Shameful
by
Janice Sagraves

This is for Sue D, who helped to add spark to what would have been a dull story.

ONE

The little man’s long black pigtail swished across his back as he bustled about the immense parlor, a dust rag in one hand. Everything had to be made ready for the advent of their company, and as of late the mistress hadn’t been up to it. Always bright and effervescent, in the past few weeks she had become less and less herself, and not in a good way. It alarmed him, and he could see that it alarmed the master. And he suspected that as the reason for the company. He was, however, only a servant, even though this family had always treated him as one of their own. As he ran the rag over one of the arms of the red leather chair near the massive stone fireplace something snagged his eye. He stopped and gave it a more thorough look. It appeared to be the corner of something white. He tugged at it and found it to be paper. He gave another tug, and still it resisted him. There was no other alternative but to remove the cushion. Upon its removal a crimped envelope – no longer held upright – fell over. He picked it up and turned it so that he could see the front of it. His obsidian eyes traced the scrawl of handwriting. It was addressed to the mistress from someone whose name he did not recognize, but for some reason it disturbed him. He would show it to Mista Ben, but for now he had work to do. Company was coming.

*******

Ben Cartwright sat at his large mahogany desk, but his intense coffee eyes stayed more on his wife than the letter he was attempting to write. She sat in the chair closest to the hearth, her pale gray eyes locked onto the flames. Her hands were clasped in her ample lap, and she hadn’t spoken to him in over an hour. She made him think of a statue, so still and so silent. He couldn’t miss the changes that had come in her since the end of March, but now three weeks into April, things had gotten worse, not better. She would protest that she hadn’t changed at all when he dared to bring it up, but he knew different. He didn’t bring it up any more.

The clink of china against china made him look around as Hop Sing sat a cup of steaming tea on the corner of the desk. Ben hadn’t even noticed him.

“Missus velly quiet today.”

Ben frowned as his attention returned to her. “Not just today any more.”

“Yes, but today seem more than most.”

Ben looked back to Hop Sing. “I know, and it disturbs me more than I try to let on.”

“Hop Sing not blind. He see how Mista Ben wolly. I wolly, too. This not like Missus.”

“No, it isn’t. And one of the troubling things is that I don’t think she’s even aware that she has become different. I wish I knew what’s causing it then maybe I could do something to help her.”

“Hop Sing not oracle that know all, but I wonder if maybe it have something to do with this.”

Ben’s gaze went straight to the folded envelope the little cook had just taken from his light blue tunic. He took it, but he found himself dreading to look at it. But something told him that he had to, for his wife’s sake. On a quick inhalation of breath, he unfolded it and read the writing. His blackened eyes shot right to Hop Sing’s face.

Hop Sing seemed to read the question in the look directed at him. “I find in chair by fireplace when I clean up this morning. This first chance I get to give to you.”

Ben looked back at the envelope, and his fingers knotted on it. The name Oran Bushnell had jumped out and grabbed him by the throat when he first saw it. His breathing quickened and he thought it might stifle the rapid beating of his heart. Before he and Angelica had left for Bangor, Adam had sent a letter to his father by one of his ranch hands. In it he had explained what was going on with this man Bushnell, what the man was doing, and why he and Angelica were going to Maine. Ben’s hands clenched. Now he knew what the seed of the trouble was.

Hop Sing watched Mista Ben as he stared at his wife, a death grip on the envelope, and he guessed that his supposition had been right on the mark. With a touch of sorrow, he gave the lady a last glance then he drifted like a cloud back to the kitchen.

Verina Cartwright wasn’t aware that she had no thoughts in her head. She wasn’t even cognizant of the flames that flickered among the charred logs like golden fairy sprites. So when the hand touched her arm, and a rich voice said her name, she turned with a throaty gasp and almost sprang from the chair. Ben crouched beside her, but at first she didn’t really see him.

A compassionate smile warmed his face and rose to do the same for his eyes. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I don’t think I have ever seen you so deep in thought. It was almost like you weren’t here.”

“I don’t… I don’t really know what I was thinking.”

His hands came up and grasped both of hers. “You have been so distant today. More than I have ever seen you.”

She forced a smile. “I think I’m just tired.”

“I don’t see how you could be. You don’t do anything any more except sit around and worry about something.” He put his right hand against her fire-flushed cheek. “You need to tell me what’s wrong.”

“I have lost track of how many times I have told you that nothing is wrong.”

“Please, Verina. I have seen you change right before my eyes into somebody I hardly know any more. Maybe you aren’t conscious of it, but I certainly am, and so are Joe and Hoss, and yes, even Hop Sing. It’s getting so that the precious woman I married no longer exists, and we’re all worried to death about you, but don’t know what to do about it because we don’t know what the problem is. That there is a problem is very, very obvious.”

“I assure you, Ben, that I’m just fine.”

“No, you aren’t. You’ve gotten so that you hardly eat, you never have a peaceful night’s sleep, and you float around like a restless ghost. You haven’t been outside in over a week, and with as much as you love to read, I can’t remember the last time I saw you even pick up a book let alone open one. We rarely talk any more. Sometimes I get the distinct impression that you’re uncomfortable around me. So please don’t tell me that nothing’s wrong, because I know better.” He held the envelope out in front of her. “Maybe it has something to do with this.”

He saw her expression transform before him into something it was hard to put a handle on. For sure he saw fear, but there were other emotions jumbled in as well.

“I thought so. I need to see that letter.”

She shook her head, but her widened eyes never strayed from the name in the upper left corner of the envelope.

“Verina, I have never demanded anything from you, but I am now. I insist that you let me see that letter.”

“You can’t.”

“You have never said no to me, not like this.”

Her eyes rose to him, and he could see how much constraint she was putting on herself. “You can’t because I… I burned it the day it came.”

“Oh, Verina.”

“I read it, and then I threw it mercifully into the fire and watched it blacken.” She released her hands from him, and turned her face to the fire. “Please don’t hate me.”

He felt like he had been slugged. “Oh, my dearest, you know I could never do that.” He sat on the arm of the chair, and just watched her for a long second, then pulled her head against his full chest, and his arms enclosed around her. “You are one of my life’s greatest treasures, and I don’t know how you couldn’t realize that. Now you need to tell me what was in that letter so we can work through this together.” He could feel her tremble, and it tore at him like pitiless claws. His arms tightened on her, and he hoped that what he was about to say wasn’t a huge mistake. “I know all about Oran Bushnell.”

She pulled free of his hold and looked up at him, and he knew that he had never seen her look so trapped.

“Adam wrote to me and told me quite a few things about the man.”

Her hands knotted into fists at her sides, and she came to her feet. “He had no right to do that.”

“He’s my son married to your daughter, they’re our children. I think that gives me the right to know.” He stood and took hold of her arms. “Now I think if we sit down and talk about this like two sensible adults you may find out that it isn’t as bad as you think.”

“Oh, Ben, you just don’t understand.” She loosed herself from his gentle grip on her arms, and turned her back to him. “You couldn’t, no good man could. You…” She stopped herself before she said too much.

“Hiram Cadence did.”

“He didn’t either. Now I don’t want to say any more about it.” She stiffened at his touch then pulled away and headed toward the stairs, the skirt of her dress gathered into one hand.

He watched her as she started up the staircase with refined deportment. “Verina.”

But she kept going, and didn’t once look back. He thought to say her name again, but he knew the futility of it and didn’t. He seemed unable to act as she disappeared down the hall then a door closed.

Ben collected his wits, and started after her but got only as far as the first step when a commotion outside stopped him. He turned toward the front door – his hand still on the newel post – as he listened to the sounds of horses and a vehicle in the yard. They weren’t due for another two days, so he could only hope and pray that they were early.

*******

Verina stood at the window in her and Ben’s large bedroom, one hand clasped on the heavy dark blue brocade draperies. Her eyes were locked on the awe inspiring vistas beyond the glazed glass panes, but she didn’t really see them. Her generous bosom swelled in a deep, ragged breath, and her fingers gnarled even more in the fabric.

She had done so well in keeping her secret all these years, but now the whole thing was in danger of being revealed.
She loved Adam dearly, but she could just slap him for telling his father, and how he found out about Oran Bushnell she might figure out if she gave it enough thought, but she didn’t care to. What worried her most was how much they knew. She guessed, really hoped, that it wasn’t much, just the man’s name, and she must make sure that Ben never found out the truth. If he did she would lose him for sure, and that she couldn’t bear the thought of. She had already lost one man she loved – she would rather die than to lose another.

She didn’t hear the knock on the door behind her, and she didn’t hear it open.

“Mother.”

She didn’t move. She still didn’t hear.

“Mother.”

This time the soft voices got through. With a skeptical frown she turned. One hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes filled. “Angelica. Fiona.”

TWO

Adam Cartwright stood before the fireplace with his father, each with a snifter of brandy. Adam’s dark hazel eyes were on the flames, while his father’s were on him.

Adam took a sip, and his gaze wandered toward the second floor. “It might’ve helped if we had brought the children, but all four of them had come down with bad colds, as did Steve’s and Fiona’s little girl. Nothing serious but we hated to expose them to this weather. It looks no more like spring out there than the polar ice caps.”

Ben sat down in the red chair, and the leather squeaked with his weight. “That was the right thing to do. They’re in good hands with the Bannings.”

“I know that.” Adam turned back to his father. “But I think that if ever Mother needed children around, this is it.”

“It’s too bad Steve couldn’t come either.”

“He wanted to, but he was threatened with the loss of his job if he came, and with a wife and a child…”

“I understand. I imagine that he already knows about this.”

Adam nodded. “Yes, I told him.” An ominous scowl commandeered his face, and he took the remainder of his liquor down in a hard jolt. “It’s hard to imagine anybody so venomous as to do something like this. But after coming into contact with Oran Bushnell more times than I care to think about, it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. And it doesn’t surprise me that she didn’t tell you he had written her.”

“I only found out about it this morning, and purely by accident.” Ben crossed one leg over the other and took a sip. “Thank goodness for Hop Sing.”

Adam let out a puff of breath. “Yes. It’s only too bad that the letter wasn’t still in the envelope.” His expression just got blacker. “But I’m afraid I already have a pretty good idea what was in it. Charles filled me in on quite a few things while I was in bed with that bullet hole Bushnell so graciously put in my shoulder.”

“Then, by-all-means do enlighten your father. And don’t leave a thing out.”

“All right, but Angelica and Fiona don’t know any of this yet, and hopefully they won’t need to.”

“Enough said.”

Adam put his empty glass on the low table then sat on the loveseat. Ben’s eyes set on his son’s face as the whole sad and sorry tale began to come to life with the rhythm of the rich baritone.

Angelica Cartwright and Fiona Balasco sat on the edge of the bed on either side of their mother. Verina twisted a handkerchief in her hands and couldn’t bring herself to look at her girls.

Angelica put a comforting arm around her mother’s shoulders. “Mother, Oran Bushnell is not worth putting yourself through this torment. In fact, that is exactly why he sent that wretched letter in the first place.”

Verina’s composure seemed on the verge of cracking. “Ben told you about it. Oh, I wish he hadn’t done that.”

“I’m glad that he did. We’re your daughters, and we have a right to know about anything that would harm you or any member of our family.”

“Angelica’s right. We have always been there for each other, so please don’t shut us out now.”

Verina turned a sad smile to her youngest and cupped the young woman’s chin in her hand. “My baby is all grown up into a beautiful, intelligent woman,” she put the other hand against Angelica’s cheek, “just like all my girls.”

Angelica grasped her mother’s fingers. “Mother, this won’t go away simply because you won’t talk about it.”

“There’s plenty of time for that later. It’s too bad you couldn’t bring the children. It isn’t often enough that I get to see my grandbabies, but being a mother I know why you didn’t. And the five little jewels will have excellent care with the Bannings. They’re such fine people.”

“Mother, I wish you wouldn’t change the subject.”

“There’s no subject to change. Now I want to hear all about Lucinda. After all this time, and she and Charles are finally going to present me with a grandchild. It’s a miracle. There is simply no other way to put it. It is a wonderful miracle. I can imagine that Charles is quite ecstatic about it.”

“Very much so.” Angelica’s eyes flicked to her sister and saw the same concern. It had always disconcerted her how her mother had been able to shift away from topics she didn’t wish to discuss.

“Angelica, I’m talking to you.”

“I’m sorry, Mother. My mind just wandered for a few seconds. I guess it’s being tired from the trip. Go on with what you were saying.”

