{"id":69785,"date":"2026-09-10T23:38:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T03:38:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=69785"},"modified":"2026-09-11T13:46:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T17:46:53","slug":"i-know-what-im-doing-i-think-by-carebear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=69785","title":{"rendered":"I Know What I’m Doing (I Think…) (by CareBear)"},"content":{"rendered":"

SUMMARY<\/strong>: It\u2019s all Cartwright hands on deck when Adam\u2019s oldest daughter decides to join the fight for woman suffrage. Can they keep her safe or will her innate Cartwright conviction to stand up for what is right cost them, and her, everything?<\/p>\n

RATING<\/strong>: T (some violence)\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0WORD COUNT<\/strong>: 33,703<\/p>\n

Adam’s Little Women Series:<\/p>\n

Queen of the Dunes<\/a><\/p>\n

Beth Cartwright, Detective<\/a><\/p>\n

The (Almost) Grand Adventure<\/a><\/p>\n

I Know What I’m Doing (I Think…)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I Know What I’m Doing (I Think…)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter One: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Thunderous applause met the conclusion of the victory speech, its sound echoing off the high ceilings of the room, as the celebration kicked into high gear at the St. Charles Hotel in Carson City. Glasses clinked, the room buzzed with chatter and laughter, while a small orchestra struck up a triumphant tune. Well-wishers pressed forward to offer handshakes and congratulations before making their way towards the considerable spread of food and drinks. No expense was spared for the occasion.<\/p>\n

At the front desk, a telephone rang, it\u2019s trill sharp and insistent. The clerk answered it, then glanced towards the crowded ballroom. Placing the receiver on the desk, he stepped away from the counter and headed towards the party, carefully making his way between the animated guests. He sought one individual yet many of them looked similar in their suits and gowns. At last, the clerk caught sight of the man he was seeking.<\/p>\n

He leaned in, raising his voice just enough to be heard over the din.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir? There\u2019s a telephone call for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

A moment later, in the relative quiet near the desk, the receiver was lifted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey old man,\u201d Joe greeted his eldest brother. \u201cJust heard the good news and called to congratulate my niece. Where\u2019s the Assemblywoman?\u201d[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cBeth is enjoying her party,\u201d Adam reported. His tone held a mix of fond amusement and weary acceptance, but there was no denying the pride he felt. Glancing back at the ballroom, he could see Beth moving around the space, radiant and animated as she spoke with her guests, clearly in her element. \u201cAnd making plans already.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed. He couldn\u2019t see Adam\u2019s face, but he practically heard <\/em>the other man\u2019s look\u2014lips thinning into a line of controlled displeasure. \u201cYou sound downright thrilled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m just downright elated.\u201d Adam\u2019s tone was heavy with sarcasm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat bad, huh?\u201d Everyone loved Beth, but if there was a word to describe her, Joe usually thought of one: outrageous. And that was saying something, coming from him<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wants to go to Washington, D.C. Tomorrow,\u201d Adam explained flatly.<\/p>\n

Joe blinked. \u201cWhat for? She just got elected to the state assembly!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled wryly. \u201cI did attempt to point that out. But Joe; it\u2019s Beth. Think about it for a second. What\u2019s all over the papers these days?\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger brother mused on the possibilities\u2014there were so many when it came to Beth. \u00a0Nothing was simple when it came to ideas when Beth was involved. Before you knew it, there were like-minded individuals gathered, speeches, banners, the works. He thought back to the paper he saw that morning, announcing his niece\u2019s victory, and thought of the other headlines.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t mean?\u201d Joe already dreaded the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice hardened with the weary certainty of a man who knew exactly what storm was gathering. \u201cShe wants to join the pickets outside the White House. Ensure the vote is spread across the United States\u2014now that the women of Nevada have given her a mandate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe scrunched up his nose, staring at the wall as if it might offer reassurance. \u201cIs that what they did?\u201d he asked. He listened to Adam hum noncommittally on the other end of the line, followed by a muttered word that Pa would\u2019ve had their hides for uttering<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich means I\u2019m glad you called,\u201d Adam continued, his tone shifting into brisk practicality. \u201cI need your help with a few things. Go talk to our banker in Virginia City and let him know there\u2019s likely to be some large expenditures from my account. I can\u2019t give him a time frame, but probably for some while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExpenditures?\u201d Joe repeated, one brow lifting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll need a hotel, Joseph,\u201d Adam pointed out dryly. \u201cPlus, I\u2019m not letting my daughter sit in jail when she inevitably gets arrested. And you know Beth\u2014she won\u2019t leave if her compatriots are there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe winced, already envisioning the chaos. \u201cThings are rough there,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019ve seen the pictures. Are you sure Beth knows what she\u2019s doing?\u201d He paused, then added with a sigh, \u201cDo you <\/em>know what you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a brief silence on the line, long enough for Joe to imagine Adam rubbing a hand over his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I know what I\u2019m doing,\u201d Adam countered, frowning. \u201cI think. Or so I tell myself at least. But that brings me to my next point. Tell my nephews to back their bags. I\u2019m not running a protection detail all by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he said again, louder now, as though volume might knock some reason into his brother through the wire, \u201cwe\u2019ve got a ranch to run here. Cattle don\u2019t feed themselves. Payroll doesn\u2019t wait because your daughter\u2019s decided to go save the Republic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ve got a kid that\u2019s stubborn as a Missouri mule,\u201d Adam shot back. \u201cHire people, Joseph. We\u2019ve done it before. Get the boys to Carson City, today. Tell \u2019em bail is on me, and it\u2019s for Beth.\u201d<\/p>\n

####<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know Pop, this trip would go a lot faster if we had an automobile,\u201d Simon pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver my dead body,\u201d Joe responded vehemently. \u201cAnd Hoss\u2019s and Adam\u2019s. Those need roads, son. Wait \u2018til the three of us are dead and buried before you even so much as think<\/em> about putting roads in this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cPractically sacrilegious. I don\u2019t wanna live long enough to see somethin\u2019 like that happen. Then you\u2019ll be gettin\u2019 sightseers an\u2019 picnic parties and all sorts of folks just swarmin\u2019 the place. Cain\u2019t raise cattle an\u2019 breed horses with them noisy things everywhere. I tell you, Mr. Pettibone\u2019s version was a heck of a lot quieter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother a sideways glance. \u201cYou never got a people sized one finished. Could\u2019ve been that loud once it was bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, Joseph.\u201d Hoss shook his head emphatically. \u201cNot the way Daniel designed it. Since it ain\u2019t his roamin\u2019 round, I tell you what; a horse and wagon does me just fine. I know what to expect from a horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

In the back of the wagon, the \u2018boys\u2019 shared grins with one another. Their fathers were always going at it over something, typically good naturedly, too. And if it wasn\u2019t those two at each other, it was them against Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeth\u2019d find some codicil or law or what have you to stop it anyway. Gal\u2019s dadburn smart,\u201d Hoss added proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot smart enough to avoid tangling with whatever she\u2019s mixed up in this time,\u201d Hoss\u2019s son, Benjie, pointed out. \u201cWhat is<\/em> she into that we\u2019re now into anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

All the boys were told was, \u201cPack a bag, you\u2019re going on a trip. Beth needs you.\u201d Those were practically magic words on the Ponderosa. Everyone loved Beth and no one turned her down when she needed help, no matter what it was. Or refused a rescue when she got in over her head from time to time.<\/p>\n

Beth loved them all just as fiercely and was just as loyal in return. All the cousins, and her sisters, had lost track of the times she saved their<\/em> hides or helped when they asked, no matter what the ask, or the cost. Despite their being grown, she was still their fearless leader whose tenacity and grit, along with her love, had earned their respect.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe shared a leery look that made the rest of the boys uneasy.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Adam\u2019ll tell ya when we get there. He\u2019s got more information than we do,\u201d Joe explained. He cringed at the chorus of groans that followed.<\/p>\n

######<\/p>\n

Sets of skirts and shirtwaists lay on the bed, each examined with a critical eye. Serviceable, practical, and plain, she decided they would work nicely and started to fold the items carefully. This was the third time Beth packed her suitcase; the first two times were before leaving the Ponderosa as she checked and rechecked her choices. One did not wear just anything to picket for woman suffrage.<\/p>\n

Already inside the suitcase were her \u2018influencing clothes,\u2019 as Beth thought of them. Suit sets she wore to court and evening gowns to parties where she cajoled, persuaded, argued, and did whatever else was needed to gain support, save losing her respectability and reputation of course.<\/p>\n

A sigh drew her attention towards Adam. He leaned against the door, hands tucked into his arm pits, face revealing the disquiet of his thoughts. \u201cYou won\u2019t let me talk you out of this?\u201d Adam already knew the answer but felt compelled to pose the question just the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Beth\u2019s response was firm and final.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose if you were<\/em> to give in, I might drop dead of shock. You\u2019ve always been my most stubborn, strong-willed, and challenging child. Heaven forbid you stop now.\u201d There was no rancor to Adam\u2019s words. In fact, a smile tugged at his lips while he spoke.<\/p>\n

This was, after all, the child who demanded justice for her school mate\u2026 at seven.<\/p>\n

The one who\u2014at eleven years old, no less\u2014had planted herself in front of Nora\u2019s bedroom door like a determined little sentry after her younger sister tried to fly off the barn roof, calmly laying the blame at his feet for dismissing her warning that Nora might take a story too seriously\u2026 And firmly forbid<\/em> him from directing so much as a spark of anger toward his middle child.<\/p>\n

Adam could still remember that girl with startling clarity. She had been small, stubborn, and absolutely certain that being right meant standing her ground, no matter who happened to be standing on the other side. Looking at her now, he realized that time had changed remarkably little about that part of her. It had simply grown up with her, sharpened by years of watching, learning, and making up her own mind about what she believed mattered.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Beth went to her worried father and put her arms around him. \u201cI\u2019ve done my homework Papa. I know the risks; I\u2019ve considered them carefully. It\u2019s the right thing to do. I can bring publicity, now that I\u2019m elected. I campaigned on this; my women voters endorsed this part of my platform. I can\u2019t make that into a lie. You taught me to be honest. You also taught me to do what was right, even when it isn\u2019t easy or the cost may be great. This is right, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes for a moment. \u201cIs it too late to tell you to forget everything I said?\u201d<\/p>\n

When she laughed, the sound bright and unrepentant against his collarbone, he sighed and pressed a kiss into her hair anyway. His arms tightened around her briefly before he released her, though the worried crease between his brows remained. He knew perfectly well that he had lost this argument. Worse, he knew that he had probably known it from the moment she began explaining herself. \u201cYou do realize,\u201d he said quietly, \u201cthat I\u2019m coming with?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth didn\u2019t even pretend surprised. She leaned back just enough to look up at him, her smile already sharpening into something pleased. \u201cI thought as much. I\u2019m going to put you in charge of hiring the moving picture person.\u201d A gleam of mischief filled her eyes.<\/p>\n

He blinked. \u201cThe moving picture person?\u201d Adam repeated the words slowly, as if he\u2019d misunderstood.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! I want to hire at least one to come and capture images of the picket each day. Perhaps people will be less likely to commit assaults or press made-up charges that way. Also, if I have their faces, I can identify them and sue and use the results for defense purposes.\u201d[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

The grin Beth gave him was positively devious\u2014sharp, satisfied, and unmistakably like her mother, Alta. Adam threw back his head and laughed until he had tears in his eyes, the sound warm and edged with pride. \u201cThat is a plan worthy of your mother,\u201d he declared after catching his breath.<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s eyes softened, her entire expression melting into something quieter and almost reverent. \u201cThe greatest of compliments.\u201d<\/p>\n

A knock at the door interrupted the tender moment. \u201cGet dressed for dinner,\u201d Adam instructed. \u201cI want to hear more about your plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Largely so I can prepare for the fallout.<\/em><\/p>\n

He opened the door and stepped into the hallway to find the hotel clerk hovering there, hands clasped and eyes darting down the corridor. \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d the man said, lowering his voice, \u201ca large number of men have arrived asking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Two:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hotel clerk was accurate in his description of size of the group waiting for Adam. Four nephews and the addition of his brothers, a surprise to the eldest of the Cartwrights, made six. A large number indeed. Adding himself, Beth would have an entourage of seven men.<\/p>\n

The group gave Adam a boisterous greeting, clamoring around him. There was no denying he was pleased to see them. The papers were full of reports, and photographs, of violence against the women protesting at the White House\u2014the silent sentinels.[3]<\/a> Here was his plan to prevent Beth from being among the injured. He greeted each of the younger men with a grin, clapping them on the back and thanking them for coming.<\/p>\n

\u201cPop said it was for Beth, so we came running,\u201d Joe\u2019s oldest son, Rob, reported with a grin. \u201cWhere is she, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDressing for dinner. We may have to change our plans now that you\u2019re all here,\u201d Adam confessed. \u201cMy reservation was for two, not an army. I wasn\u2019t certain when you\u2019d arrive and there\u2019s a few stragglers I didn\u2019t count on.\u201d He looked at his brothers, an eyebrow rising a fraction.<\/p>\n

Joe instantly turned on the charm, flashing his big brother a smile as he opened his mouth to respond.<\/p>\n

Adam cut him off before Joe could say a word. \u201cTell me Joe, what happened to those complaints about needing to a run a ranch?\u201d He crossed his arms over his chest, eyebrow arching higher as he waited for an explanation.<\/p>\n

Sensing their fathers and uncle were about to go at it again, the younger men headed to the desk to get rooms settled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you see older brother, I\u2019ve never been to Washington, D.C. and it sounded like an adventure. I hate to miss out on any fun,\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cDon\u2019t I know it.\u201d He looked at Hoss. \u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrother Hoss here heard what Beth was up to and put on his gunbelt faster than you could blink,\u201d Joe answered for their middle brother. \u201cAnd I\u2019m <\/em>not going to tell him no.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Adam intoned. \u201cWhy would you want to go somewhere without your partner in crime?\u201d He shook his head, feeling grateful for their help but somewhat wary he\u2019d have to watch them as well as Beth. His brothers might be grayer, or balder in Hoss\u2019s case, but they were no less prone to mischief than when they were younger. Fatherhood hadn\u2019t done much to curb their natural tendency towards silliness.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t be any help if I must divide my attention between you two and Beth. And if you\u2019re all here, who\u2019s running the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not underestimating all the gals in the family, are ya?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cI expected better of ya. They\u2019re all perfectly capable. Some of us\u2019ll wander back after a bit and tend to the things that need doing, but they\u2019ve got the foreman and the hands. All our girls know what they\u2019re doing. We taught \u2018em, didn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had a point; all the Cartwright women were more than capable. \u201cThen I suppose you can come along.\u201d Adam chuckled at the boyish looks of glee on their faces.<\/p>\n

God help us all<\/em>.<\/p>\n

######<\/p>\n

Beth was ecstatic to find her uncles, cousins, and brother-in-law were joining them for dinner. Having spent the last several months campaigning across the state with just Papa for company, she missed the sense of home that the large Cartwright brood always gave her. Certain that nothing could dampen her spirits, the motley group went to dinner at a nearby caf\u00e9, ignoring the strange looks they garnered on arrival. She and Adam were dressed for fine dining while the others were dressed for ranch work. The juxtaposition made them all laugh, and the conviviality of the gathering continued throughout their meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is really the nicest surprise,\u201d Beth declared, pushing her dessert plate away. \u201cI never imagined you\u2019d all come share a celebratory dinner with me. I\u2019m rather upset though that you didn\u2019t bring everyone. Surely the ranch would have survived an overnight trip without everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. Ted and Simon looked at the tablecloth while Rob studied the ceiling with great concentration while Benjie stared deep into the depths of his coffee cup, shifting uneasily in his seat. Only Hoss and Joe dared to look at Beth, and even their eyes moved between she and Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t tell her?\u201d Joe finally ventured to ask Adam.<\/p>\n

The smile on Beth\u2019s face disappeared in an instant. \u201cTell me what, exactly?\u201d She turned piercing hazel eyes on her father.<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat and averted his eyes. She wasn\u2019t going to take this well and he greatly regretted not telling her before they all went to dinner together.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what? Let me buy you all a beer,\u201d Hoss interjected.<\/p>\n

Joe almost leaped out of his seat. \u201cThe Old Globe is a great place. Not even far from here. If you haven\u2019t been, you ought to be. Beer\u2019s wet, and that\u2019s the best kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he finished speaking, the younger men were out of their seats and hot footing it towards the door. They were nearly halfway across the street before an angry, \u201cWHAT?!\u201d <\/em>\u00a0reached their ears. Every single one of them winced.<\/p>\n

Hoss let out a low whistle. \u201cBeth sure hates it when she thinks we<\/em> think she cain\u2019t do somethin\u2019 on her own.\u201d While his sons and Joe\u2019s continued into The Old Globe, Hoss and Joe stood on the sidewalk outside the saloon to watch the show; or potentially run interference.<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t help laughing softly as Beth stormed out of the caf\u00e9, followed not long after by Adam, the pair wearing identical looks of fury. \u201cYou know, I love that kid, but I\u2019m glad she\u2019s not mine.\u201d He looked at Hoss, giggling in that way only Joe could, while the bigger man guffawed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink we oughta follow \u2018em?\u201d Joe wondered. \u201cProbably not going to come to blows, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss rolled his eyes. \u201cDon\u2019t you think better of her than that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m not talking about her. I\u2019m talking about Adam. He might forget she\u2019s all grown up.\u201d Joe raised his eyebrows. \u201cShe\u2019s an elected Assemblywoman now, with a reputation to protect. Remember how embarrassing Pa was sometimes?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two shared a pained look before hurrying after their elder brother and niece.<\/p>\n

Beth stalked down the street, purposefully ignoring a similar sound as someone trailed behind her. She fumed silently, jaw clenched tightly and walked as quickly as was considered decent. Where she was silent, he certainly was not and Beth\u2019s unwillingness to engage did little to dissuade him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeth!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had been somewhat delayed in his efforts to follow her, needing to apologize for the abrupt exits and then settle the bill for everyone before he could make his escape. By the time he finally pushed through the door, Beth was already halfway down the street.<\/p>\n

He lengthened his stride, his boots striking a steady rhythm as he made up the distance. It would have been considerably easier if she would simply stop and wait for him. But that wasn\u2019t Beth\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

She had inherited\u2014or perhaps stubbornly cultivated\u2014a remarkable ability to move toward whatever she had decided needed doing without waiting for anyone else to catch up. Adam had spent most of her life trying to teach her that sometimes a person had to slow down and consider the consequences. Judging by the determined set of her shoulders as she continued down the street, he suspected she had listened to that particular lesson only when it suited her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeth, stop!\u201d<\/p>\n

She kept walking.<\/p>\n

Adam’s jaw tightened. He took the last few long strides faster, his coat swinging with the motion. He could see the faintest suggestion that she had heard him in the tilt of her head, but she made no effort to turn around.<\/p>\n

\u201cElizabeth, I\u2019m talking to you!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a thread of warning in his tone now, the old paternal edge creeping in despite his best efforts. It irked him to no end that Beth paid no attention to it.<\/p>\n

Indeed, judging by the slight lift of her shoulders, he had the distinct suspicion she was enjoying herself.<\/p>\n

Not bothering to look back, Beth gave her head a small, emphatic shake. She was going to make it back to her hotel room without creating a spectacle if it was the last thing she did. Unfortunately, that required her not to run, which would have made it considerably easier to reach her room and lock the door before Papa caught up with her.<\/p>\n

Running in skirts and several layers of petticoats was hardly practical, anyway. Beth was fast on her feet, but she was not foolish enough to believe she could sprint down a public street without attracting every eye in the vicinity. And attracting attention was precisely what she was trying to avoid.<\/p>\n

Adam, meanwhile, had no such disadvantage.<\/p>\n

His long legs carried him swiftly over the distance, and he possessed the particular Cartwright knack for moving with purpose without making it look as though he were in pursuit of a runaway daughter. A few hundred yards from the hotel, he finally caught up with her.<\/p>\n

A firm hand settled on her shoulder. Beth stopped.<\/p>\n

Adam turned his recalcitrant daughter around to face him, his expression already settling into the familiar sternness that had served him well when she was a child and, apparently, was now being called upon again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I tell you to do something, Elizabeth Frances,\u201d he began, \u201cyou do it. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth opened her mouth, but he raised a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not storm out of restaurants like a child in a fit of temper, nor do you raise your voice to me.\u201d The finger remained pointed squarely at her, his stern expression matching the warning in his voice.<\/p>\n

Beth’s first instinct was to make a smart remark and flounce away at the earliest opportunity. She was an adult, for heaven’s sake. An assemblywoman. She had been elected by actual voters. She would not stand on a street corner and be scolded like a naughty child.<\/p>\n

Then he wagged his finger at her. And, quite inexplicably, Beth became seized by the most ridiculous urge to bite it. She stared at the offending finger, then at her father\u2019s face. The image of his expression if she actually did it flashed through her mind, and that was enough.<\/p>\n

A laugh escaped her.<\/p>\n

Adam stared at her. \u201cElizabeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

That only made matters worse.<\/p>\n

Beth pressed her lips together, desperately attempting to compose herself, but her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. She would not, of course, actually bite him. She was not twelve; or Georgie.<\/p>\n

But the thought of doing it was so wonderfully, absurdly tempting that she could hardly breathe for laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this funny to you?\u201d Adam asked, his temper rising. \u201cEmbarrassing me with your appalling lack of manners in the restaurant and then running away is somehow amusing to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He could not imagine what she found so funny about any of this. Whatever had struck her as amusing moments ago, standing there laughing in the middle of his reprimand came across as nothing less than further disrespect.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, it\u2019s not that.\u201d Beth struggled to bring her giggles under control. It helped that he was no longer pointing his finger at her. Unfortunately, that was because he had both arms folded across his chest and Beth was quite familiar with that posture. It generally meant Papa had reached the point where patience was becoming a scarce commodity.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows rose high on his forehead. \u201cNo, what<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s eyes widened. Her laughter stopped immediately.<\/p>\n

