{"id":832,"date":"2004-06-19T11:35:20","date_gmt":"2004-06-19T15:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=832"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:34","slug":"relatively-peaceful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=832","title":{"rendered":"Relatively Peaceful (by Claire)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>When Cousin Clarissa returns, she encounters an unexpected adversary.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+ (4,505 words)<\/p>\n

Relative Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Relative Values<\/a>
\nRelatively Festive<\/a>
\nRelatively Peaceful<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Relatively Peaceful<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marie looked around the living room and stifled a small sigh of dismay as she surveyed the chaos that surrounded her. With Hop Sing away visiting one of his many cousins in San Francisco, things were definitely starting to fall apart, slowly but surely. Her life seemed to be unravelling around her and Marie had to suppress a feeling of panic.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it too much to expect your brothers to take their belongings upstairs?\u201d she groused to her baby son, corralled on the safe haven of the sofa with a barrier of cushions. Joe gurgled happily and watched with interest as his mother started heaping abandoned toys, books and even an old sock into a large wicker basket. His attention was grabbed by the whirring of the grandfather clock, preparatory to striking the hour and Joe struggled to turn around and pull himself up, holding tight to the back of the sofa. He was fascinated by the clock and crowed in delight each time it chimed. He bounced up and down merrily, crowing with glee and chattering excited nonsense.<\/p>\n

His mother did not share his joy. \u201cNearly time to start preparing lunch!\u201d Marie sighed, picking up the baby before he bounced off the sofa. \u201cAnd then there will be the dishes to wash and dry and put away, and there is a huge pile of mending and after that, I\u2019ll have to get dinner ready\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice trailed off miserably at the prospect of this never-ending list of chores that stretched ahead and Marie dropped her head so that her cheek rested on the baby\u2019s small head. Instead of comforting her, the feel of the downy, golden-brown curls just made her feel even worse. \u201cI don\u2019t have enough time for you either!\u201d she sobbed and tears began to trickle miserably down her cheeks. Joe looked up in amazement and patted her face softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat on earth is the matter?\u201d a familiar voice enquired.<\/p>\n

Marie looked up and began weeping in earnest. Ben strode over to his wife and held her tightly, patting her on the back and making understanding noises until she began to calm down. Then he led her upstairs, and persuaded her to lie down and rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of everything! You just lie here quietly and cuddle Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie nodded wearily and closed her eyes with gratitude. Ben watched her for a moment and his heart constricted as he saw how tired she looked \u2013 why had he not noticed this before? How could he be so insensitive? Internally berating himself, he closed the door softly and went back downstairs to prepare lunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa!\u201d Hoss carolled, running in at full tilt. He stopped abruptly and looked askance at the unusual sight of his father with an apron around his waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep it down!\u201d Ben pleaded. \u201cYour Mama is trying to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ve taken over kitchen duties?\u201d Adam asked, just managing not to smirk at the spectacle.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the meantime,\u201d Ben agreed evenly. \u201cJust until I can make other arrangements.\u201d He smiled at the youth. \u201cWould you go upstairs \u2013 quietly \u2013 and bring Joseph down for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and scurried away as silently as possible. What on earth was wrong with Marie? She wasn\u2019t ill, was she? Was that why Pa looked so harried? Fighting down a panicky feeling, Adam tiptoed into the large bedroom and retrieved his baby brother, who greeted him with a sleepy smile and the unmistakeable aroma of a diaper that badly needed changing.<\/p>\n

Hoss did not look particularly impressed at this change in arrangements. \u201cWhat\u2019s for lunch?\u201d he enquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cSandwiches,\u201d Ben replied shortly. \u201cCheese sandwiches.\u201d He braced himself for the outburst.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t like cheese!\u201d Hoss wailed.<\/p>\n

Ben could turn his hand to many things, but he was not an inspired caterer and had done his best to provide a nutritious and filling meal at a moment\u2019s notice. \u201cI don\u2019t care!\u201d he replied shortly. \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019ve made for lunch. Or you can have plain bread and butter, if you prefer. Or an apple. It\u2019s up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss settled himself at the table and scowled as Adam came down with Joe in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he<\/strong> getting? I bet he<\/strong> don\u2019t have to eat no cheese sandwiches!\u201d Hoss grumped. He was still not entirely reconciled to the presence of Joe in his life and was still rather jealous of the baby.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis usual mushy-stuff,\u201d Adam replied with equanimity. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019d enjoy it, Hoss! Best stick with bread and butter, if you know what\u2019s good for you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shot him an evil glare, incensed at the implication he would literally take food out of his baby brother\u2019s mouth. Besides which, he tried some of Joe\u2019s food and found it bland and unappealing.<\/p>\n

