Summary:<\/b>\u00a0 Hoss is hurt again in an accident but finds more than he expected in the hospital.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (13,440 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n <\/p>\n Hoss had gone into Virginia City with Jess to collect some stores and do some routine banking for his father. They had a long list of stores to collect and had taken the buckboard. Hoss had promised his father not to do any lifting and Ben trusted Jess to keep an eye on his big son. Hoss was slowly recovering but he still didn\u2019t feel like doing very much. Doc had assured him that he would make a full recovery but his left arm was still largely useless and if he did too much he had sharp pains in his back, not helped by muscles which were weak from lack of use.<\/p>\n Hoss had finished his errands and had a beer so he went back to join Jess who was busy loading up the buckboard. Jess had almost finished and was keen to get back to the ranch as he had a horse he wanted to train and so Hoss went to get up on the buckboard. Just as he did so three drunken cowboys came rushing down the street, hooraying at the tops of their voices and firing their guns in the air, The buckboard horses scared by the sudden noise moved forward rapidly. Hoss, his balance uncertain and his reflexes still slow, forgot his wound and tried to hold on with his left hand. It wouldn\u2019t work and Hoss fell heavily, hitting his head and more seriously his injured back on the planks of wood placed to help people cross the street out of the mud. The sudden pain in his back, as much as the bang to his head, lost Hoss all hold on his senses.<\/p>\n Jess ran over to him and a crowd gathered round the big man. Roy hurried over leaving his deputy to arrest the three suddenly sobered cowboys. Roy was more concerned about his friend as Hoss was bleeding. Jess had quickly checked and looked up \u201cI can\u2019t see any sign of bullet holes, I think he\u2019s just broken that wound in his back open again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEither way he\u2019s bleeding bad. We\u2019d better get him down to the hospital, Doc Martin is out at Mrs Barnard\u2019s, her baby is coming, he won\u2019t be back for at least a couple of hours, maybe much longer.\u201d Roy ordered two men to get a stretcher from the hospital and sent one for the new young Doctor, Doc Woodtree, who was working at the hospital. Then four of them lifted Hoss onto the stretcher and began carrying him down to the Sisters of Mercy hospital. Hoss stirred as they did so but Roy held him still, \u201cEasy does it Hoss, Doc will be here in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss lay still only really aware of the pain in his back, feeling very woozy, not too sure what had happened. Jess bit his lip, \u201cI guess I\u2019d better go fetch his Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the men following the stretcher volunteered the information that he had seen Adam going into the bank just before the accident. Jess frowned, knowing that Ben wasn\u2019t expecting Adam back for another couple of days, but his friend might have ridden ahead, eager to get home. Roy suggested, \u201cJess, you stay with Hoss. The sisters will need some help with him he\u2019s a mite heavy for them. Least \u2018til I find out if Adam\u2019s been in. The bank will tell me. If he has I\u2019ll find him and send him down to the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeems best. Thanks\u201d<\/p>\n Roy smiled \u201cHoss is an old friend and so is Adam. I\u2019ll break it gently.\u201d<\/p>\n The four men got Hoss onto a bed as gently as they could, in one of the small private rooms. Hoss had become a very important donor to the hospital since the investment in the mines proved so valuable and everyone rushed round to do all they could to help him, although they would have done much the same for any injured man. Jess stayed to help one of the nurses get Hoss out of his coat and shirt to see what damage had been done. By the time they had edged him out of his clothes, Doc Woodtree was there. The ugly wound on Hoss\u2019 back seemed to have reopened along the whole length and his shirt was soaked in blood. Doc didn\u2019t waste any time quickly cleaning and restitching the wound, repairing the damage before Hoss lost any more blood. Not until his back was rebandaged did the Doc begin checking what other damage had been done. Hoss was suffering from a slight concussion and very badly shaken by the fall and he was aching all over. He lay patiently letting Doc do what he had to but, through the haze of pain and blurred vision, he found himself watching the nurse. She was a tall redhead completely different to the nuns that Hoss knew at the hospital. He was puzzled by her presence but she was very lovely, although a statuesque woman, bigger than Doc, and her hands were very gentle as she helped Doc and wiped the sweat from his face. Hoss was able to concentrate on her and forget a little of the pain that he was enduring. By the time Doc had finished Hoss was on the verge of losing hold of his senses and when he heard Doc tell him to get some sleep, the voice seemed to come from a great distance, but the idea made sense. Hoss closed his eyes and slipped into sleep not even hearing the Doc\u2019s reassurance that there was no serious damage.<\/p>\n Roy had gone down to the Bank; the manager had confirmed that Adam had been in, he had just left. Roy hoped that his friend would have gone for a drink before heading home and hurried over to the Palace saloon. He saw Adam\u2019s black stallion tied outside and slowed down, trying to think what to say. As he walked in he saw Adam sitting in the corner with Dan sipping a beer and even from there he could see that Adam was very tired, which didn\u2019t make his job any easier.<\/p>\n Adam saw Roy coming over and frowned as he saw the expression on Roy\u2019s face \u201cDan is there anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so far as I know. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRoy looks as though he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n Before Dan could answer Roy had pulled up a chair and joined them. Adam put his beer down, considering the way Roy looked at him, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuess you know me too well! I\u2019m glad you\u2019re in town Adam I was about to send word to your Pa.\u201d Roy hesitated but Adam had to be told. \u201cThere\u2019s been a slight accident. Hoss, he\u2019s opened that wound again, not too bad. He\u2019s over at the hospital, Doc Woodtree has been looking after him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was on his feet before Roy had finished speaking and he had lost colour, scared for his big brother. Roy moved over next to him \u201cI\u2019ll explain while we go.\u201d<\/p>\n As they walked over he told Adam what had happened, the three men, thoroughly scared by what they had done, were down at the jail. Roy did his best to reassure Adam that there was no serious harm. Adam listened but he made no comment, shouldering his way through the crowds, just wanting to get to his brother. He knew just how much the bad wound had already taken out of Hoss. The streets were as crowded as always and it seemed to take him forever to reach the hospital. As he did so he saw Jess in the corridor. Jess was relieved to see his friend but taken aback by just how tired and drawn Adam looked. He moved swiftly over to him and gripped his arm, “Easy Adam. Hoss will be fine. Glad you\u2019re back. Hoss is just along here.\u201d Jess gestured to the room just behind him along the corridor.<\/p>\n Adam nodded and not even knocking went straight in to find Doc Woodtree washing up and one of the nuns straightening the bedclothes. Adam moved swiftly over to his brother but Hoss was seemingly out cold. Adam could see the lines of pain on his face and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead. Only then did he look up at Doc “How is he?”\u201d<\/p>\n In the last couple of years Adam had become quite friendly with George Woodtree and his wife Evangeline. He didn\u2019t quite trust them in the way he did Paul Martin, whom he\u2019d known most of his life, but he did have considerable respect for their ability. George smiled reassuringly, \u201cNot too bad Adam, nothing to worry about. He\u2019s reopened that wound but only at the surface, the deeper muscles are healing well, so he\u2019s only put himself back maybe two weeks. Bang on the head and slight concussion and he\u2019s been thoroughly shaken, but nothing a day or two\u2019s rest won\u2019t cure.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shut his eyes for a moment and breathed out a sigh of relief. He knew that he could trust George to tell him straight, Still very tired from the strains of the drive this unexpected shock had hit him hard and for a moment he didn\u2019t seem able to think clearly, just so relieved that it was no worse. After a minute he straightened up \u201cCan I take him home?\u201d<\/p>\n Doc came over and he shrugged \u201cYou can, but I wouldn\u2019t advise it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been badly shaken, the drive will cost him more pain and it isn\u2019t very nice weather, cold and damp, might risk catching cold. The nuns here have been looking forward to doing something to help the Cartwrights and they can nurse him as well as you and Ben. Let him stay put in a nice warm bed, just for a couple of days until his concussion has cleared and the worst of his aches and pains have gone. Then you can collect him without risk. He\u2019s too big a man to take a fall like that without getting well shaken and with that wound his reactions just weren\u2019t fast enough to help him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded slowly, he could see the sense of it, but he wasn\u2019t leaving his brother until he could at least explain what was happening and why. He pulled up a chair and sat by the bed. Doc gripped his shoulder \u201cI mean it Adam, nothing to worry about. You can give your father my word on that.