Oh, he really was upset.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir.\u201d She decided it would be considerably more prudent not to elaborate. Really, what possible good could come of explaining the ridiculous thought that had popped into her head? She had a strong suspicion that Papa would not find the idea of biting his finger nearly as amusing as she had.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have some excuse, then, for that outburst at the restaurant?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cAnd for why you find all of this so amusing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was beneath you, Elizabeth. Beneath your new position. And it was disrespectful to everyone around you.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice remained controlled, but the disappointment beneath it made the words sting. He had not expected Beth to greet the news with enthusiasm, but neither had he anticipated her raising her voice, knocking over her chair in her haste to leave, and slamming the door behind her hard enough to turn heads throughout the establishment.<\/p>\n

Beth’s eyes flashed. \u201cAnd putting off telling me until you had no choice but to do so in public isn\u2019t beneath you<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

The words were out before she could stop them. Regret followed almost immediately. First, because they were not entirely fair. Adam had not explained the circumstances surrounding the boys’ arrival, but neither had she asked him for an explanation. Second, because while Beth might occasionally skirt the boundaries of what was respectful, she was not deliberately cruel. Calling her father a coward\u2014however indirectly\u2014crossed that line.<\/p>\n

And third, there was the expression on his face that suggested she might not live long enough to apologize.<\/p>\n

Adam reached out, caught her firmly by the arm, and drew her a little closer. His jaw had tightened, and the last trace of humor had disappeared from his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d he said. His voice was dangerously quiet.<\/p>\n

Beth swallowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle girl,\u201d Adam continued, each word measured with alarming calm, \u201cyou are not too old to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh! Looks like we showed up just in time, brother,\u201d Joe observed. He slipped neatly into the narrow space between Adam and Beth, laying a hand on his older brother\u2019s shoulder before Adam could object.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boys are waiting for you at the Old Globe, elder brother. They\u2019re busting a gut for details about their special assignment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a bit busy here,\u201d Adam ground out.<\/p>\n

His glare made it abundantly clear that Joe\u2019s timing was not, in his opinion, particularly fortunate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe sorta thought we might take care of things with this one here,\u201d Hoss interjected, nodding toward Beth. \u201c\u2019Fore anybody gets too riled up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth kept her eyes fixed on her father. If there was any hope that Adam might accept the intervention and let the matter drop, she was certainly not going to interfere with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s too late for that,\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll regret it if you two come to loggerheads out here,\u201d Joe said more quietly. \u201cScold her later if you need to. In private. After you\u2019ve both had a little time to simmer down.\u201d He gave Adam an encouraging pat on the shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll take her back to the hotel, give her a talking to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you will, will you?\u201d Beth challenged immediately.<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at her. \u201cDarlin\u2019, it\u2019s us or him, and he\u2019s looking pretty mean right about now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth flicked a glance at her father.<\/p>\n

Hoss wasn’t exaggerating. Adam looked as though he had enough anger simmering beneath the surface to scorch the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2019bout it?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Adam looked from one brother to the other. For several long seconds, he said nothing. His gaze finally settled on Beth, and some of the fury in his expression gave way to reluctant resignation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right,\u201d he conceded. His hand dropped from Beth\u2019s arm. \u201cI\u2019ll go talk strategy with the boys. You two take Beth back to the hotel.\u201d He paused, giving his daughter one last pointed look. \u201cWe<\/em> will talk later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth had the distinct impression that the words were not an invitation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you two don\u2019t spoil her rotten in the meantime.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked genuinely affronted. \u201cWhen have we ever done that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes toward heaven. He had apparently decided that answering the question would only prolong matters, so he turned on his heel and headed toward the Old Globe.<\/p>\n

Joe waited until Adam was several paces away before turning to his oldest niece and slipping an arm around her shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, namesake,\u201d he said, grinning, \u201cyou sure do rile him up like no other.\u201d He gave himself a modest little nod. \u201cSave yours truly, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth couldn’t help smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you say we find some coffee and grumble about your pa for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd maybe talk about where he\u2019s got a point or two that we agree with,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

Beth sighed with exaggerated resignation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds fair enough. Take me back to the hotel. We\u2019ll find some coffee, and I\u2019ll try to listen to my elders.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced in the direction Adam had disappeared. \u201cAfter the prerequisite grumbling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed, and even Hoss allowed himself a chuckle.<\/p>\n

Together, the three of them headed toward the hotel, each carrying the profound relief that came with knowing a family crisis had, at least temporarily, been averted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Three:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam’s return to the hotel took longer than expected. When the boys started drinking and his brothers didn\u2019t return, he\u2019d felt it was his duty to remain at The Old Globe and make sure they stayed out of trouble. Eventually he cut the youngest two, Simon and Ted, off and told them all it was time to go, or he\u2019d get their Pa\u2019s out of bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m too old to deal with all of you alone,\u201d Adam complained good naturedly. \u201cGive me a break and come back nice and quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything for you Uncle Adam,\u201d Ted promised, tripping over his feet as he got up from the table. \u201cDidja know I\u2019m named for ya?\u201d He put an arm around Adam\u2019s shoulder and leaned close as if sharing a secret.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do seem to recall that fact. You want me to announce your full name to the whole saloon?\u201d Adam asked, looking amused.<\/p>\n

Ted\u2019s face lit up. \u201cHey everybody! I\u2019m Theodore Adam Cartwright an\u2019 this here is my Uncle Adam!\u201d His announcement didn\u2019t garner the sort of reception that he anticipated. Most people kept on drinking or playing poker, paying no mind to the drunk being maneuvered towards the door. Frowning, Ted opened his mouth to try again, but by that time Adam had him outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, you are going to have one sore head on that train tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Somehow Adam managed to get everyone back to the hotel without the lot of them being arrested for disturbing the peace. Between Ted stumbling around and Simon deciding this was the perfect time to break out in song, it took their brothers and Adam combined to both silence and walk them. It was lucky the older two had watched their drinking. There was no denying it was a relief to deposit them in their rooms and retire to his own.<\/p>\n

He paused at the door of the suite, noting the light underneath. An eyebrow rose.\u00a0 Adam had said they would talk later, a part of him expected her to be in bed, either because of the hour or having decided to avoid him until morning was her wisest course of action. Knowing Beth, he wasn\u2019t quite certain which decision might have amused him, or exasperated him, more. With a quiet shrug, he unlocked the door and slipped inside, closing it softly behind him.<\/p>\n

Beth was stretched out on the settee under a blanket when she heard a key in the lock. She peered above the top of a book at him, her eyes sparkling and asked, \u201cWould you call this a respectable time of the evening to come home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is my<\/em> line, young lady.\u201d He crossed the room and bent down to kiss her head. \u201cWhat are you reading?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Search of the Castaways<\/em>. Home feels closer when I read it,\u201d Beth noted.<\/p>\n

He gave her a fond smile. \u201cMight have something to do with the fact Grandpa and I read it to you girls a hundred times or better.\u201d Adam shed his suit coat and laid it over a chair near the settee before taking a seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave serious consideration to Ann Veronica <\/em>though.\u201d<\/p>\n

After searching his brain for a minute to place the title, a look of amusement settled on his face. \u201cThat\u2019s the one with the impetuous, rebellious daughter and the completely reasonable father, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth’s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

Her scowl only widened his grin. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked innocently. \u201cThat seems like a perfectly fair characterization.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cWhat made you decide against it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have it with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The resignation in her voice made the corner of Adam\u2019s mouth quirk.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould I bother asking whether your uncles followed through with their promised talking-to?\u201d he asked, settling more comfortably against the settee. \u201cOr should I simply assume the afternoon was spent commiserating over what a terrible, mean father I am?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s expression stilled. Whatever amusement had lingered in her eyes disappeared. She dog-eared the page of her book to mark her place, then carefully set it aside before sitting up straighter and turning to face him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. They actually did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands. His eyebrows lifted slightly, but he said nothing. Though curious, he had learned long ago that Beth was more likely to tell him what mattered if he gave her room to arrive at it herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was reminded of all the things I\u2019ve been able to do in my life that most girls and women cannot,\u201d Beth began slowly, \u201cbecause I\u2019m lucky enough to have you as my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam’s expression softened, though he remained silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you choose to support me while I make choices that are still considered unusual, and sometimes even unacceptable. That you lend me respectability by escorting me on the campaign trail. And all the other things you do that I often think of as\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She faltered, her brows drawing together as she searched for the right word.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot interference,\u201d she continued at last. \u201cBut overprotectiveness. An inability to let me go. To let me be.<\/em> To see me as grown and capable, and not needing to be parented every minute of every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

His brow furrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t always feel that way,\u201d Beth hastened to add. \u201cBut tonight, when you explained what the boys were here for\u2026\u201d She shook her head. \u201cIt felt exactly like that. As though you trusted me so little that you needed a whole cavalry to watch over me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam said nothing. He listened, his hands loosely clasped between his knees, while an uncomfortable understanding settled over him. He had spent so much of Beth\u2019s life thinking about keeping her safe that he had not always stopped to consider what that effort might look like from her side of things.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou used to say, a lot, that you were going to have to prepare the world for me,\u201d Beth continued. \u201cAnd Uncle Hoss thinks this is your way of doing it. Mitigating the dangers. Trying to clear the path in a way that lets me be who I am and do what I do, but still lets you sleep at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mouth curved faintly. \u201cI\u2019m not the problem\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you are definitely a problem,\u201d Adam interrupted, his tone deliberately affectionate.<\/p>\n

Beth stuck her tongue out at him.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded gravely. \u201cSee? A problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite herself, Beth smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s the rest of the world,\u201d she said, sobering again, \u201cand what might happen to me in it, that scares you.\u201d<\/p>\n

His smile faded, though there was no anger in his face now.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I was told to accept the cavalry,\u201d Beth continued, \u201cbecause this time they were scared about what other people might do, too. And if I didn\u2019t, the only place I was going in the morning was back to the Ponderosa, any which way they had to get me there.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed. \u201cSo we\u2019re all taking the train tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

For several seconds he was completely speechless. He wasn’t entirely sure whether he was more surprised by Beth for accepting the arrangement or by his brothers for apparently negotiating the whole matter without him. At last, he found his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many of those pearls of wisdom belonged to Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth immediately covered her mouth with one hand, trying to suppress the giggles bubbling up again. \u201cA few,\u201d she admitted. \u201cMostly, he was strong moral support for Uncle Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head, though the beginnings of a smile tugged at his mouth.<\/p>\n

When Beth was certain she had herself under control, she lowered her hand and met her father’s eyes. The humor faded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cFor what I said when we were arguing. And for leaving the caf\u00e9 the way I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled Beth closed, hugging her tightly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, too. I shouldn\u2019t have shouted outside. Shouting is for inside.\u201d He pressed a kiss to her hair when she groaned. \u201cRemind me to thank your uncles tomorrow, hm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs my cavalry ready?\u201d Beth could feel her father shrug and looked up at him questioningly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTed asked if I was expecting him to stand beside you with a sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth sighed with exasperation. \u201cYou didn\u2019t tell him yes, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes widened. \u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you \u2018Pa\u2019 me,\u201d he laughed. \u201cBut yes, the boys are ready. Are you?\u201d He raised his eyebrows questioningly.<\/p>\n

Beth gave him an almost feral grin. \u201cNever been readier in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

######<\/p>\n

Getting everyone and their things on the train the following morning was something akin to herding cattle. A count of the people going was made and redone several times at important intervals, like breakfast and on leaving the hotel. Wayward steers, or individuals rather, were guided back on track when they veered off in the wrong direction, paused to have conversations they didn\u2019t have time for, or asserted that a visit to the saloon would ease a hangover.<\/p>\n

By some miracle they arrived and boarded the train with all their cattle, er, people still present and accounted for. Adam made certain of it by doing a head count every now and again, and a final one was made on the train. Satisfied that visual and numerical confirmation said no one was left behind, he finally sat down by his brothers. The trio cast not-so-sympathetic looks at Simon and Ted nursing sore heads as they searched for a seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWere we ever so young?\u201d Joe murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou left off the second half of that sentence, baby brother,\u201d Adam teased. \u201cFoolish. If we\u2019re talking about you, just a few weeks ago we were dragging your behind home, trying to sneak you into bed before Pa caught sight of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cHardy har har.\u201d Truthfully, that happened more often than he cared to remember, and probably many more times that he couldn\u2019t<\/em> remember, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see Beth\u2019s holdin\u2019 court today.\u201d Hoss pointed out where Beth and all the boys, including the hungover pair, squished into a few seats. Heads together, smiles on their faces, the group talked animatedly.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cBeth really took what you two told her to heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sprang up from his slouched position as fast as a jack-in-the-box popping out of the box. He elbowed Hoss and asked with wide eyes, \u201cIs that older brother attempting to thank us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like it might be. Hasn\u2019t got the words out yet though, has he?\u201d Hoss gave Adam a grin, enjoying the way he groaned with annoyance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was getting there! Don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll bother with it now.\u201d He crossed his arms over his chest and sat back in his seat, almost sulking. It became a full-on sulk when Hoss and Joe began laughing, loudly.<\/p>\n

Up ahead, the group of cousins abruptly stopped talking and looked towards where their respective fathers sat. \u201cLooks like they\u2019re ganging up on your pa again,\u201d Rob reported as he gave Beth a nudge.<\/p>\n

She huffed and rolled her eyes. \u201cWe\u2019re\u2026\u201d She paused to consult the clock in the train car. \u201cTen minutes into trip spanning a majority of the continent and they\u2019re already annoying him. That\u2019s a record, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHas to be. Could be worse you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth eyed Benjie, a finely shaped eyebrow arched questioningly.<\/p>\n

\u201cImagine if it was a wagon trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjie was promptly, and loudly, booed while collectively pushed off the seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

They arrived in Washington, D.C. with considerable\u2014albeit short lived\u2014relief. The journey was long and tiring, but the real work was just beginning. Not just for Beth, but for Adam, too. Most of the family had never travelled further than California or Texas, let alone the nation\u2019s capital city. Adam noted the way his nephews and brothers looked around in awe.<\/p>\n

Beth was too preoccupied to take notice of her surroundings. From the moment she stepped off the train, it was all about business again and Beth ran through a multitude of mental checklists and began delegating tasks to her entourage. Much to her delight, they readily obeyed and began securing the luggage and seeing about transportation to their hotel. They might be rather useful after all<\/em>.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, Beth located the telegraph office to inquire about any message that might be waiting for her. She discovered several and ripped the first envelope open to scan the telegram\u2019s contents. The brief missive wasn\u2019t what she hoped to find, but Beth wasn\u2019t disappointed by it. The ladies of the Ponderosa had sent their love and best wishes. What wasn\u2019t included, but could be read easily between the lines, were their pleas to be safe.<\/p>\n

She placed the paper back inside the envelope and into her reticule. The second telegram was similar but came from her baby sister alone. Georgie, almost ten years younger than Beth, wished her a \u2018grand adventure\u2019 and added \u2018remember to bring me something nice!\u2019 She gave an unladylike snort. Sisters<\/em>. Chances were though that she would find something nice to bring back for both her sisters. Whenever she managed to get home, that was.<\/p>\n

The three remaining wires were the ones she was hoping to find. Her heart raced a bit as she reread the one from the National Woman\u2019s Party headquarters.<\/p>\n

Intrigued by your strategy ideas STOP
\nCome immediately on arrival if possible STOP
\nThere\u2019s plenty of work to be done STOP<\/p>\n

Beth hugged the paper to her chest, inhaled deeply and let the breath out slowly. She was here and they were waiting to hear from her. Her!<\/em> Breaking into a wide, open smile, she placed the telegrams into her bag and went to tell the family she wasn\u2019t going with them to the hotel. There was somewhere more important to be first.<\/p>\n

Halfway back to meet her family, Beth stopped and abruptly reversed course, returning to the telegraph office. There was no way she could just leave when there was so much to do! A good list was needed, and she couldn\u2019t see the harm in asking for paper and a pencil.<\/p>\n

The man at the window handed both to her absentmindedly, his mind on a message that started just after she began speaking. The tap tap tap<\/em> of the machine almost matched the beating of her heart as Beth set out the tasks she wanted done. Some only she could do, such as double-checking with the court that the documents she needed had arrived. The Governor and Attorney General each telegraphed that they sent the necessary papers of approval and support to assist her in practicing law in Washington, D.C. for a time. Beth wasn\u2019t willing to count on someone else\u2019s guarantee, especially not on something as important as this was. She needed to put eyes on them herself.<\/p>\n

Other matters, however, could easily be handled by Pa and the others while she went to check in at 21 Madison Place. Starting a search for a man who made moving pictures and locating a caf\u00e9 near the White House able to take large orders to assist in feeding the Silent Sentinels were easy enough. Most importantly, it would be up to the Cartwright cavalry to sort out a schedule. Beth was just one person and her guards, as Pa saw them, numbered eight including him. Far too many people to be milling around her all at once. They\u2019d be tripping over each other and start going crazy before long.<\/p>\n

Last, but not least, Beth added \u2018get suits pressed\u2019 to the list. Were she not on her way to NWP Headquarters, which was something she\u2019d handle on her own, whether it meant borrowing an iron from the hotel or inquiring if they offered the service. It was a simple enough task that she was certain Pa could sort it for her.<\/p>\n

After all, he certainly enjoys managing things.<\/em><\/p>\n

######<\/p>\n

The energy in Beth\u2019s step as she hurried to join her family didn\u2019t go unnoticed by Adam. She\u2019s keen to be off and running and already. <\/em>The broad smile on her face made it clear she was delighted by something. Considering they had only just arrived, he had no clue what it could be.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to go for a while. I\u2019m not sure how long I\u2019ll be.\u201d The words flew from her mouth at speed without the most complete explanation. \u201cI have the address of the hotel, and I\u2019ll meet you there when I finish. In the meantime, can you do a few things for me?\u201d Beth implored. \u201cOnce you\u2019re settled in and rest a little. I made a list. I\u2019d appreciate the help Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam accepted the list with some hesitation, feeling baffled. \u201cGo? Go where? I\u2019d appreciate a little more information.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty-One Madison Place.\u201d<\/p>\n

He merely stared at her, watching a look of disbelief settle on her face. Admittedly that address sounded familiar, but he couldn\u2019t quite place it. Adam could tell Beth was reining in her impatience before elaborating further.<\/p>\n

\u201cNWP Headquarters.\u201d She paused a beat and added. \u201cNational\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWoman\u2019s Party,\u201d Adam finished. He chuckled inwardly at the way her shoulders relaxed as she smiled softly.<\/p>\n

Beth leaned forward and whispered, \u201cOh, good, you\u2019ve not lost the plot just yet. I\u2019ve got too many things for you to do before I can put you out to pasture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarcasm was a trait he could only blame himself for. Rather than scold her for what might be interpreted as disrespect, Adam merely chuckled. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a few cabs waiting, given the number of us. Why don\u2019t we at least head over to the hotel first and leave your things, then we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook her head firmly. \u201cI\u2019ll be there as soon as I can. You\u2019ll manage just fine without me in the meantime.\u201d There was a finality to her tone and Beth promptly turned on her heel to walk away, as if she couldn\u2019t wait a moment longer.<\/p>\n

He opened his mouth to raise several objections. For one, she was a stranger to the city. If she had no idea what time her meeting might conclude, that might leave her walking alone in the dark. Beth needed a chaperone.<\/p>\n

Brows drawn together, protest forming on his tongue, Adam lifted a hand slight as though he might be able to stop her before she could get any farther.<\/p>\n

Before the words could form and be spoken, however, he watched her pause. Beth glanced back over her shoulder, a thoughtful expression crossing her face for no more than a heartbeat. Her eyes moved until they landed on the nearest cousin. Without a word, she reached out, caught him firmly by the sleeve just above the elbow, and gave it a tug.<\/p>\n

The young man barely had time to look down at her small hand curled around his arm before Beth tugged again, more insistently this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n

And just like that, she started pulling him along with her.<\/p>\n

Adam’s raised hand slowly fell back to his side. His mouth remained slightly open, the objection he had been so prepared to deliver rendered entirely unnecessary. He watched Beth march off with her chosen escort in tow, her fingers still securely hooked around the man’s sleeve as though she had settled the matter herself.<\/p>\n

There was something almost comically practical about her anticipating his argument and cutting him off at the knees before he could make it. It was so very Beth, to anticipate the problem, turn it over in that quick mind of hers, and find the simplest possible solution before allowing anyone to say a word. She had inherited that stubborn practicality from somewhere; Adam suspected he knew exactly<\/em> where.<\/p>\n

Beside him, Joe caught the entire exchange. His mouth twitched, and then a broad smirk spread across his face. He ducked his head, his attention drawn towards the porters, rather than risk letting Adam see just how amused he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beth one, Adam nothing.<\/em><\/p>\n

######<\/p>\n

Beth and Ted stood together on the streetcar, half watching the city as they passed it and half listening for their stop. Exhilarating was the only way to describe being here and she could tell he felt the same, the two sharing wide grins as they took everything in the way each new arrival did. Neither had been East before and only had knowledge of it from newspapers and stories from Adam and Ben. Even Beth\u2019s law school was in the West, in California.<\/p>\n

