Telegrams.
5th Story in the Alexandra Series.
Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.
Re-cap: Alexandra has offered an ingenious idea to make Jeffery feel better, while Adam spent the night recalling his second encounter with Katherine.
End Flashback.
Chapter 10: Emerald Bay pt 3; Who Sir Me Sir
Adam woke, the stiffness of his shoulders and neck waking him well before sunup. He had fallen asleep, recalling the time just before Katherine was put on trial for murder. He stood up and stretched. There was no use in going back to bed; he felt rested enough, and a strong cup of coffee would see him out till they'd have to leave for Placerville, then Sacramento. Hopefully they would be in Sacramento by tomorrow night and then San Francisco by the next day as long as the overnight steamboat kept to its schedule.
Adam went to the Leeder's kitchen and started to prepare the coffee. He found fresh beans, ground them and then went to the pump intending to add water to the freshly ground powder. When only a few drops of water trickled out, Adam remembered the Leeder's discussion about the pump being blocked. There was enough light outside now, that he could most likely find the problem and fix it before the stations occupants woke. Grabbing the few tools Michael had pulled out of a box the night before and a shotgun, Adam headed out the back door and followed the ceramic pipes that Michael had laid towards the lake behind the station.
The view, as the sun peeked on the horizon, was magnificent. Glimpses of the lake could be seen through the trees along with an arcade of small green bushes that led to the lake. The sun's first rays just touched the horizon line revealing the hints of the deep Prussian blue of the still glassy and ebony expanse of the water that belonged to the great lake. A small line of wispy fog that sat around the edges gave the area a grand and mystic feeling.
Adam found the crux of the water problem some five yards from the lake and the pump. A previous break in the pipe had come loose, with debris blocking the pipe and washing away the stays Michel had used to angle the grade of the pipes so the water would flow down towards the house. The tar strips, that had kept the pipe intact, were still in good order. Adam got to work clearing the debris and reattaching the pipe. He then pulled out a cartridge from the shot gun and sprinkled the gun powder on either side of the tar strips, and ignited it, softening the tars edges in the process. He then worked quickly to push the soft and hot sides together with wet fingers.
Happy it would hold, for now, Adam went to the pump at the lakes edge, primed it and started it up; poring water into its well, as it attempted to re-create the suction needed. Five minutes later, Adam was satisfied that it was working and made his way back to the repaired section to gather his tools and rifle. He checked the join once more, thinking that Michael should add another layer of tar strips to it as soon as possible, but for now the reserve tank would pump enough water, not only for his coffee, but also enough for them to all wash and have breakfast. As he went to stand up, feeling proud of his ingenuity, he felt the cold rim of metal poke him in the back and the click of a gun. He instinctively reached for his rifle.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Besides, you have no cartridge in there," said a smooth but firm voice.
Adam raised his hands. "You've been watching me, so you know I'm no threat, nor do I have anything of value with me," said Adam.
"Nothing of value, really? I've been watching you for the last day, Mister. I'd say my wife is of value, and I want to know just what you and her intend on doing together."
Adam turned and stared at the large man in front of him. He hadn't pulled back his gun, and it now poked Adam hard in the stomach.
"I don't intend shooting you, Mister, but I aim ta get some answers. If you and my wife are gonna be takin off together, I won't stand in yer way, but you ain't goin' nowhere with my son," he declared.
Adam remained calm, even though the man stood almost two inches taller than him and broader by what Adam felt was a good foot. He was dressed in buckskin from head to toe and wore an animal fur collar and coon skin cap that restrained his long blonde hair. Adam looked into the man's eyes. His piercing blue eyes seemed sincere, yet determined.
"If you're not interested in shooting me, then let's say you put the gun away. My names Adam Cartwright and I only met your wife and son yesterday. I'm not going anywhere with them, Mr Winston."
The man nodded, and put his gun away. "Name's, Parker Winston," he said and held out his hand.
Adam found it a little strange; here was a man as big as a house, who had only moments before held a gun to his stomach, but was now making introductions like nothing had happened. So... Adam shrugged his shoulders and shook the man's hand.
"Parker, nice to meet you. Your wife and boy are up at the house. You will find them safe and sound."