“Oh, it was just the prattlings of an old woman.” She hooked her arms in those of her daughters, and the three of them stood. “I think we should go downstairs and join the men. I do so want to see my Adam. I’m so sorry my Steve couldn’t come. Maybe next time.”

“Yes, Mother, next time,” was all Fiona could say.

They left the room, but the looks exchanged between sisters behind their mother’s back said it all. They were worried, and mere words would have been superfluous.

*******

Adam fastened the last button on his nightshirt, and let his arms drop at his sides as he turned toward his wife. Sometimes it caught him square with the notion of bowling him over what an altogether enthralling creature he found himself married to. This night, however, he knew her mind wasn’t on romance, and maybe his shouldn’t be either, but she was so beautiful that he couldn’t help himself. And it had been a long day.

“Angel.”

She looked up from her perch on the side of the bed and those deep violet eyes were so liquid that he thought he would love to go swimming in them. He sat down beside her, but she didn’t even seem to notice. His left hand went to her cheek while the other began to unbutton the front of her dress. “You should get ready for bed.”

“When I first saw her today I just wanted to cry. Her face was so pale, and I saw right away that she has lost some weight. It frightened both me and Fiona. We are so worried about the poor dear.”

He leaned forward and kissed her on the side of the neck.

“We can’t even begin to imagine what she has been going through.”

He opened back her dress, and his lips went to the small dip just above her collar bone.

Her eyes went all the sudden round as she looked at him and it dawned on her what he was doing. “Adam, not tonight.” She jerked to her feet. “This is not the time for that.” She grasped the open front of her dress with one hand then flounced around behind the dressing screen.

Of all the words in the English language, that combination had a way of dampening a man’s enthusiasm. It was like throwing a bucket of cold water on a campfire.

“This is serious.”

He could only see the top of her head, and it was driving him to distraction to think of what was going on back there. “I know that, and we’ll hit it head on tomorrow, but tonight…”

“Tonight we need to talk.”

She disappeared, and he rose from the mattress and stretched his neck in an effort to see her.

“At supper she didn’t eat enough to keep a kitten alive. Oh, she was bright and cheerful and a most gracious hostess…,”

Her head bobbed up, and he sat back down harder than intended. The bed complained.

“…but it was a transparent attempt to make us think that nothing is wrong. Even after what Father Ben told us, and I know she is aware of that.”

A petticoat, followed by two others, draped over the top of the screen, and his mouth fell open. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen this before, but for some reason, tonight it was making him crazy.

“She has always been that way, I mean, acting like she can keep something hidden from you that she knows that you already know about.”

Next came her black woolen stockings and her pantalets and chemise, and Adam swallowed hard as his fingers dug into the bedspread.

“She’s a precious gem, and I love her dearly, but that I have always found maddening. I can remember her and Daddy having more than a few heated discussions about it.” She came out, all dressed in her nightgown, and had a long piece of white ribbon twined through her fingers. “I can already tell you that we are going to have trouble with her.” She sat beside him, and turned her back to him. “Please braid my hair for me.”

That wasn’t exactly what he wanted to do with his hands. He pulled back the long silky tresses of her thick hip length, dark brown hair and began to work it into some semblance of a braid. He couldn’t guarantee the outcome, his heart wasn’t in it.

“I think tomorrow we all need to sit down and talk about this. Ignoring it won’t make it go away, and the sooner we get it out into the open air the better.”

He stopped. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, what with the state your mother’s already in.”

“Oh, Adam, don’t be ridiculous. It’s not like we’re going to hit her with a stick or anything. And she doesn’t have to know about everything that went on in Bangor.”

He winced and started with his chore again. And I’m living proof that you don’t either, he thought.

“I think our first and most important step should be to find out what that horrid Bushnell man put in that letter. It’s quite obvious that it was something devastating, but what remains to be seen is whether it was the truth or not.”

“Well there has to be some truth in it or your mother wouldn’t be so upset about it.” He held out a hand. “Ribbon.”

She handed back the length of grosgrain, and he began to wrap it around the loose end of the braid. He tied a bow then let his bumpy masterpiece drop against her back. “All done.”

“I think maybe we should…”

He grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him.

“…tell her about…”

He started to kiss her, but she pulled away from him and bounced over to her side of the bed.

“…some of the things we learned about him.”

“I don’t think we should make any hard and fast decisions tonight.”

“No, maybe you’re right about that. This is something that needs to be handled very gently, and we can’t just go blundering into it.”

He got up and put out the lamp, and the room went dark with only a thin strip of dull light around the window.

“Still…”

He climbed in beside her and for several seconds it remained quiet then…

“Adam, not tonight!”

THREE

Angelica sniffed the mouthwatering aromas that drifted from the kitchen as she came down the stairs. With a tiny gurgle, her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten much supper the previous night. Her hand ran along the banister as she took each step, and her eyes surveyed the room. There wasn’t a soul around, except for Fiona, who sat on the settee with a cup of something.

Her foot touched the floor as she finished her descent. “We seem to be alone for the moment.”

Fiona’s head turned in her sister’s direction. “Joe and Hoss got in only a few minutes ago, and Father Ben and Adam are out in the barn with them.”

Angelica’s eyes went up.

“Mother hasn’t come down yet.”

With practiced elegance, Angelica sat down beside her. They sat in awkward silence, careful to keep from looking at each other.

“I trust that you had a restful night.”

Fiona frowned at the cup in her lap. “It wasn’t so bad, the bed was comfortable, and I was so tired, but it would have been better if my Steve had been with me.” Her pale gray eyes rose to Angelica. “I trust that you did.”

“I might have, but Adam kept me busy. He wanted what I wasn’t in the mood for.” Angelica shook her head. “I love him dearly, but these amorous episodes of his have a tendency to come at the oddest and most inappropriate times. It’s like living with a stove that you never know when it is going to get hot.”

“You’re lucky. I only had a pillow.”

“Well, at least you got some rest.”

They looked at each other for a long moment then they allowed themselves a giggle between sisters. A trained ear, however, would have detected the strain it held.

Behind them a gush of cold air announced the men’s entrance as Ben and Adam came in. Behind them were Joe and Hoss. They looked as if the had gotten down and rolled on the ground, and they both wore at least a couple day’s worth of beard.

Joe Cartwright took his saddlebags from over his shoulder and laid them on the bureau. “Just what my starving eyes needed, the two loveliest women in the whole state of Nevada.” He took his hat off and ruffled his dark brown curls. “After looking at little else but cattle, horses, ranch hands,” he gave his hulk of a brother a poke, “and this for a solid week you’re just what the doctor ordered.”

Hoss Cartwright raised his head and took a good draught of what wafted out from Hop Sing’s kitchen. “I know what I need.”

Adam gave him a jab in the stomach. “The same thing you always need. I dread trying to fill you this time.”

“Don’t you get so uppity, big brother, I’ll…” But Hoss’ voice fell off as his clear blue eyes rose to the top stair landing. He glanced at Joe, but said nothing else.

Joe and Hoss knew about the problem their father was having with their stepmother, and in the short time they had been away there had been major changes in her. The levity of the moment had been slain, as the seriousness of the situation struck them full force. It would be best not to let on.

Hoss slapped his hat into his little brother’s arms and went to greet his stepmother as she came down into the parlor. He took her in one of his famous bear hugs – something he had never been ashamed of doing with her – and kissed her on the cheek. “

“It’s good to have the both of you home.” She looked up at him, and touched the side of his face. “I can just imagine what your father has told you and Joe, but I’m all right.”

“O’ course you are.” The bearish arms squeezed around her. “Pa only ever falls in love with the best.”

Verina closed her eyes to seal in the tears as she pressed her face against his massive chest. They mustn’t see her cry. She hadn’t been as careful as she should have, and now they knew more than she wished. But she couldn’t let them see her cry. It would only open more doors that she feared she couldn’t close. With great effort, she pulled back from him, and looked into the pleasant face she had grown to adore.

Before she could make any attempt at an explanation they were interrupted by Hop Sing’s announcement that breakfast was ready. She wasn’t hungry, but she would give it her best effort to prove that she was indeed all right.

*******

Breakfast had just been something to get through. The food, as always when Hop Sing manned the stove, had been delicious, but due to Verina’s unnatural silence, everyone had eaten out of necessity rather than enjoyment, even Hoss. There had been sojourns into polite conversation, but none of them had amounted to anything.

After eating, everyone had gone about their own business, and Angelica wound up alone in the parlor. She had no idea where her family had gone, with the exception that the men were outside. Maybe she should go upstairs and see it she could find her mother. Needless to say, they still had plenty to talk about. She had just turned from the hearth for the stairs when she became aware of voices that emanated from the kitchen. Her eyebrows arched as she decided to do some investigation, and she started into the dining area.

Hop Sing stood at the sink – his hands plunged past the wrist into a pan of soapy water – and Fiona stood beside him with a towel. They were deep in discussion and hadn’t noticed Angelica step into the room.

“So this is where you went.”

Their heads yanked around, and their motions ceased as Angelica came to stand beside her sister.

“I told you that I thought I would help Hop Sing.” Fiona’s eyes softened. “I guess your mind was somewhere else.” She pushed back a wisp of ash brown hair that had fallen loose.

“I suppose. From what I just saw, you two have been carrying on quite a tête-à-tête.”

Fiona’s eyes flicked at him. “Oh, Hop Sing is an absolute fountain of information. I don’t think there’s anything that gets past him.”

The little man’s round face blushed deep red. “Miss Fiona give Hop Sing too much credit.”

“Not at all. Tell Angelica what you were just telling me about Mother.”

Angelica’s brow knit. “Yes, Hop Sing, please do.”

“Maybe I should not have said anything in first place.”

“Well you did, and if you won’t tell Angelica I will.”

“If Mista Cartlight find out…”

“I think he should know.”

Angelica’s fists went to her hips. “And so should I, now someone please tell me.”

Fiona gave him a nod.

“All light.” He took a deep breath to bolster himself. “For five months now, you mother she been send money to you blother Hiram.”

Angelica’s jaw dropped. “I don’t suppose that you know for how much.”

“Not all the same. Two hundred, three hundred, sometimes more. One two week ago even for thousand.”

“And he found out by accident. He was cleaning up one day and found a box with the receipts for the wire transfers. He’s been keeping track of them ever since, and Mother doesn’t know.”

“I don’t understand why you haven’t told Father Ben.”

“I always think to, but time never seem light.”

“Well I think the time is right now.”

Everyone whirled at the sound of the deep voice. “Father Ben,” the girl’s said in unison.

“I solly Mista Cartlight, I guess I not know how to tell you, and I not want to intrude any more on missus’ privacy.”

“That’s all right, Hop Sing. In your place I can’t be sure that I wouldn’t have done the same thing.” Ben reached out and placed a firm hand on Hop Sing’s shoulder. “Now I want to know where that box is.”

Hop Sing looked first at Angelica then Fiona and got a nod from each. “All light, but please not to tell missus.”

“I won’t. As far as she’s concerned, I found it on my own. Now tell me where it is.”

*******

A varnished wooden box sat on the bed – its lid opened back – and a fair amount of slips of paper were spread about. Verina stood at the window, her back to her husband, and the same handkerchief strangled in her hands.

Ben watched her from where he sat on the side of the bed. “We agreed that we weren’t going to keep secrets from each other.”

“I know, and I’m sorry, but I feared you wouldn’t understand.”

“You’re right; I don’t, so I wish you would please explain why a grown man comes to his mother for so much, and not just once.”

“He’s made some bad investments, and he can’t go to his wife or her family for the money. Her father never wanted them to marry in the first place, and he would only seize on this as proof of his assertions that his daughter could have done better.”

Ben’s eyes flicked to the papers. “I see, so he hits you to pay for his errors in judgment.”

Her head bowed over her hands. “Oh, Ben, please, he’s my son.”

“And you feel guilty because he’s Oran Bushnell’s and not your husband’s.”

She spun around as her mouth formed a perfect oh.

“Yes, I know. Adam learned it all from Charles then he told me.”

“He had no right.”

“Yes, he did.” He got up and went to her, and took her hands in his. “But it doesn’t matter because I still love my wife.” A sinister light filled his eyes. “I only wish I could’ve gotten my hands on Bushnell for what he did to you. Any man who forces himself on any woman, I have a very uncharitable opinion of and no use for. And then to try blackmailing you into to marrying him because of it.” His face reddened from anger that seemed to seep from every pore. “I’ll always be grateful to the man who killed him, even if I never meet him.”

