Family Reunion

By Deborah Grant

March 2003

Sheriff Roy Coffee was making his rounds one hot, dusty afternoon in late June and as he walked by the railroad station, he discovered the three Cartwrights, dressed in white shirts and string ties, looking positively euphoric.“Howdy, Ben, Hoss, Joe,” Roy said with a grin. “So today’s the big day, huh?”

“Yup,” Hoss replied with an even bigger grin. “Adam and his family should be here in,” he glanced at the clock above the station doors, “fifteen minutes.”

“Thanks for keeping the news under your hat,” Ben said with a warm smile for his old friend. “We don’t want to overwhelm Bronwen and the girls with a lot of strangers when they get off the train.Now, don’t forget you’re invited to supper tomorrow night,” Ben said smiling warmly. “You and Paul.”

“Wouldn’t miss it, Ben. Lookin’ forward to seein’ Adam again after all these years and to meet his missus and his baby girls. Still have a hard time picturin’ Adam as a father.”

“I just hope he’s not too strict,” Joe added. “When I was a kid, he was worse than Pa. ”

“Dadburnit Joe, Beth and Miranda ain’t gonna be rascals like you was,” Hoss said with a chortle. “Little girls are different.”

“I don’t know about that,” Roy said.“I think if you talk with Charlie Adams or Mark Pengelly, they could tell you a few stories about the mischief little girls can get into.”

“Well, Beth is only a little over two and Miranda only one and a half so I doubt they’ve gotten into too much mischief yet,” Ben interjected. “Although, as I remember, there is something about turning two that transforms the most angelic child into a willful little imp.”

Roy shook his head and laughed at that saying, “See you all tomorrow evening.”

They didn’t have to wait much longer before they heard the train’s whistle. They spotted Adam, who still had the neatly trimmed beard he’d been wearing the last time they’d seen him two years earlier, emerging from a car farther down the platform and hurried toward him. As they watched, he swung an excited child up filling the air with squeals of delight. Hoss got there then and said to his sister-in-law, Bronwen, who was holding their younger daughter, Miranda, “Let me help.” Before Bronwen realized what was happening, he put his hands around her waist and swung her and Miranda onto the platform.

“Aren’t you going to shriek?” Adam asked dryly.

“Perhaps after I catch my breath,” she replied with an impish grin. She noticed her girls staring with big hazel eyes at the three strangers surrounding them. “Beth and Miranda, this giant is your Uncle Hoss.”

“Hi, Sweet Peas,” Hoss said. He couldn’t get over how much Beth had grown. Her thick black hair was almost shoulder-length and she had the chubby cheeks that adults loved to pinch. Her younger sister had her father’s curly black hair but that was all he could see since she’d buried her face in her mother’s neck. “I’m shore glad to see ya.” Beth stared at him with big eyes and moved closer to her father.
.
“This isn’t really the best place for introductions,” Adam said quietly noticing the hurt in his brother’s gentle blue eyes.

“No, indeed,” Ben agreed. “The boys will take care of your luggage and I’ll drive the four of you home in the surrey.”

“We have a steamer trunk,” Adam said to his brothers, “and here is the ticket.”

“What about this?” Joe asked, pointing to the valise at Adam’s feet.

“That has some of Beth and Miranda’s things so we’ll take it with us. See you at the house,” and he quickly hugged each brother with his free arm before offering it to his wife and following his father.


As Ben guided the horses through the steep, crowded streets of Virginia City, Bronwen said over the din, “Matilda and Rhys asked us to tell you hello from them and to thank you for the lovely gift you sent little Llewelyn.”

“After their earlier tragedy,” Ben said somberly, “we were so happy to learn of Llewelyn’s birth.”

“At least Llewelyn is a healthy child and Matilda adores him.”

“Rhys is going to have to be very firm or Matilda will spoil the boy,” Adam interjected.

“You can’t spoil a baby, cariad,” Bronwen reproached him and Ben smiled.

“She’s right, son. Babies thrive on love and attention; you can’t spoil them. And Rhys doesn’t strike me as the sort of man to allow Matilda to turn their son into a spoiled brat.”

“Oh, you’re both right,” Adam said with a self-deprecating chuckle. “I guess I do have a tendency to worry about problems that don’t even exist,” and the other two shared a grin at his expense.


The two girls were silent the first part of the journey from Virginia City to the Ponderosa. Miranda fell asleep in Bronwen’s arms while Beth sat on her father’s lap, staring at Ben under her long lashes and listening to the adults talk. Daddy was happy; Mama was too, but not as happy as Daddy was. Then Daddy spoke to her.

“Look, Beth.This is where Daddy grew up when he was a little boy.”

Beth looked at him suspiciously. Mama seemed to read her mind because she giggled and said, “I don’t think she believes you were ever a little boy.”

The strange man spoke then in a voice even deeper than Daddy’s was. “He was a little boy, Beth. He could be quiet like you are but mostly he loved asking questions. Do you like asking questions?”

She nodded and then pointed to a distant herd of grazing cattle. “What’s that?”

Ben smiled before answering, “Cattle.” He said to Adam, “It’s easy to see she’s a city child.”

Adam gave a snort of laughter and Bronwen snickered. “If you remember, Cloncurry is hardly a city; it’s a very small mining town. Besides, we take the girls for drives in the country on Sunday afternoons. You’ve seen kangaroos, haven’t you, Beth?”

She smiled and said, “’Roos is funny. Jump big jumps,” and she stretched out her arms to illustrate her words.

“Well, Beth,” Ben said, “we may not have any kangaroos but we’ve got little piglets and some baby calves and foals.” Ben’s heart warmed as the little girl smiled and clapped her hands. “You can see your Daddy’s horse, too.” He turned to Adam then saying, “We put Sport out to pasture last summer, but he’s in pretty good shape. Joe rides him sometimes and we all take turns brushing and currying him.”

“Daddy,” Beth said patting his chest, “you gots horsie here?”

“Yes, Princess. Daddy has a horse here.He’s a beautiful horse and his name is Sport.”

“Me wide Spawt.”

“Daddy might let you ride with him.”

“No, me wide,” she retorted, jutting out her little chin, which was a miniature version of her father’s complete with dimple.

“Beth, you are not to contradict Mama and Daddy,” Adam said with a frown. “You know that.”

“I sowy, Daddy,” Beth replied, her eyes filling with tears and her lower lip beginning to quiver.

“All right, since you are sorry Daddy won’t punish you this time. Now, would you like to sit on Grandpa’s lap and let Daddy drive?”

Beth nodded so Ben pulled up and handed the reins to Adam. As soon as Beth slipped off Adam’s lap, she said, “Mama, I gotta go. Pwease, Mama.”

“Take her behind a tree,” Adam said trying unsuccessfully to hide a grin, and Ben couldn’t restrain a chuckle. “I’ll take Miranda.Does she need to be changed?”

“She’s dry right now,” Bronwen replied.

“Could I hold her?” Ben asked.

“Of course,” Bronwen smiled handing him the sleeping baby. Adam, meanwhile, had jumped out of the surrey with Beth. Then he put his hands around Bronwen’s waist and lifted her down with a wink. She took Beth’s hand and ran behind the nearest tree.

Ben looked at his sleeping granddaughter and for a moment his heart stopped. With that oval face, those enormous eyes with their unbelievably long black lashes, and the perfect Cupid’s bow mouth, she was the image of what Liz must have looked like as a baby. “She does look like your mother just as you said,” he stated softly. “You have two beautiful little girls, Adam.”

“They are beautiful,” Adam said with a proud smile. “Now that they’re both walking, we have our hands full. If Nell hadn’t agreed to move to Cloncurry with us, I don’t know what we’d do.I’ll tell you one thing, Pa. Little girls have just as much energy as little boys.”

Ben chuckled but after a few minutes he asked, “What’s taking them so long?”

“Don’t worry.It always takes females longer.See, here they come.”

“And here come your brothers,” Ben said looking down the road.

“We’ll never hear the end of it if they get to the house first,” Adam replied. “Bronwen, Beth, hurry,” he called. Once his wife and daughter were in the surrey, he set the horses at a brisk trot.

“Faster, Daddy! Faster!” Beth shouted bouncing up and down on Ben’s lap and Miranda woke up and began to look around her. “No, Adam,” Bronwen said worriedly while Ben added mildly, “You don’t want to wear them out, son.”

“I do know how to drive,” Adam replied dryly and kept the horses at the same speed for about half a mile before slowing them.

“It is beautiful here, cariad ,” Bronwen said quietly as she gazed at the countryside. “I suppose it’s this beautiful on the Ponderosa.”

Ben said with a chuckle, “You’ve been on the Ponderosa for the last hour, dear.”

“I’ll be stuffed,” Bronwen exclaimed, her eyes widening while Ben raised one eyebrow and Adam grinned at him. “She means she’s surprised,” he translated.

Eventually Beth fell asleep in Ben’s arms. He looked at her sleeping face, seeing her father’s chin and her mother’s eyes, except for the color that was dark hazel like her father’s. Whomever she took after, his older granddaughter was a beautiful child.
“She looks like an angel,” he said to Bronwen with a smile.

“Looks can be deceiving,” she replied and Adam chuckled. Ben smiled and said, “I was remembering how difficult the boys could be when they were two.Even Hoss, who definitely had the sweetest nature, could be a handful at that age.”

“Beth isn’t the holy terror that Joe was at two, thank God,” Adam drawled.

“She can be stubborn just like her Daddy,” Bronwen said with a grin.

“I was going to say just like her Mama,” he replied with a wink.

Ben got out of the surrey with Beth while Adam scooped Bronwen and Miranda both up in his arms and swung them out of the surrey.

“Daddy wants to show us he is as strong as Uncle Hoss,” Bronwen said in a saucy tone and Adam reached around and pinched her bottom. “Ow!Adam, stop it.” Ben turned around with a questioning look and Adam assumed a totally bland expression while Bronwen smothered a giggle. Then she turned and looked at the ranch house. “You designed this, cariad?” she asked admiringly.

“It’s not very flattering that you sound so surprised,” he replied in a dry tone.

“It just looks so different from our house. More masculine.”

“I designed it for four men,” he countered. “Let me show you the interior. Beth, you take my hand,” he commanded. Miranda began to squirm then saying, “Down. Down.”

“All right,” Bronwen said setting her down. “Now you hold Mama’s hand.” Ben walked ahead carrying the valise and opened the door for the others.

“It is magnificent,” Bronwen said looking around the great room and the dining room admiringly.

“The bedrooms are upstairs,” Adam said and led her up the front stairs. “This is my old room,” he said opening the door of the room at the top of the stairs. “My window overlooks the yard.” Bronwen saw the drafting table in the corner and on the bedside table she saw the miniature and the music box. Adam followed her gaze and brought the miniature over to her. “My mother.”

“Yes,” she said quietly as she gazed at the miniature. “Now I know where you got your charming dimple. And your lovely eyes.”She looked down at Miranda, who was holding on to her hand. “She is going to be the image of your mother.”

“That’s what Pa said.” Just then he felt Beth tug on his trousers. “I suppose you want to see the other rooms? All right, come along.”Ben had come upstairs after them and said from the doorway, “We fixed up the bedroom across the hall for Beth and Miranda if you’d like to see it next.”

“Oh, Pa,” Bronwen said when she saw the two child-sized beds and the two tiny rocking chairs. “Mine,” Beth cried and ran straight to one of the chairs and began rocking while Miranda tottered unsteadily to the other.

