw Hoss came across a wooden box it had a catch but no lock and he opened it cautiously.\u00a0 He didn’t recall seeing it before but it had been well hidden in the corner.\u00a0 He was disappointed to find it contained only books.\u00a0 They must be Adam’s, but why hide them up here.\u00a0 He flicked one open it was a mail order catalogue of Mama’s, and quite old.\u00a0 It was well thumbed and fell open at a page of ladies things.\u00a0 Hoss couldn’t see why Adam kept that.\u00a0 Then a book full of paintings, but all the paintings were of naked or near naked people.\u00a0 Now he understood why Adam had this one hidden, Pa wouldn’t approve at all.\u00a0 Hoss settled down to take a better look ignoring his little brother.<\/p>\n The third book was green leather and quite obviously a diary.\u00a0 Hoss hesitated for only a second before opening it.\u00a0 What sort of stuff did Adam write down?\u00a0 He started to read and then shut the book quickly it was all mushy stuff.\u00a0 Adam had written all about his feelings for Caroline and how it felt to kiss her.\u00a0\u00a0 He returned to the book of paintings and turned the pages in fascination until his stomach began to rumble and he decided to put the books away and go in search of milk and cookies.<\/p>\n He carefully replaced the books and hid the box in its original place. Adam must never know he had found it.\u00a0 Clambering to his feet he looked around for his little brother.\u00a0 \u201cJoe… where you hiding?\u201d he chuckled, expecting Joe to appear from under a pile of hay.\u00a0 No answer.\u00a0 \u201cJoe…JOE…stop foolin’ around and come on out.\u00a0 I’m gonna get cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n When there was still no sound, he began to worry.\u00a0 \u201cJoe….JOE,\u201d he called again shuffling through the straw and then peering over the overhand to see if he could see Joe below.\u00a0 He couldn’t have fallen he would have heard him.\u00a0 Maybe he had gone into the house on his own for cookies or maybe to the outhouse.\u00a0 He climbed down and searched the barn then checked the outhouse and finally went indoors and began to call again.\u00a0 As each search proved fruitless his anxiety began to grow.\u00a0\u00a0 He started to run between rooms, throwing open doors and yelling louder and louder but only silence greeted him.\u00a0 He extended his search to Joe’s favorite hiding places when they played ‘hide and go seek’, the hen house, under Pa’s desk, under the beds, even in the closets but there was no sign.<\/p>\n He ran out on to the porch again half hoping to see Joe walking towards him but the yard was deserted.\u00a0 Just as panic overtook him, and tears began to well up in his eyes he heard the sound of hoof beats.\u00a0 No wagon so it couldn’t be Pa.\u00a0 He knew he’d be in trouble if it was but at this moment he didn’t care who came as long as someone did.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 7<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was warm out here on the porch, they had been sitting here and chatting for over an hour.\u00a0 Adam had drunk far too much lemonade and eaten too many cookies and now he lay back against the cushions of the swing seat and allowed his arm to rest along the back of it just touching Caroline’s shoulder.\u00a0 Sitting here so close to her made him nervous.\u00a0 He had never felt this way about a girl before.\u00a0 They had kissed a few times and each occasion was burned in his memory, especially the kisses they had shared last Saturday before the trouble in the barn.\u00a0\u00a0 Every time they were together he wanted her more and last Saturday’s incident had made him think of what might have happened.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere’s your mother?\u201d he whispered, glancing over his shoulder toward the house.<\/p>\n Caroline giggled.\u00a0 \u201cOut in the back yard weeding her vegetable plot.\u00a0 She won’t come out here for ages.\u201d<\/p>\n He allowed his arm to slide down the back of the seat and pull her close to him. \u201cI wish we were really on our own,\u201d\u00a0 he said softly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy what would you do?\u201d\u00a0 she asked boldly.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to kiss you like I did the other day,\u201d he replied, blushing a little.<\/p>\n She snuggled into his arms and looked up at him with an inviting smile.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don’t you, no one can see us.\u201d<\/p>\n He couldn’t resist her upturned face and when she closed her eyes expectantly, he moved slowly forward and kissed her, gently at first then with a little more feeling.\u00a0 Small shocks of pleasure ran though him as she responded to his kisses.\u00a0 His right hand moved around her back pulling her closer to him and his left hand rested on her other shoulder.\u00a0 She stirred strong feelings in him and he wanted to crush her to him.\u00a0 He allowed his hand to slide lower to touch her breast as he kissed her and waited for her to push him away when she didn’t he became bolder and began to caress her.\u00a0 His kisses moved from her lips to her cheek and then her ear and then down to her throat.\u00a0 She wore a simple shirt that was open at the neck and he kissed the pulse at the base of her throat.\u00a0 Only when he started to push her gently back against the cushions did she resist him, pushing him away with both hands.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, stop it,\u201d she protested.\u00a0 \u201cMy mother might see us\u201d’<\/p>\n He moved back a little and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you said she wouldn’t come out here for ages.\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline pursed her lips and he felt the urge to kiss them again, as he moved forward she ducked to one side and frowned at him.\u00a0 \u201cI said stop I,\u201d’\u00a0 she repeated a little nervously, but with a giggle..<\/p>\n \u201cAw c’mon Caro\u2019, you wanted me to just now.\u201d\u00a0 He tried again but she moved away from him.<\/p>\n \u201cWell I don’t now,\u201d\u00a0 she snapped then reached out and touched his lips regretting her hasty words.\u00a0 \u201cI’m sorry I didn’t mean that.\u00a0 I do want you to kiss me but I don’t think we should… well not like that anyway.\u00a0 It\u2019s all too fast,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI know what you mean, but I’m not sure I can go back to holding hands.\u00a0 We could go for a short walk, your mother wouldn’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline shook her head, \u201cI don’t think we should do that either, it would only make Papa mad at us if he found out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed.\u00a0 It was hard sitting here and not touching her.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think he’ll let me take you to the dance next week?\u201d<\/p>\n Caroline shook her head. \u201cI think its going to take a bit longer than that to convince him you’re intentions are honorable,\u201d she smiled.<\/p>\n Adam laughed and lightly kissed her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cWhat makes you think they are?\u201d\u00a0 He gathered a loose tendril of her hair and twined it around his finger.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d\u00a0 her voice registered shock but her smile denied it.<\/p>\n For a moment they sat side by side in silence then Adam moved slightly and pulled her head against his chest and began to stroke her hair.\u00a0 She relaxed against him listening to his heart beating and feeling her own beating faster as he touched her.\u00a0 He waited a moment and then kissed the top of her head.\u00a0 Her fingers played with his shirt buttons and then rested on his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cNow who’s going too fast,\u201d he said hoarsely as her finger tips touched his skin sending flames of desire flickering through him.\u00a0 He allowed his fingers to travel down her shoulder to the opening of her shirt, tracing the line of her collar bone his eyes never leaving hers as they both became more and more daring.\u00a0 He was about to pull her closer to kiss her when they both heard footsteps coming through the house.\u00a0 They sprang apart as though pulled by invisible strings.\u00a0 Caroline patted her hair into place and Adam fastened his shirt button just as Mrs Watson emerged from the house.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s past four, Adam.\u00a0 Didn’t you say you had to be home to do your chores?\u201d\u00a0 Anne Watson said pleasantly.\u00a0 \u201cI’m sure you can visit with Caroline again next Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam blushed and covered his embarrassment by scrambling clumsily to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cYes, thank you Mrs Watson.\u00a0 I’d better be going then.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Caroline, \u201cI’ll… I’ll see you in school, Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn church tomorrow, silly,\u201d\u00a0 Caroline reminded him with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cI love you,\u201d\u00a0 she mouthed silently behind her mother’s back.