{"id":7643,"date":"2014-05-09T13:03:59","date_gmt":"2014-05-09T17:03:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7643"},"modified":"2026-03-04T07:21:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T12:21:09","slug":"the-scent-of-deception","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7643","title":{"rendered":"The Scent of Deception (by DJK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>Her scent brought back memories Adam refused to share. Her arrival in Virginia City meant he would have to face them. warning: contains adult themes and references. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> MA Word\u00a0count:\u00a0<\/span>18358<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Scent of Deception<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0What was that scent? He had smelled it before; he knew he had, yet he could put no name to it. It was faint and soft and sweetly pungent with a clean trace of the oranges he had sometimes found in the toe of his Christmas stocking. It did not make him think of Christmas though. No, it brought to mind … Adam tried to snatch the memory flitting just beyond his consciousness, but it slipped away. He shook his head and set the mail he carried on the credenza so that he could unbuckle his gun belt.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u201cYou back, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Adam turned to see his younger brother sitting in Adam\u2019s favorite blue chair with legs stretched out and arms folded behind his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, little brother,\u201d Adam replied slightly irritated that he could not take his favorite seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe ignored his brother\u2019s tone and asked, \u201cYou get the mail?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said I was going to, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Adam picked up the string-tied bundle and walked over to his brother. Letting the correspondence drop into his brother\u2019s lap, he ordered, \u201cYou can sort through it; I want to get washed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s tone rankled Little Joe, and his reply was a curt, \u201cFine.\u201d Then he looked up and saw his brother\u2019s retreating back. Indulging a childish impulse, Joe stuck his tongue out at the black shirt. Then he popped the string holding the mail together and began to sort it into piles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was buttoning the cuffs of his clean shirt when he heard his door open. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Little Joe saunter into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought Pa taught you enough manners that you knew it was polite to knock,\u201d Adam observed acerbically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe shrugged and plopped down on Adam\u2019s bed. \u201cGuess not.\u201d He kept his feet on the floor but lowered his back to the bed. Then he held up a letter and studied it. Bringing it down to his nose, he sniffed loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Adam asked failing to admonish his brother for musing the bedclothes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA letter.\u201d Little Joe sat up. \u201cOne I thought you might not want to receive in front of Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I want to receive it in front of Pa?\u201d Adam asked moving across the floor to stand in before Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, seeing as how it\u2019s been drenched in perfume and the writing\u2019s pretty feminine; I thought you might not want Pa asking what little lady you\u2019ve got tucked away in Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t got any ladies tucked away in Sacramento or anywhere else for that matter.\u201d Adam\u2019s temper snapped his words, and he reach out to snatch the letter from his brother, but Joe pulled it out of reach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she\u2019s definitely female even if she ain\u2019t a lady,\u201d Little Joe teased and then had the good sense to pull up his feet and roll off the far side of the bed. Keeping the bed between himself and his now angry older brother, Joe tossed the letter toward Adam\u2019s face and darted out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cursed softly and plucked the letter from the bed. Bringing it to his nose, he smelled the scent that had teased his memory earlier.\u00a0Perfume, yes, it is perfume, her perfume<\/i>. Memory did not flit at the edge of consciousness this time but washed down at him like a flashflood in a dry riverbed. The hand holding the letter trembled with an emotion he chose not to acknowledge. He stared at his own name written in her hand, and the paper seemed to burn his fingertips. He dropped the letter onto the bed and remembered. The memory brought both anger and shame and underneath that a burning desire to see her again. Recognizing that desire, he snatched the letter from the bed and began tearing it into smaller and smaller pieces. When a pile of paper shreds was left on the bed clothes, he lifted the bedcover and folded it over the pieces. Carrying the folded cloth, he went down the backstairs, through the kitchen, and out the door. Crossing the yard, he walked into the woods. A steady breeze rustled the branches overhead as he unfolded his bundle and let the pieces of paper cascade onto the wind and blow away. Then he walked back to the house. Going straight to Joe\u2019s bedroom, he rapped once and entered without waiting for a reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe turned and swallowed convulsively. \u201cI was just funning, Adam. Didn\u2019t mean nothing by it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not mention that letter to Pa or Hoss or anyone else, for that matter. You will not mention it to me. Do you understand me, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe understood his brother\u2019s tone and the look in his darkened eyes. \u201cSure, Adam. If that\u2019s what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the way it shall be!\u201d Adam spun on his heel and strode out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head. He did not think there was a man anywhere who could rattle his unflappable big brother, but apparently there was at least one woman who could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and smiled deeply as the woman who had called his name came into view.\u00a0She\u2019s beautiful! Those eyes; they\u2019re violet<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am. I\u2019m Joe Cartwright.\u201d His eyes sparkled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She moistened her lips and then said, \u201cI\u2019m Katherine Cummings.\u201d She extended her gloved right hand, and Little Joe bowed slightly and lifted it to his lips. He only grazed the material of her glove but caught the scent of her perfume in his nostrils. She smiled at the gesture. \u201cI have a favor to ask of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would grant any favor for such a fair lady.\u201d Joe took pains to make his smile his most charming. \u201cHow might I be of service?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked the man at the hotel how I could get a message to Adam Cartwright, and he pointed you out to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam! Elder brother has been keeping secrets! I\u2019m glad I listened to a few of his lectures on how to treat a lady<\/i>. He straightened and gazed into her eyes. \u201cAdam\u2019s my\u00a0elder\u00a0<\/i>brother.\u201d Little Joe managed to make it sound as if Adam was tottering on the brink of senility. \u201cWe live on a ranch outside of town. It would be no trouble for me to drive you out to see him. I could rent a buggy at the livery.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s smile remained undaunted.\u00a0A man can accomplish a lot on a long buggy ride<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine shook her head. \u201cNo, no, if you could just tell Adam that I\u2019m staying at the International and that I would like to speak with him, I would be so grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you wouldn\u2019t rather. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She did not allow him to finish but shook her head again, \u201cNo, if you would just give him my message.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI most certainly will,\u201d Joe conceded gallantly, \u201cI can only hope that Adam will convince you to come to dinner at our home.\u201d Joe tipped his hat.\u00a0Better he brings her to our table than has a private dinner with her<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d she murmured as she turned to walk back to the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe swung onto Cochise\u2019s back and rode out of town whistling.\u00a0Katherine Cummings. Katherine Cummings<\/i>. He slowly made a mental list of her various desirable attributes including the intriguing scent of her perfume. Then he suddenly jerked pulling Cochise to a standstill. \u201cThe letter,\u201d he said aloud.\u00a0She\u2019s the one who wrote the letter Adam demanded I never mention<\/i>. He shook his head in amazement and contemplated the fact that a boringly ordinary afternoon was becoming more interesting by the minute.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found Adam doing the books at their father\u2019s desk. Seating himself on its edge, Joe cleared his throat loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam\u2019s reply was sharp-edged and irritated. Whenever Ben made an error in the books that Adam had to correct, Ben\u2019s eldest took his irritation out on his brothers. Even though it was not fair, it was far more prudent than venting his irritation on his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve a message for you, elder brother, but if you\u2019d rather…” Little Joe rose as if to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat message?\u201d Adam growled gesturing for his brother to stay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA Katherine Cummings is staying at the International Hotel and wants to see you,\u201d Joe stated simply and then held his breath waiting for his brother\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face drained of blood losing all color beneath his tan. \u201cKatherine\u2019s here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, in all her glory. That\u2019s one fine filly, elder brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rose so abruptly that the desk chair slid into the wall with a bang. Little Joe took a startled step backward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I could ignore the fact that she is here<\/i>. He drew in a slow deep breath as if the air in the room had suddenly become low in oxygen.\u00a0She\u2019ll only come out to the ranch. Do I want to introduce her to Pa? Coward! Just go and send her away<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe felt the need to break the silence. \u201cShe said she wanted to see you,\u201d he reiterated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell Pa I\u2019ve gone to town if he asks,\u201d Adam snapped and then strode to the credenza. As he buckled on his gun belt, he turned a glare on his younger brother. \u201cYou will not mention Katherine!\u201d Before Little Joe could answer, Adam was slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe rolled his eyes and shrugged. Then he decided to see if Hop Sing had baked any cookies that morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hated having to ask the desk clerk for her room number, but he had no choice. He took the stairs two at a time and strode down the hall to number 27. He paused and stared at the number for almost a minute before knocking. As the door slowly opened, he saw her for the first time in over seven years. He silently cursed her and then himself as he stepped inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted to see me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThousands of times,\u201d she said her voice soft and filled with warmth. \u201cHaven\u2019t you wanted to see me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pushed the door closed with more force than needed before he answered with his own question. \u201cWhy are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She lowered her lashes for a few seconds and then opened her eyes wide to gaze into his. \u201cI came to see if you had forgotten. Have you, Adam? Have you forgotten what we meant to each other? Have you forgotten. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you forgotten why I left you? Where is your husband, Katherine?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shrugged slowly; the gesture serving more to emphasize her white shoulders and low neckline than to convey any message. \u201cIn that mausoleum of a house in Boston, I suppose. I… I left him.\u201d She allowed tears to add sheen to her eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure he didn\u2019t kick you out?\u201d Adam could taste the bitterness in the words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could stay no longer; I ran away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlone?\u201d He spit the question at her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took two steps toward him. Standing close enough for him to breath in her scent, she asked, \u201cDoes it matter?\u201d She reached up and ran her finger along his jaw line.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Does it? Had it ever<\/i>? He caught her wrist and drew her hand away from his face. \u201cGo away, Katherine,\u201d he ordered.\u00a0Oh, please go away<\/i>!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo away? Why, Adam, it\u2019s you who came to me.\u201d Katherine glanced pointedly around the hotel room. \u201cThis is my room, darling. Of course I\u2019m quite willing to share.\u201d Her gaze moved to the bed and rested there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped back putting precious inches between them. \u201cI came only to tell you to leave Virginia City. There\u2019s nothing here for you, Katherine. Just go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere would you have me go, Adam?\u201d She reached out and caught his hand. Smiling she placed her other hand against his chest and felt his heart race. She became more confident and drew his arm around her waist. \u201cWhere, my love?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo Hades for all I care!\u201d His tone was vehement and his body stiff, yet he did not pull away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd will you play the devil for me again?\u201d She stretched on her toes to whisper the words in his ear, her body pressing against his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever!\u201d He pulled her away from him so suddenly that she stumbled. \u201cIt ended over seven years ago, Katherine. Nothing\u2019s changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her lips curved into a mocking smile. \u201cYou\u2019re right as always, darling. Nothing\u2019s changed. You still want me, and you always will.\u201d Her next words were a challenge. \u201cI intend to stay here until you accept that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowever long you stay, Katherine, this is the last time we will be alone together. Accept that.\u201d He turned his back to her. \u201cI\u2019ve grown up. The boy may have found you irresistible; the man does not.\u201d He went to the door and opened it. Pausing to glance back over his shoulder, he stated calmly, \u201cGoodbye, Katherine.\u201d The door did not slam behind him, but its shutting convinced her of his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She moved slowly to lower her body onto the bed. Then her eyes sparkled.\u00a0The boy found you irresistible. Ah, yes, the boy!<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam mounted Sport and began the ride back to the Ponderosa. After leaving the environs of Virginia City, he rode automatically staring down the winding road but viewing an entirely different landscape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been winter when he had first seen her. The earliest snow of the season had fallen blanketing Boston and blurring the harsh outlines of its buildings. The surfaces around him, though slick white, had absorbed not reflected the weak light slipping through the gray clouds. Sounds also had seemed softened: the rattle of wagons and carriages muffled, the calls of humans muted, and the cries of the ever-present seabirds less distinct. Only the air had been sharper as he drew it into his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shivered and pulled the collar of his coat up wishing he had listened to his grandfather and wrapped a woolen scarf around his throat before heading outside. Even after two years he kept forgetting how the damp ocean air seeped cold into a man\u2019s bones. He quickened his pace and walked with determination. It was Sunday and every Sunday afternoon he visited his mother\u2019s grave. Often his grandfather made the pilgrimage with him, but today Abel Stoddard had declared his bones too old and the temperature too low. His Elizabeth would forgive him if he stayed beside the fire. \u201cShe\u2019ll forgive you too, boy,\u201d Grandfather had urged. Adam had just smiled and said he needed some fresh air knowing that since it had taken him seventeen years to visit the first time, he would never forgive himself for such a lapse.