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed slightly and the Doc left him alone. Jess put his head round the door as both the Doc and the Nun came out. Adam said, \u201cHe\u2019ll be okay but he\u2019s gonna stay here for a couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad Hoss will be alright, how about you Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, just tired. What were you two doing in town anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss had been to the bank. I was collecting stores. What do you want me to do, wait for you or head on back?\u201d \u201cYou know I will, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell him there\u2019s nothing to worry about. Hoss will be home in a couple of days. Anyway I\u2019ll probably join you first.\u201d<\/p>\n Soon after Jess had gone Hoss stirred. He\u2019d been vaguely aware of his brother\u2019s voice but he couldn\u2019t imagine how Adam had got there, he was on the drive. Hoss had been thinking about it and summoning up the strength to open his eyes, even in the darkened room the light was enough to hurt. Finally as Adam wiped his face he recognized the touch and opened them, with an effort focusing on his brother, \u201cDidn\u2019t know you were back.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pushed his hair back off his forehead, \u201cSome greeting you big moose. Lie still everything is going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood to see you brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy Hoss. No real damage but you need some sleep. I can\u2019t take you home for a day or two, break the sister\u2019s hearts. They\u2019ve been trying to do something for you since you took over this place.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned and then, to Adam\u2019s complete bewilderment, he asked, \u201cDo you reckon angels have red hair?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam felt his brother\u2019s forehead but Hoss didn\u2019t seem to be running a temperature, not enough to be delirious. \u201cYou need some sleep big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay. Not a nun but an angel of mercy.\u201d Hoss was fighting to keep his eyes open and Adam took his hand gently \u201cDon\u2019t fight it Hoss, go to sleep. I\u2019ll go tell Pa and I\u2019ll be back tomorrow, maybe take you home the day after that. The nuns will take good care of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that, don\u2019t worry Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t, you just rest. I\u2019m home now and I\u2019ll look after everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you will Adam. Good to have you back.\u201d Hoss was asleep almost before he\u2019d finished speaking and Adam tucked the bedclothes round his brother. For five minutes he stood just looking at Hoss and then with an effort pulled himself away, As he went out Sister Cecily was waiting, she was in charge of the hospital and knew just how much they owed to the Cartwrights. Of recent months Hoss had given them so much, but Adam and his father had been donors for many years and both still did so. She assured Adam that his brother would get the very best of care, everything he wanted. It was little enough to do in return for all the help they\u2019d been given.<\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cI know he will, same as everyone else here. We don\u2019t want any return, never did. You do a marvellous job here, least we can do is to help.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam went and collected Blackie, not wanting to talk to anyone. The expression on his face was sufficient to keep acquaintances at bay, but before he left town he had one more job to do, He went down to the jail and found Roy there, \u201cI want to see the men who caused it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t look so worried. I won\u2019t lay a finger on them. You could charge then with disturbing the peace, get them fined, but I think if I can have five minutes to tell them what I think of them it will be more effective.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy couldn\u2019t argue about that. He had already told the men that Hoss would be okay and that he hadn\u2019t actually been hit by a bullet, but he\u2019d also told them that Adam was with his brother. Roy had seen how they cringed back at that news, knowing his reputation and scared of his reaction. Finally seeing how determined Adam looked, Roy nodded. \u201cAlright back there. Don\u2019t frighten them too much, they sobered up mighty fast when they saw Hoss fall bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam wasn\u2019t gentle and told the three exactly what he though of their stupid behaviour, telling them they should think themselves lucky the consequences weren\u2019t more serious. By the time he\u2019d finished three very demoralised men were sitting staring at the floor unable to meet his eye,<\/p>\n After he\u2019d gone one summed it up \u201cI\u2019d rather have taken a beating any day than that tongue lashing.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rode slowly out of town, trying to think of an easy way to tell his father but knowing there really wasn\u2019t one. Then once he was clear of the traffic, he let Blackie stretch his legs, wanting to ensure he caught Jess up. The wagon wasn\u2019t far ahead and Adam rode alongside it for a mile or so, getting the outline of news from the ranch while he\u2019d been away and then, leaving Jess to bring the wagon, he hurried onto the main house. He wasn\u2019t expected at any particularly time, so he\u2019d see his father first before going home to Carole and his kids.<\/p>\n Ben was working at his desk when Adam walked in, but seeing his eldest son he came abruptly to his feet. He went over to Adam seeing the signs of strain and tiredness and something else he didn\u2019t quite understand, \u201cIts good to see you. Is everything alright?\u201d Ben held Adam\u2019s shoulders and frowned as he looked at his son.<\/p>\n Adam bit his lip and then said, \u201cThere\u2019s been an accident Pa. In town. Hoss has reopened his wound; it\u2019s not serious. Doctor Woodtree said that I could give you his word on that, but Hoss is well shaken, slight concussion. Doc thought it more sensible for him to stay in bed at the hospital for a day or so before we bring him home.”<\/p>\n Ben was completely surprised at that news and went over to the sofa and sat down staring into the fire, Adam poured two brandies and brought them over \u201cHere Pa.\u201d Adam slipped into his usual blue chair. \u201cTake it easy. Hoss will be okay in a couple of days, just set back the healing by a week or so.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded but he studied Adam\u2019s face intently, before reassured by what he saw, he lent back and asked for details. Adam told him all he knew, not that it amounted to much and slowly Ben relaxed, as he was reassured that Hoss wasn\u2019t seriously hurt. Ben contemplated going into town to see his son, but Adam insisted it wasn\u2019t sensible. Hoss would sleep, probably until morning and he was having the best of care. Tomorrow would be time enough. Ben had been working hard too and still had plenty to do so he accepted his eldest son\u2019s advice. He changed the subject to the drive and asked for details, seeing just how tired Adam was. Adam admitted that it had been a very difficult drive especially after Jos\u00e9\u2019s accident, He was able to give Ben a good report on their foreman\u2019s recovery and slowly outlined just how he had coped. He still blamed himself for Jos\u00e9\u2019s accident and Ben realised the situation and the decision he had taken and why. He wasn\u2019t surprised to get his father\u2019s support but he was relieved, more so than he had expected. After half an hour Ben said \u201cThe rest of the details can wait, You\u2019ve had a tough few weeks, go on home to your family and relax. I\u2019ll go and see Hoss tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, you\u2019re not going to sit here and worry are you? There\u2019s no need I promise you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe you Son and anyway I have too much to do, go home to Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked long and hard at his father but decided it wasn\u2019t an act \u201cOkay Pa. I must admit I\u2019ve missed them. No problems?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned \u201cNone, but your daughter seems to grow every day, you\u2019ll see quite a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned broadly and suddenly eager to get home he grabbed his coat and headed off to Carole and his kids. She could see that he was tired but he was relaxed and the children were so excited to see their father, they threw themselves at him. It wasn\u2019t until the children were in bed that Adam told her about Hoss\u2019 accident. Carole was worried, very fond of her big hearted brother-in-law, but Adam reassured her and promised to take her into town the following day to visit Hoss and collect some much needed stores. They went to bed early and Carole snuggled up contentedly, knowing there were no more long trips planned before the winter and she was likely to have his company until the spring.<\/p>\n The next day Ben joined them and on the ride into town Adam filled in some of the details of the drive for his father and wife. In return he learnt the news from round the ranch and of Joe\u2019s success in Frisco. Little Joe was on the way home and the family would soon be complete again, just the way Ben liked it. Adam suggested he go to Reno and collect his brother, but Ben shook his head. \u201cJoe\u2019s a lot better, his leg has about given up worrying him from what he said. He\u2019s planning on getting the stage, you can pick him up in Virginia City if you like, but for the moment I think you need a few days to relax, You\u2019ve been working very hard for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hesitated, \u201cJoe\u2019s never been exactly willing to admit he\u2019s not fit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMust be following someone else\u2019s example!