Ben took the baby onto his lap, wrapped a napkin around his neck and began feeding him, only half-listening to the squabbling of his two eldest. He was just thankful that Joe was not yet old enough to join in. But that day was rapidly approaching and goodness knows what new battles would break out. Ben smiled down at the baby prayed he would be a quiet, obedient child. Joe gave a happy bounce and then contentedly spat his food back onto his plate, favouring his father with a cherubic smile. Stifling a sigh, Ben scraped it back onto the spoon and wondered when he would get peace to eat his own lunch.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

For several days, Ben kept his sons busy around the house, making sure they helped Marie as much as possible, for just looking after Joe was a full-time and very demanding job, especially now that he crawling. His besotted mother was full of praise for her child\u2019s achievements, but Ben was giving serious consideration to tethering the child to the leg of the sofa, for he was constantly underfoot. Knowing Hoss\u2019 predilection for running into the house without looking where he was going, Ben was fearful for his baby\u2019s safety, having no particular desire to see the youngest Cartwright squashed under his brother\u2019s boots.<\/p>\n

While Marie appreciated the efforts her stepsons were making, she often found herself redoing their chores, for Adam\u2019s attempts at washing the dishes were decidedly sketchy and Hoss\u2019 ideas of tidying up comprised stuffing all his toys underneath the sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never quite realised just what a boon and a blessing Hop Sing was!\u201d she sighed, handing Ben a large bundle of laundry to take into town, along with some correspondence for him to post. It had been over a week since she had left the ranch and while she longed for a change of scenery, there were too many things still requiring her attention for Marie to consider even the briefest of outings. She was briefly contemplating a cup of coffee before starting to peel a veritable mountain of potatoes, when a pitiful cry from Joe sent her rushing pell-mell back to the living room.<\/p>\n

Ben could hear his youngest son\u2019s cries as he rode out of the yard and vowed that something \u2013 anything<\/strong> \u2013 had to be done before Marie collapsed in a frazzled heap. While he, Adam and Hoss were all doing their best, it was not enough and he could see his beloved wife beginning to disappear under the morass of domestic chores.<\/p>\n

**************<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a surprise for you!\u201d Ben whispered through the velvety night air, drawing Marie into a close embrace, cocooned in the privacy of their bedroom, the door shut firmly against any small boys who might venture forth.<\/p>\n

A surprised gasp, expectant with pleasure rustled past his ear, so that all the hairs on the back of Ben\u2019s neck stood up on end.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love surprises!\u201d Marie breathed, and drew her fingertips gently down his bare chest. She melted into his strong grasp, tilting her head back and meeting his lips with a passionate kiss that was returned with equal urgency. In the dim moonlight, she smiled up into his beloved face, so close to her own with a beguiling charm that never failed to move him. \u201cCan I guess what it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

A rumbling laugh reverberated through Ben\u2019s body and echoed in her own being. \u201cYou can try!\u201d A teasing finger eased its way along the curve of her neck and Marie shivered deliciously. There was a whisper of silken fabric as her delicate crepe de chine nightgown was eased slowly over her shoulders and she arose languorously to lean over him, just out of reach of his devouring mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ben!\u201d Her hands flickered invitingly across his flesh, curving irresistibly downwards. \u201cWhatever can I do to persuade you?\u201d<\/p>\n

In an instant, all else was forgotten, as moonbeams danced enticingly across the bedroom ceiling.<\/p>\n

**************<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Shaughnessy, ma\u2019am \u2013 and I\u2019m here to help you in your time of need!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie could feel her jaw hanging slackly and gave herself a little shake. \u201cMy time of need?\u201d she echoed, looking at the strange woman with bemusement, tinged with apprehension. She was so very large and forbidding that Marie felt quite overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing as how that Chinese fellow has up and left you,\u201d the creature explained, striding forward, so that Marie had to take several steps backward or risk being bowled over on her own doorstep. She stood and watched as the plainly dressed woman walked into the house and surveyed her surroundings with interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very kind of you, but\u2026\u201d Marie\u2019s feeble protest was forcibly swept aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing of the sort! Your husband is paying me handsomely for my troubles \u2013 and I can see you need my help! You\u2019re in a sorry state, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaughnessy strode forwards, placed her large, reddened hands on her hips and shook her head as if in disbelief. \u201cDearie me! I\u2019ve certainly got my work cut out here, and no mistake about it!\u201d<\/p>\n

