Fran Whipple Cartwright slipped her arm through her husband's and rested her head on his shoulder. Except for Grandfather Stoddard, they were alone in the stagecoach as it traveled towards Virginia City.
"Are you very tired, Fran?" Adam whispered.
"No, I'm fine," she lied.
The trip from Boston had been a challenge as Grandfather Stoddard was recovering from a stroke he'd suffered hours after their wedding. Adam and Fran had changed their plans and stayed in Boston months longer as the elderly man regained his strength. When he was well enough to travel, Adam had convinced him to move West with them, and he had agreed – reluctantly. Captain Abel Stoddard had done his best to be a pleasant companion, but the journey was a long one and he was exhausted often before they reached the day's stopping point. Now he sat slumped in one corner of the stage, sound asleep.
Although she was determined to remain awake, Fran's eyes soon closed as the coach rocked on its way. Adam glanced down at her, and, seeing that she was asleep, put his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her closer. He looked out the window at the scenery, and thought how little it had changed since he'd last seen it nearly five years before. He wasn't aware that he was falling asleep, but suddenly the stage was coming to a stop, and the driver was opening the door and putting a step down. Adam straightened up, and helped his grandfather sit up. He stepped down from the stage, took his grandfather's cane, and carefully helped the old man out. After handing Abel his cane and making sure he was standing steady, Adam was reaching up to lift Fran down when he heard a shout behind him, "Adam!"
He turned as a small slender boy with curly hair jumped into his arms. A small pair of arms locked around his neck and squeezed tight. Adam saw his father and brother, Hoss, standing back and grinning at him. The child he held leaned back and said, "I knew you right off, Adam. You haven't changed a bit."
Adam looked at his youngest brother. "You haven't changed much, either, Joe." He put the boy down, and then Ben was holding him close and whispering, "I've missed you, boy. It's good to have you home."
Before Adam could respond, Ben had stepped aside, and his face was pressed into his brother's shoulder. Adam looked up at the sixteen year old, and said, "Hoss, you've grown." It was true – the teenager stood several inches taller than Adam, his shoulders were boarder, and there was no doubting the strength in his arms. For all his size, though, the blue eyes and sweet expression were the same, and Adam hugged his brother again.
Fran stepped down from the coach as Adam greeted his family. She took Grandfather Stoddard's arm as the boy pranced up to them. "I'm Joseph, Adam's brother, but you can call me Joe. I'm nine years old right now, and I'll be ten next week. You must be Adam's wife and Captain Stoddard. Do you want some candy?" He held up an open bag and offered it first to the Captain and then to Fran.
Fran blinked at the barrage of words, and thanked Joe but refused the candy. Captain Stoddard shook hands with the boy and smiled. "You don't look much like your father, boy."
Joe shook his head. "No, sir, I favor my mother. She had brown hair and green eyes like me, but everyone says I act like Pa. I'm stubborn as a mule." He seemed proud of it, and Fran and the Captain both choked back a laugh.
Ben had moved to greet them, and he took Fran's hand gently between both of his. "My dear, welcome to the family. I see you've met Joseph. I'm Ben and this is my son, Eric." He indicated a tall broad young man, and Fran reached out to shake his hand.
"Just call me Hoss, ma'am, that's what everyone calls me." He ducked his head and blushed, and Fran realized that he was shy. As he moved away to be introduced to Captain Stoddard, Fran looked over at her husband. He was smiling, and looked happier than he had in months.
A tall man with a moustache and a ruddy face came up behind Adam, and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Glad to have you home, son. We heard you did real well at Harvard. Ben told us you gave one of the speeches at your graduation. He was about to bust his buttons he was so proud."
Adam was blushing as he shook hands. "It's good to be home, Roy. I'd like you to meet my wife and grandfather." He led the man over to them, and Fran smiled up at him. "Fran, this is Sheriff Roy Coffee. Roy, my wife, Fran."
Fran shook hands with the man. "Sheriff Coffee, I'm happy to meet you. Adam's told me so much about you. He said you were like a second father to him."
Roy smiled down at her. "He's like a son to me, ma'am. I'm real proud to meet you." As Adam introduced him to Captain Stoddard, Roy thought Adam had got him a pretty wife and was glad for him. There was something familiar about Abel Stoddard, and Roy suddenly realized that the Captain's eyes were hazel – just like Adam's.
Ben began the job of sorting out his family and getting everyone home. "Adam, I thought you, Fran, Captain Stoddard and I would go in the buggy while Hoss and Joe would take your baggage in the wagon."
"That sounds fine, Pa." They turned towards the buggy just as two men came galloping down the middle of the street. Ben and Adam pulled Fran and Captain Stoddard away from the street, pushing them back behind them, and Ben watched the riders in disgust.
