Mrs. Hank Meyers, the former Abigail Jones, hummed a little tune as she place a vase of flowers on the chest in her guest room. She turned and brushed a nonexistent wrinkle from the bedspread before moving to the door and looking the room over. It was perfect. Not a speck of dust, not a wrinkle - everything was in its place. She gave a sigh of contentment, and smiled as she felt two arms slide around her waist. She leaned back against her husband as he nuzzled her neck.
"Good morning, Mr. Meyers," she said, and turned around in his arms. Hank smiled down at his wife. They had been married just over a year, and he loved her more than ever.
"Good morning to you, love." He kissed her and looked at the guest room. "Is everything ready for your cousin?"
"Yes, I was just doing a last minute check. I want everything to be perfect for her. She's had such a difficult time. I want her to be happy with us."
"She will be happy here. How could she not be with you to look after her?" Hank took his wife by the hand and led her downstairs. He sat down at the table, and Abigail stepped to the stove. She quickly prepared his breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits. Her butter and jam were already on the table. She placed his plate in front of him, and then poured coffee for each of them. Taking his hand, she said grace, thanking God for the new day, the food, and asking him to keep Hank safe at work.
"Cora should come in on the stage today," said Abigail, "so she'll be here for supper. Do you want anything special tonight?"
"Whatever you want to make, Abby. You're a wonderful cook." Hank smiled at his wife. He finished eating and rose from the table. As he buckled on his gun belt and tied the holster down, he said, "Today will be a long day. I'm not sure where Adam and I'll be working or what time I'll get home. Don't wait supper for me. You and Cora go ahead and eat. And you don't work too hard." He took Abigail's face in his hands, and gently kissed her goodbye. Abigail walked him to the door and watched him ride away.
...
Abigail walked to the depot to wait for the stage. Sheriff Roy Coffee was there already. He tried to meet the stage everyday to see who was on it, if anyone needed help or directions, or if a passenger was an undesirable visitor to Virginia City.
"Good morning, Mrs. Meyers." Sheriff Coffee tipped his hat to her. "You're out early today."
"Good morning, Sheriff. My young cousin is coming in on today's stage. She's going to take my place as the school teacher."
"Well, now, that's wonderful, " said the Sheriff. "She'll have to go some to be as good a teacher as you, ma'am."
Abigail smiled. The Sheriff had always been a strong supported of education in Virginia City, and had helped her with a box social to raise funds for books, maps, and other materials for her students. Just then the stage came in and stopped at the depot. The door opened, and a distinguished-looking man with silver hair stepped down. He turned to assist another passenger from the coach. Abigail watched as a young woman took the gentleman's hand and stepped down. She was small and neatly dressed. She wore spectacles, and had a watch pinned to the shoulder of her frock. She stood looking around, and Abigail approached her. "Cousin Cora?" she asked.
The young woman turned to her. "Cousin Abigail?" Abigail nodded, and opened her arms. Cora stepped into them, and the two young women hugged. Sheriff Coffee went over to the gentleman. "Hello, Ben, it's good to see you back. Are the boys picking you up?"
Ben Cartwright shook his head. "No, I finished my business a few days early, and came on home. I didn't bother to send a telegram. I'm going to rent a horse from the livery and someone can return it tomorrow."
As the two men started to walk away, Abigail called to them. "Sheriff Coffee, Mr. Cartwright, may I introduce my cousin to you?" Roy and Ben immediately turned towards the ladies and removed their hats.
"Cora, this is Sheriff Roy Coffee and Mr. Benjamin Cartwright. Your cousin, Hank, works at Mr. Cartwright's ranch, the Ponderosa. Mr. Cartwright is on the school board. His youngest son, Joseph, will be one of your students. Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet my cousin, Miss Cora Jonoes. She'll be teaching the Virginia City School this year."
Cora held her hand out, first to Roy Coffee and then to Ben Cartwright. "It's so very nice to meet you both, Sheriff Coffee and Mr. Cartwright."
"It's a pleasure, Miss Jones," said the Sheriff. Privately he thought she was too small and too young to handle a room full of lively youngsters, and decided he might need to include the school on his rounds.
"Miss Jones, I'm happy to meet you. I was impressed with your application, test scores, and references," said Ben. She was much younger than he'd expected, and he wondered if the school board had made a serious mistake in hiring her. Although he'd been on the stage with her for several hours, he'd been tired and had slept most of the way to Virginia City. Except to exchange basic pleasantries, he hadn't spoken to her. She was attractive with black hair and gray eyes. Too bad about the spectacles, he thought. She might have been prettier without them.
Cora smiled. She knew what they were thinking - too small and too young. It was a common mistake people made on first meeting her. Well, she would prove them wrong. The driver handed down her trunk and carpetbag. Cora picked up her bag, and reached for the handle of the trunk.
Sheriff Coffee stopped her. "Just leave the trunk here, Miss Cora. I'll have someone bring it to your house, Mrs. Meyers."
Cora and Abigail thanked the Sheriff and walked to the Meyers' home. When they got there, Abigail took Cora upstairs and showed her her room. "Oh, Cousin Abigail, it's lovely. Thank you - I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and Mr. Meyers taking me in."
"Shush," said Abigail. "We're happy to have you with us. Now you just take off your hat and come downstairs when you're ready. We'll have a cup of tea and a nice long gossip." She shut the door gently, and Cora heard her go downstairs. She took off her hat, opened her bag, and unpacked it. She took off her traveling dress and brushed the dust off it before putting it in the armoire. There was fresh water in the pitcher and she poured some into the bowl, and washed her face and hands. She put on a skirt and shirtwaist, and went downstairs.
"Oh, my dear, you look so much more comfortable," said Abigail, "and you've timed it perfectly. The kettle just whistled and the tea will be ready in a moment. Sit right down here." Cora sat down in Abigail's parlor, and looked around. "Your home is lovely, Abigail. How is Aunt Maeve?"
"Mother's fine," said Abigail. "She wanted Hank and me to move in with her, but Hank said she was too nosy and would interfere with us. He was right, of course. Anyway, when we refused her offer, she sold her big house and moved to San Francisco to live with Aunt Frances. She writes me every week, and it sounds like they're having a fine time in the city." Abigail brought the tea tray in and placed it on the table in front of the settee. She sat down next to Cora and poured out for both of them. Cora took her tea plain, and Abigail made a face.