“Joe and Hoss both worked on the beds,” Ben said proudly. “Jake Webber and I made the rocking chairs.”

“Thanks, Pa,” Adam said quietly and then he turned to Beth and Miranda. “Girls, do you want to see the rest of the house or do you want to stay here and rock?”

“Oh, I think they should stay and look inside the toy box,” Ben said and Beth hopped up clapping her hands while Miranda continued rocking.

“Pa, you are going to spoil them,” Bronwen said severely, but her smile softened her tone.

“It’s just a few toys. I haven’t had a child to buy toys for in a long time. And never a little girl.”

“And I suppose their uncles had to buy a few toys as well?” Adam asked sardonically, raising one eyebrow.

“Well, they might have bought a few things,” Ben answered with a twinkle in his eyes.Just then Beth held up a wax doll with real black ringlets that was almost as big as she was. Seeing it, Miranda squealed with joy and ran over to begin her own investigation.

“I’ve only ever seen wax dolls with blonde curls,” Bronwen said in surprise as Miranda also held up a dark-haired doll.

“We had them made specially with dark hair,” Ben replied and a faint color showed in his cheeks.

Adam and Bronwen could only shake their heads as Beth pulled out a top and a pinwheel and a miniature set of china while Miranda discovered a jumping jack.“Let’s leave them with their grandpa and finish our tour,” Bronwen whispered, and they quietly exited. They had just about finished looking at the upstairs when they heard the front door slam.

“There’s Hoss,” Adam said with a grin and they hurried down the back stairs, which were closest, while Ben, Miranda and Beth came down the front stairs hand in hand with Ben in the middle.

“There ya all are,” Hoss said looking around. “I see you found your dollies,” he added with a huge grin, noting how the little girls were clutching their dolls in their free arm. “I’m your Uncle Hoss, Sweet Peas, and this is your Uncle Joe.”

“Just give them a little time to get used to you,” Ben said quietly. Then turning to his granddaughters he said, “I saw Sport in the corral. Would you like to see your Daddy’s horse?” Beth nodded vigorously and they all headed outside. Adam grabbed an apple on the way out. He gave a low whistle as they approached the corral and was gratified when Sport’s ears perked up and he came trotting over. “Hi, boy,” he said holding out the apple with one hand and patting Sport’s neck affectionately.After Sport finished the apple, he whickered and tossed his head in the remembered fashion.

“He’s pitty, Daddy!” Beth said. “Go for a wide!”

“Not today, Princess,” Adam replied, “but maybe tomorrow. Would you like to pat Sport?” At his daughter’s excited squeal, Sport shied away so he said firmly, “Remember, horses don’t like loud noises. If you want to pat Sport, you must be quiet.” Beth nodded and Adam coaxed Sport nearer and held Beth up so she could pat his head.“Very softly, Beth,” he cautioned while Bronwen held her breath and Miranda clutched her mother’s hand tightly. Beth patted Sport and then noticed Chub and Cochise. “Look, more horsies.”

“Those are our horses,” Joe said and he whistled to Cochise, who trotted over.“This is Cochise. He likes to be patted.”Beth smiled shyly and reached out to pat Cochise.

“Here’s ol’ Chub, Sweet Pea,” Hoss said. “He’ll feel left out if he don’t git a pat.” Adam moved down the corral to Chub so Beth could pat him. “Now, Sweet Pea, ol’ Chub’s got a sweet tooth. You watch,” and Hoss fished a couple of sugar cubes out of a pocket and put them on his palm.Chub eagerly picked up the sugar cubes as Beth watched in fascination.

“Me feed, Chub,” she said excitedly but Bronwen, who had been standing quietly with Ben, now said loudly, “No. The horse might bite her.”

“Chub wouldn’t hurt her,” Hoss began but trailed off when he saw Bronwen’s expression.

“You aren’t a horsewoman,” Ben stated calmly.

“No,” Bronwen replied in a more normal tone.

“You should git Adam to teach ya to ride while you’re here,” Hoss said. “He’s a good teacher—taught me and Joe.”

“I don’t know,” Bronwen began, “they are so big.”

“We have some little mustang ponies,” Joe said. “Adam and I could pick a nice gentle one out for you.”

“I think you’d like it, sweetheart,” Adam said gently.

“I’ll give it a burl,” she said a little reluctantly and everyone but Adam looked puzzled. Changing the subject she said, “I haven’t met Hop Sing yet.”

“He must have been outside when we came in,” Ben commented.

“Let’s go see if he’s back in the kitchen,” Adam suggested and the four of them headed that direction, Beth looking over her shoulder at the horses while Adam gave Miranda a piggyback ride.

“They shore are cute little things,” Hoss said wistfully. “Makes me wish I had a little gal of my own.”

“I’m hoping now that your brother has set the example you two will think of settling down and giving me more grandchildren.”

“But, Pa,” Joe said with a grin, “remember how long it took Adam to find the right woman.”

“I’m hoping it won’t take you that long and that you’ll find a wife closer to home.It does make me sad to know I won’t be able to see Beth and Miranda grow from little girls to women.”

“Well, I’m just gonna concentrate on the fun of bein’ with ‘em now,” Hoss said.“I’ll be sad after they head back to Australia .”

“I’m with you, brother,” Joe said and Ben added, “You’re right, son.”

Hop Sing’s reunion with Adam was more formal but just as joyous. He greeted Adam with a smile and bowed deeply first to him and then to Bronwen. “Mista Adam, very happy to see you.”

“Just as I am to see you, Hop Sing,” Adam replied with an answering smile. “Bronwen, I’d like you to meet Hop Sing, who helped Pa to raise me and Hoss and Joe. Hop Sing , this is my wife, Bronwen, and our daughters, Beth and Miranda.”

“I am so happy to meet you, Hop Sing. Adam has told me many times what a superb cook you are.” Hop Sing beamed at that and his smile was even wider when Bronwen added, “Pa and Hoss both told me that you are the only one who can manage Adam when he is sick so we must find a time we can get together and talk.”

Adam rolled his eyes but Hop Sing nodded and said, “Very good, Missy Bronwen. And I share recipes for Mista Adam’s favorite foods.” Then he turned to Beth and Miranda. “I make gingersnaps.They you father’s favorites so I thought you might like, too.” He held the plate of cookies so the children could reach it and they each took one.He offered it to Bronwen, who took one, and Adam, who took three.

“I see they are your favorites,” she said grinning mischievously. “I definitely want this recipe, Hop Sing.” She bit into the cookie and said, “It is delicious.”

Hop Sing beamed at that and said, “I make all Mista Adam’s favorites for supper: Yankee pot roast with carrots, onions and potatoes, Boston brown bread, and raspberry cobbler.”

“I can hardly wait,” Adam said with a grin.


Hoss had found Joe’s old highchair in the attic for Miranda to use and they placed a couple of big books on a dining room chair for Beth. Bronwen sat at the foot of the table with Miranda on her right and Beth on her left, while Adam sat on the other side of Miranda and Hoss on the other side of Beth. Bronwen mashed up the carrots and potatoes so Miranda could feed herself.

“Don’t seem like enough even for such a tiny thing,” Hoss commented as he observed much of the mashed food ended up on Miranda’s face and bib.

“She likes feeding herself. She’s very independent, just like someone else I know,” Bronwen replied with a puckish grin and they all laughed except Adam, who rolled his eyes at them.

Beth ignored the grownups and concentrated on eating her food.

“You like the food, Sweet Pea?” Hoss asked and Beth replied, “Good tucker,” with her mouth full.

“Don’t talk when you have food in your mouth, Beth,” Bronwen warned and Beth wrinkled her nose at her but complied.

“So what do you think of the Ponderosa, Bronwen?” Joe asked.

“It is so beautiful. I really want to see Lake Tahoe. Adam has told me it’s the most beautiful sight on the whole station—I mean, ranch.”

“We’re planning on a family picnic there Sunday afternoon after church,” Ben commented.“Of course, there’s no reason why Adam shouldn’t take you there before then. I agree that it’s probably the loveliest spot on the Ponderosa.”

“Maybe we could go there on my riding lesson,” Bronwen suggested and was surprised when the four men laughed.

“Sorry, sweetheart, but it’s too far for a novice rider,” Adam said with a slight grin.

“I wanna wide,” Beth interjected. “You said I could, Daddy.”

“Beth, children are to be seen and not heard.” Adam replied sternly. Then he relented and added, “I said maybe. If you are a good girl tonight and the weather is nice and sunny, then I’ll take you for a little ride on Sport tomorrow.” Beth smiled at him while Joe and Hoss shared a grin at the way their strict older brother had capitulated.

“We’d like to throw a party for you and Bronwen next Saturday night,” Ben said as they were eating the raspberry cobbler and heavy cream.

“I thought you might so I told Bronwen to pack her prettiest party dress,” Adam replied with a smug grin. “I haven’t had a chance to dance with my wife in ages.”

“It’s too bad Beth and Miranda can’t be there,” Hoss started but both Adam and Bronwen laughed.

“I’m sorry, Hoss, but they’ll both be tucked in bed and sound asleep by then,” Bronwen told him with a smile. “In fact, I think it’s time they were in bed now,” and the others noticed that the two little girls were nodding at the table. Hoss eagerly asked if he could help put them to bed.

“Of course,” Adam smiled at his brother. “Beth, you go with Uncle Hoss and I’ll take Miranda.”

Beth held up her arms to Hoss, who carefully lifted her up and held her close, delighting in the feel of her head resting so trustingly on his shoulder. He walked behind Adam while Bronwen was just behind him on the stairs.

“Why don’t you undress her,” Bronwen said to Hoss as they entered the girls’ room, “while I find her nightgown.” Hoss saw Adam sit on one side of a bed and begin to undress Miranda but he knew the beds weren’t built to take his weight so he sat cross-legged on the floor with Beth on his lap. The buttons on her dress were so tiny he despaired of ever getting them undone with his ham-sized hands but eventually he managed and pulled the dress over her head, followed by the chemise and petticoat. “Here’s her nightgown,” Bronwen said handing him another tiny garment. He slipped it over her head and then Bronwen said, “Thanks, Hoss. Do we have a chamber pot in here?”

“Uh, yes,” Hoss said pointing while his face flooded with color, but Bronwen only smiled.

“Beth, Mama needs you to use the chamber pot before you go to sleep,” and she walked the half-asleep child over and helped her sit while Hoss looked over at his older brother, who was tucking Miranda into one of the beds.

“She don’t need to use the chamber pot?” he asked quietly.

“She’s still in diapers,” Adam replied in an equally quiet voice. “Beth just started learning to use a chamber pot or outhouse before we sailed. She still has accidents at night but she’s getting better.” He grinned at his brother. “Little girls are a lot less accident prone than little boys though.”

He glanced obliquely at Bronwen and added, “Bronwen and I are pretty tired, so I think we’ll go to bed as well. Could you tell the others goodnight for us?”

“Sure.I’ll see you in the mornin’.”

“I’m not that tired,” Bronwen said after Hoss left.

“Well, did you want me to say, ‘I plan on making love to my wife, which I haven’t been able to do since we sailed from Sydney, so you won’t see us until tomorrow morning’?”

“Adam!” she said swatting his arm while he just grinned like a Cheshire cat before picking her up and carrying her across the hall and locking the door.

While they were kissing, she pulled away and said softly, “Let’s not use the French letters. Miranda is 20 months old now and I’d like to have another child. Maybe we could even conceive a child here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very sure. Besides, I remember it’s more fun without the French letters.”

“Amen to that,” he replied with a wink.