"The Bonner brothers," he snorted. He looked at Adam. "They haven't changed for the better in four years, Adam. I'm glad you made the choices you did." He started to help Captain Stoddard into the buggy's front seat, but the old man pulled away.
"I'll sit in back with Fran," he said. Ben looked at Adam who nodded in agreement, and he helped Captain Stoddard into the back seat. When he was settled, Adam lifted Fran up. She sat next to the Captain who took her hand and folded it into the crook of his arm. Fran looked up at him and smiled, and felt him relax.
Ben whipped up the horses and drove them through town. Fran looked around her. Adam had told her about Virginia City, and she'd tried to find stories about the West, but, except for a couple of dry tomes, most of her information had come from dime novels, and she'd been too embarrassed to ask Adam if the stories were true. She thought probably not, but the careless riders she'd just seen caused her to wonder.
They were soon out of town and riding through the countryside. The air was crisp and fresh, and Fran looked over at Captain Stoddard. His eyes were closed, and he was snoring softly. Adam and Ben were talking in low voices, and she turned around to see Hoss and Joe in the wagon behind them. When he saw her looking at them, Joe snatched his hat off and waved it at her. She gave a little wave back and turned back around to find Ben watching her. He seemed to be waiting for an answer, and she had to admit she hadn't heard him speak.
"I'm sorry, sir, I didn't catch that," she said.
Ben handed the reins to Adam and turned to face his new daughter – in – law. "I'm giving a party for you and Adam and Captain Stoddard on Saturday afternoon. It will be good time for you to meet our friends."
Fran smiled. "That's very good of you, sir. I hope you'll let me help in the preparations."
Adam looked at his father. "Fran is very good at giving parties, Pa. You won't regret her help. She's even learned to cook a little," he announced proudly.
Ben blinked. He didn't know any woman who couldn't cook, but maybe Fran's life in Boston had been different. He gave a little smile, and took the reins back from Adam.
Although she'd admired the scenery, Fran was relieved when they finally pulled up in front of a large two – story log home. A man came out to take the horses, and Ben and Adam jumped down. Adam lifted Fran down while Ben helped Captain Stoddard. As they walked towards the house, Ben stopped, "I'd like you to meet Charlie Hollister, my foreman. Charlie, this is my oldest son, Adam – you've heard me, Hoss, and Joe speak of him – his wife and grandfather, Captain Stoddard."
Hollister tipped his hat and nodded. "Ma'am, Captain Stoddard, Mr. Cartwright." He moved around to lead the horses into the barn, and Ben started to lead his family into the house. Captain Stoddard reached out and caught Adam's arm, and Adam hung back. "Pa, Grandfather and I will be along in a minute if you'll take Fran inside." He led the way to the outhouse behind the barn as Ben looked around, "What?"
Fran quickly took her father – in – law's arm. "Mr. Cartwright, Adam tells me that the two of you built your home with lumber from the Ponderosa."
"Yes, dear, we did." Ben led Fran inside the house, and stood back as she looked around the great room. She'd expected something primitive and barren, but the room was warm and welcoming with comfortable chairs and a settee. There was an alcove with a desk and a large wood stove while a great fireplace took up the side of one wall. Another alcove held a dining table covered with a white linen cloth. A colorful Indian blanket was draped over the stair railing, and a simply drawn map of the Ponderosa hung on the wall.
"It's lovely," she said almost involuntarily.
"Thank you, Fran. Joe's mother, Marie, was responsible for most of it. We have a guest bedroom here," Ben opened a door and showed her. "I thought Captain Stoddard might find it easier to be downstairs."
"Yes, I'm sure you're right," Fran said. "That's very thoughtful of you, Mr. Cartwright."
Just then the door slammed open, and Joe came running inside. "We're here!" he shouted. "Hoss is bringing the trunks inside. Where do you want them to go? Where's Adam and Captain Stoddard?"
"Whoa! Slow down, son," Ben admonished him. "There's no need to shout – we can hear you perfectly."
Joe stood still for a second and took a deep breath as Hoss came inside with a trunk on his shoulder. He looked at Fran for help. "Ma'am, do you know where this goes?"
She smiled up at the big teenager. "That's Captain Stoddard's trunk, and it will go in this bedroom." She indicated the guestroom Ben had just shown her, and Hoss took the trunk inside. Fran followed him in, and, taking the key from her reticule, opened it, and began unpacking the Captain's things, placing them in the chest. There was a noise behind her, and she looked up to see a diminutive Chinese man staring at her. He was smiling and bowing, and she stopped and smiled and bowed in return.
