By Step, By Half, And By Heart
(Note: This story follows my story “Between First Borns” which is a WHN to The First Born. It can stand alone, but reading the first story would better set the stage for this one,)
She was pretty, petite, pale, and pregnant. Clay had not mentioned that she would be in a family way, but then Clay was very good at not mentioning things. Adam Cartwright's lips curled into a wry grin. Certain people, like his pa and brothers, sometimes had the same complaint about him. Of course, you could not expect someone to explain everything in a telegram, but then again Clay's wire had explained next to nothing. Adam sighed. He could quote the whole thing verbatim.
Adam stop You said I should wire if I needed help stop I need you to go to Denver stop My wife is there stop She needs a safe haven stop The Palace Hotel stop Ask for Anna Cleary stop Clay full stop
Adam straightened and strode across the hotel dining room to the table where the woman the hotel clerk said was Anna Cleary sat. He stopped and cleared his throat politely. "Mrs. Cleary? I'm Adam Cartwright."
She did not speak but inclined her head in invitation for him to sit. He took the seat opposite her.
"Clay described you very well, Mr. Cartwright.” Her tone was flat.
"Call me Adam. We are related in a way, after all."
"I suppose that's so if you count stepbrothers-in-law.” She drew in a long breath and squared her shoulders. "I told Clay I can look after myself. There's no need for you to be here."
Adam pitched his voice, so that it would not carry beyond their table in the noisy room. "There's a need for you to go under an assumed name."
She gave dismissive shrug of her shoulders.
A young girl appeared to take his order. Adam requested only coffee and then leaned back and studied the woman before him. She was not at all what he had expected. He had spent hours of the long trip there considering what kind of woman Clay would have married. Conjuring scenario after scenario in his mind, Adam had imagined many versions of Anna Cleary; the woman before him fit none of them.
Adam's coffee was delivered before either of them spoke again.
"I expected an explanation when I arrived.” Adam took a sip of coffee and waited.
"If Clay were here, he might give you one.” Her lips curled into a wry smile. "It might even be the truth. Clay has a great deal of respect for you and your family."
"But not for the truth?"
She sighed. "Truth is never an absolute, at least not in Clay's world."
"And in yours?"
She shrugged.
"Well, according to Clay, you need a safe haven. I can take you to one.” Adam had also pondered exactly what he would do with the woman when he arrived. He had made his decision when he saw the swell of her belly.
"Can you?” Her tone was dismissive, but something like longing flickered briefly in her eyes.
"Yes, I can.” Adam's statement was completely confident.
"Where?"
"The Ponderosa."
She shook her head. "Not the Ponderosa. Clay didn't expect that; he wouldn't…” Her words dropped away.
Adam's eyes dropped to her waist. "Is the child Clay's?” He waited for indignation, even a slap in the face, but he had needed to ask.
Her answer was simple and direct, "Yes."
"Then we're going to the Ponderosa."
"The child has no blood claim on the Ponderosa."
Adam raised his eyes and stared directly into hers. "On the Ponderosa, perhaps not, but on my brother, most definitely."
"Will you tell Joe who I am?"
Adam dropped his eyes. "I don't know."
"Fair enough.” She placed her napkin beside her plate and rose. "I'll go with you, Adam Cartwright, to your Ponderosa."
***********
He escorted her to her hotel room and then went to arrange their seats on the stage departing the next morning. After returning to the hotel, he knocked on her door. She opened it only after he announced his presence and did not invite him into her room. When he told her their departure time, she simply stated she would be ready and then closed the door. Adam considered a drink in the saloon down the street but settled for finishing the novel he had brought with him from Virginia City.
The next morning he knocked, and she opened the door.
"I'm ready.” She lowered the tulle veil on her hat.
"Your bill?" Adam inquired not sure of her financial situation.
"I settled it earlier."
"Your bags?” She gestured to a carpetbag, and he picked it up. "No trunk?"
"None in Denver."
"Well, then I guess we can proceed.” Adam made a sweeping gesture, and Anna stepped out into the hall.
"Wait! There is something I need to tell you.” Adam's voice was pitched low and carried only to her ears.
"Yes?"
"You will not be traveling as Mrs. Cleary but as Mrs. Cartwright."
"Your wife?"
He could not see the wry smile that twisted her lips beneath the veil. "My sister-in-law. Mrs. Clayton Cartwright."
Her low chuckle held no mirth. "Keep the lie as close to the truth as possible. For an honest man, I have the feeling you are very good at deceit, Mr. Cartwright."
"Adam, you must remember to call me Adam," he said chiding her gently.
"Of course, Brother Adam, and I shall remember to answer when you call me Anna."
She saw the wry smile that twisted his lips before she followed him out of the hotel.
***********
Adam spotted Anna sitting on a crude bench, one a way station worker had placed beneath a large tree. He knew the rough ride in the jerking stagecoach had been difficult for her, and she had not eaten any of the supper provided upon their arrival.
"Are you feeling better?” He stood looking down at her.
She raised her eyes to his face. "I'm fine."
Adam grinned, for the thought came to him that hers was a very Cartwright answer. "Still," he said as he went to his heels, so she would not have to crane her neck, "you need to eat something."
She shook her head.
"Drink this at least.” He held out the cup he had been holding
She shook her head again.
"Yes," he said more firmly and placed the cup into her hands.
She stared at the down at the contents. "Milk?"
"It's cold and fresh, so drink up," Adam ordered and then added gently, "For the baby."
She lifted the cup to her lips and sipped slowly. When she lowered the cup, she gave him the first real smile he had seen on her face.
"I hate stagecoaches," she declared as her finger rubbed the tin rim of the cup.
"They make you nauseous?"
She nodded.
"We'll ask if they have some ginger. It helps settle the stomach."
