Chapter 4

"So what's going on Adam?" Ben asked, knowing there must be more to this than just hiring a Nanny for his girls.

Adam took a deep breath, "Not right now Pa, but I believe Abby to be loyal and trustworthy."

"It all sounds intriguing."

We'll talk again later after everyone is in bed. My room, I think. Okay, Pa?"

"Of course." Ben agreed. "Uh oh, I hear noise approaching…" Ben didn't get to finish his sentence as the front door burst open and a small child, dressed in overalls and a hat dangling down her back, ran smack across the room.

"You're home," she cried. Adam, with arms outstretched, picked her up and hugged and kissed her and Mags did the same, hugging him around his neck.

"Mags, sweetheart, I've missed you so much, especially the noise you make, but what have I told you about running in the house, any house?"

Mags looked down into Adam's chest and pouted.

"Answer me, please."

"Not to."

"And why do I tell you not to run indoors?"

"Cos I could fall and hurt me or somebody else." Mags answered speaking into Adam's chest.

As Adam lifted her chin so she had no means to not look at him, except to close her eyes.

"Eyes open, Mags." She did as he asked. "Correct again. Now listen to me. Be warned. Do not do it again, or there will be consequences." Adam finished his reprimand and changed the subject. "Now I have a surprise for you."

Mags' head shot up, warning forgotten. "Oh, what?"

"You'll see a little later after Liz gets home from school."

"Joe got the job today," Hoss spoke up, "probly got to the school by now. We took turns."

"Thanks, Hoss," Adam said. "I'll thank Joe as soon as he gets home."

"You're welcome older brother."

Adam put Mags down on the floor. "And how about you thanking Uncle Hoss and Uncle Joe for taking you fishing."

"Ta, Uncle Hoss. I have to wait 'til Uncle Joe gets home to thank him too."

"That's right, sweetheart. Now off you go and have a wash, you smell of fish." Adam instructed. "Hop Sing will have a bath ready for you."

"Will you wash me, Daddy, please?"

"Of course. Go on up and get your nightdress and dressing gown and I'll be waiting for you in the washroom." Adam sent her off with a swat to her bottom, "and don't run."

"Got it, Daddy." And off upstairs she went. Ben and Hoss smiled. "She sure missed ya, Adam."

"I wasn't gone that long."

"We know that, but children's idea of time, when the one they love is missing, seems endless," Ben added.

"How was Liz?"

"Not as bad as Mags." Ben said. "She stayed with Rose Foley for one night, no missing you that night." They all laughed at that.

"Well, I have an announcement for all to hear once we're all settled at the dinner table."

Hoss' patience always ran thin when there was something to know, but he knew he had to wait until everyone was present. "Dabburn it." …..

Bath time with Mags was rather messy with some splashing, but in amongst the antics Adam managed to wash her hair. Job well done. Mags stood up and Adam wrapped a big towel around her and lifted her out of the bath and dried her. When he finished, her hair was all over her face.

"Mags," he called. "Can't find Mags."

Mags quickly pushed her hair back, "Here I am Daddy. Silly Daddy. I was here all the time."

"So you were. Come, let's get you into your nightdress and then I'll dry your hair."

"Kay."

A little while later Adam said, "Liz must be ready for her bath by now. Off you go and tell her to come in for her bath. You can sit with Grandpa until it's time to eat."

"Kay." As Adam was on his knees it was easy for Mags to hug and kiss him. "Thanks, Daddy," and rushed out to get Liz.

"WALK," came Adam's voice and Mags immediately lessened her haste. ….

Adam and Liz talked of her school that day while she was in her bath.

"We're having a geography test next week. Will you help me study for it. I wanna do well." Liz asked.

"Of course, I'd love to, but I have a surprise for you."

"Oh, what!?"

"You'll see at dinner."

"Tell me now, Daddy."

"Nope, promised I'd tell everyone at dinner," and with his finger giving her a gentle push in her chest, "you included. You'll have to wait. Now let's get you dried off."

….