"I'm out of the habit of taking sugar and milk," said Cora. "Sugar was too dear in Boston and milk had to be saved for the children."
Abigail put her hand on Cora's shoulder. "Oh, my dear," said Abigail in real distress.
Cora smiled. "Don't worry, Abigail. it certainly didn't hurt me to do without, and I learned as much from the children and their parents as they did from me. Tell me about my students."
Abigail began to tell Cora about the school and Virginia City. Cora listened to her but began to nod off. Abigail suddenly realized that her cousin was fast asleep. She took the tea cup out her hand, and covered her with an afghan. Cora slept for the rest of the afternoon.
Sheriff Coffee and his deputy, Clem, arrived with her trunk. Abigail held her finger to her lips as they carried the trunk up to Cora's room. Sheriff Coffee looked down at her, and thought how childlike she looked.
"Poor little thing," he whispered to Abigail. "She's worn out. Do you want me to carry her upstairs?"
"No, thank you," said Abigail. "She'll be fine right here where I can keep an eye on her. " Roy and Clem left, and Abigail sat down near Cora and began mending a pair of Hank's trousers. It wasn't until she stood up to start supper preparations that Cora woke up. She sat up and looked around.
"You had a nice nap," said Abigail. She smiled down at Cora.
"You must think I'm so rude - to doze off while you were talking." Cora blushed.
"No, dear, I thought you were very tired. We'll have a light supper, and then you can have a bath and go to bed."
"What about Mr. Meyers?" asked Cora.
"Hank," said Abigail. "He wants you to call him Hank, dear. He said for us not to wait for supper on him. He wasn't sure what time he'd be home. It's a busy time on the ranch. They're getting ready for the last round-up and cattle drive of the year."
Abigail had made a chicken soup, and she and Cora ate supper quickly. While they washed and dried the dishes, Cora heated a kettle of hot water. She took a bath, and washed her hair. She put on her nightgown, and dried her hair at the open window. She'd turned down the lamp in her room, and looked out over the street. It was quiet and dark. The only light came from the saloon at the far end of the street. At last her hair was dry enough to braid, and Cora went to bed. She thought she'd have a hard time falling asleep after her nap that afternoon, but she feel asleep quickly.
Cora woke up early. She felt rested, and dressed quickly. When she went downstairs, she found Abigail at the stove.
"Good morning, Abigail. What can I do to help?" As she asked, Cora picked up a knife and began to peel potatoes for frying. Just then a big man with blonde hair and blue eyes came inside. He smiled at Cora, and said, "Good morning. You must be Cousin Cora. I'm Hank. Abigail's been looking forward to having you here."
Cora smiled at him. "Good morning, Mr. Meyers. You and Abigail are very kind to have me here."
He grinned at her. "First, just call me Hank. Second, we're proud to have you. You'll be good company for Abigail, and it's always good to have a pretty girl come to Virginia City." He sat down at the table and Abigail brought him a cup of coffee. Cora and Abigail quickly prepared breakfast and sat down at the table. Abigail reached out for Hank's and Cora's hands and said grace.
"What are you ladies going to do today?" asked Hank.
"I'm going to take Cora over to the school and let her see it, and then I thought I'd show her around town," said Abigail.
Hank nodded. "That sounds fine. Don't overdo, though, either of you. Cora's probably still tired from her trip, and you - " Hank smiled at Abigail - "You just need to take it easy."
Abigail smiled at her husband and blushed. When they finished eating, Cora cleared the table while Abigail walked Hank to the door. By the time she'd seen Hank off, Cora had washed the dishes and pans, and had started to dry them.
"Oh, my dear," said Abigail. "You didn't need to do all the work."
"What work?" asked Cora. "It took me five minutes." She hesitated. "Abigail, I don't want to pry, but...is there a special reason why Hank is concerned about you overdoing? How is your health?"
Abigail blushed and smiled. "My health has never been better. We're expecting a little stranger in the spring."
Cora hugged her cousin. "That's wonderful news, cousin. I'm so very happy for you."
"We're both so thrilled," said Abigail. "We never thought we'd have a family. Now, let's get our hats and I'll show you around Virginia City."
...
Cora couldn't have asked for a better guide. As the former school teacher, Abigail knew nearly everyone worth knowing, having taught them or their children during the ten years she'd taught school. She took Cora to the mercantile, the hardware store, to the new dress shop owned by Madame Beaudrot, to the livery stable, and even to the blacksmith's.
"How did you meet so many people?" asked Cora.
"I offered evening classes for adults," said Abigail. "I just covered the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic."
"Were they well attended?" asked Cora.
"Yes," said Abigail. "Many people haven't had an opportunity to get an education, and they've found they need one if they're to get on in the world." She hesitated. "I know you'll have a lot to get used to, but I hope you'll consider holding classes for adults. There's a very real need here."
"I plan to," said Cora. "I taught adults as well as children in Boston last year."
They'd reached the school by that time, and Abigail unlocked the door. They stepped inside, and Cora smelled familiar scents - chalk dust, wood, and books. The room was spotless with a black board at one end, colorful maps hanging on one wall, and a stove at the opposite end of the room. A long low shelf filled with books was at the back of the room. Cora went over to looked at the titles. "What a nice collection," she said.
"Virginia City doesn't have a public library yet, so this collection serves the students and some of the adults. Mr. Cartwright and his oldest son, Adam, have been very supportive of the school. Adam went to college back East and just returned a couple of years ago. He's also on the school board," Abigail told her.
"You said I'd have Mr. Cartwright's youngest son, Joseph, as a student. Forgive me for asking but I have to know - do Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright expect special treatment for him?" Cora was concerned.
"No, Mr. Cartwright isn't like that, and there is no Mrs. Cartwright. He's been widowed three times, and he had a son by each wife. I told you about the oldest son, Adam. There's a second son, Eric - but everyone calls him Hoss, and then Joseph is the baby. Eric chose not to go to college. He's a sweet boy, but he isn't a student. He's very kind, though, and I enjoyed having him for a student. Joseph is very bright, but he's also very mischievous." Abigail smiled.