She raised her eyebrow skeptically.
"You'll see. If they don't have any ginger, we'll try something else a very wise man showed me.” He smiled at her as he rose to his full height. "Tomorrow will be easier. Now finish your milk."
"I'll hold you to that," she answered and then drained the cup.
***********
The cook at the way station parted with a small bit of ginger, and Anna's nausea was kept mostly at bay. When it threatened to worsen, Adam tried a trick that Hop Sing had taught him and kept pressure on a specific spot on Anna's wrist until her sickness receded. As the hours passed in the stagecoach, Adam and Anna slowly started to converse. He found that she was both well-educated and well-read, but none of their conversations contained any information more personal than her favorite author. Adam learned nothing about Clay and Anna's marriage or the reason Clay had sent for him to protect Anna and the child she carried. He decided to bide his time until they were safely on the Ponderosa and simply remained vigilant at all times. Many of the people who traveled with them for a time remarked on the fact that Mr. Cartwright was very protective and solicitous of his sister-in-law.
"Anna.” She turned at the sound of Adam's voice. "You shouldn't wander so far from the station."
She raised her eyebrow inquiringly. "Do you really think they're out there somewhere waiting to snare me?"
"That would depend on who they are," Adam pitched his voice, so there was no chance of him being overheard.
"I suppose it would.” She started to walk back toward the station, but he caught her arm.
"Don't you think it's time you told me what I've gotten myself involved in?” His tone demanded an answer.
She answered with a question, "Why did you come? When Clay sent you that wire, he was sure you would, but I thought… Why, Adam Cartwright, why did you come?"
"I told Clay that I would help if he needed me. I keep my word."
"Why would you make him such a promise? From what Clay said, I gather that you were never close, didn't even know each other that long or that well."
Adam sighed. "He's my little brother's brother. He's important to Joe; Little Joe is important to me."
Anna's lips curled into something that was not quite a smile. "Clay," she paused as if rethinking her words, "Joe is important to Clay. Your letters…" She cocked her head and focused on Adam's eyes, "I've read your letters; do you mind?"
"No, I wouldn't expect a man to keep secrets from his wife."
Her laughter was sharp and rueful. "And you don't think a woman should keep secrets from her stepbrother-in-law either." She dropped her eyes from his face and half turned away.
"You can trust me.” It was a simple statement of fact, and it stopped the woman in her tracks.
She turned back and faced Adam. "If I tell you, are you sure you can believe me?"
"No." The word held no animosity, just truth.
Her laughter rippled from her throat. The she began, "Clay was working for a man, a very powerful and important man."
Adam arms slipped across his chest, and he stood silently listening.
"He was not, though, an entirely honest man. Clay found out about a…" she paused as if searching for the right word, "a certain transaction. He did not pass that information on to anyone. Then Clay got into a poker game.” She watched the reaction on Adam's face and then continued, "He… things did not end well."
"A man was killed.” It was a statement not a question, and Adam's eyes darkened.
"It really was not Clay's fault, but, well, the man who died was the son of the man Clay worked for."
"And this man would have his revenge."
She shook her head. "Alexander's father had no love for him." Her statement was flat and toneless. If Adam had not been watching her eyes so intently, he would not have caught the flicker of pain that filled them. "Still, there was his reputation to be considered, so the man had Clay arrested. The night before the trial, Clay sent word to the man that he would speak of much more than his own innocence if he was placed in a courtroom. Clay was allowed to escape from the jail; he managed to escape from the town. He's been running ever since."
"And Clay believes this man would harm you also?” Adam's voice held an edge of anger.
"This man, Brother Adam, has hired men to settle the matter permanently. The men he has hired would use me, my child, or anyone else to get to Clay or draw him out into the open."
Adam's jaw was rigid, and his voice was tight as he inquired, "Does the man know Clay is related to Joe?"
"He didn't, but I don't know what his men may have discovered. It's not a widely known fact, is it?"
Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. His family had not announced in the papers that Clay was Marie's son, but neither had they attempted to keep it a secret. Little Joe had claimed him as brother in Virginia City.
Her voice invaded his thoughts. "You said the Ponderosa was a safe haven."
"It will be.” Adam spoke with assurance, and saw her relax as she turned and walked toward the way station. He rubbed the bridge of his nose once more and wondered what it would cost to keep it so.
*************
They were the only passengers on the final leg of the journey. Since it would be impossible for the driver or the man riding shotgun to hear anything said inside the coach, Adam's companion spoke freely.
"Will you tell Joe and your family who I am?"
Adam bit his lower lip and hesitated before answering, "Yes. It's the truth or some elaborate lie.” He gave her a wry smile. "My pa and Hoss can always tell when I'm flat out lying."
"Your pa and Hoss but not Joe?"
Adam had not thought of it before, but it was true. "Oddly enough, I probably could lie to Joe without him knowing. Maybe, that's why I never have."
"You and your half-brothers are very close.” Her observation was not meant as an insult, but Adam's reply snapped with cold anger.
"There is nothing half about my relationship with either of my brothers!"
His vehemence surprised her. "I…I meant nothing by that. It's just…” She bit off the rest of her remark. "I'm sorry if I offended you."
Adam didn't understand why her words had struck such a raw nerve. "No, I'm sorry; I had no reason to snap at you.” He softened his voice. "What were you going to say? It's just what?"
"My half-brother and I were not close," she stated and then closed her eyes as if to block out any further inquiry.
Adam let the discussion end and sunk into his own thoughts.
************
Adam pulled the hired buggy to a stop in front of the ranch house. His eyes swept the yard and spotted each member of his family. At the sound of the buggy's approach, Hoss and Joe had come from the barn, and his father stood in the open doorway. Adam jumped down and went around to help Anna to the ground.