“Honest, Ben, until I got that letter I always believed that Hiram was Junior’s father.” Her lower lip began to tremble. “Before he was born I tried to believe that Oran couldn’t be, and then.”

“The birthmark convinced you that he wasn’t.”

“I vow Ben that I never knew.”

“There’s no way that you could since you didn’t know that the man and Hiram were half brothers.”

All at once she broke into tears, and he put his arms around her and held her close.

“Oh, sweetheart, don’t cry. It always tortures my soul when you do.” He kissed her on the side of the head. “Please, Verina, don’t. I can’t stand it.”

She put her arms around him and the handkerchief floated to the floor. Her sobs intensified as she hid her face against his chest. He stroked the back of her head and kissed her again.

“Everything’s going to be all right, I promise.” His arms tightened around her. “I promise.”

“But that isn’t all of it, and I can’t tell you.” Her crying intensified. “Please, just hold me.”

FOUR

The well dressed gentleman – an obvious Easterner – stepped up onto the boardwalk, a satchel gripped in one hand. At first glance or from a distance one might think him to be about thirty, but on closer inspection one could see that he was pushing forty. His pale gray eyes drifted around him to take in the western hamlet. “And this they call a city.” He shook his head then turned to the ticket window of the stage depot. He rapped on the glass, but got no answer so he rapped again.

The glass rose, and a thin-faced man peered at him from beneath the leather visor that shielded his eyes. He shivered and ran his hands up-and-down his arms, but seemed disinclined to say anything.

“I need some help.”

“Sure, Mister, if I can.”

“I need directions to get to the Ponderosa ranch. I’ve been there before, but it was only twice and not for a bit. Also, I’ll need to know where I can engage a conveyance.”

The ticket agent’s nose wrinkled, and the space between his eyes puckered.

“I want to rent a buggy.”

“Oh. Well the best place to do that is at the livery.” The agent leaned out the window and pointed along the street. “You just go straight up that way, turn right and it’ll be on your left. You can’t miss it.”

The man’s attention followed the agent’s pointing finger. “Thank you.”

“But you know, mister, what with you not knowing the way so well and all, it might be best if you just hired somebody to drive you. It wouldn’t do to have you get lost.”

The gray-eyed man went pensive for a second then a light seemed to go on in his face. “You may be right at that.
Thank you. Just have the coach driver leave my luggage here on the walk, and I’ll have it picked up.”

“Sure thing.” The agent watched him as he left the boardwalk and stepped down into the bustle of the street, the satchel still in his hand. The agent muttered to himself as he shook his head. “Strange bird.” Then he pulled the glass down and returned to the warmth of the stove, and the pulp novel he had been reading.

*******

Since his return to the Ponderosa, Adam had decided that the least he could do would be to help out. His brothers were out on the range again, and his father had gone to Carson City on urgent business about a lumber contract so that left him. Pa hadn’t wanted to go, but Adam had made assurances that he had done this all before. And then he promised – with one of his famous winks – to take care of the ladies.

He grunted as he picked up a keg of nails and sat it on top of a crate. It would be desirable to have a live rattlesnake with six inch fangs wrapped about his head than to clean and straighten a work shed, any work shed. Mundane tasks bored him to tears, but because of their necessity, he did them. And the only time he groused about it was when he found himself in blissful solitude. He had just picked up a crosscut saw when he heard what sounded like a buckboard come into the yard. His brow creased as he turned to one of the windows on either side of the door. His eyes narrowed as he watched the buggy come to a stop a few feet in front of the house. “Now I wonder who that could be. Well, there’s only one way to find out.”

Hiram Cadence Jr. stepped from the buggy and tugged to straighten his fine alpaca coat. His gaze went direct to the big roughhewn log house. It was a magnificent edifice by any standards, though a bit rustic for his taste, but, as he remembered, quite comfortable. As he went around the horse a voice caught his attention. He looked around, and his crest fell the moment he saw Adam Cartwright. Junior hadn’t thought about this brother-in-law being there, but after the way things had been going for him in the past several months, he should have.

If Adam had to name a thousand people he would be glad to see, Angelica’s oldest brother wouldn’t be one of them. He didn’t know the man all that well, but after what he had learned of him from Lucinda’s husband, Charles, he didn’t care to. Junior, as the family called him, with the exception of his mother, had no positive attributes that Adam knew of, and he didn’t care to find out if he was wrong. “You’re certainly the last person I expected to see around here.”

“I shouldn’t be, since my mother lives here.”

Adam could feel his hackles rise. Then where have you been for going on two years, he thought. He came toward the man with hand extended. “Well, you’re here, and I know she’ll be glad to see you.”

They shook hands, and Adam had to hold back his distaste. The strength of Junior’s firm handshake surprised him, as it always had.

“Now if you would have someone take care of my luggage,” he slapped a hand onto Adam’s shoulder, “and please pay the driver for me, I really would appreciate it, old man. I want to get inside and see Mother.”

Adam eyed the kid gloved-hand as it left his shoulder, and watched Junior until he disappeared into the house.

The gruff-looking man in the buggy at the reins chortled. “He sure is a dandy. But as my Mama always taught me, fine feathers make fine birds but don’t build character.”

“You’re Mother sounds like a very smart woman, Wade.” Adam’s eyes bore into the front door. “Yes, sir, a very smart woman.”

Junior’s eyes made a circuit of the large room – at the moment devoid of life – with what some might call an air of envy. He pulled off his gloves and gave them a toss onto the bureau then took a couple steps in the direction of the blazing stone fireplace. He removed his coat and draped it over the back of the settee then placed his bowler hat on it. “I hope that I haven’t come into an empty house.”

Angelica and Fiona appeared from the kitchen, both with floured hands, and Hop Sing trailed behind them. From their expressions, if someone said that Junior’s sisters were glad to see him, that person would be called a liar or a fool. And if one were restricted to a single word to describe Hop Sing’s expression, it would be derision.

“My beautiful sisters.”

Something seemed to ignite in Fiona’s eyes, and she flounced toward him.

“My sweet little Fiona.” Junior’s arms spread.

Without as much as a by-your-leave, her hand struck the side of his face in a floury puff. Then she whirled and went back into the kitchen with Hop Sing, who gave the man a sharp look as a parting shot.

Angelica wiped her hands on the towel fastened around her waist as an ersatz apron. “You certainly have your nerve, Junior.”

Junior rubbed the flour from his cheek with a handkerchief. “I take it then that you aren’t glad to see me either.”

“Pray tell me why you think we should be.”

One side of his mouth curved. “Well, I’ve always heard that brothers and sisters should care about each other.”

“And I’ve always heard that a person should love their family not for what they can get out of them.”

“So that’s what you’ve always thought of me.”

“You’ve never given me a reason not to. When my father was alive you never showed him the kind respect he so richly deserved.”

Junior felt as if he had just been jabbed with a marlin spike. “He was my father, too, and I always thought it did.”

She came closer to him. “I know all about your relation to Oran Bushnell, and don’t ask how I know just take it that I do. I don’t blame you for being the progeny of such a creature, you couldn’t help that, but I wish that some of the man who raised you as his own had rubbed off on you.”

“Angelica.” He reached out to her, but she pulled back.

“Hiram.”

Junior and Angelica looked toward the stairs. She stood beside him and lowered her voice, but her eyes never left her mother, and she maintained a false smile. “You be good to her or I’ll give your other cheek that same thing Fiona did.”

“You didn’t tell her about…”

“No, but before he did us all a favor and got himself killed, Oran Bushnell sent her a letter. I don’t know was in it, but knowing what I do about him, it would be an easy guess to say that it was.”

“Hiram, my son.” Verina came to him and put her arms around him. “I’m so glad you came, though I certainly didn’t expect you.”

“You’re not the only one. Angelica’s husband greeted me outside.” He returned the hug and gave her a kiss. “You look wonderful. Life here must agree with you.”

Angelica’s mouth fell open. Liar, she thought.

“It’s more than I could have ever imagined, and the man I married makes it even better. I hope you can stay for a while, and don’t have to rush right away.”

“I can stay several days, but then I do need to get back to Bangor.” He looked at his sister from the corners of his eyes as he heard a tiny groan come from her. “So I’m yours for that time.”

With that, Angelica whirled and went back to the kitchen.

“I don’t think Angelica is so glad to see me,” his fingers went to his cheek, “or Fiona either, for that matter.”

“Of course they are, they are, after all your sisters, and your father and I raised all of you to love each other.”

Junior knew he caught a hint of insecurity streak through her eyes.

“Now let’s sit down and have a nice talk. It isn’t often enough that I get to see you.”

“All right, Mother, but let me check on Mr. Cartwright just in case he might need some help.” He gave her another kiss then went back outside.

The buggy disappeared around the side of the barn just as Junior came out into the yard. The luggage had been unloaded, and Adam had a piece tucked under each arm and one in each hand as he turned around. To say that rancor showed in his face would be too mild to describe what Junior saw there.

“Well you seem to have everything under control. I could take one of those.”

“I’m doing just fine, so you don’t need to put yourself out.” Adam started on but stopped when he got even with his brother-in-law. “I don’t know why you came here, and right now it’s none of my business, but I could make it that way if I need to. So let me pass on to you a few words of caution. You’re welcome here for as long as our parents say you are, but if you cause your mother and my father any harm or undue anxiety, let me just tell you right now that you will remain in one piece and undamaged at my discretion.”

“That sounds like a threat.”

Adam gave his head a slow, methodical shake. “It’s a promise. I don’t make idle threats. Now if you’ll please excuse me.” Then he went into the house with the luggage.

Junior stood there for a few seconds and pondered what had just been presented to him then he turned back to the house. He froze in his tracks as his gaze caught on the corner near the rose trellis. There stood the family’s Chinese cook. His face spoke volumes, and so did the meat cleaver clutched with menace in his right hand. Then the little man turned with a jerk and went inside. The slam of the back kitchen door punctuated the whole unspoken warning.

Junior had found himself in enemy territory, and he knew that from hereon he would have to tread light if he intended to accomplish anything. Still, no matter how cautious he went, he knew that Angelica’s husband would not be easy to get around. Adam Cartwright was a force that he feared could not be reckoned with. And he wasn’t eager to get beheaded, either.

FIVE

After supper Adam and his brother’s stood in the edge of the dining room – each with a snifter of brandy – while Junior regaled his mother and sisters with stories of his great adventures in the Great White North. He sat in the red leather chair by the fire with a snifter of his own while the ladies reposed on the settee and sipped at sherry. Verina seemed to be interested in her son’s tales, but Angelica and Fiona didn’t appear to be so inclined.

“I can’t believe there’s no bear bigger ‘n a grizzly,” Hoss said, with a frown of disbelief.

“Well, there is.” Junior leaned forward and refilled his glass from the decanter that sat on the low table. “I don’t know what they call it, but it makes one of your grizzlies look like a cub. I took a shot at one but missed, and I was sort of glad. Magnificent creatures.” He took a sip.

“Yes, they are.” A wicked glint entered Adam’s eyes. “But you haven’t lived until you’ve seen a polar bear, you know, the big white ones. Now there’s something magnificent. A true king of the North.” He thought he caught a trace of pallor to Junior’s face, and it only spurred him on.

“That’s right; you have been to Canada before.” Joe took a healthy drink, and it only fortified his smirk.

“Yeah, you went up there for Pa, to see about selling some cattle to a logging camp, I think.”

“That’s right. It was…,” Adam’s face scrunched in thought, “in ’61, right before the war began, as I remember. I had gone with…”

“I thought about joining up and going to fight,” Junior chimed in, “but I had obligations at home that made it impossible.”

The green in Joe’s eyes turned to venom. “So did a lot of men, but they went anyway, and a lot didn’t come back.” He jolted down the rest of his brandy.

“Hey, Adam, you oughtta tell ‘im about the run-in we had with them seseshes back in the summer o’ ’63.” Hoss whistled through his teeth. “They was dead set that the territory was gonna go over to the Confederacy, an’ they was gonna do anything they could to see that it did. About nigh got ourselves blowed up that time.”

Joe filled his snifter. “They were trying to close down the mines so that Lincoln wouldn’t get any of the Comstock silver. If they couldn’t get it they didn’t want the Union to.”

“And they almost succeeded with the Ophir and the Mexican.”