"You must be Hop Sing," she said. "Adam's told me all about you – you take care of everyone here."
"Yes, and you are Mrs. Adam," Hop Sing said. "I understand that Captain Stoddard is with you and is recovering from a stroke. I have made broth and custard for him, and I've some tea to prepare for his well – being. I thought you might be able to tell me more of his likes and dislikes." His English was perfect with no hint of an accent, and Fran was impressed and said so.
"Thank you, Mrs. Adam," he bowed. "Mr. Adam was very generous in loaning me his books when I was learning to speak and read English, and Mr. Cartwright was very kind in allowing me to attend English lessons in Chinatown. As a result, I read, speak, and understand English better than many of my countrymen."
Better than many of my countrymen, too, Fran thought but didn't say aloud. "Captain Stoddard is supposed to be on an invalid's diet, but-"
She was interrupted by a deep voice. "But he will eat whatever you prepare for the family."
Adam and Captain Stoddard stood in the doorway. "Is this my room?" he asked.
"Yes, Grandfather, I was just unpacking your trunk. This is Hop Sing." Fran inclined her head towards him.
"I've heard about you, Hop Sing. Adam tells me you're the best cook, housekeeper, nurse, and surrogate father in the West." Captain Stoddard looked down at the smaller man.
Hop Sing smiled. "Mr. Adam does not lie." He bowed and turned back towards Fran. "I will bring the tea tray out in a few minutes. Will Mrs. Adam pour?"
"Yes, Hop Sing, thank you." Fran took another shirt from the Captain's trunk and placed it in the chest.
The men watched her for a moment. "Darling, I know you're tired. Leave that for now, and come sit down with us. Unpacking can wait," Captain Stoddard urged her.
"Thank you, Grandfather, but I've nearly finished. After tea you might want to lie down for a bit." She smiled and turned so that she didn't see him frown. "Treats me like an invalid," he growled.
Ben and Adam exchanged a look and Adam rolled his eyes. The trunk was empty, and Adam took it out of his grandfather's room and placed it near the foot of the stairs to be carried up and stored in the attic later.
…..
Fran sat on the settee, the silver tea service on the low table in front of her, and Captain Stoddard beside her. Joe was on the floor at her feet, Ben in his red leather chair, and Adam in his favorite blue chair. Hoss had pulled a chair over from the dining table and sat between Fran and his father. A small rocking chair stood empty near a sewing table.
Fran poured and passed a cup to Captain Stoddard before handing prepared cups to Joe to take to his father and brothers. A plate of cookies was on the tray, and she handed it to Joe who politely offered it to Captain Stoddard before taking it to his father, Adam, and then Hoss. They each took a couple, and then Joe returned with the plate and resumed his seat on the floor. Fran handed him his glass of milk, and Joe reached up, grabbed a handful of cookies, and munched away, leaning against Captain Stoddard's legs.
Ben looked around and saw his family complete once more. It seemed like old times to have Adam sitting across from him. The boy looked tired, Ben thought, but a few days' rest would have him looking and feeling better. As Ben studied his son, he realized that Adam's hair was thinning. His forehead was higher than it had been four years before. He wondered briefly if it bothered Adam and decided it probably didn't. He looked over at Fran and studied her carefully. Small and blonde, she had deep blue eyes framed with long dark lashes. She had a determined little chin, and he knew from Adam's letters that she was generous with her time and talents. He had written of her work in Boston's slums, and, while Ben had been impressed with her goodness, he couldn't understand how or why her father had allowed her to go into such dangerous places. Dangerous because of disease if not because of the people she was around.
Fran noticed her father – in – law staring at her, and she smiled at him. She hoped he would approve of her – it would be uncomfortable for her if he didn't.
When tea was finished, Captain Stoddard stood up with his cane, and announced that he wanted to go for a walk. Fran rose and asked, "Would you like me to go with you, Grandfather?"
"Yes, my dear, I'd be glad of your arm, if you aren't too tired."
"I'll go with you and show you around," Joe volunteered, and the three of them headed for the door. Fran helped Captain Stoddard into his overcoat before putting on her own, and then they went outside. As the door closed, Ben could hear Joe chattering, "We'll go to the barn first so you can meet my pony…"
He looked over at Adam. "You look tired, son. Are you feeling all right?"
Adam leaned back in his chair. "I'm fine, Pa. It's just been a long trip."
"And a hard one, too, no doubt," Ben said.