<\/p>\n He flushed a deep red but couldn’t reply in a like manner because Mrs Watson was looking at him.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll see you tomorrow then,\u201d\u00a0 he stuttered.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for the lemonade Ma’am.\u201d<\/p>\n Anne Watson watched him go with a smile.\u00a0 Such a nice polite young man, and so shy.\u00a0 How could Charles have thought that he and Caroline would do anything they shouldn’t?<\/p>\n Adam rode as if on a cloud.\u00a0 She loved him and he was certain sure he loved her.\u00a0 His heart sang as he trotted his pony back down the familiar rode home.\u00a0\u00a0 The afternoon had been worth the extra trouble of doing a bit of homework for Hoss.\u00a0 He would be there long before Pa and Marie and all his chores would be done before they got home.\u00a0 For once all was right with his world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He was still smiling and humming softly to himself as he rode into the yard to find a white faced and agitated Hoss waiting for him on the porch.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam… Adam!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss almost screamed, there were tears streaming down his face and he looked scared out of his wits.<\/p>\n Adam swung down from his pony and throwing the reins over the rail he made it to Hoss in two strides.\u00a0 \u201cWhat’s wrong\u201d he yelled grabbing the younger boy by the shoulders to make him stand still.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe… he’s… he’s…\u201d\u00a0 Hoss blubbered unable to get his words out.<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s what?\u201d\u00a0 Adam demanded in exasperation.\u00a0 \u201cIs he hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don’t know… he’s gone…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGone!\u201d\u00a0 Adam echoed in shock.\u00a0 \u201cGone where?\u201d he shook Hoss in an effort to make him stop crying.\u00a0 \u201cTell me, gone where?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI… I… d… don’t k… know.\u00a0 I was re…\u201d\u00a0 he stopped. He didn’t want to tell Adam that he had been spying on him and reading his books and journal, that would make him real mad.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was in the barn,\u201d he amended.\u00a0 \u201cWe was playing in the hay and when I looked for him, he’d gone.\u00a0 I’ve searched everywhere Adam, honest I have.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam almost sighed with relief.\u00a0 \u201cHe’s only playing hide and seek and I bet he’s found some where comfy and fallen asleep.\u00a0 Did he have a nap this afternoon?\u00a0 He usually still has a short one and I bet you forgot to make him take one\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head, feeling a little better now that his older brother was here and taking charge.\u00a0 Adam was probably right.\u00a0 Joe had crawled in somewhere and fallen asleep.<\/p>\n \u201cYou go search the barn again, look under things and move the hay.\u00a0 I bet he’s there somewhere.\u00a0\u00a0 I’ll go search the house.\u201d\u00a0 Adam set off in good spirits vowing to wring Joe’s neck when he found him.\u00a0 He searched the kitchen and then checked the lock on the storeroom door.\u00a0 He looked under Ben’s desk and in the cupboards.\u00a0 He ran up the stairs calling Joe’s name and checked every bedroom, closet and bed.<\/p>\n Finally he stood on the stairs and yelled,\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe….you come out here right now or I’ll spank you.\u201d\u00a0 Even this had no effect.\u00a0 His voice echoed for a moment then died into the silence.<\/p>\n He met Hoss on the porch.\u00a0 \u201cWell, did you find him?\u201d\u00a0 he asked his voice now taking on an angry and anxious tone.<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s really gone, Adam,\u201d he replied with a worried frown.\u00a0 \u201cI’ve looked everywhere.\u00a0 I even checked that Shadow was still there.\u00a0 You know how he wants to ride all the time.\u00a0 But he’s not there. He must have wandered off someplace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell he wouldn’t have done if you’d kept a better eye on him,\u201d his older brother grumbled.\u00a0 He sighed by the time they found Joe it would be late to start the chores.\u00a0 At first, he hadn’t thought that anything really bad could have happened.\u00a0 Joe was always wandering off and this was another of those times.\u00a0 Then thoughts of the accidents that could have befallen a three year old began to form in his head.\u00a0 He’d kill Little Joe when he got hold of him.<\/p>\n \u201cRight, well, we spread out and search further away.\u201d\u00a0 He was determined to stay calm and practical until he heard the sound of a buckboard.\u00a0 \u201cPa!…\u201d he gasped.\u00a0 It couldn’t be, not yet.\u00a0 His stomach lurched and panic set in.\u00a0 If Pa found out he’d had been in town and allowed Joe to get lost or worse….\u00a0 He thought fast.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, if that’s Pa you don’t tell him I went to town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what if he asks me?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked with a worried frown.<\/p>\n Adam took his brother by the shoulder and shook him. \u201c’He won’t.\u00a0 You keep your mouth shut understand.\u00a0 I’ll say I went in the house for a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked at his older brother with total disbelief, \u00a0\u201cYou’re gonna lie to Pa?\u00a0 He’ll kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s gonna do that anyway if he finds out I went to town,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 He knew that he had two choices; either own up and face the consequences, which would be unpleasant or take a chance and try to dig his way out of this hole in the hope that he might get away unscathed.\u00a0 The latter seemed the better option right now.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll do the explaining and you just follow my lead, okay.\u201d<\/p>\n His brother nodded, worried about lying to his father and only to happy too let Adam do the talking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben jumped down from the buckboard and turned to help Marie down then he felt the tension in the air and he turned on Adam with a pained sigh.\u00a0 \u201cWhat’s gone wrong now?\u201d\u00a0 he asked.<\/p>\n Adam tried to be relaxed about it. \u201cIts nothing really Pa, just Joe’s gone and hid himself some place and we can’t find him,\u201d he said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cI bet he’s fallen asleep and don’t hear us calling.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie came around the buckboard her face showing her concern.\u00a0 \u201cHow could he do that, weren’t you with him?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glanced away, \u201cI went in the house for a minute.\u00a0 He and Hoss were playing hide and seek in the barn, when I got back Hoss said he couldn’t find him.\u201d\u00a0 He prayed fervently that his father wasn’t watching his face as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you looked everywhere in the barn and the house?\u201d\u00a0 Ben said sharply, taking command of the situation.<\/p>\n Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHoss searched the barn and I’ve looked all over the house,\u201d he said quickly, glad the explanation part had been glossed over so fast.<\/p>\n Ben put an arm around Marie,\u00a0 \u201cYou go look in the house and the boys and I will spread out and search the yard.\u00a0 Like Adam says I expect he’s hidden himself somewhere and fallen asleep.\u00a0 Don’t worry we’ll find him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long has he been gon\u201d’\u00a0 Marie asked worriedly, gripping her husband’s arm.<\/p>\n Adam glanced nervously at Hoss.\u00a0 He didn’t know how long Joe had been missing before he got home.\u00a0 Hoss ignored the look.\u00a0 Adam had told him to keep quiet and he planned to do just that.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m not exactly sure, it must be about an hour by now.\u00a0 We’ve been looking for quite a while,\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou go inside honey,\u201d\u00a0 Ben gently guided Marie toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cDidn’t you say he was fascinated by something in the back yard.\u00a0 Adam you go look there.\u00a0 Hoss you search the back of the barn and by the corral, he might have gone to see Sport.\u00a0 I’ll go down the path to the stream and swing by the pond.\u00a0 He can’t have gone far.\u201d\u00a0 Even as he spoke Ben was imagining all kinds of dangers for one small boy in an hour.\u00a0 He waited until Marie was inside and then he lifted his rifle from the buckboard and checked it.\u00a0 If he was going down to the pond there was always a chance that he might encounter the cougar.