Alighting at the appropriate stop, the two consulted a street map Beth had purchased on their way out of the train station before setting off on foot. Ted crooked his arm and Beth took it easily. \u201cShould I be honored to have been chosen for your outing?\u201d he asked. When her face turned beet red, Ted laughed good naturedly and teased, \u201cI see how it is. All one and the same to you, ain\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth shook her head vehemently. \u201cOf course not! Admittedly, I was going to take the person nearest to me, but I\u2019m glad it was you. I know you have enough sense not to start flirting with every girl while I\u2019m in my meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to say you\u2019re wrong about our cousins, but I know you aren\u2019t. Probably best you don\u2019t go clobbering anyone in the street just yet. Even if they would deserve it for doin\u2019 something foolhardy as all that. I won\u2019t embarrass ya Beth.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pair chatted together until they finally turned a corner, and the White House came into view. The building was beautiful, awe-inspiring, and slightly comical with the sheep grazing on the lawn. Beth wanted to feel a sense of great pride in what was supposed to be the People\u2019s House. Knowing that \u2018people\u2019 did not mean \u2018all\u2019 put a stopper in that. Instead, she felt the greatest respect for the women in the distance, standing tall with their banners and flags in dignified, silent protest.<\/p>\n

######<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t every day that a female lawyer showed up at 21 Madison Place. Oh, there were more women practicing law today than there used to be, some of them even right here in D.C. Most even supported woman suffrage but did so privately. Their hard-fought place at the bench was too precious to risk even for a cause as great as this. Yet here was a young woman, bright, talented, college trained (first in her mixed-sex class even), with two years of experience at a prominent law firm in Virginia City, Nevada, and recently elected to that state\u2019s legislative body to boot.<\/p>\n

Though young and seemingly fearless, there was a good head on Beth Cartwright\u2019s shoulders, and her ideas were sound. Whether they might work was another story, but at the very least her mere presence could bring greater attention to the cause. Some of the tactics employed by the police and the court system may even be tempered by her position as an assemblywoman.<\/p>\n

Alice Paul leaned forward, putting her elbows on the table. \u201cMay I be blunt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour strategies are imaginative and compelling. I\u2019m not certain they\u2019ll get us anywhere but that isn\u2019t always the point,\u201d she warned. \u201cI want you to be here and work with us, try these ideas out, if you\u2019re willing. But you need to understand the reality of what is happening daily. The odds of any of these succeeding are minimal, as is the potential for winning in court. You must not be discouraged by that, nor by the fact that you are likely to be fined, jailed, and worse. You\u2019ll take your turn on the picket line with all of us when not engaged in legal work and be expected to assist however and wherever else you\u2019re needed. Is all that clear to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. I\u2019m here to rabble rouse, as my mother might say,\u201d Beth answered, her voice sure. \u201cTell me where I can start making good trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

The redheaded woman seated beside Alice pushed a stack of files towards her. \u201cCan you be ready for trial tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth drew the files closer to her. \u201cWhat time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNine. Dress modestly, somber even, and be early.\u201d There was a hint of warning in Lucy\u2019s tone. \u201cAnd find a way to bring assault charges against the men harassing the sentinels. The police refuse to take reports.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dark-haired girl nodded. \u201cFalse arrest charges as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne step at a time, Miss Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Five:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The courtroom was much bigger than the one in Virginia City. Beth sat at the defense table with her five clients that she met only that morning. Two of them were her age, the other three older, and all showed the strain of having spent several days in jail awaiting trial. She wasn\u2019t sure what they thought of her, but they were certainly surprised to see her. Few attorneys, male or female, wished to be associated with the cases against the sentinels. Unless, that is, they were the prosecutors.<\/p>\n

Though she was up half the night preparing for the trial, Beth was the very picture of calm, cool, and collected. Sitting in the middle of the gallery, surrounded by the rest of the family, Adam hoped she remained that way throughout the proceedings. Today was about making impressions and doing right by her clients. Losing her temper the way Alta sometimes did could cost Beth a great deal.<\/p>\n

The courtroom was called to order as the judge entered and took his place on the bench. Judge Taylor looked down his long nose, glasses perched on the end of it, at the defense table, then at the clerk. \u201cI appear to be missing a file. There\u2019s only five and we have six defendants.\u201d Wide-eyed, the clerk scrambled to search for the paperwork.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it may please the court,\u201d Beth began, rising from her seat. \u201cElizabeth Cartwright for the defense, your honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room went still for several seconds that felt so long they might have been whole years. \u201cIt does not<\/em> please the court, young woman. What foolishness is this? How dare you radicals try to mock me and the law!\u201d<\/p>\n

She bit her lip to keep back an angry retort at the judge\u2019s clear prejudice against her clients. When Beth responded, she kept her voice soft and respectful. \u201cIf I may approach the bench with my paperwork, your honor? You\u2019ll find it all in order, I assure you. There is no mockery being made of these hallowed halls of justice.\u201d Her family in the gallery heard the slight edge of determination and pointed irony, even if the judge did not.<\/p>\n

Beth caught the judge\u2019s eye and held it as he considered her request. When he realized that he could not stare her down, Judge Taylor waved her forward where she handed her paperwork to the clerk who passed it to the judge. The courtroom was completely silent as he examined the documents. Some waited for her to be hauled away as a fraud, others were ready to capture a story for the newspaper, others still exchanged looks with those sitting nearby as though placing silent bets on the validity of her claims. All saw the elderly judge\u2019s face grow purple before he threw the papers back at the clerk.<\/p>\n

As Beth serenely accepted them from the clerk, a vein in the judge\u2019s neck began throbbing. \u201cLet the record show that one Elizabeth Cartwright is in attendance as counsel for the defendants,\u201d Taylor growled. \u201cHow do they plead?\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing to give her answer, Beth took a deep breath. Here we go.<\/em> \u201cYour honor, at this time I\u2019d like to submit a motion for a change of venue for all five of my clients.\u201d<\/p>\n

The roar that went up was unlike anything she might have imagined. Beyond some cheers, shocked gasps, and excited chatter, a large portion of those in the gallery reacted with rage. Words unspoken in polite society were hurled her way, several people were issuing threats of bodily harm, and a veritable chorus was being sung for her arrest. All she could do was breathe calmly and hope the judge brought the room to order.<\/p>\n

In the gallery, all eight of the Cartwrights were tensely positioned at the edge of their seats and ready to spring into action at any second. They assessed the greatest threats, the quickest escape route, and watched with pride as Beth stood straight and tall in the face of the efforts to intimidate her.<\/p>\n

At long last, with a combination of gavel banging and threats to clear the gallery, a semblance of order was restored. The judge was furious and made no efforts to hide it. \u201cI begin to question the sincerity of your documents, young woman. Only a cheap imitation of a lawyer would make such a motion verbally when a true, professional, man<\/em> knows they are made in writing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silently, Beth opened a folder on the table, pulled out a written motion, and gestured for the clerk to take it. The papers were barely out of her hands before the judge shouted \u201cDENIED! I find you all guilty of obstructing traffic and fine you $5 or five days in the workhouse. As for you<\/em>, Miss Cartwright, I\u2019m holding you in contempt. Bailiff!\u201d<\/p>\n

Fully prepared for the outcome, Beth appeared unperturbed as she gathered her things, but her heart raced wildly. A smile tugged at her lips as the sound of shouted protests, led by her father, followed her as the bailiff roughly pulled her from the courtroom.<\/p>\n

Whatever Adam had expected out of Beth\u2019s first court appearance, this was not it. The absolute rage of those in the gallery was not only audible, but palpable. Worse still was the judge, a man tasked with upholding the law who was swayed to disregard it by his own prejudices. Fear and anger gripped him by turn as the judge ordered Beth\u2019s arrest for contempt. How she managed to look so poised was beyond him.<\/p>\n

Before he thought it through, Adam was out of his seat and charging his way through the throng of people in the gallery, shouting after the judge. \u201cYou\u2019re the one who ought to be held in contempt! Is this a court of law or a circus? How can you justify such blatant disregard for the law? How can you call yourself an officer of the court?\u201d The riotous noise lessened suddenly, and Adam realized he had just chased the judge into his chambers and was still shouting at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you blathering about man?\u201d Judge Taylor asked. \u201cDon\u2019t you know my chambers are off limits to the public? File a grievance like everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned across the desk, eyes dark with anger. Rather than shout, his voice was low and dangerous. \u201cYou just arrested my daughter. That is a grievance I\u2019ll take up with you in person.\u201d<\/p>\n

The elderly man\u2019s eyebrows rose in shock. \u201cWas that your daughter? I\u2019ve done you a favor,\u201d he rebutted. \u201cYou should\u2019ve put her away years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

At the Washington Asylum and Jail, commonly referred to as the District Jail, Beth was processed the same way any other individual might be. She gave her full name and age then remained silent as an officer recorded her approximate height, weight, and eye color, and the charges, creating an arrest record. A photograph was taken to add to her file and then her belongings and person searched. Beth\u2019s hat and its pin were confiscated, the pin identified as a potential weapon, and her shoes removed and checked for other dangerous items.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll return these to you when you leave,\u201d an officer said, leaving with her hat, purse, and case files.<\/p>\n

A second man returned her shoes before escorting her to a cell already holding a dozen people, male and female. There was a finality to the way he slammed and locked the door that made her shiver. With every place to sit already occupied, she eyed the floor warily, shrugged, and sat down to wait for her fine to be paid. In the meantime, Beth began to mentally map out her appeal of today\u2019s verdicts.<\/p>\n

Her efforts to focus on recalling case law best suited for the brief were short lived as a familiar voice drifted in from the adjoining office. Pa was here, but it felt too soon. Not that Beth had any idea how much time had passed; there was no clock near the cell, and she wasn\u2019t wearing a watch. Still, it felt fast for the fine to be set and the money to pay it collected already.<\/p>\n

The door between the cell area and the offices opened, revealing the same officer who created Beth\u2019s arrest record earlier. He had Adam in tow and paid no attention to Beth while unlocking the cell. \u201cIn you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s mouth dropped open. The officer wasn\u2019t bringing Pa to collect her. He was jailing<\/em> Pa!<\/p>\n

Adam complied with the command, his eyes searching the crowd for Beth. Despite the location, his eyes lit up as he saw she was still in one piece. \u201cIf it isn\u2019t my own Grace O\u2019Malley.\u201d[4]<\/a><\/p>\n

As the key turned in the lock, the officer paused, casting a glance at Beth. \u201cI thought your name was Cartwright? You\u2019re supposed to give me all your aliases!\u201d<\/p>\n

Father and daughter exchanged a pained look before Beth responded. \u201cIt is. My father is trying to make a joke. Time and place, Pa,\u201d she ground out. \u201cTime and place.\u201d<\/p>\n

The officer merely shook his head and walked away, muttering the name to himself.<\/p>\n

Beth scowled at Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s going to put that on my record now!\u201d she hissed. \u201cAnd what are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

The elder Cartwright took a seat beside her on the floor and cleared his throat uncomfortably.<\/p>\n

Taking in his sheepish look, Beth groaned. \u201cOh no, what did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam found himself unable to meet his daughter\u2019s eyes. Jaw tightening briefly, he rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. \u201cI, uh, followed the judge into his chambers and rang a peal over his head about having you arrested. And then took a swing at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She took a quick sharp breath, eyes widening in alarm. \u201cTell me you missed. Please<\/em> tell me you missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The urgency in her voice caught him off guard. Adam\u2019s brows drew together, yet the look on her face caused the corners of his mouth to twitch despite himself. \u201cThere was a timely intervention, and now I\u2019m here. Surprisingly only charged with contempt,\u201d he confessed. He put an arm around Beth when she sagged against him in relief, letting out a shaky breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you can\u2019t do that.\u201d Beth\u2019s voice was quiet but firm. \u201cI mean it. You aren\u2019t any help to me if you do that and I\u2019ll ask Uncle Hoss to take you back home if you can\u2019t control yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now she was the one averting her gaze, staring down at her hands. Yet there was nothing uncertain in her words, even if she found it difficult to look him in the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe share a name and what you do will reflect on me and my reputation here. I\u2019m already on shaky ground as a lawyer associated with the suffrage cause, and a female one at that. Don\u2019t make my work harder than it must be, as a lawyer or a suffragist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe share a name, and what you do will reflect on me and my reputation here. I\u2019m already on shaky ground as a lawyer associated with the suffrage cause, and a female one at that. Don\u2019t make my work harder than it must be, as a lawyer or a suffragist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gathering courage, she lifted her head.<\/p>\n

Adam finally looked at her.<\/p>\n

Beth could see the displeasure immediately. His dark eyes had hardened, and a muscle worked along his jaw. His brows were drawn low over them, giving his face the stern, familiar expression that had once been enough to make her reconsider any number of childhood misadventures; usually.<\/p>\n

For half a second, she nearly lost her nerve.<\/p>\n

She regretted seeing the anger there, because the last thing she wanted was to hurt him. But she held his gaze anyway, her chin lifting a fraction.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re trying to do this peacefully, within the law. If we start striking out first, we not only sink to their level, but we also justify their beliefs about us. That women cannot be trusted with the vote because we are irrational and overwrought, our minds too delicate to handle the strain of political discourse, all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice wavered only once. \u201cHelp me, Pa,\u201d she pleaded. \u201cRather than work against me. There are enough people against us as it is. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam said nothing.<\/p>\n

Beth watched his face carefully as his expression began shifting. The tightness around his eyes eased. His jaw unclenched. The stern lines of his face softened as understanding slowly replaced his indignation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you heard what he said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Beth interrupted.<\/p>\n

Adam’s eyebrows rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can imagine it wasn\u2019t pleasant, but he\u2019s not the first, and he won\u2019t be the last.\u201d She gave a small, weary shrug. \u201cThere are far better uses of my time than worrying about what others think of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his daughter for a long moment. He knew it wouldn\u2019t be easy to let the slights, big and small, violent and not, against Beth go. Nothing with Beth ever was. His little girl had always possessed an uncanny talent for finding trouble, and now that she was grown, she seemed determined to confront it head-on rather than wait for it to find her. Still, she was worth every pound of trouble she ever caused, ended up in, or somehow found. This was no different.<\/p>\n

Adam sighed, the last of the tension leaving his shoulders. His hand gave her arm a gentle squeeze.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

Beth blinked, plainly surprised that he had surrendered so easily.<\/p>\n

His mouth curved into the faintest smile. \u201cNow, what\u2019s your next plan of attack?\u201d<\/p>\n

If they were going to sit in jail, they might as well put the time to good use!<\/p>\n

A little forewarning of the chaos to come wouldn\u2019t go amiss either<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Six:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the coming days, the group fell into an easy routine. They met each morning for breakfast in the hotel\u2019s dining room where Beth handed out the day\u2019s assignments. Adam might have summoned them, but the Cartwright men had quickly become hers to command. Research (namely identifying individuals), trips to the law library to exchange books, court appearances, dealing with the photographer and moving picture operator, meetings at Madison Place, filing paperwork, serving summonses, and making efforts to lodge complaints was all more than one person could do. Beth was thankful for the help of her family and, to show her appreciation, not a grumble of displeasure at being escorted nearly everywhere she went passed her lips.<\/p>\n

Until now, at this very moment, when Beth wanted nothing more than to scream across the street at the gathering assemblage of Cartwrights to go away. Only she couldn\u2019t because shouting would greatly undercut her position as a silent sentinel standing in protest in front of the White House. Besides, they wouldn\u2019t listen to her anyway, and merely continue to congregate, stare, and wave as if she were a small child about to give a recital.<\/p>\n

What I wouldn\u2019t give to be verbally sparring with a judge or insisting a district attorney press assault charges just now. <\/em><\/p>\n

Almost at once, the tips of her ears turned pink, and it had nothing to do with the chill in the air. Mentally, Beth gave herself a little shake.<\/p>\n

This is what you came here to do, remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Eying her male relations across the street once more, she bit back a groan as people struck up conversations with them, and Rob pointed in her direction.<\/p>\n

Across the street, Rob took off his hat and shook his head. \u201cNo ma\u2019am,\u201d he answered patiently. \u201cThat\u2019s my cousin and her Pa is worried about her. We don\u2019t intend to start any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman nodded curtly. \u201cWe have too much of that as it is. Gets so noisy and creates such a filthy mess in the street. You ought to tell your cousin to go home like a good girl. Politics is no place for women.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rob wisely held his tongue and simply inclined his head. He wasn\u2019t going to talk back to her, even if he had a mind to. Besides, Beth was the one that never turned down an invitation to argument, not him. He tipped his hat at the woman as she went on her way, then looked towards Beth and made an exaggerated face. Rob swore she rolled her eyes at him.<\/p>\n

Looking heavenward, Beth could only shake her head. Somehow, despite her best efforts to the contrary, this appeared to be turning into a circus sideshow.<\/p>\n

If Uncle Joe waves at me one more time today, I might not be able to restrain myself from crossing the street and hitting him with the banner.<\/em><\/p>\n

The thought brought a small smile to her face. Not hitting her uncle, who was likely to find it hysterical, but for that to be the reason she made the papers this time? Much funnier than being physically removed from the district attorney\u2019s offices.<\/p>\n

Not helpful for the cause though. <\/em><\/p>\n

Having no appointment at court that day, Beth readily agreed to take the spot when asked this morning, and she set out with the other women at the scheduled time. Teddy followed, taking up a position across the street to keep an eye on things. One by one, she watched her cousins arrive, then Joe and Hoss together. In just two hours, everyone but Adam had taken a place across the street. A part of her was furious, but an equally large part loved them for it. They didn\u2019t have to support her. Many families were not sympathetic and some even cut ties with their suffragist daughters entirely. And here were the Cartwrights, out in full force, just for her.<\/p>\n

As the day wore on the traffic around the White House grew heavier, obstructing the view of Beth and the other sentinels. The amount of gawkers, unfriendly ones in contrast to themselves, and overall poor behavior started to mount. Mouths hung open as men deliberately crossed the street and began spitting at Beth and the others.<\/p>\n

Fists clenched, Hoss moved towards the street, only for Joe to put a hand on his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. Beth warned us about this, remember? We don\u2019t want to start a brawl and have her group get blamed for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe kept a wary eye on things, as uncomfortable with not interfering as Hoss was. As they all were. Every Cartwright face was grim, jaws clenched, bodies rigid with tension as they waited for the riff raff to pass.<\/p>\n

Head held high, Beth kept her eyes straight ahead. Her prior complaints about the entourage were forgotten now, instead giving her something to focus on as the vilest words were hurled towards her and the other women. Not that her uncles and cousins were looking happy anymore, but their proximity helped her remain calm and silent.<\/p>\n

Right up until the moment a man tried to take her banner.<\/p>\n

Holding on to it tightly, Beth slammed her body against the man to throw him off balance. When he stumbled, she regained control of the pennant. Rotten food suddenly appeared almost out of the sky and men swarmed the sidewalks, forcing Beth to turn her banner into a weapon of war.[5]<\/a> The sound of fists connecting hard with flesh met her ears, alerting her that the family had joined what was fast becoming a melee. Signs and clothing were torn, fists and feet struck out, and little of it was coming from the women; virtually all of it was directed in anger towards them.<\/p>\n

Thrown into the middle of the street, Beth tried fighting her way back towards the sidewalk. When her sign was torn from its handle, she in turn brandished it like a club. She aimed for knees and stomachs as men tore off her National Woman\u2019s Party sash, seeing it as a license to do whatever they wanted. Beth\u2019s world shrank to a small circle with herself in the center, fighting desperately in self-defense. Familiar voices shouted her name, but there was no sparing even half a glance to locate help.<\/p>\n

Bizarrely, cars continued to flow down the street, edging their way past the violence, pausing now and again for drivers to peer at the spectacle. Some shouted support for the men, only a few condemning them\u2014namely for blocking the street. The sounds of beeping horns only added to the confusion. One blasted loudly beside Beth, distracting her just long enough for a fist to connect with her jaw.<\/p>\n

The blow sent her to the ground, where she received a vicious kick to the stomach. Moaning, Beth curled up into a ball as darkness began closing in. The last thing she heard was the sound of police sirens.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Every Cartwright enjoyed a good fight and didn\u2019t hesitate to put their fists to use when words failed, or someone else threw the first punch. Those gathered in front of the White House that day were no exception. The confrontation between angry men and the silent sentinels turned violent so quickly that there was no time for rationalizations. Nor was there a chance to get close to Beth as fast as things took off. All they could do was jump in and defend the ladies as best they could.<\/p>\n

Throwing punches, shoving men aside, head-butting others in the gut, the Cartwrights gave as good as they got. Unfortunately, there were more angry men than Cartwrights, and mob mentality prevailed. Yet there was no denying the bit of a thrill it gave the older and younger generations alike to be in right in the thick of things and holding their own.<\/p>\n

Rose-tinted illusions of rescuing damsels and proving how tough Western men were compared to city slickers were shattered in an instant when Beth was struck in the jaw. One second, she was scrapping for all she was worth; the next, she was gone.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s youngest son watched it happen almost in slow motion, his height enabling him to look across the sea of brawlers. \u201cBETH\u2019S DOWN!\u201d<\/em><\/strong> Teddy grabbed the man before him, lifted him by the shirt front, and tossed him aside. The next person was body-checked as he made his way towards where he last saw his cousin, yelling her name. \u201cBETH! BETH!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Had anyone believed the brouhaha intense before, there was no comparison to the way the Cartwright men turned and moved en masse to follow Teddy\u2019s lead.\u00a0 No dance routine nor group of soldiers falling in line could match the coordinated precision, speed, and all-out fury of those six men.<\/p>\n

The arrival of the police meant little to Beth\u2019s kin but quelled much of the violence wrought by others. The individual responsible for her injuries melted into the crowd while the officers concentrated their attention on the suffragists. The Cartwrights\u2019 focal point was Beth and nothing else. As they reached her, Joe crouched beside his niece\u2019s head while the others formed a protective circle.<\/p>\n