"Adam! You didn't wire that you'd be back today.” Ben approached his eldest with a slightly chiding tone. Adam had also not given an adequate reason for his sudden trip to Denver, and here he was returning with a strange and obviously pregnant woman.
"Pa.” Adam's intonation of that single syllable conveyed that he wished to postpone any further discussion.
"Yeah, big brother, we would have met the stage," Hoss interjected walking up with Little Joe sauntering behind.
"It was no trouble to hire the buggy," Adam said, sidestepping any explanation for his actions.
The woman beside him spoke softly, "Adam, I'm afraid I'm not feeling well. If I…"
"Of course, Anna. You need to lie down. I'll show you to your room and have Hop Sing bring you a cup of his special tea.” Adam swiftly and solicitously swept his companion into the house quite effectively avoiding any introductions at all.
Ben exchanged questioning glances with his two younger sons. "Do either of you know…"
Hoss and Little Joe shook their heads.
"How could we, Pa?” Joe looked at his father and thought, "But I bet you'll be getting some answers from big brother right quick"
"Hoss?” Ben settled his gaze on his middle son.
"No, Pa; you know Adam can keep things closer than bark on a tree."
Ben shook his head, and the three Cartwrights proceeded into the house.
***********
Adam had used the backstairs to the kitchen when going to speak to Hop Sing. Now he stood at the door to the dining room. He knew his father and brothers would be waiting in the great room for an explanation. He took a deep breath and went to face them.
Every eye in the room settled on Adam as he walked to stand before the fireplace.
"Well, I suppose, you'd like to know…" Adam began.
"Everything," Ben interjected in a tone that Adam had learned to recognize before he was four.
Adam swallowed and looked not at his father but at Little Joe. "Umm, first, I need to explain something. Ummm," Adam crossed his arms and tugged at his left ear. "Remember when I delivered those horses to the Lazy K? Well, on the way back I stopped for the night in a little town…” Adam's voice faltered as he saw Little Joe's eyes widen. He looked and saw that the same thought had entered his pa's and Hoss' minds. "No, no, she's Clay's wife!"
"CLAY'S WIFE!” The exclamation rang out in three octaves and three volumes.
"Let me explain.” Adam's tone was as near to pleading as he ever allowed. Joe was on his feet and stood before his brother with his entire stance demanding an explanation. Ben and Hoss were both leaning forward expectantly. "Like I said, I stopped for the night, and when I went into the saloon, well, Clay was there."
"YOU SAW CLAY!” Joe shouted, taking an angry step toward his brother.
"JOSEPH!" Ben's voice drowned the echoes of his son's shout, "Settle down and let your brother explain!"
Adam's hand tugged at his ear again. "We had a drink and talked. I told him, Joe, that you missed him, that he always had a home on the Ponderosa. He wasn't ready, Joe; he just wasn't ready for that, but he missed you too, so I made a deal.” Adam paused searching his little brother's face.
"What deal was that, big brother?” Hoss asked softly.
"I agreed not to tell you that I had seen him if he would write and let you know he was all right, and then, well, we agreed that whenever he wrote to you, Joe, I'd write to him and let him know how things were with you.” Adam was still speaking directly to Little Joe.
"You knew…" Joe's eyes burned with anger.
"No, no, I sent all the letters to general delivery in Denver, so he could claim them when he passed through. I thought…I thought his letters would ease your mind, little brother."
Joe turned his back to Adam and stared into the fire.
"I told him then that if he ever needed anything, ever needed help, to wire me."
Hoss murmured softly, "If he needed a big brother…"
"That wire you got the morning you left.” Ben spoke his thought aloud.
"It was from Clay," Adam admitted. "He said he needed me to go to Denver. That his wife was there and needed a safe haven. I went and brought her home.” Adam finished with a sigh and another tug at his ear.
"Clay's wife,” Little Joe muttered, "Clay's baby.” Adam watched as the thought struck his little brother that he was going to be an uncle.
"Just what you should have done, Adam. That little gal needs taking care of at a time like this.” Hoss grinned. "A nephew, Joe, now ain't that something."
Ben inquired on a sterner note, "What is this about needing a safe haven? Safe from what, Adam?"
"Where's Clay?" Little Joe demanded before Adam could answer his father.
"I don't know. He, well, according to Anna, he… he ran afoul of a powerful man, found out something incriminating about him and then… uh, was forced into killing the man's son. The man has hired killers after Clay, and he's in hiding. He's afraid these men would use his wife and the child to get to him.” Adam looked first at Joe and then at his father.
"What man?" Ben asked.
"I don't know, Pa. She wouldn't say. She's told me very little. I don't even think Anna is her real name."
"Does she know where Clay is?” Little Joe's voice was filled with anger and concern, and he had turned to glare at his brother once again.
"I don't know, Joe. I left a letter at the Denver general delivery telling Clay that I was taking his wife to the Ponderosa, that we would take care of her, and that he should come here. I told him we'd stand with him.” Adam had used his most fraternal tone when writing the letter to order Clay to do just that.
Little Joe began, "I'll go…"
Ben cut him off, "You will go nowhere, young man. Denver may well be the last place that Clay would go now. You will stay here and help us look after Clay's wife and his child.” Ben softened his tone and finished, "It's what Clay would want you to do, Joe."
Joe gazed directly into his father's eyes and recognized the resolve he saw there. He also recognized the fact that his father was right. Clay could be anywhere; he could best help his brother right here on the Ponderosa.
"There's horses need tending and barn chores,” Hoss interjected, "Come on, little brother, let's get to 'em.” Hoss exchanged glances with his father and elder brother. He would see to Joe.
Joe looked at his pa and read the message in his expression and slight nod. His pa wanted big brother alone. A wry smile flickered across Joe's lips, and he followed Hoss out the door.