\u00a0 His heart began to beat faster what if Little Joe had met with the cougar.\u00a0 The child had no fear of animals; to him it would be just a bigger version of Ginger until it growled at him or attacked.<\/p>\n Ben hurried down the narrow path through the trees to the area the boys called the pond, it was little more than a mud puddle in summer fed by an under ground spring which then trickled off down toward Washoe.\u00a0 In winter it could swell with rain and provide quite a large deep area of water.\u00a0 The spring was one of the reasons he had chosen to build the house here.\u00a0 In the early days it had given them fresh water nearby and now it provided water to the well. As he neared the area he listened intently but heard nothing other than the quacking of the few ducks that lived there.\u00a0 He rounded the corner and the sight that met him first surprised him and then made him smile.<\/p>\n Little Joe was sitting waist deep in water hugging a rather large and irate duck.\u00a0 He was covered from head to foot in the chocolate colored mud of the pond.\u00a0 Ben quickly hid his smile, it might seem funny now that he knew the boy was safe, but Joe had been told many times that he must not wander off by himself and particularly that he must not come to the pond alone.\u00a0 He strode toward the little boy with a stern expression painted in place.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u201d’<\/p>\n The little boy looked up completely oblivious to the trouble he had caused.\u00a0 In his surprise at seeing his father, he let go of the duck which fluttered squawking across the mud.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, you fwightened my duck,\u201d\u00a0 he accused.\u00a0 \u201cI was goin’ to bring him home to live wiv us.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben bent down and was about to lift his son into his arms when the smell of the mud stopped him, instead he took him by the hand.\u00a0 \u201cWe are going home to get you cleaned up young man and then we are going to have a talk about listening and being a good boy.\u00a0 We’ve all been very worried.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up at his father.\u00a0 He didn’t understand why anyone should be worried; he’d only gone to visit the ducks.\u00a0 He’d been asking his brothers to take him for days.\u00a0\u00a0 Hand in hand they walked back to the house to reassure Marie that nothing terrible had happened to her baby.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Half an hour later Marie had heated water and Joe was being vigorously scrubbed in the tin bath set in front of the fireplace.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss were both relaxed now;\u00a0 Adam with his head in a book, and Hoss watching the bathing of his baby brother with a wide grin.\u00a0\u00a0 Marie was happy now that Joe was safe and she hadn’t the heart to be angry with him.<\/p>\n Ben didn’t feel quite the same way.\u00a0 He sat beside the bath and leaned forward resting his hands on his knees. \u201cNow young man, just what did you think you were doing wandering off on your own.\u00a0 You’ve been told hundreds of times not to do that, haven’t you?\u201d he said sternly.<\/p>\n Joe looked up with appealing eyes. \u201cI only wanted to see the ducks.\u00a0 Hoss wouldn’t take me,\u201d he said sadly.<\/p>\n Ben glanced at Hoss, \u201cGood, at least one of you listened to me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tensed a little, waiting for some comment about him keeping a better eye on Joe but none was forthcoming.\u00a0 He kept his eyes firmly on his book but his ears attuned to the conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you only the other day that it was dangerous by the pond right now and that you weren’t to go there.\u00a0 Didn’t I?\u00a0 Did you forget?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his wet head solemnly.\u00a0 Papa was very angry with him and he rightly judged that being quiet and looking sorry was the best way to act.<\/p>\n Ben was at a loss to know how to deal with the youngster; somehow he had to make him understand.\u00a0 He put on his sternest expression and spoke in a quiet voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou made Adam and Hoss very worried.\u00a0 Joseph, you are a very naughty boy to go to the pond without telling Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up with an angelic smile, at last seeing a way out of Papa being mad at him.\u00a0 After all he couldn’t tell Adam where he was going if he wasn’t there.\u00a0 \u201cBut Adam wasn’t here, Pa,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n You could have heard a pin drop as the portent of his words hit all the occupants of the room at once.\u00a0 Marie stopped washing Joe and stood poised with the sponge dripping on to the little boy’s head.\u00a0 Hoss’s mouth dropped open and Ben’s expression changed.\u00a0 His face became cold and hard as he turned around to his oldest son with a look that could freeze Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n Adam wished the floor would open up and swallow him but it didn’t look as though that was likely to happen.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that true?\u00a0 Did you leave the ranch this afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam’s breathing became shallow as he looked into his father’s eyes, seeing anger and disappointment there. He nodded, unable to trust his voice to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cGo to your room,\u201d\u00a0 Ben said very quietly, pointing at the staircase as he got to his feet.<\/p>\n Adam glanced from Hoss to Marie but neither would look at him, both had their heads down; Hoss from fear of what might come his way, and Marie from disappointment in her stepson.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 8<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned on the window frame and put his cheek against the cool glass.\u00a0 A few hours ago he had reckoned that seeing Caroline was worth the risk of getting caught by his father, now he knew it wasn’t.\u00a0 Nothing was worth the lecture he had just had to endure nor the punishment that went with it.\u00a0\u00a0 He stared out into the summer night and went over the past hour in his head, nothing had prepared him for the tongue lashing he had received.<\/p>\n His father had come into his room quietly and without knocking and he had tried hard to meet his eyes but he couldn’t.\u00a0 The look of disappointment that he had seen there had made him bite his lip and stare at his boots.<\/p>\n \u201cLook at me, boy,\u201d\u00a0 Ben had said sternly but quietly.\u00a0 His hands were on his hips with his thumbs pushed down into his belt.<\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard and lifted his head, it was one of the hardest things he had ever done to look his father in the eye at this moment.\u00a0 Ben allowed the silence to continue until Adam was sweating with the effort of looking at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you care to tell me exactly what you thought you were doing leaving your brothers alone after you had been told quite specifically that you were to care for them?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was aware that although his father’s voice was soft and reasonable, it hid an anger that if, or rather when, unleashed would be devastating.\u00a0 Pa always got quieter when he was really angry.\u00a0 It was as if that was the only way he could control his temper.\u00a0 He wasn’t sure how to react; what line to take to minimize his punishment?<\/p>\n \u201cI thought they’d be all right.\u00a0 I wasn’t gone long,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou thought that you could deliberately flout my instructions and I wouldn’t find out.\u00a0 That’s what you thought,\u201d<\/em> he said quietly. \u201c’Wasn’t it?\u201d he snapped out making Adam jump.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir,\u201d\u00a0 Adam admitted in defeat, his eyes dropping to the floor again.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you go?\u00a0 Or need I ask?\u201d\u00a0 Ben’s voice was full of sarcasm.<\/p>\n Adam sighed with resignation and then realized that his father would probably take that as insolence.\u00a0 \u201cI went to visit Caroline.\u00a0\u00a0 Mrs Watson was there,\u201d\u00a0 he added hurriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that is supposed to justify your disobedience to me in being there at all?\u00a0 You are the oldest you have duties and responsibilities to your younger brothers.\u00a0 You may not always like that but it\u2019s a fact and I expect you to be mature enough to recognize it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam almost made some unforgivable comment but stopped the words just in time and kept his head down.\u00a0 Pa was always going on about responsibility, well for once he wanted to be the youngest with no siblings to take care of or watch over.