\u201d commented Ben dryly and then grinned, \u201cI don\u2019t trust him either, but I\u2019ve had word from Will too. He can manage even if he\u2019s not fully fit, no need for you to go running after him.\u201d<\/p>\n In town Hoss had woken up to find the red-haired nurse sitting by him again. He felt much better for a long sleep and submitted to her ministrations. He asked about her as she checked his wound and redressed it, while his breakfast was prepared. She wasn\u2019t a nun and had no intention of becoming one but she was a trained nurse. Fed up with suggestions that nurses were little better than prostitutes, she was glad of the chance to work in peace at the hospital. Hoss learnt her name was Sue-Ellen Riley, she was Irish and still had an Irish accent, very soft and attractive, although she had left Ireland as a young girl. She had been trained as a nurse in London but restless had come to America and gradually ended up in the west. Too big for most men she was fed up with looking down on men and she had almost resigned herself to the idea that marriage and children weren\u2019t for her and had tried to make nursing enough, proud of her knowledge. She found the big man very easy to talk to and before Hoss had finished his breakfast they were on first name terms. She liked the shortened form of her name, Sue, but too many people seemed to find it too little a name for such a big woman. Hoss used it without thought, she didn\u2019t seem too big to him, just an immensely attractive gentle lady. She had to go off and do other jobs but promised to come back later. Hoss looked forward to that and was totally relaxed, lazing back in bed when his family arrived. To his family\u2019s surprise he wasn\u2019t fretting to come home and even staying in bed without complaint, They stayed and chatted for a while and then went off to do some chores and get a meal, promising to return during the afternoon. Over lunch Ben was worried and very quiet, scared his big son was more seriously hurt than he would admit, as Hoss didn\u2019t seem to object to staying in bed. Eventually Adam noticed that his father wasn\u2019t eating<\/p>\n \u201cCome on Pa, Hoss wasn\u2019t seriously hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d Ben sighed \u201cBut…\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled and said consideringly \u201cI have a feeling my brother is up to something.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole laughed at him \u201cJust what? He\u2019s in a hospital run by nuns!\u201d The disbelief in her voice was echoed by the expression on Ben\u2019s face but Adam wouldn\u2019t be budged. \u201cI don\u2019t know what, but I do know Hoss, that expression on his face. He\u2019s shaken, headachy and no doubt very sore but he\u2019s not really ill. Mark my words he\u2019s up to something.\u201d<\/p>\n The others didn\u2019t believe him but at least Ben relaxed enough to eat his lunch; Adam was right about one thing Hoss wasn\u2019t seriously hurt, just weak. After lunch they returned to the hospital for a while and although Hoss didn\u2019t say why, he made it clear that he was in no hurry to return home. He said that while he was needing nursing and the dressing changed he might as well stay in town. His father was busy, especially with Joe still away, and it would be one less job to do.<\/p>\n All three were puzzled at Hoss\u2019 attitude but he wouldn\u2019t meet their eyes carefully looking between them. Ben could only let him do as he wanted and, as Hoss looked tired, he told his son to get some rest. Adam said that he would drop by the following day, claiming business at the mine and then three very puzzled people headed home. Ben was even prepared to admit that his eldest son was right, Hoss was up to something, although like Carole he couldn\u2019t imagine what.<\/p>\n The next day Adam went in to visit Hoss, to find his brother sitting up the worst of the concussion over. Hoss looked much brighter but was no more prepared to come home. Adam didn\u2019t probe, his brother would tell him if he wanted to and he just sat and chatted, filling Hoss in about the drive and just how useful he had found his brother\u2019s advice. He was also able to tell Hoss that Joe was on his way home and would be there in another two days.<\/p>\n Hoss was glad to see his brother and recognised the curiosity in Adam\u2019s eyes, but he was too uncertain to want to talk. He relaxed enjoying his brother\u2019s company as they chatted, although he left Adam just as puzzled. Adam eventually pulled himself to his feet, he did have various chores to do in town but he promised to come back the following day. Hoss looked guilty and tried to point out that Adam didn’t have to come to town every day. Adam just laughed, after having been away he had lots of jobs to do in town and he would survive the ride.<\/p>\n Soon after Adam left SueEllen came in. She was off duty but enjoyed the big man\u2019s company and both were amazed when his meal was brought in. They had been talking for over two hours and the time had flown past. Sue found herself telling Hoss much more about herself than she would normally reveal. She was nearly twenty-seven, just a few months younger than Hoss and had never really had a close relationship with a man, although she\u2019d had friends, and very quickly this giant of a man was becoming important to her. She didn\u2019t realise just how much she was revealing as she talked of her love for nursing and how it had become her life, but it was difficult with so many in America having a low opinion of nurses. In turn Hoss told her about his ranch and his family, the pride he had in both shining through. She had been in town long enough to hear a lot about the Cartwrights and she was intrigued by him. Hoss asked her to come out and see his ranch once he was better, promising to show her some of the most beautiful spots in the world. She relaxed as she accepted, glad that he wanted to see her again after leaving, although she hadn\u2019t realised that he was only staying in the hospital to be near her. That night Hoss settled to sleep, still very sore but more contented than he could remember. He smiled to himself as he remembered a comment Dan had made at Joe and Marie\u2019s wedding, that he would have to find a redhead to complete the set. At the time he had laughed not really ever seeing himself married and even last year when he was attracted to Meg, he\u2019d been very uncertain about the idea. Now suddenly the idea had no terrors. Marie was gone but just maybe he would add the redhead. He knew that it was very early to be thinking about marriage but he\u2019d never met anyone who attracted him so strongly and he sensed that she was attracted too and that she would like a settled family life. On that very pleasant thought Hoss drifted asleep.<\/p>\n That evening at home Adam was speculating on the reason for his brother\u2019s weird behaviour and he suddenly remembered the odd comment Hoss had made when he first returned. He frowned and then went to pour himself a drink \u201cI think my brother has found himself a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Carole said in surprise, \u201cBut they are nuns!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot this one, she\u2019s a redhead and you can\u2019t tell the colour of a nun\u2019s hair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you seen her?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head and had to admit that Hoss hadn\u2019t mentioned her either, but despite Carole\u2019s obvious disbelief he stuck to his guns. She had to admit that it would explain Hoss\u2019 odd behaviour, which was distinctly out of character. In all the time she\u2019d known him Hoss had only ever indulged in the mildest of flirtations. He\u2019d come closest to getting involved with Meg and that hadn\u2019t really been anything. Carole asked, \u201cDo you think Hoss is likely to get serious?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hesitated for a moment. \u201cI\u2019m only guessing in the dark you know. Four times in my life my brother has been close to getting married. The first time she was dying of consumption before he ever met her but she certainly found some happiness and learnt to love him. The second was just using him because he was rich. She was the widow of an old friend and had indirectly killed him by gambling all his money away; it was like a disease with her nothing else mattered. The third was a very beautiful woman, who couldn\u2019t help flirting with every man she met, even me, although she was engaged to Hoss. In her own way I think she loved him as much as she was capable of loving anyone, apart from herself, but it would never have been enough. The last was a strange woman and she cared very deeply. Unfortunately she had killed her first husband and the law was on her trail. For a while she thought Hoss would take her away, maybe even to Europe, but when she knew him better she realised that he couldn\u2019t leave this land, its part of him. Maybe of all of us, Joe and I have both felt that pull, but for Hoss I think it\u2019s stronger even than for me. She gave herself up to the law in such a way that Hoss could break it off. Staged a drunken scene, pretending the marshall was her lover, and that she\u2019d only been after his money. Left it to me to tell him the truth once she\u2019d gone. We never knew exactly where, just back east, and he couldn\u2019t follow. In her own way she loved him very much.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole heard the defensive note in Adam\u2019s voice and smiled, she knew him very well. \u201cI\u2019m not surprised at that. Hoss may not be as good looking as you and Joe but you don\u2019t have to be with him very long to know just what a kind, gentle loving man he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her close to him. \u201cWe\u2019ve all had caps set at us because we\u2019re rich but somehow noone that Hoss could really love has ever seemed to realise that simple fact about him. In a lot of ways he\u2019s always been scared of marriage, even after ours, he regretted me leaving home. Joe and I are very important to him. He\u2019s rather shy in many ways, has lots of friends but few really close ones. He\u2019s always been self-conscious about his size and his strength, almost scared of it. Now I think he\u2019s finally realised that nothing can affect our relationship and he\u2019s just gained so much with you and the children. Maybe he\u2019s beginning to think of settling down. I hope so, I\u2019d like him to know some of the joy I\u2019ve found these last years.