They looked around the school a little more and then returned home. Abigail rested while Cora prepared a light dinner for them. After they ate, Abigail went upstairs for a nap, and Cora got out her books, and began planning lessons for the fall term. Cora looked at the clock, and decided to begin supper preparations. By the time Hank arrived home, she had a beef stew on the stove, biscuits in the oven, and the table was set. Hank went upstairs to wash up and wake Abigail, and they came downstairs together.
They sat together at the table and said grace. Hank talked about his day, and Cora realized that the Ponderosa had more than cattle. There were mining and timber operations as well. They also provided horses for the Army. After supper Hank got his guitar out and sang. Cora enjoyed the music, but she went up to bed early to give Abigail and Hank some time together.
...
On Sunday morning the Meyers and Cora rose early from habit. Hank went out to the barn to feed his horses, Maribel and Buddy, and the chickens. He mucked out their stalls, and fed the stock quickly and came back inside to wash up and have breakfast. Afterwards they walked to church with Hank offering an arm to each lady. Cora was used to walking in silence, and composing her thoughts to prepare for worship, but the people they met greeted Hank and Abigail and were curious about Cora.
People who drove past them in wagons and buggies waved and stopped to speak to them. The walk to church wasn't long in terms of distance, but took almost an hour because they were stopped so often. When they reached the church at last, Hank and Abigail stopped to speak to a tall handsome man with dark hair and hazel eyes. "Cora, I'd like you to meet our pastor, the Reverend Dave Clayton."
The minister took her hand. "So you're Miss Abigail's cousin. I'm so glad you reached Virginia City safely. I know your cousins are glad to have you here with them. It's good to have a school teacher here."
Cora smiled at the Reverend and thanked him. She and the Meyers went to a pew. The service began with a hymn. Reverend Clayton picked up his guitar and, after playing a short introduction, sang out the first one of the hymn in a beautiful baritone. He held the last note while the congregation repeated the line. It was different, but Cora enjoyed the music very much. The sermon was short and eloquent, and Cora could understand the minister's popularity. He finished the service by asking for prayers for certain members of the community, and then publicly welcomed the new teacher to the community. As a result, people stopped by their pew after the service to meet Cora and introduce themselves. Cora noticed that a basket for offerings stood at the door. As the congregation left, people would put coins or paper money in the basket. She saw Hank reach in his pocket and put in a $5 gold piece.
As they walked home, Abigail asked, "What did you think of our pastor, Cora?"
She thought for a moment before answering. "I enjoyed the service very much. The music was different, but I liked it, and I was impressed with his sermon. It was short, simple, and profound. He's given me something to think about this week. Is he popular with the congregation?"
"Yes," said Abigail. "He's brought a lot of people to the Lord. We know him as Dave Clayton, but he used to be the notorious gunslinger, Sam Driscoll. He carried a small Bible in his pocket. One day it saved his life when it deflected a bullet. He began to read it then, and realized the great truths it held. He accepted the Lord and became a new man. He changed his way of life and his name. His own life is a true testament to the life - saving power of God."
Cora peeped up at Hank to see how he was taking this praise of the handsome minister. He was nodding in agreement. "He's a good man, Cora, and because he's gone through dark times, he sympathetic with others who are living - or have lived - sinful lives. He's helped quite a few people in Virginia City, whether they were church goers or not. I'm proud and glad to call him my friend."
...
After dinner Hank hitched Maribel and Buddy up to the buggy and took Abigail and Cora out for a drive. They rode out into the country, and saw small farms and ranches. "Where is the Ponderosa?" asked Cora. "Is it very big?"
Hank and Abigail laughed. "It's the largest ranch in the area. Ben Cartwright and his boys were some of the earliest settlers in the territory. Ben made peace with the Paiutes and Bannocks, and were able to carve their home out of the wilderness. They have a thousand square miles."
"Goodness," said Cora. "They must be very rich."
"Yeah, I reckon they are," said Hank, "but they've worked hard for everything they have. They're good employers, too." Hank looked at his wife and winked. "They helped me win the hand of Miss Abigail here."
"Oh, Hank," sighed Abigail. "You won my heart when I heard you sing in the Bucket of Blood Saloon."
Cora was pretty sure she'd misheard Abigail, but she kept quiet, and let Abigail and Hank enjoy the memory.
...
Cora rose early on Monday morning, said her prayers, and prepared for her first day of school. She went downstairs and realized that Hank was already up and feeding the stock. She put the coffee on and started to prepare breakfast. When Hank came inside, she had his breakfast ready. He sat down at the table and she poured his coffee. "Thanks," he said. Cora waited until he'd swallowed, and asked, "Is Abigail all right?"
"She's fine," said Hank. "I just wanted her to sleep a little longer. I expect she told you our news." The big man smiled at the thought of the new baby.
Cora nodded. "Yes, it's wonderful. It's good that she get more rest. I was afraid that she'd overdone on Saturday and Sunday. My room is beautiful; I know she must have worked herself to death to get it ready."
"She wanted to do it," said Hank. "We're mighty glad to have you here. It's nice for Abby to have someone to sit with her and sew and drink tea - all that lady stuff I don't know anything about. You're good for her, Cora. "
"I hope so," said Cora. "I know she's been good to me."
Hank finished eating, buckled on his gun belt, and left. "I hope your first day of school goes well, Cousin."
Cora finished her own breakfast, cleared the table, and washed and dried the dishes. She went back upstairs and tapped gently on Abigail's door. A sleepy voice called, "Come in." Cora opened the door a bit. "Abigail, can I do anything for you before I leave?"
"I'm a little nauseous," said Abigail. "I don't feel like eating anything."
"How about some tea and toast?" offered Cora.
"I think I can manage that," said Abigail, and she started to get up.
"Stay here and rest," said Cora. "I'll bring it to you." She went to her room, and took a small canister from her trunk. Then she went downstairs and prepared a tray for Abigail. She opened the canister and sniffed the contents. Mint tea - and it was still good. She brewed some quickly for her cousin and carried the tray upstairs. Abigail had lit the lamp on her table, and had propped herself up in bed to read her Bible. "Thank you, Cora, but I could have come downstairs. You don't need to wait on me."