While he was no doctor, Joe still tried to assess her injuries from what he could see. The curled position of her body, arms wrapped around her middle, indicated one problem. A deep red mark on her jaw, roughly the size of a fist, was rapidly becoming a bruise, and streaks of blood on her face and in her hair were yet more issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoney, can you hear me?\u201d Joe asked, gently stroking her cheek. They needed to move her, not just out of the street, but away from the police. He\u2019d feel better about it if she could tell him what hurt.<\/p>\n

Moaning, Beth\u2019s eyes fluttered open to the sound of her uncle\u2019s voice. She blinked a few times as the world came back into focus, and along with it, pain that knifed through her abdomen.<\/p>\n

\u201cRibs or your stomach sweetheart?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice brought her awareness away from the hurt and back towards him. \u201cNot sure. Both?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss? We need to move her and get out of here.\u201d As Joe glanced towards his brother, he realized there was a new complication on the horizon. A persistent police officer was attempting to get past the brigade.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, stand aside.\u201d A young officer with a baton took up a position in front of what was now a wall of Cartwrights, with Joe and Beth shielded behind them. Not even one of them looked impressed and the baton was waved to motion another officer to join him. \u201cStand aside, all of you,\u201d he repeated. \u201cShe\u2019s under arrest.\u201d[6]<\/a><\/p>\n

Hoss slowly shook his head. \u201cNot today she ain\u2019t. She\u2019s injured and goin\u2019 to a doctor.\u201d Arms crossed, the big man looked down at the slighter, shorter pair of officers and dared them to say otherwise.<\/p>\n

While the standoff continued, Joe gathered Beth in his arms as carefully as possible. As gentle as he tried to make his touch and however slow they were, any movement was agonizing. Beth bravely tried not to shout, even going so far as to bite her lower lip, hard. Unless she wished to remove it entirely, that wasn\u2019t going to be enough. Pressing her face to Joe\u2019s chest, she gave in to her tears, even as that, too, caused her pain.<\/p>\n

Only after he was certain that Joe and Beth had time to slip away did Hoss step aside and allow two very disappointed police officers to see that the suffragist in question had escaped. Given the size of the men and their number, the two uniformed men silently conferred on the matter of charging them for obstruction and dismissed it. They left the encounter with their sense of manliness considerably dented.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned to his oldest nephew with an appraising look. \u201cAll right, yer the one that gathered us all. Good thing you did, too,\u201d he praised Rob. \u201cCain\u2019t help but notice Adam never showed and that\u2019s not like him. Where\u2019s he at?\u201d When Rob only shrugged, the older man frowned. \u201cThat\u2019s not an answer. He\u2019s gonna want to know and Beth\u2019s gonna want her pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t give you an answer. I sent messages where I knew everyone was. At breakfast, Beth sent him to the library, right?\u201d Rob watched his uncle nod in confirmation. \u201cWell, I asked at Madison Place where the library was so I could get a messenger there. Turns out there\u2019s not just one. Nobody said more \u2018n \u2018library\u2019 this morning, so I didn\u2019t send a message to him like I did the rest of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course there ain\u2019t just one library. That\u2019d be too easy, wouldn\u2019t it? <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess you\u2019re each goin\u2019 to one lookin\u2019 for him,\u201d Hoss decided. \u201cWe can\u2019t sit and wait for him to come back to the hotel and find out that way. Never hear the end of it. Probably won\u2019t as it is,\u201d he grimaced. \u201cGo on now. Find out the names and get going. Winner gets to come back with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Seven:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Benjie \u2018won\u2019 the unfortunate prize of locating Adam at the vast expanses of the Library of Congress after what felt like an interminable length of time passed. The search may have been quicker had the library not been quite so large, or if the rancher hadn\u2019t felt quite so out of place within its hallowed halls. Dressed as he would be on the Ponderosa, Benjie contrasted sharply with the employees, scholars, and others who looked smart and tidy.<\/p>\n

His size didn\u2019t make matters any easier and despite having his father\u2019s gentle manner about him, the Nevadan was conspicuous enough to inspire awe and concern alike. Doffing his hat while addressing every woman politely as ma\u2019am in the soft tones such a place demanded didn\u2019t make Benjie any less intimidating while inquiring after his uncle.<\/p>\n

The whole place reminded him of church, with its enforced quiet and reverence. Only nobody was giving little ones warning looks for squirming in their seats too much. Unlike children forced to go with their family to service, everyone here came freely with some purpose in mind. He couldn\u2019t recall what Adam was meant to be doing today, and Benjie was annoyed by that fact.<\/p>\n

Sure would be faster if I could think of it! <\/em><\/p>\n

Instead, he wandered, offering the man\u2019s description at every reference desk he came across in the hopes that someone remembered seeing Adam.<\/p>\n

Finally, the details sounded familiar to a staff member. He followed the librarian through another long room that led off into smaller spaces for study, wondering not for the first time how anyone ever found their way around here. Stopping at a door, the woman knocked lightly and paused briefly before opening.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced up from the stacks of books and papers with yellowing edges. \u201cHave I stayed too long again?\u201d The question was posed with a chagrined look, as time often ran away from him here.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir, pardon the intrusion,\u201d she responded. \u201cBut I believe this young man is urgently seeking you.\u201d The librarian opened the door wider, revealing Benjie beside her.<\/p>\n

The sight of his nephew, fidgeting with his hat brim and unable to meet his eyes, made the color drain from Adam\u2019s face. \u201cSomething\u2019s happened.\u201d His voice was flat. \u201cHow bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjie hesitated, uncertain how much to tell, particularly since he knew so little.<\/p>\n

Rising to his feet, Adam leaned across the table, spilling loose sheeves of paper onto the floor. \u201cHow. Bad.\u201d His eyes bore into his nephew, demanding an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cA mob attacked all the gals and Beth got hurt. Uncle Joe had her and Pa was getting a doctor while we all went lookin\u2019\u2026\u201d The younger man\u2019s words trailed off as Adam bolted from the room with a speed completely at odds with the dignified surroundings of the Library of Congress.<\/p>\n

Benjie made no effort to hurry and follow him. Instead, he turned to the librarian and offered an apologetic smile. \u201cCan I help you at all with this, ma\u2019am?\u201d He waved his hat in the direction of the research materials.<\/p>\n

The woman shook her head. \u201cI\u2019ll lock the door for the day. Perhaps he\u2019ll be back tomorrow to continue where he left off. It\u2019ll save us the trouble of pulling all those items again.\u201d She paused a beat, then added kindly, \u201cI hope the young lady is all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she ain\u2019t, Uncle Adam won\u2019t ever be. That\u2019s a fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

The traditional Cartwright vigil was underway by the time Adam was finally located elsewhere in Washington, D.C. Hoss and Joe had settled themselves on either side of their niece\u2019s bed, where Beth lay beneath the covers, resting, but pale and exhausted.<\/p>\n

One hand rested in Hoss\u2019s broad palm, his thumb moving slowly over her knuckles in a steady, absent-minded rhythm. Joe gently smoothed her hair away from her forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cClose call today,\u201d Joe murmured. His voice was low, pitched for Hoss\u2019s ears alone. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything like that.\u201d The curly head shook slowly, still trying to understand it all. \u201cWhat kind of man acts that way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth hadn\u2019t been the only woman injured, and the entire situation was appalling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo men that I know of,\u201d Hoss responded quietly. He glanced down at Beth, his expression tightening. \u201cNo man that\u2019s been raised right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if they do think they\u2019re traitors\u2014and they ain\u2019t,\u201d Hoss continued, his voice dropping further, as if afraid Beth might hear him and be troubled by his words. \u201cThat\u2019s no excuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

His big hand closed gently around hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf somebody listened to \u2019em, nobody\u2019d need to be out there. In a war or otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked toward the window. Evening had begun to settle over Washington, turning the glass dark. Somewhere beyond it, the city continued as though nothing extraordinary had happened.<\/p>\n

Hoss stared at the fading light for a long moment. \u201cThe shame\u2019s on them,\u201d he said at last, \u201cnot these gals.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes returned to Beth. \u201cThey\u2019re the men Beth keeps trying to charge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Police and district attorneys alike had been reluctant, if not hostile, to those attempts. Yet Beth persisted, and they\u2019d all bailed her out of local lock-up more than once over it.<\/p>\n

After today, Joe could see why she kept at it. He had thought it was stubbornness, at least in part. Maybe a little of the same recklessness that had gotten him into trouble more times than he cared to remember.<\/p>\n

But after today, Joe understood better. She couldn’t simply stand by.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you imagine how Pa would react to all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss’s mouth curved into a grin, though his eyes remained thoughtful. \u201cOh, I can imagine it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He settled deeper into his chair, folding his arms across his chest. \u201cHe’d get on the first train and come on out here to bring Beth straight home. Right after he had a word with the President and every other politician he ever knew.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe chuckled softly. \u201cThat sounds about right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn’t matter who they were or how important they thought they were.\u201d Hoss’s grin widened. \u201cPa’d look \u2019em straight in the eye and tell \u2019em exactly what he thought of \u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could almost picture it. Their father had possessed a particular talent for making a man feel thoroughly ashamed without ever needing to raise his voice. It had been one of the things the boys had feared most as children and admired most as adults.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody could shame a man for actin’ like less of one the way Pa could,\u201d Hoss continued. \u201cAnd nothin’ would’ve riled him more \u2019n this.\u201d<\/p>\n

His gaze dropped to Beth. \u201cHe’d be proud of her, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded slowly. \u201cYeah. He would.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, neither brother spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink Adam’s gonna take her back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe’s eyebrows lifted. \u201cHe’ll be really tempted.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no judgment in his voice. After what had happened, Joe couldn’t blame his oldest brother for wanting to put as much distance as possible between Beth and the danger she’d chosen to stand in.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it was my Marie,\u201d Joe continued, \u201cI’d toss her over my shoulder and walk the whole way home if that’s what it took.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gave a quiet laugh. \u201cOnly difference is, Marie’d stay once you got there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s true. She\u2019s not a rascal like I was,\u201d the younger of the two grinned mischievously.<\/p>\n

Hoss snorted. \u201cThat’s one way of puttin’ it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeth, though?\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cShe’ll sit there and listen to every word Adam says. She’ll probably agree with most of it. She’ll tell him she understands why he’s worried, promise she won’t do anything foolish again\u2014and then she’ll get on the next train by whatever means necessary and be back here without him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss’s grin spread slowly. \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably sooner than the train.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn’t put it past her.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both looked down at their niece.<\/p>\n

Beth had fallen quiet again, her breathing slow and even. She looked younger asleep. Much younger than she had seemed earlier that day when she’d been determined to stand her ground in the middle of a crowd that had suddenly become dangerous.<\/p>\n

Hoss watched her for several seconds.<\/p>\n

Stubborn as the day is long, this one.<\/em><\/p>\n

His expression softened.<\/p>\n

Nothin’ seems ta keep her down for long.<\/em><\/p>\n

He raised his eyes to Joe and gave his brother a questioning look. \u201cWe try to talk ol’ Adam outta that if he suggests it, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn’t answer immediately. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI think we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cThought so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut gently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss raised an eyebrow. \u201cGently?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe’s grin returned.\u00a0 \u201cMight surprise him for once. At the very least, one of us two comes back with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

He could only hope the battle Beth was waging didn\u2019t go on forever; for her sake, as much as Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n

######<\/p>\n

Beth picked up the sounds of her father\u2019s arrival long before she saw him, his voice carrying loudly from outside their suite. He was arguing with people, and not just her uncles that swiftly left her side at first hearing him.<\/p>\n

No doubt to cool him down and prepare him for how colorful I look.<\/em><\/p>\n

The longer she listened, the more convinced she became that he was fighting with everyone<\/em>, quite possibly even the attendant bringing the light meal intended for her. Beth might have laughed at the absurdity of it, only anger wasn\u2019t fueling the outburst; fear was.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s my fault<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Her heart twisted painfully with that knowledge and the silent self-recrimination, along with tears that she didn\u2019t give permission to fall, began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Eight:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hearing Adam bellowing in the hallway, sounding far too much like Pa for anyone\u2019s good, Hoss and Joe abandoned their niece\u2019s side to go intercept him. Nothing productive would come of their elder brother\u2019s fear-fueled temper going unrestrained. That was doubly true if he got to Beth before they had a chance to calm him down. She was in no shape for a shouting match.<\/p>\n

The door of the suite flew open, bouncing off the wall with a bang that rattled the framed art. Adam barely appeared to notice. His hat was askew and his pallor several shades too light. His eyes swept frantically across the sitting room for Beth.<\/p>\n

She wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n

His heart seemed to drop straight through the floor. In bed? In the hospital? <\/em>For one terrible instant, every possibility his frightened mind could conjure seemed plausible.<\/p>\n

Joe exchanged a look with Hoss, eyebrows raised, then cleared his throat. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Only now did the worried father truly notice his brothers, standing partway between the coffee table and the closed door of Beth\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is she?\u201d The words were ground out through teeth clenched so hard it made his jaw ache.<\/p>\n

\u201cRestin\u2019 in bed.\u201d Hoss stepped in front of him as Adam moved quickly in that direction. He lifted one hand, palm out. \u201cHold on, you cain\u2019t go in there like this. You\u2019ll just go upsettin\u2019 her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes snapped toward the bedroom door. \u201cI need to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you will,\u201d Hoss assured him soothingly. \u201cJust not lookin\u2019 and soundin\u2019 like you\u2019re about to tear the place apart.\u201d<\/p>\n

The eldest brother moved to step around the beefy younger one, only to find Hoss moved with him. Adam tried the other direction, and Hoss shifted again, quietly but firmly blocking the path.<\/p>\n

The bigger of the two brothers wasn\u2019t surprised when Adam made to go around him and simply moved in time with the other man, blocking each attempt.<\/p>\n

\u201cMove, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

The single word hung heavily in the room.<\/p>\n

For a moment, the two brothers simply stared at one another. Adam’s chest rose and fell beneath his shirt in quick, shallow breaths. His hands had curled into fists at his sides, and there was a restless twitch in one of them, as though his body had not yet caught up with the fact that he had finally found her.<\/p>\n

Even while filled with fear, Adam knew any efforts to physically remove his brother from the path to the door were futile. And somewhere beneath the panic, he knew Hoss was right. He couldn\u2019t go barging into Beth\u2019s room like this.<\/p>\n

Instead, he turned sharply away and began pacing the room.<\/p>\n

His steps were not slow and contemplative, but fast and frenzied. His boots struck the polished floor in a relentless rhythm, heel and toe, heel and toe, carrying him from the fireplace to the window and back again. He dragged one hand through his hair, leaving it even more disheveled, then dropped it only to clench it into a fist once more.<\/p>\n

Joe watched him carefully. He had seen Adam angry before, everyone had. No one, not even Hoss, had been spared from a touch of the Cartwright temper. It just manifested differently in each of them or took a considerable effort to bring to the surface in Hoss\u2019 face. And this wasn\u2019t anger, not really. The shouting, the sharp movements, the fury in his eyes\u2014it all looked like wrath on the surface.<\/p>\n

But Joe knew his brother; Adam was scared. And fear, when it came to his children, had always been the one thing Adam Cartwright had never learned how to wear gracefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/p>\n

He stopped short, fixing his youngest brother with a piercing look he knew all too well. A hard, unwavering stare that could quiet a room without Adam ever having to raise his voice, while signaling an end to his patience and a desire for the truth. \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, the younger brothers glanced at one another and silently conferred on what details they\u2019d share.<\/p>\n

Just the injuries, not the rest<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Chances were he\u2019d find out soon enough from the papers, Beth herself, or one of their sons. There was no pointing in adding fuel to the fire just yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me!\u201d Adam\u2019s voice snapped like a whip in the otherwise silent room. \u201cOr I\u2019ll go find out for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA small cut on her head. It didn\u2019t need any stitches,\u201d Joe began. He watched his oldest brother\u2019s face as he spoke for signs of pending eruption.<\/p>\n

Hoss picked up the recitation. \u201cFace looks worse than it is. Scratched a bit, bruised up and her lip split. Doc said there\u2019s no serious damage, she\u2019s just gonna be colorful a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw tightened.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, confirming the doctor\u2019s assessment. \u201cHer ribs are bruised but he bound them for her. Left something for the pain and said she ought to rest for at least a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling as he recalled Beth\u2019s response to that directive.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t have time for that. Resting\u2019s for the dead.<\/em><\/p>\n

The memory was almost enough to crack the tension in the room, but one look at Adam\u2019s face stopped him from adding that.<\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t a fool. He knew what was happening to the women daring to ask for a voice in their government. Not only had it been in the papers before they came to D.C. but he saw the evidence firsthand as Beth defended women battered and bruised in court and tried in vain to bring charges against the individuals who assaulted them.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d listened to her explain, with that same stubborn determination she\u2019d possessed since childhood, why she couldn\u2019t simply look away. Knowing there was no changing her, he had come with.<\/p>\n

Hell, he\u2019d planned<\/em> for this. That was why they were here with Beth, to protect her. And they had failed.<\/p>\n

The realization seemed to hollow Adam out from the inside. His knees suddenly gave way beneath him, and he dropped into the nearest chair so hard the legs scraped loudly across the floorboards. The sound was unnaturally harsh in the otherwise still, quiet room.<\/p>\n

His hands went immediately to his face.<\/p>\n

For several seconds he simply sat there, palms pressed hard against his closed eyes. His shoulders rose and fell beneath his coat. Then, slowly, he dragged his hands downward, fingertips traveling across his brow, the bridge of his nose and his cheekbones before stopping at his mouth.<\/p>\n

His hands lingered there.<\/p>\n

As though he could somehow hold back everything threatening to spill out of him.<\/p>\n

At last, Adam lowered his arms and rested his elbows on his thighs. He fisted his hands together and set his chin against them, staring down at the floor.<\/p>\n

When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter. That somehow made it worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you stop her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe’s expression tightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could you let her stand there as all hell broke loose?\u201d<\/p>\n

Though he stayed seated, Adam effectively pinned his brothers to the wall with the intensity in his eyes. There was accusation there, but beneath it lay something far more painful; terror.<\/p>\n

Joe’s eyebrows went up, his mouth puckering briefly as he searched for an answer that wouldn’t make things worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas anybody ever really figured out a good way to stop Beth when she wants to do something?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam’s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

Joe lifted both hands slightly. \u201cIt\u2019s not like she asked for permission either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that she should,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

He leaned one shoulder against the wall, arms folded loosely across his chest, though his expression remained solemn. \u201cShe\u2019s a grown woman. She don\u2019t need a nursemaid. You know she\u2019ll be there, one way or another, no matter what any of us say about it anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked away, but Hoss continued. \u201cShe\u2019s your daughter, and you raised her this way. To be independent. Think on her own. Stand up for things. To act when acting\u2019s needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t raise her to get herself killed!\u201d<\/p>\n

The words tore out of Adam before he could stop them, his voice cracking on the last word.<\/p>\n

Silence followed.<\/p>\n

Joe’s face softened. Hoss’s arms dropped slowly to his sides. The desperation in Adam’s voice hit his brothers harder than the shouting had. They knew how much Beth meant to him.<\/p>\n

Adam loved all his daughters. He had never played favorites, never measured one child’s worth against another’s. But Beth was so much like her late mother\u2014stubborn, compassionate, fiercely intelligent, possessed of an almost maddening refusal to stand aside when someone else was being wronged.<\/p>\n

That resemblance made her particularly precious to him and the possibility of losing her all the more terrifying.<\/p>\n

Joe pushed away from the wall. \u201cShe\u2019s not some fragile piece of art you can put in glass and never has been.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam’s eyes lifted to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeth\u2019s strong. She\u2019s a fighter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe’s voice softened. \u201cShe needs us, but not quite in the way you might think. We can\u2019t stop her from being involved. Not now. Not after what we saw today. And we can’t guarantee she won’t be hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam’s mouth tightened, but he didn’t look away.<\/p>\n

\u201cThings happened too quickly,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cOne minute everything was peaceful, and the next there was shouting and people pushing and everybody trying to figure out what was happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused. \u201cWe couldn’t get to her fast enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

The admission sat heavily between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we can make sure it doesn’t turn out any worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held his brother’s gaze. \u201cWe can be there when she needs us. We can make sure she gets home safe. We can stand beside her when she insists on standing in the middle of something bigger than herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, that’s what protecting her looks like now,\u201d Hoss added quietly.<\/p>\n

The door between the bedroom and the sitting area suddenly swung open. The sound of it striking the wall made all three men turn.<\/p>\n

Beth stood in the doorway, one hang gripping the frame for support. She leaned heavily against it, her shoulders drawn tight and one arm wrapped protectively around her ribs. The lamplight caught her full in the face, throwing every bruise and scrape into sharp relief. A darkening mark spread across one cheek and her split lip stood out starkly against skin gone unnaturally pale.<\/p>\n

She looked exhausted. The short walk from the bed had apparently cost her what little strength remained. Each breath came shallowly, carefully measured around the pain in her ribs. For several seconds she simply stood there, gathering enough breath to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill all of you stop shouting and arguing?\u201d Her voice was weak, but there was enough of the familiar Beth in it that a sense of relief pulsed through all three men.<\/p>\n

Adam was on his feet immediately, as Beth\u2019s gaze moved from him, to Joe, then to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop coddling me,\u201d she directed. Her fingers tightened around the doorframe. \u201cHelp<\/em> me. When I need it, how I need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She took another breath. It caught halfway in as a fresh wave of pain rolled through her, wiping any remaining color from her face in an instant. Her knees softened beneath her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow.\u201d The world came out little more than a gasp. \u201cRight now, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

All three men moved at once.<\/p>\n

Joe pushed away from the wall. Hoss lunged forward from beside the table. Adam started toward her from the opposite side of the room.<\/p>\n