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole couldn\u2019t find the words to answer him and just held her husband tight, hoping that he was right about Hoss. She certainly wouldn\u2019t bet against it, the brothers knew each other better than anyone.<\/p>\n The next day Carole joined Adam on his trip into town, riding her mare for once. While Adam went up to the California, she went to see Hoss, carrying a message from his brother that he would be in during the afternoon. Sue was on duty but she had a quarter of an hour break and had gone to see Hoss, She was sitting on his bed talking when Carole knocked on the door, Sue jumped up flustered and straightened her uniform as Hoss called \u201cCome in.\u201d He was delighted to see his sister-in-law, very fond of Carole, but Sue felt enormous and ugly, compared to the neat beauty of the brunette who came in. Carole was rather thinner than when she\u2019d got married, busy with three children, and she looked as small compared to Sue, as Marie had compared to her. Sue was glad to be back on duty and quickly excused herself before Hoss could make any introductions, feeling so very plain. Carole kissed Hoss and studied his face, glad to see him looking better and then gave him the messages from both Adam and their father, before reverting to Sue. \u201cWas that one of the nurses here when I came in? I thought they were all nuns.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost are, but she\u2019s a nurse, trained in England. She\u2019s an Irish girl, doesn\u2019t want to be a nun, just to nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole hadn\u2019t forgotten Adam\u2019s comments about a redhead and here was one, but as Hoss obviously didn\u2019t want to talk about it she changed the subject. Joe was due home the nest day and she was planning a small party, once Hoss was feeling better. She stayed chatting for an hour and then went down to the dressmaker\u2019s, before meeting Adam for lunch. Over lunch she told her husband about the nurse, a redhead as he\u2019d predicted. Adam was intrigued but Carole couldn\u2019t help much, the nurse had just said that she had to go, and Hoss wouldn\u2019t talk either.<\/p>\n Adam asked \u201cWell what did she look like, was she pretty?\u201d<\/p>\n Carole frowned, \u201cShe\u2019s tall, about the same as Joe. Big but only in proportion to her height, very attractive face and the most gorgeous curly hair. Not auburn or ginger, but a lovely deep rich red, absolutely beautiful. She was ill at ease when I went in, eager to get away, so not exactly at her best.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam wanted to see for himself but knowing that he was coming Sue kept well out of his way. Hoss was very proud of his clever elder brother and in telling Sue about him he hadn\u2019t stinted his praise. She was well aware that Adam mattered very much to his brother and Hoss cared about his opinions. Having seen his own delicately beautiful wife and knowing from Hoss that she was clever and cultured as well, she couldn\u2019t imagine that Adam would think much of her. The prospect of meeting him terrified her and she had got the idea that a few words from Adam would finish her in Hoss\u2019 eyes. Although it wouldn\u2019t be avoidable for very long she wanted to put it off for as long as possible, She had never known anyone like Hoss and stored up the memories of every minute that she could spend with him. She had quickly sensed his kindness and gentle strength but it was the way that he made her feel so feminine that had really caught her heart and he was already more important to her than anyone she had ever known. Sue had to bring in his dinner and he was so flatteringly pleased to see her that she realised that although she might feel very plain compared to his sister-in-law, Hoss didn\u2019t care. She didn\u2019t need much encouragement to return and spend the evening with him once she\u2019d finished work.<\/p>\n The next day Adam spent ten minutes reassuring Ben that Hoss was recovering fine and quite fit enough to come home if he wanted to. He passed on what little he had managed to glean from Carole and Ben, who had almost given up hope of Hoss settling down, wasn\u2019t about to put any obstacles in his big son\u2019s way. Adam rode into town on the buckboard to collect his youngest brother, quietly amused by his father\u2019s reaction. Arriving in town with plenty of time to spare, he dropped by to see Hoss, promising to come back with Joe to see him before they returned home. She was scared but didn\u2019t know how to get away as Adam was unable to hide the frank curiosity in his eyes. She was rather more attractive than he had expected from Carole\u2019s comments, knowing that his wife tended to be kind rather than accurate. Not beautiful but there was character in her face and although she was definitely very feminine. Tall himself she didn\u2019t strike him as overly large, as she did many men. Sue mumbled something about Hoss being much better and Adam seeing the fear in her eyes stepped aside, puzzled why he had that effect on her. Joe had had plenty of time to think on the long journey home and most of the time he was thinking about Nita. He knew now that she was as important to him as Marie had been before their marriage. He was in love with her and if she could fit in with his life here in Nevada, he would ask nothing better than to marry her. He was sure too that in this step he would have Marie’s blessing, that his beloved wife would like Nita. In some strange way Nita who had so much, was very like Marie. She was lonely and unhappy and Joe wanted to take her away from her current life, protect her and make her a life, which meant something. Banish forever the cynical bitch that he\u2019d first met. As he got closer to home Joe remembered that he had committed his brother and Carole to a houseguest that they didn\u2019t even know for Christmas. Feeling vaguely uneasy Joe couldn\u2019t wait to tell Adam, get his brother\u2019s confirmation that he didn\u2019t mind.<\/p>\n The final stage of the journey by stagecoach from Reno seemed to take forever and Joe was very relieved when they finally pulled into Virginia City. The coach had been crowded and his leg was aching from the lack of opportunity to stretch it. He was pleased to see his brother\u2019s tall figure lounging against the wall by the stage depot. His father\u2019s brief letters had kept him reasonably up to date and he knew what a hard drive Adam had had, but after several days at home his brother showed no sign of it, looking fit and relaxed. Adam helped his brother down, noticing with some concern that Joe was still limping but he didn\u2019t comment just collecting Joe\u2019s baggage and putting it in the buckboard. \u201cBet you\u2019re dry, let\u2019s go have a beer before lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and led the way over to the Bucket O\u2019Blood wanting to talk to Adam and not be interrupted by Dan or any other friends, as was too likely in the Palace. Adam was pleased to see him move more easily as he stretched his leg. Over a beer Joe outlined his success on all the business he had been entrusted with and he revelled in his elder brother\u2019s praise but he suggested that they leave the details until they got home so he wouldn\u2019t have to go over it twice for Pa. Then he sat turning his glass staring into it; suddenly it wasn\u2019t so easy to tell Adam, although it had seemed very logical at the time. Joe was still sure that Adam wouldn\u2019t mind but there was Carole and….<\/p>\n Adam sat watching his brother for a few minutes, accurately reading the changing emotions on Joe\u2019s face and then taking pity on him, he said, \u201cSpit it out Joe. I promise I won\u2019t bite. I\u2019m in a very mellow mood so you probably won\u2019t get a better chance.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up in surprise and seeing Adam\u2019s grin he couldn\u2019t help but smile. \u201cYou know me too well! Okay I\u2019ve sort of committed you to an extra houseguest at Christmas. I couldn\u2019t write, it was sort of spur of the minute, I really didn’t mean to do it.\u201d \u201cThey were pleased to do it she\u2019s very good with the twins.\u201d Joe hesitated, \u201cDo you mind Adam? And Carole? I mean she\u2019s not even met…. I\u2019m sorry I should have asked but Leland Stanford sort of gave me the chance and I jumped in.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned broadly \u201cOf course we don\u2019t mind!\u201d He punched his brother lightly on the shoulder. \u201cDelighted to have the opportunity to get to know her and anyway the more the merrier. I presume you found her like her letters?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got to know each other now, but she must see what it\u2019s like here. This way it\u2019s just a visit to friends she\u2019s not committed. If she hates it or I found that she couldn\u2019t fit in noone is hurt, no reason for gossip. I promised that you would write and invite her.\u201d<\/p>\n “You know that you are very welcome Joe, of course I\u2019ll write. Suppose she loves it here?