Ben stood, and Adam dropped his eyes to the floor. Adam asked in the same tone he had used at fourteen, "How much trouble am I in?"
Ben's answer was steely. "How much trouble should you be in, Adam Stoddard?"
"I didn't want Joe to go haring off after Clay. I did what I thought best, Pa. It wasn't that I wanted to deceive anyone."
"That may be, but when that wire came," Ben's voice reached its maximum parental sternness, "it was you who went haring off alone into who knew what trouble without a word. Did you think you could not trust me or Hoss?"
""No, Pa, it wasn't that; really it wasn't. I just…I …I'm sorry. I should have talked to you."
Ben was not ready to let his eldest off the hook just yet. "Yes, you should have and from here on out you will. Is that clear?"
Adam sighed. He knew that his father's anger came from his fear of what might have happened, and that the concern that came from his father's love would never change. "Yes, Pa, that's perfectly clear.” Then he gave Ben a beseeching smile.
"That never worked when you were young enough for a tanning," Ben observed.
"Nope, it never did," Adam countered, his dimples deepening.
Ben capitulated, "You're forgiven.” He shook his head and sat down in his leather chair.
Hop Sing entered the room and announced, "Missy lesting, need plenty lest. Hop Sing take her supper on tray. You be at table for supper in one hour.” Using his pointed finger to add an exclamation to his words, Hop Sing departed for his kitchen. Ben and Adam exchanged looks and chuckled softly.
"I better get cleaned up then," Adam stated, and then added in his most polite and humble tone, "May I be excused, Pa?"
Ben accepted the inherent apology. "Of course, son."
**********
Adam was buttoning his shirt when Hoss walked into the washroom.
"Don't see no holes in your hide," Hoss observed with a grin.
"Guess they're where they don't show," Adam responded wryly.
"Did he forgive ya?” Hoss had no need to explain he meant their pa.
"Yeah, but he put me in my place first.” There was a slight whine in Adam's voice.
"Know the feeling. Sometimes I think it was easier when we just had to take a tanning."
Adam raised a single eyebrow.
"Yeah, that's stretching things," Hoss answered letting out a deep laugh. "With a pa like ours, I guess it ain't surprising that we turned out such fine, upstanding fellows."
Adam's laughter joined his brother's, but when it faded he turned to Hoss with a serious expression on his face. "I'm sorry if you feel I…"
Hoss' interruption prevented Adam from finishing his apology. "No need for that, big brother. Ya was just doing what ya thought was right for Joe and Clay. I told Little Joe that."
"Is he still boiling?"
"I think I got the fire turned down some. Ya need to talk to him though."
Adam rubbed his hand over his face and then settled his eyes on his brother's face once again. "Is he still in the barn?” Hoss nodded. "No time like the present then.” Adam started to walk by Hoss but hesitated. Hoss gave him a gentle clap on the back. Adam smiled. It was a smile he had never shared with anyone but his oversized little brother with the warm blue eyes.
***********
Adam entered the barn and saw Joe standing near Cochise's stall with his back to the door.
"Joe?"
"I'm not mad anymore, Adam," Joe answered but did not turn to face his brother. His voice sounded sad and weary.
"That almost makes this harder," Adam thought as he closed the distance between them. "Joe, I…I just thought it would be better for you to hear from Clay from time to time instead of just knowing that I saw him once in the middle of nowhere heading anywhere. I wasn't trying to keep Clay from you, little brother.” Joe turned toward Adam. Adam swallowed and continued, "I thought it might keep Clay, well, that it would keep him thinking….knowing that he had family and a place to come…someone to go to."
"It's all right, Elder Brother.” Joe smiled slowly. "You just can't help yourself. Anyways, Clay knew you'd see to things and sent for ya."
The knot that had been in Adam's stomach since he had arrived in Virginia City unraveled. "Joe," he said softly, "Clay's wife, his brother, all the family he has is here. Eventually, this is where Clay will come."
"I just wish I could be there for him. To have his back, you know."
"I know.” Adam reached out and squeezed Joe's shoulder. "We'll do what we can; we'll keep his wife and child safe."
"That's something, ain't it? We're going to be uncles."
"Yeah, that is something, Joe."
"Adam," Joe spoke in almost a whisper, "you, Hoss, and I, well, there never was a time we weren't brothers. Even when you were away, or we were fussing, or even when I was hating you for whipping my tail, we were always brothers. It wasn't that Clay was… Adam, Clay had never had a brother. I just wanted him to know what it was like, to have what you and Hoss always gave me.” Joe gave a soft chuckle, "It's partly your own fault; you taught me how to be a brother."
Adam finally smiled. Then he ruffled Joe's hair the way he had a hundred thousand times, “I guess I can't blame you for being such a good one then.” The last trace of jealousy toward Clay faded into a memory.
Joe's lips twisted into a grin. "Pa, light into you after we left?"
"Yep," Adam answered his arms crossing on his chest.
"Does
it get any easier to take?"
"Nope."
"Well, you did deserve it."
"So Pa made clear."
Joe giggled and then shook his head. "He's always gonna be able to do it, isn't he?"
"I'm afraid so, little brother."
Joe cocked his head and looked at Adam inquiringly. "Do you think he'll light into Clay when he gets here?"
"Yep."
"Think that Clay will, well, do you think that Clay will take it?"
"Yeah. He respects Pa, and he'll have his brothers to help him understand it's just that Pa cares." Adam's arm slipped around his brother's shoulders, and they walked to the house for supper.
***********
Supper was a much calmer meal than Ben had feared. Adam recounted in detail his meeting with Clay, the contents of his wire, and his trip to Denver and back. He also told his family everything that Clay's wife had told him.
"Well, we will do what we can,” Ben stated after several courses of action had been decided. The chief of which was the hiring of a professional investigator through friends in San Francisco. "For now, our first priority is the young lady upstairs. Did she say, Adam, exactly when the baby is due?"