When Ben saw Hoss coming down the stairs alone he asked in surprise, “Where are Adam and Bronwen?”

“Adam said they was tired so he asked me to tell you both goodnight for them.”

“Adam is definitely getting old if he’s goin’ to bed this early,” Joe said with a smirk.Ben had a good idea of the real reason Adam and Bronwen were retiring early but saw no reason to share it with his younger sons.

Ben read while Hoss and Joe played a few games of checkers before they all decided to turn in. As they drew closer to Adam’s bedroom Hoss and Joe were surprised to hear sounds—the bed creaking and low, indistinct voices.

“I thought they were going to sl—“ Joe began and then Ben saw the most extraordinary expression on his youngest son’s face as he connected the two sounds and realized what was going on behind the closed door.

“It don’t sound like they’re sleepin’,” Hoss started to say when they heard Bronwen’s voice quite distinctly.

“Oh, don’t stop. Don’t stop.”

Hoss turned scarlet and said quickly, “I think I’ll sleep in the downstairs bedroom.”

“Sounds like a good idea, son,” Ben agreed and Joe giggled nervously glad that his bedroom was across the hall from Hoss’s and not Adam’s.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“Are you ready for your first riding lesson?” Adam asked Bronwen the next morning, as they lay curled together in his old bed, which was a bit of a tight fit.

“I suppose,” she said a little reluctantly. “You promise you and Joe will pick out a very gentle horse? And a small one?”

“I promise,” he replied dropping a kiss on the tip of her nose. “We don’t have any sidesaddles and riding astride is safer anyway. Joe is the closest to you in size, so I’ll see if he has a pair of waist overalls that you can borrow. You’ll still have to roll them up quite a bit.” He got out of bed and stretched before slipping on a pair of cotton drawers and then his own pair of waist overalls while she put on her spectacles and then pulled out a pair of lace-trimmed cambric drawers and a white silk undervest from their trunk. He rummaged around in his chest of drawers until he found one of his old black shirts and put it on.“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said unlocking the door and walking out barefoot with his shirt unbuttoned.

He returned a few minutes later with a pair of Joe’s waist overalls over one arm.

“Oh, Adam, are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Yes, I am,” he replied with a small grin. “I’d rather see you wearing these than sitting astride in a dress or skirt with your legs exposed.”

“Oh, well, yes,’ she said weakly.

While he finished dressing and trimmed his beard, she put on the waist overalls. They were very snug in the seat while the waist was much too large, and she had to roll them up several times since Joe’s legs were so much longer than hers. She put on a plain white cotton blouse and while she was struggling to tuck it in the tight-fitting waist overalls, Adam watched her with his eyebrows drawn together in a frown
.
“Hmm, maybe I’d rather have you expose your legs,” he said as his eyes fastened on the rounded outline of her buttocks, clearly delineated by the tight pants.

“Oh no,” she answered firmly. “I had to work getting into these, so I’m wearing them.”

He frowned a little but then laughed at himself and said with a smile, “I wonder if we have a spare hat you can wear. I know we don’t have any boots small enough for you.”

“Would you help me brush my hair and braid it?” she asked. It was a task he enjoyed and he was pleased she decided to let her braid hang down her back rather than pinning it up.

“Now, I wonder what our daughters will say when they see me dressed this way,” she remarked as she caught a glimpse of herself in his shaving mirror

“There’s one way to find out,” he replied with a wink. “I’m a little curious myself.”

Beth was already awake when they entered, talking to her doll. She opened her eyes very wide when she saw her mother.

“It’s Mama, Beth fach,” Bronwen said holding her arms out. “I promise.”

“No accident,” Adam stated after checking the bedding while Bronwen put Beth on the chamber pot. “Daddy is proud of his big girl.” Miranda slowly blinked her eyes open then and seeing Adam she said, “Daddy,” and held up her arms.

Adam felt the bed first and said with a sigh, “Daddy has to change you first, Angel, or he’ll have to change shirts.”

“Oh, why don’t you help Beth dress and I’ll take care of Miranda?” Bronwen suggested and he agreed with alacrity. He dressed Beth in a red sprigged calico dress and a white pinafore and brushed the tangles out of her hair as gently as he could. “It’s warm so I think the girls can go barefoot,” he said and Bronwen nodded. She was just finishing doing up the buttons on Miranda’s blue sprigged calico dress.

“I think I’ll go ahead and take Beth downstairs,” he stated to which Bronwen replied, “All right. Miranda and I should be along in a few minutes. I just have to brush her hair.”

He and Beth met Joe on the stairs but Ben and Hoss were finishing their breakfast.After good mornings had been exchanged, Adam queried, “All right if Joe helps me find a horse for Bronwen this morning?”

“Surely, but don’t take too long about it,” Ben replied as Adam placed Beth on her chair. “I need Joe to break some horses for an army contract.”

Just then Bronwen and Miranda came down the stairs hand-in-hand. The men stood up quickly and then stared in astonishment.

When Bronwen walked to her chair, Joe watched with appreciation. She may not have much of a bosom, but she sure has a sweet —he hastily forced his thoughts and his eyes elsewhere, but not quickly enough judging by the enraged glances his oldest brother was sending his way.

“Bronwen, pull out your shirttails,” Adam commanded peremptorily. She stared at him in puzzlement so he reached over and pulled them out himself.

“Adam Cartwright,” she snapped irritably but Ben interrupted.

“It would be better if you wore your shirttails out, dear. Waist overalls are rather provocative on a female it would appear.”

“Adam told me to wear a pair of Joe’s waist overalls for my riding lesson,” Bronwen stammered, her face scarlet.

“Very practical,” Ben managed to get out. “However, since Joe’s legs are considerably longer than yours, I think we should get you your own pair. Adam can take your measurements and then I’ll send someone into town to buy you a pair.”

“She needs a hat, too,” Adam added, “and maybe we can find some boys’ boots that would fit her.” Ben nodded his agreement.

“I’m hungwy,” Beth announced.

Just then Hop Sing scurried in carrying a tray full of food, two glasses of milk and a teapot. Adam put Miranda in her highchair and tied the tea towel Hop Sing handed him around her neck for a bib while Bronwen did the same for Beth.

“C’me on, Hoss,” Ben said with a grin. “We’ll see you at dinner.” He added as an afterthought, “Oh, I almost forgot. Roy and Paul are coming to supper tonight.”

“Bye, Sweet Peas,” Hoss said stooping down to kiss each niece on her forehead and the two men headed out the door.

Between mouthfuls Adam asked, “Joe, do you have any particular horses in mind for Bronwen?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. We have two little mares that aren’t quite 14 hands and they are both sweet-tempered. One’s a Cremello and the other is a Perlino. They’re in the south meadow, so we need to get goin’,” Joe replied, swallowing the last of his coffee and Adam did the same.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, you and Hop Sing can talk about me behind my back,” he said with a grin after giving each of his girls a quick kiss.


When Adam returned, he found all the Cartwright females in the kitchen with Hop Sing. “Daddy! Daddy!” the girls cried running to him with outstretched arms. He tossed each up in the air to their delighted squeals before kissing Bronwen as he held a daughter tucked in each arm.

“Hop Sing has been giving me advice on canning fruits and vegetables,” Bronwen said happily. “He’s also showed me how to dry herbs and he’s giving me the recipes for his cough syrup and medicinal teas.”

“And what have Daddy’s girls been doing?” he asked setting them on their feet.

“Played Noah’s Ark ,” Beth answered pointing to the carved animals scattered over the kitchen floor and the rather battered ark.

“My old Noah’s Ark ,” Adam said dimpling and picking up a rather battered tiger.

“No, mine,” Miranda said loudly trying to grab the tiger.

“Miranda,” he said firmly but she only stamped her foot and pouted so he said in a stern voice, “Miranda Inger Cartwright, do you want a necessary talk?”

Her lower lip began to tremble and she shook her head. “If you ask Daddy nicely, then he’ll give you the tiger.”

“Pease, Daddy,” she said looking at him with tear-filled eyes so he gave her the tiger and she toddled over to the ark with it.

Bronwen had been silent throughout this exchange but then she asked, “It was your toy?”

He nodded. “Mine first, then Hoss’s and finally Joe’s. I didn’t think we still had it.”

“Mista Cartwright and Hop Sing put in attic for grandchildren. Beginning to think it stay in attic forever,” Hop Sing stated looking at Adam pointedly.

“Hey, I’ve done my part. It’s my brothers who are shirking their duty,” Adam protested.

“No grandson yet,” Hop Sing replied.

“Let me remind you, Hop Sing, that we’ve only been married three years. The next one may be a boy,” Adam replied with a grin. “Now, Bronwen, your horse is waiting for you. Joe and I decided on the Perlino and she is a lovely little lady.”

“Let’s put the girls down for their nap first,” Bronwen suggested.

“Want to see Mama wide,” Beth protested but when Adam said he’d take her for a ride on Sport if she took her nap, she agreed happily. It didn’t take long for the girls to fall asleep and while they were upstairs Adam took Bronwen’s measurements so he could give them to Ben at dinner. Once that was done, a nervous Bronwen went to meet her mount.

“Oh, she is a pretty little horse,” she exclaimed as she saw the little Perlino mare with her cream-colored coat and reddish mane. “Does she have a name?”

“Not yet,” Adam replied with a fond smile, for he always enjoyed his wife’s unaffected enthusiasm. “Since she’s your mount, you get to name her.”

“I think I’ll call her Rosebud,” Bronwen said without hesitation. “She reminds me of some roses I saw in Sydney ; they were cream with a red blush on the tips of the petals.”

“Let’s feed Rosebud the apple so you two can get to know each other,” Adam said still smiling.

“She has blue eyes!” Bronwen said in surprise as she held the apple in her outstretched palm as Adam demonstrated.

“Yes, all cremellos and perlinos have blue eyes,” he replied.

He showed Bronwen the correct way to mount and with Rosebud on a leading rein Bronwen practiced riding around the coral at a walk. Adam didn’t want her too sore so the lesson was short but then he showed her how to care for Rosebud and her tack. By the time they finished, Ben and Hoss had arrived for dinner and the girls were up from their nap. (Hop Sing had looked in on them but they were playing quietly with their new toys.)

“So how’d your lesson go?” Hoss asked as he ate Hop Sing’s delicious fried chicken along with biscuits, mashed potatoes, cream gravy, green beans and pickled beets.

Bronwen glanced at Adam who smiled at her. “It went very well,” he replied. “I’d like to take Bronwen to the lake this afternoon so I was wondering if one of you could watch the girls?”

“I’d be delighted to,” Ben said quickly while Hoss looked disappointed.

Beth, who had been enjoying her drumstick and mashed potatoes, spoke up then. “Me wide Spawt.”

“Yes, I did say I’d take you for a ride,” Adam said slowly. “I’ll take you right after dinner and then you can stay here with Grandpa while Mama and I go for a drive.” He looked over at his youngest and sighed. Miranda had mashed potatoes smeared all over her face and in her hair. She saw him looking and dimpled.

Hoss grinned and said with a chuckle, “Does she ever get any food inside?”

“I’ll give her a bath and wash her hair while you take Beth for a ride. And I need to change.”

“No, just stay as you are,” Adam requested. “You can take a bath and change when we get back. What time will Roy and Paul be here?”

“About 5:30. If you’re going to the lake, then you need to leave soon.”

“I’ll ask Hop Sing if we can take our dessert with us and we don’t want the girls eating too many sweets.”

“That just means more for me,” Hoss said happily.