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pushed the gate of the cemetery open and walked inside. Only the largest monuments held their shape while the smaller headstones were simply white mounds. He walked the familiar path toward his mother\u2019s grave expecting to see no one when suddenly she had been there. At first, just a sharp, dark relief against a snow-whitened stone caught his eye, and then she turned at the sound of his approach. He could discern the shapeliness of her figure even though it was wrapped in layers of purple wool. It seemed only polite to call a quiet greeting. When she stepped toward him with her acknowledgment, he breathed in sharply.\u00a0\u201c<\/em>She\u2019s exquisite!\u201d\u00a0He smiled and tipped his hat and quite uncharacteristically began a conversation. They had left the cemetery together.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A toss of Sport\u2019s head brought Adam from his reverie. Settling the horse, he felt a flush enter his cheeks. He had not visited his mother\u2019s grave that day but had spent the afternoon in the company of Katherine Cummings. It was a small thing, forgetting to visit his mother, but it was the first of many things Katherine had made him do of which he was still ashamed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Adam forced himself to make the brush in his hand move vigorously without being harsh. His temper after all should not be directed at the horse. When he heard footsteps behind him, he reminded himself it should also not be directed at any of the human occupants of the ranch. The reminder proved futile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam, I hope you invited Katherine for dinner. You know Hop Sing sets the best table in the territory.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice carried a bright cheerfulness that at this point irritated Adam extremely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat is her name, or are you going to expect me to call her Miss Cummings? Really Adam, I\u2019m seventeen not a little boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to say, \u201cIt\u2019s Mrs. Cummings,\u201d but hesitated and said instead, \u201cIn the society that Katherine comes from it would be insultingly familiar for you to address her by her given name.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so?\u201d Little Joe raised his eyebrow. \u201cWell, I notice that her given name just rolls off your tongue. Is that because you\u2019ve already been insultingly familiar?\u201d Little Joe was simply throwing his elder brother\u2019s words back in his face and was unprepared for Adam\u2019s response. For only the second time in his life, his brother\u2019s hand cracked across Joe\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe gasped and stepped back, his hand flying to his face. \u201cWhat in blazes!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had enough immediate regret to rein in his temper and drop his hand. Little Joe, on the other hand, let his temper surge and came at his brother with a punch that Adam barely managed to block. Adam had the advantage of size and experience. In a minute he had his younger brother pinned against the barn wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt stops here, Joe.\u201d Little Joe bucked against Adam\u2019s hold, and Adam leaned in harder. \u201cI said it stops.\u201d Little Joe stilled, but his eyes continued to blaze. \u201cNow,\u201d Adam drew in a deep breath and forced out the rest of his words, \u201cI should not have slapped you. I admit that. I apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ain\u2019t that grand.\u201d Joe\u2019s tone made it clear that the apology had not been accepted, but the defiant jerk of his head only served to bring Adam\u2019s eyes to the reddened handprint on his brother\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, it\u2019s not.\u201d Adam released his hold and stepped back. \u201cIf I could take it back I would, but I can\u2019t, so I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe heard a weariness in his brother\u2019s voice and a total absence of the anger that had been there moments before. He brought his hand up to his face and rubbed gently at the soreness. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean nothing by what I said, not really.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but, well, I\u2019ve said it already; I\u2019m sorry.\u2019\u2019 Adam ran his hand through his hair. \u201cYou should go hold a cool cloth against that cheek.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess.\u201d Little Joe took a step toward he barndoor and then hesitated. He asked softly, \u201cWho is Katherine Cummings, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed; his guilt required him to answer. \u201cSomeone from back East that I wanted to forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you still want to forget her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d Little Joe took several more steps toward the door and stopped again. \u201cI, I won\u2019t tell Pa you hit me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to cover for me. I don\u2019t want you lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not the only one in this family who can get around the truth without lying, Brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam let out a slow breath and decided to accept his little brother\u2019s pay back for the many times Adam had gotten around the truth to protect the selfsame baby brother. \u201cGo on and get that cool cloth.\u201d He watched his brother walk out of the barn and cursed softly at Katherine Cummings.\u00a0I will not play the devil because of you, Katherine, not again, not ever<\/i>. Then he sighed. He knew it was only a matter of time before his brother asked more about Katherine, and he held few delusions that she would simply fade away.\u00a0Is it time to tell you, Pa? It would be better coming from me. You always said it was better if you heard the worse from us first.<\/i>\u00a0Adam shook his head, and a rueful smile curled his lips.\u00a0I was always the one to wait for the last moment before I did<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had had three beers instead of one, and his mood was mellow. He sauntered down the wooden sidewalk toward the general store whistling softly.\u00a0\u201cHoss should have the supplies all loaded by now,\u201d\u00a0<\/i>Little Joe thought with a smile and not a trace of worry. He was confident that his brother would not toss him in a public trough and that any anger his tardiness generated would be doused by the long ride home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my!\u201d The exclamation reached Joe\u2019s ears despite the street noise, and he paused to look for the source. Catching sight of Katherine Cummings, he doffed his hat with a sweeping gesture and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Cummings! What a pleasure to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine Cummings titled her head slightly and lowered her lashes. Her voice was as soft and shimmering as silk. \u201cWhy, Joseph Cartwright, I believe the pleasure is mine. I have wanted to thank you for your kindness to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy kindness?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn conveying my message to Adam, I do appreciate your prompt delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was nothing; I assure you.\u201d His mind flashed back to the scene in the barn, but he pushed it from his mind to ask, \u201cDid your business with my brother go well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOur business?\u201d Her chuckle was light and feminine. \u201cOh, yes, everything was settled quite swiftly. Mostly I wanted to, well, I never said goodbye properly when he left Boston, and one hates to think that a perceived offense might linger.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Adam were friends in Boston then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe and I saw a great deal of each other for a time.\u201d She allowed a faint blush to rise in her cheeks. \u201cFinding myself in Virginia City, well, I felt it only right.\u201d Her hand made a fluttering gesture and quite casually settled on his arm. \u201cI\u2019m sure I don\u2019t need to explain to a man like yourself; I\u2019m sure you\u2019re quite knowledgeable about such things.\u201d She stressed the word\u00a0man<\/i>\u00a0ever so slightly, and Little Joe straightened to his tallest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be in Virginia City long?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor a while. My plans are less than definite.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you might be able to include a dinner at the Ponderosa in them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. The Ponderosa, it\u2019s not very near town, is it?\u201d Little Joe could hear the hesitancy in her voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it is rather a long drive.\u201d Then he felt the pressure of her hand on his arm and added smoothly, \u201cPerhaps dinner here in town would be better. We have several places that set a fine table.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time her smile as definitely coquettish. \u201cAre you asking me to dine with you, handsome sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost definitely, lovely lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it would be rude to decline such an offer, now, wouldn\u2019t it? And foolish to deny myself such charming company.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery rude and quite foolish.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s words were warmed by the charm of his smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I shall most eagerly accept. Tomorrow perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow definitely. Would seven o\u2019clock be suitable?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery suitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found himself walking her to her hotel and kissing her hand as he departed. Resuming his whistling, he headed once more toward the general store, and when he decided that he would not mention his dinner companion at home he thought it was entirely his own idea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared into the flames. He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d He looked into her eyes and watched the reflected flames from the fire dance in their depths.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine, We . . .\u201d He felt her finger against his lips as his words died. Her lips came to his, and his arms tightened around her.<\/em><\/p>\n

When he released her mouth, her hot breath carried her words to his ear. \u201cIt is my gift to you, Adam. You accept only what I freely give.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut. . .\u201d he began. Then her hands moved, and the answer his body gave was beyond his control.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. Adam!\u201d His father\u2019s voice broke the memory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d He looked back over his shoulder. \u201cIs there something you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cActually, there is.\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s hands settled on his hips, and his eyes grew serious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to face him. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to know what it is that is troubling you, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTroubling me? Why do you think something is troubling me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like me to list the signs, or will you accept the fact that I learned to read you at least that well decades ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gesturing his acknowledgement, Adam rose and walked over to the table that held the brandy decanter. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have?\u201d Ben\u2019s eyebrow rose expectantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been some time since anyone has made a thorough swing to assess all our holdings. I think now would be a good time for me to do so.\u201d He picked up the decanter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy now, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThings are fairly settled at the moment. My absence for two or even three weeks wouldn\u2019t be a problem.\u201d He poured himself a drink. \u201cWould you like one?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben closed the distance between himself and his eldest. \u201cI want to know the real reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked directly at his father. \u201cIt needs to be done, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Stoddard!\u201d The demand in Ben\u2019s voice was clear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Capitulating, Adam replied, \u201cThere is someone currently in Virginia City, someone I knew when I was in college, that I prefer not to meet again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes dropped. \u201cLet\u2019s just say that this person never brought out the best in me and leave it at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho is this person?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned away. \u201cThe devil has many names, Pa.\u201d His spine stiffened. He drained the brandy from his glass and set it down with a loud clunk. \u201cI\u2019ll be leaving early in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou expect this person to be gone before you return?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI expect so. After all, patience is a virtue, and there is no trace of virtue in the person we\u2019re discussing.\u201d He looked once again at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell me a devil is in town and expect me. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA private devil only.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw the plea for understanding in his son\u2019s eyes.\u00a0A man should be allowed some privacy, even some secrets<\/i>. He sighed. \u201cFine. Perhaps we should make a list of things to be checked.\u201d As they turned to walk toward the desk, Ben\u2019s arm slipped across Adam\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe waiting on Joe or eating without him?\u201d Hoss asked as he hung his hat on the rack beside the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour younger brother has once again left word that he will be dining in town.\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s voice held an edge of irritation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThird time already this week if I ain\u2019t mistaken.\u201d Hoss strode across the room to stand beside his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are not mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m figuring it must be a gal.\u201d Hoss saw agreement in his father\u2019s face and continued, \u201cThing is Little Joe usually has a lot more to say about a gal he\u2019s courting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he has not mentioned her name to you either?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and that has me wondering; what with. . .\u201d Hoss\u2019s gaze wandered about the room, and he shifted from one foot to another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now, it\u2019s just, well, Harvey was saying. . .see I met up with Harvey when I went into town for the mail, and he said, well, now you know Harvey\u2019s as much a gossip as some of them old biddies at church . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shifting again, Hoss responded to the demand inherent in his father\u2019s tone, \u201cWell, Harvey said that Little Joe\u2019s been squiring one of the hotel\u2019s guests around town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA hotel guest?