All were seated around the table having consumed their main course, all eyes were geared on Abby, especially Liz and Mags, and as Hop Sing brought in the dessert Adam stood and tapped his wine glass with his dessert spoon.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to formally introduce you to Miss Abigail Howard, a lady I've employed to be Nanny to Liz and Mags." Looks between Hoss and Joe caused them to raise their eyebrows, in amusement.

"Yey." shouted Mags.

"Hello everyone." Abby stood up beside Adam. "Hope I'm not too much of a surprise. And I hope we can all become good friends." With that she sat back down. As did Adam, who placed his hand on hers, which was in her lap.

"Well done and thank you," he whispered in her ear. Then turning to everyone, he went on to say how he'd found her in Sacramento and of her mother's death and his offer of the Nanny position, which was accepted, "and now, here we are."

Joe stood and introduced his wife, Alicia, who had been working with Hop Sing in the kitchen when Abby arrived.

"Hello, Abigail," Alicia said in greeting.

"Please, everyone, call me Abby. It's what I've been call all my life, except, of course, when I was in trouble. Something I'm sure everyone here can relate to." She laughed, feeling uncomfortable, especially with Adam giving her a knowing look.

There were smiles and chuckles all round. Though Mags wasn't sure why they were laughing, but she laughed to, not to be left out. But during the whole time, Liz had said not a word. Adam noticed and worried.

Further introductions were made, Alicia introduced Marie, her three years old and a sleeping Benny, just one year old. Hoss introduced Eric, his four year old and Inger his two year old daughter, who was rubbing her eyes. And of course Hop Sing.

"Vely nice to meet you Miss Abby." He said. "I hope you'll be happy with us."

"I'm sure I will, Hop Sing. And thank you for the lovely meal. You are indeed a wonderful cook. I'll have to learn some of your tricks."

"Anytime, anytime." He bowed and left the family to return to his domain.

"I think it's time for the little ones to be in bed," Ben announced. "Two are already asleep and the others not far behind."

"Yes, Pa," Susannah said. "Let's go Alicia and get these children to bed." The two wives left the men and Abby to their coffee and made their way upstairs.

Following their coffee in front of the great fireplace, Abby announced she was ready for bed, stood and thanked Ben for his hospitality. "Goodnight, everyone. I'll see you all in the morning."

Goodnights were heard as Abby made her way to her room. She closed the door behind her and pressed her back against it and breathed a great sigh of relief. That was frightening, but hopefully the situation can only get better, she thought. …

Ben was in Adam's room as arranged and Adam related all that he and Abby had discussed to his father. He told Ben of what had occurred at the hospital with her mother and the arrangements made for her funeral, for which Abby had paid. And of their subsequent discussion over a meal and the agreement reached.

"Adam, son, are you sure you can trust her around Liz and Mags?" Ben asked. "You've only known her for a short while?"

"Very sure, Pa. She's proved how loyal she can be. She's spent every cent she had of her own and now it's run out. I decided to help her and together we worked out this plan. You don't need to worry. I'm sure she'll prove very satisfactory."

"So how long do you think she'll stay?" Ben questioned. "I mean she'll probably want to move on at some time."

"I suppose so. Yes. Why?"

"No matter."

"What, Pa?"

"Well, I was just thinking about Mags and Liz. They're going to get attached."

"I'll speak to them about that part."

"So that's all you're thinking of for this woman. Work for you, then leave?"

He knew what his father implying.

"Let's leave it for now." Adam said, dismissing any further discussion. ….

The following morning, Adam thought he'd speak with Liz alone, in view of her silence the evening before.

"Come with me, Liz. I want to talk to you. Let's get the horses ready and take an easy ride to school." He told her as he directed her to the barn.

"I haven't done anything wrong, Daddy." Liz said, as tears formed in her eyes.

"No, darling. Don't worry. You've done nothing wrong. I wanted to talk to you about Abigail, sorry, Abby. She wants to be called Miss Abby."

They had started the journey to Virginia City but Liz didn't want to talk about her and tried to turn her horse away from Sport, but Adam grabbed her reins.