Despite being the furthest away, Adam reached her first.<\/p>\n

He cleared the coffee table in one startling leap that left both his brothers staring after him for half a heartbeat. Apparently, fear had restored several years of youthful agility that neither Joe nor Hoss had known he still possessed.<\/p>\n

Adam caught Beth just as her knees gave way. She sagged against him, her forehead briefly coming to rest against his shoulder while he tightened his arms around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

Beth lifted her head. Her eyes met his, bright with pain but carrying a familiar spark of mischief.<\/p>\n

\u201cBit dramatic, that.\u201d A crooked smile tugged at her lips.<\/p>\n

Adam stared at her. Then, despite everything, a breath that was almost a laugh escaped him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou exaggerate. Never been dramatic a day in my life.\u201d He shifted his grip carefully, one arm supporting her back and the other beneath her knees.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and your sisters get that from your mother alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The teasing words were undermined by the fear still evident in his voice. His eyes moved over her face, searching for anything he hadn’t already been told about. Every bruise seemed to register separately in his mind. Every careful breath. Every tiny wince she tried to hide.<\/p>\n

There was no denying she could have been much worse.<\/p>\n

To Adam, that did very little to make her condition look better. He bent his head and pressed a kiss to her hair. \u201cYou, young lady, are far too old to be playing Queen of the Dune,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

That earned him the faintest widening of her smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you walk, or should I carry you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Now the grin spread properly across Beth’s face. She hadn’t thought about those days in years.<\/p>\n

For just a moment, the room seemed to slip backward through time\u2014to scraped knees, dusty clothes, childhood adventures. The smile dimmed when she looked toward the bed. Another trek across the room suddenly seemed like an impossible undertaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither option will be enjoyable,\u201d she admitted. Her voice was breathless. \u201cThe latter will likely be faster, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn’t hesitate. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth pressed her face against his shoulder, bracing herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn three.\u201d<\/p>\n

He barely got the first number out before she whispered, \u201cJust do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam carefully lifted her.<\/p>\n

Beth’s breath broke in a sharp gasp, and her fingers immediately caught in the fabric at his shoulder. She buried her face against him, trying to muffle the sound that threatened to escape.<\/p>\n

Adam’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing and simply carried her.<\/p>\n

Joe moved ahead to pull back the blankets while Hoss cleared the way, both men watching with tense expressions as Adam lowered his daughter onto the mattress with painstaking care.<\/p>\n

Even after she was settled, he kept one hand behind her shoulders until he was certain she was comfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know,\u201d Hoss said quietly, once Beth had managed to settle against the pillows, \u201cthis ain’t exactly the way you go about provin’ that you don’t need a nursemaid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth gave a breathy laugh.<\/p>\n

The laugh immediately turned into a wince. Her eyes squeezed shut, and her hand instinctively returned to her ribs.<\/p>\n

Hoss’s expression fell. \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved him off weakly. \u201cIt was worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n

But it wasn’t really a laughing matter, not anymore. Beth had seen the fear on her father’s face when she’d opened the door. Heard it beneath his anger. She had known him too long to mistake one for the other.<\/p>\n

She looked toward him.<\/p>\n

Adam had taken one of the chairs beside the bed. He sat with his elbows resting on his knees, his hands loosely clasped, his attention fixed entirely upon her. He looked as though he hadn’t quite decided whether he wanted to scold her, hug her, or simply sit there and make certain she continued breathing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Beth rasped.<\/p>\n

Adam’s eyebrows rose.<\/p>\n

Despite the agony written plainly across her face, her voice remained steady. \u201cIt\u2019s temporary, and I\u2019ll recover.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shifted slightly against the pillows and immediately thought better of it. \u201cI\u2019m not made of porcelain, or I\u2019d be shattered all over Pennsylvania Avenue.\u201d<\/p>\n

A beat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlong with the men I\u2019d broken first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe’s mouth twitched and Hoss actually snorted a laugh.<\/p>\n

Adam merely stared at her, then sat back heavily in the chair, rubbing one hand across his jaw. \u201cI don’t know whether to be amazed by you or infuriated with you,\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cStory of my entire life right there.\u201d Beth’s smile returned. \u201cJust trying to keep you guessing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head, but the corner of his mouth threatened to betray him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you possibly lie there, ribs bound, almost breathless with pain, and still manage to sound that<\/em> defiant?\u201d There was no rancor in his voice, only pride.<\/p>\n

Beth raised her eyebrows at him, her expression unmistakable.<\/p>\n

You really have to ask?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a Cartwright,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

She settled her head more comfortably against the pillow, then added with quiet certainty, \u201cThat\u2019s how.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Nine:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sleep came in fits and starts, based on doses of medication to manage the pain. With no position comfortable, and anything more than shallow breaths agonizing, it was with some relief that Beth woke to the morning light flooding through the East facing windows. Even though her head throbbed and her ribs protested every movement, at least if awake there were things Beth could do rather than lie dozing in a haze of pain and drugs. And she did not intend to continue to merely lie in misery. Not when her attention and presence were required somewhere else.<\/p>\n

Like attending a hearing today.<\/p>\n

Belatedly, Beth realized her father was still in the room, slumped awkwardly in the chair beside the bed. Still asleep, legs and neck at uncomfortable angles he would surely regret later, the evening edition of the paper near his feet. The sight made her smile and feel cherished, rather than coddled. It also explained how he had managed to be there so quickly each time she cried out or needed anything, and that she had not just dreamt of him holding her hand and talking softly during the night.<\/p>\n

Biting her lip, face hardened with resolve, she slowly sat up in bed. Accomplishing that task, Beth glanced over at Adam and was pleased to find he hadn\u2019t moved. Good. Let him sleep while I get my things and dress in the sitting room. No need to bother him at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

That plan lasted for as long as it took her to carefully turn and swing her legs over the side of the bed. The stabbing pain made her nauseous, so Beth sat still as a statue for a moment, regaining her equilibrium while watching her father out of the corner of her eye. When the wave of nausea passed, Beth put both feet on the floor and carefully rose from the bed.<\/p>\n

Adam was awake instantly, as if the movement had triggered some kind of alarm inside of him. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he spotted his daughter standing unsteadily, bracing herself on the headboard. Shooting to his feet, he reached out to steady her, cursing under his breath.<\/p>\n

The cursing made Beth giggle, then wince almost immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

Gritting her teeth, she responded calmly, \u201cGetting ready for court.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened, his mouth forming an \u2018o\u2019 in genuine shock. He recovered quickly, shouting, \u201cAbsolutely not! Get back in that bed right<\/em> now young lady! The doctor said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith all due respect, hang the doctor,\u201d Beth snapped, cutting him off. The sharpness of her voice made it clear she was abandoning all pretense at cooperation or even negotiation. \u201cThere are things bigger than my physical comfort, like the fate of my clients.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face went through a rapid succession of expressions: horror, disbelief, fury. His mouth opened and closed several times, he muttered something incomprehensible under his breath, before finally managing to bark out a response. \u201cBeth! You will not<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,<\/em>\u201d she interrupted again. The exertion of arguing was wearing, and she leaned against the bed a bit more for support. \u201cYes, I am hurting. I won\u2019t lie and say otherwise. Quite honestly, I\u2019m in a lot<\/em> of pain right now,\u201d Beth conceded. \u201cBut I\u2019m not incapacitated and there aren\u2019t exactly a bevy of lawyers waiting to step in for me. I at least must show up and ask for a continuance. There\u2019s no option to just not<\/em> go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw tightened. \u201cYou\u2019re being reckless! You might injure yourself further or even collapse! And I could\u2014”<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you couldn\u2019t!\u201d Immediately, she regretted shouting, and it had nothing to do with the fact that Adam looked like he wanted to strangle her. Closing her eyes, Beth tried to breathe slowly, shallowly, and ride out the sudden intensity to the pain. Her legs wobbled, knees threatening to buckle, but she held on to the headboard with an iron grip.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t,\u201d she managed to continue at last. \u201cThis isn\u2019t Virginia City and the time when anyone could step in and be defense counsel\u2014like you and Grandpa and Uncle Hoss did\u2014is gone. I\u2019m who they have; just me. Help me or get out of the way, Pa, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a long moment, the only sound was Beth\u2019s shallow, uneven breathing as the pair faced off. The choice was impossible for Adam, for the sole reason there was no choice. He\u2019d never break that iron will of hers, nor did he want to, even for something as important as her health. Neither could he stand by, letting her make her bed and lie in it; not when the cause was just and others were, in fact, depending on her. At last, he shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019re impossible,\u201d he muttered. \u201cThis is what you\u2019re going to be like the entire time, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth paused, biting her lip for a few seconds. \u201cTruthfully? Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you survive this, I swear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. \u201cYou\u2019ll drag me back to the Ponderosa by my ear; you\u2019ll build an ivory tower and put me in it; you\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like that,\u201d Adam muttered. \u201cAll right. I\u2019ll find a maid to come help you dress so you don\u2019t show up to court looking like a bedraggled ghost.\u201d His eyes softened, but the worry never left them. \u201cSit down already, will you? You\u2019re wobbling and you need to save your strength for later.\u201d He was more than a little surprised when Beth obeyed without protesting. \u201cWe\u2019ll make this work, but you will not push yourself too far. Court and back here to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Beth scowled, first at her stocking covered feet, then at the boots on the floor. How had she managed to forget to ask the maid to assist her with them? She was dressed, her hair was done, hat was on, but no shoes. In ordinary circumstances, a growl of frustration would be in order. Now, however, that required too much of her energy, not to mention air supply, and was likely to bother her ribs. At this point, there were precious few things that didn\u2019t. Still, she couldn\u2019t leave without shoes!<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re just going to have to put them on yourself,\u201d Beth said aloud. \u201cYou\u2019re not dying. You can do this.\u201d Carefully, she bent over and reached for one of the boots. Moving with infinite slowness to offset the strain on her ribs, she just managed to slip it onto her foot when she began to feel lightheaded. Grasping the arms of the chair tightly, Beth squeezed her eyelids shut, both to combat the dizziness and to keep her tears in check.<\/p>\n

Distantly, she heard her name being called but didn\u2019t dare to open her eyes at first. Only when she felt less shaky did Beth do so and found bright blue gaze worriedly fixed on her.<\/p>\n

Kneeling in front of the chair in case Beth fell out of it, Teddy asked, \u201cYou\u2019re really going to court?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t fight with me too,\u201d Beth whispered, her expression pleading. \u201cI\u2019m already fighting enough. With my own shoes, even.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teddy hesitated; uncertain he\u2019d heard her correctly. \u201cYour shoes?\u201d His tone was one of bafflement. \u201cHow\u2019re your shoes fightin\u2019 ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth gave a choked, desperate laugh. \u201cI can\u2019t get them on. I tried. I can\u2019t go to court without shoes!\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing her this way, vulnerable and in pain, was a rare thing for Teddy or any of the cousins. He knew Beth\u2019s pride was taking a beating if getting her shoes on was a struggle. Knowing that, he didn\u2019t offer his assistance immediately even if that\u2019s exactly what he wanted to do. Instead, he let her try it again, wincing as she grimaced in pain, her hands trembling, and watched as she got her foot inside. The exercise left her gasping in pain, bent double in the chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2018bout we split the load?\u201d he finally suggested. \u201cYou get \u2018em on, and I\u2019ll do \u2018em up. They\u2019re not the fussy kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean\u2014\u201d Beth paused, struggling to get a decent amount of air in her lungs without causing herself more agony. \u201cYou\u2019d let me suffer\u2014\u201d She gasped again. \u201cIf they needed a shoe hook?\u201d The corners of her lips lifted with amusement.<\/p>\n

Teddy nodded, though the bright grin on his face gave him away. \u201cSure would. Lean on my shoulder, get that other one on and I\u2019ll lace \u2018em up,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

Pride warred with practicality, causing Beth to hesitate in accepting that plan and its need for reliance on him. In the end, remembering her goal was to make it to court helped her to agree. She allowed Teddy to support her while she struggled once more to put her other foot into the second boot. Though dizzy once more, Beth felt strangely accomplished as she sagged back against the chair while Teddy began to do the laces.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re like the soldiers they talk about in the papers,\u201d Teddy murmured. He glanced up briefly from her right boot, a ghost of a smile on his lips. \u201cGoing to war, shoes and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat will be a comforting thought if I collapse before I make it to court,\u201d Beth mused. \u201cAt least I\u2019ll know I had the bravest boots ever worn by a woman. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Teddy guffawed and reached for her other shoe. \u201cLet\u2019s make sure you survive yer case first. Then we\u2019ll immortalize them boots. Put \u2018em in bronze, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n

The image of her boots, bronzed and adorned with a plaque extolling the virtues of them in the crusade for woman suffrage, was too much to take. \u201cNo, don\u2019t make me laugh,\u201d Beth begged. For just a moment, the pain and exhaustion subsided as she worked to contain her giggles. Once she managed to do so, she sobered and slowly got to her feet, allowing Teddy to get her coat while she did so.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time we get your coat on ya, Uncle Adam will have one o\u2019them cabs ready.\u201d With great gentleness, Teddy helped Beth into her coat, allowing her to button it while he held her briefcase.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe make a good team,\u201d she decided. \u201cWill you do me a favor?\u201d The way he agreed as soon as she asked made her reach out and squeeze his arm. \u201cCome with and sit right behind me in the gallery.\u201d Beth\u2019s tone was quiet, but intense, and she looked him directly in the eye. \u201cHold me up if it comes to it; I can\u2019t fall on the floor. And don\u2019t tell Papa I asked you to do that. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Teddy\u2019s lips pressed into a thin line as he briefly considered her request and whether he ought to agree. She\u2019ll do it with me or without me; I\u2019d rather it be with me. <\/em>At last, he gave a firm nod, his gaze steady. \u201cI\u2019ll keep you upright,\u201d Teddy promised. He offered his arm to her with quiet certainty and steadied Beth when she took it. Together, they left the suite and made their way outside to Adam and the waiting cab.<\/p>\n

\n

The crush outside the courtroom was enormous and slightly terrifying. \u201cWhat are they all doing here?\u201d Beth wondered aloud. She could see fellow suffragists, reporters, police, and spectators assembled and knew that inside the building it had to be even worse.<\/p>\n

The driver glanced back at her briefly. \u201cThey\u2019re probably waiting for you, miss. I saw your picture in the papers. Evening edition last night, plus this morning\u2019s,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

Wrapped in blankets to cushion her during the ride, Beth already appeared smaller and less forceful than usual. Hearing that the crowd was likely in attendance for her made the young woman shrink back and what little rosiness she had in her cheeks disappear. Any other day, Beth would not hesitate to shout for them to move and push her way through if need be. Injured, that was impossible.<\/p>\n

Heart squeezing painfully as he watched her react, Adam wished he could wrap his arms around her and promise it would be all right. Rarely did Beth ever look anything close to intimidated and right now, she looked frightened. He couldn\u2019t even reach out to hold her hand with her cocooned in the blankets. What he could do, however, was rally her. The best way to do that was with a challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, there\u2019s nothing to be afraid of. Teddy and I will handle any questions.\u201d Adam\u2019s tone was deliberately patronizing, and he bit back a smile at the immediate look of fury on Beth\u2019s face in response to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou?<\/em> You\u2019ll handle any questions?\u201d Eyebrows raised, tone incredulous, Beth fixed him with a menacing glare. \u201cAbsolutely not. And I am not afraid of them! Not their presence, not their questions. I just don\u2019t want to be jostled and end up in the paper for collapsing on the steps of the courthouse.\u201d Only then did she notice Adam\u2019s eyes twinkling and simply rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my girl.\u201d There was no small amount of pride in his voice. Adam turned to pay the driver as Teddy opened the door and put himself bodily between Beth and the crowd. Seemingly out of nowhere, the rest of the Cartwrights appeared and formed a circle, allowing Teddy to step back and take one arm while Adam took the other.<\/p>\n

Climbing the steps was a slow process as Beth tried not to exacerbate her injuries and the crowd, on occasion, needed encouragement to get out of the way. More than once, an uncooperative individual was simply picked up by his shirt and bodily moved to the side.<\/p>\n

Once inside the building, there was more order and structure to the madness, making it easier for her enter the courtroom, head held high, trying to breathe evenly to control the pain. People gaped at her bruised face, but Beth didn\u2019t care, couldn\u2019t care. She remained dignified and poised, while struggling to breathe. Taking her place at the front of the room, her family slipped into the gallery where they could fit in, with Teddy forcing his way into the seat right behind her.<\/p>\n

When the judge entered the courtroom, Beth\u2019s knees trembled as she stood respectfully, hands gripping the edge of the table for stability. Wearing the usual expression of perpetual disapproval, the judge surveyed her appearance. \u201cWhat is the meaning of this? Showing up in my courtroom looking like you\u2019ve been brawling in the streets?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth took a deep breath. \u201cI apologize, your honor, but my clients have no other representation. I appear to ask for a continuance so I may recover from being assaulted. I do intend to identify my attackers and press charges.\u201d<\/p>\n

A dismissive noise was the judge\u2019s only response as his eyes slid to opposing counsel. \u201cThoughts, Mr. District Attorney?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe object to defense\u2019s delay tactics that only cost time and taxpayer money. We are ready to proceed here and now.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the gallery, Hoss and Joe put a hand on each shoulder and forced Adam to sit back down. Whether he intended to have words with the district attorney, or Beth, they weren\u2019t sure; only that they wouldn\u2019t let him do either.<\/p>\n

Unable to physically do anything, Adam tried desperately to send a mental message to his daughter, who didn\u2019t even glance in his direction. Don\u2019t do it, don\u2019t do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s head snapped towards the table across from her own. \u201cDefense withdraws its request,\u201d she ground out.<\/p>\n

Behind her, Adam put his head in his hands. Of all the stubborn, mule-headed\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThen make your opening statement, counselor,\u201d the judge directed.<\/p>\n

Forcing herself to ignore the pain that lanced through her body, Beth remained standing and began to speak. \u201cThese women stood before the White House, silent, undisruptive, peaceful, holding signs that read words. Words that were not inflammatory. They carried no weapons, made no threat, did not riot, nor create a disturbance. Violence, disturbance, chaos, and disruption of traffic were forced upon them, not of their making. These women are victims, brutalized while protesting as our forefathers did in founding this nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice never wavered, even as the toll it was taking on her to be there became increasingly evident. Beth went pale, her grip on the table grew so hard her knuckles went white, and Teddy could see a slight trembling of her shoulders. \u201cAnd now they are the ones on trial. I ask Your Honor to compel the district attorney to provide proof of the charges or to dismiss them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were given a lawful order to disperse and disobeyed it,\u201d the judge pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were not<\/em>.\u201d Beth countered, her voice rising. \u201cI was there and no such order was given.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gasps rang out through the courtroom, and the judge banged his gavel several times. \u201cYou would take the witness stand if called?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth nodded. \u201cI would.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge shifted his attention to the district attorney. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have several police officers willing to testify to the contrary. The ones who gave that order only to see it ignored. That makes their assembly unlawful, Your Honor,\u201d opposing counsel argued.<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s eyes flashed and she stood up even straighter, the sharp pain of doing so making her feel lightheaded. Still, she fought on. \u201cAnd those officers are here today, willing to testify to this under oath? Are they aware of the penalty for perjury? Not to mention its moral repugnance and the shame it brings to their position within society?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Cartwright, that is unnecessary. You will not besmirch the reputations of the officers in question with such implications,\u201d the judge shouted. \u201cTen dollar fine for contempt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cContempt is certainly what I feel,\u201d Beth muttered under her breath.<\/p>\n

The judge leaned over the bench as far as he could, thundering, \u201cWhat was that?!\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked him directly in the eye, standing her ground without intimidation. \u201cI said contempt is certainly what I feel.\u201d Beth could hear her father groan in the otherwise quiet courtroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother ten dollars! Anymore disrespect and you\u2019ll spend a night in jail.\u201d The only response he received was a curt nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn light of the evidence these officers would present, I find the defendants guilty and assess a five dollar fine to each of them,\u201d the judge decided. He banged his gavel and made to rise, only to stop at the sound of Beth\u2019s voice rising over the din of the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, my clients refuse to pay any fines for the right to stand where the law already laws them to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFive dollars or five days in jail.\u201d With another bang of the gavel, he was gone.<\/p>\n

Allowing her posture to relax, Beth\u2019s vision began to swim. She turned and reached for her chair, missed, and fell back against the table as her knees went weak. In seconds, Teddy was at her side, guiding her into the chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she protested automatically. \u201cJust a little dizzy. It hurts a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA little?\u201d Teddy chuckled. \u201cI imagine it\u2019s more than that. You don\u2019t look so good just now. But you looked mighty powerful when you were speaking. Don\u2019t know how you did it, half-broken. Regular Missouri mule.\u201d<\/p>\n

She managed to offer him a faint smile as he started gathering her papers. \u201cI didn\u2019t fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming up beside her, Adam gave his eldest a wry grin. \u201cI\u2019m not sure if that was determination or luck.\u201d As he took in how weary she appeared, the lines of pain etched on her face, the strain and trembling she tried to hide, his expression softened. \u201cYour mother would be so proud of you,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s eyes began to well up and she hastily blinked back the tears. Not here in the courtroom or with who knows how many people outside waiting with cameras and questions. \u201cYou think so?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. \u201cI know so. Just like I am.\u201d He paused, really taking a good, long look at Beth. You\u2019re so much like Alta it\u2019s almost painful.<\/em> \u201cLet\u2019s get you back to the hotel, preferably before you drop when you try to stand. Can\u2019t let your next front page be a picture of me carrying you out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

When her eyes widened in alarm and her brows rose high on her forehead as she envisioned that, Adam chuckled. The laughter abruptly halted when Beth shot out of the chair, nearly going to the floor in the process.<\/p>\n