\u00a0 At this moment he hated being the oldest and would give anything to be Little Joe or Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cI trusted you to take care of Hoss and Joe and you betrayed that trust,\u201d\u00a0 Ben went on, his voice still quiet but stern.<\/p>\n That one hurt more.\u00a0 Adam wanted his father to trust him and to be proud of him but he didn’t always fit his actions to that desired aim.<\/p>\n \u201cYou knew Joe wanted to go to the pond.\u00a0 You knew the cougar was in that area not to mention the danger of him drowning or suffocating in the mud and yet you left him with Hoss without a backward glance.\u00a0 Hoss is nine years old, you cannot expect him to see the dangers the way you would.\u201d\u00a0 He began to pace across the room, his temper still barely under control, as he thought of the accidents that could have befallen his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I knew all that, but if Joe had stayed put he wouldn’t have been in any danger.\u00a0 How come he gets let off as usual and it\u2019s all my fault.\u201d As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them.\u00a0 He saw his father’s expression change to open anger.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you answer back?\u00a0 Your little brother is three years old not almost sixteen.\u00a0 He is too small to understand the dangers and he<\/em> didn’t lie about it either, which is another subject we will get to in due course.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam reverted to staring at the rug.\u00a0 He had forgotten the lie and now it came back to him and he realized that anything he had heard so far would pale into insignificance when Pa got on to that subject.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you enjoyed your afternoon of freedom, because it will be your last for sometime to come,\u201d Ben said angrily.<\/p>\n Adam made no comment he had expected that one and much as it hurt he knew that he deserved it.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd to think that both Marie and I pleaded with the Watson’s on your behalf,\u201d his father continued with a cold laugh.\u00a0 \u201cI even told Mr. Watson that you were responsible and trustworthy.\u00a0 Well I couldn’t have been more wrong, could I?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam fixed his eyes on his boots, he knew his father was building up into a rage and the best thing he could do was to keep silent and hope it would pass.<\/p>\n \u201cJust how did you persuade your younger brother to go along with this charade…threats or bribery?\u201d\u00a0 Ben moved closer to his son and Adam wished his father wasn’t quite so big.<\/p>\n There was no way back now.\u00a0 He knew Pa would ask Hoss and his younger brother would never lie for him. \u201c’I offered to do his homework for him,\u201d he said in a tone of resignation.\u00a0 It was all going to come out so he might as well get it over with.\u00a0 \u201cI did part of it and promised to finish it when I got home if he said nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded wisely.\u00a0 \u201cSo you were prepared to bribe and cheat to get your own way.\u00a0 Don’t you realize your brothers follow your lead and that you have a responsibility to them?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam choked back a retort at that word again.\u00a0 He didn’t want to be responsible.\u00a0 He hadn’t asked to be born the oldest.\u00a0 It wasn’t fair.<\/p>\n \u201cFine, well you can finish that homework and give it to me before church tomorrow and if you as much as hint to Hoss on its content you will both regret it.\u00a0 That will occupy some of your evening and finishing your own work should complete it.\u00a0 I want to see your work tomorrow to make sure it\u2019s been done.’\u00a0 Ben pronounced. \u201cIs that clear\u201d’<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir,\u201d Adam replied reluctantly.<\/p>\n \u201cNow we come to the details.\u00a0 I assume you left here immediately you had finished your chore\u201d’<\/p>\n Adam shrugged then wished he hadn’t when his father glared at him.\u00a0 \u201cI’m not sure how long I was away.\u00a0\u00a0 I got back maybe half an hour before you did,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cMmm….\u201d Ben began to pace.\u00a0 \u201cThen you decided that you found yourself in some difficulty, since you really didn’t know how long Joe had been missing or what he and Hoss had been doing all afternoon, so you chose to lie your way out of it.\u00a0 You told me that you had slipped into the house for a moment.\u201d He halted in front of his son and fixed him with the look all the boys knew so well.\u00a0 \u201cYou had the opportunity to tell me the truth and you deliberately chose not to, isn’t that so?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hung his head waiting for the more he knew would come.<\/p>\n \u201cYou thought that you would get away with it and if it hadn’t been for that chance remark of Joe’s you would have done.\u00a0 I’m ashamed of you… thoroughly ashamed.\u00a0 I had thought that you were mature enough to face up to the consequences of your actions.\u00a0 If you insist on acting like a child then you will be punished as a child,\u201d Ben had finished.<\/p>\n Adam pushed back from the window remembering the sinking feeling in his stomach at that last remark.\u00a0\u00a0 He stared at his bookshelf, wishing he could relax and read but he knew he had better get to finishing Hoss’s assignment and then his own.\u00a0 He didn’t want his father anymore angry than he was already.\u00a0 He reluctantly pulled out his notebook and dropped it on the desk, sinking very carefully into the chair and wincing as he did so.\u00a0\u00a0 It was a long time since Pa had felt it necessary to give him such a severe whipping and he had forgotten how difficult it would be to sit in comfort.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After a few minutes of shifting in his chair, he picked up the copybook and took it to the bed, throwing himself face down and leaning on his pillow to write.<\/p>\n He had worked for maybe half an hour when there was a knock on his door.\u00a0 The door opened, \u201dAdam….\u201d\u00a0 Hoss spoke cautiously as if unsure of his reception.\u00a0 \u201cPa says you gotta come down and have some supper.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had turned his head to look at his younger brother. \u201cTell him I’m not hungry,\u201d he replied turning back to the copybook.<\/p>\n Hoss shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.\u00a0 \u201cI’d just as soon not.\u00a0 He’s awful mad and so’s Mama.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed deeply.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, I’ll be right down.\u201d\u00a0 He rolled to the edge of the bed and stood up, trying not to show his brother how much he was hurting.<\/p>\n \u201cYou okay?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked as they made their way down the hall.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah, sure,\u201d Adam replied so sarcastically that Hoss retreated with a hurt expression and said no more.<\/p>\n Marie was sitting in the chair by the fire with Joe now bathed and ready for bed curled up on her knee.\u00a0 A storybook was open on her lap and Joe was smiling at whatever she had been reading.\u00a0 Adam looked away it was so unfair, Joe had been wrong too.\u00a0 He knew he wasn’t supposed to wander off, particularly to the pond, yet here he was being cuddled and made a fuss of instead of punished.<\/p>\n Adam glanced quickly at his father who was leaning against the hearth trying to get his pipe to light.\u00a0 Pa sure didn’t look any less angry.\u00a0 He dropped his eyes again.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is some supper for you in the kitchen,\u201d\u00a0 Marie spoke sharply.\u00a0 \u201cClear your plate and wash it up when you’ve finished.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cYes Ma’am,\u201d he responded politely and with one more glance at his father’s back he made his way out to the comparative safety of the kitchen. He spooned some stew from the pot on the stove on to a plate and stood leaning against the dresser to eat it.\u00a0 It was good stew but he had no appetite and ate only a small portion before washing his plate and putting it away.\u00a0 He turned to go back to the big room but hesitated in the doorway.\u00a0 He could slip up the backstairs and avoid the rest of the family altogether but he had a nasty feeling that it would only provoke his father to more angry words.<\/p>\n Joe was saying goodnight to everyone and seeing Adam in the doorway he hesitated.\u00a0 He knew his oldest brother was mad at him and that everyone else was angry with Adam and he wasn’t sure of his reception.\u00a0 Adam bent down to Joe’s level and winked, after all it wasn’t really his little brother’s fault.\u00a0 Joe ran into his brother’s arms and gave him a hug.<\/p>\n \u201cNight pest,\u201d\u00a0 Adam said with a small smile.<\/p>\n Joe hugged him tight.\u00a0 \u201cRead me a story, Adam?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Adam glanced across at his father waiting for him to respond.