Summary:\u00a0 All four Cartwrights have women trouble.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 9,150 words<\/p>\n
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The Fairer Sex<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sighed as he reached for his boots and began to pull them on.\u00a0 He was definitely not looking forward to this day, and dreaded what may be ahead of him. At fifteen, he was physically as big as many men, but he had a boy\u2019s heart and mind, and the thought of what his friend Steve had asked him to do was gnawing away at him as he fretted about how to handle the situation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Steve had recently become smitten with a certain young lady named Susan who had recently arrived in Virginia City and commenced school with both the boys in the little Virginia City schoolhouse.\u00a0 She was a good-looking girl who had stolen Hoss\u2019 friend\u2019s heart, and he was counting on today\u2019s picnic to cement their friendship together.\u00a0 The problem was Isabelle, Steve\u2019s thirteen-year old sister who would be his responsibility to look after for the day.\u00a0 That was where Hoss came in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After much pleading from his friend Hoss had given in and decided to help him out by distracting Isabelle and keeping her busy, hopefully preventing her from ruining her brother\u2019s plan.\u00a0 The problem was, Hoss was extremely shy with girls and had no idea how to keep Isabelle busy and away from her brother.\u00a0 What was he to say to her, and how was he to know when to say it?\u00a0 Steve was counting on him and Hoss didn\u2019t want to let his friend down, but he was sure that he would not be able to keep his promise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked in the mirror and picked up his comb to tidy his sandy hair, frowning at his reflection and wished for the millionth time that he had the good looks of either of his brothers.\u00a0 His older brother Adam had the brooding dark looks and the witty remarks that caused many girls to fall at his feet.\u00a0 He never had any trouble attracting girls or keeping them amused.\u00a0 Hoss wished that he had Adam\u2019s ease of conversation and knack of knowing just how to act appropriately with everyone. He sighed.\u00a0 If only this day were over.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment, his younger brother Little Joe burst into the room and bounced on the bed.\u00a0 Hoss was sure that Little Joe had never entered a room quietly in his life.\u00a0 At nine years old, Joe was a bundle of energy with a knack of showing up just when he was not needed and finding out things that were sure to get him into trouble.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hi Hoss, ain\u2019t ya ready yet? Pa\u2019ll be mad if we\u2019re late for breakfast on a Sunday.\u00a0 You know he always says we have to be on time for church.\u2019 Usually it was Little Joe who kept the family waiting, so for once when he was on time he was determined to rub it in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well go on downstairs if you\u2019re so worried, and get off my bed!\u2019 Hoss retorted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe continued to bounce on the bed, studying his brother with his head on one side.\u00a0 It was not like Hoss to be short with him, especially so early in the morning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s up with you? Today\u2019s the picnic day, so you should be glad to get there on time.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss scowled at him as he pulled on his jacket. \u2018What\u2019s so darned important about a picnic anyway? We\u2019ve been to plenty and they\u2019re nothing special.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened.\u00a0 \u2018But there\u2019s going to be games and food and everything.\u00a0 Why ain\u2019t you happy about going?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mind your own business. It\u2019s got nothing to do with you.\u2019 Hoss turned to leave the room, and after a moment Little Joe shrugged and followed him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Downstairs at the dining table, Adam and his father were commencing breakfast, and Adam was reflecting on the day ahead in a very different way to his brother upstairs.\u00a0 For the past few weeks he had been getting acquainted with a certain Miss Louisa Davis, daughter of the new local banker and he was looking forward to getting to know her a little more closely at today\u2019s picnic. He sat and chewed silently while contemplating the day\u2019s events ahead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly, his father\u2019s voice startled him.\u00a0 \u2018Joseph, for once could you please come down those stairs without such a racket?\u2019\u00a0 Adam glanced over to see his two younger brothers approaching the table.\u00a0 Hoss had a decidedly sour expression on his face, and Little Joe was grinning behind him as he jumped the last four stairs to land with a loud thud on the living room floor. As they made their way towards the table, Little Joe pushed past his brother, who lashed out at him sideways. \u2018Watch where you\u2019re going, will ya?\u2019 he shouted to the younger boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018Boys, it would be nice if we could for once start the day without any of that nonsense.\u00a0 Now sit down and get on with your breakfast please, or we\u2019ll be late for church.\u2019\u00a0 Both boys took their places on either side of their father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe grinned at Adam as he helped himself to some toast.\u00a0 \u2018Bet you\u2019re looking forward to the picnic today ain\u2019t ya Adam?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What makes you say that?\u2019 asked his older brother while knowing that he would probably regret asking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So that you can get the chance to kiss that new girl of yours,\u2019 replied his little brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reddened slightly as his father hid a smile behind his coffee cup.\u00a0 It amazed him how his youngest son seemed to always have so much information about his brothers\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mind your own business Joseph,\u2019 said their father sternly.\u00a0 \u2018What Adam does is no affair of yours.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well everyone knows Adam is sweet on Louisa Davis.\u2019 replied his youngest son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well everyone is not you,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Now eat your breakfast.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are you going to kiss her Adam?\u2019 persisted Little Joe smiling at him between bites, his green eyes twinkling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why don\u2019t you just shut up,\u2019 said Adam, frowning at his youngest brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wouldn\u2019t want to kiss a girl,\u2019 continued Little Joe. \u2018I couldn\u2019t think of anything worse!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018One day you might change your mind about that,\u2019 said Adam darkly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Uh uh, not me,\u2019 replied his little brother. \u2018I hate girls!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 asked his father quite amused. \u2018And why is that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re really dumb, and they like dumb things too,\u2019\u00a0 his youngest son replied. \u2018Plus they always want people to kiss them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And you have experience in this area?\u2019 asked Adam sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Heck no!