Parker looked to the house and worried his jaw, brushing his whiskers with the fist of his hand. "I jist want my boy is all. If Evie wants ta go runnin back to her pa, back to civilisation, well, I can't stop her, but she ain't takin Jeffery. I'm sorry fer thinking yer had run off with her. I sorta figured Evie would never do anything like that anyway, but then yesterday I seen you all, in the mud. You carried my wife and I seen you looking at her leg. I jist thought you was either with her or helping her run away."
"I was helping her, but only because she was hurt, Parker. She has a needle stuck in her leg. Hopefully she will be better this morning."
"She's hurt; it ain't an infected is it? She'd be near beside herself if she thought she was sick," said Parker.
"Evie was quite scared, but she's calmer now. It's nothing serious, although I think she will be too sore to travel today. Perhaps it's the prime opportunity for the two of you to sort things out," suggested Adam, feeling for the man who had obviously tracked his wife all this way. If it were Adam, he too would want answers.
Parker moved back and found a log. He sat down, now feeling anxious about confronting Evie. "Nothing ta sort out. Evie hates me; that's all there is to it. I can't blame her. We lost our boy some four years back and she ain't never been the same. She won't talk to me, cause it's my fault. I can't change that no matter how hard I try. But, I'll be damned iffin she's gonna take Jeffery away from me. I know she thinks he can't survive out here and he won't have a hope in hell iffin she keeps molly codling him. I made up my mind that ain't gonna happen no more. He's my son. Evie can go back to San Francisco and get a divorce, marry again, but not me. I just want Jeffery. We'll make a good life together. I can teach him to scratch out good living."
Adam listened to Parker; his words a mixture of anger born of hurt. Adam moved and took a seat next to the man. "Parker... can I give you some advice? I know this is none of my business; what goes on between a man and a wife is private, but if you go in there trying to take Jeffery away, you'll be tangling with a being a lot fiercer than any animal you have encountered. You're a trapper right?"
"That I am."
Adam nodded and then smiled at the man. "Well then, you'll know what a mother bear will do to protect her cubs. I know what a human mother will do, and it's much fiercer than any mother bear you'll come across. I have a daughter who was kept from me for almost ten years. Her mother had her reasons, but I didn't know why, still don't, but if I'm honest with myself, she wouldn't have wanted the life I wanted. She had her own dreams and she didn't want to run the risk of me taking my daughter away from her, so she told herself that she could do it on her own; that I wouldn't compromise. But, hell I didn't even get the chance. I'm angry about that, but I can't change it now... You can... You need to resolve some of the misconceptions, about the death of your child. From what I've seen and heard, all three of you believe you're to blame for his death. I'm not clear on all the circumstances, but seems to me that it wasn't anybody's fault. Life is just full of hardships."
"You're right to a point, but I ain't too good at saying stuff like that to Evie. I see the pain in her eyes and I just want it to all go away. But, Johnny's still dead. Her baby is still dead. Hec, even some of the blame is Johnny's, but I'd never say that to her," reflected Parker.
"He was your child too, you grieve," stated Adam.
"The kid was only four years old; he didn't know how dangerous things were he was just full of life. I shoulda been stricter with him. He used to follow me around; just close ta home mainly. Evie wouldn't let them out of her sight most days, but this day he took off after me. I was just checking traps nearby. When Evie came panicking, to tell me he was lost, I wanted to panic myself; he could easily got caught in a trap, attacked by an animal, but it hadn't been that long. I was just hopin' that's all. I told Evie it would be alright; promised her, and sent her back. It didn't take me long to find Johnny. He'd made his way down by the crick. Hec, if Evie hadn't chased me so wide eyed in fear, she'd a probably seen him. He'd fallen into the crick, and was jist about ta go under. I got to him in time, grabbed him, and pulled him out. He splattered some; coughing up and mouthful of the crick water. He was cold and crying. I rushed him back to the cabin. Evie tended him, and insisted I go for the doctor. I jist thought she was over reacting like she does. So I made her wait; Johnny seemed fine, really."
Adam patted the big man on the shoulders. "An easy assumption to make, Parker."