\u00a0 He didn’t have long to wait.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam has homework to do,\u201d Ben said sharply, moving over and taking Joe from his brother.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you don’t deserve a story tonight. Straight to bed and to sleep,\u201d he added sternly.<\/p>\n Joe’s bottom lip began to quiver but he held back the tears knowing they would do no good with Papa when he was in this mood.\u00a0 Ben waited for Adam to precede them up the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cNight Hoss\u201d\u00a0 Adam said quickly as he crossed the room.\u00a0 He paused at Marie’s chair it had become a habit for her to touch his hand or shoulder when he said goodnight.\u00a0 Their relationship hadn’t progressed far enough for the hug Hoss always gave her before bed but the simple gesture of touching meant something to both of them.\u00a0 Tonight however, she made no move toward him and her expression was one of disappointment.\u00a0 \u201cGoodnight\u00a0 Marie,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n \u201cGoodnight Adam,\u201d\u00a0 she said with less than her usual warmth.<\/p>\n He turned away and started up the stairs biting his lip to avoid showing how much that had hurt.\u00a0 Once alone in his room again he felt better.\u00a0 At least it was all over.\u00a0 Joe was safe and the worst part of his punishment was done.\u00a0 Being confined to the ranch was nothing new and he’d get through it somehow.\u00a0 He’d see Caroline in church tomorrow and at school.\u00a0 He wasn’t much worse off than before, except that sitting down was more painful than it had been on that swing seat this afternoon.<\/p>\n He undressed and got into bed, taking his notebooks with him so that he could finish off the homework to show Pa in the morning.\u00a0 It wouldn’t do to anger him again.\u00a0 As he wrote he found himself thinking of Caroline more than school work and it took him twice as long as usual to complete the assignment.<\/p>\n The next morning Pa was as good as his word.\u00a0 He read the work Adam had done for Hoss and then destroyed it much to Hoss’s disappointment.\u00a0 Then he checked out Adam’s work.\u00a0 Any opportunity to talk to Caroline at church was firmly squashed, his father didn’t allow him to move more than a foot from him and Adam ducked his head in embarrassment when his sins were related to Mr and Mrs Watson.\u00a0\u00a0 He was particularly upset that Caroline should hear, only small boys were punished with a tanning.\u00a0\u00a0 Caroline stood slightly behind her parents and when he finally looked up she winked at him which made him feel a little better.<\/p>\n \u201cSchool tomorrow,\u201d\u00a0 she mouthed silently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The month of his confinement passed slowly.\u00a0 At first it wasn’t too bad.\u00a0 He saw Caroline in school and was delighted to find that she actually considered him a bit of a hero to risk being punished just to see her.\u00a0 As the weeks passed it became harder to bear, he wanted to be with her so much and sitting next to her in school merely increased his desire for her.\u00a0\u00a0 Some days he coped well on others when they sat beside each other he could hardly contain himself.\u00a0 He wanted to reach out and touch her and if their hands brushed against each other the effect made shock waves pass through him.\u00a0 Sometimes he resigned himself to counting the days and hours until they could spend an evening together at other times he railed against his punishment and threatened to ignore his restriction.\u00a0 Caroline tried to calm him but her words and glances only made things worse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie rocked gently in the chair on the porch, her sewing discarded in her lap.\u00a0\u00a0 In the yard Hoss and Joe were playing a game of tag and she shook her head that the energy being expended in this heat.\u00a0 Adam was seated on the porch step with a book in his hands but she was aware that it was sometime since he had been reading.\u00a0 In the last month he had alternated between a quiet resignation to his fate and open hostility towards his father.\u00a0 His mood seemed to have no real logic and Marie had given up trying to guess which one would predominate on any given day.<\/p>\n \u201cYour last Saturday of restriction,\u201d she said with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cYour father did say you could go visiting next week, didn’t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glanced up at her, his face a study of deep thought.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, he said it was okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie tried to gauge his mood today, it was always difficult with Adam; he kept so much hidden inside.\u00a0 In the four years since she had married his father, she could count on the fingers of one hand the times when she had seen him truly relaxed and open.\u00a0 \u201cYou don’t sound very happy about it.\u00a0 I thought you would be pleased you could see Caroline again.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a long month\u201d’<\/p>\n He got up and placed his book carefully on the table as if debating whether to confide in her. \u201cOh, I am pleased.\u00a0 Not just to see Caroline,\u201d he added hastily.\u00a0 \u201cI want to spend some time with Ross too; it gets pretty boring around here every weekend.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He came and sat at her feet staring out into the yard and deliberately avoiding looking at her.<\/p>\n Now she knew he wanted to talk but was finding it hard.\u00a0 She cast around in her mind for a topic that might lead in the right direction.\u00a0 It must be something to do with Caroline, but what?<\/p>\n \u201cYou and Caroline have been seeing each other in school, haven’t you?\u00a0 I mean you haven’t fallen out over this\u201d she tried the most obvious line.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, nothing like that.\u201d \u00a0He clasped his hands around his knees.\u00a0 \u201cHow old were you when you got married? …. to Jean, I mean,\u201d he said hurriedly.<\/p>\n Marie’s mouth dropped open in shock.\u00a0 That was a line she hadn’t anticipated. Now where was it going?\u00a0 Surely he couldn’t be suggesting that he and Caroline wanted to get married at fifteen.\u00a0 \u201cI was almost eighteen,\u201d she said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cMm…two years older than Caro\u2019,\u201d he mused.<\/p>\n Marie couldn’t remain indifferent to the undertones here; Ben would never forgive her if she didn’t find out what was going on.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you’re not suggesting that you and Caroline wanted to get married?\u201d she asked as calmly as she could.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head and gave a rueful grin.\u00a0 \u201cThat sure would give Pa a fit.\u00a0 No it\u2019s not that. I just wondered. I mean growing up is pretty confusing and well…\u201d he took a deep breath and decided to talk.\u00a0 \u201cHow do you know when you love someone?\u201d<\/p>\n Marie smiled. \u201cWhen it happens you’ll know.\u00a0 You want to be with that person all the time. Their happiness is more important than your own. You feel different. You aren’t complete unless they are with you.\u00a0 Loving someone is placing your happiness in their hands.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned around and looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cI think I feel that way about Caroline,\u201d he said so softly that she had to strain to hear him.<\/p>\n Marie had to look away.\u00a0 It would never do to treat this with anything but the most serious expression.\u00a0 He was confiding in her for the first time in their relationship and even though she couldn’t really believe he meant he was in love, she had to take him seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cYou’d give up anything for her? If she wanted to set up home right now, you’d give up your dream of college?\u201d she asked. Picking on the one thing she knew meant more to him than anything else.<\/p>\n He hesitated. \u201cWould she want me to do that?\u201d\u00a0 he asked with a note of horror and disbelief.<\/p>\n Marie smiled. \u201cIf she did, how would you feel about it?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat, \u201cI want to go to college, a good education is important, isn’t it?\u201d<\/p>\n His stepmother nodded.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe you don’t love her quite as much as you think, after all,\u201d\u00a0 she suggested.<\/p>\n He appeared to think about this and for a moment there was silence. \u201cBut if I don’t love her then…why…why do I feel so …so sorta strange when I’m with her?\u201d he finally got out.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam she’s your first real girlfriend, how do you know you wouldn’t feel like this with any girl?\u00a0 It\u2019s all part of growing up.