Hoss chortled. “Yeah, well, a miss can be as good as a mile sometimes, an’ all they got was two killed an’ the other three locked up, an’ threatened with gettin’ their necks stretched.”

Junior turned in the chair and eyed the brothers. “I can’t believe that they would have hung them for that.”

Adam’s straight gaze drew in on him. “A miner died and six others were injured in one of the explosions they set off, and the cause of the Confederacy didn’t go over all that well in certain circles.”

Junior gave a perfunctory wave of his hand and turned back to his mother and sisters. “Enough of war. You know, I don’t think I ever told you about the bullfight I went to in Spain last year.”

“Me and Hoss had a bullfight once.”

“That’s what we intended, but it didn’t rightly turn out that way. That was the meanest an’ biggest dang bull I ever did see. It nigh turned the town into kindling, an’ I thought Pa was gonna kill us all in a pile.” Hoss shook his head at the recollection, and emptied his glass. “But I got the girl.”

Joe’s face pinched. “Yes, you did.”

“All right, then we won’t talk about bull fighting.” Junior filled his glass again. “I can’t imagine that you have ever gone fox hunting and ridden to the hounds like they do in England.”

“Nope, sure haven’t. What we go after is a might bigger ‘n a little bitty fox, an’ is more like to turn on you. Like that cougar six years ago that thought Adam’d make a tasty breakfast. Show ‘im your scar, Adam.” Hoss gave his older brother a poke in the ribs.

Adam sat his snifter aside and rolled up his left sleeve and held out his arm. In the firelight a five inch scar just below the elbow showed plain. Angelica had seen it many times and often wondered what had caused it, but never asked about it. The mere thought of his being hurt sent shivers through her, and she had never wanted to know what had caused such an injury. She took a bigger drink of her sherry.

Adam’s eyes rose to Junior and the flames danced in them. “Life is always more precious when you find yourself on the edge of death, and I’ve found myself there more times than I care to try to count. It isn’t at all like watching somebody else do it.”

For a long moment the two men just stared at each other then Adam began to roll down his sleeve and returned to his brothers. He received a clandestine swat on the back from both of them.

Junior just sat there expressionless for several seconds then he took down the rest of his drink in one hard jolt. He sat the delicate snifter on the table a little too hard, and the stem snapped. Fiona gasped and Verina put a hand to her mouth. Angelica looked away to hide a small grin.

Silence seemed to turn the room into a vacuum that encompassed everything. Then Junior punched a hole in it.

“It’s late, and I think I’ll retire.” He laid the remains of the glass on the table and stood. “It was a long trip from Bangor which culminated with a long day.”

Adam nodded. “Joe’ll show you to your room.”

Joe’s face asked the obvious question. Why me? But Adam’s look left no margin for argument. So Joe put his glass down and grumped toward the stairs. “Just come with me.”

Junior kissed his mother and sisters and wished them a good night then followed after the disgruntled youngest Cartwright. Everyone else – except for Adam and Angelica – decided that Junior’s idea wasn’t such a bad one and went upstairs as well.

Angelica gave her husband a wary once-over then stepped to him. “All right, I want to know how much of that was truth and how much was fabrication.”

Adam looked wounded. “It was every word true, and I certainly didn’t cut myself just for the benefit of putting somebody in their place several years later.”

She reached out and touched his arm in the area of the old wound. “I know that, but you must admit that some of the things you and your brothers were talking about were a trifle farfetched in the extreme.”

“And all happened just the way we said they did. There wasn’t a bit of truth-stretching on our parts. We didn’t need to.” He snorted. “You should’ve seen Virginia City after we and that bull got done with it. Our father has told us more than once that he often wonders how he lived long enough to get us raised.”

She put her arms around his waist and tilted her head back. “I can believe that. I see it in your sons all the time, especially Addy.” His head lowered, and her heart began to thump a little harder. “And I’m afraid that I must admit that I enjoyed seeing Junior trumped at every turn. He’s proud of his way of life and doesn’t mind boasting about it, and I, for one, find it tedious, even though I know that only does it to fulfill his need to be noticed. I’m sorry if that makes me a bad sister.”

“Well I wouldn’t worry about it because it certainly doesn’t hurt your standing as a wife and mother.” His lips brushed hers. “And I think it’s perfectly natural for most of us to want to see a braggart knocked down every now and again.” She started to say something, but his kiss smothered it as his arms tightened around her.

Junior leaned back against the wall, out of sight from downstairs. So that’s what his own sister – albeit a half-sister – thought of him. Well, it didn’t really matter. He had come there with a purpose and the way Angelica felt about him couldn’t even figure into it. It did hurt some, but then he had always suspected that his siblings were envious of him and what he had accomplished in his life. Anyway, he hoped that was the reason. Then an idea dawned in his mind. With a snap of his fingers, he turned and headed back to his room.

*******

Junior found it difficult to nod off if not altogether impossible. Just when he thought he had gotten comfortable on one side, he flopped onto the other or his back. He had never been able to sleep on his stomach so that he didn’t even try. He turned over and stared up at the ceiling as his mind continued to run at a furious pace.

To state a fact, he didn’t like Adam Cartwright, and he found the man’s brothers to be an annoyance. His brow creased in thought. He would love nothing better than to best all three of them, most of all the oldest, and add a small amount of pleasure to his business trip. Now all he needed to was to figure out the best way to do that. But he couldn’t come up with anything suitable, hence the sleeplessness.

As he lay there – arms crossed over his chest – he began to recall the words of the disgusting after supper conversation. Bullfight indeed. And he knew that they had never hunted big game in foreign lands, and he would love to seem them just try. Then an idea came into his brain like the tinkle of a tiny bell. His head tilted to one side on the pillow as he let it sink in and grow. He began to work out aspects and angles. One would come and he would be just as quick to discard it. Anything too convoluted could only make him look foolish. The sides of his mouth curved. All he really had to do would be to exhibit his coolness and skill and maybe it would earn him their respect. His smirk grew.

“That’s it.”

Now maybe he could go to sleep. He needed his rest for what lay before him. He turned onto his side so that he faced the wall.

“When this is all over, they’ll look at me differently. And Adam Cartwright won’t be so high and mighty.” He snuggled down under the covers. “They’ll see.”

SIX

Adam had just started to poke up the banked fire when his brothers topped the upper tread. Joe came down ahead of Hoss, boots in hand, and left the stairs first.

“Mornin’, Adam,” Hoss said, as he left the last step.

“Good morning.” Adam leaned the poker against the stone. “You two look well rested.”

Joe sat down in the brown leather chair that had been purchased to take the place of the tall-backed blue one that used to sit there. “All it took was some decent food and another night in a real bed.” He started to put on one boot. “I never realized before just how many rocks are out there.”

“Yeah.” Hoss frowned as he warmed his hands at the fire that had blazed up in the hearth. “And I think I musta found ‘em all.” He turned his back to it and began to rub the rear part of his anatomy. “That sure was an interesting time last night.”

Joe snorted. “Angelica’s brother does get around. Spain, England and now Canada. And before he leaves we’ll probably here about more places he’s been.”

“I just hope he don’t go…” But a gouge from his older brother hushed Hoss, and he followed the dark hazel gaze to the top stair landing.

Junior started down with a buoyant spring to his step. “Good morning, gentlemen. I hope you slept as resplendently as I did.”

Hoss’ nose wrinkled. “I s’pose I did.”

Junior joined them and was drawn right to the flames like a moth. “Umm, that feels good. My room was a bit chilly.” He sniffed. “And breakfast smells good, but then I guess anything would smell good to a starving man.”

Joe’s other boot thumped against the floor, and Adam didn’t care for the look in those livid eyes. He caught his little brother’s attention, and a frown accompanied the shake of his head to ward Joe off.

But it wasn’t Joe he had to worry about.

“You know, you ain’t lived till you’ve had fried skunk. An’ you use the stink juice to make gravy to pour over your biscuits. Umm-umm.” Hoss smacked his mouth.

Joe giggled and ducked his head as he put on the other boot.

If it had been anyone but Junior, Adam would have rounded on his brothers, but this was earned.

Junior turned so that he faced away from the fireplace. “Last night after I turned in I began to dwell on what we had been discussing, and something came to me. Something that I think you will agree is an excellent idea.”

The brothers exchanged looks that were dubious, to say the least. Adam bade him to continue.

Junior turned back to the fire. “I have hunted for game in many countries around the world. Lions and elephant in Africa, tigers in India and bear in Russia,” he rubbed his hands together, “but never anything in my own country. I never thought of it as that much of a challenge.” He turned around again. “Until now, that is. The way you talked about the game out here made it sound so interesting.”

Joe wished he had another boot so that he could drop it, too. He examined Junior’s face, and he didn’t care for what he saw. Smugness and cocky self-assuredness to be certain, but he also caught something he couldn’t identify, and it unnerved him more than just a little.

“I dunno about that. A cougar ain’t no little barn cat. An’ once one gets a taste for human blood, well, it’s Katie bar the door.”

“It’s the same thing with lions and tigers, and it isn’t like I’m inexperienced. I have been charged by many different kinds of wild beasts, and I’m still here to talk about it.”

“Hoss is right.” Adam came forward. “They may not be as exotic as, say, a leopard or jaguar, but they can be just as deadly. Take it from someone who’s been very close to one. They are large, serious killers and when you tangle with one you can never be certain of the outcome, not entirely. The only thing you can be sure of is that one of you will most likely die. And even if you should give up, that doesn’t mean the cougar will. Once you make an enemy out of one, it’s an enemy you could have for as long as both of you live.”

Junior grinned. “You make it sound perfectly fascinating. I think I should like to pit myself again such an animal.”

“I’m afraid not. There’s simply too much that has to be done around here for us to go gallivanting off after a cougar just to fulfill your need for adventure.” Adam started toward the dining room.

“That’s too bad. Well, I suppose I can find someone in that wretched little burg you call a town who would act as a guide if I paid him enough.”

Adam turned, and he could see right off that his brothers were thinking that same thing he was. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“I don’t see why not. I’m sure there are plenty of men who would be willing to take me on a hunt.”

“Oh, there are.” Hoss stepped around in front of his brother-in-law. “Barroom sweeps, drunks and them what’d just as soon cut your throat for dollar as to spit. I know of some that’d kill you just for the clothes you got on.”

“I’d listen to him if I were you.”

Junior’s pale eyes flashed on Joe. “Well, I’m not you.”

“Lucky me.”

Junior started toward Joe, but Adam got between them. He didn’t want to have to explain to Angelica how her brother had gotten beat up. “Save your fight for the cougar, you’re gonna need it.”

Junior cocked his head to one side. “I thought you had too much work to do to bother with me.”

Joe made a lunge, but Adam held him back.

“I don’t think putting things off for one day is going to do too much damage. And since you’re so set on this, I would rather it was us that went with you.”

“Good. I’m really looking forward to this.”

Hop Sing announced breakfast just as the women’s voice’s carried down from upstairs.

Junior stepped closer to the brothers and spoke low. “Please, don’t tell my mother and sisters about this. I wouldn’t want them to worry unnecessarily. I can tell them all about it when we get back.”

“All right, we won’t say anything.” Adam’s single eyebrow rose. “But you’ll do everything that we tell you to, without deviation, or we’ll turn right around and come back to the house. I hope I make myself clear.”

“Perfectly. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Adam nodded. “I’m glad to hear it. We’ll get everything ready tonight and leave first thing after breakfast in the morning. The sooner we get this venture started, the sooner we’ll get back home.”

Adam and Junior greeted the ladies at the foot of the stairs while Joe and Hoss looked on with something less than enthusiasm for their coming foray into the wilds.

“I sure hope Adam knows what he’s doin’. I don’t trust that jasper as far as I could chuck a stagecoach.”

“That makes two of us. There’s something about him that makes the hair stand up on my arms. Well, at least there’s always the chance that the cougar might eat him.”

“Now, Joe, that ain’t very nice. I don’t hold with bein’ cruel to no animals. It’s better to git shot than to die of somethin’ you ate.”

Joe’s cackled out loud then capped his hand over his mouth as he caught looks from the others.

Adam gave his brothers another quick glance as the family went to the table. He didn’t know what had been so funny, but he had an idea at whose expense it had been. He wasn’t one to make fun of others, but Hiram Cadence Jr. he just flat out didn’t like or trust. He had reservations about the coming hunt, and he knew he should have said no with greater emphasis. But visions of his brother-in-law hiring some no-account as a guide, and getting himself mauled or worse made him do something he hoped not to regret. His stepmother, however, had had enough misery as of late and he didn’t want to be responsible for adding to it, so he acquiesced. He only hoped it didn’t turn out to be a monumental blunder.