"No," Adam answered simply while silently chiding himself for never asking.
"Little over a month from now, I'd say, not more than two at the most.” Hoss' observation was made with a natural and automatic confidence.
Adam grinned. "Well, if the Ponderosa midwife is positive…"
Hoss colored. "Adam, I…"
"No, Brother Hoss, I'm quite willing to bow to your expertise in this area."
"Pa!” Hoss exclaimed.
Joe started giggling.
"I tend to agree with you, Hoss. We'll speak to her about seeing Paul.” Ben had as much confidence in his friend's ability to be discreet as in his medical prowess.
"One of us will need to be near her at all times," Joe said quietly. The other three Cartwrights all nodded their agreement. It would be an inconvenience, but then caring for family was sometimes an inconvenient thing.
"I'm sure when things are more settled, and she knows us better, she'll open up a little more. With more information, we may be able to do more for Clay.” Ben studied Little Joe's face.
Little Joe looked up and smiled at his family. Ben reached over and patted his youngest on the back reassuringly. "Clay is very good at taking care of himself, Joe."
"I know -- almost as good as my pa and the rest of my brothers are at taking care of everyone else."
"Well, practice does make perfect.” Adam threw out the rejoinder with a wicked grin, and the meal ended in gentle laughter.
**********
The Cartwrights did not remark on their guest's absence from breakfast, as there was no reason for her to rise as early as working ranchers, but Ben and Joe were surprised when she failed to appear for lunch.
"Mistel Carlwright," Hop Sing spoke as he came in with a large platter of biscuits and placed it on the table, "Missy still no feel well. Hop Sing tell her stay in bed. Think you need send fol Doctol Paul."
"If you think so…" Ben's answer was interrupted when Joe jumped to his feet.
"I'll go!"
Ben caught his youngest son's arm, and Hop Sing ordered, "Boy sit and eat filst, no big hurry. Hop Sing tend Missy fine tel Doctol can come.” Hop Sing added a few exclamations in Cantonese.
"Eat your lunch first, Joseph, and then you can go and tell Paul we need him to come by.” Ben patted his son's arm, and Joe returned to his seat hurriedly starting to eat.
"Joseph! We have time to say grace!” Ben admonished, and Little Joe swallowed and bowed his head.
Ben led them in prayer, and the two men began to eat. Little Joe downed his lunch in half the usual time. Rising, he asked to be excused and was headed to the door before Ben could answer.
"Little Joe!"
"Yes, Pa?” Joe did not even turn his head in his father's direction as he buckled on his gun belt.
"Your attention, please, young man!"
Joe turned and waited tensely.
"Joseph, you will not race headlong into town. Is that clear?" Ben said sternly.
"Yes, sir."
"There is no need, son, no need at all to be reckless."
"Pa, should I send Adam or Hoss back to the house?" asked Little Joe biting his lower lip.
"I think I can handle things, Joseph. Adam spoke to the hands about keeping on the alert for any strangers. Things will be fine, I'm sure.” Ben's tone was smooth and reassuring.
Joe gave a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm, well, I guess I'm getting in some practice worrying. I expect any nephew of mine is gonna give us plenty of cause for fretting up a storm."
Ben smiled back. "I'm afraid that might just be so."
Little Joe left on his mission and managed to keep Cochise from a full gallop all the way into Virginia City. When he returned late that afternoon, Doctor Martin accompanied him into the house.
"Doc's here," Joe announced as they entered.
Ben came from behind his desk. "Good to see you, Paul. Did Little Joe explain the situation?"
"Yes, Ben, he did, and you can be assured of my discretion," Paul answered shaking his friend's hand.
"I'll show you up to her room then.” Ben gestured toward the stairs. Joe started to follow his father and the doctor. "Joe, you can see to the animals and get the barn chores started."
"But…"
"I'm sure Paul does not need your assistance, Joseph. Now do as I said."
"Yes, Pa."
Hoss walked into the barn, followed by Adam, just as Little Joe was finishing the evening chores.
"Thought you might join us up in the north pasture, little brother," Adam observed.
"Pa and Hop Sing sent me to fetch Doc Martin," Little Joe answered without even bristling at Adam's implied criticism.
"Doc Martin?"
"Hop Sing thought he should look at Anna. Evening chores are all done, though.” A generous impulse moved Joe to add, "And I'll see to Sport and Chub for you."
Hoss and Adam exchanged a look. "Well, that's mighty fine of ya, Short Shanks. I'm feeling plum tuckered out."
"Yes, that would be appreciated, little brother," Adam added. "I'm sure Hop Sing just wanted to be careful, Joe."
"Yeah. You two go get washed up. I think Hop Sing plans on us eating early tonight."
**********
Adam, Hoss, and even Little Joe were cleaned up and waiting before Ben and the doctor walked into the great room.
"Doc?” Joe jumped to his feet. Adam and Hoss focused their gazes on Paul Martin.
"There's no immediate danger, Joe, but I don't like the current state of things. That young lady must take great care from this point on."
"The trip was too much for her. I should have…" Adam spoke softly, almost to only himself.
"Adam, as I understand things, you had little choice, and though I would not suggest that any woman eight months pregnant make such a trip, I don't think it was the trip itself as much as the fact that she has been under great strain from the beginning that has taken its toil. Whatever the reason, it is what she does now that matters.” Paul's tone was deliberate and professional.
"Tell us what needs to be done, Doc, and we'll see to it," stated Hoss matter-of-factly.
Paul exchanged a look with Ben and then continued, "She needs rest, good food, and as little aggravation or worry as possible. I want her off her feet, though I won't insist she stay in bed. Her mind needs to be occupied and distracted from her very real worries, so I suggest she spend her days on this settee. Of course, she is by no means to walk up or even down those stairs."