\u00a0 My guess is that in time there will be lots of girls who make you feel the way you do now, but when you meet the right girl it will be even more special.\u00a0 Of course I may be wrong and Caroline may be the girl but don’t rush things.\u00a0 You are both so very young and have a lot of things to do before you settle down.\u201d She cocked an eyebrow at him, \u201cDidn’t your father talk to you about your feelings?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked away his face flushed with embarrassment.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, he talked. He said we ought to spend less time together and more time with other friends.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThat’s good advice.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swung around to face her.\u00a0 \u201cBut I don’t want to spend time with anyone else.\u00a0 I just want to be with her.\u00a0 Just the two of us,\u201d he blurted out.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd its being alone with just the two of you that is causing the problem\u2026 huh?\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n He looked up at her and knew she understood what he was trying to say.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d he said emphatically.\u00a0 \u201cI want to be alone with her and yet I know I shouldn’t be…,\u201d his voice trailed off.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs Watson was there when you made your illegal visit, wasn’t she?\u201d\u00a0 Marie asked with a worried frown.<\/p>\n Adam nodded but there was some hesitation and Marie gave him a stern look.<\/p>\n \u201cWell…she was in the backyard most of the time and we were on the porch on our own,\u201d\u00a0 he admitted.<\/p>\n Marie grunted. \u201cHmm…I think your father is right, you should try to include your other friends.\u00a0 Why don’t you get Ross and Amy to join you sometimes?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned. \u201c’Cos Ross and Amy fell out and they don’t talk to each other anymore.\u00a0 They didn’t feel the same way about each other as Caro’ and I do\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMama can we have some lemonade and cookies?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss shouted as he dodged Little Joe and collapsed beside Adam on the porch.<\/p>\n Marie was irritated by the interruption.\u00a0 It wasn’t often that she and Adam were this close and she didn’t want to spoil it.<\/p>\n \u201cPwease, Mama?\u201d\u00a0 Joe echoed as he bounced on to Adam knocking his book to the floor.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head in amusement at the grubby state of his baby brother.\u00a0 \u201cC’mon, pest.\u00a0 I’ll get it for you, if you come and help,\u201d he said ruffling Joe’s damp curls.<\/p>\n Marie sighed.\u00a0 He had come so close to relaxing with her and confiding in her.\u00a0 She hadn’t realized how serious he was about his feelings for Caroline.\u00a0 She would have to have words with Anne Watson to make sure they were chaperoned more closely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 9<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben heard the thunder of hoofs in the yard and sighed.\u00a0 He bent down to Joe who was playing on the floor by the desk.\u00a0 \u201cThat sounds like your Mama, young man.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go out and remind her that its not necessary to ride as though the whole Piaute nation were after her.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up at him with a wide grin.\u00a0 \u201cMama rides fast.\u00a0 Me and Shadow can ride fast too.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pursed his lips and frowned.\u00a0 \u201cYou’re not to ride anywhere unless I’m with you,\u201d\u00a0 he reminded Joe.<\/p>\n He took the little boy’s hand and headed out into the summer sunshine, glad to be away from his desk.\u00a0 It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the shadow of the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cMama, I bin helpin’ Papa do…counting,\u201d\u00a0 Joe informed her as she bent down to give him a hug.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you sweetie, well I know Papa will appreciate that.\u00a0 He’s not very good at counting,\u201d she winked at her son.<\/p>\n Ben laughed and lifted Joe up on to the dividing stall where he could watch as Marie began to unsaddle Sable.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think you could ride like a lady just once in a while,\u201d he admonished her.\u00a0 \u201cYou are giving your son ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie ignored the implied reprimand and handed him the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cSable needed a good run, she’s not had much exercise lately.\u00a0 I’ve been so busy.\u201d\u00a0 She took up a cloth and began to rub the mare down.\u00a0 \u201cI’m glad we live out here I couldn’t bear to live in town like Anne does.\u00a0 I love the mountains and the open spaces of the valley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo how was Anne?\u00a0 Was your mission successful?\u201d he rested his chin on the partition and smiled at her, knowing she was deliberately avoiding his criticism of her riding habits.<\/p>\n \u201cMmm… sort of,\u201d\u00a0 Marie frowned.\u00a0 \u201cIts difficult to persuade the Watsons to let the two of them meet, and<\/em> hint that maybe they should make sure Caroline is chaperoned when they do.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took the cloth from her and began to groom Sable himself.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you aren’t making too much of what he said to you.\u00a0 He is<\/em> only fifteen.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie looked at her husband and chuckled, \u201cHe’s also your son.\u00a0 How old were you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben joined in her laughter, \u201cOkay, point taken, we won’t go into my murky past if you don’t mind.\u201d He straightened up and patted the mare.\u00a0 \u201cHe does seem to be pretty serious about her.\u00a0 I suppose we ought to take it seriously too.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie lifted Joe from the partition and nuzzled her nose into his neck making him giggle.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s like walking a tightrope,\u201d she observed.\u00a0 \u201cStill, if we practice maybe we can get it right before this one starts courting.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben followed her into the house shaking his head.\u00a0 Being a parent didn’t get any easier the older they got he had discovered, in fact he was beginning to think that the halcyon days were at the age Joe was now, at least his mischief was easy to deal with and he could be controlled.\u00a0 He remembered his own youth and realised that by the time he was fifteen he had been fatherless and serving aboard a clipper as a third mate.\u00a0 There had been discipline on board but very little restriction once he was ashore.\u00a0 He coughed slightly as he realised Marie was right, fifteen was old enough for all kinds of things.<\/p>\n Marie settled herself down in the blue velvet chair and Joe climbed up beside her, anxious to tell her everything he had done with his father this afternoon.<\/p>\n \u201cI rode Shadow all the way to the pasture to see Jake an’ I helped Papa bring some horses back.\u00a0 Didn’t I Papa?\u201d he said proudly.<\/p>\n Ben smiled and winked at Marie. \u201cYou sure did, you’re getting to be a regular hand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter’n Hoss an’ Adam,\u201d\u00a0 Joe boasted.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you better at shorty?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked as he came through the door and heard the last remark.\u00a0 He dropped his hat and school books on the table and came to perch on the edge of the hearth.<\/p>\n \u201cI bin helpin’ with the horses,\u201d Joe told him full of importance.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, that’s good, you can help me do my chores if you like?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, mine too.\u201d\u00a0 Adam joined in, as he also dropped a pile of books on the table.\u00a0 \u201cMarie is it okay if Ross stays to supper?\u201d<\/p>\n Marie glanced up at Ross who had followed Adam in.\u00a0 \u201cDoes your mother know?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n Ross nodded.\u00a0 \u201cWe called by on the way home and she said it was fine as long as you didn’t mind.\u00a0 Adam wants to show off with Sport,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n Adam gave his friend a playful punch on the arm.\u00a0 \u201cHe’s real good.\u00a0 I don’t need to show off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose you two plan to go to the summer picnic tomorrow,\u201d\u00a0 Marie smiled.\u00a0 \u201cDo I assume that you will be riding Sport for the first time off the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n Ross chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, he’s out to impress the girls\u201d’<\/p>\n Ben leaned on the back of Marie’s chair and joined in the light hearted banter.