\u00a0 I told ya, I\u2019m never kissing no girl! I\u2019d rather kiss a horse first,\u2019 replied the youngest Cartwright vehemently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Wouldn\u2019t put that past you either,\u2019 muttered Adam, earning a frown from his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned to his middle son. \u2018You\u2019re very quiet this morning Hoss. Anything wrong?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head and continued to eat his breakfast. He had been listening to the conversation quietly, whilst thinking about the difficulties ahead of him.\u00a0 The talk had started him thinking that maybe he should ask Adam\u2019s advice about how to handle Isabelle.\u00a0 Shaking his head slightly, he decided against it.\u00a0 Adam might have some advice that would help him, but he really couldn\u2019t risk Little Joe overhearing his problem.\u00a0 He knew from bitter experience just how difficult his life might be if that youngster suspected he was having girl trouble.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben studied each of his sons in turn over the top of his coffee cup.\u00a0 They were all different in so many ways. Adam was a self-possessed young man who handled himself well in many situations and had a certain charm with women, that Ben knew was not unlike his own. Hoss, for all his shyness, was the sort of boy that girls would love to mother and bring out of his shell.\u00a0 However, Ben knew that Hoss would run a mile if he thought a female was interested in him, and suspected that he would not be easy to catch.\u00a0 And as for Little Joe, well Ben did not for one minute believe the boy\u2019s declaration of his lack of interest in the opposite sex.\u00a0 Given his natural charm and good looks, it was only a matter of time before his words became as hollow as they sounded.\u00a0 Ben suspected strongly that this youngest boy of his would prove to be irresistible to women once he decided they were worth his attention, and probably before then as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed.\u00a0 As if he didn\u2019t have enough trouble himself with women without becoming involved in his sons\u2019 love lives as well.\u00a0 Ben knew that as an eligible and wealthy widower, he was the target of many a woman\u2019s attentions in the Territory, and he had for years trod a difficult path between keeping them at a distance without offending them.\u00a0 It was a path that became very wearying at times.\u00a0 Ben counted himself as a man with considerable experience with women \u2013 after all he had been married three times! \u2013 yet they still never ceased to amaze him. How much easier at times life would be without the fairer sex.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come on boys,\u2019 he declared as he stood up from the table. \u2018We\u2019ll be late for church and that picnic if we don\u2019t get a move on.\u2019 He strode to the door followed eagerly by Adam and Little Joe, with Hoss bringing up the rear dragging his feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the Cartwrights pulled up in their buggy at the front of the small weatherboard church they surveyed the large crowd that had gathered outside in the yard.\u00a0 The church was usually half full for the Sunday Service, but the promise of a picnic day afterwards had brought ranchers and their families from near and far, and the pews promised to be overflowing today.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they alighted from the buggy that held all four of them, Ben kept a firm grip on Little Joe\u2019s arm, as was his usual habit.\u00a0 The boy had a tendency to wander off in crowds and find trouble if it was about, and the last thing Ben needed was to be searching for a lost son just when the services were about to begin.\u00a0 He knew from past experience that the safest thing to do was to keep a firm grip on his youngest son, keep the other two in full view, and get into the church as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was not Little Joe however, who escaped him this time but Adam, who wandered straight over to where Louisa and her parents were standing next to the fence.\u00a0 Ben shrugged as he watched his oldest boy tip his hat to the group, and turned to lead his two younger boys into the church.\u00a0 He knew that Adam would find his way inside eventually, and he could usually count on his oldest son to be reliable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He quickly found the Cartwright pew and sat down with Hoss and Little Joe on either side of him, leaving room for Adam at the end of the row.\u00a0 Glancing at Hoss, he wondered what was wrong with the boy, for he had been unusually quiet during the ride into town and now sat with his head down as if lost in thought. Little Joe was fidgeting as usual, and Ben kept his hand on his thigh to remind him to be still. This technique usually lasted for part of the service at least.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was using his time productively, trying to impress Louisa\u2019s parents. Throughout the small talk that took place, he sensed her eyes watching him intently, and was pleased to see the smile that was evident upon her face at his approach.\u00a0 Louisa was tall, slim and blond, with blue eyes and a tilted nose.\u00a0 She had an engaging laugh and a ready wit that Adam found intriguing, and he was looking forward to getting to know her better.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018May I walk you inside?\u2019 he asked politely.\u00a0 Louisa looked at her father who nodded, and she took Adam\u2019s arm as they walked across the front yard of the church.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So I\u2019ll see you later at the picnic?\u2019 he whispered as they approached the porch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Louisa nodded. \u2018Of course.\u00a0 Maybe we\u2019ll be able to find a quiet spot to catch up with each other.\u2019\u00a0 She leaned closer to Adam and looked closely into his eyes, and he could feel her sweet breath against his cheek.\u00a0 He swallowed, his thoughts racing ahead to things that had nothing to do with the nature of the building they were entering.\u00a0 As he escorted her to her seat and turned to join his father and brothers at their pew, he rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants leg and smiled guiltily at his father who frowned at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they stood to begin the first hymn Hoss looked around for his friend Steve and his family, and frowned as he noticed them on the other side of the congregation. Steve was watching him intently, and motioning with his head towards his younger sister who was seated next to him.\u00a0 Isabelle was a nice looking girl with dark hair braided into two plaits that hung down either side of her head, and topped with two huge red bows that bobbed as she sang lustily.\u00a0 Hoss knew her from school, and he had always thought of her as a serious girl who studied hard and did well at her lessons.\u00a0 Even though she was younger than him Hoss always felt rather in awe of her knowledge, and this combined with his natural shyness with girls had meant that he had had little if anything to do with her over the years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sighed to himself as he thought about the day ahead.\u00a0 He considered briefly the idea of pretending to be sick and asking his Pa if he could go home straight after the service, but he knew he really couldn\u2019t let Steve down.\u00a0 Hoss prayed that the minister would take it into his head to speak for a very long time today, or that a natural disaster would overtake them.\u00a0 He spent the rest of the service praying for a miracle in the shape of a thunderstorm or a cattle stampede through the middle of the town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they sat after the hymn for the first reading, Ben felt an uneasy feeling that he was being watched.