He and Teddy caught her before she smacked into the wooden boards beneath their feet, but only just. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t a challenge, Elizabeth Frances,\u201d Adam ground out tersely. He noted the way she leaned heavily against him and the sweat dotting her brow.<\/p>\n

Maybe this time she\u2019ll stay put and rest. Rest like a rattlesnake most likely, ready to strike anyone who tells her to lie still and stop working! <\/em>The sound of her voice caught his attention once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re still proud of me.\u201d It was a statement, not a question. The normal pattern of speaking shifted somewhat to accommodate her attempts to breath and minimize pain but couldn\u2019t conceal the sass behind the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than you\u2019ll ever know,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Ten:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s bruised ribs healed, and the fight went on, shifting in different directions. Rumors spread about new charges and tactics, and the fines assessed in court rose sharply. Strategy meetings, researching case law, seeing clients, and attending court took up much of her time. Congress began paying attention to the suffragists, but not in the way they hoped.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Adam leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, a familiar look of pride mixed with exasperation, or bewilderment perhaps, on his face. \u201cThey really picked you,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

Pausing, a hat in one hand and a pin in the other, Beth turned away from the mirror and glared. \u201cYes, they did. I do wish you\u2019d stop saying that.\u201d Her chin thrust out stubbornly, she resumed her efforts to put her hat on.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to come with?\u201d he asked for the third time.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I do not.\u201d Beth ground out her answer through clenched teeth. \u201cPapa, I\u2019m meeting with a senator, not\u2026\u201d She paused to place the pin just so. \u201cRiding into a bandit\u2019s camp. There\u2019s no need to be so dramatic.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyebrows rose. \u201cThat remains to be seen,\u201d Adam muttered.<\/p>\n

Still looking in the mirror, Beth gave him as scathing a look as she could manage out of the side of her eye. \u201cPlease, don\u2019t start.\u201d<\/p>\n

Barely suppressing a long-suffering sigh, he picked her coat up from the chair and held it out for her. \u201cI\u2019m not starting anything.\u201d Adam kept his tone even as he attempted to provide some fatherly wisdom. \u201cI\u2019d simply like to offer you some advice before you go marching into the lion\u2019s den. The outcome of your meeting may have dire consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lips thinned in annoyance, Beth slipped her arms into the coat and turned to face him. \u201cConsider it noted.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Adam did sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose as well. \u201cBut not listened to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know exactly what you want to tell me. Be polite; be respectful. Don\u2019t push too hard. Let him talk first so he feels important,\u201d Beth recited, rolling her eyes.<\/p>\n

It was an efficient summary of what he\u2019d intended to say, Adam had to admit. Still, an eyebrow quirked at the eye rolling. \u201cYou might try practicing being respectful in advance,\u201d he suggested wryly. \u201cBeth, you must keep in mind, men like Senator Myers are not used to being challenged. Especially not by young women well versed on the law. If you want him to take you seriously\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am serious,\u201d Beth cut him off sharply. \u201cAnd he\u2019ll hear that clearly enough.\u201d She reached for her gloves, slipping her left hand into one.<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. \u201cThat\u2019s rather what I\u2019m afraid of.\u201d<\/p>\n

The genuine concern in his voice caused her to pause. \u201cPapa, I know how to speak to powerful men,\u201d she reassured him. \u201cI intend this to be a friendly conversation concerning the law with the sponsor of a bill that is an affront to the Constitution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know how to argue. I\u2019m not entirely sure you\u2019re prepared to be diplomatic and convince the man it\u2019s his idea to give up on the bill. That\u2019s the way you need to play this,\u201d Adam warned.<\/p>\n

Beth pulled the glove onto her right hand with a snap. \u201cYou think I\u2019m going to march in there and pick a fight. Set the curtains on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

The analogy made him wince, but he nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know I\u2019m talented at provoking strong reactions in people. Some situations call for it,\u201d she reminded him. \u201cBut I intend to be diplomatic today, start to finish; promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

As expected, Beth met resistance from the outset. The receptionist tried to pass her calling card back as though it was too hot to touch. \u201cSenator Myers does not take private appointments of this<\/em> sort.\u201d<\/p>\n

She allowed the card to hang awkwardly in the receptionist\u2019s hand, refusing to take it back. Instead, Beth pulled a letter from her reticule with a flourish and opened it, revealing the Senator\u2019s stationery. \u201cHis clerk confirmed the appointment.\u201d An eyebrow rose, issuing a silent challenge.<\/p>\n

I dare you to deny the authenticity of this.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Beth was shown into the Senator\u2019s office to wait. Taking a seat in front of his desk, a part of her marveled at being here, in this place of power. How long after the vote will it take for a woman to sit here?<\/em> Already there was one woman representative, but that was not enough. That was a problem to take on at another time. Today, she was here to discuss the legislation Senator Myers was drafting to make demonstrating at the White House illegal.<\/p>\n

After<\/em> women had already done it and been sentenced for it. A justification for those arrests after the fact, and to create a means for harsher punishments in the future.<\/p>\n

When the door opened, Beth rose to greet the Senator. Myers extended his hand and welcomed her with a tone that belied the sincerity of his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat,\u201d he indicated. \u201cI understand you wished to speak about the bill.\u201d Myers leaned back in his chair, attempting to appear casual and comfortable, rather than leery of the woman who sat across from him.<\/p>\n

Wasting no time, Beth came straight to the point. \u201cSenator, what concerns me most is not the clash with the First Amendment rights of peaceful assembly, but that it is being drafted because arrests have already been made. Arrests of my<\/em> clients, for which no existing statute provides legitimate grounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

She leaned forward slightly, catching and holding his gaze. \u201cThis bill will create a justification for past punishments, taking actions legal at that time and making them illegal afterward. It is simply a means to defend what has already been done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Myers stiffened in his chair, his jaw working. But Beth wasn\u2019t finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I\u2019m sure you are aware, that is perilously close to an ex post facto law, which the Constitution forbids Congress from enacting. Quite explicitly, in fact.\u201d Though he opened his mouth to reply, Beth didn\u2019t stop. \u201cYou cannot pass a law today to justify imprisoning women yesterday. Nor create a crime after it\u2019s supposed commission. That is not governance. It is\u2026\u201d She grappled for a few seconds for the right phrasing. \u201cRetaliation wrapped in legislative paper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting up straight, Myers was incensed, his eyes cold and hard. \u201cWe are attempting to maintain public order, and you are grossly oversimplifying the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chin raised, Beth refused to back down. \u201cI am merely stating a Constitutional reality, Senator. You cannot invent a crime merely to sanitize the government\u2019s actions and spare the President embarrassment. The courts will see this for exactly what it is and strike the bill down the moment it reaches them. And what will your constituents think?\u201d<\/p>\n

The change in tactics sent his mind reeling. \u201cMy constituents?\u201d Myers slowly repeated.<\/p>\n

Pasting an innocent look on her face, she nodded and began to explain. \u201cMontana passed equal suffrage in 1914. How will your constituents respond to you proposing a bill that silences women asking for rights that Montanans already enjoy?\u201d Beth queried. \u201cOne has to wonder how such a decision might impact the next election cycle.\u201d She bit the inside of her lip to keep from smiling as the man\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you threatening me, Miss Cartwright?\u201d he ground out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeavens no! I am a practical woman, Mr. Myers, speaking to you about practical matters of law. Having been recently elected, I am familiar with the feelings of my constituents, and they would not vote for me again should I abandon the values they hold dear. One of which is equal suffrage.\u201d Now she smiled, sweetly.<\/p>\n

Scowling, Myers considered the entire conversation for a moment. Begrudgingly he admitted, \u201cYou argue well for a woman so young.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a fully qualified attorney, Senator,\u201d she reminded him. \u201cYouth and sex do not make the Constitution difficult to understand. Improper interpretations of it do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Myers rose, signaling the meeting was over. He had taken about as much of her as he could stand.<\/p>\n

Beth stood and inclined her head, wished him a good afternoon, and left the office with her head held high. Though the door slammed behind her, the muffled sound of Myers shouting could still be heard. Beth grinned and walked with a spring in her step.<\/p>\n

The sounds of good trouble.<\/em><\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Elsewhere in Washington, D.C., the Cartwright girl from Nevada celebrated the triumph with her fellow suffragists at their Madison Place headquarters, unaware that the battle was about to take a dark turn.<\/p>\n

Chapter Eleven <\/strong><\/p>\n

Frantic, uneven pounding rattled the door. The sound was sharp enough to cut through the heavy veil of sleep, rousing Beth and Adam from their beds. Hastily tossing on robes, bare feet skittered across cold floors as they each raced for the door. As Beth reached towards the lock, Adam blocked the action with his arm, giving her a stern look.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet behind me,\u201d he hissed.<\/p>\n

Rather than argue, Beth did as she was told, stepping back and behind her father. He clearly expected trouble and, given the incessant pounding in the middle of the night, perhaps he wasn\u2019t wrong to. Still, she hovered as close as possible, intent on seeing who was so eager to find them.<\/p>\n

Preparing himself for whatever may be on the other side, Adam unlocked the door and threw it open. A young woman Beth\u2019s age stumbled in, eyes wide with fright, hair escaping its pins in wild wisps. She came through the door so quickly she lost her footing and nearly fell to the floor. He managed to catch her in time and help her stay on her feet.<\/p>\n

Given the whirlwind of an entrance, and the fact that she was still shaking off sleep, it took Beth a moment to recognize her compatriot. \u201cGertrude! What are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Across the hall, Joe and Hoss stuck their heads out of the room they shared. The younger men had recently, reluctantly, returned to the Ponderosa. Some work wouldn\u2019t wait, even for suffrage.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything alright, older brother?\u201d Joe asked, suppressing a yawn. When Adam waved dismissively at him, the pair ducked back inside and closed the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet down now,\u201d Adam admonished the women. \u201cLet\u2019s not make a scene and wake up the rest of the guests on this floor.\u201d He shut the door softly and walked to the settee, dropping onto it wearily.<\/p>\n

While Gertrude lowered the volume of her voice, alarm was still evident when she reached for Beth and spoke urgently to her. \u201cPlease, dress and come quickly. It\u2019s an emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fear she heard in Gertrude\u2019s voice sent a chill down Beth\u2019s spine. She gave a firm nod and returned to her room to dress.<\/p>\n

Adam frowned as he watched her close the door. \u201cExactly what problems do suffragists have at\u2026\u201d He paused to glance at the clock. \u201cTwo-thirty in the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

She could sense his disquiet. Or perhaps that was merely her own doubts and fears that were clogging her mind. \u201cPlenty, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sincerity of her tone, coupled with the rigidity in her stance, gave Adam considerable pause. He nodded once, then rose from the settee with a heavy sigh. \u201cWait for me; both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gertrude regarded him quizzically. \u201cWait for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyebrows drew downward in a frown. \u201cYou did hear me say it\u2019s two-thirty in the morning? It\u2019s not safe for any woman to be out at this time of night unescorted. Especially not when one of them is my daughter.\u201d Adam\u2019s face softened slightly. \u201cI\u2019ll even help if I can. I might as well be useful once we get wherever it is we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n

The corners of Gertrude\u2019s mouth tipped with the start of a smile. \u201cCan you make coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Adam nodded. \u201cAs much as you can drink and as strong as you like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

The two women alighted from the conveyance before it came to a full stop and rushed into the NWP Headquarters. Beth didn\u2019t bother to pause and take off her coat, as her chest pounded and body hummed with the feeling that every second counted. She burst into the \u2018war room\u2019 where the air crackled with tension. \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sentinels that were arrested today?\u201d Lucy began. When Beth nodded, she continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got word\u2014unofficial, but credible\u2014they\u2019ve been removed from the jail and taken to the Occoquan workhouse about an hour ago. Under the cover of darkness in the hopes that no one would see.\u201d<\/p>\n

A knot formed in her stomach, heavy and painful, as a sensation of dread swept over her. Beth\u2019s brow furrowed as she tried to distill what it meant, not just for those individual women, but for those who would hold banners on the sidewalk tomorrow, and the day after that. All at once, realization dawned and her face clouded with anger. \u201cThey planned this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room went silent with alarm, fear, and rage pulsing through each of them. No one wanted to believe it, but they could not say with certainty it was untrue.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I wasn\u2019t allowed in today,\u201d Beth surmised. \u201cA deliberate effort to deprive them of counsel and begin a sentence before they\u2019ve even been tried. If the Administration is aware of this\u2026\u201d She swallowed hard, then continued in a voice thick with emotion. \u201cThey\u2019re abandoning legalities entirely and setting the Constitution on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fight between the suffragists, local authorities, and the Wilson administration had turned in the past few weeks from flirtation with First Amendment violations towards something much darker. Fines were being abandoned in favor of ever-increasing sentences at Occoquan, where worm-infested food was regularly served and the suffragists were treated to humiliating indignities that other prisoners did not face; lack of clean clothing, dirty linens, a single pail to relieve themselves.[8]<\/a><\/p>\n

Even petty acts like refusal to provide their mail or allow them visitors, and making it almost impossible for Beth, and a male attorney now working with the NWP, Dudley Field Malone[9]<\/a>, to see their clients.<\/p>\n

Secreting prisoners awaiting trial out of jail and to Occoquan in the dead of night was a serious escalation. One that did not bode well for the women currently under arrest or those that would be in the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to formulate a plan, quickly,\u201d Lucy told the group. \u201cPart of which must involve a push for an investigation of the removal of the women to Occoquan and the conditions there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMs. Rankin[10]<\/a>,\u201d someone said. \u201cShe is a great ally to us. We must bring this to her attention. She can at least raise the issue among her colleagues, if not on the floor of the House.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are three women due to be released from the workhouse tomorrow,\u201d Beth recalled suddenly. \u201cWe\u2019ll get affidavits from them, and from any of the other women who have been there. We can bring those to Ms. Rankin and perhaps to the papers and put pressure on the Administration. If nothing else, it will be something that has to be explained, why women are being held in those conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

A murmur of approval went up among the women.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we need the witness. The one who gave unofficial but credible information,\u201d she continued. \u201cIf we\u2019re going to get anywhere proving the unlawful actions that someone<\/em> sanctioned\u2014and finding out who exactly that was\u2014we need an affidavit and a promise to testify. And proof that the women are no longer there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich you will obtain how?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s chin rose as she placed her hands on her hips almost belligerently. Every curve of her body seemed to scream defiance, and anger. \u201cCourt orders, if necessary,\u201d she replied. \u201cFor their documents; to allow me to see my clients; subpoenas for testimony even.\u201d A slight smile pulled at her lips as Beth anticipated the battle ahead; the challenge of it, and its righteousness. \u201cBut the soonest I can get into the jail, someone is going to explain to me<\/em> why I cannot see my clients. And they\u2019ll do so in front of witnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Though she was stonewalled at the jail the next morning, Beth came away with affidavits from fellow attorney Dudley Malone, her father, and her uncles as to what was\u2014or rather, wasn\u2019t\u2014said. The day didn\u2019t end there, with statements from women previously held at Occoquan and those being released yet to be obtained.<\/p>\n

With a million and one things to do, and just she and Malone to do the legal work, Beth recruited her family wherever and however she could. A part of her knew that she\u2019d never be able to thank them enough for all the times they silently appeared with fresh coffee, food from a nearby caf\u00e9 or hotel, answered a phone, or simply sat at a typewriter.<\/p>\n

That was an image that would stay with her for a long time\u2014Uncle Hoss, tapping out a letter with just his index fingers, slow and careful to be sure it perfectly matched the handwritten copy, the tip of his tongue sticking out of his mouth as he concentrated. The surest sign of welcome at Madison Place was being put to work and any who supported the cause could join the fight, regardless of sex. The Cartwrights were welcome additions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Twelve:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you might take statements from those unable to read and write?\u201d Beth murmured to Adam as they waited for the women due to be released. \u201cSome of them may be leery, given the way things have been of late and the way men have treated them. I\u2019ll introduce you and be sure they are comfortable first. These women and others at headquarters. There will be many of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Falling silent for a moment, she looped her arm around his. \u201cHave I said thank you lately?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave her arm a gentle squeeze, looking down at her with eyes full of affection. \u201cThere isn\u2019t much in this world I wouldn\u2019t do for you, moonbeam,\u201d he whispered. \u201cNo thanks needed. It\u2019s part of being your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

The use of her nickname, so rare these days, filled her with a warm glow. \u201cWhat is it you wouldn\u2019t do for me? Where is your line?\u201d Beth\u2019s eyes were full of mirth, though she kept her expression serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll let you know when I find it,\u201d he shrugged, offering her a smile.<\/p>\n

A smile broke through just briefly, despite the bleak weather and even bleaker surroundings outside the Occoquan workhouse. \u201cNot everyone\u2019s family feels the same,\u201d Beth acknowledged, her voice tinged with sadness. \u201cSome of the girls, they\u2019ve been completely cut off. Some from their own children.\u201d[11]<\/a> She bit her lip and looked up at her father, seeing his jaw tighten.<\/p>\n

Before Adam could expound on the inadequacies of families whose love was so fickle, the workhouse gates opened, and three figures slowly emerged. Beth gasped at the sight of them.<\/p>\n

The severity of the situation grew increasingly apparent with each woman released. Each walked stiffly, their faces pale, one cradling an arm to her chest. Bruises, split lips, and welts from restraints were readily visible. Beth tried not to react with horror, refusing to allow anyone at the workhouse the gratification of seeing such a response. More than that, she could not bear to add to the women\u2019s suffering in any way, and gaping at them with alarm could only do so.<\/p>\n

She and Adam took them away from the Occoquan as quickly as possible and proceeded directly to the hospital. Adam intended to follow them inside but was stopped on the threshold by his daughter, who whirled around to face him, using her entire body to stop him from gaining entry. Beth\u2019s movement was so fast and unexpected, only the timely grasping of the railing on the stairs stopped him from colliding with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what happened to them. Whatever it is, they won\u2019t want to share it in front of you,\u201d Beth murmured.<\/p>\n

Maybe not anyone, ever.<\/em><\/p>\n

Discomfort crossed her face, causing her to look away. Knowing that what she saw could be the very least of their injuries caused bile to rise in her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind me a female photographer. Explain where these women came from and the injuries you saw. If that fails, find a camera and bring it to headquarters. Tell them what you saw and where we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing that no words could suffice in this moment, Adam simply put a hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed. Briefly, Beth raised her eyes, clouded with worry, to meet his own, then turned to hurry inside.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

The lamplight in the war room was low, casting shadows on the papers spread over the table. Beth read every one as they came in, but tonight, her examination of them shifted. Sorted by date of sentencing and location where their time was served, she combed each document for the most minute details. The food that was served; sanitary conditions; use of restraints; the need for and receiving of medical treatment; so-called corrective measures taken against the women; and reports of physical violence.<\/p>\n

Correlating these details, a disturbing pattern slowly emerged from the stories these women told. Sustained, systematic efforts to bring the suffragists to heel. To ensure they submitted and ended their protests. Beth couldn\u2019t get a clear picture of coordination between the district jail and Occoquan workhouse, whether the wardens were collaborating. Yet the tactics they used were similar enough to make one wonder.<\/p>\n

What was clear as glass was that the use of violence and neglect were on the rise and someone, somewhere within the government, was not only aware of it, but allowing it to happen. Every woman who raised a banner understood that she was risking far more than the hostility of the mob. She faced police brutality at the moment of arrest and, once behind the closed doors of the jail or workhouse, the threat of further abuse and mistreatment. Beth gaped in horror at the figures, the data, which confirmed the growing danger. How can our own government hate our cause, hate us<\/u>, so much?<\/em><\/p>\n

That was where Alice Paul found her, at midnight.<\/p>\n

Beth sat with a hand covering her mouth, lost in the horror the simple statements represented. She didn\u2019t hear anyone come up behind her or even realize that a few tears were trickling down her cheeks.<\/p>\n

The NWP leader nudged Beth\u2019s shoulder gently, offering her a handkerchief and a soft smile. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re here. Though I think your father is anxious to take you away for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling ruefully, the young lawyer\u2019s face grew flushed as Beth accepted the handkerchief. \u201cI\u2019m sure he is. These aren\u2019t quite ranchers\u2019 hours, but they\u2019re comparable to campaign hours in a lot of ways. Never mind him though.\u201d A rebellious grin spread across her face, making her eyes sparkle. \u201cI don\u2019t imagine you came looking for me to talk about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Alice agreed, taking a seat. \u201cI believe it\u2019s time for me to be arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n

In an instant, Beth\u2019s expression shifted, first to astonishment, her eyes wide and confused, then sober and grave as she realized Alice meant that. \u201cYou cannot mean that. Have you seen\u2014\u201d She waved her hand over the statements covering the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have,\u201d Alice confirmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you want <\/em>to get arrested?\u201d The words, uttered slowly, sounded ridiculous. \u201cDo you know what they\u2019ll do to you, as our leader?\u201d There was no keeping the edge out of her voice as Beth conjured up images of Alice emerging from her sentence as the women had from Occoquan days earlier, or worse.<\/p>\n

Or maybe not at all. <\/em><\/p>\n

The woman sitting across from her nodded. \u201cYes, I do. I\u2019ve been here before,\u201d Alice reminded her gently. \u201cIn England. I know what I might be consigning myself to and it is worth it. To them, it will be a great coup; or so they may think. But what if it becomes their downfall instead?\u201d*<\/p>\n

One could only admire Alice\u2019s determination, even while thinking she must be a little bit mad.<\/p>\n

But perhaps madness is what it will take.<\/em><\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Tension coiled through the suffrage community like a living being as they waited for what might be next and did their best to prepare for it. Roadblocks were thrown up in court time and again, keeping officials and documents out of Beth\u2019s hands, and her visits to clients were growing more fraught. At times she was afraid they might not let her leave. Equally concerning was Alice courting arrest. Beth knew it was a matter of when it would happen, not if.<\/p>\n