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam wasn\u2019t sure he should have asked, but he got his answer in the way his brother\u2019s expression softened. He looked as he had so often with Marie, as though he was looking into the future and finding it good. Very quietly Joe said, \u201cIf she does and I pray she will, noone will be happier than me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew in that moment that this girl, whom he\u2019d once described as a poor little rich girl, had as much of a hold on his brother\u2019s heart as Marie. Equally as unlikely as a saloon girl, although totally different and Adam was sure that just as with Marie there would be a lot more below the surface facade that he\u2019d seen. He prayed too that she would fit in, because despite Joe\u2019s comment about noone getting hurt, Adam was sure that his brother was already too involved to just walk away if she couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Thinking of Joe courting again brought his mind back to Hoss and he told Joe of their brother\u2019s accident a few days earlier. Joe forgot Nita instantly, anxious about Hoss and when he heard that Hoss was still in the Sisters of Mercy Hospital and that they were going to see him, the alarm flared. Adam had been careful to emphasise that it wasn\u2019t serious but with Hoss staying in hospital so long, Joe found it difficult to believe. \u201cThere must be more than you\u2019ve said or he\u2019d be home. What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cCalm down Joe, I told you the truth, there\u2019s more alright but it\u2019s nothing wrong. Hoss could have come home days ago but he doesn\u2019t want to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not to tease him. Our big brother, unless I very much miss my guess, is doing what you have been doing, courting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut they are nuns!\u201d Joe looked at Adam as though he\u2019d lost his senses. \u201cThen why do you think that he\u2019s courting?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not the only one that can, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe glared at him \u201cI know that! But Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s staying put so there has to be a reason. Add to that, the day he had his accident, he was three quarters asleep but he was babbling about angels of mercy having red-hair. She\u2019s a red head, very attractive, although almost as big as you are. Finally add that when I spoke to her today she was petrified and nearly fled. I\u2019m not sure why but if it is just nurse-patient, there\u2019s no reason. After all Marie was scared of me before she met me, maybe Hoss has been building me up into some sort of saint or genius.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmm.\u201d Joe commented, but he had to admit that Adam made out a good case and his brother knew them all very well and was usually right. Adam went on to warn his brother, \u201cDon\u2019t you mention it to Hoss. Let him talk when he\u2019s good and ready. I just wanted to explain that there isn\u2019t anything to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n On that point the brothers headed for lunch and despite Joe\u2019s insistent questions Adam could only add a more detailed description of the girl and their brother\u2019s behaviour, because that was all he knew.<\/p>\n Hoss was delighted to see his little brother and once he had been reassured that Joe\u2019s leg was virtually better he was content to sit and chat. Now that Joe was home and he was so much better, he really had no excuse to stay at the hospital and vaguely suggested going home the following day. To his delight, which he couldn\u2019t quite hide, Adam claimed that they would be too busy to collect him and he\u2019d better stay one more day. Hoss\u2019 reaction confirmed to Joe that Adam was right, but he behaved himself and didn\u2019t tease.<\/p>\n Adam said, \u201cCarole is planning a small party with all of us home, just thirty or so, maybe on Saturday. Do you think you\u2019ll feel up to it Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded slowly, wondering if Sue would be free to come and indeed if she would want to.<\/p>\n Adam went on \u201cWe though we\u2019d ask Sister Cecily, she could come out with Beth and Dan. A sort of thank you for looking after you. Are there any other nurses that you\u2019d like to ask?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hesitated but Adam wouldn\u2019t meet his eye. \u201cNo matter, think about it and feel free to invite whoever you like. Just as long as you let us know for numbers.\u201d Then he changed the subject \u201cBy the way I met Roy while I was waiting for the stage. There\u2019s been another payroll robbery, Same procedure as the earlier ones, two men killed, no witnesses. Roy thinks that gang who faded out may have returned.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked worried, \u201cYou two go careful on the way home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll keep a wary eye, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cWith the way you can get into trouble on your own, with the pair of you…\u201d he shook his head.<\/p>\n Joe punched him lightly \u201cWe didn\u2019t try taking on the combined Indian nations and who is it who makes a habit of falling off buckboards?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted, \u201cThat ain\u2019t fair little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but it is true.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled Joe to his feet, \u201cCome on time I got you home. Stop baiting him. We\u2019ll be by, day after tomorrow, to take you home. I\u2019m sure you can manage without us for one day. Don\u2019t forget party at my place on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned as they left, sure his brothers knew exactly why he was staying put, but they were co-operating in not forcing him to talk. He was nervous, unsure that Sue would come to the party, although she had indirectly agreed to come and see the ranch. He couldn\u2019t wait for her to come in but when she did she was too busy and he had to wait until she was off duty. Eventually she came back to spend the evening with him and Hoss soon got to the point. \u201cMy little brother got home today. The season\u2019s work is just about done and so we\u2019re gonna have a small party to celebrate. Just thirty or so at my brother\u2019s place. Would you come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n Sue flushed hotly, knowing it made her plainer than ever, but she couldn\u2019t help it. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSister Cecily is coming. Sorta thank you for looking after me. You could come out with her and Beth Kelly. Dan will bring you\/\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDan de Quille, our reporter on the Enterprise. He\u2019s a good friend and he won\u2019t get lost. He sorta uses the Ponderosa as a second home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss took her hand \u201cPlease Sue. I want you to see my ranch, meet my family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t fit in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d be surprised. Just be yourself and you\u2019ll fit in just fine. They ain\u2019t that frightening.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue wasn\u2019t at all sure about that but eventually she gave in and promised Hoss that she would come. Hoss relaxed once he had her word and soon had her giggling, he was in such a daft mood.<\/p>\n The next day, realising that she was nervous about Adam, Hoss tried to undo the damage. He told her how his brother had pulled him out of a trap when he\u2019d first been injured and managed to negotiate a truce with the Indians. Sue found herself admiring the tall dark haired man she had met even more and realised why Hoss though so much of him, but apart from that it didn\u2019t work as she was even more nervous at facing him.<\/p>\n At the ranch Joe had passed over the final contracts for the pipe and lumber for the railway and then spent several hours explaining how the negotiations had gone. Ben and Adam were both very pleased, their trust in Joe had been fully justified and with those jobs completed the summer\u2019s work was just about finished. Over dinner Joe relaxed basking in their approval and he told them about Nita. A little of the things that they had said and done, the way she had changed and Leland Stanford\u2019s disapproval but support for her visit. It was the first time that he had spoken about her at any length and his feelings were very evident. Ben walked out with Adam as he was heading home, \u201cYou met her. What did you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI barely noticed her Pa. I was starting a cold and just wasn\u2019t in the mood to be sociable. She\u2019s very lovely, about Carole\u2019s build but very blonde. It was just polite small talk and really she didn\u2019t make any impression on me. I think she means as much to him as Marie did.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed heavily \u201cI know, I just hope that she likes it here and it works out. He\u2019s been hurt enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gripped his father\u2019s arm \u201cEasy Pa. There\u2019s no guarantees in love. Joe made an excellent choice first time, trust him again. If things do go wrong we can only be around to help. At least it proves he\u2019s finally recovered from Marie\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo and a half years and yet sometime I still turn round and expect to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. None of us will ever forget her but she\u2019d be the first to want Joe to find new happiness.\u201d Adam swung up on Blackie \u201cYou may still get that trio Dan talked of brunette, blonde and redhead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou just look after the first one, your brothers will go their own way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I\u2019ll pick up Hoss in the morning bring him home, he\u2019s just about run out of excuses. Then maybe on Saturday we can satisfy our curiosity.\u201d<\/p>\n The next morning Hoss was waiting for his brother. He had thanked all the nuns and paid the bills. He had Sue\u2019s word to come out on Saturday with sister Cecily and all of a sudden he was eager to get home. Adam was there by nine but even so Hoss growled at him \u201cYou\u2019re late.\u201d \u201cYeah, you got business in town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Straight home.\u201d Adam suited the action to the word and began edging through the traffic.