I do NOT own Bonanza nor any of the original Cartwright characters.
I have a request for another story centered on Hoss. Actually, the request was a bit more specific than that only if I say what it was I'll be giving too much away. To the reader that requested I do this story? I'm sorry you had to wait only—nothing was coming. Title may also change.
I will forewarn everyone (including the reader who requested it) there MAY be a MAJOR character death-depends on if the character wins or not. (See my profile for an explanation of that comment).
Eliza
Chapter One
Opening Scene
Ben, Adam and Little Joe waited for the stagecoach to arrive. All had been surprised beyond measure to receive Hoss's telegram. He'd gone to Placerville a mere two weeks ago to help a friend and then sent word he was bringing home a surprise.
"Stage is comin'."" Little Joe stepped away from wall of the building he'd been leaning against. He was eager to see just what surprise his brother had been talking about. Who knows maybe he was bringing home something for him.
"Reckon we'll find out what' going on now." Adam wasn't sure whether or not to be nervous. After all, sometimes Hoss's surprises turned out to be quite interesting-if that was the word to use. He just hoped it wasn't anything that would cause them any sort of trouble.
Ben said nothing though he was just as curious as his sons were when it came to any 'surprises' Hoss brought home. Guess as long as it didn't walk on four legs and have fur he'd be okay with it.
Once the stagecoach stopped Hoss opened the door, climbed out then held helped a young girl out. She had dishwater blonde hair which was pulled back and done up in a French braid. If they were to guess they'd have her at a mere sixteen or seventeen. The fact that her eyes were void of sight was made crystal clear when Hoss and she turned to face his family.
"Hi pa, Adam, Little Joe," Hoss was uncomfortable as he shifted his weight and stuck his left hand in his pocket; did they have to look at him like some child who had their hand stuck in the cookie jar, "meet Eliza Marie McBrian…Cartwright. My wife."
Scene One
"Yer pa and brothers hardly spoke a word home," Eliza ran her hands over the furniture that set in the room Hoss informed her was both of their's now, "I don't think they like the fact that ya brought someone like me back with ya."
Hoss hurried to correct the mistaken impression, "There is nothin' wrong with ya. They don't care that yer blind. I…we didn't exactly give 'em much notice though. Let 'em get used to the idea."
Eliza sat down on the edge of the bed, "Ya gonna tell 'em everythin' or just bits and pieces?" It's not that she wanted him to be dishonest with anyone-she just wanted to know so she didn't mess up and say anything Hoss didn't want told.
Hoss didn't' have to guess why she was asking 'such a thing'. He pretty well knew, "No reason to worry yer perty little head 'bout havin' to hide anythin'. I'll talk to my pa and tell him everythin'. Give him and my brothers a chance though."
Giving them a chance wasn't a problem. There was only one thing that she could think of that could possibly be one. "What ya gonna do if'n my brother does show up? He twern't happy when he found out pa had actually agreed to lettin' ya take me." Eliza didn't like the way her brother had turned out. He used to be such a nice person.
"We'll deal with that if needs be," Hoss took a hold of her hands and pulled her up and into his arms, "you jist know this is yer home now. I ain't lied to ya yet or done anythin' I wasn't supposed to. Remember that."
A smile a mile wide spread across her face. Hoss Cartwright had been nothing but good, kind and honest since she first met him, "I'll do just that."
0000
"He's gone and lost it!" Little Joe sat at the table still a bit bewildered that Hoss had went and got married, "He barely knows the gal!"
Adam shook his head, "Tell us something we don't know but fact is fact. They're married and he's our brother," he turned and looked at his pa. The man had his chin resting in the palm of both his hands and he had a faraway look in his eyes, "Pa?"
"Sorry, I was lost in thought," Ben sat back and put his hands down, "Adam's right. We need to support Hoss and welcome Eliza into the family," he stood up, "I'm going to talk to them about having a party here and then we can discuss the building of a house for them. I'm sure they won't want to live with us on a long term basis."
After he had disappeared up the stairs, Little Joe looked at Adam, "I'll support him, I'll do my best to make her feel welcome only I still say he's gone and lost it. I hope he doesn't wind up regretting it."