Hop Sing grumbled for form’s sake but he cut two large slices of pound cake and wrapped them in a napkin to take with them. When Adam and Beth returned from their ride, Bronwen was struggling to coax the tangles from Miranda’s curls as she wriggled and whined. “Let me try,” Ben said holding out his hand for the comb. “I’ve had practice with Adam and Joe, and I doubt I’ve lost my touch. You two go on but remember we’ve company tonight so don’t be late.”


They were silent on the drive to the lake each taking in the beauty of the countryside. Adam took deep breaths, enjoying the familiar scent of ponderosas, bristlecones and piñons. He saw with pleasure the wonder and appreciation on his wife’s expressive face at her first glimpse of the cerulean waters of the lake surrounded by tall pines.

“It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen,” she said softly as he easily lifted her in his arms and out of the buggy. She smiled at him and then said impulsively, “Let’s go wading.” She sat on the ground and began pulling off her shoes and stockings. He shook his head at her impetuosity but then sat down beside her and pulled off his boots and socks. They waded and splashed water on each other until they were drenched and then they sat on the blanket he’d brought so they could dry off in the sun. It had been a long time since they’d had many opportunities to be alone. Looking all about her at the lake, the mountains and the trees Bronwen quoted softly:

There was a time when meadow, grove and stream ,
The earth, and every common sight
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,
The glory and freshness of a dream.

“That is how it seemed to me the first time I saw the lake as a boy of not quite seven,” Adam stated quietly. “Even now, I can remember that innocent wonder.” He smiled and gently brushed his fingertips across her cheeks in a caress. “I knew you’d feel it as well.” He looked at the position of the sun and said with a sigh, “We’d better be heading back


As they neared the ranch house, he suggested, “Why don’t I get the girls ready while you take a bath?” and she agreed.
She bathed quickly and then changed into a polonaise of lavender silk poplin and an underskirt of light green cambric. She re-braided her hair then coiled and pinned the mass of braids. Next she used the curling iron that Hop Sing had heated for her and curled her bangs.She looked at herself in the full-length mirror they’d moved into Adam’s room for her and decided she’d do.She went across the hall to see how Adam was coming with the girls. He had dressed Beth in a smocked frock of pale green lawn and was carefully brushing her black hair. Miranda’s matching outfit of pale blue and her petticoats, shoes and white cotton stockings were laid on her bed. She was sitting on the floor wearing nothing but her diaper playing with the jumping-jack. As soon as Bronwen walked into the room, Miranda announced, “Me wet, Mama.”

“I see Daddy left the fun job for me,” Bronwen said frowning slightly.

“Guilty as charged,” Adam replied with an unrepentant grin. “Beth, why don’t you play with your toys while Mama changes Miranda and I get ready for supper.”


When Paul and Roy drove up in Paul’s buggy, the Cartwrights were sitting on the front porch.Ben had Miranda on his knee and Hoss had Beth on his. Adam was playing his guitar and they were all singing Sweet Betsy from Pike. As soon as they finished the verse, Adam stopped playing and walked toward Roy and Paul holding out his hand.

“Adam, sure is good to ya again,” Roy said pumping his hand enthusiastically.

“Yes, it’s clear married life agrees with you,” Paul commented with a broad grin as he shook Adam’s hand.

“It certainly does,” Adam replied with an enormous smile of his own. “Sweetheart, let me introduce two of our family’s oldest friends: Sheriff Roy Coffee and Dr. Paul Martin. Gentlemen, my wife, Bronwen.”

“I am so pleased to meet you,” Bronwen said extending her hand, which each man shook with a friendly smile.

“We’re mighty pleased to meet you, Mrs. Cartwright,” Roy said beaming happily at her. “In fact, most of the folks here about are just dyin’ to meet you.”

She raised her eyebrows and Paul said helpfully, “People had decided Adam was going to remain a bachelor, and then the fact that you’re from Australia only increases their curiosity about you.”

“Plus the Cartwrights are one of the most important families in these parts,” Roy added. “Adam,” he said with a wink, “aren’t you going to introduce us to these other pretty little ladies?”

“Of course,” Adam replied with a slow grin. “This is Beth with Hoss and Pa has Miranda.” He leaned over and whispered in Beth’s ear and then she said with a toothy grin, “G’day, mates!” He and Bronwen grinned from ear to ear at the expressions on the other faces. Seeing her parents smile, Miranda piped up with “G’day, mates.”

“That’s how Aussies say hello,” Adam said with a chuckle and the others smiled faintly.

“Ben told us that his new daughter-in-law had a beautiful voice and from what we heard, he sure didn’t exaggerate,” Paul said to Bronwen. “I hope, ma’am, that you’ll sing us a song after supper.”

“Oh, please call me Bronwen.”

“If you’ll call us Paul and Roy,” he said with a smile.

“I’d like to hear you sing again, too,” Hoss added. “She and Adam sang this song from an opera that shore was pretty even if I couldn’t understand a word.”

“I hate to disappoint you, brother, but we haven’t sung that since we sang it for you and we’d need the music and some rehearsal. But Bronwen, if you sing Ash Grove , I’ll accompany you on the guitar.”

“That’s one of my favorites,” Paul said, “and I’d love to hear you sing it.”

“I’ll sing Ash Grove if we can all sing some songs together. Adam has been teaching the girls and me some American songs.”

“That would be very nice,” Paul said and Roy nodded.

“I’m afraid Miranda insists on feeding herself, but she’s not very good at it,” Bronwen apologized as they gathered around the dining room table.

“An independent little cuss, is she?” Roy said with a half grin. “Reminds me of another Cartwright I know.” Adam just shook his head and rolled his eyes while the other adults all chortled.

Hoss and Beth concentrated on Hop Sing’s excellent roast pork with sweet potatoes while the others conversed comfortably. Roy and Paul were pleased to see how easily and naturally Bronwen fitted in the Cartwright family. Paul was particularly interested to learn her father was also a doctor.

When they adjourned to the great room, Joe smiled engagingly at his nieces. “How about if one of you come sit on my lap?”

“No, wanna sit with Uncle Hoss,” Beth replied putting her tiny hand in his giant one and smiling up at him. He smiled right back at her and swung her up on his shoulders for a piggyback ride.

“Miranda wants to stay with Grandpa, don’t you,” Ben asked, kissing her cheek and she dimpled back at him. Adam exchanged grins with Paul and Roy while Joe looked crestfallen. Suddenly he smiled and looked hopefully at Bronwen.

“Oh no, little brother. Bronwen only sits on my lap,” Adam interjected while Joe actually blushed. “Looks like you’re out in the cold.”

“Adam,” Bronwen scolded. “I could sit by Joe.”

“No, you can’t, because you’re going to be sitting by me,” and he took her arm and seated her in the blue velvet chair while he picked up his guitar and perched on one of the arms.

They sang Wait for the Wagon, Clementine and Green Grow the Lilacs before the two girls nodded off. “We’ll put the girls to bed and then I’ll sing Ash Grove for you,” Bronwen said as she carefully lifted Miranda out of Ben’s arms while Adam took Beth from Hoss.

“I’d say Adam is a lucky man,” Roy said quietly after Adam and Bronwen went upstairs. “A pretty wife and two beautiful little girls.”

“Yes, Bronwen is a wonderful addition to our family and my granddaughters are angels,” Ben replied with a tender grin. “I just wish they didn’t live so far away.”

“Bronwen thinks it’s beautiful here, so maybe she wouldn’t mind stayin’," Hoss said thoughtfully.

“Yeah. Adam stayed in Australia so Bronwen could be with her family but she wrote me that they hadn’t been able to return to Sydney since they moved to Cloncurry and her parents have only been to see them once.”

“The journey from Sydney to Cloncurry is just about as rough as it was when Adam, Hoss and I traveled here by wagon train from Missouri ,” Ben explained and the two older men nodded their understanding. “It has to be Adam’s and Bronwen’s decision,” Ben said sternly to his two younger sons, “ so don’t say one word about what you hope to them. Understood?” and Hoss and Joe nodded.

Adam and Bronwen returned shortly and while Adam accompanied her, Bronwen sang Ash Grove. Her voice and her interpretation were so moving that they all came to their feet and applauded, which caused her to blush. They spent the evening singing old favorites such as Red River Valley, Lily of the West, Bound for the Promised Land and Johnny’s Gone for a Soldier .Some Bronwen had learned from Adam and she sang those with them. After they sang Johnny’s Gone for a Soldier , Paul said, “I’d love to hear some Australian songs. Would you sing some for us?” and the others added their voices to his request.

She looked at Adam and said, “Why don’t you sing Brisbane Ladies and I’ll sing Botony Bay?”

Adam nodded, saying, “This would be more authentic if I could sing with an Aussie accent, but I’ll do the best I can.”

Farewell and adieu to you, Brisbane ladies
Farewell and adieu, you maids of Toowong
We've sold all our cattle and we have to get a movin'
But we hope we shall see you again before long.
We'll rant and we'll roar like true Queensland drovers
We'll rant and we'll roar as onward we push
Until we return to the Augathella station
Oh, it's flamin' dry goin' through the old Queensland bush.
The girls of Toomancie they look so entrancing
Like bawling young heifers they're out for their fun
With the waltz and the polka and all kinds of dancing
To the rackety old banjo of Bob Anderson.
We'll rant and we'll roar like true Queensland drovers
We'll rant and we'll roar as onward we push
Until we return to the Augathella station
Oh, it's flamin' dry goin' through the old Queensland bush.

After he finished, Bronwen stood and sang in a sweet true voice as Adam accompanied her on the guitar:

Farewell to old England the beautiful!
Farewell to my old pals as well!
Farewell to the famous Old Baily
Where I used to cut such a swell.
My Too-ral li Roo-lal li Laity
Too-ral li Roo-lal li Lay
Too-ral li Roo-lal li Laity
Too-ral li Roo-lal li Lay!
O had I the wings of a turtle dove,
I'd spread out my pinions and fly
Into the arms of my Polly love
And on her soft bosom I'd lie.
My Too-ral li Roo-lal li Laity
Too-ral li Roo-lal li Lay
Too-ral li Roo-lal li Laity
Too-ral li Roo-lal li Lay!

“I don’t know when I’ve have a more enjoyable evening,” Paul said.

“Me neither,” Roy chimed in. “It’s been a real pleasure meetin’ you, Bronwen, but the doc and me had best be on our way.”

“If we don’t see you Sunday at church, then I hope we’ll see you both the following Saturday at the party for Adam and Bronwen,” Ben said as he walked them to the door.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

For the rest of the week, Ben, Hoss and Joe took turns being the one to stay home during the day to visit. Ben bought Bronwen her own waist overalls, boots and Stetson and every morning Adam gave her a riding lesson, extending the time a little each day. She really bonded with Rosebud and he soon had her riding without a leading rein and by the end of the week he was teaching her to ride at a trot and a canter. While Bronwen and Adam were occupied with riding lessons, Ben, Hoss or Joe played with the girls. Hoss would be a horse for them and get down on all fours to give them rides on his back, which they loved. Ben attended tea parties, played with the Noah’s Ark and told them stories about their daddy when he was little. Joe made mud pies with them and tickled them until they screamed. To everyone’s amazement, Hop Sing even allowed the girls in the kitchen and to cut out biscuits or sugar cookies from the dough.

“You never let us help,” Joe said in astonishment the first time it happened.

“Little boys make mess; little girls need learn how to cook,” was Hop Sing’s pithy reply.