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, a lady named Cummings. Harvey says she\u2019s been at the hotel near two weeks and Joe\u2019s been hovering the better part of that time. Says she\u2019s a real beauty, a real high-toned kind of lady from back East.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing an odd emphasis on the word, Ben asked, \u201cA lady?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think Harvey was pointing out that she weren\u2019t a girl, that she was older than Little Joe. He kinda seemed to think Joe was, well… not that she\u2019s. . .well, it\u2019s just that she\u2019s older than Little Joe, and, well, nice, but, well, older and from back East and all. Harvey says Joe\u2019s spending his money pretty free too, but then like I said Harvey\u2019s a gossip so…\u201d As he spoke, Hoss watched the expression on his father\u2019s face darken. \u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s nothing to fret over, Pa. Harvey said she seemed like a fine lady, and you know how Little Joe is about a pretty face.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know exactly how your younger brother is about a pretty face, and I intend to discuss this pretty face with your brother when he returns tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa, I didn\u2019t mean for you to get all het up and start in on Joe just \u2018cause he\u2019s sparking a gal we don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t intend to start in on your brother, Eric. There were several things I had already planned to discuss with him including how his trips to town are interfering with his responsibilities here on the ranch. Now, I simply intend to add finding out more about this young woman to the list.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, well now, just maybe, the thing to do would be to have Joe invite her out to the ranch, so you could meet her.\u201d Hoss ventured even though he had taken note of his father\u2019s use of his given name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that point, Hop Sing called out a demand for dinner to begin, and conversation switched to business matters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Little Joe saw the light shining from the window above his father\u2019s desk as he rode into the yard. He tended to Cochise carefully and slowly and then exited the barn. When he saw the light still shining, he squared his shoulders and strode to the door. Pulling it open with jerk, he walked in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to watch his youngest son divest himself of his hat and gun belt before speaking. \u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe swallowed hard and then answered, \u201cYes, Pa?\u201d He rubbed his hands on his pants as he turned toward the alcove. \u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d still be up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am sure you didn\u2019t,\u201d Ben commented before saying firmly, \u201cI would like to speak with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sliding a smile onto his face, Little Joe took a stab at postponing the inevitable. \u201cWouldn\u2019t it be better to talk tomorrow, Pa, seeing as how we both need to be up early?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ben pointed to the chair in front of his desk, and Joe crossed the room. He paused to smile at his father once again as he took his seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you need to speak to me about, Pa?\u201d Joe asked without voicing his final aside.\u00a0As if I didn\u2019t know!<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrow lowered into a v as he fixed Joe with a stern glare. \u201cThere are several concerns I wish to discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConcerns?\u201d His voice had grown sheepish, and Little Joe slid down slightly in the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have been shirking your responsibilities, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa, I…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was not a question. You have been shirking your responsibilities here on the ranch leaving others to take up your slack.\u201d Little Joe decided it was better not to speak, and Ben continued, \u201cPartly this is due to your being overtired from constant rides into town and late-night returns. You have taken to eating in town as often as you eat here.\u201d Joe opened his mouth but closed it without speaking because what his father said was basically true. \u201cYou have made sure that you departed before I arrived home and seem to think an off-handed, second-hand comment about not being here will suffice night after night. Would you like to explain what you are doing in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not doing anything wrong, Pa,\u201d Little Joe responded with a slight degree of indignation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leaning forward, Ben demanded, \u201cExplain to me what you are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe licked his lips and swallowed. \u201cI\u2019m seeing someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat girl?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t know her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben expression darkened. \u201cAnd why haven\u2019t you remedied that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The question surprised his son. \u201cUmm, I, umm, well. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a reason you have not introduced your family to this girl? Why you have not invited her and her family to meet yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe doesn\u2019t have any family in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA young girl on her own in Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she\u2019s not. . .I mean she\u2019s, well, she\u2019s old enough to take care of herself.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s chin had sunk, and his eyes, though constantly moving, saw mainly the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would not view a seventeen-year-old girl as old enough to make her way alone in Virginia City except under the direst of circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe not seventeen; she\u2019s older.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice held a silkily threatening tone. \u201cHow much older?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, I\u2019m not sure.\u201d He gave a weak smile. \u201cYou don\u2019t go asking a lady her age, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned back in his chair without his body losing an ounce of its rigidity. \u201cSince she is on her own, I take it she is of age?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I suppose so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes my memory fail me, Joseph, or were there seventeen candles on your last birthday cake?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe knew the question was rhetorical and simply gave a nod of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen this person you have been shirking your responsibilities for is over four years your senior.\u201d Ben\u2019s tone had turned cutting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa, it\u2019s not. . .she\u2019s not. . .if I\u2019ve been shirking, it\u2019s not her fault.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice had risen in volume.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to raise my voice, sir. It\u2019s just, well, you\u2019re not being fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I am sure you will consider my next statement even more unfair. Still, you would do well to remember that I am your father and obey me.\u201d Ben stood and glared down at his son. \u201cYou will not leave the ranch for any reason without my express permission until I decide otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe shot to his feet. \u201cPa! That\u2019s. . .you can\u2019t mean that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI most certainly do. Do not test me on this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I…\u201d Little Joe read his father\u2019s face and reigned in his anger. \u201cPa, please, can\u2019t we discuss this. I know I\u2019ve been taking, well, some shortcuts with my work and all and getting in late too often. I promise I\u2019ll change that, but, well, you haven\u2019t even met Katherine, and it\u2019s not right for you to keep me from seeing her just because she\u2019s older than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve made my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re treating me like a child.\u201d Joe raised his head and stuck out his chin. \u201cWhat if I…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben did not even let him finish. \u201cIf you defy me, boy, you will learn several more ways that I can treat you like a child. You are my son, Joseph Frances Cartwright, you live under my roof, and you are not yet of age. You will obey me, Joseph. It would be best if you did so from the first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe spun on his heels. He looked toward the door but stomped to the stairs and mounted them two at time. Ben opened his mouth to shout a reprimand but closed it with a sigh instead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss heard Joe\u2019s door slam and debated going to his brother, but some things Harvey had said that Hoss had not mentioned to his father made him lie down on his bed with his arms behind his head staring at the ceiling and wishing his older brother was there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Very little was said at breakfast the next morning, and it was not until lunch the next day that the matter was again addressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at this son\u2019s plate and watched the fork move the food around aimlessly. He raised his eyes to study Little Joe\u2019s face and sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d The tone was listless but held a shading of resentment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will be working with the horses for the army this afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. Their schooling will be finished in plenty of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Silence settled once more over the table. Then Little Joe spoke softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine expects me tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Setting down his fork and picking up his napkin, Ben replied, \u201cI\u2019ll send word to her that you will not be coming.\u201d He looked at his son expecting anger instead Joe spoke in an even softer voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want to shame me, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShame you? I have no desire to shame you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSending a hand to tell her I can\u2019t come like I\u2019m some little kid being punished.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s humiliation was readable on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took in a breath and released it slowly. \u201cPerhaps it would be better for you to write a note explaining that your responsibilities on the ranch prevent you from coming tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr any other night?\u201d Joe\u2019s words were bitter. Then he turned a pleading look on his father. \u201cWhy, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe is too old for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t even know how old she is!\u201d Joe\u2019s anger propelled his chair away from the table. \u201cYou don\u2019t tell Adam who he can see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brothers are both of age.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe was on his feet. \u201cAnd when I\u2019m of age?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will be afforded the same privileges as your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut until then you choose my playmates, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reigned in his own anger and answered evenly. \u201cIf you wish to write a letter to this woman and explain your absence in your own way, you may do so, and I shall see it is delivered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy thank you, Pa.\u201d The sarcasm dripped from his words as Little Joe slapped his napkin onto the table. His farther watched him mount the stairs. It did not occur to Ben that he might want to read exactly what was written by his son to the mysterious Katherine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cI missed you last night.\u201d Katherine\u2019s voice was softly chiding. \u201cI do so hate to dine alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe shifted. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Then he smiled pleadingly. \u201cAm I forgiven?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bringing her manicured finger to tap against her chin, Katherine gave him an appraising glance. \u201cAre you ready to do penance for your transgression, young sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving an imperceptible wince at the word\u00a0young<\/i>, Little Joe answered lightly, \u201cNow that would depend on the penance.\u201d He watched her finger tap once again against the milk-white skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see; what would be appropriate?\u201d Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. Little Joe, who had been stretched out beside the blanket that held their picnic, rose to his knees and set a hand on each side of her waist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA kiss or two perhaps?\u201d He pulled her closer and without waiting for her agreement settled his mouth on hers. With his second kiss, she melted into his arms. The end of the third found her lying on her back with Joe hovering above her. She gazed up into his eyes and ran her tongue over her parted lips. When he started to lower his face to hers, she put her finger against his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI forgive you.\u201d Her lips curled teasingly. \u201cIf you do any more penance, sir, we\u2019ll both have to seek atonement.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe uttered a soft moan but pulled away settling into a seated position beside her. Katherine continued to lie watching the clouds above their heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re beautiful.\u201d Little Joe uttered the simple compliment as he gazed down at her face. Katherine accepted it without comment. She settled her arms beneath her head and sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could stay here forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeside the lake or in Virginia City?\u201d Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn this moment,\u201d Katherine replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She opened her eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve never cared for being alone. Shall I be alone to night, my Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Biting his lower lip, he shifted his eyes from her face. \u201cI… that\u2019s why I asked you to come out here today, Katherine. I couldn\u2019t come into town last night, and I won\u2019t be able to come tonight either.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy. . .\u201d He bit his lip again. \u201cI have family responsibilities, Katherine. Please understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sat up and fingered the cloth of her skirt. \u201cOh, I understand, Joe. Most surely, I do. It\u2019s just that I so enjoy your company, and I thought you enjoyed mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do. Oh, Katherine, I hate the thought of not seeing you, but I just can\u2019t come into town tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow night?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s chin dropped to his chest as his fingers plucked grass from the ground. \u201cNo, I…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d The words snapped, and she turned to look out over the lake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine!\u201d Joe reached out, but she eluded his touch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to understand too, Joe Cartwright. I mean it when I say that I cannot stand to be alone night after night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The threat was there in her words, and Little Joe read it easily. He spoke without realizing, \u201cI can\u2019t be seen in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning to face him, Katherine asked, \u201cWhy can\u2019t you been seen in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Embarrassment made Little Joe shift and give a sheepish grin. \u201cIt\u2019s just. . .