"Of course, I do," said Cora. "Here, let me put another pillow behind you and raise you up a little more." She helped her cousin sit up, and poured her a cup of tea.
"Mmm, what kind of tea is it?" asked Abigail.
"It's mint tea," said Cora. "It'll soothe your stomach. Now the toast is dry, so eat it slowly, and you should be able to keep it down. You'll feel better. Leave the tray when you finish, and I'll get it when I come home from school."
Abigail took a small sip. "It's delicious. Um, Cora, was Hank downstairs?"
"He left for work. I made his breakfast," said Cora.
"Oh, thank you," said Abigail. "I was concerned that he'd gone off on an empty stomach. I should have known you'd take care of him - take care of both of us." The cousins exchanged a smile, and Cora said, "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll be off."
...
By the time Cora reached the schoolhouse, the schoolyard was filled with children. Two little girls were skipping rope while three little boys were playing tag. Several boys were throwing a ball around, and the older girls were standing around talking and watching the older boys. Cora noticed one of the oldest boys standing apart from the others. He was tall, and, even from a distance, Cora could see a sullen expression on his face. She wondered what was wrong, but decided she'd find out soon enough.
Cora climbed the steps and unlocked the door. She went inside and put her books on her desk. She checked her watch, and saw that it was time for school to begin. She took the big brass bell from her desk and went to the door. She rang the bell, and the children ran up the steps and came inside.
The youngest ones ran to the front of the room and sat down on the bench in front of her desk. The older students took their seats with the boys on one side of the room and the girls on the other.
While she waited for them to settle down, she wrote her name on the blackboard. From the corner of her eye, she saw a young boy with curly brown hair throw a paper wad towards her. She turned quickly and caught it. The boy looked at her, his eyes wide open in surprise. He was an exceptionally handsome little fellow with big green eyes. Cora thought to herself, I'll bet this one gets away with just about anything.
"Good morning, students. I'm your new teacher, Miss Jones. In a few minutes I will come around to take down your names and addresses. While I'm doing that, you will work on some assignments. We'll begin the day with a reading from the Bible and the Lord's prayer." Cora picked up her Bible and turned to Psalm 100. It had been her mother's favorite, and she found it comforting whenever she was in a new place or difficult situation. She read it aloud, and then led the class in prayer, keeping her eyes open and on the children. Most of the students closed their eyes and said the prayer along with her. One tiny little boy watched her every move from his seat on the front bench. His clothes were clean but well worn, and he was barefoot. She hoped he would have shoes when it grew cold. The sullen boy she had seen outside sat on the back row and stared at her defiantly.
After the prayer, Cora handed out paper and colored pencils to her youngest students. "Your assignment is to draw pictures to decorate our school."
She took a pad of paper and a pen, and began moving down the rows, getting students' names and addresses or directions to their homes. One young boy introduced himself. "I'm John Spencer, Miss Jones. My father has the hardware store. He met you on Saturday when Mrs. Meyers was showing you around." He showed her a mathematics book. "Miss Jones, I've worked all the problems in this book. Do you have another one that's a little harder?"
Cora took his book and looked at it. "What grade are you in, John?"
"I'm ten, and I'm in the fifth grade with my reading, but my mathematics book is one that my brother had when he was in the seventh grade." Cora nodded, and walked back up to her desk. She found the book she wanted and took it back to John. "Here, John, do the problems on the first page. I know you might be able to do some of the work in your head, but I want to see it on your slate."
John took the book and gave her a sweet smile. "Yes, Miss Jones. Thank you."
Cora moved on to the next student, and saw that it was the little mischief who had thrown the paper. She bent down and asked, "What's your name?"
"Joseph Cartwright, ma'am, but everyone calls me Joe."
"Joe, I met your father when I arrived in Virginia City last week."
"Yes, ma'am." The child looked down. "Are you going to tell him I threw some paper this morning?"
"Well, I don't know, Joe. Were you throwing it at me?"
"No, ma'am. I was throwing it at Mitch, but he ducked, so you can see it was really his fault." The green eyes were wide with innocence.
Cora bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. "I don't think so, Joe. Tell me, are you going to throw anything else at anyone for any reason?"
"Oh, no, ma'am." Joe shook his head.
"Then I think we can keep this little incident between us." Cora straightened up.
Joe gave a sigh of relief. "Thank you, ma'am." He picked up his book and buried his nose in it.
Cora finally reached the back row where the oldest students were seated. The sullen boy was still staring straight ahead instead of studying his lesson. Cora bent down next to him. "What's your name?"
"Puddn'tame - ask me again, I'll tell you the same." The words were harmless in themselves, but the tone in which they were uttered was gruff and ugly.
Cora straightened up and looked at him. His eyes were filled with anger. She asked him again, "What is your name?"
The boy refused to answer her and stared straight ahead. Cora spoke quietly and firmly. "I do not tolerate disrespect in my school. What is your name?"
The boy stood up suddenly, and she realized that he was much taller and much bigger than she. Cora stood her ground, and felt another student pushing in front of her, trying to get between her and the angry boy. She looked down to see Joe Cartwright trying to step between them. She put her hands on his shoulders, and spoke, "Return to your seat, Joseph - now!" Fear for the child make her voice harsh.
Suddenly a new - deeper - voice said, "Yes, Joe, return to your seat, and you - Mark Davis - sit down."
Cora, Mark, and Joe turned to see two young men standing in the door. One was tall and handsome with dark hair while the other one was taller and broader with light brown hair and startling blue eyes. He wasn't as handsome as his companion, but his eyes were kind.
"Good morning, Miss Jones," said the handsome man. "My name is Adam Cartwright, and this is my brother, Eric, better known as Hoss. Our younger brother, Joe, forgot his dinner pail this morning, and we were just bringing it to to him. Our father had the pleasure of meeting you on Friday when you arrived in Virginia City."
Cora gave Joe a little nudge towards his brother. "Please get your dinner, Joe, and return to your seat." The boy moved to obey. She turned to speak to Adam and Hoss, taking her eyes off Mark. As she walked towards the young men, she saw their eyes widen and turned in time to see Mark kicking out at her. She caught his foot in her hand and held it. Mark stood on one foot for a few seconds, staring at her in shock. He fell to the floor and sat there, stunned but unhurt. He continued to stare at her openmouthed.