"It would have been harder without Fran, Pa. She took over a lot of the care that Grandfather needed. He complains that she treats him like an invalid, but she can get him to eat when he doesn't want to and she puts up with his grousing – and mine." Adam paused for a breath and then continued, "I know you're concerned about her, Pa, about how she'll fit into life here in Virginia City, but she's strong and determined. She's bright and sunny…I guess what I'm saying is that she's more than a pretty society girl who did good works through the Ladies' Aid Society because it was expected of her."
"I don't doubt that, son, I know it would take more than a pretty face to attract you," Ben said.
"I think she's real pretty, Adam, and, if she could put up with you and your grandfather on that long trip from Boston to the Ponderosa, well…she's got to be sound," Hoss added.
Adam laughed. "You're right, Hoss. Fran put up with a lot on our way out here, and, now that we're home, things should be a lot easier." He stood up. "I'll take our trunks and bags upstairs."
"I'll help you," and Ben watched as each of his sons hefted a trunk to his shoulder and went upstairs.
…..
That evening after supper the family gathered in the great room for family prayers. Ben read a passage from the Bible, and then, after giving thanks for his family's safe travel, prayed, "Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
When it ended, Captain Stoddard said, "That was nice, Ben. Do you have family prayers every night?"
Ben nodded. "Yes, we got in the habit after I married Joe's mother, Marie. She had always ended her day with prayer, and continued the practice after our marriage. The only change she made was to use the Book of Common Prayer when she realized that Adam, Hoss, and I were Protestant."
"Elizabeth would have approved," Captain Stoddard murmured so low that only Fran heard him. He started to stand but hesitated, and Adam and Fran were at his side in an instant.
"Are you tired, Grandfather? Would you like to go to bed?" Adam asked.
"Yes, give me your arm, boy, and you can help me. Give me a kiss good night, Frances," and Fran bent and kissed the Captain's whiskery old cheek. Adam helped him stand and the two men walked slowly to the Captain's bedroom.
"He's going to bed even earlier than I do," Joe observed.
Just then the clock struck eight, and Ben looked at his youngest son. "Actually, Joe, he's going to bed at the same time as you. With the excitement of your brother's return and meeting Fran, you lost track of the time today. Go put on your nightshirt, and I'll be up to say good night to you."
Joe started to object, but decided to be on his best behavior at least this first night of his brother's homecoming. He reached for Fran's hand, and smiled up at her. "You'll come in and say goodnight, too, won't you?"
"Of course, dear." Fran smiled and Joe ran up the stairs.
Adam rejoined them in a few minutes. "How is he?" Fran asked.
"He's fine, Fran. He's just overtired – I guess you're worn out, too. I know I am." Adam said. He yawned and stretched.
"Why don't you and Fran go on up, son?" Ben suggested. "Hoss and I will bank the fire and lock up down here."
"That sounds like a good idea, Pa." Adam took Fran's hand and led her over to the stairs. As they went up, Ben heard her say, "Joe asked if we'd say goodnight to him, and I told him yes."
"He's really taken with you," Adam said.
"I'm taken with him, Adam," Fran answered.
"I hope he's not the only Cartwright you're taken with," Adam grinned, and Fran giggled softly.
Joe's door was open and a lamp burned near the boy's bed. Adam and Fran came in and he looked up and smiled at them. "You both came!"
"Of course, little buddy," Adam said. He sat down on the edge of Joe's bed and ruffled his hair. "I've missed reading to you at night."
"I've missed it, too," Joe said shyly. "I can read to myself now, but I always like it when someone reads to me."
"Well, we'll look through my books tomorrow, and find one we'll all enjoy," Adam promised.
Joe grinned up at him. "I'm glad you're back, Adam."
"I'm glad, too." He leaned over, kissed his little brother on the forehead, and moved out of the way so Fran could say goodnight to him.
"I'm glad you're part of our family now," Joe told her.
"Thank you, dear. I'm glad I'm part of your family, too." She kissed Joe's forehead and each cheek before standing and leaving the room.
Joe snuggled down in his pillow and closed his eyes. He was asleep when Ben came in, but he smiled when his father tucked his covers around him and kissed him goodnight.
Adam and Fran went into his old room and Fran looked around. Their carpetbags were on the floor next to the bed. She looked up at her husband. "Does it look different to you?"
Adam sat down on the edge of the bed, and took off his shoes and socks. "Pa and the boys added a couple of things – that armoire is one that Hoss built and carved for you. Joe helped him paint it, and Pa got that porcelain stove put in here for you. Hop Sing changed the curtains and added this rug – all for you."
Fran went over and sat beside him. "Your family is wonderful, Adam. They've made me feel so welcome."
He hugged her close. "I think they've grown to know you through our letters and love you as I do." He leaned past her and turned down the lamp before taking her in his arms again and kissing her.