I do NOT own Bonanza or any the original Cartwright characters. This is written for pure entertainment is all (and in this case...by request).
His Legacy (previously titled Eliza)
Chapter Nine (Spies and a Surprise)
Scene Sixteen
George pounded yet another post int the ground cussing as he did so. If it weren't for the fact that he'd needed the money so badly he'd have turned David McBrian down. Ever since he'd come back he'd felt like he was walking on thin ice. Little Joe barely spoke two words to him; Adam spoke enough to tell him what needed to be done while Ben and Hoss were only civil to him.
When he 'felt' someone watching him he turned around. No one. "Blasted, David!" he muttered as he went back to work, "Yer is makin' me paranoid now!"
From where he was hidden the Cartwright's friend, Robert, couldn't help but grin. Having lived with the Paiutes for a spell was comin' in handy; as they'd been the ones to teach him how to move around without being heard and had taught him how to watch someone without being seen. When the man finished the job, mounted his horse and rode away, Robert let out a call that sounded as if it was just another call being made by the birds that inhabited the area; that talent was one he'd been born with.
Jason, another friend, answered back as soon as he saw 'the enemy'. He was loving this new job-it was the most excitement he'd had in a long time. It was going to be a pleasure to keep an eye on the man for awhile.
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"I hope that fellar does not go catchin' on," Hoss was standing in front of his father's desk as they talked about George's activities over the past few months, "at least not as long as David's on the loose," he paused then added, "Though I admit, ser would like to have a conversation with that there brother in law of mine."
Ben leaned back in his chair, 'Why? So you teach him a lesson? From everything I've been told the man would never learn."
Hoss hated to admit it only his father was right-at least Eliza had pretty much told him the same thing on more than one occasion. He walked over to the window and looked out. He could see his wife visting one of her friends, one Mary Lou. She'd met the young woman when she'd moved to town and they'd bumped into each other. "I reckon not, pa, but it ser would feel good. "
Ben couldn't help but chuckle, "There's a lot of things in life that sound good; even look good on paper but when it comes right down to it? Those very same things turn out to be the very worst things for us. If I were you I would be more worried concerned about your wife and baby."
Hoss turned away from the window, "Oh, I am, pa. Really, I am. Reckon, I jist worry too much. At least Eliza is always sayin' I do. I try not to only I cin't help it."
Ben sighed as he thought on his three wives and the sons they'd borne him. Maybe that was Hoss's problem. "History does not necessarily have to repeat itself, son." he smiled as Hoss jerked back then relaxed.
"Ya think that's what my problem is, pa? Maybe I'm afraid of somethin' happenin' to Eliza like it to Adam's ma, my ma and Marie?" It made sense he had to admit it only he wanted to make sure that's what his father was saying.
"I think so," Ben stood up and gathered the papers he'd either been reading or working on, "Nothing you can do but take one day at a time and try to enjoy yourself once in awhile."
Hoss grinned, "Yes, pa."
Scene Seventeen
"I bet ya cin't do that agin! Hoss picked up the horse shoes he and Little Joe had just finished throwing.
"Oh, I bet I can big brother." Little Joe laughed as they started another round. Ben, Adam and Eliza sat on the porch smiling.
"You think those two will ever quit?" Adam asked-his brothers had been at all afternoon.
"I donno 'bout Little Joe but Hoss ain't givin' up until suppertime," Eliza answered, "After all it's Sunday and church is over with. It's not like he gets much chance to relax lately." her tone turned serious.
Ben rested his hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry. Thanks to keeping an eye on George we found out that telegram your father sent was intercepted and never got to your grandparents which explains why he's still at it. Adam here sent another telegram to them."
"He's not gonna give up even if he finds out they know," Eliza turned her head towards the sound of Hoss' laugh, "I just hope nothing happens to any of you because he brought me here."
Ben felt both sympathy and anger at the same time. Sympathy for his daughter in law for all she'd been put her through over the years and anger towards her brother for putting her through it. "What ever happens in our lives is not something you can control...unless you can convince me you can control your brother."
Eliza shook her head, "Some days I wish that was possible but ain't nobody alive can make another person's choices...and no one has the right to try either. I jist..." she never finished her sentence as she doubled over in pain. Ben and Adam lept to their feet while Hoss and Little Joe ran to her side.
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Ben, Adam and Little Joe sat in the front room while Hoss paced back and forth. Finally Ben couldn't take it anymore, "Son, sit down!"
"When is Dr. Martian gonna come down?" Hoss was more scared than he'd been in a long time. He didn't want to lose either the baby or his wife. They had to be all right.
Before Ben could answer him Dr. Martian appeared at the top of the stairs and was soon standing at the bottom of them. "Dr.?" Ben asked; the concern he felt for his daughter in law was something he wasn't even trying to hide.
"How's my wife?" Hoss stopped pacing the floor. The downright fear he felt was in his eyes.
"She'll be fine only," he looked at all the Cartwright men, "you have to put your foot down with that young lady. I know she's a hard worker and hates sittin' still only I'm telling ya she hasta take it easier until those babies are born."
Shock waves ran through every one of them as Hoss looked like he was going to faint. "Babies? Eliza's gonna have twins?" Hoss asked his eyes wide opened.
Dr. Martian grinned, "Looks like it but if she continues pushin' it? I dare say those babies will succeed in getting' here to early. As it is? It really needs to be another month before they even think 'bout comin'" then he paused, as he thought, "Ya know, she's going to hate this only...I'm ordering her to bed until those children are born and," he looked at Ben, "I hope you won't mind; I don't even want her moved out of that bed to her own home. Well, not yet anyway. I'll come by tomorrow and check on her."
"It's fine," Ben stood up as Hoss practically flew up the stairs, "that room needed someone in it anyway." While Ben showed the good doctor out then turned around and talked with Adam and Little Joe; Hoss was sitting on the side of the bed talking to Eliza.
"Looks like ya get yer wish after all." He took a hold of her hand.
A puzzled look came across Eliza's face as she turned her head slightly, "What do ya mean? What wish?"
He grinned, "Don't ya remember? Up by the lake the other day ya said ya kinda of wished you could have the baby here at pa's. Well," he chuckled, "Doctor Martian says yer gonna have twins and he doesn't want ya moved until they come into this ole' world."
Eliza's mouth dropped opened and she exclaimed, "And here I thought I was carryin' one very extremely active child! Still, twins?" Her mind tried to wrap itself around the fact that they were having two babies instead of one.