\u00a0 It was good to see Adam with a smile on his face for a change.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope Mr Watson is agreeable to you escorting Caroline.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled at his father.\u00a0 \u201cI promise I asked him before I asked Caro\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about you Ross, who are you taking to the picnic, now that Amy is no longer around?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Ross tipped his head on one side, \u201cWell I asked Louise Dennis but I wish I hadn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie looked up at him and frowned, \u201cYou aren’t going to let her down, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ross shook his head, \u201cNah, but there’s this absolutely fantastic new girl in town and I wish I’d seen her first.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned for the door, \u201cYou got no chance, she goes everywhere with a … what do you call it… duenna… that’s it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ross sighed.\u00a0 \u201cWell her Pa is some big important Spanish nobleman or at least that’s what everyone says.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held the door for his friend, \u201cC’mon you said you’d help with chores, forget the girl she isn’t gonna look twice at you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ross nodded and followed his friend, \u201cYou gotta admit she’s somethin’ though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, she is,\u201d\u00a0 Adam agreed with a faraway look on his face.<\/p>\n Ben watched them go, shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I’ll have to get used to them discussing girls instead of fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAll part of letting them grow up, darling.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Ross teased each other all through supper, the conversation dominated by discussions of who had the best horse and which girl was the prettiest.\u00a0 Hoss ate steadily and turned his nose up at their chat.\u00a0 He was looking forward to the picnic too but he wanted to play horseshoes and eat fried chicken not talk to dumb girls.\u00a0 As they moved away from the supper table Adam had a dreadful thought, what if he was expected to take care of his brothers.\u00a0 He decided to take the bull by the horns and asked.<\/p>\n \u201c’<\/p>\n Ben grimaced at the poor grammar.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I think Hoss can take care of himself for one afternoon and Joe will be with us.\u201d His answer was rewarded with a holler from Adam that surprised him.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, that’s great.\u00a0 And I can go to the dance can’t I?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed and nodded, \u201cProvided your home by eleven, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam’s face fell a little, he had hoped for midnight, but he recovered manfully and determined not to spoil things he answered politely, \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie smiled approvingly, he was learning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The picnic was a great success and it was late afternoon when Ben eventually pulled Marie to a quiet spot under a tree to rest.\u00a0 Within minutes of sitting down, Joe had succumbed to tiredness and fallen asleep and his parents could enjoy some peace and quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cI told Hoss to be back here by six, so we have an hour on our own.\u201d\u00a0 Ben leaned back against the tree and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n Marie cuddled Joe close and put her arm around her husband.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a lovely day.\u00a0 Hoss has won a game of horseshoes and eaten every pie in sight and Joe has stuffed himself with candy and exhausted himself and me.\u201d She glanced across the grass to where the older children were talking.\u00a0 \u201cAnne and I have taken turns to keep an eye on Adam and Caroline and as far as I know they haven’t slipped off alone at all.\u00a0 Mind you he has got Charles’s permission to walk her home alone tonight after the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben opened one eye and grinned at her.\u00a0 \u201cAre you saying you don’t trust our son?\u201d<\/p>\n Marie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, but temptation can be a terrible thing to resist,\u201d’ she leaned over and kissed him.\u00a0 \u201cSee what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes I do.\u00a0 How can you be so shameless Mrs Cartwright?\u201d he replied setting Joe gently aside and gathering her into his arms to kiss her again.<\/p>\n \u201cPa… Pa… can I go and stay with my friend Andy tonight?\u00a0 Mrs Jennings says its okay.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss burst in on them.<\/p>\n Ben sighed, \u201cSo much for temptation.\u201d He moved away from Marie and looked up at his son.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, but I’ll fetch you in the morning, and you behave yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded rapidly and called a \u201cYes, sir,\u201d over his shoulder as he ran off.<\/p>\n Marie touched his arm. \u201cYou’ll just have to resist temptation until we get home.\u00a0 Joe will need his bed and with Hoss away and Adam out until eleven we’ll have the house to ourselves,\u201d she said softly.\u00a0 She glanced across the grass to where Adam was standing with his arm around Caroline then her face creased in a frown.\u00a0 He was staring off into the distance at something or someone she couldn’t see.\u00a0 She shrugged at least he seemed happier now and he and Ben were getting on much better.<\/p>\n Adam had been aware of his stepmother and Mrs Watson watching him, at first it had irritated him and then it began to amuse him and he made a conscious attempt to be in full view at all times and did no more than give Caroline his arm when they walked around the stalls.\u00a0 The spies must have had a very boring afternoon, he chuckled to himself.\u00a0 As the afternoon drew to a close, the group of youngsters were discussing the dance this evening.\u00a0 Adam planned to escort Caroline home so that she could change and he and Ross had half decided to risk a beer if their parents went home.\u00a0 Then he would collect Caro’ again at seven.\u00a0 He was only half listening to the jokes and conversation as he searched the crowds for his father.\u00a0 If he was going to risk a beer from Dutch Pete’s,\u00a0 he wanted to be certain his father had gone.<\/p>\n Suddenly his eyes were caught by a pair of dark ones and it was as if a thunderbolt had hit him.\u00a0 Ross was right she was beautiful. He hadn’t noticed before, he had been too wrapped up in Caroline.\u00a0\u00a0 He smiled as she saw him looking and tossed her head in his direction before turning back to her older companion.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you coming, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Caroline asked taking his arm.\u00a0 \u201cAdam…,\u201d she repeated when he seemed rooted to the spot.<\/p>\n \u201cOh sorry, I was looking….I was looking for Pa,\u201d he stuttered.<\/p>\n Ross followed the direction Adam had been looking and grinned.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see him?\u201d\u00a0 he asked with a smirk.<\/p>\n Adam glared at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI’ll meet you outside Pete’s in fifteen minutes,\u201d\u00a0 he muttered.<\/p>\n Two beers later both Adam and Ross were feeling happy and ready to take on the world.\u00a0 \u201cI sure hope my Pa doesn’t get to hear about this,\u201d’\u00a0 Ross confided in Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHe wouldn’t like me being here especially with the Bonners,\u201d he nodded toward Rick and Jeff.<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cMine either\u201d’ He watched and marveled as Jeff, barely thirteen, downed a third beer with no seeming ill effects.\u00a0 \u201cWe’d better be going to collect the girls.\u00a0 I’ll meet you outside the barn, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Ross stood up a little unsteadily. \u201cAll right, don’t forget we gotta be home by eleven.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam cursed as Rick laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYeah don’t be late home for Daddy willya.\u00a0 Hey, Adam make sure you don’t do anything with Caroline that you shouldn’t either.\u00a0 I seen the way you look at her\u201d’<\/p>\n Adam headed for the door an angry flush on his cheeks.\u00a0 He hated it when Rick teased him and made him feel like a kid.\u00a0 He strode to the Watsons’s house in a thoroughly bad temper now, not helped by the slightly sick feeling from the beer.\u00a0 The evening was a disaster from the moment he and Caroline met in the front hall.