SEVEN

The sky had been the color of a gun barrel when the four men rode out the next morning. It portended some sort of precipitation, and the brothers didn’t like the looks of it. Junior, on the other hand, thought that snow would make things interesting. An explanation had been made that Junior wanted to see the ranch. To which Angelica had countered, “I don’t see why it takes all three of you.” To which Adam’s quick brain answered, “It isn’t that often that we get together so we’re making an outing of it.” But anyone who bothered to look would have seen by those shrewd violet eyes that she didn’t altogether buy it. Adam did, and it unnerved him, but he didn’t let on.

It had been decided that Coyote Canyon would be a good place to start. The big cats were known to frequent the area, and it would be a good place to pick up a trail.

The four horses moved in single file along a narrow path that led into the rocks. Adam rode point, and Hoss brought up the rear. Once, the mount that had been chosen for Junior slipped, but the man proved himself to be an excellent horseman. It gave a small amount of relief to Adam, but not near enough.

They passed through two massive piles of boulders on either side of the trail that some smart aleck had dubbed ‘Dead Man’s Gate’. No one knew why, nor cared to find out.

They continued on along the path that rose in a slight incline until they came to a cluster of rocks that formed a natural basin. The horses were stopped, and Hoss got down. It was acknowledged for miles around that – along with the Indians – Adam Cartwright was the finest tracker anyone had ever seen. It had even been said – only in half jest – that he could track a buzzard across the sky. But when he and Hoss were together he let his brother, the best pupil he had ever had, take over.

Hoss crouched at the rim of the rocks and studied the ground. Water filled the basin, and the earth had been disturbed by busy feet. “There’s water,” he touched his fingers to the jumble of impressions, “and judging from the dampness, I’d say it rained probably a couple nights ago. And there’s a fair amount of tracks, all pretty fresh.”

Adam leaned forward against the pommel of his saddle. “If you could single one out for us to follow…”

“I’m way ahead o’ you, brother.” Hoss stood and wiped his hands on his coat as his eyes ran along the ground.

“I hope he knows what he’s doing.”

Junior caught a rancorous glower from Joe, but Adam didn’t even look back. “He’s knows.”

Hoss disappeared around a dip in the canyon wall then – after about a minute – returned to the party. “There’s fresh sign of one headed off through the rocks, and there’s only one place he can come out.” He slid his foot into the stirrup, and rose onto Chubb’s back. “An’ judgin’ by the size of his feet, an’ the depth o’ them tracks, he’s a big‘un all right.”

“Wonderful. He’ll make a real trophy.”

Adam’s eyes flicked to the sky in sequestered disgust as he sat straight in the saddle. “All right, let’s get moving. It won’t stay daylight forever, and the clouds could open up at any time.” He gave the blue roan a nudge, and the animal started forward.

Junior, Joe and Hoss, in that order, strung out behind him and they headed for the other end of the gorge.

By noon, they had swung around to the side of the canyon where their quarry should have come out. Again Hoss got down and went to where millennia of storm runoff had cut a chasm in the stone. He stooped and examined every inch of ground but found only one set of tracks, and he guessed them to be at least a couple days old.

“It sounds like my cat hasn’t come out yet.”

Adam swung down from the roan’s back. “Maybe and maybe it only means that he doubled back and came out the same way he went in. It pays not to be too sure of anything out here.”

Joe stepped down and removed his rifle from its scabbard all in one smooth motion. “We could wait here for a little bit and see if he does come out.”

“I think that would be a fabulous idea.”

Adam bit down on his tongue. Junior’s zeal had long since begun to grate. Adam had never been one prone to nerves, but this man’s voice did the same thing as dragging one’s fingernails over a child’s school slate. An involuntary shiver wracked him as he led his horse off behind some rocks.

Hoss put Chubb with the other horses and took his rifle from his saddle. “I think I’ll go scout around, and see if’n I can pick up any more sign.”

“All right, Hoss.”

“And if you happen to find a pretty girl, you can just bring her back to me.”

The sun had parted through the low hanging black clouds and it twinkled in Hoss’ eyes. “I’ll do that, little brother, but only if’n she has a sister.”

Hoss chortled as he walked away with the rifle gripped in his hand.

“Joe, you’d better check on the horses just to make sure they’re tied up good. The minute they get a whiff of that cat, they’ll bolt for sure if they aren’t.”

Joe’s brow dropped into a frown. “Yeah, and I don’t relish the idea of walking home.” Then he disappeared back to where their mounts had been left.

Junior hunkered down beside Adam behind a rock. “I hope your brother doesn’t scare him away, stomping around out there.”

Adam’s head snapped around, and amber lights flicked in his eyes. “You may know about tigers and elephants, but Hoss knows about cougars. And I’d put him up against anyone in the state. Now I’d better go see if Joe needs help. You stay right here and don’t do anything until I get back.”

Adam pulled himself up and stomped off.

Joe had just finished checking Cochise’s reins when his brother clomped around, his weapon cradled in his arms. He had seen that look before, and he knew that trouble brewed behind the depths of all that hazel. He muttered an uh-oh to himself then turned back to the horse. A storm was coming, and it had nothing to do with rain or snow. “Everything’s secure here.”

“I wish I could say the same thing about me.” Adam glanced back. “I don’t know, Joe, something about him just makes my teeth itch. I know he’s Angelica’s brother,” his nose wrinkled, “and he part of the family now, but he makes me uncomfortable. I get this feeling that he isn’t somebody I can trust, plus I get the impression that he tries entirely to hard to impress people.”

“And he is an embezzler.”

Adam’s eyes went wide.

“Pa let me and Hoss read the letter you sent him after you returned from Maine then swore us to secrecy under threat of painful death.” He stepped to his brother and rested a hand on his shoulder. “And you know that you can trust us not to say anything.”

“Of course, I do, that goes without saying, it’s just that… I think he’s here for some other reason than just to see his mother. And there’s no way he could have known that Angelica and Fiona would even be here. No, Joe, he’s after something, and I think it’s money. And since all his other requests were by letter, I’d say it’s a lot, the kind that takes in-person persuasion.”

“Well, I’ve always found your instincts to be pretty reliable.”

“It’s more than that. I’ve met his type before; cunning, self indulgent, has a need to be the center of attention, must show off his prowess and – as Hoss would put it – worthless as termites on a petrified tree. And I’ll feel a lot better when he…”

The report of a rifle echoed off the rocks before he could finish. He whirled and ran back to where he had left Junior with Joe at his heels.

The sight of Junior as he stood near the edge of the rocks – his rifle still about half aimed as smoke wisped up from the end of the barrel – grabbed their attention first. But before they could say anything curses came from the rocks followed by, “Dadblame it all, I ain’t no cougar.”

“Hoss!” Joe shot Junior a cutting look then dashed forward as a hulk in a ten gallon hat emerged from the shadows.

“I saw movement.”

“And you didn’t have the brains to see who or what was making it.” Adam jerked the rifle away from him. “I told you plain not to do anything until I got back.”

“I didn’t want my cougar to get away.”

Adam blanched from pure, unbridled anger. “My brother is no cougar, and you could’ve killed him with your careless impatience.”

Joe and Hoss joined them, and Adam’s eyes went straight to his large brother’s face. “Hoss, you’re bleeding.”

Hoss reached up and touched his damaged cheek. “Dadburn rock chips. I’m just lucky they didn’t take out an eye.” He turned an icy glare on Junior that could have frozen fire. “I’d like to know just what in the blue tarnation you thought you was doin’. Anybody who can’t tell me from a little cat is blind in one eye and cain’t see out the other, an’ shouldn’t even have his hands on no gun.”

Junior threw his head back with pique. “I’ll have you know that I am a very good shot.”

“Fortunately, not so good as you think you are or I wouldn’t be standin’ here.”

“The rocks deflected my shot.”

“Thank goodness for the rocks. Joe, go get the horses.” Adam tossed Junior’s rifle to him then his brother loped off.

Adam spun on Junior and for a second Hoss thought his brother-in-law was about to die. He didn’t think he had ever seen such a black look on his older brother’s face and it unnerved him. “Adam, I’m all right.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed and bore into Junior like an auger. “Well, it wasn’t for lack of trying.”

Junior bristled. “I resent that.”

Adam’s hand tightened on his rifle until his knuckles strained against the skin, and he stepped so close to Junior that the toes of his boots touched the other man’s. They weren’t at eye level since Adam was about four inches taller, and he seemed to hover over Junior like an eagle watching its prey. Then Adam’s voice came low and filled with menace. “And I resent the fact that you could have killed my brother simply because you didn’t listen to what I told you. Now this isn’t entirely your fault, I shouldn’t have gone against my better judgment and brought you out here. But I did, and, by the Grace of God, nobody was killed. And if I were you, and thank goodness I’m not, I would do everything I was told to the letter until we get back to the house. That is, unless you want to do it draped over the back of your horse.”

Hoss placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Adam, I’m really okay.”

Adam never looked from Junior’s face. “He’s lucky.”

The three of them just stood there as if frozen in space and time until Joe’s return with the horses broke the spell.

Adam took the roan from him and jammed his rifle into the scabbard. “Now there’s just enough daylight left for us to get back to the house if we ride straight through.” He looked to the sky where the gray clouds still lingered. “And maybe we can make it back before something falls.”

“I still haven’t gotten my trophy.”

“And you’re only still alive because you didn’t, now mount up unless you want me to do it for you.”

Without another word, Junior took his horse and got aboard. He wasn’t in the mood for an altercation – at least not yet – and he suspected that any one of these wilderness barbarians would like nothing better. The big one seemed indifferent to almost being shot, while the youngest one kept shooting poison darts at him from those implacable green eyes. But they weren’t the ones that gave him the most concern. When Adam Cartwright had threatened to put him on his horse, Junior knew that it wouldn’t have been with kid gloves. As he had mounted, the whole time he could feel Adam’s malignant gaze drill into the back of his head. As soon as he got what he had come for he would be out of here like a shot. And if he ever returned, it would be too soon for him.

EIGHT

Angelica looked out the front window in Ben’s study for what must have been the umpteenth time in the past hour.

“Angelica, do please come and sit down.”

“I’m sorry, Mother.” Angelica took a seat on the settee next to her sister, and picked up her cup and saucer from the low table. “It’s just that I didn’t think they would be gone for this long. I know how big the Ponderosa is, but Adam gave me the impression that…”

Horses came into the yard, and Angelica’s cup rattled against the saucer as she put them back down. “Oh, I do hope that’s them.”

It felt like forever before the front door banged open and reverberated through the parlor like a firecracker. Three sets of feminine eyes came around as the men entered.

Angelica jerked to her feet. “Hoss, your cheek.”

“Ahh, it ain’t nothin’.” He thumped his hat down on the bureau.

Joe shoved the door shut with a hard slam. “Your brother just almost blew his head off, is all.”

“Junior!”

Junior looked at each one of the brothers as they joined the ladies. “Contrary to what you may be told, it was nothing more than an accident.”

“An accident that didn’t havta happen. You didn’t listen to Adam, and Hoss almost got shot.”

Joe started toward him, but Adam held him back. “Let him explain. This I wantta hear.”

“I don’t have to explain anything. Now I’m going upstairs to freshen up for supper. Please let me know when it’s ready.” Then he headed toward the staircase.

“Why you…”

“No, Joe, let it rest.”

“I’m sorry, Hiram is just high strung.” Then Verina followed after her son.

“High strung. I’d like to string him high,” Joe grumbled.

Fiona stepped to Hoss and laid light fingers near the cuts to his face. “Let’s go into the kitchen, and I’ll see to this.”

“It’s ain’t much, Miss Fiona.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” She took one of his large hands and began to pull him toward the dining room.

“I’m gonna go take care of the horses.” Joe’s spiteful gaze darted toward the second floor. “If I don’t get out of here, I’m liable to…” But his eyes turned to Angelica, and he didn’t finish.

Once they were alone, Angelica came to stand with Adam. “Tell me what happened.”

“There isn’t that much to tell. In his impatience to bag a cougar and because he didn’t listen to me and do what I told him, Hoss almost got shot. And if he had I would’ve blamed myself more than I would have Junior. I didn’t want to take him in the first place. But he threatened to hire someone from town…”

“And you were afraid that he would have gotten someone less than reputable.”