Hoss chimed in again, "Well, that ain't no problem. Any of us could tote that little gal anywhere on the ranch; I could do it with one arm."
Paul looked as his friend's middle son and mentally agreed. "As I was saying, no physical strain at all. I was thinking that a woman to help her with her personal needs…"
This time Adam interrupted, "I'll go over and speak to Mrs. Shaugassey after dinner, Pa."
Ben nodded. Neither had any doubt that the Ben Cartwright's old friend would be returning with Adam.
"That should be all that's needed. Between her and Hop Sing, that young lady couldn't be in better hands. The two of them could even manage her delivery if there aren't any complications.” Seeing the concern that sprang onto the faces of the men around him, Paul added, "Though I'm looking forward to doing the honors myself. I'll come by in a few days to check on things. You can send for me if there's any concern before then."
Hop Sing entered the room and announced that supper was ready. "All leady set place fol good Doctol. He need good meal befole he go."
"Of course, he does," Ben agreed as he gestured his friend toward the dinning table.
Paul Martin started to politely decline, but then shook his head. He was hungry, and Hop Sing set one of the best tables in the territory. "Well, I would hate to pass up Hop Sing's chicken and dumplings," he stated as he headed to the table.
The five men sat down and were soon enjoying a fine meal.
***********
She heard the soft knock and called, "Come in.” Her eyes widened when she saw the large man enter.
"Excuse me, ma'am. I know we ain't been properly introduced, and ladies don't normally receive gentlemen in their rooms, but with ya being family and all, well, I wanted to speak with ya. I'm Hoss.” The smiled bloomed on the big man's face as he walked to the bedside.
"I didn't think it could be anyone else from the way Clay described all of you," she replied.
"No, I don't suppose it would be too hard to sort us out from descriptions.” Hoss took her response as an invitation to remain and pulled a chair closer. Having settled himself, he continued, "Now, I ain't aiming to stay and tire you none, but there's something I wanted to tell ya."
"Yes.” Her tone and eyes were guarded.
"See, ma'am, the thing is I didn't want ya up here fretting another night 'cause there ain't no need. Now I know you must be wanting Clay right bad, and I wish I could fetch him to ya, but seeing as how we can't, well, what I want ya to know is this…well, to say it simple you're safe tonight. There are four of us in this house who are gonna see to that. You spent enough time with Adam to know ‘bout him, and Pa and Joe, we all, well, there ain't nobody gonna get near ya tonight.” Hoss saw the shimmer of tears and impulsively reach out to pat her hand. "Take a good look at me, ma'am. I'm right across the hall. I ain't an easy man to get by, and nobody is gonna get by me to get to you, so ya can rest easy like the doc says ya should."
"Thank you.” Her eyes shimmered, but no tears fell. A weak smile came to her lips.
Hoss patted her hand again. "No thanks needed. Cartwrights take care of family is all."
Her smile brightened as her hands moved to the swell of her stomach. "I think he heard you."
"Well, he just better listen to his uncle Hoss and settle down easy. Your ma needs her rest -- do you hear me, boy?"
"You mean that, don't you, about being an uncle?"
"Mean it! About the second thing me, Adam, and Joe are gonna do after Clay gets here is set him down and get him clear on the fact that these here uncles and grandpa intend to have a chance to spoil this young'un."
"It doesn't matter to you that …"
"Now, Clay, he had a hard time getting his head around the fact that he had real family here, and he didn't hardly stay long enough to get use to it, but he must have had his heart around it when he sent that telegram."
Her voice was low and hesitant. "I told him not to send it. I told him I could take care of myself. That we didn't need to involve anyone else."
"That's just it, little gal; when you're family, you're already involved, so ya don't have to do it all yourself. Now, are ya going to rest easy tonight? ‘Cause Doc says I can take ya downstairs tomorrow if you're feeling up to it."
"I think I will. I really think I will."
Hoss patted her hand again as he rose. "Then I'll be going, so ya can.” He walked to the door. "Good night and sleep tight," he called as he pulled it closed behind him. He turned and took a step before running into his brothers.
"Hoss, what…"
"I was speaking to her. Letting her know not to fret. I think she'll rest easier now," Hoss stated simply.
Adam and Little Joe both understood what Hoss had told Anna. They exchanged a look and then smiled at their brother.
"Well, then, what about a game of checkers, big brother?” Joe invited.
"I'll play the winner," Adam stated as the brothers went down the hall.
***********
"Call me Anna," she said simply as Ben Cartwright introduced himself. Mrs. Shaugassey had helped the girl bath and dress. Hoss had carried her downstairs and settled her on the settee. Now she rested, tucked into a nest of blankets, as she was being introduced to the remaining Cartwrights.
"Anna, then we are very pleased to have you with us," Ben said with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Cartwright," she replied simply.
"Yeah, we sure are," Little Joe interjected brightly, "and we're going to take good care of you from now on."
Anna smiled at the young man, but made no further response.
Ben exchanged a glance with Adam. Paul had said that she should not be upset, so Ben did not ask any of the questions he wanted answered. He started a general explanation of the doctor's orders and the current arrangements for her stay instead. When it ended, the Cartwright men started about that day's business.
In the two weeks that followed, a comfortable routine was established. In an effort to follow doctor's orders, the Cartwrights coddled their guest. Adam loaned her book after book, discussed them all with her, and entertained her by singing and playing his guitar. Hoss and Joe played checkers and chess with her, regaled her with family stories or Virginia City gossip, and brought her all manner of small surprises from wildflower bouquets to kittens. Ben saw to it that she followed the doctor's instructions, chiding her paternally and supplying everything he could think of for her comfort. Hop Sing not only insisted she eat three meals a day but supplied her with delectable snacks filled with milk and eggs and fragrant herbal teas. Mrs. Shaugassey provided companionship and knitted baby sweaters and caps while Anna sewed tiny gowns. Doctor Martin's regular visits became more the result of a desire for Hop Sing's cooking than concern for the young mother-to-be.