The oldest Cartwright brothers were staring at her in surprise as well. Cora looked around the room. Her students were silent, but she noticed that a couple of the youngest children were trying not to laugh. She went to her desk, wrote a note, and took it to Mark. He was still sitting on the floor. "Get up, Mark," she said. The boy rose slowly. "Take this note to your parents. You are suspended from school until I speak to them. I will not tolerate disrespect, and I will not tolerate a bully. Leave."
Mark stood up and gathered his slate and books. He had to walk around the Cartwrights to get through the door. He turned and opened his mouth as if he were going to say something. Hoss put a big hand on the boy's chest. "Get going, Mark," and the boy walked out the door.
Joe was standing between his older brothers. Adam gave him a nudge towards his desk, and the boy returned to his seat. Adam and Hoss smiled at Cora, and Adam said, "Miss Jones, it's a pleasure to meet you.
...
That evening the conversation at the supper table at the Ponderosa centered around Joe's first day of school and Virginia City's new teacher.
"You should have seen her, Pa" Joe exclaimed. "Mark was so much bigger than her when he stood up, and she didn't back down at all. Then he tried to kick her, and she just caught his foot and held it."
"That sounds impressive, Joseph, but how did your lessons go?" asked Ben.
"The rest of the day was kind of boring. We worked on penmanship, reading, spelling, and mathematics. The little kids got to draw pictures to decorate the room this morning, but they had to work on the alphabet this afternoon. That Mark Davis didn't throw her off at all."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that your new teacher is unflappable," said Ben.
"She was pretty impressive, Pa," said Hoss. "No bigger than a minute and she faced down Mark Davis without blinking." He winked at his little brother. "Little Joe was impressive, too. He tried to help Miss Jones by stepping between her and Mark."
"What's Mark Davis doing back here, Pa?" asked Adam. "I thought his father sent him back east last year."
"Michael sent him to Boston to live with his grandparents, but they found that they couldn't handle him and sent him back here," Ben said. "It sounds like Miss Jones make quite an impression on Hoss as well as her students this morning. Little Joe, I'm proud of you for trying to help your teacher. Adam, what did you think of her?"
"I think Joe is fortunate to have a teacher as dedicated as Miss Jones," said Adam.
...
At the Meyers' home Cora joined Hank and Abigail in the parlor after washing up the supper dishes. She had purchased some pretty yellow yarn at the mercantile that afternoon, and she began to crochet an afghan for the baby. Abigail was sewing while Hank read the newspaper. She kept looking at Cora. Finally she asked her, "How was your first day teaching here, dear?"
"It was fine, Abigail," said Cora.
Abigail tried again. "Did anything interesting happen?" Hank put his paper down and looked at Abigail. She was watching Cora with a worried expression on her face.
"Everything went well, Abigail," said Cora. "Oh, I met Adam and Hoss Cartwright when they brought Joe's dinner pail to him. They seemed very nice."
"The Cartwright family is very nice," said Abigail. She waited another minute and then burst out, "What happened with Mark Davis?"
Cora stopped crocheting and sighed. "It was really nothing. He was rude and disrespectful. I suspended him from school until I could speak to his parents. He seemed so angry. I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to worry. How did you hear about it?"
"One of your students, John Spencer, stopped by the mercantile to get some candy from his aunt, Eve Spencer. He told her and she told me. She said that all the students were impressed with you, that you didn't turn a hair when that boy tried to kick you, and that you suspended him."
"I hope they'll be more impressed with my teaching," said Cora. "Do you know Mark Davis and his family?
"Mark's father, Michael, is an attorney. He has a house here in Virginia City and an office, but most of his practice is in Carson City. He's even getting work in San Francisco. While he's becoming more successful, he's neglecting Mark. The boy is left here with a housekeeper. His mother was killed in an accident while they were on the way west, and Mark is pretty much on his own. Reverend Clayton has tried to help Mark and Michael, but he hasn't been very successful. I had trouble with Mark last year, but he never tried to kick me. I would have warned you, but I thought the boy had been sent to Boston to live with his grandparents. I didn't know he'd returned to Virginia City."
Just then there was a knock on the door. Hank answered it, and found Reverend Clayton standing on the porch. Hank opened the door wide and stood back. "Come in, Dave, and have a seat." Abigail looked up and smiled.
Cora rose, "We've finished supper, Reverend Clayton, but let me get you a cup of coffee. It will just take a minute."
Cora put the coffee on and prepared a tray. She listened as Abigail and Hank exchanged news with Reverend Clayton and realized that he was a regular visitor to their home. She carried the tray into the parlor, and the Reverend stood up to take it from her. He placed it on the table while Cora returned to the kitchen for the coffee pot. She poured for everyone and sat down.
"Miss Jones, I understand you had a problem today with Mark Davis," began Reverend Clayton.
Cora wondered if everyone in town had heard about the incident. She looked at the Reverend and waited to hear what he had to say.
"Mark's father is out of town, but he's been made aware of Mark's behavior today, and asked me to intercede for the boy. I am asking you to allow him to come back to school." Cora looked surprised, and Dave Clayton smiled. "The housekeeper sent Michael a telegram when he came home from school. Michael sent me one and asked me to help."
Cora looked down into her coffee cup as she could find an answer there. "Reverend Clayton, I appreciate your position. I know you want to help your friend. I must ask you to understand my position. I will not tolerate disrespect from any of my students. I will not tolerate a bully. It is my responsibility to create and maintain an atmosphere in which my students can learn and feel safe. Having a student as angry, as violent as Mark has shown himself to be is not conducive to a learning environment."
"I do understand your position, Miss Jones. Mark is a very troubled boy. I've spoken to him, and his father has agreed that he will move into the parsonage with me until Michael returns to Virginia City. He will be under my supervision, and I assure you that my supervision will be close and constant."
Cora looked at Abigail and Hank. "What do you think?"
To her surprise, Hank answered her. "I think that if Dave says he's going to watch out for the boy, he'll do just that. You might give Mark a second chance."
Cora looked at Abigail, and she nodded.