\u00a0 First Mr Watson lectured him on how to behave making him feel ten instead of almost sixteen then Caroline pulled away from him when he tried to put his arm around her as they walked to the dance.\u00a0 They danced together and once or twice he and Ross swapped partners but the closer he tried to hold Caroline the more she pushed him away.\u00a0 By the time the evening ended they were both irritable and annoyed with each other.\u00a0 Arriving at the Watsons’s front yard, Adam pulled her into his arms to kiss her goodnight as he usually did.\u00a0 Because of his mood and the after effects of the beer he was a little rougher and more forceful than usual.\u00a0 Previously his kisses had been light and gentle but tonight she aroused stronger feelings in him.\u00a0 Her dress was delicate and feminine with a lacy neckline and her perfect figure showed all too clearly.\u00a0 He wanted more than a brotherly kiss goodnight.\u00a0 He held her tightly and pressed his lips to hers.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam… don’t.\u201d\u00a0 Caroline tried to push him away but he resisted.<\/p>\n \u201cC’mon Caro’, it\u2019s just a kiss,\u201d he replied a little irritated. \u201c’You know you want me to kiss you, you’ve been teasing me all night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c’I don’t like you when you’re rough.\u00a0 In fact I don’t like you very much at all tonight.\u00a0 You went drinking with Ross and Rick didn’t you?\u00a0 Your Pa will be mad at you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood back and looked at her with disgust. \u201cThat’s right and we must be good mustn’t we.\u00a0 Whatever made me think you were grown up, you’re just a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n He regretted the words as soon as they were said but he couldn’t take them back.\u00a0 Caroline’s eyes filled with tears and she gave him a final push and rushed up the path towards her front door.\u00a0\u00a0 He came to his senses the minute the door slammed behind her but it did no good.\u00a0 He could hardly knock on the door and explain to Mr Watson what he had done to make her cry.\u00a0 He turned slowly and made his way back to where he had left Sport and rode home in abject misery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leaned over and tapped Adam on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cThis fence isn’t going to mend itself,\u201d he said gently. \u201cYou’ve been staring off into those mountains for ten minutes.\u00a0 Is there anything you want to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I’m fine.\u00a0 I was just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDay dreaming,\u201d Ben finished for him.\u00a0 \u201cLet’s get this job finished then maybe we’ll have time to swing by the Lake and get some fish for supper\u201d’<\/p>\n Adam sighed.\u00a0 He didn’t want to do that because he knew Pa was trying to find out what was wrong and he just couldn’t tell him.\u00a0 It was two weeks since his argument with Caroline and she had stayed away from him despite his apologies.\u00a0 Then yesterday on the last day of school he had seen her walking home with Steve and he had had an arm around her and she was smiling at him.<\/p>\n Over the next couple of hours Ben tried to draw him out, but the more he pushed the more Adam retreated into his shell.\u00a0 That evening after the boys were in bed, Ben confided his worries in Marie.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething is wrong but I can’t reach him,\u201d he said with a worried frown.<\/p>\n \u201cHe and Caroline had an argument and she is going out with Steve Rimmer,\u201d Marie said softly.<\/p>\n Ben looked up in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cHow did you know that, did he tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n Marie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, of course not.\u00a0 Anne told me a few days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I suppose he’ll get over that.\u201d He raised an eyebrow at his wife, \u201cUnless of course you are plotting to get them back together.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie tried to look innocent and failed.\u00a0 \u201cHe’s so miserable and Anne says Caroline isn’t really interested in Steve either.\u00a0 Now if we invited…\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised both hands in horror,\u00a0 \u201cLeave me out of this.\u00a0 I don’t even want to hear what the two of you are plotting.\u00a0 If you want to play matchmaker that’s up to you but I would be willing to bet he won’t thank you for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe’ll see.\u00a0 I can’t bear to see him so unhappy.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben struck a match and put it to his pipe and puffed for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn’t have said he was unhappy so much as pre-occupied, are you sure he isn’t planning something of his own\u201d<\/p>\n Marie shook her head. \u201c’He’s spends most of his time in his room studying or in the bunkhouse with Jose.\u00a0 No, he’s avoiding everyone the way he does when he’s miserable.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben retired behind his newspaper.\u00a0 There was no reasoning with Marie once she set her mind on something as serious as a project to make one of their sons happy.<\/p>\n Over the next ten days Marie planned.\u00a0 She and Hop Sing discussed food and she made out a guest list.\u00a0 She was going to give a summer party to end all parties and if by the end of it Caroline and Adam weren’t back together it wouldn’t be for lack of trying on her part.<\/p>\n Finally she was prepared and at supper one evening she broached the subject with the rest of the family.\u00a0 Adam was still wrapped up in his own thoughts and at first he didn’t take part in the discussion.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought we could hold the party next Saturday and invite all our friends and neighbors.\u00a0 Anne Watson said she’d help me and Hop Sing with the food,\u201d Marie explained.<\/p>\n Ben chuckled.\u00a0 It was hardly a subtle approach but if it was what she wanted he’d go along with it.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we have fried chicken?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Marie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIf you like, but it\u2019s mainly a grown up party with music and dancing.\u201d She glanced across at Adam. \u201cWhat do you think of the idea, Adam?\u00a0 You’ll be able to invite your friends of course.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up from his supper, \u201cAnyone I want\u201d’\u00a0 he asked, pushing his plate away and drinking his glass of milk..<\/p>\n \u201cYes of course\u201d Marie said pleased that he seemed happy with the plan.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough, I’m sure Caroline will come anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave her a puzzled glance.\u00a0 \u201cCaroline? Oh yes, I suppose she will,\u201d he shrugged.<\/p>\n Marie threw Ben a triumphant look.<\/p>\n \u201cPa is it okay if I go into town tomorrow then and speak to Senor Castillero?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked across at his wife and a small smile turned up the corners of his mouth. \u201cYes of course, but why?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam’s expression suggested that his father was being particularly dense.\u00a0 \u201cTo ask his permission for Maria to come to the party of course,\u201d he said pushing back his chair\u00a0 \u201cMay I be excused please I have some studying to do?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and after Adam had gone he could hold back his laughter no longer.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t see what’s so funny,\u201d Marie said petulantly.\u00a0 \u201cWho is this Maria and what’s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben tried to control his mirth. \u201cDon’t you see my darling, while you were so busy worrying about his unhappiness he was doing something about it.\u00a0 He has been taking Spanish lessons from Jose, and paying court in traditional manner to Maria Castillero.\u00a0 And apparently Caroline is<\/em> seeing Steve Rimmer now.\u201d<\/p>\n Marie threw her napkin on the table in temper. \u201cAnd you knew and you let me go on with this party,\u201d she stormed.<\/p>\n \u201cI only found out a couple of days ago and anyway the party is a lovely idea.\u00a0 It will give Senor Castillero and his wife a chance to meet their neighbors,\u201d he chuckled\/\u00a0 \u201cNot to mention a chance for Caroline and Adam to show their mothers that they really don’t need matchmakers.\u201d\u00a0 He got up from his chair and put his arms around her, \u201cLike you told me it\u2019s all part of letting him grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n He shook his head in amusement at her cross face and then she started to laugh too.\u00a0 \u201cHow will we ever survive?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE END<\/p>\n