Adam leaned against the back of the settee. "He's restless, is he?"
Anna looked over at Adam and replied, "You all do that, you know."
"Do what?"
"Everyone says he, never she.” She placed her hands on the swell of her stomach and gazed pensively down. "Joe is always going on about his nephew."
"We Cartwrights are used to boys is all," Adam said soothingly.
Anna's eyes returned to Adam's face. "Do you think Joe will be disappointed if the baby's a girl?"
"Joe disappointed?” Adam gave an exaggerated look of shock. "Little Joe has never in his life been disappointed because someone was a girl."
"I mean it, Adam," Anna chided and gave him an expectant look.
"No, Joe will not be disappointed. No one will be disappointed if the baby is a girl." Adam made his response simple and direct.
Anna bit her lip. "Even Clay?" she murmured almost to herself.
Adam was honest. "I'm not sure if I can speak for Clay. We really… "
"Don't know each other very well," Anna finished for him.
Adam studied her face and then asked, "How well did you know Clay before you married?"
"Beyond the biblical sense?" she asked with an edge to her voice.
"That's not what I was asking."
"But you've wondered. You don't have to ask, Brother Adam. There was no way I could have been with child when Clay and I said I do."
"I wasn't asking that," Adam reiterated
Her expression shifted slightly. "If it had been Little Joe, would you have asked?"
Adam paused and then answered, "I suppose I would have asked Joe but never his wife."
Anna dropped her eyes to her lap. "Clay's not here to ask."
Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose and then reached over and patted Anna's hand.
Anna kept her eyes downcast but spoke softly, “I...” She bit her lip. "Clay was charming and irresistible, and we had something in common."
Adam stayed quiet, and Anna continued, "There wasn't much love in my life growing up; there wasn't much in Clay's childhood either. I could see it in his eyes. It was there behind his smile.” Suddenly her mood lightened, “His smile was something. He was smiling when he asked me to marry him."
Clay had the same smile as Joe and Marie. Adam nodded understanding, “Your acceptance was assured then. No one says no to that smile. Well, not vulnerable young ladies anyway."
"Just granite-headed older brothers and stern fathers?"
"Exactly!" Adam replied with a laugh.
Anna's answering laugh faded quickly, and Adam saw a sheen in her eyes. Guessing, he offered comfort, “Clay will come, we'll get things settled, and then you'll have the life you planned."
Anna chewed on her lower lip, and a tear slipped down her cheek.
"Tell me, little sister," Adam said softly.
Anna's eyes brimmed over. "I don't know… since I've been here I've seen… I don't know if …"
Adam pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her cheeks. "You're not to fret. Doctor's orders. Let it out."
She swallowed. "There was never any love in my home, not like there is here. I don't know if there's any in me…if I can love this baby the way Ben loves the three of you."
Adam reached out and used his finger to lift her eyes to his. "You already do."
He could see she wanted to believe him, but doubt flicker in the depths of her eyes. Then she dropped her gaze and sighed.
Adam opened his mouth to speak, but Hop Sing bustled into the room with Anna's afternoon snack, and the moment passed.
***********
Ben glanced at the clock as he heard Joe claim victory in his checkers game with Anna. "It's getting late," he observed. His voice caught the attention of each person in the room. "Anna does need her rest.” Ben settled his gaze on his middle son. "Hoss.” The single word was a directive, and Hoss rose to obey.
The doctor had rescinded his orders for total, feet-off-the-floor rest, and Mrs. Shaugassey had returned to her own home, but Anna was still forbidden to walk up or down the stairs.
Hoss walked over to Anna and shook his head reprovingly when she opened her mouth to protest. "Now don't ya go riling Pa like Joe always does. Pa is gonna see ya follow doctor's orders to the letter, so ya might as well be good," he whispered softly.
Anna obediently placed her arms around Hoss' neck as he swept her into his arms and up the stairs to her room. When he set her down at her doorway, she rolled her eyes.
"Don't let Pa see ya doing that. It sets a spark to his tinder. Always has.” Hoss' voice was only half teasing.
"Adam does it all the time. Joe too. I've seen even you do it, Hoss Cartwright."
"Maybe ya have, little gal, but ya should of noticed it was only when Pa wasn't looking in our direction," Hoss replied and then laughed softly at himself.
"Clay said your Pa, well, that he was still…" Anna searched for the proper words.
"Clay told ya that we all still mind our pa, did he?” Hoss smiled as Anna's cheeks flushed. "I don't suppose he explained why," he continued in a more serious tone.
"I think I figured out why since I've been here.” She gave him a wry smile.
"Well, if your reason has the words love and respect in it, you're right."
"Did you love Clay's mother?"
Anna's question took Hoss by surprise, but his brother Adam often came out with surprising questions, and Hoss had gotten use to sudden twists in the conversation. He answered simply, "I loved her; she was my mama.” He looked into Anna's eyes and then added, “She loved us. She loved Clay too."
Anna's eyes widened. "I thought she thought…"
"That Clay was dead. She did, but she loved him.” He saw a certain disbelief in her eyes and continued, "I must have been nine 'cause Little Joe was only about three. We was playing, and Mama was sitting on the porch watching. Then Hop Sing brought out some cookies and lemonade. When we went on the porch to get some, I could see she'd been crying. I didn't say nothing then, but after we finished, she took Little Joe up and settled him for his nap. I sat there wondering, and when she come back downstairs, I asked her. I knew she'd been married before, of course, but that was the day she told me she had had a baby that died of the fever just after he was born. She told me sometimes when she was really happy watching one of us, 'secially Little Joe, she'd think about him, and sometimes she'd cry because she loved and missed him."