\u00a0 He turned his head sideways and saw Kathryn Whelan\u2019s eyes on him as she smiled widely and nodded her head in greeting.\u00a0 Kathryn was a prominent member of Virginia City, a widow whose husband had died some years earlier and left her with a modest income that ensured her a comfortable living.\u00a0 She spent a lot of her time involved in charitable works for the town, practising the organ for the Sunday services and generally sticking her nose into anyone\u2019s business that took her fancy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She was the type of woman that Ben tried his hardest to stay well clear of, particularly as he knew that she invested a considerable amount of time planning how to attract the attentions of anyone who might fit the mould of a future husband for herself.\u00a0 Unfortunately, she had obviously decided that Ben might just fulfil her needs, and she made that clear in her attentions towards him.\u00a0 He had planned many a hasty getaway on a Sunday morning after church, and was becoming quite adept with his excuses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Today, however, he knew that he would have to be very creative in order to avoid the woman because of the picnic that she would undoubtedly attend.\u00a0 He turned towards his youngest son as an excuse to divert his attention, and tapped him smartly on the leg.\u00a0 Little Joe looked up surprised, as for once he had been sitting quietly, seemingly paying attention to the minister, and he was unsure as to why his Pa was cautioning him.\u00a0 Ben frowned at him slightly and motioned with his finger towards the front of the church, as if to focus his attention there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa,\u2019 Little Joe whispered. \u2018I wasn\u2019t doing nothing.\u00a0 I was\u2026.\u2019 Ben motioned him to be quiet, satisfied that he no longer had to look at Katherine.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pouted and hunched down lower in his seat, angry that his father should admonish him for nothing.\u00a0 If the truth be known, however, the boy had not been watching the minister at all, but rather a quite large spider that was inching its way across the back of the pew in front of them.\u00a0 He was wondering how he could manage to catch it without being noticed by his father or brothers, and get it into his pocket without any fuss.\u00a0 Not that he had much use for the spider at the moment, but he was sure it would come in handy before the day was out.\u00a0 Little Joe was well known for his tricks, and he was always looking for a victim for one of his practical jokes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked up at his father who was focussing his attention on the minister, and then his two brothers.\u00a0 Adam had a dreamy faraway expression on his face that Joe knew well.\u00a0 He grinned as he thought of the girl that was behind it.\u00a0 Maybe he could use the spider on her later? Hoss for once also seemed to be in another world as he gazed intently across the room staring at Isabelle Hawkins.\u00a0 Little Joe thought about that briefly for a moment, and stored away the knowledge for future use.\u00a0 He turned towards the spider again, knowing that the perfect moment for its capture had arrived.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But just as his hand slowly reached forward to make a grab for it, another small hand slipped past his from the pew in front, and snatched the spider from his grasp.\u00a0 He looked up suddenly and saw a pair of twinkling brown eyes and an impish grin laughing at him from the middle of a freckled face and he frowned.\u00a0 That Becky Payne again!\u00a0 Payne by name and pain by nature, he decided, as he wrinkled his nose at her and stuck out his tongue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky grinned again as she tucked the spider into her pocket and turned back to the front of the church.\u00a0 Little Joe thought briefly about slipping something down the back of her dress, but he had not had the chance to collect his usual supply of small insects, due to the enforced march into the church with his father.\u00a0 He had no choice but to sit quietly and content himself with thoughts of how he would get back at her at the picnic later, while gazing at the back of her neck.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky was one of the main reasons why Little Joe had decided that he hated girls. They attended the local school together where they both had a large group of friends. Due to the fact that they were of the opposite sex and in spite of their similar ages, the two had never really mixed in the same circles.\u00a0 The few times they had had contact with each other, however, neither had been impressed.\u00a0 Becky was a natural leader and a girl of very strong opinions, and she refused to be won over by the charm that Little Joe usually exerted over people.\u00a0 She took no notice of the fact that she was a mere girl, and in Little Joe\u2019s eyes and that of his male friends had far too much to say for herself.\u00a0 As far as Joe was concerned, the sooner that girl was taught a lesson the better!\u00a0 He spent the rest of the service thinking about how to get the spider back from her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the remainder of the service Ben was mildly surprised at how quiet and focussed his boys seemed to be on the minister\u2019s words.\u00a0 He glanced along the pew and watched each of them proudly.\u00a0 Little did he suspect that none of them was in fact even remotely interested in what was being said, and all three were preoccupied in one way or another with thoughts of the fairer sex.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n After the service Ben\u2019s thoughts were similarly occupied, as Katherine Whelan made her way towards him in the crowd outside the church.\u00a0 \u2018Ben, oh Ben!\u2019 she cried as he grabbed Little Joe by the arm and turned to get to the buggy quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sighing, he turned reluctantly back to face her, as he tipped his hat.\u00a0 \u2018Good morning Katherine, how are you today?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Katherine beamed at him, her ample bosom heaving with the exertion of the chase across the yard. \u2018I\u2019m very well thank you! Just checking that you are going to the picnic today.\u00a0 It would be a shame for everyone if the handsome Cartwright men couldn\u2019t be there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh we\u2019re going ma\u2019am!\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe interrupted, then immediately regretted his remark as the woman turned her attentions towards him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh Joseph! What a handsome young man you\u2019re growing into!\u00a0 You must be very proud of this one Ben.\u2019\u00a0 She bent down and pinched Little Joe on the cheek, trying to act as motherly as she knew how.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed as he caught the look his youngest son gave him. If there was one thing Little Joe hated, it was being pinched on the cheek and Ben knew it. \u2018I\u2019m proud of all my boys Katherine,\u2019 he said inching away from her as Little Joe scowled up at him and rubbed his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And so you should be.\u00a0 They are wonderful youngsters, though it\u2019s such a pity you haven\u2019t had a woman\u2019s help in raising them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben searched around for one of his wonderful youngsters to help him, and momentarily let go of Little Joe\u2019s arm.