In vain Marie protested: Shaughnessy appeared to be the original immoveable object and simply would not take no for an answer. Within ten minutes she had filled a bucket with hot water and was setting to scrubbing the floors with a large and bristly brush, singing tunelessly as she worked up an impressive lather. After a while, Marie took Joe upstairs and started to change the beds, hoping for a little respite. It was short lived \u2013 Shaughnessy appeared in the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany hands make light work!\u201d she announced, rapidly stripping off a pillowcase, while Joe sat on the counterpane and watched her with wide-eyed and open-mouthed wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty little thing,\u201d Shaughnessy remarked conversationally. \u201cWhat\u2019s her name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis name is Joseph,\u201d Marie protested, but one look from Shaughnessy stunned her into submission.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain’t had much dealing with young \u2018uns. But it seems a crying shame to waste all that lovely hair and those pretty green eyes on a boy.\u201d Having said her piece, Shaughnessy started to strip off the rest of the bedclothes with great gusto and Marie felt it prudent to rescue her child before he was consigned along with them into the laundry basket.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go and get lunch ready,\u201d she ventured and then fled downstairs, where Ben was waiting, arms crossed and a smugly satisfied smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjamin Cartwright \u2013 how could you?\u201d She thumped him twice on the chest, hard enough to make her husband wince. \u201cOf all the interfering, inconsiderate \u2013 MEN! You are impossible!\u201d<\/p>\n

A wounded look greeted her outburst. \u201cI was only trying to help!\u201d Ben protested. \u201cAnd Shaughnessy\u2019s a hard worker and as honest as they come. She may be a bit rough and ready, but her heart\u2019s in the right place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie glared at him. \u201cI don\u2019t care! You should have asked me first \u2013 after all, I\u2019m the one who has to spend time with her, not you. The woman is a menace \u2013 and she thought Joe was a girl! And besides which\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben could sense the hesitation. \u201cYes dear?\u201d he enquired sweetly.<\/p>\n

Marie licked her lips, for her mouth had suddenly gone very dry. \u201cCousin Clarissa\u2019s coming tomorrow,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI wrote and asked for her help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Shaughnessy paused from turning the heavy feather mattress as the inimitable bellow of Ben Cartwright filled the house. Seconds later, the loud wails of his son were heard with equal clarity. \u201cThat boy may be as dainty as little girl, but he sure can bellow like a young bull!\u201d she thought, flipping the mattress over. \u201cAin\u2019t no doubt who his father is, no sirree!\u201d<\/p>\n

****************<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did the right thing, my dear,\u201d Cousin Clarissa said, delicately pulling off her pale grey gloves before sipping her tea. She looked around the room and almost managed to restrain a shudder of distaste. \u201cBut between us, we can sort this mess out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie gave her a tentative smile, while keeping half an eye on Joe who was rolling happily around on the floor, playing with a fluffy ball she had fashioned out of scraps of wool.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bought one or two things for the boys.\u201d Clarissa helped herself to a slice of Madeira cake. \u201cRather dry, isn\u2019t it? Anyway, as I was saying\u2026\u201d Without missing a beat, she bent down and caught the hem of Joe\u2019s dress as he disappeared under the sofa after his ball and pulled the indignant child back out, his face and hands covered in dirt. \u201c\u2026 standards have certainly slipped around here \u2013 the place is just filthy!\u201d She brushed the worst of the dust off his small dress and pressed a piece of the despised cake into Joe\u2019s hands, receiving a radiant smile in return, two tiny white teeth appearing even brighter amidst his grubby face.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d Shaughnessy stalked forward, bristling with indignation and wiping her soapy hands on an old flour sack she was utilising as a serviceable apron.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019ve got someone in to help with the heavier chores,\u201d Clarissa remarked to Marie. \u201cVery sensible. We ladies can hardly be expected to do such things, can we?\u201d Sitting on his mother\u2019s knee, cheeks bulging with cake, Joe bobbed his head vigorously.<\/p>\n