When the moment came, Beth stood bravely in the courtroom, offering a defense that experience told her it would be ignored, regardless of how sound its legal theory was. Her back ramrod straight, she refused to think of the consequences of that inevitability or offer a lesser defense simply because Alice wished to be arrest in furtherance of the movement.<\/p>\n

The eyes of the gallery and the nation were upon her, and her conscience weighed heavy, with every word she spoke. Even knowing the outcome was predetermined could not soften the blow when it came.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sentence you, Alice Paul, to seven months in district jail.\u201d[12]<\/a><\/p>\n

Though the woman in question seemed to accept this serenely, Beth grasped the table so tightly her knuckles turned white. The longest sentence to date was to be expected, but given the growing violence, could Alice survive it? And could the movement go on without her for that long?<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

The arrest of Alice Paul was only the beginning. When she asserted her rights as a political prisoner, the NWP leader began a hunger strike that resulted in her removal to a psychiatric ward. The news broke when Beth and Dudley Field Malone were finally able to track her down and managed to take out secret notes Alice hid in her sleeves, recording her ordeal. Her detailed accounts of being force fed were almost too shocking to print.[13]<\/a><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Beth furnished evidence to a House Committee investigating the abuse of suffragists in prison and the workhouse. Other Committees met, in the House and Senate both, discussing the wisdom of creating further Committees to consider passing an amendment for woman suffrage.<\/p>\n

To the young Nevadan, the procedural moves felt more akin to delay tactics than anything else.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey sprinkle crumbs at us, expecting us to be happy!\u201d Beth shouted, tossing a newspaper across the sitting room. \u201cAlways more votes, more consideration. What does that even mean, a committee to consider a committee to consider an amendment?\u201d[14]<\/a> She threw her hands in the air and flopped onto the settee, promptly folding her arms across her chest. \u201cA whole bunch of hogwash.\u201d<\/p>\n

As quickly as Beth sat, she was on her feet again to retrieve the paper. \u201cAnd did you see the part where they trip over each other in reassurance that all these panels have nothing at all to do with us?\u201d[15]<\/a><\/p>\n

She thrust the paper at Adam but didn\u2019t relinquish it. \u201cThey call us nags! Some dolt goes so far as to say our<\/em> actions shouldn\u2019t keep good<\/em> women from the right to have this fool board formed.\u201d[16]<\/a> Now she slapped the paper with her free hand and pitched it on the floor near his feet.<\/p>\n

Bemused, Adam brushed the paper aside with his boot. \u201cYou left out the best part.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing the laughter in his tone, Beth paused her angry pacing to look at him, quirking an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

Trying mightily not to chuckle as he spoke, Adam\u2019s lips still twitched. \u201cThe way all of you pose with your short skirts and short hair, where they can see you.\u201d[17]<\/a> His mouth settled into a sour grin, a part of him disbelieving an elected member of Congress could be quite so stupid. Yet, it was sadly all too true.<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s lips thinned with anger, the tensing of her jaw only emphasizing the deep frustration she felt. Her face grew red and hot, fists clenched at her sides, as she charged across the room. Wrenching a pillow from the settee, she held it against her face and screamed.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Though Beth feared for the movement without Alice Paul at its head, co-leader Lucy Burns stepped ably to the fore. As arrests continued in earnest, Beth was busier than ever, fighting against the illegal nature of the charges and the harsh sentences doled out for them. She was proud to see that the effort to crush their spirit through brutality and imprisonment was in vain, serving to embolden the women rather than deter them.<\/p>\n

More came to take the place of their compatriots behind bars, hailing from New York, New Jersey, California, Minnesota, and across the union. Young and old, they flooded headquarters, allowing the number of sentinels posted at the White House each day to be doubled. Doing so made it harder to carry out arrests with the ease police were accustomed to, clogging courtroom traffic and creating trials of a dozen or more defendants at a time. Every move the women made garnered headlines, some quite sympathetic to their suffering.<\/p>\n

Increasingly, Beth was accused of grandstanding in court, arguing with every fiber of her being against a government manipulating the law to serve its own purpose. She wrote appeals, filed complaints of misconduct against wardens and guards, and spoke passionately to the press.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe government is using the law for political means. No actual laws are being broken,\u201d Beth asserted. \u201cThese women are political prisoners, not criminals. They are targeted because they embarrass the President, who would rather ignore the fact half the population does not enjoy democracy. What is he afraid of? That we will vote against him? The President should<\/em> be embarrassed; to make claims of freedoms in the United States that do not exist. With or without his support, we will have that amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Thirteen:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Headquarters was in chaos that morning when Beth arrived, with Dudley Field Malone on her heels. A day of writing briefs, taking statements from the latest batch of recently released women, and working with the notary that Adam had gone to collect awaited. Behind the two lawyers, Hoss and Joe appeared and were quickly pulled into work elsewhere: leaflets, calls, letters, checking on those still healing from imprisonment, and more needed to be done. Giving their niece a smile, they allowed themselves to be steered in whatever direction they could help most.<\/p>\n

Beth liked Dudley Malone, and his wife, a fellow suffragist. The three got on well and it was a plus for Beth not to be shouldering the legal work entirely alone. They could use three more lawyers, at least, and Malone had a few ideas of some that might be willing to help. Though older and more experienced, he never treated her dismissively and Beth appreciated that immensely. Between her growing notoriety, and the additional attention he brought by resigning from the Wilson administration, they made a dynamic duo.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll take the statements as usual?\u201d Malone asked as they divided up the day\u2019s work. \u201cThe women prefer speaking with you and whatever we can do to make things easier for them is best in my book. I can get started on the briefs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth nodded in agreement. \u201cI feel we should prioritize the appeal on jurisdiction. Occoquan is outside of D.C. and the more brutal of the two locations women are being held at. There\u2019s no reason why women sentenced in D.C. should be serving time in a workhouse in Alexandria.\u201d[18]<\/a><\/p>\n

A knock interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention towards the door. Lucy Burns stood just in the frame, a brooding look on her face. \u201cBeth, we need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger woman smiled, uncertain what Lucy meant. \u201cI\u2019m right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucy shook her head. \u201cOut there. Today. Between the twenty arrested yesterday and the ones still recovering from being ill or force fed while inside, we\u2019re short. We have no idea what condition the women due to be released from the district jail today will be in. I\u2019m pulling people from everywhere and going out myself. I\u2019d take Dudley even.\u201d A weary smile crossed her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I would,\u201d Dudley answered at once. \u201cBut I\u2019m not what you need out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you aren\u2019t,\u201d she agreed. \u201cWith so many fresh faces, I need people that are recognizable leaders. Everyone knows you, Beth.\u201d<\/p>\n

The logic of it was sound, but she hadn\u2019t needed it to convince her. Raised with a sense of strong moral conviction, Beth knew her decision the moment Lucy clarified her statement. Her words were only as good as her actions.<\/p>\n

Nodding to Lucy, Beth turned back towards Dudley. \u201cHave Ann or Dorothea help with the statements if they are here and strong enough. If not, we all know you\u2019re one of us. Trust your instincts on how far to poke and prod,\u201d she advised. \u201cAnd do me a favor\u2014let one of my uncles know about the change in plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Envisioning the way her father would receive the news caused Beth to wince. \u201cMaybe offer an apology on my behalf, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019ll know what for.<\/em><\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Standing shoulder to shoulder with thirty other women, Beth\u2019s heart beat wildly in her chest. Not from fear, but something stronger, fiercer: determination and a sense of conviction. As a Cartwright, she would not shrink from fighting for what was right; as her mother\u2019s daughter, Beth put her whole soul into everything she did. Her work was motivated as much by honoring Alta as it was by personal fulfillment. There was no denying the thrill of being here, at this moment in time, being part of something meaningful.<\/p>\n

Jaw set firmly, chin lifted, Beth felt the air crackled with anticipation. Each woman that morning knew arrest was likely, if not imminent, and what may lie ahead. Yet they refused to be intimidated, even as the police arrived in force, the sound of their boots like thunder on the street, batons at the ready, primed for violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cDisperse! Or you\u2019ll be removed by force!\u201d<\/p>\n

Not a single woman responded to the order or even acknowledged the presence of law enforcement. Not a soul flinched and not one banner trembled.<\/p>\n

When the order was repeated and the women still did not respond, the officers surged forward and attacked. Women were yanked, shoved, and thrown to the ground. Beth planted her feet, determined to stand as long as possible. As hands pulled at her and batons swung with force, Beth shoved the men away from her and kicked out with her feet.<\/p>\n

Her banner was wrenched from her hands and snapped in half, freeing her hands to throw punches. In the melee, her hat was dislodged and lost in the crowd, her coat torn, her nose bloodied.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, she knew that the police were going to put her into the wagon and take her away, but Beth refused to make it easy for them and fought every step, every inch of ground along the way. Clawing, kicking, punching, and spitting, she made her contempt for their part in the government\u2019s tyranny known until the very second the door of the wagon slammed shut with her inside.<\/p>\n

As the police left with the suffragists stuffed into their wagons, Adam Cartwright nearly dashed right in front of them in his haste to reach Beth and the other sentinels. He didn\u2019t know what he was going to do when he arrived, he simply needed to be <\/em>there. Only as the conveyances passed him did Adam realize what they were. A feeling of dread washed over him so powerful it almost took him to his knees.<\/p>\n

\u201cBETH! BETH!<\/em>\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

No response came and Adam allowed himself to feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe she\u2019s still there! <\/em>Holding on tightly to that thought, he rushed towards the spot the sentinels always used.<\/p>\n

The street was littered with broken banners, shreds of clothing, and crumpled, discarded hats. The only people in sight were city workers arriving to clear it all away. Heart plummeting into his stomach, Adam\u2019s eyes swept over the chaos and came to rest on gray wide brimmed hat, adorned with a simple royal blue silk ribbon.<\/p>\n

Beth\u2019s hat.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Holding her head high, Beth sat at the defendant\u2019s table in the courtroom and scanned the gallery for her family. Finding them in crowd, her heart constricted at the fear written on their faces. She never meant to hurt them with her actions, yet sometimes, that was just what she did.<\/p>\n

A brief smile played at her lips as her father began pushing his way through the crowd to move closer to her, a look of determination on his face that boded ill for anyone that might try to stop him.<\/p>\n

Adam shoved his way into the row behind the defendants and over to where she sat. Beth rose to greet him, but he pulled her into his arms before she could get a word out. The embrace was fierce and almost desperate, one hand cupped behind her head, the other around her waist, holding her to him tightly as though she might vanish if he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Beth clung on just as tightly, resting her face against his chest as she drew comfort from the strength of his hold and the familiar scent of his shaving soap. The fingers of her right hand curled into the fabric of his coat, unconsciously tugging at it the way she had as a child.<\/p>\n

Neither spoke for a long moment, but Beth finally broke the silence. \u201cJail really isn\u2019t that bad so far,\u201d she murmured. \u201cYou know I won\u2019t be paying a fine, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He did, and the exasperation in Adam\u2019s sigh of acknowledgement was enormous. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t I have boring little girls who just wanted to knit and sew?\u201d The common complaint by the beleaguered father was never uttered with an iota of sincerity.<\/p>\n

Now she laughed, pulling away so she could look up into his face. \u201cYou know precisely why,\u201d Beth challenged. \u201cAnd you wouldn\u2019t have it any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t,\u201d Adam agreed. He wouldn\u2019t trade his late wife or the daughters she gave him for anything. He would, however, change this exact situation if given the ability to do so. Fear for her safety gnawed at him, like a black living thing inside him that Adam had to fight moment by moment to control. He didn\u2019t want to frighten Beth, who was aware of all she was risking, and he didn\u2019t want to make her situation worse by letting panic propel his actions.<\/p>\n

Before anything further could be said, court was called to order and the trial began and at its end, the inevitable conclusion. \u201cElizabeth Cartwright, guilty. Six dollars or six days in district jail. Mary Nolan\u2026\u201d As the judge\u2019s voice droned on, Adam surreptitiously reached out and squeezed Beth\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

She tried to remember that feeling of love and strength as the police wagon left the courthouse and proceeded right past the district jail, continuing onward. To Occoquan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Fourteen:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The wagons arrived at Occoquan just before dark, the early evening shadows providing an eerie look to an already intimidating place.<\/p>\n

That is what they want, for us to be frightened.<\/em><\/p>\n

Resolving not to show any fear, Beth walked with dignity, shoulders squared, chin high, into the superintendent\u2019s office with her fellow suffragists. The women glanced at one another, offering encouraging and spirited looks, filling the room with hope and defiance in equal measure.<\/p>\n

The door burst open and men in uniform filed in, and with them a menacing energy. A tremor ran through the women, but Beth stood up to address the superintendent. \u201cWe are political prisoners and demand to be treated as such.\u201d Her voice was strong and sure, even as she trembled on the inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shut up! I have men here to handle you.\u201d Superintendent Whittaker turned to the other men assembled. \u201cSeize her! Seize them all!\u201d[19]<\/a><\/p>\n

In an instant, the room became chaos. Officers grabbed at Beth, Lucy, and the others, who resisted and shouted in defiance. Furniture was knocked over, people darted here and there, pushing and clutching, but there were more uniformed men than suffragists. Each of the women was dragged from the office and out into the yard, arms carelessly yanked. Screams of anger and pain rang through the air as the guards took them across the way to the men\u2019s prison building, where more joined in the effort to subdue the women.<\/p>\n

Unwilling to go quietly down a long, dark corridor in the men\u2019s prison, Beth kicked and squirmed, grabbing at the face of the man who was half-dragging, half-carrying her. She aimed a kick at his groin and could feel it hit home before being dropped to the floor. Another guard grabbed her by the arms and slammed her into the wall. Her nose began bleeding profusely but it was the screams of pain she heard ahead of her from the others that drew her attention. Women were being dragged by their hair, bodily thrown into cells, slammed against the bars.<\/p>\n

A sickening crack was heard; someone\u2019s head hitting metal. Lucy Burns called out for each of the women, even as she was being pulled, her arms twisted behind her back, by two guards.<\/p>\n

Beth heard another scream; this time, her own, as her left arm was wrenched out of its socket. She tried to dodge a flurry of baton strikes, the ones she couldn\u2019t avoid leaving welts and bruises behind. Still struggling, she was finally thrown into a cell with two other women and the door slammed shut. Nearby, she could see Lucy\u2019s arms twisted up and handcuffed over her head, leaving the woman barely on her tip toes.<\/p>\n

And then, it was over. The guards left them battered, broken, Lucy hanging from the bars still. Slumped over, dazed, crying, despair came in a crashing wave as the sound of boots echoed down the corridor and a door slammed shut, leaving them in the darkness.<\/p>\n

At the sound of the door closing, Beth moved towards her cell mates to check on them, using the little bit of moonlight coming through the window to guide her. Another had the same idea and the two met in the middle.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Margery,\u201d the woman said. \u201cHow badly are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeth.\u201d She paused to take stock of her injuries. \u201cNothing they\u2019ll be proud of.\u201d She tried to shrug her shoulders, but stopped, wincing in pain. \u201cI\u2019ve done worse on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margery answered with a half-laugh. \u201cI think my scalp took the worst of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, each woman began to help the other as best they could. With no supplies, not even water, all they could offer was strips of their clothing as bandages and words of encouragement. All eyes turned to Lucy, panting and in pain, and not a thing they could do for her.<\/p>\n

As the women settled, Beth tried to think of what to do. For a moment, she reflected on what her mother might do, as she often did. Yet almost immediately she realized the foolishness of that. There was nothing in her mother\u2019s lived experience\u2014not during Beth\u2019s lifetime, nor Alta\u2019s legal career, or even stories Beth heard about her\u2014that could compare to this. No wisdom was going to be found looking at her mother\u2019s example; not this time.<\/p>\n

There was no blueprint, no lesson to be followed here. Beth had to make her own way.<\/p>\n

All at once, it came to her. They might lock us away, but they can\u2019t lock up our voice. <\/em>Slowly, voice trembling and weary, she began to sing The Women\u2019s Battle Song.<\/p>\n

\u201cForward sister women! Onward ever more. Bondage is behind you, freedom is before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Others joined loudly, some whispered, but soon every woman save Lucy was singing.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaise the standard boldly; in the morning sun; \u2018Gainst a great injustice, see the fight begun!\u201d[20]<\/a><\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Dudley Malone stood in the hallway of the hotel making an awful racket. His fist banged on the door of Adam\u2019s suite several times, then repeated the gesture to get the attention of Hoss and Joe in their room directly across the hall. His fist returned to the opposite door again, nearly clobbering a half-dressed Adam in the face when it burst open.<\/p>\n

Initially believing it to be Hoss trying to rouse him for a later than usual breakfast, the brotherly snark was cut off before it even left Adam\u2019s lips at the sight of the lawyer. The fist he nearly took to the face helped with that, forcing his reflexes to work fast enough to move him back a few paces.<\/p>\n

Both men flushed with embarrassment, which only doubled when Hoss stuck his head out in the hall. The middle brother\u2019s eyebrows rose at the sight of Adam shirtless in the doorway, shaving soap covering half his face still. \u201cAin\u2019t you ready for breakfast, yet?\u201d came the predictable complaint, followed by a belated, \u201cOh, hi Dudley. Wanna join us? Hurry up Adam, will ya? I\u2019m gonna waste away with as long as yer takin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam watched uncertainty creep into the lawyer\u2019s expression as Malone cleared his throat uncomfortably. Dear God\u2026 <\/em>\u00a0\u201cOut with it,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

Recognizing that bark, Joe appeared beside Hoss, brow furrowed with worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to talk to Beth this morning about getting a court order for her release. She\u2019s on the docket for so many cases; it\u2019s worth a try. I wanted her permission first,\u201d Malone began. \u201cThey wouldn\u2019t let me see her, which isn\u2019t all that unusual, but something felt off.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shadow of alarm fell over Adam\u2019s face. Malone might be taking the long way to get there, but he could sense where the younger man\u2019s recitation of the facts was headed. \u201cWhere is she?\u201d The words were forced out past clenched teeth. \u201cWhere\u2019s my daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Malone met his eyes for a brief second before looking away. \u201cThey\u2019re all <\/em>gone. They never returned after court yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had survived outlaws, cattle stampedes, been shot multiple times, even mentally and physically tortured to the point of breaking out in the desert. Yet not a single one came close to the sheer terror that came with the realization that there was only one other place Beth could be. Images of the women he\u2019d seen emerging from Occoquan flashed through his mind, the statements he took and read rang in his ears at a deafening volume.<\/p>\n

No; not his Beth. Not his baby <\/em>in that hell hole. Certainly not while he was alive to do something about it!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chapter Fifteen:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The effort to free Beth (regardless of whether she wanted to be freed or not) began at once. Malone went to court, Joe began making calls to anyone they\u2019d ever done business with that might have influence, and Hoss was sent to alert their senators and representatives from Nevada.<\/p>\n

Adam stormed the Capital, moving like a man possessed. His boots echoed in the marble halls, ringing through the corridors lined with flags and portraits of history\u2019s great lawmakers. He demanded entry at every door, let in simply out of politeness or curiosity by some, but by and large was turned away. Those who did allow him in regretted it immediately. Clerks cowered under his thundering rage while the elected officials they worked for looked increasingly uncomfortable with the platitudes they offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a federal directive\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do understand there is a war on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe President is under great strain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir actions are disgraceful!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s become a matter of national security. We\u2019re at war!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a step forward, putting his face in the senator\u2019s. \u201cIf you think unarmed women holding banners are a threat to the government, then perhaps the government needs less cowardly men running it. Or better yet, women.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, that <\/em>comment ended that meeting and Adam was summarily kicked out of the senator\u2019s office. Undeterred, he simply continued to raise hell at every door through every hallway, confronting committee heads, representatives, and senators until his voice grew hoarse and people spoke of bringing in the police.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

When dusk fell, Hoss and Joe found their elder brother standing outside the White House. Adam\u2019s knuckles were white, he gripped the wrought iron fencing so tightly, hoarsely arguing with a guard. He didn\u2019t even notice them until Hoss put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. The agony carved into his brother\u2019s face brought tears to the big man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

All he wants is his little girl and ain\u2019t nobody gonna help him.<\/em><\/p>\n

It took fifteen minutes to convince Adam that continuing to shout in the direction of the White House wasn\u2019t going to bring the President out to see him.<\/p>\n

The effort to try and get Adam to rest once they got him back to the hotel failed completely. Determined to do something, <\/em>he scribbled out telegrams to be sent to Nevada\u2019s governor, state attorney general, every judge he could name, and the attorney general of the United States. Any businessman with influence that they knew, anyone who ever owed a Cartwright a favor, and the last frail, aging political allies of his late father, all received a plea for assistance.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Three days later, Dudley Malone was given a court order to see his clients. Not included in that court order was Adam Cartwright. The lawyer broke the news to Hoss and Joe first, knowing the anxious father wasn\u2019t going to be thrilled at still being barred from visitation. Just the day before he\u2019d been bodily removed from Occoquan and only a timely intervention from Malone kept Adam out of jail.<\/p>\n

With the younger brothers flanking him, Malone approached Adam carefully. The man paced with a level of energy and fury that someone his age, and having not slept for days, shouldn\u2019t possess. As the trio entered the sitting room, Hoss and Joe surreptitiously moved away from Malone and nearer to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a court order, they\u2019ll have to allow me in,\u201d he explained. \u201cBut only me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe placed a restraining hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cNow Adam, just keep calm,\u201d he counseled. He felt the tremor run through Adam\u2019s arm as his brother fought to keep control of himself. Reason and emotion raged a brutal war, and Joe wasn\u2019t entirely sure which was winning. At last, the tension eased. Joe and Hoss exchanged looks and stepped away, letting Adam drop forcefully into the nearest chair.<\/p>\n