<\/p>\n Hoss was quiet at first but once they were clear of town he said, \u201cI.. eh ..I did invite one nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t resist \u201cA redhead?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarole told you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo I told her before that. You were on about red headed angels of mercy! I saw her, she\u2019s very attractive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou obviously do!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think she\u2019s beautiful but she don\u2019t believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s her name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSue-Ellen Riley. Good old Irish name, she has the accent too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery soft, Not that she would talk to me, ran away as though I was an ogre!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you think?\u201d Hoss asked anxiously<\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cDo you care?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe matters. I don\u2019t know why, so fast…. I think she likes me too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop underrating yourself big brother. Why shouldn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t good looking like you and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019re lucky, but a large proportion of the human race isn\u2019t and luckily that\u2019s never stopped anyone falling in love, She\u2019s a big woman and she need a big man. Never any guarantees Hoss but why not push on, see where it takes you. I think it could be well worth while.\u201d After that Adam refused to say anymore and Hoss was soon sunk in reverie. His brother was right, this time he would push on. He wasn\u2019t hanging around while someone else slipped in.<\/p>\n At home Hoss was reticent but he did tell his father and Joe a little about Sue, with no real choice, as they would be meeting her on Saturday. They respected his obvious disinclination to talk and waited until Saturday, Ben with rather more patience than his youngest son. Beth laughed \u201cYou\u2019re on it. Have been for twenty minutes and it stretches as far as you can see in every direction. How big is it now Dan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have to ask Ben or Adam, I don\u2019t know just how much Adam bought last spring but it must be well over a thousand square miles.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue\u2019s eyes opened wide as she stared round her in near panic. This was so much more than she\u2019d ever dreamt of. Beth was still talking \u201cWe\u2019re going to Adam\u2019s house. The main ranch house is about half a mile away, that\u2019s a long log built house. It\u2019s spectacular but Adam\u2019s is even more so. He designed it himself. He\u2019s an architect as well as an engineer and now a lawyer and the house is gorgeous.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan commented, \u201cHe virtually designed the main house too. I can remember Ben saying that he\u2019d let Adam have it as he wanted, even at twelve he had an instinctive feel for line.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue swallowed hard \u201cI don\u2019t know him but Hoss obviously thinks very highly of his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Beth turned and patted her arm, \u201cDon\u2019t sound so worried, I\u2019ll admit Adam can sound frightening but he\u2019s very easy to get on with and I know that both he and his father are very grateful for the care you all gave Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Even so Sue got down from the buggy wanting only to turn tail and run. The house so different from what she was used to made her feel even worse. Dan had helped her down from the buggy but she was as tall as he was and much bigger than the skinny reporter so she felt huge and ugly, quite incapable of meeting people, most of whom she didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n Ben had insisted Hoss took it easy, unsure that his big son was really well enough for a party. Hoss was sitting by the fire with his niece on his lap while the twins played around his feet, so that he could feel he was being useful as his family were busily completing the arrangements. As usual Dan was the first to arrive and by the time he had helped the three ladies down Ben and Adam had both come out to welcome them. Adam had Red and Hank over to take care of the horses and leaving them to cope and his father to greet Beth and Sister Cecily, he went over to the scared redhead. He smiled at her \u201cI\u2019m so glad you could come Miss Riley, my brother said that he had persuaded you.\u201d<\/p>\n She licked her lips; \u201cIt was good of you to ask us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took her arm and she was relieved to find she had to look up to him. \u201cHoss is inside keeping my children quiet. Come and meet my wife Carole and my youngest brother Joe. Carole did see you at the hospital I believe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Mr Cartwright. She is very lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so but then I\u2019m biased, The name is Adam or it starts getting very confusing with four Mr Cartwrights. May I call you Sue-Ellen, it\u2019s a lovely name.\u201d Before Adam could answer, David, who had got up on his favourite Uncle\u2019s lap, stood up precariously reaching for Sue\u2019s hair, where it curled down in natural ringlets onto her shoulder, and announced in a very serious tone, \u201cThe lady has pretty hair.\u201d<\/p>\n The brothers both laughed and Adam, picked up his son before he could fall, \u201cOut of the mouths of babes! Yes David she does have very beautiful hair but that\u2019s not quite the way to say it.\u201d \u201cA sherry please,\u201d she said greatly daring and Adam called to Joe \u201cTake this for me.\u201d handing Joe her cloak. Joe smiled at her \u201cUnpaid labour that\u2019s all I am round here. He doesn\u2019t even bother to introduce me, I\u2019m Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss got to his feet considering that his brothers had said quite enough. \u201cJoe this is Sue-Ellen Riley. Sue my little brother Joe. Adam if you\u2019ll take your daughter, I\u2019ll get Sue that drink.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cI wondered when you were going to wake up.\u201d But he did as he was told and took Marie. With her in one arm and his sons hanging onto his coat he went to greet new arrivals.<\/p>\n Hoss took Sue into his brother\u2019s study and poured her a drink and got himself one. She was immensely taken by the room and the painting of the lake. Hoss explained that it was a view over Lake Tahoe, which was almost as beautiful as the real view and promised to take her up to see it. He moved closer to her and greatly daring put his right arm round her shoulders, but Sue just relaxed. It was an odd but very pleasurable feeling to find her head resting on a man\u2019s shoulders and all the Cartwrights were so friendly that she had completely lost her panic. Even Joe was as tall as she was and for once she didn\u2019t feel ungainly or out of place. Carole was wearing a white gown as simple as her own and she had seen the clear admiration in Adam\u2019s eyes as well as Hoss\u2019.<\/p>\n Ben had seen his big son lead her off and wanting to meet her he followed. As both seemed to be lost in thought, he gently tapped on the door. Hoss didn\u2019t move his arm, just turning her slightly \u201cOh good Pa. I\u2019d like you to meet Sue. I told you about her.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben came over smiling and took her hand, \u201cDelighted to meet you Sue. Thank you for keeping him under control. He\u2019s usually a very bad patient.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss protested, but Ben ignored him asking Sue what she thought of Virginia City and telling her that she must get Hoss to show her some of the lovelier parts of the ranch. Sue found him very easy to talk to and when Carole came over to join them, the twins came too so it was impossible to feel awkward. It wasn\u2019t until they were sitting down to dinner where she was placed next to Hoss that she realised that all the Cartwrights had taken it for granted she was there as Hoss\u2019 girl and even more surprisingly all of them seemed to welcome it. Joe smiled \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, it is getting a mite sore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome outside for a minute, Hoss is busy with Sister Cecily. I\u2019d like some air, it\u2019s getting very hot in here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou must have your own friends, you don\u2019t have to…\u201d<\/p>\n Joe interrupted \u201cI wouldn\u2019t ask if I didn\u2019t want to Sue. Do you mind if I call you Sue?\u201d<\/p>\n She shook her head. Joe went on \u201cMy girl is in San Francisco, I hope she\u2019ll come and visit at Christmas. She\u2019s never seen all this.\u201d He gestured at the mountains and trees. \u201cIts the first time you\u2019ve been to the Ponderosa too what do you think of it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything more beautiful. This house is superb your brother is very clever.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, \u201cYeah we\u2019re all rather proud of Adam. He designed my wife and I a house once. It was totally unlike this, but equally lovely, or it would have been if it had been built.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue frowned, \u201cYour wife?