In the afternoon, everyone would get in the surrey and they would explore a different part of the ranch. Unless Adam and his family had been invited for a visit, they all ate supper together and then they’d play games with the girls: ring-around-a-rosy, LondonBridge and Uncle John.After the girls were in bed, Adam would get out his guitar and they’d sing quietly.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“Morning, sweetheart,” Adam said nuzzling Bronwen’s neck Sunday morning. “Time to get up.We don’t want to be late for church.”

“No, we don’t,” Bronwen said nervously. “I planned on wearing my green lawn, but perhaps it is not fine enough. Maybe the blue poplin—“

“The green lawn is lovely,” he broke in, familiar with his wife’s tendency to babble when nervous. “And you have your new straw hat with the feathers dyed to match it. You’ll be pretty as a picture—all my girls will be,” and he kissed her, always an effective way of taking her mind off whatever was bothering her.

“My, that was nice,” she murmured with a smile, “but we’d better start getting ready.”She quickly put on her spectacles and then got out of bed and into her drawers and chemise. She slipped on her négligée and hurried across the hall to Beth and Miranda’s room. She’d laid out their clothes the night before: a dress of sapphire-blue taffeta with a white satin sash and heavily starched petticoats for Beth and a matching outfit in salmon-pink for Miranda. As she brushed her older daughter’s almost shoulder-length hair she wished again that Beth, like Miranda, had inherited her father’s curls. Still Beth’s hair was soft and silky even if it didn’t curl. She tied it back with a blue ribbon that matched the little dress. “Beth, can you carry your shoes and Miranda’s?” Beth nodded and so taking Miranda by the hand while carrying the girls’ stockings in the other, the three of them walked across the hall.

Adam was just finishing trimming his beard when they walked in and he smiled at his daughters. “My, aren’t you girls pretty,” and he was rewarded by beaming smiles.

“Could you put on their shoes and stockings while I dress?” Bronwen suggested, and he heard the anxiety in her tone.

“Of course,” he replied quickly slipping on his white shirt and buttoning it.“Come here, Angel,” he said to Miranda, “and let Daddy finish getting you dressed. And I’ll help you in just a minute, Princess,” he said to Beth.

“I’m hungwy,” Beth announced.

“So are Daddy and Mama. Just as soon as we are dressed, we can go eat breakfast.”

“Wanna eat now,” the two-year-old said, sticking out her lower lip.

“Beth,” he replied in a tone that she recognized and so she stomped over to stand beside him.

Bronwen, who had already begun putting on her own stockings, smiled. Beth was her daddy’s girl and would usually obey him better than she would her mama. She had to smother a giggle as she watched Adam’s large callused hands struggle with the tiny buttons on Miranda’s shoes. “The buttonhook is on the dresser,” she suggested, trying to maintain a sober face while Adam glared at her.

“Eat now,” Beth demanded as Adam buttoned the last button on her shoes and Miranda sat on the floor and sucked her thumb.

“May we eat now, please,” Adam replied frowning at her.

“Eat, pwease, Daddy,” she said penitently.

“Daddy has to put on his tie and his cufflinks first.”

“Here, I’ll help you with your cufflinks and tie,” Bronwen offered, “and then you can help me with my corset.” She deftly tied his black silk necktie four-in-hand and then she helped him put on the gold cufflinks engraved with his initials that she had given him for their first Christmas while Beth waited impatiently.

“All right, Princess,” he said to Beth, “you watch Daddy squeeze all the breath out of Mama so she can look fashionable, and then we’ll go eat.’ Beth giggled as she watched Adam tighten the corset and Bronwen said crossly, “You go right ahead and giggle, young lady. You’ll have to wear one of these instruments of torture when you’re a big girl,” which only made the child giggle harder.

“You’re right, Princess,” Adam said winking at her. “Mama is funny because Daddy can span her waist with his hands without a corset so she is silly for wearing one.”

“Adam Cartwright,” Bronwen sputtered indignantly, “I am not going to church without a corset. It isn’t seemly.” Adam just shook his head at her and both girls giggled.

As Adam picked Miranda up and headed out the door with Beth holding on to his free hand, Bronwen said, “Mind you get towels from Hop Sing to cover the girls’ clothes so they don’t get food on their dresses,” and he nodded. As they headed down the stairs they saw Ben, Hoss and Joe had already gathered around the table.

“Sweet Pea, you sure are beautiful,” Hoss said to Beth and she ran over to him with outstretched arms. He picked her up and grinned happily as she kissed his cheek with a loud smack.

“What about Grandpa? Don’t I get a kiss?” Ben asked pretending to look hurt. Hoss sat her down and she ran giggling over to Ben. He sat her on one knee and received his own kiss. Then she wriggled down and ran to Joe. He leaned over so she could kiss his cheek and then she giggled when he placed a lip-smacking kiss on hers. Just then Hop Sing entered with the coffeepot and a big platter of pancakes. (A pitcher of honey and a bowl of oatmeal were already on the table.)

“Where Missy Bronwen?” he asked and Adam answered, “She’ll be down in a minute.Could you get a couple of towels we could put on Beth and Miranda to protect their clothes?”

Hop Sing nodded and then felt a small hand tug at his clothes. He looked down into Beth’s upturned face.

“Tiss,” she said smiling.

He looked questioningly at Adam, who grinned and said, “She wants you to bend down so she can give you a kiss.”

Hop Sing looked very startled but then he bent over so Beth could plant a kiss on his cheek. He scurried away, but not before Adam saw his blush.

“Don’t we get any kisses from you, sugar?” Hoss asked Miranda, who had been standing quietly holding onto Adam’s hand. She smiled then, revealing her new teeth and her dimple. Hoss bent over and picked her up so she could kiss his cheek. Then he took her to his father, who was struck anew by how much she resembled his first love.He hugged her gently and kissed her rosy cheek and then she kissed his.

Before Hoss could carry Miranda to Joe, Hop Sing returned with two towels draped over one arm and carrying a tray containing two glasses of milk, a platter of bacon and another of eggs, and a teapot. At the same time, Bronwen came down the stairs so the four Cartwrights leaped to their feet.

“You look lovely, my dear,” Ben said with a smile for the pale green suited her coloring and the tight-fitting polonaise flattered her slender figure.

“You do look pretty,” Hoss said smiling at her while Joe added, “All the men at church are going to envy Adam for escorting three such lovely ladies.”

“Oh, I hope not since envy is a sin,” Bronwen remarked with a impudent grin and all the adults chuckled. Beth had had enough of the adult chatter and announced, “Wanna eat,” in a loud voice.

“Beth,” Adam said with a stern look. Although the two-year-old pouted, she remained quiet as her daddy seated her mama.Bronwen fixed both girls a bowl of oatmeal, but when she started to feed her, Miranda said indignantly, “No!Me do!” and closed her mouth tightly.

“All right,” Bronwen said apprehensively, “but please be careful.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Adam said with a wink, “the towel will protect her dress,” and she gave her husband a weak smile, for she wanted her darlings to look their prettiest when they went to church.

“I’m surprised to see you give into a baby, older brother,” Joe remarked with a snicker.

“Well, why don’t you try feeding her?” Adam said flashing his dimple at his youngest brother while Bronwen said quietly, “ Adam ¼”

‘No, sweetheart, why don’t we let Joe feed Miranda,” Adam said firmly. “Trade places with him so he can feed her.”

Joe smirked as he exchanged places with his sister-in-law. He scooped up a spoonful of oatmeal and, smiling winningly at his baby niece, he said, “Now open up for Uncle Joe.”

Miranda frowned at him. “No!” she said emphatically.

“Miranda, little girls are to mind their elders. Now open up for me,” he said with a smile that looked a little fixed.

“No,” Miranda repeated but Joe was ready for her and inserted the spoon as soon as she opened her mouth. She immediately spit the oatmeal back in his face. Hoss roared while Adam and Ben laughed until tears streamed down their faces and Bronwen choked her laughter into her napkin. Beth looked wonderingly at all the grownups and then continued to eat her oatmeal.

“We used to think Beth was stubborn,” Adam managed to get out as he handed Joe a napkin so he could wipe his face, “until Miranda grew a little older.”

“We’re afraid she really is as stubborn as both of us put together,” Bronwen added.“I’m so sorry, Joe, but you did rather ask for it.”

Joe’s angry looked transformed to a sheepish one and he left to put a clean shirt and tie.

Miranda’s face wound up smeared with oatmeal, but it was easily wiped off and Bronwen managed to prevent her from getting oatmeal in her hair. The family headed to church with Hoss and Joe on horseback and the others in the surrey. It was a pleasant drive but as they approached the church and Bronwen saw the crowd waiting she felt her palms begin to sweat and her stomach to churn.

“It’s the Cartwrights!” she heard someone call and another voice shouted, “They’re here!”

Adam gave her hand a squeeze and winked at her before he climbed out of the surrey and turned to help her out. She had scarcely alighted before three women, who appeared fiftyish, approached.

“Adam Cartwright, it is good to see you again,” one of the women said and the others all nodded their agreement. “And do introduce us to your wife, dear boy.”

“Mrs. Gable, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. Pengelly, allow me to introduce my wife and my daughters, Elizabeth and Miranda,” he replied, picking up Beth and nodding toward his father, who was holding Miranda. “Bronwen, let me present Mrs. Gable, Mrs. Watkins and Mrs. Pengelly.”

“Well, we are certainly all pleased to finally meet you, Mrs. Cartwright,” Mrs. Gable said with a supercilious smile. “We had given up hope that Adam would every marry and give Ben grandchildren. Although we thought he would marry and American girl.”Bronwen felt the woman’s gaze rake over her from the crown of her white straw hat with its three ostrich tips dyed to match her dress to the white silk flounce on her underskirt. She read the disdain in the woman’s eyes and felt her cheeks burn.

“It just took me time to find the right woman, Mrs. Gable,” Adam replied in a tight, polite tone and Bronwen saw the muscle in his cheek twitch so she knew he was very angry. “However, it was most definitely worth the wait,” and he put his free arm around Bronwen’s waist and drew her close, surprising her since he was definitely not given to public displays of affection.

Ben spoke up then in a warm, affectionate voice. “Indeed, I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful daughter or more delightful granddaughters.”

Just then Todd McKaren and his wife, Virginia, approached. “Adam, you old son-of-a-gun, it’s sure good to see you again,” Todd said with a grin that ran from ear to ear as he shook Adam’s hand and thumped him on the back.The three older women moved off muttering about ill-mannered louts. Virginia McKaren, a lovely blonde woman, smiled warmly at Bronwen while two small children peeped out behind her skirts and an older boy, dressed in a knickerbocker suit, stood to one side.

“Bronwen, these are two of my oldest friends, Virginia and Todd McKaren. Virginia and Todd, my wife, Bronwen.”

“I am very pleased to meet you,” Bronwen said extending her hand.

“And we are happy to meet you. Are these your little girls?” Virginia asked smiling at Miranda, who was clutching her grandpa’s neck as tightly as she could.

“Yes, that’s Miranda and this is Beth. And these must be your ankle biters,” Bronwen said smiling at the two younger children who peeped out behind their mother’s skirt. Virginia and Todd looked totally bewildered and Adam interjected with a grin, “Ankle biter is Australian for a small child.” Virginia smiled then and nodded.

“Don’t tell me that’s Davy,” Adam said looking at the skinny, freckle-faced older boy.

“You’ve been gone for almost seven years, remember,” Todd said with another grin.“Dave’ll be eleven in a month. Come here and shake hands, Dave. Do you remember Adam?”