\u201d He shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s just, well, my pa, he, well, he took issue with too many late nights in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean too many late nights with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reached for her, and this time she allowed his hands to rest on her arms. \u201cNo, not really, he doesn\u2019t even know you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he knows about me or thinks he does. Adam. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not like that. He knows I\u2019ve been seeing someone, and, well, it\u2019s my fault really. I\u2019ve been shirking my responsibilities, and that got his dander up. He\u2019s put his foot down about me eating at home and getting a good night\u2019s rest is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook. I\u2019ll toe the mark for a bit, and he\u2019ll get over it. Then I\u2019ll introduce you to him, and he\u2019ll see. When he knows you, he\u2019ll understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how long am I to sit alone waiting?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He read the challenge in her eyes. \u201cI could come later tomorrow. Not for dinner but later and we could. . .\u201d His cheeks flushed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She leaned toward him. \u201cTalk in my rooms away from prying eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled and leaned toward him. The bargain was sealed with a kiss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was too far away to hear any of their conversation, but he saw both the first and the last kiss before he turned Chubby back toward the ranch house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss watched his little brother eat supper and chewed slowly on both his steak and his thoughts. When Joe excused himself from the table, Hoss quickly offered a game of checkers. Little Joe pled weariness and less than a half-hour later said goodnight. Hoss\u2019s eyes followed Little Joe up the stairs. When Joe disappeared, Hoss felt his father\u2019s eyes on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHas he talked to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, he ain\u2019t, and I don\u2019t really expect he will, Pa. This ain\u2019t like when he was a little kid fussing with you over what he wanted to do. \u2018Sides, well, something like this, about a gal and all, well, he\u2019d be more likely to talk to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe is far too young to be involved with someone so much older.\u201d Ben\u2019s tone made his statement a matter beyond discussion. \u201cBut you may be right that this is something he might discuss most readily with Adam, and perhaps in a few days when your brother returns, Little Joe will be more ready to be reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, Pa.\u201d Hoss rose to his feet. \u201cSeeing as how there ain\u2019t gonna be no checkers tonight, I might as well get repairs done on some of that tack that\u2019s been piling up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you don\u2019t have to…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I think I will. If I get to going, I might be in late, so I\u2019ll say good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, son.\u201d Ben returned to his reading of the\u00a0Territorial Enterprise<\/i>\u00a0as his son walked out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss returned after the lights in the windows told him his father had retired to his room. He walked through the downstairs and prepared the house for the night. The he settled himself in his own bed. If he had not been awake and listening, he would not have heard Little Joe leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maybe I should have told Pa about what I saw<\/i>. Hoss chided himself.\u00a0Maybe I should just get up and haul his little hinny right home<\/i>. Hoss sighed.\u00a0Ain\u2019t many things I\u2019d straight-out face-to-face defy Pa over, but if he told me not to see a gal, well…\u00a0<\/i>Hoss rolled over and stared into the dark.\u00a0Adam will be home in a few days. Even Pa said it would be best for Adam to talk to Joe. I\u2019ll just talk to Adam first<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Adam stared down at the ranch house.\u00a0Surely, she\u2019s gone. Like I told Pa, patience was not one of her virtues. She might have come \u2026\u201d<\/i>\u00a0Adam pushed the remainder of the thought from his mind as he had repeatedly over the weeks he had been gone. He did not think that Katherine would have approached his father with a tale of their lost love, but the thought that she might have still prodded him like a hot poker. What version of the truth would she have told him?<\/em> His chuckle was dry and mirthless. If she has told him anything, it will mean I have to tell him what I did.<\/em> He chuckled again and heard the voice of a schoolmate whose name he had long ago forgotten,\u00a0Skeletons, Cartwright my good fellow, when shoved into closets, rattle loudly and pop out at the most inconvenient times.\u00a0<\/i>His heels touched Sports flanks and tugged at the pack horse\u2019s lead. The horses eagerly moved toward home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re back!\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice carried a degree of pleasure that struck Adam as rather too deep for the circumstances.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. The trip went well.\u201d He swung his leg and dismounted. \u201cThings go well here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe ranch is fine. I\u2019ll see to the horses for ya.\u201d Hoss reached for the reins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Noting his brother\u2019s words and the expression in his eyes, Adam shook his head. \u201cYou can do Sagebrush; I\u2019ll see to Sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was quick to agree. \u201cOkay.\u201d He led the pack horse into the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers worked efficiently and without speaking. When the chore was complete, Adam said, \u201cI guess I better go in and report to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, Pa\u2019s in town. Probably won\u2019t be back until supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused at the door and looked back at his brother. \u201cHadn\u2019t you better tell me what the trouble is before then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did want to talk to ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam searched his brother\u2019s face but saw no warning of trouble for himself. He braced for it anyway. \u201cWhat about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recognizing his own relief, Adam silently cursed himself. \u201cWhat\u2019s he gotten himself into this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s this gal…\u201d Hoss began and watched Adam roll his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t know her. She\u2019s new in town and older than little brother. When Pa heard all Joe\u2019s trips to town were to squire her around, well, he put his foot down and told Little Joe he had to stay on the ranch and see to his responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised I didn\u2019t hear Joe howling!\u201d Adam delivered his comment with a smirk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, umm, thing is. . .\u201d Hoss reached up to scratch his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe didn\u2019t…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, he has more sense than that, but . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, next day he had her out for a picnic.\u201d Hoss scratched his neck again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich Pa didn\u2019t know about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNobody knows; I just happened to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam studied his brother\u2019s face as his hands slid into his armpits. \u201cJust what did you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA little sparkin\u2019 is all. I was a bit away, and they didn\u2019t hear me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t talk to Little Joe?\u201d Hoss shook his head. \u201cShe\u2019s older. Is that all you know about her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s been staying at the International Hotel. She\u2019s real pretty and from back East, least that\u2019s what Harvey said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The color slowly left Adam\u2019s face. He forced one more question from his completely dry throat. \u201cWhat\u2019s her name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine Cummings.\u201d Hoss had been staring at his hands and did not observe the changes in Adam\u2019s face and demeanor. When he did look up, he exclaimed, \u201cAdam? What in tarnation! Adam!\u201d Hoss reached out, but his brother stepped back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything more?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe\u2019s been sneaking out the past two nights.\u201d The words were a low mumble, and Hoss jammed his hands into his pockets. \u201cI thought maybe you could talk to Joe.\u201d When Adam did not answer, Hoss added, \u201cI\u2019m afraid, well, if Pa finds out. . .well, Pa sees Joe as a kid…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a kid!\u201d Adam snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but he\u2019s feeling a man about this and . . .I think Pa taking it out on his hide, well, this time I think it would, well, make things worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Worse! Brother, you don\u2019t know how bad things are let alone how much worse they could get.\u00a0<\/i>Adam managed to keep his observation from actually leaving his lips, but Hoss was now watching his elder brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I told you; now you tell me why you\u2019re looking like I just whupped ya up aside the head with an ax handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Katherine Cummings.\u201d It was a flat statement, but Hoss saw the shadows in his brother\u2019s eyes and recognized them. Shame was something he had seldom seen there, and its presence chilled Hoss to the core. The silence lasted several seconds. Then Adam said, \u201cI\u2019ll deal with it. Just don\u2019t say anything to anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d Hoss\u2019s agreement was automatic but brought no relief. For his elder brother, fixing things and dealing with them were horses of different colors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe slipped into the barn and closed the door behind him. He struck a match and lit the lantern turning the wick as far down as possible. Hanging his dim light on the appropriate hook, he strolled over to Cochise\u2019s stall. \u201cHey, boy,\u201d he whispered softly and patted the nose that turned toward him. Then he turned to grab his saddle from its stand and stopped breathing. His eyes grew to resemble those of a barn owl as he swallowed hard before uttering a single word, \u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s hands moved from his armpits to his hips. \u201cGoing for a ride, little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, well, umm, I . . . I came to check on Cooch.\u201d Little Joe gave a slight shrug and a sheepish smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he looked like he\u2019d be more comfortable with his saddle on?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice went from silky to sharp. \u201cSince when do you think you can get away with lying to me, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just going for a ride. You like to ride at night, you know!\u201d Little Joe went from a nervous stammer to weak indignation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were headed into town.\u201d Adam\u2019s glare demanded that Joe acknowledge the fact.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe.\u201d Little Joe shifted nervously. \u201cBut I could just go back upstairs now, I guess.\u201d He took two steps forward before Adam stepped directly into his line of retreat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe talk first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to talk about.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s attitude had become slightly surly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf we have nothing to talk about, I\u2019ll have to have my discussion with Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d The word shot out of Little Joe\u2019s mouth. \u201cIf you want to talk, I guess we\u2019ll talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam motioned for Joe to take a seat on an overturned barrel and leaned his own body back against the half-wall of the nearest stall. Joe complied and dropped his eyes to the straw-covered floor. When Adam did not speak, Joe kicked at a clod of manure and straw and demanded, \u201cWhat did they tell ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor one thing, I know Pa forbade you to leave the ranch without his express permission. Two, I know that you\u2019ve been sneaking out. Three, I know why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you already know everything, what\u2019s there to talk about?\u201d Little Joe raised his head and jutted out his chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA great deal, little brother, including the foolishness of disobeying Pa. You\u2019ve beat the odds up to now, but we both know that even if I cover for you tonight that won\u2019t last much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo don\u2019t!\u201d Joe retorted and sprang to his feet. \u201cPa\u2019s got to learn that I ain\u2019t a little kid anymore!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen stop the tantrum!\u201d Adam straightened and stepped closer to his brother. \u201cYou\u2019re seventeen, you\u2019re not of age, and our Pa is still quite capable of whipping you in a fair fight before he takes a belt to your behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe surged forward in fury but stopped short. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t fight Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt least you haven\u2019t completely lost your senses.\u201d Adam\u2019s tone was one that Joe had heard often, and it popped his anger like a pin in a balloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s not being fair; he lets you and Hoss pick the gals you court,\u201d Little Joe whined kicking at another clod.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine Cummings is not a girl; she\u2019s a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m a man. I do a man\u2019s work, and. . . .<\/p>\n