\u00a0 Ten seconds was all it took for that young man to disappear into the crowd, and Ben sighed as he surrendered himself to ten long minutes of listening to Katherine\u2019s not so subtle list of her wifely attributes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe crouched low and scuttled amongst the legs around him until he spied the blue dress that he had been searching for.\u00a0 Becky was standing talking with a group of her girl friends and was momentarily startled when the boy bobbed up beside her and thrust his hand in front of her face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where\u2019s my spider? Give it back now, Becky Payne.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky stuck her tongue out at him and smirked. \u2018Your spider indeed! Should have been quicker if you thought it was yours, shouldn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe glared at her. \u2018You just give it back if you know what\u2019s good for you, or else I\u2019ll\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ll what? Hit a girl?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think so.\u2019\u00a0 The group of girls laughed at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe clenched his fists and thought.\u00a0 He knew he would be in a lot of trouble if he dared hit a girl, but there were other ways to get her back. \u2018I don\u2019t need to hit you, but you\u2019ll be sorry if you don\u2019t give it to me,\u2019\u00a0 he replied.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Little Joe won\u2019t hit her because he really likes her,\u2019 declared a girl in the group, and Little Joe turned to face her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Me?\u00a0 Like a girl? You\u2019ve got to be kidding!\u2019 he exclaimed. \u2018Girls are good for nothing but causing trouble.\u00a0 Why, I could beat any girl at anything, any day of the week!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 countered Becky. \u2018Let\u2019s just see about that. I challenge you to a contest.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Does it matter?\u00a0 You said you could beat me at anything, so prove it at the picnic today.\u2019 She turned away and pushed him, and Little Joe fell back and landed on someone\u2019s foot.\u00a0 He looked up into the scowling face of his big brother Adam, who was passing by with Louisa on his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey, watch out will you?\u2019 Adam scowled at him, as Louisa gave him a disdainful look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really Adam,\u2019 she sighed, \u2018Can\u2019t you keep that little brother of yours in line?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bent down and rubbed his ankle, and stared at Little Joe\u2019s face closely as he whispered.\u00a0 \u2018Get lost, will you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at him with a hurtful expression, and said in an extra loud voice,\u00a0 \u2018Why Adam, I think Pa might be looking for you.\u00a0 Does he know you\u2019re with a girl?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam scowled at him and pulled Louisa away by the arm.\u00a0 She leant towards him and brushed against his shoulder with her face.\u00a0 \u2018Why Adam, no need to sweep me off my feet like this!\u2019\u00a0 She nestled her head into his chest, and Adam pulled away from her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not here!\u00a0 What would everyone think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018\u2019What does it matter?\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It matters because we\u2019re still in the church grounds for heavens sake and your folks are just over there, not to mention my Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh don\u2019t be an old fuddy duddy!\u00a0 For goodness sake Adam, we\u2019re not doing anything wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Still, I\u2019d rather wait until we can be alone.\u2019 he replied, smiling at her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh all right!\u00a0 Come on then, let\u2019s get to the picnic!\u2019\u00a0 Louisa flounced off, leaving Adam scratching his head in confusion.\u00a0 What had he said to annoy her?\u00a0 He looked around for his brothers and his father, and saw Hoss over near the porch of the church, in conversation with his friend Steve and some girl.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss, you know Isabelle, don\u2019t you?\u2019 Steve asked as he winked at his friend.\u00a0 Hoss swallowed as his moment of truth arrived and looked at Steve as everyone waited for his reply.\u00a0 \u2018Hoss?\u2019 Steve repeated hopefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Isabelle interrupted impatiently. \u2018Of course he knows me Steve!\u00a0 We all go to school together don\u2019t we? Hello Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss smiled at her and tipped his hat.\u00a0 For a moment all three looked at each other, then Steve tried again. \u2018Going to the picnic Hoss?\u2019 Hoss nodded, still smiling. \u2018Well, we\u2019ll probably see you there then.\u2019 Steve glared at his friend and motioned towards his sister with his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Uh, yeah sure thing Steve.\u2019 muttered Hoss. \u2018Uh, you too I guess, Isabelle.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Isabelle smiled at him.\u00a0 \u2018Yes of course. Come on Steve, mother and father are waiting for us.\u2019\u00a0 She pulled on his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Steve glared at Hoss as he was dragged away. \u2018Make sure you come talk to us Hoss. We\u2019ll be looking for you.\u2019 he yelled.\u00a0 Hoss nodded miserably as his older brother came up behind him and put his arm on his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What was that all about?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuthin. Leave me alone.\u2019 Hoss shook off his hand and stomped over to the buggy.\u00a0 \u2018Are we going to this picnic or not?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Absolutely!\u2019 beamed Adam.\u00a0 \u2018Can\u2019t get there quickly enough as far as I\u2019m concerned.\u2019\u00a0 The two brothers climbed into the buggy and looked into the crowd.\u00a0 Across the yard they saw Ben dragging Little Joe by the arm, as Katherine Whelan followed them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See you there Ben!\u2019 she cried and Ben nodded grimly as he hoisted Little Joe into the buggy.\u00a0 Little Joe rubbed his arm and scowled at his father as he sat hunched down in the back of the buggy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t know what I did wrong.\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I wasn\u2019t doing nothing!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben glared at him. \u2018Next time you\u2019ll stay with me as you\u2019re supposed to do, young man!\u00a0 I had to come looking for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And not a moment too soon by the look of Mrs Whelan.\u2019 muttered Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018\u2019What was that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing Pa, just anxious to get to the picnic is all.\u2019 replied his eldest son, and picked up the reins.\u00a0 The buggy jolted forward, and the four Cartwrights headed with mixed feelings towards the picnic grounds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pasture near the lake was becoming crowded as the Cartwrights pulled up, and it seemed like everyone who could get there had made the effort to join the picnic.\u00a0 Adam left the buggy under the shade of a large tree, and Hoss removed the large picnic basket from the back of the buggy before they went to search for a shady spot to sit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben chose a place right in the middle of several family groups, mainly with a view to having company to distract himself if he found himself caught by Katherine at any stage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh boy!