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled reassuringly at her \u201cIt\u2019s okay. No reason you should know. She died in childbirth, two and a half years ago. Adam\u2019s daughter is named after her Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLong time, the pain fades. I still love her but life goes on, She was very tiny, not really big enough for children and she had years of neglect, hard work in saloons. She just wasn\u2019t strong enough physically, She was mentally very strong, a very special person we all loved her, not just me. That\u2019s why Carole wanted her daughter to be called Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are a very close family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re lucky. When she died they kept me sane. Hoss and I worked up in the hills, just the two of us, for weeks. He was marvellous, he got the patience the rest of us missed out on. I couldn\u2019t have faced anyone else then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s very gentle and very kind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I\u2019m biased but I don\u2019t know any nicer person than that big galoot even if he is my brother! Come on it\u2019s getting chilly, have you tried Hop Sing\u2019s punch, just right to warm us up.\u201d \u201cI\u2019ll be there.\u201d Hoss said confidently and then very daring he kissed her gently on the lips before leading her out to join Sister Cecily. Even for that brief moment he had felt her respond and although very tired he was happy and content.<\/p>\n The next day over lunch, Carole and Adam had joined the others and they were discussing the party. Hoss asked what they thought of Sue and Ben was the first to answer, \u201cShe\u2019s remarkably feminine and pretty for such a large woman. Plenty of character in that face. I think she would be a handful. I wonder if she has the temper to go with that red hair?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed \u201cWomen don\u2019t have to be large to be a handful. I never could win an argument with Marie!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked sideways at Carole \u201cI have my problems too. I liked Sue, hope we\u2019ll see more of her Hoss. The twins were greatly taken, kept on about the kind lady with red hair this morning. What were you and she doing, feeding them goodies?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss wouldn\u2019t answer but he was pleased at his family\u2019s reaction, he had wanted them to like her, they were all so important to him. \u201cShe\u2019ll be coming out on Thursday, I thought I\u2019d take her up to the Lake, come back here for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked up, it was the first he\u2019d heard of it. \u201cYou are not going all the way to town and back twice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine Pa.\u201d Hoss protested, In fact the long rest had made him feel better than he had since he was first injured, despite breaking open the wound.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it was just one journey I\u2019d agree but it\u2019s too far. See her in town just for a week or so.\u201d Hoss looked over at Carole but she smiled, \u201cHe said this morning that he would probably stop over. Jim Fair has a problem at the California as well and you know what that means.\u201d \u201cMy pleasure big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n On the Thursday Adam spent a while talking to Roy before he headed over to the boarding house where Sue lived. Roy was worried, there had been another raid, noone killed this time but one man was badly hurt and there were still no leads. Adam promised to have another sweep around his own land and warn all the hands but otherwise there was little he could do to help. He was deep in thought and very sombre as he tied the buckboard up and went into the boarding house, He hadn\u2019t set out to get stores but as he had the wagon both Carole and Ben had thought of a few things and by the time Hop Sing and Kam Su had added their requirements he had quite a load.<\/p>\n Sue was ready and waiting, very smart in new riding gear, which she had just bought, the severe simplicity suiting her admirably. When she saw Adam her face fell, although she did her best to hide it, but she had told Hoss not to worry if he didn\u2019t feel up to it.<\/p>\n Adam grinned at that, pleased to see how disappointed she was. \u201cGood morning Sue, I am well aware that I am a poor substitute but as I was in town this morning anyway I am standing in for my brother. Pa didn\u2019t want him overdoing things by making two journeys to town in the one day, so I offered to escort you out to the ranch. Hoss wasn\u2019t particularly pleased but Pa still tends to get his own way. The buckboard is downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n As she realised that she wasn\u2019t going to be disappointed, she relaxed and tried to thank Adam. He shrugged it off; he\u2019d had to stay in town anyway. Adam admired her new outfit and asked her how good a rider she was. It was the one sport that she adored, in the saddle she\u2019d never felt ungainly and her enthusiasm sounded in her voice. Adam smiled \u201cWell I don\u2019t know if Hoss has a horse picked out for you, but if he hasn\u2019t I have a very nicely gaited chestnut mare I think you might like. She deserves more attention than I give her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Has she got a name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what I mean, I\u2019ve never bothered. I bought her in exchange for a roan I had ridden hard when I wanted to get home in a hurry once. Kept her because she\u2019s a fine horse but it was only a few weeks after I\u2019d had to shoot Sport. He had been my main horse for years but he broke a leg. For a while I couldn\u2019t get involved with any other horse and she came at just the wrong time. Now I have a very fine black stallion, originally called Blackie, and she still gets little attention. My cousin\u2019s wife rides her when she is here and I do occasionally as a second string but not enough. Maybe you could give her a name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are so very kind and yet you hardly know me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s say I trust my brother\u2019s judgement and I like what I see.\u201d<\/p>\n Almost in spite of herself, Sue protested \u201cBut I\u2019m so big.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned \u201cSo is Hoss, come to that none of us are small. Hoss\u2019 heart is as big as he is, all I ask is that you don\u2019t break it and somehow I don\u2019t think you will. I\u2019d guess the same could be said of you Nurse Riley. My children liked you at once and they don\u2019t take to everyone.\u201d Very soon they arrived and for the first time she saw the main house with all the barns, bunkhouses, cook shack and corrals. It was enormous and she went very quiet as she saw the further proof of this family\u2019s position, but then Hoss was there helping her down and over coffee she forgot her qualms. Adam unloaded the stores destined for the main house and then wandered in \u201cHoss, Have you got a horse in mind for Sue?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHadn\u2019t thought.\u201d Hoss sighed heavily \u201cI should have.\u201d When he got back with the mare, Sue made a fuss of it with obvious delight, \u201cShe looks just like Sheba, the mare I had back home in Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss smiled and Adam commented, \u201cThat\u2019s a nice name Sheba.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you mind Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you the choice was yours. I like it; Hoss can arrange stabling later. Enjoy yourselves.\u201d Then Adam turned and rode home. Sue watched him leave and moved closer to Hoss \u201cHe\u2019s so different from what I expected. I like your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood so do I. Come on let\u2019s go for a ride.\u201d Hoss led the way up to the Lake and for several minutes she just sat staring at the beautiful scenery. Then she noticed the graves, five of them each with a stone marker. She didn\u2019t like to ask but Hoss saw the question in her eyes, \u201cCome and sit down. Five graves six bodies.\u201d He gestured at two of them \u201cThose two were close friends of Adam\u2019s. Ross was his best friend but he was ill, mentally ill, and he killed his wife. Adam tried to avoid it, took a bullet but he had to kill Ross. Maybe the best thing even if he\u2019d recovered he\u2019d never have lived with killing Delphine. We buried them up here quietly, away from the gossip. Adam took it very hard, still blames himself. The next one is by far the oldest, Joe\u2019s mother is buried there.”<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s mother?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss put his arm round her \u201cWe\u2019re all half brothers, Pa married three times. Adam\u2019s ma died having him and mine in an Indian raid on the way west when I was just a few weeks. I only just remember Joe\u2019s mother, he was only four when she died in a riding accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour father has known tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd joy, we all have, The next is another Marie. Joe\u2019s ma was Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis wife. Joe told me that she died in childbirth too.\u201d Hoss was slightly surprised but he nodded, \u201cAnd the baby it only lived for an hour, a badly deformed leg. We all loved Marie and for a while I doubted Joe would ever really recover. It took more\u2019n a year fore he really laughed again. Adam took him over to Europe with Carole and the twins and the break helped, I know he still loves her but now I reckon he\u2019s found someone else. I sure hope so and I know Marie would, she was a very loving little lady. A very special person and the love between her and my little brother was real special, it changed him, he sure matured. Even when she\u2019d died somehow she was still there helping him, guess she still is in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou did love her like Joe said and your brother and his wife must have done to call their daughter after her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019d never had a real chance in life and yet she was gentle, kind and loving and very beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe fifth stone hasn\u2019t got a grave.\u201d Commented Sue.<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cIt has but a tiny one, an unborn baby, deformed it near cost Carole her life.