\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard this song before, Little Joe, so spare me. Katherine is . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cToo old for me. I\u2019ve heard that before too, so you can spare me.\u201d Joe started toward the door, but Adam caught his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe twelve years your senior, buddy; hell, she\u2019s six months older than me.\u201d Adam watched the surprise slap Joe speechless. \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful as beautiful as she was years ago in Boston, but time has passed for her as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe swallowed his shock and retorted, \u201cI don\u2019t care how old she is; it doesn\u2019t matter. Just because you knew her and got mad at her…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat has nothing to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Joe could be as sarcastic as Adam when he chose to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s next words held his most acerbic tone, \u201cDo you really want to spark a woman old enough to have changed your diaper and wiped your runny nose? One who was pleasing men before you were wearing britches?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saw the punch coming, dodged it, grabbed his brother\u2019s arm, and pinned the boy against the stall wall. Joe struggled for a minute and then stilled. \u201cLet me go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam loosened his hold and stepped back. \u201cHow far has it gone between you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe took in a ragged breath before he spit his answer at Adam\u2019s feet. \u201cKatherine\u2019s a lady!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew his brother well enough that the words and the look in Joe\u2019s eyes allowed a small tendril of relief to uncurl in his chest.\u00a0You won\u2019t believe it if I tell you otherwise, will you, baby brother, not unless I tell you how I know. I\u2019d rather face the devil than do that<\/i>. He glared down at Joe and spoke calmly. \u201cThen a gentleman wouldn\u2019t risk sullying her name with clandestine visits in the night. There are folks in Virginia City with both sharp eyes and sharper tongues.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s gaze flitted nervously about the barn. \u201cI want to court her in the open, Adam. It\u2019s just Pa; he doesn\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSneaking out like a kid set on playing a prank is not the way to convince him of your maturity.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot about tonight, not if you walk back into the house and go to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA man would go to Pa tomorrow and ask him to at least meet Katherine, to allow me to invite her here.\u201d Little Joe spoke to his own conscience as well as to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe may allow her to dine here, but there\u2019s a snowball\u2019s chance in Hades that he\u2019ll change his mind about you courting her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe raised his eyes to his brother\u2019s. \u201cI know. Still, it\u2019s what a man would do.\u201d Joe straightened his shoulders. \u201cI won\u2019t be sneaking behind Pa\u2019s back anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d With that single word, Adam slipped his arm around his brother\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0And if I can help it, Katherine will be gone before you can issue that invitation of yours.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Adam left for town before sunrise. He took a table in the back corner of the hotel dining room, ordered coffee, and sent his message upstairs with one of the maids. Stretching out his legs, he leaned back in his chair and waited. When she walked into the room, every male head turned to look, but then every male always looked when Katherine Cummings entered a room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Adam, so good to see you.\u201d Her soft voice floated out to the onlookers, but their attention drifted back to their own concerns as Adam politely rose and seated her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s answer was pitched to carry only to her ears. \u201cSorry I can\u2019t say the same, Katherine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally.\u201d Her voice was still cheery and clearly audible. She turned from Adam as the server came to the table. \u201cI think only coffee this morning.\u201d The server nodded and left. Katherine dropped her voice to a more conspiratorial level. \u201cThis is hardly the place for a private conversation, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you we would never be alone again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would have thought you\u2019d be more concerned than I about listening ears.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the gossip about me might as well be true.\u201d His voice remained cool, but the volume was still low.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine glanced around the sparsely occupied room and matched her volume to his. \u201cHave you heard any interesting gossip since your return?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Adam could answer, the server arrived with Katherine\u2019s coffee. They studied each other across the table until she departed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would have thought you\u2019d left boys behind at your age, Katherine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shrugged lightly. \u201cHe\u2019s charming, and he adores me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd will be heart-broken when he finds you have left, but I\u2019m sure that his heart will mend quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A smile played on her lips at Adam\u2019s assured tone. \u201cDid yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Making a dismissive gesture, Adam sipped his coffee. \u201cThere is a stage leaving this afternoon. I\u2019ll take your farewells to Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine shook her head. \u201cI enjoy Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you need traveling expenses, those can be arranged.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyebrow rose. \u201cTraveling expenses? Marriage would supply money for many more expenses and an adoring companion as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarriage? I seem to remember an impediment to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had time to divorce me.\u201d Katherine smiled. \u201cI\u2019m sure he has. That is one thing you could say for the old dog; he always did what he said. Besides, he wouldn\u2019t want me to have any rights to his money if he ever gets around to dying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t seriously think that my father would allow Joseph to marry you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould he prevent it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe can prevent you from having any more money than Little Joe could make as two-dollar-a-day cowhand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can be quite charming to old men as well.\u201d She laughed softly, \u201cMy husband proved that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould never leave his grandchild destitute.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrandchild?\u201d This time the soft laugh was Adam\u2019s. \u201cThere isn\u2019t any way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her smile was cold. \u201cI can see to it there is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother would never take my leavings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surprise widened her eyes. \u201cYou\u2019d never tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rose and stared down at her. \u201cIf you are still here when the sun sets, I shall.\u201d He saw in her eyes that she believed him and walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine watched his departure, and her finger came up to tap against her chin.\u00a0Then I have until sunset<\/i>. She smiled slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe!\u201d Hearing his name, Joe turned to locate the source. One of the newer hands walked up and handed him a folded sheet of paper with only his name on the outside. Little Joe recognized Katherine\u2019s handwriting even before the scent of her perfume reached his nostrils. \u201cThanks, Jake.\u201d He tapped the note against his chin. \u201cTake a break, fellas. In fact, let\u2019s take a real early lunch.\u201d The hands helping Joe at the breaking corrals exchanged surprised looks, a few shrugs, and some smiles. Little Joe was after all the boss\u2019s son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, boss.\u201d \u201cAll right!\u201d \u201cAin\u2019t gonna argue with that.\u201d The comments floated towards Joe as he walked in the opposite direction from the men. When he was out of sight, he stopped, settled his back against a tree, and broke the seal on the note.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dearest Joe,<\/em><\/p>\n

I have to see you today. If you have any feelings for me at all, you will meet me where we picnicked that lovely afternoon. I shall wait for you there with hope in my heart. Come to me, or I shall know that it is farewell forever.<\/em><\/p>\n

Your Katherine<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe read the words four times before he stuffed the note in his pocket. His father and Adam had both been gone when he came down for breakfast even though he had beat Hoss to the table. He had told himself that lunch or even supper would do for speaking to his pa about Katherine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, I\u2019ll go see if Pa is home. If he is, I\u2019ll tell him. If he\u2019s not, well, it\u2019s not sneaking if I leave word for Pa that I\u2019ve gone to talk to Katherine<\/i>. The decision made he headed towards the house pushing the thought from his mind that his elder brother might somehow have something to do with Katherine\u2019s demand to see him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Katherine had dressed carefully for their meeting. She had chosen to look as young, as innocent, and as fragile as an ensemble could make her. She placed herself carefully in the shade of the grove and spread her skirts around her. When she heard his horse, she smiled and then hid her grin behind a lace handkerchief. As Little Joe walked toward her, she let her eyes fill with tears. When he went to his knees in front of her, she looked at him through dewy lashes and reached out beseechingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was so afraid you wouldn\u2019t come.\u201d Her voice was soft and liquid. She dropped her head so that her large, brimmed hat shadowed her face and then placed her gloved hands in her lap. \u201cHe tried to pay me to leave. He thinks I\u2019m….\u201d A sob left her throat. \u201cTo think he could believe I\u2019m that kind of woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe reached out and gently brought her to him. \u201cWho?\u201d Tried to pay you? Katherine, what are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine controlled her sobs well enough for her next words to be very clear. \u201cAdam tried to pay me to leave Virginia City and never see you again. I knew the moment he said it that I didn\u2019t want to live without you in my life. I knew I had found the man I wanted. . .\u201d She stressed the word\u00a0man<\/i> and then let her voice falter. \u201cThat Adam of all people would think I would choose money like a…\u00a0 a common…\u201d She buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! He wouldn\u2019t. . . He. . . I\u2019ll. . .\u201d Little Joe\u2019s fury grew, but mindful of Katherine in his arms he fought for control.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, he\u2019s your brother. I wouldn\u2019t want. . . Oh, Joe what should we do?\u201d She lifted a tear-stained face to his view, and he brought his hands to hold it gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill you marry me, Katherine Cummings?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill they let us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say you will be my wife, the devil himself won\u2019t be able to keep me from marrying you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She brought her arms up, settled her hands in his curls, and raised her mouth to his. \u201cYes,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time Hoss had not accidently witnessed Joe and Katherine; he had heard his brother telling Hop Sing where he was going and purposely followed. Hoss rode into the grove when he saw that more than schoolboy passion was melding the two together. He had to speak twice before they broke apart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe loosened his hold on Katherine and looked up to see his brother staring down at them. \u201cHoss!\u201d There was surprise and sheepishness in the exclamation but more indignation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPardon me, ma\u2019am, but I\u2019ll be speaking with my brother.\u201d Hoss kept his voice as steady as he held his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe was on his feet shouting in seconds. \u201cHow did? You followed me, didn\u2019t you! Talk, I\u2019ve nothing to say to you, to any of you. If you think, you can stop me. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During Joe\u2019s tirade, Hoss simply dismounted and came to stand directly in front of his brother. \u201cI can put you on that horse conscious or not. I can take you home. I can keep you there until Pa comes.\u201d He reached out, grabbed Little Joe\u2019s shirt, and lifted until Joe\u2019s toes barely touched the ground. \u201cOr we can talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the first time in his life, Little Joe looked at his middle brother through the red haze of rage. He struck out, but Hoss had learned how to pin smaller men with quickness, ease, and no damage. Little Joe found himself being held immobile. He continued to struggle until a wave of embarrassment drenched his anger. \u201cLet me go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa ready to talk?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d The word was bitter, and he spat it from his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll let ya go. Now I\u2019m trusting ya to help the lady into that buggy and not take any foolish notions about trying to race off.\u201d Hoss released his hold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine,\u201d Little Joe said, his humiliation keeping his eyes from finding hers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go, Joe. If, well, there is a stage leaving late today. Speak to your family and decide. I\u2019ll be at my hotel until the stage leaves.\u201d She rose and walked to the buggy. Little Joe came to help her. As she took his hand, she whispered softly, \u201cAdam feels I spurned him, Joe. Don\u2019t believe everything he says of me.\u201d He lifted her into the buggy, and seconds later she was driving out of the grove.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe turned to glare at his brother. \u201cI\u2019ll never forgive you for shaming me like that.\u201d He walked to Cochise, mounted, and rode toward home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sipped his beer and waited. He spent the time phrasing and rephrasing the words he would use to tell Little Joe about Katherine\u2019s departure. Even more difficult, he sought the best way of telling his family about his relationship with Katherine should she fail to leave on the evening stage.\u00a0Only the truth and all of it will stop him!<\/i>\u201d He took a swallow of beer and considered ordering whiskey for his next round.\u00a0Oh, yes, a drunken confession would be just the thing<\/i>. He banged the mug onto the table and appreciated his own sarcasm. He listened to his father\u2019s voice in his head, \u201cYou\u2019re the eldest, Adam. You set an example for your brothers and always will, rather you want to do so or not<\/i>.\u201d \u201cYes, Pa, I know,\u201d he mumbled even though his father was not present.\u00a0Will you understand, Pa? Surely you don\u2019t think I\u2019m like Caesar\u2019s wife, above reproach and pure as the driven snow<\/i>. He chuckled drily and without mirth.\u00a0No, I don\u2019t suppose you do, but I\u2019d like to allow you and my little brothers to maintain some delusions<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright. Now I haven\u2019t seen you in a coon\u2019s age.\u201d Adam looked up to see Harvey Biddle walking toward his table. Harvey called to the bartender and took a seat across from Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been a spell, Harvey. How have things been?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFair, fair to middling. Business at the hotel is good. Some interesting guests too.\u201d Harvey accepted his beer from one of the saloon girls and took a large swig.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting guests?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike that high-toned Miss Cummings? Not too many fine ladies from back East come out here on their own.\u201d Harvey took a second swig. \u201cBut then, well…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what?\u201d Adam could hear the innuendo in Harvey\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith Cartwrights for, umm, friends.\u201d Harvey shrugged and took another drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bit off a retort and asked calmly, \u201cHas Mrs. Cummings settled her bill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSettled her bill?\u201d Harvey sputtered in surprise. \u201cShe told you she was leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was under the impression that she was taking the afternoon stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she didn\u2019t say anything to anybody at the hotel, and seeing how she had Fred arrange for the livery to rent her a buggy for the day…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA buggy!\u201d Adam\u2019s posture stiffened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAsked him about sending a note out the Ponderosa way too.\u201d Harvey\u2019s lips settled into a smug grin as he watched Adam Cartwright rise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to excuse me, Harvey.