“Not really,” the boy answered honestly, shaking hands politely.

“And these are our two youngest, Andy and Susan; they’re a little shy like your girls,” he apologized when the little boy, also dressed in a knickerbocker suit, and the little girl, dressed in blue calico with a matching sunbonnet, refused to come from behind their mother’s skirt. “Andy is four.It looks like Susan and your Beth are about the same age.”

“Beth turned two in January,” Bronwen said and Virginia added, “Susan turned two last week. How old is Miranda? ”

“She was a year old in November,” Bronwen replied and Todd said with a big grin, “Making up for lost time, Adam?”

“Todd,” Virginia hissed while Bronwen blushed and Adam smirked. His father and brothers couldn’t hide their own gins.

Ben noticed Rev. Jordan standing by the church doors and said quietly, “I think we’d better go in now so the service can start.”

“We’d love for the four of you to come to supper,” Virginia said quickly.

“How about Tuesday night?” Adam suggested and it was agreed so they hurried inside. Ben led his family to their accustomed pew toward the front. Beth and Miranda sat quietly throughout the service, partly because they fell asleep during the sermon. Ben was happy he was sitting at Bronwen’s other side so he could hear her beautiful voice during the hymns.

After church Bronwen was introduced to many more of Virginia City ’s residents and the families of other ranches. Some were as unfriendly as Mrs. Gable while others, like Johnny and Ann Lightly, were as friendly as the McKarens. She had difficulty suppressing a fit of giggles when after one particularly unpleasant pair of ladies—mother and daughter—had been introduced, Joe whispered in her ear, “Sally had her cap set for Adam, not that she ever had a chance; she’s as sour as a lemon.” (She didn’t see the winks that Joe and Adam shared at her reaction to his revelation.)

Finally, after it seemed to Bronwen that she must have met the entire population of Virginia City and the surrounding environs, her father-in-law stated they were ready to leave. Both girls were hungry and cranky but she and Adam entertained them with little finger games and songs on the way home. Hop Sing had prepared an enormous hamper of food so they all quickly changed from their Sunday clothes and headed to their favorite picnic spot by the lake.Adam drove the surrey containing the four of them and the hamper. He let Beth pretend to drive and asked quietly, “It wasn’t as bad as you feared, was it, sweetheart?”

“I suppose not,” she admitted with a lopsided smile. “Although I can just imagine what that Mrs. Gable and Mrs. and Miss McDonald are saying about me.”

“Mrs. Gable is a know-it-all,” Adam said in a bitter tone that surprised Bronwen, who looked at him with raised eyebrows. “Trust me, I’ve had plenty of unpleasant encounters with her over the years.”

“I really liked your friends the McKarens. I’m looking forward to supper Tuesday.”

“Daddy, make horsies go faster,” Beth interjected. “Pwease, Daddy, pwease,” she begged turning her big hazel eyes on him. Miranda dimpled and said excitedly, “Pease, Daddy.” Adam set the horses at a trot so they reached the picnic spot not long after the others.The meal was delicious and the girls curled up and went to sleep soon after they finished.

“Ain’t they just the cutest little things,” Hoss said watching Miranda, her red calico sunbonnet shading her face.

“You’ll get no arguments from me, younger brother,” Adam said with a warm smile.

“Hoss, you should have a little girl of your own,” Bronwen stated. “You would be a wonderful father.”

“The problem is finding a mother,” Hoss said sadly. “I just don’t seem to be lucky that way.”

“Remember how long it took me to find Bronwen,” Adam said gently. “You’ve still got a couple of years before you match me.”

“Well, no offense, older brother,” Hoss said with a grin, “but I hope I’m not that old when I git married.” Adam took a playful swipe at him, which Hoss easily dodged, saying, “How about a game of horseshoes? You and me against Pa and Joe.”

Bronwen enjoyed watching Hoss and Adam defeat Ben and Joe, and when the game was over Adam asked her quietly, “Do you mind if I slip away for a bit? Joe’s mother is buried nearby and I’d like to visit her grave.”

“Of course not. If Hoss or Pa will watch Miranda, then Beth and I will go wading,” she replied and Adam kissed her gently and headed toward Marie’s grave.

He spied some wild flowers on his walk so he picked them and laid them on the grave.“It’s been a long time, Marie,” he said sitting down beside the headstone, folding his arms across his knees and resting his chin on his arms. “I imagine you’ve already heard about my marriage and Beth’s and Miranda’s births.I’m so happy now it scares me. Sometimes I wake in the night and just listen to Bronwen breathing beside me, or I slip out of bed to check on the girls.

“In so many ways I owe my happiness to you; you showed me that I can’t be afraid to love. I just hope and pray that Bronwen and I can raise our family and grow old together.” He was silent then, looking at the beauty of the lake, which had always drawn him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

The week passed quickly, too quickly for Ben, who was reveling in the company of his firstborn, his granddaughters and his daughter-in-law. The more time he spent with Bronwen, the more he came to love her. She really seemed to be enjoying life on the ranch, and Ben hoped that Adam noticed it as well and would consider remaining. Joe had stepped in to fill the void Adam had left, but he didn’t enjoy the business side of running the ranch the way Adam had. And no one in the family handled the books as well as Adam always had. It was a task they all hated. Much more important than anything related to Cartwright Enterprises, the family had seemed incomplete without Adam. Now they seemed whole and Bronwen and the girls brought a feminine touch that had been missing for so many years. If they returned to Australia , the house was going to seem very empty. Ben was anxious, for although Adam was clearly happy to be reunited with his family, Ben could sense the old discontent was still there.

Saturday Hop Sing and Bronwen worked cleaning the house and they got the men to move furniture to create a dance floor in the middle of the great room.Hop Sing refused Bronwen’s help with the cooking though, telling her she needed to rest and make herself pretty. Ben mixed up some of his famous punch while Adam and Bronwen fed the girls supper and got them ready for bed. Then Adam hauled water upstairs for Bronwen’s bath while the men took turns in the bathhouse.When Adam entered the bedroom to finish dressing, he found Bronwen putting on her silk stockings with her hair hanging down her back and wearing nothing but her drawers. She turned to him with a smile. “Finished your bath?”She saw the look in his eyes and said firmly, “Adam, we don’t have time now. Would you mind dressing in Hoss’s bedroom?”

“Why should I do that?” he inquired lifting her hair so he could kiss her exposed nape.He knew she was right and they didn’t have time, but unfortunately that didn’t have the slightest damping effect on his desire.

“Because I’m wearing a dress you’ve never seen before and I want you to be surprised,” she said firmly, handing him his shirt and tie and then pushing him out the door. With a sigh, he went into Hoss’s room.

The men were all ready, dressed in starched white shirts and black string ties, when Bronwen descended the stairs. She was dressed in a gown of lilac silk that bared her milky white shoulders and had a white gauze overskirt with gathered flounces looped up at the side and back.She was wearing the amethyst and diamond earrings Adam had given her for their first Christmas and the amethyst pendant he’d given her for their third. Her hair was pinned up at the back but several curls were allowed to cascade down her back and over her shoulders.

“Sweetheart, you take my breath away,” Adam said softly taking her hands. Then after kissing her, he whispered, “How tight is your corset?”

“I’m not going to faint, you horrid man,” she whispered back. “I just want to look my best.”

“Oh, this isn’t your best, but only I’m allowed to see you at your best,” he replied with a wink. She kicked his shins and then said, “Ouch! I forgot I’m wearing satin dancing slippers.”

“Serves you right,” he said grinning devilishly. “That’s no way to treat your lord and master.”

“You shore look beautiful, Bronwen,” Hoss said, deciding to break up their tête-à- tête. “I know older brother gets to dance the first dance with you, but I’d shore like to dance the second.”

“No, the second goes to me,” Ben said, smiling at them. “But I’m sure Bronwen will let you have the third.”

“And the fourth is mine,” Joe added. “It’s a good thing we asked now because I have a feeling we won’t get any other dances.”


As soon as the majority of the guests arrived, Ben signaled for the musicians to begin playing. The first dance was a waltz and Adam led Bronwen onto the dance floor first and then other couples began to join them. Joe hadn’t exaggerated when he said Bronwen would be danced off her feet. As soon as she had danced with all the Cartwright men, she was besieged by other males. Joe danced nearly every dance with a different girl. Hoss had invited Bessie Hightower so he danced mostly with her. Adam spent most of his time talking with friends and acquaintances although he danced with Virginia McKaren and Ann Lightly. Ben also spent most of his time chatting with friends. He was pouring a glass of punch for Joe, who was sitting a dance out, when Mrs. Gable approached.

“Are you all planning to attend the Fourth of July celebrations?” she asked in her usual overbearing manner.

“Of course. Why do you ask?” Ben inquired suspiciously.

“Well, since you have foreigners as houseguests I wasn’t sure if you’d bother to attend.”

Joe felt his father’s hand clamp down on his forearm like a vise but when he glared at his father he saw the muscle in his father’s jaw twitching and knew Ben was struggling to contain his own anger. “It’s true my daughter-in-law is the citizen of another country, but my granddaughters are American citizens. A father passes his citizenship to his children; that’s the law, Mrs. Gable,” Ben said coldly.

“I thought that since Adam chose to live in Australia that he had given up his American citizenship.”

“No, I have not, Mrs. Gable.” She whirled around to find Adam standing right behind her, his brows drawn together in a formidable scowl and his jaw clenched. “I may choose to live in Australia for the rest of my life, but I will always be a citizen of the United States . I will also ensure my children learn about our country as well as their mother’s.” He nodded curtly and left, and Joe followed him.

“If you will excuse me, Mrs. Gable?” Ben said in an icily polite tone before he left her standing alone.

Adam saw Bronwen talking with Clem Foster and he moved to her side. “I hope you don’t mind?” he asked in a coldly polite voice, “but I’d like to dance with my wife.” Bronwen could tell by his twitching cheek muscle and the quiet flatness of his tone that he was furious. Clem also sensed the tension in Adam and readily acquiesced. The dance was a polka and Adam whirled Bronwen around the dance floor until she was breathless. When the dance ended, she gasped with a little laugh, “I need some air,” so he guided her outside to the little bower not too far from the house. They sat side by side in silence for a few minutes. Then he removed her spectacles and sat them behind him before leaning down and capturing her mouth with his. His kisses moved from her mouth to her neck and shoulders and then back to her lips. They broke apart when they heard an embarrassed voice say, "Oh, excuse us,” and move rapidly away.

“Do you want to tell me why you were so angry?” she asked in a voice that was still a little breathless.

“No, I’d rather not talk about it,” he answered not meeting her eyes, tugging on his right earlobe. “I suppose we’d better go back. Since we’re the guests of honor we can’t just disappear much as I’d like to,” he added handing Bronwen her spectacles.

“The party won’t last forever and then we can finish what we started,” she replied with a smile as she put her spectacles back on. She had learned that most of the time if she didn’t press him, he was more likely to tell her what was troubling him. After they made love that night and she lay in the crook of his arm while he stroked her long silky hair, he told her quietly about the Independence Day celebrations in Virginia City .

“My family always attends so we’d like to take you and the girls this year.”

“Of course we’ll all go. I think it will be very interesting.” She stopped then and asked diffidently, “Did you think that since I’m not an American I wouldn’t want to attend?”

“Not exactly,” he replied quietly.

“But someone at the party thought so,” she stated intuitively.

He sighed.“Yes. That old witch, Mrs. Gable.”

She turned slightly so she could rest her chin on this chest. “ Cariad, it has been a wonderful day. Don’t let her spoil it for you.”