Shaughnessy gave him a sour look. \u201cNever seen such a child for getting into trouble. He\u2019s a handful, that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring her, Clarissa bent forward and patted Marie consolingly on the hand. \u201cIt really is not a good idea to let the hired help become too familiar,\u201d she advised, a wicked gleam sparkling from her eyes.<\/p>\n

Sighing softly, Marie picked up Joe and went off to wash his hands and face, feeling that the battle lines were well and truly drawn and that she was trapped helplessly in the middle.<\/p>\n

***************<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys wipe your feet before you set one foot in this house!\u201d Shaughnessy commanded.<\/p>\n

Hoss shot her a furious look, but wisely held his tongue, but knew that it was pointless to argue with the determined woman. Adam gave her a wide smile, while obediently doing as he was told. It had not taken him long to discover that Shaughnessy\u2019s bark was considerably worse than her bite\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to do that,\u201d Shaughnessy stated firmly. \u201cYou\u2019re gambling on getting another King to make up two pairs, and the odds are against you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam put his cards down on the kitchen table and flashed her an admiring look. \u201cHow did you know that?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Tapping the side of her nose, Shaughnessy gave him a ferocious grin. \u201cI can read your face, boy. Clear as daylight. Plus, I know which cards have been dealt, so I can work out which are left in the pack.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam considered this carefully and then looked at the small pile of matches that lay before him and the much larger pile that his teacher had amassed. \u201cSo it\u2019s partly about mathematics?\u201d he asked.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPartly. And you understand human nature and how your opponent thinks. Plus, you got to have luck. You are either lucky in cards, or you aren\u2019t,\u201d she said firmly, gathering the pack together and shuffling them with dazzling speed. \u201cReady for another hand?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam nodded eagerly, while keeping a wary eye out for his father or stepmother. He was almost certain that they would not approve of a thirteen year-old playing poker. Even if was based on sound mathematical principles. Adam was certain neither of them would think it was educational. But it was fun!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCousin Clarissa!\u201d Hoss charged across the living room and Marie just managed to retrieve Joe from his heedless, thundering path. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you!\u201d He wrapped both arms around the prim lady and hugged her firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow lovely to see you again,\u201d Clarissa said, with an unaccustomed warmth and tenderness in her voice. \u201cAnd I do believe you have grown again \u2013 what a fine, big boy you are!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve lost a tooth too!\u201d Hoss informed her, opening his mouth wide and pointing. \u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarissa delved into her reticule and produced a shiny coin, which she handed across the delighted little boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u201d Hoss had never had a whole dime to himself before. \u201cThanks!\u201d he reached up and gave her a sloppy kiss. \u201cLook Adam \u2013 I\u2019ve got a dime!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLucky you. \u201c Adam could not quite suppress an envious tone creeping into his voice. \u201cGood afternoon, Cousin Clarissa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarissa gave him a cold smile and a formal nod. There was something about the boy\u2019s reticence that rather unnerved her.<\/p>\n

Adam took Joe into his arms and gently bounced him up and down. \u201cHey trouble! What mischief have you been up to today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe tried to eat some of Clarissa\u2019s embroidery silks,\u201d Marie confessed, watching with a fond expression on her face as Joe burbled a stream of happy nonsense to his brother, small arms waving wildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fear the dark-green silk will never quite be the same again.\u201d Clarissa studied the chewed remnant with displeasure. \u201cThat child really must learn some respect for other people\u2019s possessions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tugged at her elbow. \u201cHe threw one of my wooden horses into the fireplace and it got all burned up!\u201d he confided.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat proves my point \u2013 if you don\u2019t do something about that child soon, he will grow up to be completely uncontrollable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam disentangled Joe\u2019s grasping hands from his hair and shifted the baby onto his hip. \u201cWhy can\u2019t you just accept that he\u2019s a baby?\u201d he demanded unhappily. \u201cEveryone else thinks Joe is sweet, but all you ever do is criticize him. Don\u2019t you know anything about children?\u201d He stared angrily at the older woman, his face flushed a deep red.<\/p>\n

Amazingly enough, Clarissa did not react to this furious outburst. \u201cLoyalty and love,\u201d she mused. \u201cTwo very important qualities \u2013 and you have them in abundance, Adam. I can see young Joseph has a stalwart defender.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to Marie, Clarissa gave her arm a little squeeze. \u201cYou and Ben have taught your boys well, my dear, and they do you great credit. I only wish my own parents had been as wise.\u201d Then she hurried towards her bedroom, before anyone could see the tears that sparkled in her eyes.<\/p>\n