As she looked at Hoss' solemn face, Marie asked herself if she had done right in answering the boy's question truthfully. "But I have three sons with me to love, so I shall cry no more today," she said giving him a smile.
"Mama," Hoss' voice was hesitant and questioning, "you love your other son who died 'fore ya hardly knew him, so I figure it's all right that I love my ma who died, even though I don't remember her."
"Of course, mon petite, it is certainly right.” Marie wrapped her arms around her son.
"Hoss.” Anna's voice brought him out of his memory. "Did you tell Clay about that time?"
Hoss shook his head. "No. I'll have to see to that when he gets here. Now, ya best get to bed."
Anna turned and opened the bedroom door. Then she paused and suddenly turned back toward Hoss. She reached out with both hands and pulled Hoss' hands toward her. She placed one on each side of her stomach and held them there with her own. Hoss felt the baby move restlessly.
"Hoss, will you promise… now don't unless… if I asked Little Joe he'd promise because of his blood tie, Adam would because of his promise to Clay and , well, you know how he is, and your pa, well, he still loves Marie and this is her grandchild, so I won't ask them, but I'm going to ask you."
Hoss waited silently, and Anna took a deep breath.
"Hoss, promise me that you will protect this baby from anything or anyone who would make him feel unloved."
"Now, gal, I've done told ya…"
"I know what you've told me. That's not… Promise me in those words, Hoss, if you can mean them.” Anna's eyes held desperation, and her fingers squeezed down on his.
"I promise to protect this child from anything or anyone that would make him feel unloved."
"Thank you.” She smiled though tears were falling down her cheeks. She reached up and hugged him. "He'll know. If the time comes, he'll know," she told herself as she turned and entered her room.
***********
The man watched Adam Cartwright leave the bank and walk down the street. He followed. When Adam entered the Sliver Dollar, a small smile appeared on the man's face as he waited five minutes before following Adam inside.
Adam noticed the stranger enter the saloon. He had not relaxed his vigilance even though it had been over four weeks since he had brought Anna to the Ponderosa, and there had been no sign of trouble in all that time.
The stranger crossed to the bar and took the space next to Adam. He ordered a beer. After the bartender set a foaming glass in front of him and walked away, the stranger lifted his drink and turned slightly toward Adam. Pitching his voice low, he asked, "A private word?” He inclined his head toward the door to the backroom. Not waiting for an answer, he took his beer and sauntered away. Adam studied him as he disappeared through the doorway and then followed.
Adam leaned against the door jam and surveyed the backroom. The tables were empty except for one where the stranger had taken a chair facing the door. Adam watched the man's hand slide a leather wallet toward him on the table.
"My credentials, Mr. Cartwright."
Adam raised an eyebrow, strode to the table, and picked up the wallet. Flipping it open, he studied the credentials that informed him this man was a Pinkerton agent named Samuel Collins.
"Have you found…" Adam began.
"The gentleman in question has not yet been located," Collins interjected quickly. "But it was felt that you would wish to be apprised of the information we have obtained about the gentleman and the package currently in your care.” Adam settled into the chair opposite Collins.
"What have you learned?"
"Well, the most important fact would be the name of the man who is interested in the gentleman in question. That name is Constantine Seddakis."
"Constantine Seddakis!” Adam's exclamation was soft in volume but vehement. He knew the man by reputation, though he had never met him personally.
"You, of course, are aware of Mr. Seddakis' position in the territory and the resources he has to call upon."
Adam nodded.
"Mr. Seddakis, being a very private person, managed to keep the story from spreading beyond the local environs of his home."
"What exactly is the story, Mr. Collins?"
"Mr. Seddakis hired the gentlemen in question in an unspecified roll that took him into the Seddakis home. After about two months, it was clear to the people in the area that Seddakis had taken a great liking to the gentleman in question and that this fact created animosity between the gentleman and Seddakis' son, Alexander. One night, Alexander Seddakis burst into the room at a club where the gentleman was playing cards. Alexander demanded that the gentleman leave town for good. Words were exchanged and those there surmised that Alexander was incensed by the gentleman's relationship with Alexander's half-sister, Juliana Diane, who most people referred to as Julie Dee. The gentleman in question left the club but declared that he would not be leaving town. Alexander followed him. Minutes later, a shot was heard. Alexander Seddakis was found dead. The gentleman in question was holding a fired gun. After Constantine Seddakis arrived, the gentleman was arrested. He later escaped and disappeared. Julie Dee Seddakis disappeared the same night. Seddakis wants both the gentleman and his daughter returned to him, and the men he has hired for the job are very good at what they do."
Adam Cartwright's face had slowly turned to granite.
"There is a complete written report in this folder.” Collins pushed a leather packet toward Adam. "You wish us to continue the search for the gentleman as previously instructed?"
"Yes. If you locate him…"
"We operate with in the law, Mr. Cartwright."
"Of course!” Adam rose, "If the gentleman in question needs to be hog-tied and dragged here, I'll see to it myself."
***********
Adam tried to concentrate on the decisions that needed to be made but the anger welling within him was clouding his thoughts.
“It’s not as if I didn’t know her name wasn’t Anna Cleary. Seddakis! Lord in heaven! A powerful and important man she said. Keep the lie as close to the truth as possible she said. By all means, tell the truth but leave out the little details that give the true picture.” A dry, humorless chuckle left Adam’s throat. “I thought I played that game well. It seems I’ve meet a master. So Clay shoots the son of one of the most powerful men in the territory, elopes with his daughter, and then disappears. If I ever get my hands on that…” Several words flicker in his mind so quickly he did not have to admit to himself that he had thought an