Together, they waited for news about Beth.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Beth arrived for her meeting with Malone dressed in filthy prison garb with her arm in a sling fashioned from what appeared to be fabric torn from a petticoat. Unwashed, hair a mess, limping, her face scratched and bloody from several forcible run-ins with the walls of the building, she held her head high and took her seat with as much grace as her aching body allowed.<\/p>\n

The last visit of the day, Malone had grown increasingly disturbed by the condition he found the women in. Now that he saw Beth, he had no idea what he might tell her family. Yet while he gaped at her, she somehow managed to give him a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood lord,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lord has nothing to do with it,\u201d Beth quipped. \u201cProvided you\u2019re referring to the deplorable state of my appearance. Some of it I\u2019m quite proud of though.\u201d She showed him the knuckles of her right hand, swollen, bruised, and split from repeated forceful use. \u201cI try to give as good as I get.\u201d<\/p>\n

He noted the skin under her nails, too, and his jaw dropped; in awe or in horror, he couldn\u2019t be sure.<\/p>\n

Beth glanced towards the guard at the door, then leaned forward, hiding a wince at the movement. \u201cA few of them won\u2019t come near me. I keep telling them I\u2019ve been in worse saloon brawls. Maybe leave that part out when you report back to my father.\u201d She grinned, dimples and all, as she slowly sat back down and became all business again. Weakened, beaten, in pain from assaults and hunger alike, Beth wasn\u2019t broken.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to get a writ of habeas corpus for Mrs. Cosu. I\u2019m sure she had a heart attack, or something like it, and needs medical care,\u201d[21]<\/a> Beth stated. \u201cAnd push on with the initiative we discussed about sentences being served here instead of D.C. I guarantee you there was no written authorization for this, and someone\u2019s head will roll for it once that\u2019s exposed in court.\u201d[22]<\/a><\/p>\n

Malone\u2019s eyebrows shot up in alarm. \u201cThey said she was indisposed! How is she faring?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young lawyer looked grim, her mouth set firmly. \u201cWell enough, considering the circumstances, I suppose. But none of us have medical training and even if we did, there\u2019s nothing to treat her with. We at least talked her out joining the hunger strike, though the food is rotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

He flinched at the mention of a hunger strike. \u201cYou know what they\u2019ll do, don\u2019t you?\u201d Malone watched as genuine fear crept into her eyes, swallowing the usual sparkle that was there, even amid the pain she felt.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Beth nodded. \u201cThey took Lucy this morning,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI heard everything. We all did.\u201d The sound of the woman being force fed was terrifying. Lucy\u2019s condition when she was returned to the cells\u2014bleeding, vomiting, trembling\u2014only emphasized the brutality that accompanied the sounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me a pile of papers to look at,\u201d she murmured. Beth cast a look out of the side of her eye at the guard, then back at Malone.<\/p>\n

Frowning, he pulled several documents from his briefcase and slid them across the table towards her. \u201cYou\u2019ll see I\u2019ve continued what we were working on. Since you initiated the processes, its best you look them over before I file them with the court.\u201d Malone watched with interest as Beth leaned close to the paperwork with her whole upper body, pressing her arm and its sling against the table.<\/p>\n

She moved her index finger across the page, lifted it, and continued to peruse the next one. As Beth moved to turn another page, she quickly dipped her hand into her sling, drew out tiny scraps of paper, and slid them between the pages.<\/p>\n

Carrying on as if that never happened, Beth examined everything before sliding the stack back towards Malone. \u201cIt all appears in order. File it right away.\u201d Looking into his eyes, she added. \u201cTell the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only when Malone left Occoquan and was safely on his way to headquarters did he carefully examine those scraps of paper. Reading each one, detailing the women\u2019s experiences since their arrival at the workhouse, he sucked in a breath at the realization that this could change everything.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

There was no way to sugar coat Beth\u2019s condition, and Malone owed it to the Cartwrights to be truthful. He couldn\u2019t do otherwise when he was making calls to every major newspaper in D.C. and beyond to print the women\u2019s accounts of what was happening behind closed doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could give you better news,\u201d he lamented. \u201cThough I think I may have something for you. There was an item among all the scraps she passed along that I couldn\u2019t quite make heads or tails of.\u201d Malone handed a small note to Adam and watched as Hoss and Joe squeezed close to him, looking over the man\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

There in Beth\u2019s familiar hand were the words: Still Queen of the Dunes.[23]<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter Sixteen:<\/strong><\/p>\n

They marched her out of the men\u2019s prison building at Occoquan and into the November air with nothing more on than her thin prison garb. Marched was too generous a word, as Beth moved with agonizing slowness. Weakened, pale, shivering, limping, she was determined to move on her own power as much as she could. She heard the gates opening, an ominous, heavy sound, and knew without any doubt that standing beyond them was her family.<\/p>\n

The three figures she could just make out some yards away didn\u2019t give Beth the chance to walk bravely to them. The moment they saw her, the brothers surged forward, prompting panic among the guards.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back! Outside the gates! Someone stop them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring the shouts of the guards completely, they ran faster than men their age had any business moving. The closer they got to Beth, the worse she looked, and the angrier they became. In the space of a single moment, Adam reached for his daughter and lifted her into his arms in a swift motion while his brothers dealt with the guards at her sides.<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed the collar of the one on her right. He drew back his fist and hit the guard square across the jaw with a crack that echoed in the air. Hoss took the man on Beth\u2019s left, growling as he lifted the man clean off the ground, letting him thrash futility in the air for several long seconds before putting him down. The guard had just half a second to enjoy being back on\u00a0terra firma\u00a0<\/em>before Hoss\u2019s fist sent him to meet it with a sounding\u00a0thud.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the guards where they fell, the brothers returned to Adam\u2019s side. Hoss stripped off his coat and draped it carefully over his niece, almost afraid to even touch her as he tucked it around her shivering body. \u201cThey\u2019re lucky we don\u2019t tear them limb from limb and take that whole place apart,\u201d he muttered darkly.<\/p>\n

A ghost of a smile appeared on Beth\u2019s face. \u201cI think we\u2019ve managed to make a lasting impression,\u201d she rasped.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

\u201cOn three. You\u2019re certain you\u2019ve got a good hold on her?\u201d Dr. Wilson gave Adam a stern look. \u201cI don\u2019t want to do this again. It\u2019ll be painful enough as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting on the bed against the headboard, Adam held Beth tightly to his chest with one arm, another wrapped around her waist. He gave the doctor a curt nod, then whispered reassuringly to Beth, \u201cI\u2019m right here, I\u2019ve got you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne\u2014two\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth screamed in pain, her entire body jerking against Adam\u2019s hold as the doctor reset her arm. Once it was completed, she whimpered softly while her whole body sagged and trembled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know, I know.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was choked with emotion as he tried to soothe her. \u201cBrave girl, my brave girl, papa\u2019s here.\u201d The words that came so easy in the past seemed to stick in his throat now, completely deficient for the situation at hand. This wasn\u2019t a childhood accident or ailment that he could soothe. Still, Adam waited impatiently for the doctor to finish the examination so he could gather her close and rock her gently. Though woefully inadequate, it was all he could offer her.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep her arm immobilized,\u201d Dr. Wilson instructed when he finished. \u201cShe\u2019s severely dehydrated. Start with good broth and don\u2019t be surprised if it takes a bit of time for her to work her way back up to food.\u201d He paused as Beth managed to find the energy to scowl at him. He couldn\u2019t help noting the contrast as Adam rocked her gently, his face full of worry, and she, looking as though an automobile had run her down, glowered.<\/p>\n

Dr. Wilson offered an apologetic smile. \u201cI don\u2019t mean to speak as if you aren\u2019t here, young woman. I\u2019m just not certain how much of this you\u2019ll remember later. Don\u2019t rush back to eating, you\u2019ll regret it if you do. That throat\u2026\u201d Doctor and patient locked eyes for a moment before Beth looked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep all those wounds clean. I can see a defiant streak in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth attempted a smile at the doctor\u2019s observation while her family allowed themselves a little rueful chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I\u2019m making it doctor\u2019s orders that you allow others to help you\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0that you rest properly. Thoroughly rest, mind and body.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart constricted when his normally obstinate and argumentative daughter, who was never still or restful for a single moment in her life, merely nodded.\u00a0Oh, my moonbeam.<\/em><\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Over the next twenty-four hours, Beth mostly slept. When she was awake, she sipped broth carefully, letting the warm, nourishing liquid heal her. Adam rarely left her side. Even in sleep, she snuggled against him, her hand clutching his shirt while he kept an arm around her protectively.<\/p>\n

Much of that time, Adam slept, too. Having gone days without any rest, his body forced it upon him whether he wanted it or not. The times he didn\u2019t sleep, he watched Beth with a sort of wonder in his eyes. Amazement that she came out of that place and would, in time, recover completely.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are too much like me. And like your mother,\u201d he murmured, brushing a curl away from her forehead. \u201cAll courage and fire. And stubbornness.\u201d A smile played on Adam\u2019s lips. \u201cYou\u2019re the greatest, most terrifying blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile bloomed across her battered face. Eyes still closed, Beth started to speak softly. \u201cTerrifying? That feels unkind, and untrue. Go back to the part where I\u2019m the greatest.\u201d She opened her eyes now, full of an impish sparkle, albeit edged by pain. \u201cI want to hear more about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the first time since he saw her at Occoquan, Adam knew, deep in his soul, that Beth was truly going to be all right. \u201cThat lasted only as long as you were sleeping,\u201d he teased. \u201cNow that you\u2019re awake and sassing me\u2026\u201d He paused to kiss her head. \u201cI know you\u2019re feeling better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beth chuckled; and though it sounded rough and raspy, it was healing for them both.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

By the time Beth, Mrs. Cosu, and a handful of others were released, thirty others remained in Occoquan. Though the dates of arrest varied, the means of protest the suffragists utilized were not. The news of their treatment at the Workhouse spread like wildfire across the country, prompting outrage at the brutality and force feeding. Demonstrations grew nation-wide, the halls of Congress were flooded with deputations of influential women, agitating for a change in policy towards the suffragists. The blame for the abuse was laid directly at the feet of Wilson\u2019s administration and his own Secretary of War confessed that the suffragists were imprisoned for political means.[24]<\/a><\/p>\n

The political and social fallout quickly spiraled. The end of the month brought judicial intervention, with every woman unconditionally released, their sentences commutated. The move was hailed as a victory, an acknowledgement of the unjust and arbitrary nature of both the charges and the trials. Arrests stopped for a time and donations to support the cause poured in.<\/p>\n

Every Cartwright came to D.C. for Christmas, leaving the Ponderosa in the hands of trusted foremen and neighbors. Still on the mend, being surrounded by every member of her family was a healing balm for Beth\u2019s heart and soul.<\/p>\n

Just after the New Year, Wilson finally spoke in support of the suffrage amendment. Beth heard the news while traveling back to Nevada to take her place in the State Assembly. Knowing Wilson\u2019s speech was only a part of the battle, she continued to campaign for suffrage with interviews, speeches, and travelled during the next campaign season, urging people not to elect or re-elect anyone opposed to the amendment. The effort to build a pro-suffrage Congress succeeded, and the in-coming House and Senate passed what became the 19th<\/sup>\u00a0Amendment.[25]<\/a><\/p>\n

All that was needed was for thirty-six states to ratify it.<\/p>\n

#####<\/p>\n

Chores finished, Georgie raced into the house, throwing the door open with so much force it slammed into the credenza with a\u00a0crack<\/em>. The man sitting at the desk flinched.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs someone bleeding?\u201d Adam didn\u2019t turn his head in that direction, let alone raise his eyes from the ledger.<\/p>\n

His youngest daughter skidded to a stop halfway across the room and winced. \u201cNoooo\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen\u00a0nooooo<\/em>\u00a0thank you,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cOut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Papa!\u201d she whined, adding a stomp for emphasis.<\/p>\n

Now the man lifted his head, barely resisting an eyeroll. \u201cYou can go back outside and come into the house properly. Or you can practice opening and closing the door quietly until I say you can stop.\u201d Adam shrugged his shoulders. \u201cWhich might be a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHours?!\u201d<\/p>\n

The drama behind that gasp almost made him chuckle with amusement. Instead, he pressed his lips together and nodded. \u201cHours,\u201d Adam confirmed. \u201cThat mutinous look on your face isn\u2019t helping your case. Make a choice, before I do it for you.\u201d He quirked an eyebrow in warning and seconds later Georgie dashed back outside.<\/p>\n

And this is the one that wants me to let her go away to college in a few short years.<\/em><\/p>\n

An entire minute passed before she tried again, this time using greater care to open the door slowly. And close it at an excruciatingly sluggish pace. And tip toe in his direction with the teeniest, tiniest, itty-bitty steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this better Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t look up, but he was certain Georgie\u2019s emerald eyes were sparkling with joy at her ability to both comply with his directions and thoroughly annoy him at the same time.<\/p>\n

If sarcasm was a person\u2026 Alta, our youngest and your doppelganger would be it.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Georgiana, it is.\u201d Adam set the ledger aside and gave her his full attention.<\/p>\n

The blonde-haired girl offered her most winning smile in the hopes that he couldn\u2019t say no to such a sweet, angelic face as hers. \u201cBeth\u2019s going on a prison train![26]<\/a> Can I go with her?\u201d Georgie clasped her hands together and bounced on her toes a bit. \u201cOh, please say yes!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 was the furthest thing from Adam\u2019s mind. Rising from the chair, he bellowed,\u00a0\u201cELIZABETH!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Georgie tried to smother her giggles, failing miserably as she doubled over with glee. Through her laughter, she said, \u201cYou sounded just like Grandpa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, Adam did roll his eyes. He could hear Beth as she hurried down the hall and came to a stop at the top of the stairs. When she went no further and merely gave him a quizzical look, he waved at her to come down, his patience slowly ebbing away.<\/p>\n

And here I thought it was nice having her home while the State Assembly was in recess.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sighing as she came down the stairs, Beth\u2019s brow furrowed. \u201cWhy are you looking at me like that? I haven\u2019t done anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFascinating,\u201d Adam replied dryly. \u201cSo, you\u2019re not going on a prison train then? Whatever\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0is.\u201d<\/p>\n

She winced. \u201cHmm. Well, yes, so, I did do one thing. I can explain!\u201d<\/p>\n

Resuming his seat behind the desk, Adam crossed his arms and gave her a dark look.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not at all what it sounds like. It\u2019s simply a tour, on a train, to help ratify the amendment. Those of us who were arrested are going to give speeches and talks about our experiences,\u201d Beth outlined. \u201cI said I\u2019d go along on some of the stops in Texas and other southern states, perhaps California. I wasn\u2019t going to up and leave without telling you.\u201d She cast a scathing look at her baby sister for blabbing the news before she had a chance to bring it up herself.<\/p>\n

Undeterred, Georgie was all energy and excitement. \u201cCan I go? I\u2019ll help pass out pamphlets! Or carry Beth\u2019s bag! Or any little\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo<\/em>.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether Adam\u2019s or Beth\u2019s denial was faster or firmer was up for debate but mattered little to Georgie, whose face fell. Every inch the tragic heroine, she shouted dramatically, \u201cYou never let me do anything brave!\u201d<\/p>\n

More than done with her contributions to the conversation, Adam pointed at the stairs. \u201cUp. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Letting out a gasp worthy of the stage, Georgie pressed a hand to her chest as if trying to staunch the blood from a mortal wound. \u201cBanished to my tower! Like Rapunzel!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp,\u201d Adam repeated in a tone that brooked no argument.<\/p>\n

With a huff, she began flouncing up the staircase. \u201cJust so you know, Papa\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He cut off her declaration with a warning, \u201cGeorgiana\u2026\u201d and shook his head at the sudden speed she seemed to gain. Only when her bedroom door closed did Adam return his attention to Beth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne last push, Papa. It isn\u2019t even a protest,\u201d she continued. \u201cThe same thing I do at the State Assembly, or in court. Meet people, talk to them, give speeches, share my experiences. I need to do this.\u201d Beth paused a beat then added, \u201cAlone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sucked in a breath and held her gaze for a long moment.<\/p>\n

She stays alone in Carson City while the legislature is in session. She went to college alone. She\u00a0can<\/u>\u00a0do this\u2026 but can I let her?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally, he sighed deeply, knowing he must.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want all the details you have. All the information about your stops, where you\u2019re staying, and I want to hear from you regularly. I\u2019ll come looking for you if I don\u2019t\u2014and you know I will,\u201d Adam finished, the warning in his voice softened only by the fear he couldn\u2019t quite hide.<\/p>\n

A hand went to her mouth as she tried to hide the smile on her face. \u201cYes, sir. I\u2019ll stay in contact and expect you to show up madder than a wet hen ready to drag me home by my ear if I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

The look that he gave her was half-exasperation, half-affection. \u201cI mean it, Beth. More than a day and I\u2019m on the next train. Don\u2019t test me.\u201d Beckoning her closer, Adam stood and pulled her into his arms, in an embrace filled with love and trepidation in equal measures. \u201cJust come home again, moonbeam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Returning his hug just as fiercely, the fingers of Beth\u2019s right hand curled into the familiar fabric of his black shirt and gently tugged. \u201cI will. Promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> Nevada\u2019s first Assemblywoman was Sadie Dotson Hurst, elected in 1918. Nevada passed woman suffrage in 1914.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> Some film footage of the women picketing the White House exists. It was not made, nor used for, this purpose.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> The women who picketed at the White House were known as Silent Sentinels. The women stood silently, holding banners with messages.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> A fearless Irish clan leader and pirate queen, famous for her courage, who led her own fleet and commanded hundreds of men.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> The women picketing the White House were often attacked after the U.S. entered World War I, their decision to continue protesting during wartime casting them as traitors in the eyes of many.<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> Police made no effort to defend the women, and often joined in the violence.<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Senator Myers from Montana did in fact sponsor such a bill, but it failed to get the support necessary to bring it to the floor for a vote. There are no records of suffragists having confronted him about the dubious legality of it as Beth did.<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> Doris Stevens, Jailed for Freedom<\/em> and numerous statements given by suffragists.<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Dudley Field Malone was an attorney that worked within the Wilson administration but resigned over the issue of suffrage. He worked with the National Women\u2019s Party, securing the release of many suffragists and successfully appealing their convictions. His wife, May, was also one of the many women arrested and jailed, as was his second wife, Doris Stevens. Significant stonewalling of Malone and others to gain access to their clients was noted in multiple sources.<\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> Jeannette Rankin was the first female Representative in the House of Representatives, elected by the state of Montana. She did call for an investigation of the conditions the suffragists were kept in.<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a> Unfortunately, accurate.<\/p>\n

[12]<\/a> Alice Paul did court arrest in the U.S., hoping for a long sentence. Her actions were meant to galvanize women across the country, bring even further attention to the cause, and push for suffragists to be treated as the political prisoners they were. She also fought for suffrage in England and was jailed there for doing so, alongside Lucy Burns.<\/p>\n

[13]<\/a> Alice Paul was put in a psychiatric ward when she went on hunger strike and force fed, a common tactic against suffragists on hunger strikes. She also recorded her experiences in secret writings, as did others.<\/p>\n

[14]<\/a> An actual move on the part of Congress.<\/p>\n

[15]<\/a> Commentary from the discussion of the committee to form a committee.<\/p>\n

[16]<\/a> Same.<\/p>\n

[17]<\/a> Same. Photographs of the silent sentinels on picket at the White House dispute the idea that they had short skirts\/short hair, which some in Congress clearly tried to equate with \u2018shorter\u2019 or lesser morals.<\/p>\n

[18]<\/a> Dudley Field Malone successfully made this argument in court.<\/p>\n

[19]<\/a> The account of the Night of Terror at Occoquan that Beth endures comes from Jailed for Freedom<\/em> by Doris Stevens, the affidavit of Mary Nolan, and notes kept by Lucy Burns.<\/p>\n

[20]<\/a> The Women\u2019s Battle Song by Theodora Mills, sung to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers<\/p>\n

[21]<\/a> Alice Cosu did have a heart attack on the Night of Terror in Occoquan and was denied medical care for twelve hours after the fact.<\/p>\n

[22]<\/a> Suffragists were in fact removed from district jail and taken to Occoquan on a mere say-so, with no written authorization. That action, coupled with the revelations of the brutality, cost superintendents, including Whittaker, their jobs.<\/p>\n

[23]<\/a> Reference to the story Queen of the Dunes, posted elsewhere in the library.<\/p>\n

[24]<\/a> As recorded in Jailed for Freedom.<\/em><\/p>\n

[25]<\/a> All actual actions taken by suffragists, who also continued to picket the White House and, at once point, began burning banners (and even an effigy of Wilson) as part of their protests.<\/p>\n

[26]<\/a> Suffragists did organize a Prison Train where women like Beth who had been arrested and mistreated travelled to various states to tell their story and gain support for ratifying the amendment, particularly in the southern states. These presentations often included the women wearing their prison uniforms to emphasize the injustices they had suffered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s all Cartwright hands on deck when Adam\u2019s oldest daughter decides to join the fight for woman suffrage. Can they keep her safe or will her innate Cartwright conviction to stand up for what is right cost them, and her, everything?\u00a0 Rating: T; WC: 33,703<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12573,"featured_media":69789,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1005,7,23,698],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-a-u","category-drama","category-post-timeline","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-698-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cell-image.png?fit=1024%2C1536&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12573"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=69785"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69785\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/69789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=69785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=69785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=69785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

Two weeks later, after an extensive consultation with the judiciary committee, Myers withdrew the bill from consideration.[7]<\/a> His staff were treated to a long-winded rant about that \u201cinsufferable, sharp-tongued, over-educated Cartwright girl from Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n