***************<\/p>\n

Ben returned home, just as Shaughnessy was wrapping herself in the folds of a voluminous shawl.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s me done for the day.\u201d She looked around the room with a satisfied expression. \u201cReckon we\u2019re starting to make inroads here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s still plenty of work for you to do and lots of elbow grease required,\u201d Clarissa called out. \u201cThose rugs need to be taken outside and given a good beating, to start with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need you telling me my job!\u201d Shaughnessy retorted.<\/p>\n

Clarissa arched a sceptical eyebrow and pursed her mouth tightly. \u201cReally?\u201d Her voice dripped with sarcasm. \u201cThe evidence rather suggests otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see you doing much to help,\u201d Shaughnessy retorted. \u201cExcept poking your nose in where it isn\u2019t required, causing trouble and upsetting everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarissa looked completely taken aback. However, she quickly recovered her composure. \u201cReally! I have never been so insulted!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t never met me before, have you?\u201d Shaughnessy squared off to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t generally associate with scrubber-women!\u201d Clarissa responded, in condescending tones<\/p>\n

Hurriedly interposing himself between the two warring parties, Ben put his arm around Shaughnessy\u2019s shoulders and ushered outside, where her mule was waiting patiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really are terribly grateful for all your help,\u201d he soothed. \u201cYou are a god-send to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat cousin of yours is an infernal nuisance!\u201d Shaughnessy sniffed. \u201cAnd how your wife has the patience to put with her and her interfering ways is more than I can fathom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled weakly, unable to think of a single thing to say in response. This seemed to please Shaughnessy, who poked the mule with her heels and trotted out into the dusk. He walked back into his house, wondering how much longer it would be before Hop Sing returned and restored peace and harmony to the household.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were gonna punch her!\u201d Hoss sounded slightly disappointed that bloodshed had been averted.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lady does not fight,\u201d Clarissa explained. \u201cWhich is a pity. It does rather constrain one sometimes. But I would not resort to using my fists. I have always found that a strong, steel hatpin is a most effective weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam choked down a roar of laughter and looked carefully at his cousin. Was he mistaken or was there the merest hint of laughter in her voice?\u00a0 Could she actually have a sense of humour? Clarissa gazed back blandly at him and Adam began to suspect there was more to her than met the eye.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

Feeling badly in need of a break from hostilities, Marie persuaded Ben to drive her into town with the younger boys.\u00a0 Adam begged to stay at home, as he was currently devouring The Lay of The Last Minstrel<\/em>, a surprisingly thoughtful gift from Cousin Clarissa.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay out of harms way,\u201d Ben advised, cocking his head towards Shaughnessy and Clarissa, who were busily unhooking the prisms from his fireside lamp and bickering over the best way to clean them<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t beat a drop of vinegar in the water!\u201d Shaughnessy maintained. \u201cBrings them up lovely, it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarissa sniffed. \u201cAnd smells atrocious! Whereas lemon juice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa! I reckon I should be safe enough in my room!\u201d Tucking the treasured volume under his arm, Adam took the stairs at a run and flung himself onto his bed and re-immersed himself in Sir Walter Scott\u2019s masterpiece, his mind travelling far from the Ponderosa and the current travails.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure it\u2019s safe to leave Adam?\u201d Marie asked anxiously, trying to restrain Joe who was fascinated by the horses and kept straining forward to try to grab their tails.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s safe enough in his room,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cAnd you need a break from those two, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

His wife sighed and pulled her baby a little closer. \u201cOh, I do! It doesn\u2019t seem like my house any more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben clicked the reins and the buggy lurched forward. \u201cThere\u2019s remarkably little privacy, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

He missed the intimacy of sitting alone with his bewitching wife in the evenings and felt constrained by the continual presence of his cousin. Even when they were alone in bed at night, it was hard to forget that Clarissa was also in the house. If only she hadn\u2019t boasted about how sharp her hearing was – it really was most disconcerting and highly off-putting! Ben gazed mournfully ahead and hoped that there might be some news from Hop Sing awaiting them in town. He really did not think he could endure this state of affairs much longer\u2026<\/p>\n