"An assumption I made too quick, I reckon. Maybe iffin the doctor was there sooner it wouldn't ta got worse. That night he come down with a fever, and then I went for the doc straightaway. Thing is there'd been a bout of a thing called polio at the Indian village and it infected some folks in town. Doctor said he was showing the same signs. He most likely caught if from swallowing the crick water. The Indians used the same crick that Spring. We had ta clean or burn everything. I had to take Jeffery away, keep him from catchin it. A week later, Johnny had died. We had ta burn everything again. I buried Johnny and we had a little service for him. But later... when Evie was asleep... cried herself asleep, I had to go burn his little body too. I never told her that. The doc told me that I had to; that it was ta make sure that they stopped the outbreak. It was like he died all over again. It's the hardest thing I ever had ta do in my life," said Parker softly while two big tears ran down his cheeks.
Adam sat there in silence as Parker talked of the disaster that had affected this family's young lives. They remained that way for a few minutes after Parker finished.
Adam patted him on the back again. "Come on, way stations house just up ahead. You got a horse?"
"Yep, tied back there. He's my good pack horse, sturdy but slow."
Adam smiled. "Good. I have some fresh coffee that needs brewing; you'll need a few cups before you speak to Evie and Jeffery."
"What am I gonna say?" asked Parker rising.
"Everything that you just told me. Seems to me you've not only been blaming yourself, living with your own individual guilt, but living with your own grief. Johnny belonged to all of you; you shared his life, his death, but not the pain of life without him. When you can do that, then you can move on, hopefully together."
"Yes but where to," whispered Parker.
"That's something you may have to negotiate," said Adam. "Come on, that coffee needs a good ten minutes to brew. Knowing my Alexandra, she'll be up in about thirty, and then you may never get a word in edge wise," laughed Adam.
~oOo~
Adam and Parker enjoyed a good half hour by themselves, chatting about their journeys to date and their future plans. Adam told Parker of the conflict that caused the ruckus in the mud pool he had observed yesterday after noon.
"I'm sorry, Jeffery sounds such a brat. I can't believe Evie let him get to that stage. He was always such a loving and good little boy."
"Well, Alexandra didn't help matters any. Most of her behaviour is often a defence mechanism when she's unsure of things. She was quite anxious, not only about seeing her mother but the actual stagecoach ride itself. She let Jeffery's manner distract her in some way; it was a problem she could tackle. I'd say Jeffery's behaviour is based on fear also. He avoids taking responsibility for his actions and puts up an arrogant barrier. I think it's just the opposite; I think it's the only way he can cope with the blame he readily puts on himself. He thinks you left him and Evie.
"I never left them. Things have been real strained at home; getting back to my trapping was my way of getting away, but we also needed the money. I've spent the last three years extending my seasons and my quota. I'd go for three months then come back for a week then go again. I have enough money now to buy a place in Reno if Evie wants it; in any town around here. Three months ago I thought we were on the mend. I know Evie was tryin, even iffin she didn't talk much. But, when I got home this time they's were gone. Left me a note saying she was going; that our marriage wasn't a marriage anymore. She's right I guess. I wasn't there enough for them."
"Did you discuss this idea with Evie, explain to your boy?" asked Adam.
"No, I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it. I didn't want to build their hopes up. I didn't want to see them looking at me as if I let them down... again. Guess I did just that...I" Parker trailed off. Staring down into his coffee mug, swirling the last of the strong brew around.
"You got it wrong; you're human," stated Adam.
"I can admit that," said Parker.
Adam nodded, "Yeah well don't just keep it to yourself. Dreams need to be shared with the people you love; the people you are doing them for. But, you may need to take their dreams into account too. You may not get exactly what you want, or they want they want, but if the priority is each other, then none of the rest will seem like second best... because it isn't."
"I think, I get your meaning. Me and Evie have a lot to talk about."
Adam and Parkers conversation was interrupted when the children's bedroom door suddenly flew open. Alexandra was attempting to come through it, but was held back by Jeffery hand that was holding on the hem of her nightdress.
"Let go!" yelled Alex. "I promised ya, my Daddy will help," she added.
"I've changed my mind," called Jeffery, from behind the door jam, as he yanked harder on her night shirt.
"Why ya merely mouse baby; ya wanted ta be forgiven, didn't ya?" Alexandra yelled over her shoulder.
"Yeah but, I'm not sure about yer know... a spanking's the way ta go," they heard Jeffery's objections.
"Didn't say it was gonna be pleasant, well ta start off with, but in the end, well..."
"Alexandra!" called Adam and stood up to see to the commotion.
"Jeffery!" called Parker.
Suddenly Jeffery let go and Alexandra, still pulling ferociously against the boys hold, was catapulted into the room. Adam caught her before she landed face first onto to the hard wooden floor.