He smiled then, running his fingertips gently down her back and then cupping her buttocks. “I won’t.”


The morning of Independence Day, Bronwen dressed Beth in her red sprigged calico and Miranda in her blue and each girl wore a crisp white cotton pinafore and a sunbonnet to match her dress .. “There,” Bronwen said as she surveyed them. “You are red, white and blue just like the American flag. Of course,” she added with a snicker, “they stole the colors from the Union Jack,” but that will be our secret.” She held out her hands to them. “Now, you can watch Mama get dressed.”

Adam was buttoning his white shirt when they entered. “Do you think they look American enough?” Bronwen asked.

“I think they look beautiful,” he replied bending over and kissing each girl’s cheek.“What are you going to wear?”

“A white blouse, my red silk zouave jacket and my navy blue delaine skirt. Oh, and my new blue velvet toque with the white silk roses. All the Cartwright ladies will be dressed in red, white and blue.”

“The Cartwright men are going to look pretty drab next to the three of you,” he said with a chuckle.


Ben and Joe shared smiles when Bronwen and the girls came down the stairs. “I can hardly wait to see Mrs. Gable’s face,” Joe said with a giggle.


Bronwen was impressed as they drove into Virginia City .Nearly every building displayed an American flag and she could hear a band playing in the distance. “I don’t hear the stamping mills,” she said in surprise.

“No, in honor of Independence Day, they are closed as are the mines. The workers all get a paid holiday just like our hands.”

They didn’t want to risk the girls getting lost in the crowd so Hoss carried Beth and Adam carried Miranda. (They were awed enough by the crowds not to object.)A platform had been built at one end of Main Street and benches had been set up in front of it. The Cartwrights had arrived early enough that there were plenty of seats and Adam led his family to one of the front rows and the other Cartwrights followed.They listened to the band play Yankee Doodle , The Liberty Song , Johnny’s Gone for a Soldier and The Battle Hymn of the Republic . Then the band stopped playing and Rev. Jordan prayed. When his prayer ended, everyone stood up and all the men and boys took off their hats.The band played and everyone sang The Star Spangled Banner. Ben, Hoss and Joe were surprised to hear Bronwen’s beautiful voice soaring effortlessly while voices around her were strained or flat.

After the national anthem, a man Bronwen didn’t know stood and read the Declaration of Independence. Then there were some political speeches and the little girls began to get restless so Adam and Hoss jiggled them on their knees and then shushed them when they began to giggle loudly. When the speeches were done, it was time to eat. Before the Cartwrights could unpack the hamper of food Hop Sing had packed, Will Cass, who had been sitting behind them, said, “Mrs. Cartwright, I have never heard The Star Spangled Banner sung as beautifully.” Todd and Virginia McKaren had also been sitting nearby and Virginia said, “I must agree. You have such a beautiful voice.”

“Adam told me that The Star Spangled Banner would be sung so I asked him to teach it to me. We’ll teach it to Beth and Miranda along with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.” Seeing their blank looks she said with a smile, “That’s the Welsh national anthem and my parents were both born in Wales so they taught it to my brothers and me.”

“Doesn’t Australia have a national anthem?” Todd asked curiously.

“God Save the Queen ,” Bronwen answered dryly.“My father is a Welsh patriot and has no particular love for the English government so we rarely sang it.”

“Todd and Virginia, why don’t you folks have your picnic by us,” Ben suggested. “That way the little ones can play together.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Todd replied with a grin. “Susan, Beth and Miranda played very well when they were at our house. I promised Dave and Andy some firecrackers, but the girls are too little for those.”

“I think Andy is too little,” Virginia said tartly but Todd only said with a slow grin, “I promise I’ll watch him like a hawk.Maybe Adam would like to help supervise?”

“Sure,” Adam replied with a grin of his own. “Are they having a horse race this year?”

“Yeah. It should start in about an hour and a half,” Todd said. “They’ve added a buggy race this year.”

“Just remember, Todd, you promised me you wouldn’t gamble,” Virginia said firmly.

“Yes, dear,” Todd sighed.

Adam saw Bronwen looking at him and said quickly, “I don’t bet on horse races.”

“You mean not anymore,” Joe said before dissolving into giggles and Bronwen saw Ben and Hoss and even Todd begin to laugh.

“All I ask is that you wait until I’m not around to tell her,” Adam said disgustedly.



That Sunday Adam tied Sport and Rosebud behind the surrey so he and Bronwen could go for a ride after the picnic, and Bronwen changed into her waist overalls and boots. After they finished eating, Hoss decided to help Beth make a garland of wildflowers while Ben took Miranda to throw pebbles in the lake, so Joe asked to join Adam and Bronwen. The three of them were riding along the shore of Tahoe when Joe suggested a gallop.

“Think you’re ready?” Adam asked Bronwen.

She hesitated; she knew she was no equestrienne but she also knew that Adam and Joe wouldn’t suggest a gallop if they felt she wasn’t ready. “I’ll give it a burl,” she replied smiling at him.

At first it was glorious feeling her mount’s muscles bunching and flowing beneath her, but suddenly she felt Rosebud stumble and the next thing she was aware of was hitting the ground—hard. She tried to breathe but couldn’t seem to get her lungs to work.

Adam and Joe watched in horror as Rosebud stumbled and went down. Adam leaped off Sport and hit the ground running. He thanked God Bronwen had fallen free of Rosebud, who was scrambling to her feet, but Bronwen lay so still; he couldn’t see her chest rise and fall. “Bronwen, sweetheart,” he sobbed falling to his knees and gathering her in his arms, unaware of Joe’s presence behind him and his anguished expression. Then he felt her take a gasping breath and cradled her head to his chest, causing her to moan in pain. She tried to focus her eyes on his face but her spectacles had cracked and the frames were bent and askew. “Sweetheart, are you all right?” he asked in a voice thick with tears.

“No,” she replied shakily. “I think my collarbone may be broken.”

“I’ll go tell the others and then I’ll get Doc Martin,” Joe volunteered tears of relief filling his emerald eyes. “And Hoss will bring the surrey here.” He swung into the saddle and galloped Cochise back to where the others were.

“Are you dizzy?” Adam asked, continuing to cradle her in his arms while Sport and Rosebud began to graze.

“No,” she answered with a wan smile. “I just had the wind knocked out of me.” Then she asked curiously, “Are my pupils different sizes?”

“No, thank God,” he answered in an unsteady voice and even through her blurred vision she could see he was crying.

“Adam, cariad ,” she said softly, “I’m not hurt that badly.”

“It was like seeing Marie,” he answered in a choked voice and she remembered him telling her Joe’s mother had died when she broke her neck in a riding accident.

“I’m all right,” she said gently but firmly. “Dr. Martin will just need to set my collarbone, and I may have a few bruises and scrapes.”She didn’t mention her worry that if she were pregnant, the baby might have been hurt.

“I’m sorry I ever talked you into riding lessons,” he said unsteadily.

“I’m not although I don’t think I’ll try galloping again. I think I’ll stick to walking or maybe a gentle canter.”

“You’re not planning on riding again?” he stated in a mixture of incredulity and brusqueness.

“Of course I am. I just took a tumble. Are you going to tell me that you never had an accident?’

“I just can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you,” he replied in a strained voice.

“I’m none too enamoured of the idea myself,” she retorted with just a hint of dry humor.

“Don’t be flip,’ he said in a dangerously quiet voice. “You mean everything to me.”

“As you do to me,” she said softly. “But be reasonable, cariad .”

He was silent for such a long time she began to be concerned but then he said wryly, “I feel our roles have been reversed—you telling me to be reasonable.”

“One of us has to be the logical one,” she replied with a slight smile.


It seemed an eternity to Adam before Hoss arrived with the surrey and he carefully lifted Bronwen in his arms and then held her on his lap while Hoss drove back to the ranch house. Hoss explained that Ben would keep the girls at the lake until he could return for them since they didn’t want to scare them by having them see their mother when she was hurt. When they got to the ranch house, Adam carried Bronwen to their room and got her out of her boots and waist overalls and put her to bed.She was in more pain than she allowed herself to show, not wanting to worry him. Hoss had returned with Ben and the girls before Paul arrived, but the girls had fallen asleep on the drive and Ben and Hoss were able to carry them up to their beds without their waking up.

They were all greatly relieved when Paul drove up in his buggy. Adam insisted on staying in the room until Paul took him to one side and said bluntly, “Adam, I need to know exactly how much pain Bronwen is in and she is not going to tell me with you hovering around because she doesn’t want to worry you. Just let me be alone with her for a few minutes. When I’m ready to set the collarbone then I will let you be here with her. All right?’ Reluctantly, he complied.

“Thank you, Paul,” she said with a wan smile. “He is terrified for me.”

“Which means you have to keep that famous British stiff upper lip,” Paul replied with a wry grin.

“I really think it’s just my collarbone, but it does hurt like the devil,” she said.She paused and then said quietly. “I might be pregnant and I’m more worried about any possible harm to the baby.”

“You don’t know for sure?” Paul asked.

“No.We just stopped using a contraceptive when we arrived here three weeks ago.”

“If you are pregnant, there’s really nothing we can do but wait and see. I’d be more worried if you were several months along, but in that case, you wouldn’t be riding. Your pupils are the same size; do you feel dizzy, or does your head ache?”

“I don’t feel dizzy but my head hurts where it hit the ground.”

“Yes, I feel a lump. Were you unconscious?”

“No.I had the wind knocked out of me so I couldn’t breathe for a minute or so.”

“I don’t see any evidence of a concussion. I think I’ll let Adam in while I examine your arms and legs to see if you have any other broken bones.”

Paul motioned Adam to come in and then he said, “I’m supposed to examine Bronwen only by touch—“

“No, I want you to really examine her,” Adam said bluntly. “I’ll be here with you, sweetheart.”

Paul completed his examination and said, “I don’t find anything broken except your collarbone, Bronwen. I’ll set it and give you a sling. I do want you to stay in bed for the next few days just to be on the safe side,” and she knew he was referring to the possibility of a baby. “Adam, you’ll need to take care of the girls. They’ll want to see their mother but don’t let them climb all over her and don’t let her pick them up. Now, Bronwen, I’m going to give you something mild for the pain and you should sleep for the next several hours.”

Just then they could hear Beth and Miranda calling for Mama and Daddy. “Adam, since Bronwen is going to be sleeping, I suggest you go be with your daughters.”

“All right,” he said and reluctantly and went across the hall. Paul chuckled. “I was about ready to give him a sedative, but I think your girls will do a better job of taking his mind off his fears.”


Bronwen rested in bed for the next few days. She was relieved that she didn’t find any evidence of any bleeding, even when she should have had her monthly flux. She decided she wouldn’t mention that to Adam yet. If she missed a second time, then she would tell him their third child was on the way. A child that had been conceived here on the Ponderosa. He was enjoying being here with his family so much, just as they were enjoying having them here. A week after her accident, she decided she must talk with him.

“Cariad,” she said that night as they got into bed, “I need to ask you something and I want you to be honest with me.”

“I wasn’t aware I was ever dishonest with you,” he replied stiffly.

“No, I didn’t mean to imply that. I just don’t want you to tell me what you think I want to hear.”

“I see,” he said reflectively. “All right, ask your question and I promise that I will give you an honest answer.”

“When you asked me to marry you, you told me we would live in Australia so I would be closer to my family. I’ve seen how happy you are here on the Ponderosa, seen how close your family is. That’s why I must ask you if you want to stay here. I love you, and I will be happy living with you wherever you choose.”