“Something like that.”

She touched the back of his hand. “First of all, this isn’t your fault. If I had been told why you were out there, I could have warned you, and this could have been avoided.”

“He said not to, that he didn’t want to worry you and Fiona and your mother.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. He rightfully feared that I would stop it, and I would have. You see, this isn’t the first time something like this has occurred. In Africa, a bearer was almost killed because Junior didn’t do as he was told. If not for the quick action of the guide, it could have been so much worse. And if Charles hadn’t heard things and dug into it, none of us would have known. One of Junior’s greatest liabilities is that he wants others to think that he always knows what he is doing, and many times he doesn’t. Junior is very insecure and it is very important to him to be considered knowledgeable, and sometimes it gets him and others into trouble. And when he makes a mistake, he either keeps it to himself, or makes lame excuses.”

Adam nodded. “And your mother makes excuses for him, too.”

“That has always maddened me and the others. Daddy would become absolutely furious about it. He told her more than once to let the boy become a man. They loved each other dearly, but Daddy could see what she was doing, and he suspected why. Junior had a heart murmur when he was born, and didn’t grow out of it until he was six. Plus, he isn’t like the rest of us, and never has been.”

“Probably his tainted blood.”

Her eyes explored every inch of his face. “You’ve been keeping something from me.”

“Yes, and I think it’s time you knew about it.” He sat on the settee and pulled her down beside him. “I wasn’t sure about this and that’s why I haven’t told you, but now I think you should know. Whether you tell Fiona or not is entirely up to you.”

“Adam, I…”

“Junior is only your half brother.”

Her mouth felt open, and her eyes almost popped.

*******

Verina didn’t care for the idea of getting into that big empty bed again, but there wasn’t anything she could do about it. She understood that times like this would come up when she had married her Ben, but that didn’t make her like it any better. She had just done the last button on her nightgown when someone knocked at the door. “Yes.”

“It’s Hiram.”

Her eyebrows lowered, and she took her dressing gown from the foot of the bed. She began to slip into it as she went to see what he wanted. The door opened a crack.

“Mother, I need to talk to you about something.”

“It’s late. It should wait until a more decent hour.”

“It’s too important for that. I needed to tell you sooner, but this it the first real opportunity I’ve found.”

She studied it over for a second. “All right, but try to do it quickly, I’m tired.”

“Of course.”

She let him in, and gave the door a push, but it didn’t close all the way.

“All right, Hiram, please tell me what is so important that it can’t wait.”

“I would have written to you just like I always do but this is…”

Her face fell. “Oh, Hiram, not more money. And I suppose this is as vital as all the other investments you’ve made.”

“Those were only speculations, this is a sure thing.”

“I thought you would have learned by this time that there is no such thing as a sure thing, except death, of course.”

He chortled. “I’m happy to say that isn’t it.” He reached out and took her hands. “Mother, I have the opportunity to make more money than you could ever dream of. And it would give me the chance to be my own man and independent of Grace’s father’s money and influence.”

“I think that Mr. Danforth has been generous with you and Grace and the boys.”

“It was because of his daughter and grandsons, never me. You know as well as I do that he has a rather harsh opinion of me. He’s never forgiven me for talking her into an elopement.”

“You know that it goes deeper than that. You’re gone so often that it surprises people that you and Grace have children together. There has even been some hurtful gossip about that.”

“I have never doubted Grace’s fidelity, which is more than I can say of what her father thinks of me, but that isn’t why I’m here.” He squeezed her hands. “Mother, I need twenty-seven thousand dollars.”

She gasped and pulled her hands away from him. “Hiram, so much. I don’t understand how so could ask me for such a sum, but then that has never dissuaded you in the past, so I shouldn’t expect it now. Do tell me what requires that much capital.”

He beamed in the low lamplight. “I know that you remember Miles Jordan.”

“Yes, and I also remember all those poor money making schemes he has talked you into.”

“Well this one is different. He’s hit upon an idea for a joint venture that would make us both rich…. Through his travels he has found a cattle ranch, or as they like to call it, a cattle station for sale in Australia.”

“Oh, Hiram, you don’t know the first think about ranching, and neither does Miles.”

“That’s one of the best things about it. Part of the deal is that we keep on the hands, and along with that we get a first-rate drover. He’s what we would call a foreman. They could handle the actual running of the station while Miles and I handled the finances.”

“I know how you handle finances, so that doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence.”

“Mother.”

“All right.” She shook her head. “But Australia. You don’t need to go so far from home, and I can just imagine what Miles’ family thinks about it.”

“It doesn’t matter how far it is, this is the perfect chance. They’re willing to sell the whole thing – three hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, cattle, and buildings – for fifty-four thousand dollars. That makes out to twenty-seven thousand per partner. Miles said he would have no problem getting his half from his family, but you’re the only one I can turn to.”

“That sounds like a small price to pay for so much.”

“They need the money fast, so they’re selling at a loss. He said it has something to do with paying off debts.”

“Maybe Grace’s father…”

He gave his head an adamant shake. “No, he’s the last person I would go to. I’ve been to him before a few times in the past, and every time it was the same old lecture. I am a man, and I need to stand on my own two feet, and stop chasing the moon. I have a wife and a family to take care of, and the offer to work for his accounting firm still stands, I only need take it.”

“That’s doesn’t sound so bad to me.”

“Well, it does to me.”

“Hiram, a man is not the only one hurt by that kind of pride when he has a family. You shouldn’t be ashamed to do whatever it takes to care for them. Your father always did.”

Junior’s teeth clamped down on the inside of his mouth lest he say something he would regret.

She cupped his face in her hands. “Hiram, you don’t need to always try to prove yourself to me. I love you no matter what. I always have, and I always will stand beside you, but so much money for something sounds so dubious. I don’t want you to be fleeced.”

“I won’t be. Miles has assured me that he has looked into this and it is legitimate. Now I need that money before the end of the month. They have another offer on the table, but because we got in there first and it isn’t as high as ours, we get first crack. Please, Mother, this is so important to me. I’ll even get down on my knees and beg, if that’s what you want me to do.”

“Oh, Hiram, don’t be ridiculous.”

He let out a deep sigh of relief. “Then you will give it to me.”

“I didn’t say that. That is so much; I need time to think about it. Just let me consider it, and you’ll have my answer by supper tomorrow. The only thing I ask is that if I do give it to you, Ben mustn’t know.”

“You have my word on it.” He threw his arms around her and hugged her. “You’re the best and most understanding mother anyone could ever ask for.” He kissed her on the forehead then stepped back. “Now I’ll go and let you retire.” He brushed a hand over her cheek. “Goodnight.”

She just stood there, dumbstruck by what her son had just laid at the doorstep of her motherhood. So much money. It wasn’t like she didn’t have it, though not as much as the last time Hiram had asked. Her head bowed over, and she put a hand to her face.

Junior looked back at his mother’s door, and a bright smile spread his mouth. He knew she wouldn’t let him down; she never had, and had no reason to start now. But then a frown spoiled the lines of his face as doubt slipped into his mind. He shook his head. No, she wouldn’t do that, he thought.

He tugged at his jacket, and started along the hall with a spring to his step. So wrapped up in his enthusiasm was he, that he didn’t notice the scuffed toes of the boots that showed past the doorjamb of the room across from his mother’s. And even if he had, they were so still that – unless he had looked – he never would have known that there were feet in them.

NINE

Adam still had trouble reconciling himself with what had happened the day before, so he had decided to vent his frustrations in the barn. He found himself moving things that didn’t need to be moved just for the sake of doing it. The oat bin got filled, Cochise and the wagon team got a nice currying, the cow got milked and anything else he could think of to keep him busy.

Every time he thought of Hoss almost getting shot something got put down a little harder or tossed when it shouldn’t have been. The past had taught him many things, one being, always go with your better judgment. Too many times not doing so had proved to be the wrong decision. Just like this one.

He hung a halter on a peg near the back stall then looked around him. He didn’t see anything else that could occupy him, so his gaze rose. He would give the loft a try.

He had just started up the ladder when Joe’s voice made him look around.

“Good, I’m glad I found you alone.”

Adam came back down and waited for Joe to come to him. That was when he got a good look at his little brother’s face. “I hope it’s not as bad as you look.”

“I debated with myself whether I should tell you about this or not, but since it concerns Pa as well as Verina, I think you should know. Maybe you’ll know what to do about it.”

Adam’s hands knotted into fists as his eyes flicked in the direction of the house. “All right, I’m listening.”

“It’s about something I heard last night. I’m not in the habit of listening at keyholes, but when I saw Junior go into his mother’s room, I thought it might be a good idea.” Joe riffled his fingers in his dark curls. “I was right.”

“All right, Joe, tell me all about it.”

“You were right about why he came here. When I heard him tell her how much he wanted, I thought I’d choke.”

“Go on.”

The rush of blood in Adam’s ears became so loud that it threatened to drown out his brother as Joe gave him every grizzly detail.

*******

Junior had just set down to tea before the fire with his mother and sisters when Adam blew into the house like a cyclone. Joe sauntered in behind him, and his eyes caught with Hoss’, as the big man started down the stairs.

Adam gave Junior his most barbed glance as he went right to his mother-in-law. “Mother, we need to talk, and I think it’s best we do it in private.”

“Since I assume that it’s about me, you can do it right here.”

Adam turned those withering eyes on Junior. “Not everything has to be about you.”

“I think this is, so go ahead.”

“As you wish, but I guarantee that you aren’t gonna like it.” Adam turned back to Verina as she put her tea down and rose from the brown chair.

“Adam, I think I know what this is about, and I don’t know or care how you found out, but it really isn’t any of your affair.”

“I’m sorry; Verina, but you’re my father’s wife, so that makes it my affair. In his absence I’ve always been in charge, and this time is no different. I don’t think he’d like it if I just let somebody, anybody, come in here and take advantage of you.” Adam turned to Junior. “And I think twenty-seven thousand dollars is enough of a reason for me to get involved.”

Junior jerked up from the chair – his cup shattered in the floor and tea spread over the planks – then his attention turned to Adam’s brothers. The clear blue eyes conveyed only innocence, but those sharp emerald ones hovered over a smug grin. He knew who had given away his secret. “I’ve always been taught that eavesdropping is a rude practice.”

Adam crossed his arms over his broad chest. “That all depends on what you learn, and how you can use it to your best advantage.”

“Adam, I don’t think…”

Adam turned back to his mother-in-law and took her shoulders in gentle hands. “Verina, I know that you love your son, and I know you want to do whatever you can for him, but I think it’s past time that the bird was kicked from the nest, and flew on its own.”

She glanced at her daughters.

“You know he’s right.”

“I agree with Angelica.”

Junior looked first to his sisters then to his mother. “You promised.”

Verina looked past Adam to her son. “I said I would come to a decision today, I just didn’t say what it would be.”

“But I need that money, and you’re the only one who can get it to me in time.”

Adam’s fingers tightened on her arms. “It’s up to you, and Pa will never know until you tell him yourself.”

“Or I will.”

“Junior, don’t you dare threaten her.”

“Oh, Angelica, for once in your life, just shut up.”

Adam spun and the back of his hand caught Junior along the side of the face. The man reeled back from the force and just managed to catch the arm of the settee so he wouldn’t fall. The women gasped but no one said a word.

Adam jabbed a deliberate finger at him. “If you ever talk to her that way again, I will hunt you down, and we will finish this.”

Junior rubbed his cheek, which had turned beet red. “I think we better finish it right now. I won’t go through the rest of my life looking for you around every corner.”

Adam strode with purpose across the room. He opened back the front door, bent at the waist and, with a flourish, swept his left arm toward the outside. “After you.”

“Adam, don’t!” Angelica ran out after her husband and brother.

Fiona followed her sister along with her mother. Joe and Hoss exchanged gleeful – if somewhat devious – grins then went after the ladies.

By the time the family had gathered on the porch, Junior had begun to shuck out of his jacket. Adam waited not far away, and took off his coat and flung it aside.

“Adam, please don’t. He’s my son.”

“When you get right down to it, since you married my father, so am I. So we’ll just call this a family quarrel.”

Junior folded his jacket and draped it over the hitch rail. “We’ll do this in gentleman fashion according to Marquise of Queensbury rules.”

Junior had no sooner turned around when Adam flattened him without warning. Again the women gasped at the unexpected blow.

Joe leaned an arm on Hoss’ shoulder and let his hand dangle free. “This oughtta be good.”