"Very well, then," said Cora. "Reverend Clayton, Mark may return to school tomorrow."
"Thank you, Miss Jones," said the Reverend.
He stayed a little longer, and Hank got out his guitar. He and the Reverend took turns playing and singing together, and Cora and Abigail enjoyed the impromptu concert. At last the Reverend stood up to go. "Good night, Hank and Abigail, Miss Jones. This has been fun."
"Good night, Reverend Clayton," said Cora.
The Reverend laughed. "Miss Jones, I know manners are more formal in the east, but I really wish that you would call me Dave the way Hank and Abigail do."
Cora smiled, "Of course, Dave, if you'll call me Cora." He shook her hand and said good night.
...
The next day Dave walked Mark to school. After Cora had read a chapter from the Bible and the class recited the Lord's prayer, Dave announced to the class that Mark had something to say. Mark stood up at his seat, and, with Dave's hand on his shoulder, apologized to Miss Jones for his behavior, and to the other students for disrupting the school. Cora accepted Mark's apology on behalf of the school and herself, and the boy sat down. Dave leaned down and whispered something in his ear, nodded to Cora, and left.
The day passed without incident. Cora called class after class to the front to recite. When she had time to work with the students one on one, she called Joe to her desk. "You're left-handed, Joe, and there's noting wrong with that. I'd like to show you a different position to turn your paper so that writing will be easier for you and give you better penmanship." She showed the boy what she meant, and they practiced together for a few minutes. Joe returned to his seat and practiced making oooo's with his slate in a different position. It felt a little strange, but he could see that his handwriting was better already. He looked up at Miss Jones, and saw that she had Susan Spencer, John's little sister, on her lap to practice writing and saying the alphabet. When they finished, Cora motioned John Spencer to her desk. He went up with his slate and his new mathematics book. Miss Jones looked at the work on his slate and smiled. She and John spoke for a few minutes, and she assigned him new problems. Joe looked around. Even his friends Mitch and Seth were working on assignments Miss Jones had given them. He thought how Adam had said that Miss Jones was dedicated to teaching, and decided his oldest brother was right.
Cora bent over to pick up some papers and felt two small arms go around her neck. She looked up to see tiny Andy Reid facing her. He was the barefoot boy she'd seen the day before. "Miss Jones, when I learn my letters, will I be able to read?" he asked.
She smiled. "When you learn your letters, Andy, you'll be ready to learn to read." The little boy hugged her, and returned to his seat on the bench. He picked up his slate, and Cora watched him as he carefully wrote each letter. She rejoiced that she had such an eager little student.
She called the older students forward, and Mark Davis came with them. He had followed her instructions and was able to diagram sentences with the rest of his class. Cora complimented the class on their work, gave them a new assignment, and they returned to their seats.
When she dismissed the students at the end of the day, she saw Dave Clayton waiting for Mark outside. He spoke to the boy briefly, and then came up to her. "Do you have time to speak with me, Miss Jones?"
"Certainly, Reverend Clayton. If you want to ask me about Mark, his behavior today was very good. He completed all assignments. He's very bright and can do well when he chooses."
"Thank you, Miss Jones, that's what I wanted to hear." He tipped his hat to her and walked away to join Mark. She watched as several of her students ran up to Reverend Clayton and greeted him. The little ones hugged his legs, and the older boys shook hands with him.
She closed the door and began to tidy up the schoolroom. The door opened, and Joe Cartwright and Mitch Devlin came in. "May we help you, Miss Jones?"
"Thank you, boys, but don't you have chores to do at home?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am, but my Pa and Mitch's Ma and Pa like us to help the teacher. Last year we helped Mrs. Meyers erase the blackboard and then pound the erasers outside," Joe volunteered.
"Well, that would certainly be a help to me," said Cora. The boys ran to the blackboard and erased it quickly. Then they took the erasers outside and began pounding them on a big rock in the yard. Cora watched them from the window and realized that they were trying to make a picture as they pounded the chalk off the erasers. She smiled and began to sweep the floor.
...
The rest of the week passed quickly and pleasantly, and Cora found herself falling into a routine. She rose early each morning to prepare breakfast for herself and Hank and made tea and toast for Abigail before she left for school. The extra rest seemed to be helping Abigail. She felt better in the afternoons, and often had supper preparations underway by the time Cora got home from school. Thursday evening Abigail told Cora that they had been invited to a quilting bee on Saturday afternoon. "It will be a good opportunity for you to meet some ladies," she said as she encouraged the young woman to go with her.
"Thank you, Abigail, I'd love to go. I like to quilt."
"Well, that takes care of your Saturday afternoon," said Hank. "There's a dance Saturday night, and we'll go to that." Abigail smiled at her big husband. "It will be fun, Cora, and everyone will be there."
Although there was no school on Saturday, Cora still rose early. She stripped her bed, and dusted and swept her room before going downstairs to make breakfast for Hank and he left for the Ponderosa. He would be working there most of the day with most of the hands away on the last cattle drive that fall. After he left, she brewed tea and toast for Abigail and took it upstairs. By the time Abigail felt like getting up, the house shone with elbow grease.
"Oh, my dear," said Abigail as she came downstairs, "you must think you're the maid of all work."
"No," laughed Cora. "I think you and Hank have made me a member of your family, and I want to act like it."
With the housework done and the dishes washed and dried, Cora sat down at the table and began grading papers. She had given a writing assignment to the older students. They were to read the local newspaper and write as short essay about any article they found interesting. Cora wanted to see how well they could express themselves and get to know them a little better. That week the paper had carried articles about Mrs. Beaton's newest housekeeping book, the new fashions available at Madame Beaudrot's dress shop, and the repeal of the Missouri Compromise.
The first essay she read had been written by Amy Green. Her parents owned a ranch and had five sons. Amy was the youngest and the only daughter, and the entire family indulged her. In spite of it, Amy was considerate and unspoiled. She wrote about Madame Beaudrot's shop, and how much she wanted to visit it. She was glad to see a business that catered to women succeed, especially since it offered a better variety of dresses than the mercantile. Cora circled a couple of spelling mistakes, and gave Amy an A- on her paper.