Jeffery recognised the voice of the man hidden by the bedrooms door jam and let go of Alex's nightdress in fright, then panicked and slammed the door closed.
Parker stood up, but was stopped when Adam put his hand up, "Wait Parker." He stood Alex on her bare feet. "Alexandra what's going on?"
"Who's he?" she asked pointing to Parker Winston.
Adam slapped her hand away.
"Owee Dad!" yelled Alex and stuffed her stinging fingers in her mouth.
"Don't point; it's rude. Now, what's Jeffery so upset about?"
"He's pleeeling gulitpy, sob I told himb that I'ba lenbt youb to himb and youb could spank himb and he'd feelb allb better," said Alex, but what it meant was anybody's guess.
Adam pulled Alexandra's hand out of her mouth. Alexandra immediately put them behind her back and covered her backside in case her father started to swat there as well.
"Again Alexandra, we can't understand you," said Adam.
Alexandra looked at her father and then at the big tall man frowning towards the door. She then wriggled and squirmed. "Well, last night, me and Jeffery got to talking..."
"Jeffery and I were talking," corrected Adam.
"You, sir? When; I didn't hear you."
"No Alex, you and Jeffery were talking...Talking about what?"
"Oh okay, Dad, I'll tell ya, but I need my hands, so ya got ta promise not ta smack them. I can't concentrate iffin I don't use my hands. Momma used ta say she was the same; says it was the actress in her, said; storytellins' always more real when ya animated, and actors are real good story tellers..."
"Alex, yes, use your hands, I won't smack them."
"Promise?"
"Promise!"
"Pinky promise?" Alexandra held out her little finger.
"Pinky promise," replied Adam and locked fingers with his daughter.
"I think we orta spit on too, Dad. Then it's even more bindin," said Alexandra, wetting her lips before drawing up some saliva form the well under her tongue.
Adam quickly put his hand on her mouth, "NO spiting!" he warned.
"Okklegg!" mumbled Alexandra behind Adams fingers.
Both Father and child watched a dribble of spittle trickled down Adams fingers. He quickly removed his hand and wiped them on his pants.
"Sorry Dad, I done already collected some spit from under my tongue. Anyways, it's bindin' jist the same."
"Alexandra! Talk! Now! With your hands, anything..."
"Dad, I talk with my voice. I jist need ma hands ta capitulate..."
"No! I give up; I surrender! You need to explain or I'm going to stipulate a very necessary discussion just out of pure frustration!" said an exhausted Adam.
Alexandra's eyes went wide. "Who Sir, with me Sir?
Adam just pursed his lips and cocked one eyebrow.
"That's a; Yes Sir, You Sir look, dad; I got it." Alex then took a huge breath, and held her hands out and started to elaborate. "Well Dad, I think Jeffery's kinda feelin' real sorry for causing so much trouble. He thinks cause I got spanked it's only fair that he gets spanked, but he hasn't got a Pa. I told him that he probably would feel a whole lot better, if he got some consequencials, because I know after you done spanked me; ta remind me of what I done wrong, and reminded me that it's your job ta make sure I get things right, and grow up ta be a good person, and that even though you don't like ta spank me and make me cry and all, ya want me ta remember. And then after yer through spanking me and I'm done through cryin' and trying ta rub the sting out; after that, ya tell me how much ya love me and that ya think I'm a real good person, and that I'm all forgiven, and I get a clean slate, an all. I told him how that makes me feel real good, especially coming from a Pa, but Jeffery ain't got a Pa , so I told him I would lend him mine; I mean you, Dad, and that you can give him a good spanking. Though I don't reckon there's anything good about a spanking. It's like one of them foxy moron things like fast asleep and awfully good. I suppose iffin it did help ya remember it would be good, ceptin I only seem ta remember when I'm getting my butt busted. Corse sometimes it's not meant ta be a reminder; it's just a plain old consequential for yer actions. And, that's definitely not a good spanking. Really the only time it is kinda good is after when it's over, like I said afore, cause yer dad says that he loves jist the same as he always did and that ya start a fresh. I guess that's what Jeffery really wants. I said that my Daddy would spank him, so that he would feel like he had a new slate and not feel guilty about hurting his ma, or not stopping his little brother from following his Pa and fallin' in the crik. So dad, maybe iffin you got some spare time on ya hands this morning, ya could stipulate a necessary talk with Jeffery. I figure it might make both of ya feel good," she said finally and put her hands to rest on her hips.