Hoss chortled. “Yeah.”

Junior sat up and worked his jaw to make sure it wasn’t broken. “That isn’t by Marquise of Queensbury Rules.”

Adam shook his head. “It’s western rules, which say you hit the other fella before he gets the chance to hit you. Now get up.” He began to circle around his brother-in-law like a fighting cock.

Junior scrambled up from the damp ground. He planted his feet – one before the other – in a fighter’s stance. His arms raised and bent at the elbows, and his hands balled into perfect fists.

Joe muffled a giggle with his free hand. Junior was about to be massacred. Adam, in spite of his polished ways and college education, was a scrapper. He would have died long ago if he weren’t, and Hiram Cadence Jr. was about to find this out, the hard way.

Adam continued to circle, and now Junior turned in place to keep his foe in his sight at all times. He had been blindsided once, it wouldn’t happen again.

“I must warn you that I learned to box professionally at college.”

“I took a little bit myself when I was at college. But my best teachers have been drunken, unruly cowboys, Indians, wild animals and my brothers.”

Pride glowed from Joe and Hoss like the beam from a lighthouse.

Junior shook his head as he continued to turn in place. “You’re making me dizzy. I wish you’d just stand still.”

Adam stopped dead. “I hope this is better.”

Junior stopped, but it felt like his head continued to turn. He gave it a shake, but that only seemed to agitate it.

The two combatants just stood there and looked at each other. The ladies held their breaths as a whole minute passed and nothing happened.

Adam braced his hands on his hips. “You know, we can stand like this all day unless somebody throws a punch.”

Junior’s face pinched into a scowl. “Someone already has, twice.”

“Well somebody hit somebody.”

Adam looked toward his brothers. Junior seized the opportunity and lunged at his adversary. But right when it seemed like Adam was about to get clobbered, with an adroit sidestep, he moved out of the way and Junior, driven by his own momentum, landed in a wad.

“Adam, Hiram, I want this nonsense stopped before someone gets hurt.”

Adam looked to Verina and nodded. He stepped to Junior. “Your mother’s right. I don’t want to fight you.”

“Well I need to fight you.” And Junior came up swinging.

Adam’s vision jarred, and he tasted blood as his teeth cut into the inside of his mouth. He staggered, and tried to shake the buzzing from his head. He spat, and wiped the back of a hand across his lips. Then he looked at Junior, and something snapped. All right, if that’s the way you want it, he thought.

The blow spun Junior around, but he managed to keep to his feet. Now it was his turn to spit blood.

“I think that’s enough.”

“Not yet.”

“Okay.”

Junior doubled over from a punch to his middle. Then a haymaker came around, and Junior went to his knees. But he didn’t stay there long. He pushed off from the ground and landed on top of Adam. They rolled over and over and when they stopped Junior was on the bottom. Adam pulled back, and a fist caught him right below the left eye. He toppled back, and Junior was on top again.

“I should’ve known you wouldn’t fight like a proper gentleman,” Junior said, through gritted teeth.

Adam brought up one leg and flipped Junior over his head. Adam got to his feet while Junior lay flat of his back. Both panted for breath, but neither gave in.

The women stood huddled together on the raised side of the porch. Fiona held her mother’s hands, but they couldn’t look away from the spectacle before them.

Angelica feared for her husband and her brother, but at the same time she bore pride in both. Since she had come west, she had learned that these wild men needed a good fist fight every now and again. To be truthful, almost any man anywhere. And it was good to see Junior stand his ground for a change. Her hands clasped together at her throat, and a tiny moan left her as they crashed against the hitch rail. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t.

Hoss gave Joe a quick glance. “Ten dollars on Adam.”

“No bet. Not this time.”

By now, the ranch cook and the few men that hadn’t gone out to the range were drawn to the sounds of the fight. They rooted for the boss’ son and winced and grimaced whenever Junior landed a blow.

The fighters had worked their way closer to the barn. They were covered in soft mud from head to foot. Adam’s hair stood up in spikes, and Junior’s tailored suit looked as if it hadn't been laundered in over a year. They slammed in the side of the building and a groan ran through the men.

Adam and Junior hit hard against the ground. For several seconds they just lay there. Adam had only gotten about halfway up when a fist caught him. His foot hooked on the other, and he stumbled backward. His arms flailed, but there was nothing to grab onto. As he staggered back, something stopped him, and he fell over the water trough. He hit in a heap on the other side, and didn’t get up.

“Adam!” Angelica ran to him and fell onto her knees at his side. Then her livid purple eyes flashed at her brother. “You big bully.”

Junior’s jaw dropped. “But he hit me first.”

“Well that doesn’t give you the license to half kill him.”

With a grunt, Adam sat up and leaned back against the trough. Her rubbed his hand over his face and the first thing he saw clear were those lovely, concerned eyes affixed with his. He reached out and touched her cheek.

“I think there has been entirely too much of this nonsense.”

Adam looked up at his mother-in-law. “Me and my head havta agree.” He looked to Junior. “Unless you wantta go another round. Of course, I’ll havta get Hoss to substitute for me.”

Junior paled beneath all the grime at the thought of tangling with that bruiser. Then he found himself the object of every eye there. “No, I think I’ve vindicated myself enough for one day.”

Joe and Hoss helped their wobbly brother to stand, and they all started for the house.

“You shoulda bet me, Joe.”

“Well, I didn’t know he was gonna let himself get knocked down.”

“Believe me, it wasn’t my idea.”

Junior found himself left quite alone, as he watched his family go on without him. Just like it had always been, someone else had always been more important than him. And his extra efforts to get noticed had always come to naught, been dismal failures, or got him noticed in the wrong way. Then the sound of his own name pulled him from his self pity, and he looked toward the house.

Adam waved him on. “Come on, Junior. I’m not gonna go through this alone.”

Junior’s mouth spread into a smile. He hadn’t been forgotten, and by the one that he had been trying to pulverize a few minutes ago. He trotted across the yard and onto the porch.

Hoss slapped a hand onto his back. “Ain’t many can best ol’ Adam here.”

“He didn’t best me. I tripped.”

Hoss guffawed. “Yeah, his fist on your jaw seen to that.”

The brothers laughed, and Junior found himself swept into the house.

TEN

Ben cleared the tall pines that wreathed in the roughhewn log house and reined his horse to a halt. Home and family were now so close that he couldn’t contain his agitation. He hadn’t wanted to leave at a time like this, but it had been of the utmost importance, and Adam had insisted. “Come on, Buck, let’s go home.” And he gave the big buckskin a kick.

Adam sat at his father’s desk, his head bowed over a piece of paper. He dipped the pen into the inkwell and resumed writing. The nib of the implement scratched across the sheet with the formation of each word, and held his attention. So complete was his focus that he didn’t hear the horse come into the yard.

For as long as it took Ben to see to his horse, he stayed in the barn, but he worked with great haste. Things had been so up in the air when he had left – what with all that was going on – that the whole time he had been in Carson City, his mind had been on little else. It wasn’t that he hadn’t trusted his sons to take care of things in his absence, but this wasn’t the time to go traipsing around the state.

Once he had finished, he gave the horse an affectionate pat, and headed for the house.

Adam put the pen back into its holder when the front door opened. He picked up the piece of paper and folded it as he pushed back the green leather chair and stood. “Joe.”

“No, son, it’s me.”

With long, casual strides, he greeted his father as Ben laid his hat and gun belt on the bureau. “I trust that everything went well in Carson.” Adam put the folded paper into his britches pocket.

“Everything went fine I even got…” But the second he saw his son, every ounce of blood drained from Ben’s face. “Adam, your eye.”

“It isn’t anything.”

Ben touched the purple-black skin around a dark hazel eye, and Adam winced. “Nothing doesn’t usually hurt. One of your brothers…”

“No.” If one didn’t know better, they might say that Adam had begun to squirm under his father’s scrutiny. “The day you left, Hiram Jr. showed up.”

“And he did this.”

Adam nodded. “It really wasn’t anything; I just forgot to get out of the way.”

Hoss came out of the kitchen with a sandwich, and a glass of milk. “Yeah, but you oughtta see Junior. He kinda makes me think of a raccoon with a fat lip.”

“I want to hear more about this fight you engaged in while I was in absentia with a son-in-law that I haven’t seen for two years.”

“It was just a gentleman’s disagreement.”

Hoss snorted as he sat on the settee, and put the plate and glass on the low table. “Yeah, they disagreed with each other all over the yard until Junior got the upper hand, er, fist.” He chortled and took a healthy bite of his cold chicken sandwich.

“I don’t suppose you plan on telling me what it was about, so I’m afraid I must insist that you do.”

“Like I said, it really wasn’t anything.”

Hoss took a swig of milk and washed down his mouthful. “Junior told Angelica to shut up, an’ ol’ Adam here took offence to it.”

Adam glared in Hoss’ direction.

Ben reached out and gripped his oldest son’s arm. “I want to hear about everything that has transpired since I’ve been gone, and don’t leave anything out.”

Ben took a place in front of the fireplace to warm his well chilled body, while Adam sat in the red leather chair.

Hoss glanced up. “Pa, you oughtta take off your coat an’ stay a while.” He tittered, and took another bite.

*******

That night after supper, Junior retreated straight to his room. If ever there was a time when he needed solitude, this was it. As he started up the stairs he had gotten the distinct impression that his mother had wanted to follow him, but her husband had held her back. And it surprised him that he found himself grateful to a member of the Cartwright family.

After what had happened that day, he had pretty much given up any hopes of getting the money from his mother. Not that he was a quitter or anything like that, but he knew when he was defeated. He blew out a heavy breath. In his mind’s eye, he could still see the black look on Ben Cartwright’s face when they had first seen each other after his return. And the words that the elder member of this family had said to him when they found themselves alone still burned his ears. “I don’t care if she is your sister; I don’t care for the thought of you talking to her that way. You’re just fortunate that it was Adam who was heard you and not me. And I don’t care for the idea of you leaching off your mother, and I suggest that it stop, and you learn to be a man.” Those blackened eyes had seared into him like a red hot iron then the man had left him and not spoken to him again.

Junior examined his swollen, blackened face in the mirror over the washstand then went to the bed and sat down. He had just taken a leather bound book from the night table drawer when someone knocked. He wasn’t in the mood to see or talk to anyone, but if it were a Cartwright, he would probably just barge right in. The intruder knocked again, and with a huff of disgust Junior went to answer it.

He was shocked to see the bruised visage of Adam Cartwright before him. “Yes.”

“I’d like to come in, if you don’t mind.”

“Maybe I do mind, but it’s your home, so I won’t try to stop you.”

“You could, but I think you’ll be glad you didn’t when you find out why I’m here.”

“I doubt that, but come in anyway.”

Adam stepped in and closed the door behind him. Junior went to sit on the edge of the bed, and his expression communicated his discontent quite eloquently.

“Out of courtesy I won’t drag this out.” Adam snickered. “I don’t know about you, but I still haven’t quite recovered from our little fray yesterday.” He moved to his brother-in-law and took a folded piece of paper from his britches pocket. He held it out.

Junior gave it a wary eye then took it. “Another warning like the one your father gave me, I presume.”

“Not quite. It’s a letter of introduction that explains everything. When you return to Bangor, simply take it to your bank and give to the banker. I had Joe go into town today and have a wire transfer made to your bank for the full amount of twenty-seven thousand dollars.”

Junior hastened to unfold the paper. His eyes ran along the lines of bold script as fast as he could will them. Then he looked up. “I don’t understand why you would want to do this for me, especially after...”

“I’m doing this more for your mother than anybody. I think every parent has the right to take pride in their children, and it’s up to us not to let them down. Now I want you to take the money, go to Australia and make a go of it. And you’d better give it all you have, because whether it works or not, I will be repaid.”

“Well if you think I’m gonna argue with you, you’re mistaken.”

“Good, I hate arguments.” Adam sat down on the side of the bed next to him. “Hiram, you have an opportunity in your hands that I don’t think you realize the full implications of. This could turn your whole life around if you’ll just let it. It could give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and give a legacy to your children. But let me warn you that it isn’t a get rich quick scheme like you seem to think it is, and you aren’t stealing. You’ll work, and you’ll work plenty hard.”

Junior’s eyes narrowed on him. “It would seem that you know a good deal more about me than I thought.”

“I learned a lot from that business with Oran Bushnell, most of which I wish I hadn’t.”

“You might as well say it, my father.”