\u201d Adam managed to keep his voice nonchalant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Adam, of course.\u201d Harvey sipped his beer and watched Adam\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam mounted Sport. Mentally he cursed both Katherine and himself. Managing to keep his horse at a walk, he maneuvered through the crowed city streets but sunk in his heels the minute they achieved the open road.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s your fault, Cartwright!\u00a0<\/i>Adam chided himself. Then his father\u2019s voice added to the mental scolding. \u201cLies of omission are as bad as any other, son, and can cause as much harm<\/i>.\u201d Adam\u2019s sardonic grin was directed at himself. Lies of omission had always been his deceit of choice. Then Ben Cartwright delivered his final mental order,\u00a0it\u2019s your mess, boy; now clean it up<\/i>!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shouting became intelligible as Adam rode into the yard where saddled horses and Cartwrights populated the area in front of the ranch house. He watched Little Joe break free of their father\u2019s hold on his upper arm, back up, and explode with rage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re my father, but you\u2019re not God! How can you judge her? You don\u2019t even know Katherine.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice was hoarse with fury.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I do.\u201d Adam\u2019s statement carried to his family\u2019s ears, and each head turned to see Adam swing down from Sport. Both Joe\u2019s and Ben\u2019s mouths opened to speak, but Adam continued in the same cool yet forceful tone. \u201cKatherine Cummings, Mrs. Horatio Alistair Cummings of the prominent Boston Cummings.\u201d Adam did not see the surprise that came into Hoss\u2019s and Ben\u2019s eyes because his gaze was reading his younger brother. \u201cShe told you that she was married.\u201d Adam made it a statement, but Little Joe replied anyway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, she\u2019s a widow.\u201d Joe\u2019s attention was now settled on his older brother. He took a step toward Adam that managed to radiate defiance. \u201cMy mama was a widow when Pa married her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Adam could reply, Ben exclaimed, \u201cI wasn\u2019t seventeen!\u201d Neither son responded to his words, their focus being solely on each other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf Katherine is a widow, she doesn\u2019t know it. Her husband was alive and in good health when she left him. She may or may not be divorced.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDivorced!\u201d The word burst from Ben like a volcanic eruption.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou. . .\u201d Joe growled the syllable. \u201cShe said you\u2019d lie.\u201d He spat the words at his brother\u2019s feet as his hands curved into fists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ignored the insult but stopped advancing and kept his eyes on his brother\u2019s hands. \u201cWhat I say is provable. It will take a few days perhaps, but it is easily proven who is lying.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s entire body signaled his intention, and Adam was able to sidestep his brother\u2019s attack. Hoss and Ben both moved forward as Little Joe turned and advanced toward Adam again. In seconds, Little Joe found himself pinned by his middle brother\u2019s massive arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss spoke softly into his little brother\u2019s ear. \u201cWe agreed to talk. Now, it\u2019s time to go inside and do just that.\u201d Joe bucked and tried to break Hoss\u2019s hold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drew in a deep breath and reined in control. \u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at his father and then at Adam. Recognizing his position, he stilled, and Hoss released him. \u201cDamn you all,\u201d he declared before he turned and walked into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa.\u201d The name came from both Adam and Hoss. Though the tone was different, the request was the same.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held onto his self-control. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk.\u201d He followed his youngest. Hoss exchanged a look with Adam. Then the two of them walked into the house together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe had slammed his body into his brother\u2019s favorite blue chair, crossed his arms, and taken on the posture of a sulky but defiant seven-year-old. His body delivered the message that they could make him stay and hear but they could never make him listen. Ben stood in front of the fireplace as Adam came to stand behind the settee. Hoss moved himself into position beside Little Joe\u2019s chair. Ben surprised his youngest by addressing his eldest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew this woman in Boston?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam placed both hands on the back of the settee. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs she the person we spoke of before you left?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied as his fingers tightened their grasp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused to review in his mind the statements his son had made in that discussion thus allowing Little Joe time to interject, \u201cShe spurned him, Pa. That\u2019s why he hates her. He tried…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swung his attention to his youngest. \u201cYou will allow me to finish speaking with your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s chin dropped to his chest as he shut out his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned back to Adam. \u201cShall we do this question by question, or would you rather just tell us what we should know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam released his hold on the settee and slid his arms across his chest. He glanced over at Little Joe and then turned back toward his father. \u201cYou might want to sit down, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seated himself on the hearth and then sent his son a look that declared procrastination was no longer acceptable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI meet Katherine my last year in college. We didn\u2019t travel in the same social circles. I met her at the cemetery, in fact. I knew only what she told me of herself. I spent a great deal of time with her. I allowed her to distract me from my studies. I fought with Grandfather.\u00a0 I…\u201d Adam paused in his toneless recital to swallow the bitterness the words brought to his mouth. \u201cI fell in love with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head snapped up. \u201cBut she didn\u2019t love you! That\u2019s why. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOn the contrary, little brother, she told me many times that she loved me. What she failed to tell me was that she was married. She was young; she seemed so innocent; I never even wondered…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe was a married woman?\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes were burning as he fixed his eldest with a powerful glare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe married Horatio Cummings when she was fifteen. He was fifty and quite wealthy; she had been his ward since she was ten.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no wonder,\u201d Little Joe leaned forward, and Hoss\u2019s hand settled on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned toward his brother to deliver the next blow. \u201cNo wonder that she took her first lover at sixteen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The growl that issued from Little Joe\u2019s throat was feral, but Hoss managed to keep him in the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will hear Adam out.\u201d Ben\u2019s pronouncement filled the room. Little Joe glared at them all but did not speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Keeping his eyes on Little Joe, Adam swallowed and continued, \u201cShe was practiced at keeping secrets when we met. It was nearly four months before I found out who she really was, that she was married, that she had no intention of leaving her husband, that I was not the first.\u201d Adam took several steps closer to Little Joe. \u201cI didn\u2019t just listen to gossip, Joe. Katherine admitted it all to me.\u201d Little Joe struggled against Hoss\u2019s restraint and then went still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou broke it off?\u201d Ben\u2019s question demanded an affirmative answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam schooled his face and answered, \u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0Don\u2019t ask how long that took, Pa<\/i>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did she come to Virginia City?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice had grown low and harsh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe ran away from her husband. That\u2019s all I know about it except that she said he planned to divorce her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did she come here?\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe wanted to. . .to renew our relationship.\u201d Adam straightened to his full height and looked directly into his father\u2019s glare. \u201cI told her that would never happen. I left on my trip. It never occurred to me that she would sink her teeth into Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben decided that the rest of his questions could wait until he was alone with Adam. He turned his attention to his youngest. Little Joe sat slumped in his chair as if something had drawn all the air out of his body. The simple truth was that he had not been able to continue to fight the knowledge that his brother would never stand and outright lie to his family. Ben walked over and stood looking down at his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you believe your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have seen this woman for the last time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stood. He stared over Ben\u2019s shoulder at Adam. \u201cDid you, did you and she. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCommit adultery?\u201d Adam finished for him. Little Joe nodded slowly. \u201cYes, yes we did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe twisted away and dashed up the stairs. Adam turned to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t matter if he sees her again; like I told Katherine, Joe will never settle for my leavings.\u201d He spun on his heel and strode out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Lord!\u201d Hoss spoke for the first time since entering the house. Ben hoped God viewed the words as a prayer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Katherine heard the rapping on her door and walked slowly across the room. One of the maids stood in the hallway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, ma\u2019am,\u201d the girl began and then held out a wrapped paper packet. \u201cMr. Cartwright asked me to deliver this to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine took the packet. \u201cWhich Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, ma\u2019am. Will you be needing anything more?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you tell Mr. Cartwright I\u2019ll be down in a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, ma\u2019am.\u201d The maid bobbed a slight curtsey and departed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Katherine untied the string and pulled back the paper. Setting the money and tickets on the dresser, she smoothed her hair and applied perfume before she went downstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned against the banister at the bottom of the stairs. Katherine stopped on the next to the last step.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe stage tickets can be used tomorrow or any day thereafter.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was coolly smooth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAny day?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt really doesn\u2019t matter anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her finger tapped the wood of the stair rail. \u201cYou told him everything?\u201d Adam only gave a single nod in reply. \u201cAnd he believed you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my brother, Katherine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shrugged and came down the final two steps. Less than an inch separated them as she tilted her face to his. \u201cI could have had him many times before you returned. Do you know why I didn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt certainly wasn\u2019t out of respect for his youthful innocence.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her voice was airy and light enough to float. \u201cI love you, Adam; I did, and I do love you.\u201d She rose on her toes to place her lips against his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking a single step back, Adam looked down into her eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re exquisite, Katherine, the most exquisite woman I have ever known, but you\u2019re damaged goods. Far too damaged and far too highly priced.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She broke the gaze that tied them. \u201cI could still…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever.” He caught her chin in his hand and held it tight. \u201cIf you try to see Little Joe again, I\u2019ll crush you, Katherine, and I don\u2019t think there is anyone around who will bother to sweep up the pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had known that his father would be waiting when he came home. That was the reason he had limited himself to only two drinks though those drinks had been sipped very slowly. He was not even surprised when his father came out to the barn as he unsaddled Sport. Adam patted the horse and turned to face Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs there significance to your choice of setting?\u201d Adam asked with a wry grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Ben answered and paused before saying, \u201csymbolically, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Adam dropped his eyes to the ground and allowed his right hand to tug his left ear. \u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry, ashamed and sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked closer. \u201cYou\u2019re old enough to deny me the answers to my questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyes. \u201cThe truth is bad enough, Pa; I\u2019ll not have you imagining worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbel never wrote a word about Katherine to me. I even reread his letters this evening to make sure I hadn\u2019t missed…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrandfather didn\u2019t know, well, most of it. He only knew some girl had turned my head. When I found out about her marriage, and, well, the rest of it, I did everything I could to keep that from him. I suppose he thought he could handle the problem and needn\u2019t worry you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d Silence followed Ben\u2019s declaration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pivoted so that his back was to his father before he spoke again. \u201cJust ask me, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you, after you knew she was a married woman, did you…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Ben knew that his son spoke the truth, but still he was aware that Adam had turned away to hide something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He closed the space between them and placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. Softly he asked, \u201cBut you wanted to?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice was raspy with emotion. \u201cI still wanted her, even knowing it all, I still wanted her so much I ached.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His fingers squeezing the shoulder beneath them, Ben ordered gently, \u201cForgive yourself, Adam Stoddard Cartwright.\u201d Adam\u2019s head turned toward his father. \u201cThe Cartwright family tree has no saints, son, none before you were born. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd most definitely none after.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard the tone he desired and smiled. \u201cNo, not after either, though sometimes that middle son of mine. . .