He was silent for a time, running his fingers absently through her long, silky hair, and when he did speak, he was cool and deliberate. “The Ponderosa will always be home to me just as Sydney will always be home to you. It’s meant a great deal to me to be able to spend time with my family and old friends. But it’s also true that I have a thriving business in Cloncurry—two if you count my share in Peter Dawson’s stud farm. We have family there as well—Rhys, Matilda and little Llewelyn—and good friends in the Dawsons . We have a beautiful house that I designed for us. However, the most compelling reason for me to return is quite simple: The minute I stepped off the train in Virginia City , I became the oldest Cartwright boy—not Adam Cartwright, successful businessman, or Adam Cartwright, husband to Bronwen and father of Beth and Miranda. Just Ben Cartwright’s oldest boy. I have outgrown that role and I have no desire to be forced back into it.

“I have talked with Pa. I know that he wishes I would stay, but I’ve explained my reasons for returning to Cloncurry and he understands. Hoss and Joe have never had the same need that I have to be independent so they may not understand, but they love me and I know they will accept my decision.” He stopped and smiled faintly.“In fact, I rode into Virginia City today and wired Pa’s man of affairs in San Francisco to book us passage to Sydney . We’ll be leaving here in two days for San Francisco and then we’ll be on our way back home.”




Epilogue

Joe galloped into the yard shouting excitedly, “We’ve got a letter from Adam!”

“Dadburnit! I bet this is the one we’ve been waitin’ for!” Hoss exclaimed excitedly. “Wanna bet it’s a nephew this time, Joe?”

“Boys!’ Ben chided them. “They’ll be no betting about whether the newest Cartwright is a girl or a boy.Now, come on inside so we can read what your brother wrote. But first Joe needs to take care of Cochise.”

“I’ll help, Shortshanks, so’s we can get the job done quicker. No peekin’, Pa,” Hoss said, moving quickly to the barn with Joe.

They were soon gathered in the great room along with Hop Sing as Ben opened the envelope.

April 1, 1878

Dear Family,

Gwyneth Marie Cartwright made her appearance right around noon today after putting her mother (and her father) through six hours of labor. (She was a bit of an April Fool’s joke on Bronwen, who was certain we’d have a boy this time.) Gwyneth was the name of Tad ’s mother, if you’re wondering why we chose it. This little girl seems to favor me. Like Miranda, Gwyneth has plenty of dark hair, and she definitely has my eyes and my eyebrows, which seem odd on a tiny baby girl. Beth is happy to have a new baby sister, but I’m afraid Miranda isn’t so sure. I’m glad we moved Miranda into the bedroom with Beth after we returned so I don’t think she’ll be upset at Gwyneth being in her nursery. Of course for the next few weeks, Gwyneth will be sleeping in our room.

We’re all well here. Miranda has finished cutting her molars, thankfully. I put a swing on the verandah and both girls love to swing on it and they always have their dollies with them so they can swing as well. (I was afraid those wax dolls wouldn’t survive a Cloncurry summer, but they did even if their features aren’t quite as perfect as they once were.) For her third birthday, Beth received a beautifully illustrated copy of Mother Goose Tales from the her Tad-cu and Mam-gu and Mama and Daddy gave her Lily’s Picture Book (about two sisters), but it is Miranda that is the most interested in the books. We bought her a picture book called Schnick, Schnack: Trifles for the Little Ones for her second birthday and she never tires of hearing us read the books to her. I confess I am growing a bit weary of them. I found my old copy of The History of Puss in Boots, but she’s a bit young for it and the same is true of my old Beauty and the Beast . If you are looking for suggestions on gifts for Miranda, you can’t go wrong with picture books. Bronwen and I are very glad that at least one of our girls shares our love of reading.

Beth, on the other hand, loves getting new dresses to wear. You wouldn’t think a girl so young would care about clothes, but she does. And she has Bronwen sewing new dresses for her two dolls as well. Besides her dolls and pretty dresses, her chief interest Is horses.She reminds me of Joe at the same age in that regard. We have to watch her constantly to make sure she isn’t heading for the stable to pat our two carriage horses or Zephyr. I wasn’t going to get her a pony until she was five, but I’ve seen Peter Dawson’s Welsh Moutain ponies and they are very gentle and even tempered and only twelve hands so I am seriously considering getting her one for her fourth birthday.

Affectionately yours,
Adam



~ * ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~* ~ * ~


“You got a letter from Australia ,” Paul Martin said to Ben and Joe as he and Roy Coffee got out of his buggy. “Figured this would have the news about the latest addition to Adam’s family.”

They saw Ben look with concern at Joe, who managed a slight smile that was a pale imitation of his old irrepressible grin. “I hope it’s a boy this time, Pa, so you can finally have a grandson.” Ben reached over and squeezed Joe’s neck affectionately.

“Let’s sit on the porch, shall we?” Ben suggested. “Joe, why don’t you tell Hop Sing the letter from Adam has arrived.”

The five men sat on the porch (Ben insisted that Hop Sing sit as well) as Ben carefully opened the letter.

January 30, 1881

Dear Pa, Joe and Hop Sing,

It’s another girl. Penelope Jane Cartwright arrived about 6:30 this evening.This little girl is going to be the image of her mother, who is doing well. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she’ll have her mother’s violet eyes instead of hazel like her sisters. After all the tragedy and sorrow of the last two years, Bronwen and I are especially thankful for Penny’s safe arrival. I feel guilty, Joe, that I have found such happiness when the love you and Alice would have shared was cut short so tragically.


“He ought to know I don’t begrudge him and Bronwen their happiness,” Joe said in an unsteady voice.

“He does know it, Joe,” Paul said gently. “But since he’s the only one of you boys to have a family, I think it’s only natural that he wonder why he was so lucky and you and Hoss weren’t.” Joe nodded, not trusting himself to speak and Ben continued reading.


Beth and Miranda seem pretty nonchalant about the arrival of their newest baby sister. Bronwen says what do I expect? They would find it more unusual if a new sister didn’t arrive every couple of years.


Ben, Paul, and Roy chuckled at that while Hop Sing grinned broadly and even Joe smiled slightly.


However, I think four children is enough, especially considering that I will be forty-five this birthday. I will admit to you that I would have liked a son, but I can’t imagine my life without one of my girls.Beth was absolutely thrilled with the new saddle you sent her for Daisy. I think she would sleep in the stable with Daisy if we’d let her. Miranda has announced that she wants a pony for her birthday present this year.Since Beth has now turned six Bronwen has begun teaching her to read and write and also her numbers. She takes to the lessons just about as well as Hoss did. (How he would have loved knowing that Beth takes after him.) Miranda has insisted on being a part of the lessons and she is learning very quickly.She is especially good with numbers and can already count to 100 so I am teaching her the concept of adding and subtracting. I know I am prejudiced, but she is a very bright little girl. Gwyneth is cutting her molars, which makes her very fretful. The poor child really suffers, especially in this heat.

Every day for the past two weeks it has been between 105 to 115 degrees. We all wear lightweight clothing, but before midmorning we’re soaking wet in our own sweat. The house is unbearable during the day as is the office at the mine, but it’s not much better outside. The only time we have any relief is when it rains, so I try and imagine cold winds from the Sierras and Bronwen imagines ocean breezes. At times like this we wonder why we are living in the outback, but rest of the year the climate is moderate if dry. Our orange and lemon trees are hardy although this year we’ve had to struggle to have enough water for ourselves, the livestock and the vegetable garden. Bronwen had to let her flower garden die because we just don’t have the water to spare.

I really didn’t mean to go on about the weather. Bronwen reminds me that I’m to send you her love. (I’m writing outside on our verandah where she is resting on our wicker chaise lounge with Gwyneth and Penny is sleeping in her cradle out here with us. Nell and Mary are watching the older girls on the downstairs verandah. Mary is a young Aboriginal woman whom we hired to help Nell. With three little girls and now an infant, we needed more help. I think Bronwen and Nell were a little uneasy with her at first, but she is now a part of the family.)

I have decided to take up photography as a hobby. The Davies will be coming for a visit now that Penny has arrived and Tad has promised to buy me a camera and the supplies I’ll need and bring them with him. (I’ve already built a dark room under the house.) This means that soon I’ll be able to send you photographs of the girls so you can see how much they’ve grown. Beth and Miranda take after Bronwen in height, but Gwyneth seems to have inherited my long legs and she is definitely taller than her sisters were at the same age. (At not quite three, she is wearing frocks her older sisters wore when they were nearly four.)

I’ll close by sending you all our love with hugs and kisses from Beth, Miranda and Gwyneth.

Adam


“Well, Hoss,” Joe said as he seated himself by his brother’s headstone, “we got us another niece. Her name is Penelope Jane but thank goodness they’re calling her Penny. Adam says she looks like Bronwen and I can tell he’s real happy about that. I know I would have been happy if our baby had been a little girl that looked just like Alice ,” and he had to choke back his tears. When he regained his self-control, he said, “Adam wrote us that Beth feels the same way about lessons that you always did; said you’d want to know that. Miranda, on the other hand, sounds like a female version of Adam,” he added with a hint of his old grin. He paused and then said quietly. “The old Yankee granite head is feeling guilty, Hoss. Guess I’ll have to write him a letter for both of us telling him that we were happy he found Bronwen and had the sense to marry her and delighted that he gave us our beautiful nieces. We don’t want him to feel any guilt just because we weren’t as lucky.”

Joe smiled and gently stroked the granite stone. “He says four children is enough, but I know Bronwen wants a boy.I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they have a fifth child. Course, it could be a fifth girl. That’d make Adam like one of those sultans with his own harem. I’ll bet you’ll be laughin’ up there in heaven if Adam becomes the father of five little girls.” His expression suddenly sobered. “Maybe you could put in a word up there that the next Cartwright born be a boy ‘ cause Pa sure would like a grandson.

“Sometimes, Hoss, I just don’t think I can go on. Once the four of us were so close and so happy, and now you’re gone and Adam is happy livin’ in Cloncurry with a family of his own. I guess things are just never going to be the same and I need to accept that. But it’s not easy, Hoss. It’s sure not easy.” He slowly stood, giving the granite headstone one final caress. “I guess I’d better be getting back or Pa’ll be wondering what happened to me.”


References:

I once again owe a debt of thanks to Joan Sattler for her help with Australian idioms.

I found popular songs in 19^th Century America (and Australia) at the following Web site:
http://www.conte mplator.co m/america/

If any readers are wondering why Bronwen didn’t sing Waltzing Matilda, the answer is simple: It wouldn’t be written until the 1890s. I was really disappointed because I’d hoped to use it. I also wanted to use Bring Me a Little Water, Sylvie in a story, but it was written by Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly, a Blues musician born in the 1880s, which meant that while Pernell Roberts could have known the song, Adam Cartwright could not have.

Bronwen quotes from Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Reflections of Early Childhood by William Wordsworth.

I used These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Fashion in Costume: 1200-1980 by Joan Nunn as aids in describing women’s clothing. The information about waist overalls comes from http://www.levistrauss.com/about/history/timeline.asp

I used the following Web sites for information about horses and ponies:
http://w ww.doubledilute.com/color-chart.htm
http://members.tripod.com/~welshponycob/index.html

Note: I got information about Independence Day celebrations from Farmer Boy and Little Town on the Prairie.I couldn’t find anything specific on how it was celebrated in Virginia City at the time so closing the stamping mills and the mines and giving the men a paid holiday is my invention and quite probably not true.

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