"Sorry," shrugged Adam, looking at Parker's amazed expression. "Sometimes I've just got to let her think it all out loud."
Parker Winston moved towards Alexandra. "My boy said that... he said it was his fault his brother died?" he asked.
Alexandra shied away and climbed up on to Adam's lap. "He's your boy? You're his daddy?" asked Alex.
"Yes I am, I won't hurt you. Did Jeffery say I hurt him, because I never..."
"No sir, its jist that ya are kind of big. But, Jeffery said you jist went away, cause you couldn't stand being around them, cause of Johnny and him being so much alike ceptin' he's not Johnny. He's kinda sacred of ya, even though you done never spanked him. He's scared that you don't like him cause he ain't Johnny and that ya had ta burn everything and that ya don't laugh no more. Johnny used ta make ya laugh, but he don't know how ta make ya laugh."
Parker bent down to Alexandra eye level. "Seems I need to talk to my boy. I love him very much you know, Alexandra and I would never hurt him."
"But, ya did already...Sir. Ya paid him no mind, give him just worries. And his momma just give him anything he wanted, let him be nasty. He's got no friends and won't have any iffin he keeps actin' like that. Iffin ya had a spanked him when he was naughty, and tickled him when he was good, he'd know ya cared, he'd know ya forgive him. That's what my Dad does."
"I have nothing to forgive him for, he's done nothing wrong."
"Well my, ars..OUCH!.. Dad!" scowled Alexandra when Adam slapped her thigh before she could finish her expletive.
"Ahh... my bottom begs ta differ. He done sticked me with a pin, then we got inta a fight and I got spanked and he jist had ta stand in the corner."
"Well I'll talk to him about that too. Thank you, Alexandra," said Parker and smiled before giving her a peck on her cheek.
Jeffery had stood listening at the door as was just about to come out, but hesitated when he heard the Leeder's enter the room.
"Sorry folks, guess I slept in a might..." said Michael before stopping in his tracks at the sight of a stranger."Mr Cartwright, you alright? Who's this fella?" he added, holding Nola back behind him.
"I'm fine Michael. I fixed your pump and found Mr Winston here. He's Eve's husband. He's come to take them home," smiled Adam, attempting to diffuse the station managers worry.
"Well, you can't!" said Nola, pushing around her husband. "She's in no condition to travel, besides she..."
"Nola!" warned Michael. "Why don't you go see how Mrs Winston is faring and then get breakfast started. These folks will need food before anyone goes travelling anywhere."
"But Michael..."
"Nola Jane Leeder, I'll not ask again, you..."
Nola jumped, "I'm going, I'm going," she nervously spouted, then disappeared into the bedroom.
"I'm coming in too," said Parker, and so followed Nola.
"I thought Nola's middle name was Maree, " whispered Adam.
"Nola ain't got a middle name, I jist make one up on the spur of the moment, so she knows I mean business," quietly snickered Michael.
Before Nola had a chance to close the door, Eve had jumped up at the sight of her husband as he entered. .
"Parker, what are you doing here?"
"I've come to take you home, Evie, you and Jeffery."
"No Parker, you aren't. I'll die out here, Jeffery will die, and we're not going back. I'm going to fathers."
"Not with Jeffery you aren't," snapped Parker. He then softened some, remembering Adam's words. "He's my son, too, Evie."
"Please Parker. I'll hire a good nanny in San Francisco; someone who can look after Jeffery properly."
"Are you saying, I can't look after him?"
"No I'm saying... I'm saying... I can't..." Evie tried to get out of bed, but Nola laid a gentle hand on the women.
"Mrs Winston, don't go standing on that leg until I seen if the poultice worked."
"Evie do as she says," said Parker.
"Please no... I'm not a good mother. The best mother, I can be right now is to get him to place where he can grow up safely... and..." Evie couldn't go on, she burst into tears. Parker rushed to her side.
"Oh Evie no...no..."
Parkers words were cut off, as Nola quietly left the room and closed the door so Eve and Parker could have some privacy.
"Come on Alexandra you need to wash up for breakfast," said Adam.
"But, what about Jeffery and his Dad?"