\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI could tell you a few stories, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you could if you were willing to incriminate yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged his agreement; then his face grew serious again. \u201cIf I had told you or if I had warned Little Joe. . .I was just too ashamed. . . too. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure I would condemn you?\u201d There was self-condemnation in Ben\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, that\u2019s not the right word. I didn\u2019t want you. . .I didn\u2019t want to lose your respect. I didn\u2019t want Little Joe to. . . well, this wasn\u2019t exactly a case of me being a shining example.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed a hand on each of Adam\u2019s shoulders. \u201cYou have been a fine example for both your brothers. If Little Joe becomes a man such as you, I shall go to my reward a proud and contented man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI learned from you, Pa. So have Hoss and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother will need help with the rest of this lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShould I talk to him tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNot tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Hoss looked down and watched his brother enter the barn. He was not surprised when he saw his father walk across the yard and enter the barn after Adam. He made his decision. Entering Little Joe\u2019s room without knocking, he paused to let his eyes grow accustomed to the darkness. Little Joe was stretched out on his bed with his arms behind his head; he was still but not asleep. Hoss closed the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not planning to run off, are ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019ve got a brother who could track a ghost across a rock barren.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss strode to the bed and pushed Little Joe\u2019s feet over, so he could sit. \u201cThat the only reason?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike I\u2019ve been told quite a bit lately, I\u2019m not of age. You all made it pretty clear just what that means.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice still held a sharp edge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d rather we didn\u2019t care?\u201d The question hung in the air between them. Hoss waited for a time before he continued, \u201cYou\u2019re our little brother, Short Shanks, and Pa\u2019s baby, ain\u2019t no way of getting around that, not if we all live to be more than a hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t mean you get to treat me like I\u2019m five.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, it don\u2019t. It\u2019d be easier if it did.\u201d Hoss shifted and leaned closer to his brother. \u201cIf I could\u2019ve done it another way, I would\u2019ve.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said some real mean things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd ya meant \u2018em at the time, but that time\u2019s past,\u201d Hoss declared firmly.\u00a0Even if it\u2019s true that a piece of you won\u2019t never forgive me for what ya felt<\/i>. He accepted the thought and put it aside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe drew his knees up beneath his chin and rested his arms on them. \u201cAdam hadn\u2019t told you, well, about everything. When you came to get me. . . how did you know? You hadn\u2019t even met her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I told Adam who you were sneaking off to see, when I said her name, he didn\u2019t say nothing about her, but I can read that brother of ours real well, and it was there, it was in those eyes of his.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come I couldn\u2019t see it!\u201d The question snapped with anger. \u201cI knew he knew her; I knew he wouldn\u2019t talk about her, didn\u2019t want Pa or you to know about her letter. How come I couldn\u2019t see there had to be a reason? I just let her. . .I just. . .she made me feel. . .\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice broke and faded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe used ya, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I loved her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome love is like the plants that grow year after year; some\u2019s like the flower that only has a season and dies. The truth should have killed this one.\u201d Hoss waited for a response, but Little Joe simply lowered his chin. \u201cYa know, little brother, some mighty pretty things hold a poison. A body has to learn which ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared through the faint light. \u201cHe could have just told me, Hoss.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s gaze dropped again. \u201cHe would\u2019ve just told you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, maybe not. I\u2019m still his little brother.\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cIf I was twice my size, Adam would still see a little brother standing there. Sometimes Adam just takes being eldest brother too much to heart. You know that, Joe. Of course, some of that can be laid at Pa\u2019s feet. Adam\u2019s done heard a durn lot about being a good example.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa didn\u2019t know either.\u201d There was a spark of anger in Little Joe\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa just knew enough about the world to know full-grown women aren\u2019t looking for a future with them as ain\u2019t full-grown.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I ain\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached out and settled a hand on his brother\u2019s leg. \u201cJoe, there ain\u2019t one moment, one hour, one day when ya go from boy to man. A body stays between hay and grass a good long while, a person\u2019s spirit even longer.\u201d His hand patted Little Joe\u2019s leg as he spoke. \u201cCould be a man is something ya never get finished with becoming.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa… I cursed him, Hoss.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice had lost its anger and grown very young.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThings are gonna take some setting to rights.\u201d This time his fingers gave a gentle squeeze. \u201cHave we got things right between us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Hoss rose, but Joe reached out and grabbed his hand. \u201cAdam…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe and Pa are setting things right out in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the barn?\u201d Just a touch of smugness lightened the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and I\u2019m thinking that will be enough for the both of them tonight. Rest of it might best wait until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow? I wanna ride up and, well, talk to Mama tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya go early, I\u2019ll make sure Pa knows ya didn\u2019t take off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Little Joe released his brother\u2019s hand. He watched Hoss move toward the door. \u201cI\u2019m gonna learn how to break that hold of yours one day, ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you wish!\u201d Hoss chuckled and ducked the pillow Little Joe threw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben started to enter Little Joe\u2019s room, Hoss stepped into the hall with his shirt and pants still unbuttoned. Clearing his throat, he announced, \u201cPa, um, Little Joe\u2019s not in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa, it ain\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen what is it like?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss opened his mouth to answer but paused as Adam entered the hallway. \u201cPa, Little Joe he wanted to talk things out.\u201d Hoss saw the question forming on his father\u2019s lips and said quickly, \u201cUp at the lake by Mama\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Ben\u2019s anger departed at the thought of Little Joe visiting his mother\u2019s grave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe left real early; I don\u2019t think he slept much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe talked to you before he left?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe talked last night. He\u2019s not half-cocked no more. He\u2019s not gonna do nothing foolish.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not?\u201d Adam\u2019s eyebrow rose with the corner of his lip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing anymore foolish than usual.\u201d Hoss smiled. His brother and father had been standing next to each other for a full minute, and he had sensed no strain between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, I guess we could keep Hop Sing happy and eat a decent breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eyeing both his sons, Ben stated, \u201cI\u2019ll see the both of you at the table when you\u2019ve finished dressing.\u201d The chiding tone in his voice was completely normal. Adam waited until Ben had started down the stairs before he looked at Hoss and rolled his eyes. Hoss rolled his in return and then turned toward his door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, wait a minute. I… I want. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned back toward his brother. \u201cLast time I thought you were perfect; I was about four; since then, you\u2019ve had to settle for pert near.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and when you use to drag me along into trouble, ya sunk down to pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I dragged you into trouble? I never had to drag you, little brother; I always got you to come along willingly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned. \u201cI guess ya did. You and Joe both could do it anytime ya tried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached out and placed his hand on Hoss\u2019s arm. \u201cIt\u2019s not that I thought. . .well, it was never a matter of trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Hoss rested his hand over Adam\u2019s. \u201cYou gonna ride up to talk to Joe?\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cThen let me get dressed. I\u2019m getting powerful hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I\u2019m getting powerful hungry myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made no attempt to conceal his approach but simply rode up, dismounted, tied Sport next to Cochise, and sat down beside his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I would have told her.\u201d The unexpectedness of Adam\u2019s statement turned Little Joe toward his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have told Mama about Katherine?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cAfter I got her promise to never tell Pa. She did promise not to tell a few times, not many, but a few.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think she would have said?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to face his brother; a wry smile coming to his lips. \u201cShe would have blistered my ears and then blamed it all on Katherine. Now with you, she would have gone straight to blaming Katherine. Come to think of it, if there are such things as ghosts, Katherine\u2019s got a lot to worry about.\u201d His gaze turned back to Marie\u2019s headstone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head dropped, and his fingers plucked at the grass. \u201cShe made a fool of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe made a bigger one of me, and I was older.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told Pa you were lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI deceived him by omission.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe risked a teasing tone. \u201cWell, that ain\u2019t really nothing new.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s tone matched his brother\u2019s. \u201cThere have been plenty of times you\u2019ve been glad that I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe shrugged. \u201cNeither of us cares for being in Pa\u2019s bad books.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice had grown serious. \u201cIf I had thought for a moment that Katherine, well, I would have told you, warned you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a little kid, Adam; you can tell me things you couldn\u2019t when I was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s some things I\u2019m never going to tell you willingly, little brother, but fair is fair, so there\u2019s some things I\u2019m not going to expect you to tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s voice became a whisper, \u201cI would have.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed and focused on the blue of the lake. \u201cThey\u2019re wrong, you know, when they say after the first time \u2018He\u2019s a man now\u2019. You\u2019re no more a man after than you were before; sometimes you\u2019re less.\u201d He cleared his throat and continued, \u201cIf there\u2019s no feeling then you might as well be a stallion standing to stud, and if there is, well, the thing is, it\u2019s a joining, and no matter what that joining stays between you.\u201d He forced himself to turn his gaze to Joe\u2019s face. \u201cPa said there aren\u2019t any saints on our family tree. The Bible says it\u2019s a sin, but then it\u2019s one among many. What I\u2019m telling you, brother, is that it\u2019s not, it never should be a thing done lightly.\u201d Adam turned his eyes quickly to stare again at the lake. \u201cRemember that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss says there are pretty things that have a poison in them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told her she was damaged goods.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStill, she didn\u2019t let…\u201d Even though there was no one else in miles, Joe\u2019s voice had dropped to a whisper. Adam bit back his answer and simply shrugged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you hate her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swung his eyes back to his brother. \u201cThat depends on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t then; I ain\u2019t gonna bother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both watched a bird sail out over the water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss said you and Pa talked last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe did. Things are settled.\u201d Adam tossed a pebble toward the lake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf things got settled in the barn does that mean ya took your punishment and got forgiven?\u201d Little Joe\u2019s tone had lightened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lips turned up. \u201cPa was forgiving from the start. Guess the statute of limitations had passed on my transgressions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe bit his lower lip. \u201cThere\u2019s no chance that they\u2019ve passed on mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike you keep telling us, you\u2019re not a little kid anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd like you keep telling me, I\u2019m not of age.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want me to. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, I\u2019m too old to have you hold my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d It was a short acknowledgement but a sincere one. Adam stood. \u201cGuess I better get to work then. Pa wants us home for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. See you at lunch then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Hop Sing\u2019s making dumplings.\u201d Adam looked down and gave into temptation. His hand ruffled his brother\u2019s hair before he turned and walked over to Sport. Little Joe just shook his head and tossed the grass in his hand toward the lake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched from his desk as Little Joe hung his hat on a peg, set his gun belt on the credenza, and paused to square his shoulders. \u201cJoseph, I would like to speak with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d Little Joe walked across the room to the chair that had been placed facing his father\u2019s desk. He took his seat as his father walked from behind the desk and came to sit on its edge facing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben studied his youngest son and found not a trace of the defiance he had feared or the bravado he had come to expect. He set down the pen he still held, placed his hand on his knee, and leaned forward. \u201cYou asked this woman to marry you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI loved her, well; I loved who I thought she was. As many times as I said you didn\u2019t know her, it seems I was the one who didn\u2019t really know her at all.