A rumble from his stomach alerted Adam to the fact that it was well-past lunchtime. Closing his book with a sigh, he went off in search of sustenance. The living room was neat and clean \u2013 but there was no sign of either woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least there\u2019s no sign of blood!\u201d he thought, with a certain amount of relief, and ambled towards the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo pairs \u2013 now beat that if you can!\u201d Shaughnessy proclaimed triumphantly and puffed happily on her clay pipe.<\/p>\n

A positive smirk eased its way onto Clarissa\u2019s face. \u201cI do believe I just might \u2013 with a full house!\u201d She laid the cards down with great relish and gathered in the pot. \u201cMine, I think!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re gambling! With real money!\u201d Adam cold not believe his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we are,\u201d Clarissa said evenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho would\u2019a thought it?\u201d Shaughnessy added. She stood up and offered her hand to Clarissa. \u201cYou play well, for a little old lady from back east!\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarissa took the outstretched hand in a surprisingly firm grasp and shook it warmly. \u201cAnd you are a worthy opponent.\u201d<\/p>\n

She refilled their glasses with Ben\u2019s carefully hoarded sherry and the two women raised them in a silent toast to one another, before returning to their chores.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head \u2013 he would never understand women, not if he lived to be one hundred!<\/p>\n

**************<\/p>\n

\u201cSsshhh! She\u2019ll hear us!\u201d Ben implored, as Marie\u2019s peals of laughter filled the room.<\/p>\n

She could not stop thinking about the story Adam had related on their return from town, for the idea of prim-and-proper Clarissa and raw-boned Shaughnessy reaching such an unlikely rapprochement tickled her fancy greatly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care!\u201d Marie proclaimed happily. She flung herself onto Ben\u2019s chest and darted little butterfly kisses all over, before entwining her fingers in his hair. \u201cAnyway, she\u2019s going home tomorrow and the house will belong to us again!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled her closer, then rolled so that he was leaning over her laughing face, inhaling her tantalising scent\u2026 \u201cI can\u2019t wait that long,\u201d he said hoarsely. \u201cI can\u2019t wait another moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as they were ready to return to the Ponderosa, the stage had arrived in Virginia City, bringing with it the welcome figure of Hop Sing. He had been a little taken aback at the warmth and fervour with which Mr Ben and Missy Marie had welcomed him back, but Hop Sing reasoned that absence really did make the heart fonder. He wondered if he should make more such trips, perhaps on a regular basis? And if they coincided with the visits of Cousin Clarissa, so much the better!<\/p>\n

The cool evening air blew gently in through the open windows of the house, providing a welcome breeze over its weary occupants. An open book lay across Adam\u2019s chest, as he dreamt of heroic deeds. Hoss lay on his back, snoring gently and in the nursery, Joe gazed at the moonbeams that danced across the ceiling and reached out a chubby hand to try to catch the tantalising lights. Next door, Ben and Marie lay closely entwined amidst tangled bedding, their breathing slow and regular. Peace was restored to the Ponderosa\u2013 at least until Hop Sing discovered that Clarissa had kindly rearranged his kitchen cupboards.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrder and regularity is so important,\u201d she advised Hoss, before taking a firm hold of his nose and thrusting a spoonful of calomel into his protesting mouth.<\/p>\n

******End******<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0When Cousin Clarissa returns, she encounters an unexpected adversary.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (4,505 words)<\/p>\n

Relative Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":375,"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":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1526,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":828,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=828","url_meta":{"origin":832,"position":0},"title":"Relative Values (by Claire)","author":"Claire","date":"April 19, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A comedy of manners. 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Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (40,200 words) Bloodlines Series, links to stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Clarissa-07-Ben-and-Clarissa.jpg?fit=470%2C349&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3132","url_meta":{"origin":832,"position":3},"title":"Meeting Clarissa (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 25, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0I always wondered what it would have been like if Ellie had met Clarissa. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (6,485 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":61507,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=61507","url_meta":{"origin":832,"position":4},"title":"A Percolator Conniption (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"January 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: While the Cartwrights are away, Hop Sing plans a massive Spring cleaning. But his blissful time alone is soon interrupted by an unwanted visitor who brings an unexpected gift. Written for the 2025 4th Quarter Chaps and Spurs Challenge. The required words were percolate, earthquake, pipeline, surgeon, amendment.\u00a0 Rating:\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hop-Sing-loses-patience.jpg?fit=234%2C215&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1601,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1601","url_meta":{"origin":832,"position":5},"title":"The Party (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0The Cartwrights are going to have a party for the Giggly Sisters. But who will they invite? A very light-hearted look at this subject. 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