\u2019 said Hoss as he lifted the top of the picnic basket and began to remove the many delicacies that Hop Sing had packed for them.\u00a0 Little Joe pushed against him, trying to get closer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Let me see. What have we got?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hauled him back by the neck of his shirt and placed him on the picnic rug. \u2018Just hold on and wait.\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t be so impatient.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben seated himself on the rug and looked around him as Hoss and Adam spread the food out.\u00a0 It was a beautiful day and many of their friends were appearing.\u00a0 Yes, Ben thought, it was good to have a bit of time away from the ranch, and it would be an enjoyable day as long as\u2026..<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ben, oh Ben!\u2019 a shrill voice rang out through the air, and Adam bent his head to smother a smile.\u00a0 Little Joe frowned as Katherine appeared a few feet away, carrying a rather large picnic basket.\u00a0 \u2018What\u2019s she doing here?\u2019 he asked, but was silenced immediately by a look from Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What a lovely spot you\u2019ve chosen,\u2019 Katherine declared, sitting herself down beside them and undoing her basket. \u2018I think I\u2019ll take this place right next to you.\u2019\u00a0 Ben smiled thinly and nodded briefly to her as he turned back towards his boys.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now boys eat up,\u2019 he said. \u2018Plenty of time for you to eat your fill.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But Adam\u2019s attention was already elsewhere as he searched the crowds for a sight of Louisa.\u00a0 \u2018I think I\u2019ll eat later Pa,\u2019 he said and stood up to go in search of her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam!\u2019 called his father, but the young man had already melted into the crowd.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was stuffing a sandwich into his mouth as he stood and inched away from Katherine. \u2018I\u2019ve got to go too, Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Need to find a few friends.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 yelled his father as the boy scampered off. \u2018You need to eat more than that.\u2019\u00a0 But his words fell on thin air.\u00a0 He turned to Hoss who was busily tucking into the delights in front of him.\u00a0 At least he could always depend on his middle son to stay close when there was food around!\u00a0 The two of them ate in silence as they listened to Katherine\u2019s monologue next to them, exchanging glances as they chewed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was in no hurry to move away from the basket and face the problems that he knew were before him, but even he could only eat so much.\u00a0 As soon as Katherine saw that he was slowing down, she leant over to him and smiled. \u2018Don\u2019t let us keep you away from your friends, Hoss. I\u2019m sure that you would like to go and find them now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed a large mouthful and answered truthfully \u2018No ma\u2019am, I\u2019m in no hurry at all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at him fondly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just then, Steve and Isabelle appeared in front of them.\u00a0 \u2018Hoss, there you are!\u2019 Steve said and threw his friend a meaningful glance. \u2018We\u2019ve been looking everywhere for you.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss looked up at them and smiled warily. \u2018Come on,\u2019 continued Steve \u2018lets go and sit by the river.\u2019 He bent down and pulled on his friend\u2019s arm as he whispered in his ear \u2018You promised!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss reluctantly got up and shrugged his shoulders at his father before ambling after Steve and Isabelle. Katherine moved over to his vacated spot on the rug and stroked Ben\u2019s arm as she said \u2018Well just the two of us, how nice!\u2019\u00a0 Ben sighed and pulled his hat down lower over his face, as he wondered how short a time he would have to stay before it would be considered rude to move.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had quickly found Louisa and her family, and it was no time at all before he had earned himself an invitation to join them while they ate.\u00a0 Over the sandwiches and cake he and Louisa smiled at each other, and managed to touch hands as often as possible when reaching for the food.\u00a0 As soon as he considered he could do so without appearing rude, he suggested a walk over to the lake, and Louisa readily agreed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they walked arm in arm along the shoreline, Louisa buried her head on Adam\u2019s shoulder and smiled up at him.\u00a0 \u2018Well, it\u2019s about time we got away from everyone, don\u2019t you think?\u2019 He smiled down at her and kissed her lightly on the top of the head. \u2018Adam, why don\u2019t we find a nice quiet spot to talk?\u2019 she asked as she stroked his arm.\u00a0 He nodded and led her over to a willow tree where the drooping branches would provide them with a considerable amount of privacy.\u00a0 They nestled down on the soft grass, and wrapped their arms around each other as Adam bent his head and placed his lips on her full mouth. He smiled as he felt her relax into his embrace and they smiled at each other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Around the shoreline away from Adam\u2019s secluded spot, another Cartwright was not so pleasantly occupied.\u00a0 Hoss sat next to Isabelle staring into the water and cursing Steve silently, as he wiped his sweaty palms on the side of his pants.\u00a0 After leading them to this spot, Steve had made a hasty departure muttering something about getting his hat and returning in a moment, something that Hoss knew was not about to happen. After a few moments he sensed Isabelle staring at him, and reluctantly turned to face her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Um, I guess it looks as Steve ain\u2019t coming back,\u2019 he ventured.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Isabelle frowned at him. \u2018No I guess not. I\u2019m not stupid you know Hoss, I know what he\u2019s up to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You do?\u2019 Hoss asked surprised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course I do.\u00a0 He\u2019s been trying to get to talk to Susan alone for ages.\u00a0 I knew he\u2019d try to get rid of me today.\u00a0 I\u2019m only sorry that you got dragged into this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss smiled tentatively at her. \u2018I don\u2019t mind,\u2019 he said, and surprised himself by realising that at that moment, it was true.\u00a0 He looked at Isabelle out of the corner of this eye and appraised her dark glossy plaits, her upturned nose with just a smattering of freckles and her winning smile.\u00a0 She was a goodlooking girl, he decided.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018After all, I can understand that he doesn\u2019t want his little sister trailing along behind him,\u2019 she continued, \u2018I just wish he had the decency to tell me.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss stared at her not sure what reply was expected of him. He opened his mouth, then shut it again as she continued. \u2018Don\u2019t feel that you are obligated to stay with me Hoss.\u00a0 You can go if you\u2019d like to, and I\u2019ll just sit here by myself. \u2018 Hoss opened his mouth again, but she kept on speaking. \u2018I really don\u2019t want to get him into trouble with mother and father though, so I guess I\u2019ll just have to make sure that I don\u2019t go near them for a while. You know Hoss, it\u2019s been ages since I was on a picnic. How about you?