"What about her?" She said.

"I felt from watching you at dinner last night, you didn't like the idea of Miss Abby being your Nanny. Am I correct?"

Liz kept silent.

"Sweetheart, believe me when I tell you, you can say anything to me, you will not be in any trouble, I promise."

"I don't want a Nanny. I'm too old for a Nanny." She told him and managed to hold her tears in check.

"You maybe right there, but she could be a great help to you when you want to know about becoming a lady," Adam told her, trying to ease the situation. Then with a chuckle, said "I'm not an expert on that subject."

"Will it mean you'll no longer help me with my projects?"

"Why no, of course not. We love doing projects together and we always will. We'll only ask Miss Abby's advice if we get stuck." He said as he leaned across and gently elbowed Liz in the ribs and winked. He'd made her smile. Such was his relief. …

Later that day, Mags and Abby were getting acquainted doing a drawing together of a house with trees around it.

"It's where I live," Mags told Abby.

"Oh? I thought you lived here." Abby asked, knowing full well Adam had a house of his own.

"No, we're staying here 'cos my Mama went to heaven, but now I got another Mama," Mags said, looking up at Abby and smiling said, "we can go back now."

"That will be for your father to decide. But please remember, I'm not your Mama, sweetheart. I'm just here to help out for a little while."

"I like you and if I tell Daddy, he'll want you to be my Mama too."

Unfortunately, Adam had just walked in on that last sentence of Mags and interrupted them to hide his embarrassment.

"What are you two ladies doing?"

"Drawing, Daddy. I was telling Miss Abby about our house and showing her what it looks like."

"And how lovely it looks." Abby said, glad to be off the subject of a new Mama. "You are a lucky young lady to be able to live there."

"I'm going home tomorrow to check with the men I have working there on the building. We haven't lived there for some time."

"That will be fine. You taking Elizabeth to school tomorrow?"

"Yes." Adam answered. "Something you want in town?"

"Oh no, thanks. I was just wondering where you'd be. So you'll go to your home after taking her to school?"

"Yes, that right. Is there a reason you're asking?"

Mags just sat there listening to the both of them with a great smile on her face.

"Actually, after seeing Mags' drawing, I was wondering if I could see your home, that maybe Mags and I could come over. Mags tells me she knows the way and I can drive a buggy….."

"Hold it." Adam stopped her going on any further. "Of course you can see our home, but you must come with us in the morning. I'll get a hand to follow us into town to return the buggy I hired and you, me and Mags can go see our house." Adam offered.

"I don't want to put you out."

"No chance of that."

"Then that sounds nice. I'll look forward to it."

Mags was studying her drawing but was inwardly thinking of seeing her home again, and with Daddy and Miss Abby. ….

The next day Liz seemed to be accepting Abby fairly well, since her talk with her father, and so off they all went with Liz riding beside their buggy, and Johnny, their hand driving the hired buggy with his horse tethered at the back. Abby was sitting with Mags between her and Adam, it was all a very cosy feeling, with Mags grinning all the way.

On reaching town and dropping Liz off at school, "Eat all your lunch." Adam told her. "You'll find a surprise in there for you."

"Oh what is it," she cried.

"You wait and see. No peeking, you hear."

"Yes, Sir."

"Bye. Be a good girl. See you this afternoon." Adam said as he gave her a kiss goodbye. She then cheerfully met up with her friends in the school yard.

As Adam turned the buggy around, Mags said, "When can I go to school, Daddy?"

"In a couple of years, but in the meantime Miss Abby will teach you all you need to know." Adam smiled and winked at Abby. Abby smiled back.

Once they were again snugly ensconced in the buggy Adam took off and drove down C Street and stopped outside of Garfields Restaurant.

"I think we're entitled to a little refreshment before we return, don't you? And it'll give me an opportunity to show you two off."

"That's silly, Daddy," Mags said, giggling, "but can I have ice-cream?"

"It's a little early in the day for that," Abby spoke up, "don't you think, Sir.

"Why yes, I think you're quite right. Maybe we can get Hop Sing to make us some."