Abigail called her then. Hank had hitched Abigail's horse, Buddy, to the buggy before he left for work. They left for the quilting bee with Abigail driving. They had plenty of time and enjoyed the scenery as they rode at a sedate pace. When they reached the Smith's farm, they found that a few others had arrived ahead of them. The quilt rack was set up, and Cora enjoyed meeting Abigail's friends.
Cora quickly threaded several needles, so that she wouldn't have to stop. Her stitches were tiny and even, and she finished the section assigned to her and Abigail long before it was time for refreshments. Abigail was sitting back in her chair, wiping her forehead with her handkerchief.
"Are you all right?" asked Cora.
"I'm fine, dear, just a little hot," replied Abigail. "Could you get me some water?"
"I have a glass for water for you," said Mrs. Smith. She handed it to Abigail. "Just sit and rest."
Cora put her hand on Abigail's shoulder and watched her carefully. Her attention was drawn away, though, when she heard Mrs. Smith speak to her. She was standing at the quilt section Cora had just finished, and was studying her work. "It's just beautiful, Cora. Where did you learn to do such fine stitching?" she asked.
"Thank you, Mrs. Smith. My mother taught me. My parents had a small farm, and she sewed for people during the late fall and winter months. It was a good source of income for our family," said Cora.
"Please call me Helen, Cora." She continued to study the section. "It's very fine work."
A young woman, a Miss Leona Larkin, came over to examine it. She hadn't been very friendly towards Cora that day, but Cora had noticed that she was a bit standoffish with everyone at the quilting bee. She studied Cora's stitches carefully. "Very nice," she said. "I might consider letting you sew for me."
"Thank you, Miss Larkin, but I'm teaching in Virginia City. I have very little spare time, and any sewing I do will be for my family." Abigail patted Cora's hand as Miss Larkin sniffed and moved away.
Helen smiled at Cora. "Come help me with the refreshments, dear. Abigail will be fine for now."
Cora followed Helen into the kitchen where Helen began to prepare glasses of lemonade and platters of chicken sandwiches, cake slices, and cookies for her guests. "Just ignore Leona, dear. Her father's bank failed back east, and the family moved here to start over. Leona can't seem to accept that they're no longer wealthy."
Cora arranged the food on a tray. She thought carefully before she spoke. She knew what it was like to have to start over, and she wanted to be sympathetic. "It can be hard to accept change when you must leave everything you've known behind."
"That's true," said Helen, "but everyone who moved West had to leave family, friends, and way of life behind. Leona gets very little sympathy here because she has such an unfriendly attitude."
The trays were ready, and Cora and Helen carried everything to the dining table. The quilters stopped working and gathered around to enjoy the delicious food. Cora prepared a plate for Abigail and took it to her.
"Thank you, dear," said Abigail. Her color was better, and Cora went to get a plate for herself. She returned to Abigail's side and took a seat on the footstool next to her. Helen joined them.
"Where are you from, Cora?" asked Helen. "I can't quite place your accent."
Cora smiled. "I'm from Hot Springs, North Carolina, but I spent last year in Boston, and the two years before that in Raleigh."
"So you've done some traveling," said another lady. Cora remembered her name was Sabrina Taylor. She nodded yes. "I went to school in Raleigh one year and began teaching there after I passed the state teacher's examinations. I taught there for a year, and then I taught for a year in Boston."
"What's Hot Springs like?" asked Sabrina.
"It's a very small town deep in the mountains. The Cherokee Indians discovered that there were hot springs there that had healing properties. There are a few small farms, and a spa for people who come to bathe in the springs," Cora told her.
"Tell me, Cora, since you're from the South, how many slaves does your family own?" asked Leona.
Cora bit her lip. "My family didn't own any slaves, Miss Larkin," said Cora. "My parents felt that no one should ever own anyone else."
Leona sneered. "I suppose you're an abolitionist then."
"Yes." Cora stood up and took Abigail's empty plate. "Would you like something else, Abigail?"
"No, thank you, dear," said Abigail. Cora took her plate and Abigail's back to the kitchen.
Abigail glared at Leona. "My cousin lost her family, Miss Larkin, because of her beliefs and theirs. She moved here because my mother and I are the only family she has left, not because of her father's failure."
Leona gasped and turned red. Abigail rose carefully from her chair and turned to Helen. "Thank you so much for having us, Helen. The lemonade and sandwiches were delicious and we both enjoyed seeing everyone. Cora and I will say our goodbyes."
Cora had come back in the room in time to hear Abigail's last words. She picked up their sewing baskets, murmured her thanks to Helen, and followed Abigail out to the buggy.
They were quiet on the ride home. Abigail had handed the reins to Cora, and the young woman drove carefully, trying to avoid the roughest parts of the road. Just before they reached home, Abigail asked Cora if she'd enjoyed the afternoon.
"Very much, thank you, Abigail. It was good to meet your friends. Helen Smith especially nice, and I liked Sabrina, too. I even enjoyed meeting Leona Larkin. She's such a snob, but she makes herself ridiculous." Cora shook her head. "I shouldn't laugh at her, though."
Hank was waiting for them when they got home. He lifted Abigail down carefully while Cora jumped down and got their sewing baskets. She and Abigail went to the house while Hank took Buddy and the buggy to the barn. Abigail went upstairs to lie down, and Cora sat down to read and grade the rest of the essays, stopping only to put a simple stew together for their supper. She and Abigail weren't especially hungry, but she knew Hank would be since he'd had a hard work day.
Cora came to Mark's paper. As she read it, she was impressed with the boy's careful analysis of the political impact of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. It showed a depth of maturity and knowledge that she didn't expect to find in a boy of Mark's years. She wondered briefly if Dave Clayton had helped him with it, and then decided that Dave wouldn't have given him that much help. She wrote an A+ at the top of the page, and gathering the papers up, took them up to her room.
That evening Hank and Abigail and Cora went to the street dance. It was dark, but people had brought lanterns to light the area. A small band of men with fiddles and guitars stood at one end of the street on the back of a wagon. They began with a waltz, and Hank swept Abigail away across the street. Cora stood by herself for a minute before Adam Cartwright appeared before her. "May I have this dance, Miss Jones?" She smiled, and moved into his arms.