\u00a0 It\u2019s perfect weather for it.\u00a0 When I woke up this morning I thought \u2026\u2026\u2019 her voice droned on and on, and Hoss began to think that maybe his day was not going to turn out too badly after all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was not feeling the same as his older brother, however.\u00a0 After scampering away from his father he had quickly found a group of friends and the boys had gone straight down to the lake to skim stones.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good one Little Joe!\u2019 shouted his friend Mitch as Joe\u2019s stone skipped four times across the surface of the water before plopping into the lake. \u2018Let\u2019s see if I can beat it now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stepped back to watch his friend when he was startled by a voice next to him. \u2018Huh, four times is nothing.\u00a0 Anyone could do better than that!\u2019\u00a0 He swung around to see Becky and her group of friends standing with their hands on their hips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh yeah?\u2019 he countered.\u00a0 \u2018Well you wanted a contest, so you\u2019ve got one! See if you can beat it Miss Smarty!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky smirked at him and promptly sent a stone flicking across the lake, skipping it five times before it plopped under the water.\u00a0 Little Joe frowned as the girls cheered.\u00a0 \u2018Go on Little Joe, you can beat that easy!\u2019 countered Seth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe picked up another stone nervously and aimed it carefully, just as Adam had taught him to.\u00a0 It flicked gracefully across the lake three times before it dropped in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky laughed loudly. \u2018You call that a throw?\u00a0 Told you I could beat you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe reddened. \u2018You just had a lucky throw.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we try for something more interesting?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky smiled at him. \u2018Like what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know. Anything you like!\u2019 Little Joe waved his arm in the air as if he didn\u2019t have a care in the world. \u2018I told you I could beat you at anything, and I meant it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well then, let\u2019s go for everything!\u2019 Becky countered, and everyone turned towards her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 asked Little Joe nervously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All the games today at the picnic, of course silly.\u00a0 One point for each time we beat each other and we add up the points at the end of the afternoon. The winner could get to make the loser do anything they want.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed nervously. \u2018That\u2019s just stupid.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Go on Little Joe, you can beat her!\u2019 cried some of the boys standing near.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well of course I can beat her, I just don\u2019t want to embarrass her is all,\u2019 said Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t worry about me, worry about yourself!\u2019 Becky challenged as she held out her hand.\u00a0 Little Joe reluctantly took it and they shook on the deal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n After putting up with Katherine for over half an hour, Ben decided that he had had more than enough and looked for a way to extradite himself from the situation.\u00a0 As soon as the afternoon\u2019s activities began, he stood to make his excuses, stating something about needing to help with the organisation, before Katherine could get a word in.\u00a0 With a huge sense of relief he headed towards the first group of picnickers that he could see and found himself in charge of the horseshoe throwing events.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the afternoon wore on, he looked for his sons while applying himself to his duties, and found it strange that they were nowhere around.\u00a0 He spied Little Joe at intervals with a group of his friends in tow, seemingly involved on the various activities that were on offer around the pasture.\u00a0 Adam he did not catch sight of at all, but that did not surprise him, as he knew that young man would most likely have found a secluded spot in which to woo his latest love. Ben smiled.\u00a0 That was what he would have done at his age, at least.\u00a0 What surprised him most was the fact that Hoss was nowhere to be seen.\u00a0 Normally at these events, his middle son could be found anywhere near the food, and always took a vantage spot at the front of the crowd so that he could join in many of the games that were on offer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Games at that moment were the last thing on Hoss\u2019 mind, however.\u00a0 He was discovering that for once he did not need to worry about holding up his end of the conversation with a girl, and had begun to relax and enjoy Isabelle\u2019s company.\u00a0 That girl could definitely talk, and Hoss was quite happy to sit back and watch her as she did.\u00a0 For the first time in his life he was having a pleasant time with a member of the opposite sex, and was well content with it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So you see Hoss, it all depended on whether or not I wanted to. You see mother\u2026.\u2019 Her voice droned on and Hoss listened, not really caring what she was talking about but happy to watch her as she spoke.\u00a0 As for Isabelle, she had never had such a co-operative audience and revelled in his undivided attention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a while they were interrupted by a group of children running past.\u00a0 Hoss turned to see his little brother out in front of the pack leading the race. \u2018Come on, Little Joe!\u2019 he yelled, momentarily distracted from Isabelle. \u2018Look at that kid go, he sure is beating the pants off the others!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was true.\u00a0 Little Joe had always been quick on his feet, and had had plenty of practice at making quick getaways from his father and brothers when he was in trouble \u2013 which was often. Right now he was running not only to win the race, but for male pride.\u00a0 Becky had proved to be a formidable opponent in many of the games so far, and try as he might he had found it difficult to keep ahead of her in their points scoring.\u00a0 Word had spread quickly amongst the children, and everyone had taken sides as to whether male or female pride would be vanquished this day.\u00a0 Little Joe and Becky found themselves neck and neck in the contests, and the pressure on them was growing by the minute as they took on the hopes of their friends.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Little Joe sailed across the finish line to the cheers of the entire male juvenile population, he took a few deep breaths to steady himself, and smiled as many of the boys clustered around to clap him on the back. As Becky crossed the finish line behind him, one of the boys sung out. \u2018Now it\u2019s even again, so there!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky laughed. \u2018There\u2019s still one contest to go all right, but horseshoe throwing just happens to be something I\u2019m great at!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You think you\u2019re great at everything!\u2019 Little Joe snickered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I am so far, aren\u2019t I?\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was silent as they approached the horseshoe throwing area.\u00a0 Becky was right about that.\u00a0 Never had he expected a girl to show him up in as many contests as she had.