"Yey, goody."

They entered the restaurant and sat at one of the empty tables and ordered coffee, tea and a cold chocolate milkshake for Mags.

"What would you like to eat, Abby?" Adam asked.

"Oh, nothing thank you, tea will be sufficient."

"Why?" Adam asked, curious to hear her excuse.

"I'm not hungry. Thanks." She lied.

Adam looked Abby straight in the eye. She's lying, I know it. Got to do with me paying, no doubt, he thought. So he got up and made his way over to Angela, the waitress, and gave his order.

While they were waiting, Mags asked of Abby, "why did you call Daddy Sir?"

"Because he is my employer and that is how I respect his position, by calling him Sir."

"Oh," Mags said, not quite understanding.

"I tried calling him Mr Cartwright, but he told me your grandfather would answer me instead, understand?"

"Not really. Are you and Daddy friends?"

"Well, yes, but in a business-like manner."

"My, you both seem serious." Adam said as he sat back down. "Time to lighten up you two. Our order won't be long." And looking up he saw Angela approaching with their order. "Oh, here it comes now."

Angela placed the order on the table. "Enjoy," she said and walked away.

"Oh, Daddy, teacake. I love teacake."

"I just thought you might and one for Miss Abby too." He gave Abby one of his no nonsense looks. "No argument please."

"But…"

Mags butted in before Abby could respond. "Have you had one before? They're delicious. Just put lots of butter on it, it's the best that way." She said enthusiastically, and licked her lips in anticipation.

"Not too much butter Mags, it's not good for you," Adam pointed out.

"Alright," Mags answered with a pout, "but can I have some jam as well, pleeeeease?"

"Of course, but the same applies. Now let's eat and enjoy, then we'll start back. Everybody in agreement?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"Yes, Sir." ….

When they arrived at Adam's house, Abby fell in love with it immediately. A beautiful house, not unlike the Ponderosa, but with a veranda all round the house.

"Does it have a name too?" She asked.

"Oh yes," Mags told her, eager for Abby to learn all about the house and secretly hoping she would come to love it as much as they all did.

"And you're going to tell me, right?"

"It's called Evergreen and we all love it here."

"Mags, let's let Miss Abby walk around and don't badger her, okay?"

"Badger, Daddy? That's an animal."

Abby smiled at Adam and he indicated to her to do the explaining.

"You're right, Mags. Badger is a noun, but has two meanings. Just like a lot of other words."

Mags was listening intently as Abby continued.

"One: Badger, the noun – a wild animal with a black and white striped fur. Two: Badger, the verb, means to pester someone with a lot of questions or actions."

"I didn't mean to pester you, Miss Abby."

"I know you didn't, but I think we'll leave it for another day and I'll tell you of a lot more same words with two different meanings." Abby suggested. "Let's just enjoy our visit here today." Then looking at Adam she asked, "Sir, did you design and build your home too?"

"Yes, he did," Mags once again eager not to be left out, answered for Adam.

"Mags. I believe Abby was asking me."

"Sorry, Daddy."

Then Adam got down from the buggy and helped Mags down. "I'd like you to take Star over to the horse trough for a well deserved drink."

"Okay, Daddy." She waited until Adam had helped Abby down too, then slowly dragged Star to the trough.

"Is Mags always so full of questions?" Abby asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. It's not something I discourage. I want her to ask questions."

"Oh yes, it's a good thing."

"Yes. She's just like I was. Must have driven Pa mad as I was growing up."

Abby was chuckling now. And then she suddenly became serious.

"But Elizabeth seems the opposite."

"In a way, yes. But she observes all around her, but does ask, only when it's necessary. A bit of both me and her mother, I think."

"Well, whoever she takes after, I hope we'll be able to be friends."

"She was a little unhappy at first. She told me she was too old for a Nanny and was concerned about the projects we sometimes do together would stop.

"Oh no. I hope you put her straight."

"Yes, I did," Adam told her and took hold of her elbow and said, "I think it's about time you toured the house. After all it's why we came here."

"Of course."