As the evening passed, she danced with man after another. Most of them she recognized as the fathers and brothers of her students. When the square dances were called, she was dancing with Hoss Cartwright. They quickly joined a square, and she was able to follow the caller's directions. Suddenly he called out, "Pick up your partner," and Hoss put his big hands around her waist and she felt herself floating through the air until she landed gently on her feet. Hoss was a big man, but he moved lightly on his feet, and Cora enjoyed dancing with him.
The band struck up the last song of the evening, and Dave Clayton suddenly appeared beside her. "May I, Cora?" He held his arms out, and Cora put her hand in his and at the other on his shoulder. They waltzed, and made a graceful couple in spite of the difference in their heights. Cora barely reached his chin, and Dave could look down on top of her head. When the music ended, they joined Abigail and Hank and walked home. Dave came in and sat and talked with Hank while Abigail and Cora made coffee. He didn't stay long, but it was a nice end to an enjoyable day.
...
Cora handed back the graded essays to her students, and complimented them on the thoughtful consideration they have given their topics. "Mark, I was very impressed with your essay."
Mark shrugged in response, and Cora called her first class up for their recitation. Things went smoothly through the morning, and Cora stopped for dinner and a short recess. She was alone in the schoolroom when she noticed a paper on the floor at the back of the room. She went to pick it up, and saw that it was the editorial page of The San Francisco Chronicle. The editorial was about the political impact of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. She read it and her heart sank. There, word for word, was Mark's essay. He had copied the article and presented it as his own work.
Cora took the paper up to her desk and slipped it into a drawer. Then she went to the door and rang the bell to begin the afternoon session. She would have to confront Mark about cheating, but she would wait until Dave was present. He had accepted responsibility for the boy, and he had to know what Mark had done.
Somehow Cora got through the rest of the day. She was so very disappointed with Mark, and she dreaded the confrontation to come. Before she dismissed school that afternoon, she asked Mark to stay, telling him she wanted to talk with him and Reverend Clayton. Unaware of her knowledge, Mark smirked and kept his seat. When Cora opened the door for her students, she saw Dave talking with Mr. Cartwright who had come to meet Joe. She watched the youngster run to his father who caught him up in a hug and tossed him up in his saddle. Dave looked in her direction, and she motioned him to join her. He said a word to Mr. Cartwright who looked in her direction. He spoke briefly to Joe, and then he and Dave came inside. As they entered the room, Cora spoke to Mark. "Please show Reverend Clayton your essay, Mark."
Mark looked a little uncertain, but he pulled the paper out of his satchel, and handed it to Dave. The man looked at it and saw the A+ at the top of the page. "Mark, you got an A+! That's wonderful - I knew you could do it if you put your mind to it."
Ben Cartwright smiled, and clapped the boy on the shoulder. Dave began to read Mark's essay. Cora went to her desk and pulled the newspaper page from her drawer. She turned to see that Dave had stopped smiling, and was looking upset. She walked over to him and handed him the newspaper.
"I found this page on the floor next to Mark's desk," she said. Ben looked over Dave's shoulder at the editorial and then took Mark's essay and began to compare the two.
Cora took a deep breath, and faced Mark. He was staring at her with an expression of hatred on his face. "Mark, you copied that article word for word, and presented it as your own work. You committed plagiarism. You cheated. I have no choice but to withdraw your grade and give you a "0" for this assignment."
Mark was silent and unmoving for a moment, and the adults were unprepared for what happened next. Mark erupted from his seat, knocking the books off his desk, and grabbed Cora by the shoulders. He shook her hard and shouted, "You can't change a grade once you've given it! I have an A+, and you can't change it!"
Dave and Ben moved to separate them with Dave pulling Mark off her, and Ben catching her up and moving back with her, placing his body between her and Mark. The boy continued to rave.
"I'll kill you! I'll knock your teeth out! I'll stab your eyes out! You'll never be pretty again!"
Dave slapped the boy hard across the face, and Mark stopped shouting at her. He stared at Dave.
"Settle down, Mark, settle down." Dave's voice was quiet and low, and seemed to have a calming effect on the boy.
Ben Cartwright had put Cora down, but his arm was still around her waist, and he continued to stand between her and Mark. Cora saw Joe Cartwright standing in the door, watching them. She realized that the boy must have heard the noise, and been frightened for his father.
Without another word, Dave put his hands on Mark's shoulders and marched him out of the schoolhouse.
Joe ran past them to Cora and put his arms around her. "Don't be afraid, Miss Jones. My Pa and I won't let him hurt you!" The boy hugged her tight, and buried his face in her skirt. His shoulders were shaking, and Cora put her arms around him. She knelt down and lifted his face. Tears were rolling down his cheeks. Cora wiped them away with her fingers. "It's all right, Joe. It's all over. Mark's gone. Your Pa and Reverend Clayton won't let him hurt anyone - not me or you or anyone. Reverend Clayton has taken him away to get him some help. He'll be better someday."
Joe laid his head on her shoulder and cried. Cora held him and rubbed his back. Finally Joe began to hiccup, and Cora stood up. "Let's get you some water." She led Joe to the water bucket and gave him a drink. Then she dampened her handkerchief and wiped his face. "There now, there we are," she soothed him. "Isn't that better?" Joe nodded, and Cora turned to Ben Cartwright. His face was pale, and Cora started to offer him some water when he said, "Miss Jones, I've never seen any student behave that way in my life! As chairman of the school board, I don't even know how to apologize to you." He took a deep breath. In the pause, Cora handed him a dipper of water. He took a sip, and handed it back to her.
"Until we've made some arrangements for Mark, you're going to need to be extra careful. I've heard that you're in the habit of coming in early and staying late. That must stop. You cannot be here alone. I know that you've made plans to start visiting the parents of your students. If they live outside Virginia City, you must take someone with you or delay those visits."
Cora was shocked, but before she could object, Mr. Cartwright said, "You're an excellent teacher, Miss Jones, and we don't want to lose you. I must make very clear to you that I'm giving you these instructions as the Chairman of the Virginia City School Board." His voice was kind but firm, and his young son reached up and took Cora's hand. "You mind him, Miss Jones," said the youngster. "Believe me, you don't want to have a necessary talk with my Pa."
Cora looked up at Mr. Cartwright, and they began to laugh.