Adam shook his head. “He may’ve fathered you, but Hiram Cadence raised you, and from all I know of the man, he’s the one you should call that. You know, I don’t think you’re as bad as you think you are. I think your problem is that you pay too much attention to what others think you should be. If you’ll be Hiram Cadence Jr. and not the bastard son of Oran Bushnell, you may be pleasantly surprised. If you’ll give it the chance it deserves, you’ll find that ranching in Australia will give you all the adventure you’ve ever craved. And make a man of you to boot.”

“I just don’t understand you.”

“Don’t try, just take what I’m offering, and give this everything you have to give it. I hope you don’t mind if I give you some advice.”

“At this stage I don’t think I can afford to.”

“This won’t be like anything you’ve ever entered into, so don’t let it scare you away. Lean heavily on your foreman and your hands. Let them teach you what it’s taken them years of trial, error and experience to learn. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, they’re also good teachers. Take criticism, as long as it’s the constructive kind. Don’t let anybody ride you down just for the sake of doing it. And always remember that you aren’t the only one you’re doing this for. Your wife, your sons, your partner, and your mother will all benefit if you allow yourself to grow and become the kind of man that ranching can make you into. Oh, and one other thing. Don’t forget that you’re doing it for yourself. True, it’s gonna be grueling work and long endless days, but there will be times when you’ve never been more alive. Embrace it, and you won’t regret it. I don’t, and I know my father doesn’t.”

“Well I had planned on letting my men do all that.”

“I’ve found that ranch hands don’t like taking orders from a boss who isn’t willing to get his hands dirty. And I doubt that Australians are any different than they are here on that account. Now you have a leg up on most city-bred men, you’re able to ride and you’re good at it, so use it. And let your boys help out. There’s nothing like the ranch life for children.”

For a moment they just sat in silence.

Adam rested a hand on his shoulder. “There’s only one other thing I would suggest. Do it with honesty and integrity. The fast way can often be the dishonest one, and if it isn’t it can often lead to it. Expediency isn’t always the best way. As I heard somewhere, slow and steady wins the race.” He got up and crossed to the door then turned back around. “One other thing I would ask before I go.”

“You name it.”

“Don’t tell anybody – especially your mother – where you got the money. If I decide for Angelica to know, I would prefer to tell her myself. And if anybody inquires, just use your imagination.”

“I will. No one has really trusted me since Dad died, and I let him down, I won’t do the same this time.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Now I’ll say good night, Hiram.” The sides of Adam’s mouth turned. “I think you’ve outgrown Junior.” Then he went out and closed the door.

Hiram just sat there and reread the letter. His mind spun in his head as he tried to let it soak in what had just transpired. On an expulsion of breath he looked back in the direction of the hall. His sister Lucinda wasn’t the only one who had misread and underestimated Adam Cartwright, and she wasn’t the only one to learn that she had been very wrong.

ELEVEN

Junior had just finished tying his shoes when his mother came into his room. He could see by her face that she wasn’t happy.

“I wish you could stay a little longer.”

“So do I, but if I’m going to get in on this Australia deal with Miles I need to get cracking.”

“I’m sorry, Hiram, I just couldn’t give you the money this time.”

“I understand.”

“But it isn’t like you to give up so easily.”

“I’m not giving up, I’m just looking elsewhere. If it’s one thing I am, it’s resourceful. I’ll find it somewhere.” He hugged her and put his lips close to her ear. “I’ve known for some time that Oran Bushnell was my real father, and I’ve known what he did to you. The fault was never yours, and I have never blamed you.” He leaned back and looked into her eyes.

“Oh, Hiram, I’m so sorry.”

“No, you don’t. If anyone should apologize, it’s me for how I’ve used you all these years.”

“This isn’t like you. I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I, not really, but like Dad once told me, we don’t need to look for the reason in everything.”

Her eyes lowered, and her head drooped.

He put a gentle hand under her chin and raised her face to him. “I don’t mean Oran Bushnell; he wasn’t the one who was always there when I needed him, or the one that I loved. About a year before he was killed, Dad and I had a long talk. He didn’t come right out and say that I was a disappointment – he wasn’t the kind to do that – but that night I knew. I guess I’ve been trying ever since to change that, but I’ve never seemed to go about it right. I’ve been selfish, self-centered, self indulgent and egotistical and maybe all because I’ve felt sorry for myself. I know I wasn’t born a Cadence like the others, and I think I’ve used that as an excuse to feel sorry for myself.” One side of his mouth crooked into a sardonic grin. “I think it’s about time I stopped.”

“I don’t know what has brought this on, and I don’t really care, I only hope that it’s all true and…”

“Not just another one of my high hopes. So do I, but we’ll just have to wait and see, I guess.” Then he brightened. “And speaking of waiting, that stagecoach isn’t going to. If I miss it, you’ll be stuck with me another day, and I don’t think your husband would like that.”

“His name is Ben, and I wish you would just give him a chance. He’s a good man, and with him I know I am loved and protected.”

For a second, Ben Cartwright’s warning from the night before raced into his mind, but this time it carried a new meaning. He had been protecting his wife from her own son, and he couldn’t hold a grievance against any man who would do that, especially when it was warranted. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. And anyone who can bring you happiness, I can’t totally dislike. Now we’d better get downstairs before one of those Cartwrights comes after me.”

She gave him a long, hard look, and this time she caught a glint of mischief in his pale gray eyes. She patted his cheek, and he kissed her on the forehead. Then she hooked her arm in his, and they went out. Maybe, at long last, her oldest son had begun to grow up.

*******

Adam snapped the reins against the horses’ backs and the animals picked up the pace. The buckboard clattered along the road that led off the Ponderosa through what had turned into a true spring day.

“I still don’t understand why you gave me that money. I know you did it more for my mother than me, but after the way I’ve been since I got here, and then the fight.”

“It was the fight that gave me the idea. I thought that if you were to put that kind of energy and determination into a ranch, you could make a real go of it.”

“I don’t see how you could even think that I would.”

“For your mother’s sake, I was willing to take the gamble.”

“But I’ve never done anything to make anyone believe that this time will be any different.” Junior snorted. “Not even myself.”

“You know, sometimes a man has to struggle for a long time before he finds the path in life that he was meant to take. My brothers and I were lucky. Our father put our feet onto the right one from a very early age, although there have been times when I wasn’t sure it was the right one for me. I even toyed with the notion of moving back to the city, that is, until I met your sister. She made me realize that this is where I belong, and nowhere else. I’m happier right now than I have ever been. I have Angelica and the children, and what I hope will someday be one of the finest spreads in the state. A man can’t ask for any more than that.”

“No, I suppose he can’t.” Junior looked around him at the countryside as it sped past him. “I guess one of my biggest worries about this whole thing is my father-in-law. Grace and I talked about this when my friend offered me the deal, and she’s actually excited about it. But I don’t think her father will like the idea of my taking his daughter and grandsons so far away.”

“Hiram, if this is what you think is the right thing for you and your wife and sons don’t let him or anybody else talk you out of it. This could be the start of a fresh, new beginning. If you back away from it because somebody disagrees with you, you’ll always wonder what might have been. And that, my friend, can gnaw at a man like a dog at a bone. I’ve even heard of it breaking up marriages.”

“I won’t let him or anyone else talk me out of it.” He laughed. “Grace would never speak to me again if I did. I’ve never doubted that she loves me – though I do at times wonder why – or that she has always hated the way her father treats me. No, if something makes me back down from this, it’ll be something more important than what he or anyone else thinks. And after the confidence you have shown me, I don’t think I could even if I wanted to. I’m tired of letting people down who put trust in me.”

“I’m glad, but don’t worry about me. Get tired of letting yourself down.”

The conversation lapsed into silence for several minutes as they drove on. Then Junior turned back to his brother-in-law. “You know, I was wrong about you.”

Adam gave him a quick glance from the sides of his eyes. “I’ve been think the same thing about you.”

“That I don’t blame you for, but let me get this off my chest. I’ve never been real big at admitting my mistakes, so let me do this without any interruptions.” Junior took his hat off and let the breeze dry his scalp and tousle his dark brown hair. “It gave me infinite pleasure to hit you the other day. It’s not what you would call something I’ve always wanted to do, but when the opportunity presented itself, I wasn’t going to let it get away.” He looked down at his hat in his lap. “And now I don’t think I have ever regretted anything more, except possibly what I’ve done to my mother.” He looked at Adam again. “When I’ve done things that any man wouldn’t be proud of, I’ve always managed to convince myself that I was more-or-less pushed into it by the treatment I get from others.” He shook his head. “It was a delusion, which my dear, sweet Grace has time and again tried to pound into my thick skull.”

“This is a sudden reformation.”

“Not so sudden. When Oran Bushnell was released from prison, I took off for Canada like a craven coward. I couldn’t even…” His voice fell off.

“You don’t need to stop. I know all about your involvement in the embezzlement, and that it wasn’t his idea.”

“And of course you told Mother and Angelica.”

“I didn’t havta tell your mother, Bushnell did it for me. He sent her a letter before he obligingly got himself killed, and that was in it. But we don’t know what else was in it since she refuses to talk about it, even to my father. But Oran Bushnell was a vindictive man who wanted to hurt everybody that he felt had hurt him. And that, unfortunately, included your mother. We can only imagine what he intended for you, if anything, before he died.”

“I don’t need to imagine, I know. I got a letter from him before he arrived in Bangor. He called me many things but none of them was son. I let my own father be convicted of the crime that I planned, and let him go to prison. I didn’t even write to him. He threatened to divulge my dirty little secret, and then he...” Again his voice fell off.

Adam’s eyes narrowed on him. “He threatened to kill you.”

“Yes, but only after he had Grace and the boys, and he made sure that I knew who had done it and why.”

“So that’s why you left, but it doesn’t explain why you didn’t take your family with you.”

“I wanted to, but I felt they would be safer with her father. Ian Danforth is a very powerful man with equally powerful friends. That house of his is a veritable fortress, and only an utter fool would try to get into it or onto the grounds. And since his three sons died when they were children, he’s very protective of his only remaining child and his grandsons. ”

Adam snickered. “You’re not as selfish as you like to think you are. If you were, you wouldn’t have left them behind where you felt they would be safe.”

Junior’s brow creased. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

Adam freed his left hand from the reins just long enough to give Junior a slap on the arm. “If you’ve never done anything to be proud of, you certainly did that time. You thought of somebody else for a change.”

“I guess I did.”

“And to celebrate, if we get into town with time enough to spare, I’ll treat you to a cold beer.”

“That sounds good.” Junior took his watch from an inside jacket pocket and snapped it open. “But unless we sprout wings, I doubt we will. The stage leaves at noon, and it’s after ten-thirty.” Then he closed the watch and put it back.

“We’ll just see about that.” Adam shot him a roguish look. “So just hang onto what you’ve got.” He slapped the reins against the animals’ backs, and the team surged on.

Junior stuck his hat back on his head and held it in place with one hand while he hung on for dear life with the other. He looked down at the road as it seemed to wind under them like a brown ribbon onto a spool. The buckboard jolted over a deep rut, and his fingers dug into the weathered wood. After this, he would need something stronger than a beer, and several at that.

*******

Adam put out the lamp and slid under the covers beside his wife. He didn’t know when he had been this exhausted, and right now sleep occupied his mind over everything. His head sunk into the pillow as he turned to face her side of the bed. In the darkness, he felt her – soft and warm – snuggle close to him. Then deft fingers undid the top two buttons of his nightshirt. A hand went inside and ran over his chest, and moist lips kissed his throat.

“Thank you for what you did for Junior.”

“It wasn’t anything I wouldn’t have done for Joe or Hoss if they were in trouble.” He felt her lips go to his ear.

“I know that you gave him the money, and please don’t ask me how. We’ll just let that be my little secret.”

“Angelica, I don’t…”

Her mouth covered his in a kiss that pushed all thoughts of slumber from his mind. His arms went around her and squeezed her closer. Sleep could wait.

All the lamps in the parlor save for one had been extinguished. Ben had just bent down to bank the fire when the sounds of movement from the stairs made him look up.

“I thought you’d gone to bed.”

“Not quite yet.” Verina went to the settee, gathered the tail of her dressing gown around her, and sat down. “I thought we needed to talk first.”

The poker froze just as Ben was about to thrust it into the burning logs. He only moved to look back at her.

She patted the seat beside her and smiled. “Come sit with me, there are some things I need to tell you.”

THE END

RETURN TO LIBRARY