\u201d He outlined Adam and Joe\u2019s fight for Carole and David on the boat and the belated victim. His expressive face showing all too many memories as he described the long ride home from the back country to Carole\u2019s bedside and the fight to save her, finishing with his own ride up here with his brothers to bury the tiny unborn child. Sue liked Adam and she found tears in her eyes as Hoss finished. Hoss pulled her close to him and wiped them gently \u201cThey are fine. Carole recovered and they have a beautiful daughter to help them forget.”<\/p>\n She smiled and Hoss couldn\u2019t help himself and kissed he gently at first and then as her arms went round him, with true passion, carried away with a feeling for this girl unlike anything he had ever known before. The rest of the day was perfect and Hoss arranged to meet her the following week. Then he rode home in a state of complete contentment, not even noticing his tiredness.<\/p>\n Ben and Joe watched him go up to bed, not raiding the kitchen for food or even really noticing their presence and Joe whistled softly. \u201cAdam was right Hoss is courting, I\u2019ve never seen him look like that before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice girl I just hope it works out for them.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe giggled, \u201cAny kids they have should keep Adam\u2019s and mine in order.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why.\u201d said his father acidly, \u201cSize difference has never helped Hoss deal with you.”<\/p>\n The following day Adam brought over the invitation he had written to Nita so that Joe could have a look before he sent it off. Hoss was there too and Adam said \u201cThere\u2019s still a bedroom free if you want me to ask Sue too, or are you asking her to come here?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hadn\u2019t thought that far but used to his brother he just grinned, \u201cI\u2019ll let you know,\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was pleased with the invitation and offered to take it into town and post it straight away.<\/p>\n Adam signed it and passed it back, laughing at his brother \u201cGetting it off a day earlier won\u2019t bring Christmas any quicker Little Joe. Its still only October.\u201d<\/p>\n As Joe rode out, Adam caught sight of his father looking very smug and burst out laughing. Ben frowned and Adam got to his feet \u201cIt\u2019s alright Pa, I\u2019m heading home I\u2019ll leave you to anticipate your new role as patriarch.\u201d He was out of the door before Ben could respond but as he sat back shaking his head at his eldest son, he had to admit Adam had read his mind. He rather enjoyed the prospect of all of his sons happily married and, with God\u2019s blessing more grandchildren, the future looked very bright.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\nAngels with Red hair?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAdam went over to the chair and picked up the moneybelt, which had been taken from his brother. It was sticky with Hoss\u2019 blood and he wiped it grim faced, furious with the stupid drunks who had caused the accident. Then he turned back to Jess, \u201cYou\u2019d better start back, Pa will be worried. I\u2019ll probably catch up before you get home. I\u2019ll bring the money-belt, once I\u2019ve had a word with Hoss. If you get home before me, you\u2019ll have to tell Pa. Will you please?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss didn\u2019t want to push; unsure of her feelings and never free from doubts as to his own attractiveness to women, knowing he had none of the good looks and elegance his brothers possessed in abundance. He avoided the subject with Adam but despite Joe\u2019s return the following day; Hoss hesitantly suggested he stay where he was for another couple of days. He didn\u2019t want to go home and wasn\u2019t well enough to do more than sit around but he wasn\u2019t really ill either. He was torn, not wanting his family to be worried that he was staying because really he felt much worse than he was admitting. Adam knew Hoss well enough to realise his brother\u2019s predicament and he took pity on him. As they were about to leave, Carole had already gone out, Adam turned and went back to the bed. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what you\u2019re up to you big moose, your business and I won\u2019t pry, but I will stop Pa worrying. You just rest and recover and if you can enjoy yourself as well….\u201d Adam gave his brother a roguish grin and winked before heading after his wife. Hoss relaxed back against the pillow knowing that Adam would keep his word and much relieved.<\/p>\n
\nThe Doc wanted to change Hoss\u2019 bandages and with expert help on hand from Sister Cecily threw Adam out, still with half hour to kill before he could expect to see the stage. He was just about to head down to the Palace for a beer and the latest gossip when he saw Sue approaching him. Adam had no difficulty in recognising her, there couldn\u2019t be two tall redheads and he smiled, \u201cYou must be the nurse from Ireland my brother was talking about. I\u2019m Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe soon forgot about it as he went to meet the stage, wondering how fit his youngest brother was and how successful his trip to San Francisco had been, both on business and on a personal level.<\/p>\n
\nAdam drank his beer, savouring his brother\u2019s guilty little boy look, which he hadn\u2019t seen in quite a while. Joe\u2019s explanation left a lot to be desired but it was fairly clear to his brother. Just to be sure Adam asked, \u201cI take it you mean Nita and I presume you conned Will and Laura into escorting her?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam grinned, \u201cNot all of them. Carole saw this nurse in with Hoss and I saw her today. She\u2019s not a nun and has no intention of becoming one. Irish, trained as a nurse in London. That\u2019s all Hoss has said, I don\u2019t even know her name.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam didn\u2019t bother to answer, just collecting his brother\u2019s meagre luggage and then helping Hoss up onto the buckboard. \u201cEverything sorted out and paid for?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSue-Ellen was getting more and more nervous, wishing she hadn\u2019t agreed to go. Only the presence of Sister Cecily made her stick to her promise. She told herself that she wasn\u2019t attending the party as Hoss\u2019 girl, just as his nurse. A thank you for looking after him along with the sister in charge of the hospital. She had heard about the Cartwrights and the Ponderosa but she didn\u2019t realise how big the ranch was or how rich and powerful the family was. On the journey out with Beth and Dan she began to feel even worse. She was wearing her one evening dress, a very plain dark green that suited her colouring admirably but was a long way from new. It was very simple and unfashionable compared to the elaborate dresses she had seen round Virginia City and she felt awkward and plain. Then Sister Cecily began talking about this completely unnecessary act the Cartwrights had done so much for the hospital that any thanks were due the other way. For the first time Sue learnt just how much the Cartwrights paid for at the hospital and from Dan\u2019s comments that they could easily afford it, she got some idea of their wealth. Beth tried to put the younger nurse at her ease, sensing her uncertainty but she only made matters worse. She asked Sue if she had been out to the Ponderosa before. Sue shook her head \u201cI\u2019m not even quite sure where it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSue nodded, relaxing slightly; he wasn\u2019t at all what she had expected. Adam took her over to the fire and took her cloak and as Hoss looked tongue-tied he said, \u201cThese three menaces are mine, Marie is the good one. This is David and the curly headed one is Mark.\u201d He couldn\u2019t hide the thread of pride in his voice as he looked down at the children and Sue smiled at him \u201cThey are lovely children, you must be very proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWith David on his hip Adam turned to Sue \u201cI have to agree with my son though, very pretty and the colour of your dress goes superbly. It ought to be against the law, hiding yourself away in a nurse\u2019s uniform. Can I offer you a drink, sherry, punch, wine?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHaving relaxed Sue thoroughly enjoyed the party. Hoss wasn\u2019t up to dancing but Adam, Joe and even their father all insisted and for once she wasn\u2019t towering over her partner and could enjoy herself. The second time she danced with Joe it began to pull at his leg, he’d been doing too much all day. Seeing a flicker of pain she remembered what Hoss had said and asked, \u201cShould you be dancing? You hurt your leg?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSue let him take her hand and went in with him, moved by the very obvious affection between the brothers. The evening flew past and all too soon it was time to go, Hoss knew that she had a day off on Thursday and asked to see her. Sue hesitated unsure that he was well enough for the long ride to town but then nodded \u201cProvided you feel well enough. If not don\u2019t worry I won\u2019t be offended.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss looked stubborn and Ben glared at his son. Adam said, \u201cThere\u2019s an easy way out Hoss. I have to go to town on Wednesday, some legal work for the pipeline, and I\u2019ll probably be tied up until late anyway. I\u2019ll take the buckboard in, stay over night and bring Sue out to join you here. Then you\u2019ll have the day together and Pa won\u2019t object to the one journey to take Sue home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss nodded \u201cThanks Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nShe blushed hotly but Adam just ignored it, pointing out the various landmarks around the ranch.<\/p>\n
\nAdam grinned \u201cNo matter. I\u2019ll bring that chestnut mare over in about ten minutes, Sue has promised to name her for me.\u201d<\/p>\n