\u00a0 He had expected to win most things easily and was most surprised to find that she was such a match for him. He was not about to admit it to anyone, but he was quite impressed with the fact that she was so good at things, in spite of the fact that she was a girl!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled to see his youngest son approaching for the children\u2019s competition at the horseshoe throwing. \u2018Well hello there, young man!\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018And what have you been up to?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch answered for his friend. \u2018Little Joe\u2019s been winning lots of the games, Mr Cartwright.\u00a0 He\u2019s been beating certain other people who think they\u2019re so great at everything.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned as he noticed all the youngsters clustering around. \u2018Is that so?\u00a0 Well now, which of you youngsters are going to try your hand with these horseshoes?\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at all of them, expecting them to begin to push forward for their turns.\u00a0 To his surprise they all stood quietly waiting, then someone pushed Little Joe forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Go on Little Joe, show her!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben handed his son three horseshoes, and waited for the others to come forward.\u00a0 However the only child who moved in his direction was young Becky Payne, who held out her hand and smiled sweetly at him.\u00a0 \u2018Thank you, Mr Cartwright.\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben handed the horseshoes over, puzzled.\u00a0 Something was going on here he thought, but couldn\u2019t quite put his finger on just what it might be.\u00a0 He stood to the side and watched as the two youngsters took turns at throwing, and noticed that each hit earned a loud cheer from the crowd.\u00a0 Strangely though, the children had divided themselves into two groups, and it seemed that they were taking opposing sides \u2013 boys on one side and girls on the other.\u00a0 Now just how had young Joseph got himself mixed up in this situation?\u00a0 He shook his head as he decided that sometimes it was just best not to know.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both children eyed each other off warily.\u00a0 Each had one hit and one miss, and their last throw would count.\u00a0 \u2018Ladies first,\u2019 said Little Joe with a sweep of his hand, but something told Ben he was not being as gallant as he sounded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky walked to the line and scored a direct hit as the girls all clapped and cheered.\u00a0 She smiled at Little Joe and shook her curls as she said \u2018Miss this and I win!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed as he turned to face the sea of faces that stared back at him.\u00a0 Part of him wanted to run from the disgrace that might be upon him within moments, but the greater part of him knew that he would never live it down. With a sinking heart he walked to the line, took a deep breath as he aimed and threw, then closed his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sound of cheering made him open them again quickly, and he saw his horseshoe wrapped around the pole.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s a tie!\u2019 Ben announced and smiled at his youngest boy.\u00a0 \u2018Well done to both of you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone stood not knowing what to say, and Ben watched in amazement as the crowd of children slowly melted away and left the two contestants standing facing each other alone.\u00a0 He was about to walk towards the two children when a voice behind him made him turn sharply.\u00a0 \u2018Well, is that the end of the contest now?\u2019\u00a0 asked Katherine as she came towards him. \u2018You must be hungry again Ben, can I tempt you with something to eat?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben muttered something about helping to pack away the equipment and moved off quickly, Katherine following him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stood silently and faced his rival.\u00a0 After a moment he said. \u2018You did pretty good, Becky.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Becky opened her mouth to give a smart reply, and then shut it again. She smiled at him. \u2018So did you Little Joe. Seems like no one wins then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Or we could say we both won.\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She nodded and smiled at him. \u2018I like that better.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know you run pretty good, for just a girl.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And you throw pretty good, for just a boy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They grinned at each other.\u00a0 After a moment Becky drew something out of her pocket. \u2018Guess you may as well have this now.\u2019\u00a0 She held the large black spider out to him. \u2018You can probably find a use for it more than I can.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He took it from her. \u2018You sure?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See you at school tomorrow,\u2019 she said as she turned away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stood and looked at the spider in his hand.\u00a0 It was moving its legs slightly as if still dazed from the confines of her pocket. As he stuffed it into his own pocket his mind was a jumble of questions. He didn\u2019t quite know what had just happened, but he sensed that his attitude towards girls had changed somewhat this afternoon.\u00a0 He turned around and headed off towards his friends, whistling as he went.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Adam lay back and watched the blue sky through the tree branches above him.\u00a0 Louisa snuggled into the crook of his arm and nestled her head against his shoulder.\u00a0 He felt very content with the world, and as he listened to the sounds of the crowd in the distance a drowsy feeling overcame him.\u00a0 Louisa\u2019s voice beside him became a droning noise in his ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve had such a good time this afternoon Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mm,\u2019 he smiled at her, trying to keep his eyes open.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So who do you think we should tell first, my parents or your father?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t care.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I think we should tell my parents then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm.\u00a0 Tell them what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She giggled as she slid her hand between the buttons of his shirt. \u2018Why about us, silly.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes. \u2018What about us?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018About us getting married, of course.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat up and stared at her. \u2018Who said anything about getting married?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She sat up next to him and brushed the leaves from her skirt. \u2018Why, you did, of course.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He swallowed \u2018When?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well darling any decent man who kisses a girl like you just kissed me would only ever have marriage on his mind.\u00a0 It was implied, of course.\u2019\u00a0 She leant her head on his shoulder, but he pushed it off again and held down her arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I never meant to give you that impression.\u00a0 I mean I didn\u2019t think that you would \u2026.. Louisa I like you, but \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But what?