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s gaze descended to his hands and settled there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s nothing to me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen, if there is no possibility…”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s chin snapped up. \u201cWe didn\u2019t, Pa; we never… I promise we never…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you, Joe.\u201d Ben pressed his lips together, and his fingers curled around the edge of the desk. \u201cWe shall put her behind us then. Still, there are things we need to discuss, son. You need to realize…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI realize a lot of things I didn\u2019t yesterday, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut do you understand the realities of the situation?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe realities?\u201d Little Joe repeated the words with confusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cDo you know what sometimes causes me the greatest worry when it comes to your future, Joseph?\u201d It was not the question Little Joe had expected, and it drew his eyes to his father\u2019s face. \u201cIt is not that you seldom recognize impediments or that you charge forward even when you do; it is the fact that you do so not because you decide to overcome them but because you simply brush them from your mind as inconsequential. Did you think about how you would provide for a wife? Would this woman have been satisfied living on your wages? They are the only money to which you have access.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t… I didn\u2019t think about money, not like that… I thought we loved each other. Money just\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s words sputtered, and he shrugged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMoney is a reality, Joseph. You, boy, have had very little reason to worry over that reality in any meaningful way, but I assure it is one of the realities that must concern a man when he takes a wife. Did you think that if you brought her here already your wife, a\u00a0fait acompli.<\/i>…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice stopped his father even though it was barely more than a whisper, \u201cYou would have turned us away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was on his feet and for the first time in days his touch on Joe\u2019s shoulder was warm and gentle. \u201cNo, no, never! Little Joe, this is your home, and I would never turn you or any woman you married away.\u201d Ben\u2019s hand moved to lift Joe\u2019s chin as it had so often when he was a child. \u201cSon, please understand that I want for you a wife that will find a place not just within these walls but within this family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want that too, Pa; I thought. . .\u201d Little Joe shifted uneasily, \u201cI was thinking like a kid, I guess, but I felt like you all, well, that you were treating me, thinking of me, as a child, and when you saw I was a married man that you\u2019d realize. . .\u201d Little Joe\u2019s chin dropped to his chest. \u201cHoss says no one thing makes you a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother is right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t act like a man.\u201d Little Joe chewed on his lower lip and took a long, slow breath. \u201cI can\u2019t even say I defied you. I didn\u2019t stand up to you like a man, I snuck around like a kid; I disobeyed you.\u201d He paused, stood, and wiped his hands on his pants. \u201cI disobeyed you, and I know what you said the consequences would be if I did.\u201d His hands rubbed against his pants again. \u201cI\u2019m not as much of a man as I thought and you\u2019re my pa and I accept that I earned, well, whatever you decide.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rubbing his chin, Ben spoke in a low and even tone. \u201cI have decided I need to deal with the man in you, son, instead of the child. In some ways that may be less painful, but in others it may be more. I expect better of my sons than deceit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I forgive you.\u201d He squeezed Little Joe\u2019s arm and said, \u201cThat is the easy part.\u201d Moving away from his son, Ben Cartwright seated himself behind the massive desk. \u201cJoseph, we have discussed deceit and trust before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know we have, and I know, well, I\u2019ll have to prove myself to you, prove that I\u2019ve learned, that I\u2019ve grown up, well, at least that I won\u2019t,\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice broke. He swallowed and looked at his father, \u201cI know there\u2019s things I won\u2019t be allowed, and now you\u2019ll check to make sure I don\u2019t. I understand, and I\u2019ll try hard, Pa; that\u2019s all I can promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all I ask.\u201d Ben smiled, and Joe managed to return a shy smile of his own. \u201cYou\u2019ve some making up to do around here when it comes to your work responsibilities. I expect to see extra effort in those areas.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe tried a slightly lighter tone. \u201cAll the barn chores are mine for a while, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlong with your other responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I better get to it then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter lunch will be soon enough.\u201d Ben pulled the open ledger toward him. \u201cYour brothers will be here for lunch.\u201d The question beneath the statement was clear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve talked to Hoss and to Adam, Pa. We. . . I know that they, well, they\u2019re my big brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something deep inside Ben relaxed. \u201cAnd always will be,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, \u201cLittle Joe agreed with a giggle. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure Hop Sing knows it\u2019ll be the whole family for lunch.\u201d Joe turned and started toward the kitchen but stopped after a few steps. His voice was soft and boyish when he asked, \u201cPa, you ain\u2019t, I mean. . .you\u2019re not, well, ashamed of Adam, are you? \u2018Cause. . . Pa, he just…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am not ashamed of any of my sons. I may at times be disappointed in their behavior as I have often been in my own, but none of you has ever made me truly ashamed.\u201d The rich warmth of Ben\u2019s voice seemed to wrap around his son. Joe turned to look at his father but did not speak. \u201cJoe, I have been proud many more times than I have been disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo have we, Pa. Lots and lots more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A bang from the kitchen startled them both, and the sound of irate Chinese shouting set them both chuckling before Joe went to deliver his message and satisfy his curiosity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~()()()()()()()()()~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned from the credenza and scanned the room. \u201cWhere\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking up from the ledgers, Adam replied, \u201cHe went upstairs to bed earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was plum tuckered out, Pa,\u201d Hoss interjected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d Ben glanced up the stairs and walked toward them. As he passed his middle son, Hoss\u2019s touch caused him to pause.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t done nothing but work for a good while. He\u2019s wearing out.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was a whisper. He glanced toward the desk where Adam was once again working on the books. Lowering his volume even further, he added, \u201cAdam too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few seconds, Ben nodded and changed direction walking over to the table that held the liquor decanters. \u201cI think I\u2019ll have a brandy. Would either of you like something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied as he stood. \u201cI think I\u2019ll head to bed myself.\u201d He walked to the bottom step and paused to say goodnight to both his father and brother before ascending.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben repeated his inquiry, \u201cA brandy, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I want to finish the books.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow will be soon enough.\u201d Ben walked over to the desk with a glass in each hand. \u201cAdam, do you intend to punish yourself as long as I punish Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took the brandy. \u201cIs that what you think I\u2019ve been doing?\u201d Ben\u2019s only response was a raised eyebrow, so Adam shrugged. \u201cHow much longer will Joe\u2019s day be filled with extra chores?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis work responsibilities go back to normal tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the rest of his punishment?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe will not be leaving the ranch for a while yet.\u201d Ben sipped his brandy slowly. Adam raised his own eyebrow. \u201cUntil after next week,\u201d Ben conceded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sipped his own drink. \u201cAnd the checking on his every move?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs not a punishment. The rigor with which I supervise your brother will decrease as I feel appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam acquiesced. Changing the subject, he asked, \u201cDid you get the mail while you were in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBefore the meeting.\u201d Ben gestured toward the credenza. \u201cIt\u2019s over there.\u201d He finished his brandy with a single swallow. \u201cI think I shall join your brothers in retiring for the night. How about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll sort through the mail first. I want to see if there\u2019s anything from Peters about that lumber contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe lumber contract will wait until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I\u2019ll just sort the mail and check to see if anything\u2019s there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee that that is all. If you\u2019re truly not sleepy, try reading something.\u201d Ben knew how long it had been since Adam had read anything for pleasure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Ben a wry smile. \u201cSure, Pa. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam retrieved the mail, sat down behind the desk again, and began sorting the letters into stacks. He stopped when he came to a fat packet labeled with only his name. Immediately recognizing the handwriting, he stared at it for a full minute before draining the brandy glass he had set aside earlier. Taking a deep breath that brought the scent of her perfume to his nostrils, he broke the seal and drew out a stack of bills and a folded piece of paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam,<\/em>
\nUsing the tickets was a necessity, and, after all, it was your desire that I leave. As to the money, well, let us just say that I did not earn it. The past is the past.<\/em><\/p>\n

Katherine<\/em><\/p>\n

PS Some of the memories that remain are still sweet.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The paper fell to the desk.\u00a0Sweet memories, Katherine?<\/i>\u00a0Adam rose and strode across the room to pour another brandy. He brought the liquor to his lips and swallowed its warmth in deep gulps. He turned and walked across the room and out the door. Standing on the porch, he felt the night air cool his cheeks. He leaned against the wooden support and closed his eyes, as the chill seeped into his muscles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nights in Boston could be chilling even in June, and he tugged his suit coat closed as he leaned against the lamppost. He studied the house across the street catching glimpses of the interior through the lighted windows. She was in there, she and her husband. He had seen the husband earlier when Cummings had returned to the house. The man had never wronged him, but the sight of Horatio Cummings had filled him with a bitter hatred. Was it because Cummings had wronged Katherine by taking her innocence? A pigeon cooed, and he shrugged deeper into his jacket. No, Cummings had not wronged him; he had wronged Cummings, and he wanted to worsen that wrong. He straightened and crossed the road barely avoiding being struck by a carriage. Walking up to the door, he lifted the large brass knocker and let it fall. When the butler opened the door, he asked to speak with Mrs. Cummings.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what. . .how could you come here?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what I said, but. . .\u201d He reached out then let his hands fall back before he touched her. \u201cDivorces are possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDivorce!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you are free, we could marry and go home. Pa would welcome us, and… There are thousands of miles between here and there, Katherine. People need only know what we tell them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou would lie for me. After your tirade about honesty, my upright Adam Cartwright, you would take me to your ever-so-honorable father and lie.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe needn\u2019t lie. There won\u2019t be an inquisition. There are simply things we shall not tell.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A cold and cutting laugh rose from her lips. \u201cYou think Horatio would release me quietly. Your grandfather would read all the sordid details, I\u2019m sure. He might well feel the need to inform your father.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can. . .I can make Grandfather understand, and Pa… it won\u2019t be easy, but. . .\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe will forgive you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd allow us to live on that ranch of yours.\u201d Katherine\u2019s eyes were as cold as her voice. \u201cHoratio would never allow me to leave with more than the clothes on my back. Do you expect me to give all this up for a ranch in the wilderness?\u201d Her hand swept around her gesturing toward the furnishings in the lavish drawing room where they stood.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had known then that she would give up nothing for him even though he would have given up so much of true value for her.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A night bird called, and the breeze sent a shudder down his spine. He turned and walked inside. When he reached the desk, he took her note, crumpled it, and tossed it into a waste basket. Picking up the money, he turned, went to his heels, and unlocked the safe. Setting the stack of bills inside, he closed the door firmly and twirled the dial.\u00a0At least there is truth in one thing you said, Katherine. The past is the past<\/i>. He banked the fire, put out the lights, and mounted the stairs. Instead of reading, he lay in bed and planned a hunting trip for himself and his brothers. A hunting trip, after all, did not require anyone to leave the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0Her scent brought back memories Adam refused to share. Her arrival in Virginia City meant he would have to face them. warning: contains adult themes and references \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0MA\u00a0 Word count:\u00a018358<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":15227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008,690,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-ma-rated","category-romance","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-690-id","wpcat-3-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2554,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/220px-Old_North_Church_Boston_1882.jpg?fit=220%2C275&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9502,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9502","url_meta":{"origin":7643,"position":0},"title":"The Scent of Roses (by EPM)","author":"EPM","date":"April 30, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Adam remembers a special moment of his youth. 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