Part 3
Disclaimer: I do NOT own the rights to Bonanza. The only character that
is mine is Marilyn. This was a fan fiction I did for another site, but was
never quite satisfied with, so I went ahead and redid it. I don't think, since
this if fan fiction, I can get in trouble for plagiarism, if I can, good grief, let
me know and I'll yank it.
I always wondered 'what if the woman that had shown up was legally
Ben's wife. So, I started writing. Yes, I changed her name, no, she's not
from where the other lady was from, and she doesn't have anyone else
involved, but still that is where I got this idea from. I also did not watch it
THAT much, so, the speech in this story is not going to match what was on
TV, at least not a lot. Also in this chapter one gentleman is from the south,
I do NOT even attempt the dialect of the southern people as I have never
been down there; except the word ya'll I have heard.
Marilyn's news caused the stagecoach to go dead silent for a second as the
news hit the occupants. All knew of, or had actually had dealings, with the
man. All had hoped he would remarry, but none that it likely. Finally, the
woman who had already decided anyone out west was 'crazy' spoke up.
"You married that old man?" Hannah looked like she wanted to have a heart attack, and started in a on a lecture she had no business giving; the two
men interrupted without worry about being 'civilized and polite'.
"That silver haired rancher may have some years under his belt. but he's in
better health than most men I know out here." The red headed male, who's
name had turned out to be Robert, sternly chastised Hannah.
"Yes, and.." Bill spoke up, "I dare say those sons of his didn't mind one
bit. Good grief, Adam is darn nigh to thirty. I can't picture him throwing a
childish fit over it, and neither should you, woman."
Hannah showed her horror at their 'lack' of manners, even though she'd
been far worse. She'd have continued lecturing, but Marilyn's look was
shaper than any butcher knife. So, she shut up, for about three seconds
before starting to open her mouth again.
Marilyn had only shot her the glare because she wasn't in the mood for
any lecture. Especially, since the gentlemen's comments had her on edge.
Things they were saying didn't quite match up to what had gone on back
east, but the papers her bag proved she was Ben's wife. Her mother had, to
shut the reverend up, made sure a local judge had looked at the papers to see
if they were legitimate; they were. So, the mismatched information? Taking
a deep breath she made sure her tone was icy sharp. Still, match, or not, the
woman next to her needed to be told off.
"Seems to me it's not your place to decide who I should, or should not, be
married to. If your niece regretted dating Adam for the reason you've stated
then it seems to me…" She took another deep breath and softly barked,
"She needs to grow up, and you need to butt out!"
"Bravo." Robert and Bill applauded her, even if it did make their other
traveling companion get off at the next stop swearing she'd take another
coach to her destination.
"Good riddance. That old bat was driving me nuts." Marilyn slipped and
instantly her hand flew to her mouth. The two men only cracked up
laughing, they thought the comment fitting, and hilarious. Only when the
two men got off themselves, and she was left alone for the last leg of the
journey did she visibly lean back and allow the concern she felt in her mind
show on her face.
Oh, Ben, do you know I am coming out? Or will I show up only to be told
to 'go back where I belong?' Do you really have three sons? Those men
only mentioned one. What will they do? Silence ruled the trip and no noised
entered the compartment, until they stopped in Virginia City. At least here
she would find out the truth.