\u2019 she asked in a much colder tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, I never for one moment thought that you would think \u2026\u2026 I mean \u2026..\u00a0 For heavens sake!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She stood up beside him. \u2018Adam Cartwright!\u00a0 Do you for one moment think that I\u2019m the sort of girl who would allow herself to be put in a compromising position with no intention of marriage?\u00a0 How dare you!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood beside her, his anger mounting. \u2018How dare I?\u00a0 You\u2019re the one who\u2019s been pushing this all afternoon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She reached up and slapped his face.\u00a0 \u2018Well I never!\u00a0 How can you say such a thing, Mr Cartwright!\u00a0 And I thought you were a gentleman!\u2019\u00a0 She turned and flounced away, her head held high.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood and rubbed his face as he stared after her. What had just happened?\u00a0 One moment they were lying peacefully under a tree and the next \u2026\u2026\u00a0 He shook his head and sighed. Women were sure hard to figure out!\u00a0 How had his father married three of them and come out still sane?\u00a0 He wandered slowly over to the crowds as he pondered the mysteries of the opposite sex.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he neared the buggy, he noticed his father loading their picnic basket, as Hoss stood beside him talking to a girl, and marvelled at the way life sometimes took unusual twists.\u00a0 Usually it was the other way around \u2013 Hoss by himself and Adam with the girl in tow.\u00a0 He scratched his head as he mounted up into one of the seats and waited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned to face his eldest boy. \u2018Said goodbye to Louisa already, son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded briefly, and something about his expression made his father bite back his next question.\u00a0 Instead he turned towards Hoss. \u2018Come on Hoss, time to go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and smiled at Isabelle.\u00a0 \u2018Good bye, Hoss,\u2019 she said smiling sweetly at him. \u2018See you at school tomorrow.\u00a0 Maybe we can talk some more.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss nodded again. \u2018Goodbye, Mr Cartwright … Adam\u2019 she smiled at them as she turned to go and find her wayward brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his arm around Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u2018She\u2019s a fine young girl, son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss smiled at his father. \u2018You know, Pa? Sometimes girls can be OK.\u2019\u00a0 A snort from the wagon behind them caused them both to turn.\u00a0 Adam stared into the distance, scowling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did you say something?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018Where\u2019s that little brother of yours?\u00a0 Trust him to be nowhere to be seen when it\u2019s time to go.\u00a0 Little Joe!\u2019 he shouted as his eyes scanned the area. But instead of his youngest son, he saw a most unwelcome sight approaching. \u2018Just how much is a man supposed to put up with in one day!\u2019 he muttered, and then turned towards Hoss. \u2018Go and find your brother quickly!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned to do as he was bid, and Adam slumped down in his seat and pulled his hat over his eyes.\u00a0 Ben sighed as the figure advanced upon him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why Ben, you weren\u2019t going without saying good bye, were you?\u2019 asked Katherine.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He smiled thinly at her as Adam sat behind him, amused. \u2018We have to be off quickly Katherine.\u00a0 Chores to be done at home, you know.\u2019\u00a0 He heaved a sigh of relief as he saw Hoss and Little Joe approaching. \u2018Come on boys, it\u2019s time we were off.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss tipped his hat to Katherine as he turned to get into the buggy, and as Little Joe stood and waited for his brother to move, Katherine suddenly made a grab for him. \u2018Well goodbye now, you darling boy.\u2019 she gushed and held him in a tight embrace as she smiled up at Ben. \u2018Ben, he\u2019s just the sweetest little thing, isn\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scowled at her from between the folds of her ample bosom, and wriggled to free himself.\u00a0 His two brothers watched from the wagon, quite amused by their little brother\u2019s discomfort.\u00a0 As she continued to hold onto him and stroke his curls, he felt himself somewhat overcome by the strong smell of her perfume on his face, and struggled frantically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly there was a piercing scream and Katherine jumped away from the youngster.\u00a0 A large black spider crawled across the ample cleavage of her chest as she frantically tried to swat it away. Little Joe quickly removed his hand and stood back grinning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why you little \u2026.. Ben, look what that boy has done!\u00a0 Get it off me now!\u2019\u00a0 Ben reached out to remove the spider, and grabbed at Katherine\u2019s ample chest as she moved frantically around.\u00a0 \u2018Benjamin Cartwright! How dare you!\u2019 she slapped him smartly across the cheek.\u00a0 \u2018Well I never, is this the kind of behaviour to expect from you and these boys of yours?\u00a0 If that\u2019s the case, then you can just forget about me!\u2019\u00a0 She turned and flounced away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood and stared after her, stunned.\u00a0 Behind him the snickers of his two older boys made him turn smartly to face them. \u2018That\u2019s enough out of you two!\u2019 he ordered, and they quickly looked away as they tried to regain their composure.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was searching on the ground for his spider. \u2018Got ya!\u2019 he yelled as he retrieved it and stuck it firmly back into his pocket, ready for its next adventure.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked down at his small son, who stared back at him.\u00a0 After a moment Little Joe took a step back and swallowed as he waited for his father to speak, and unconsciously put his hands behind his back to cover his backside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben continued to stare at him. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ye \u2026..Yes Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe answered, his eyes wide.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Get into the buggy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three Cartwright boys stared at their father, their eyes wide. \u2018That\u2019s it?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe didn\u2019t hesitate to obey his father and climbed quickly into the buggy.\u00a0 As Ben took the reins in his hands and they set off towards the ranch, they all jerked forwards in their seats.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s been a long day boys, I think we all need an early night,\u2019 Ben said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the sun sank beneath the hills in the west, four Cartwrights and a spider headed back towards the comfort and safety of the decidedly masculine ranch they called home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nCHAPTER<\/span> 1<\/h2>\n
CHAPTER 2<\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n
CHAPTER 3<\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n
CHAPTER 4<\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n
CHAPTER 5<\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n
CHAPTER 6<\/span><\/h2>\n
The End<\/span><\/h1>\n