"We'll let them sort it out on their own. We don't need to be eavesdropping, little miss, get going," said Adam as he stood her up and pushed her along with a slight swat to her backside, then he followed her into the bunk room.
Once in there, both Adam and Alexandra noticed the open window and no sign of Jeffery.
"Guess we weren't the only ones eavesdroppin', Dad. Jeffery's done run away," exclaimed Alex.
"Damn Kid!" huffed Adam, as he stormed off to get Parker.
"Who Sir, me Sir?" asked Alex.
"No Jeffery!"
Alexandra followed."Good, but gosh almighty Dad, you done cussed. How come you are allowed ta cuss and I'm not?" she complained.
~oOo~
While Adam and Parker took off to find Jeffery. Michael and Old Henry got the stage ready. It needed to leave within the hour, having passengers to pick-up in Placerville heading for Sacramento. If they hadn't found Jeffery by then, the stage would still have to leave, though Michael was confident; the boy really couldn't have got that far. Alexandra was told to stay put and wait for Adam to return, so the child made herself busy, packing so she would be ready to leave as soon as they got back.
Nola tended to Eve. The woman was in a fit of panic. "I want to go and help," cried Eve.
"Not in your condition. Adam and your husband will work faster on their own. Your little boy couldn't have gone far. Now let's see to this leg," said Nola, firmly but with a maternal gentleness.
Nola gently removed the bandage holding the poultice in place. It had worked well. Eve's small wound was clean and no longer red and swollen. There at the centre of the small purplish hole was the broken tip of the needle; no more than a fraction of an inch poking out. "Hold on," said Nola, "keep still. The needle has worked its way to the opening, it wants out."
"So do I," scoffed Evie.
Nola smiled, talking softly as she pressed on either side of the wounds opening. "The body's a funny thing sometimes. It's natural for it ta not like foreign things in there. Its holds onto to what we need; what's supposed ta be there and tries ta get rid of the rest." Just the then the rest of the needle popped out and Nola grabbed it with a small pair of tweezers, lying next to the fresh bandages she'd bought with her. "And, et voila!" she said grinning holding the offending item up. "Such a little thing ta cause such a lot of pain."
Evie felt immediate relief. "That's amazing Mrs. Leeder," she said."That poultice you made is remarkable, you should bottle it, you'd make a fortune."
"Please call me Nola. It's not just the poultice. You have a healthy body Evie, especially in your condition." Nola picked up the fresh cotton bandages laden with a soothing cream and started re-wrapping Eve's leg. "Babies growing inside their mommas want them all to their selves. In some cases they make your body fight all kinds of nasties. When are you gonna tell your husband. I'd say you are about what three months," smiled the woman as she tied the edges of the cotton strips gently.
Eve snapped her head up, surprised. "How could you...you sure are a wise woman, Nola."
"Yup. So you gonna tell him?" she asked. Nola so wanted to put her two pennies worth in, but Michael would be annoyed if she thought she was interfering too much. So Nola was happy to just plant a few questions.
"I wasn't..." stuttered Eve, somewhat embarrassed. "It shouldn't have happened... a moment of weakness. I'm not a good mother, well, not cut out to raise babies on the frontier. I don't know anything."
"We all know nothing, until we know something, by doing; getting it right, getting it wrong, but we all learn. It's harder out here, I agree, but making babies with the man you love isn't a moment of weakness darlin'."
"How do you know I love him, besides he may not love me."
"I saw him running to your side, that's how. He was angry one minute, then buckled at the knees when he seen you cryin' like that; blaming yourself. You gotta get that notion out of your head girl, cause that's the only thing holdin' ya back from being the woman, the person the wife and the momma you are. Ya scarin' yer own self into it."
"That's easy to do when you alone, when you haven't anyone to talk to. I tried so hard to help Johnny, but it didn't work. I couldn't talk for so long after, I just cried... I was broken. Then Parker and I were past talking; past remembering the hurt too. Three months ago, well I thought I should try, you know. It wasn't just my wifely duty, I wanted my husband back. Parker is big and strong and brave. He could fight a grizzly with his bare hands, but he is also a very gentle man. A very romantic man. I thought we could go back to a moment before the hurt, and then perhaps move on from there. But, the next day, he was quiet again. I couldn't work out what he was thinking. He went back to his trapping. He'd already filled his quota for the season. He didn't need to go. I don't understand why, but I thought it was because he couldn't forget; that we couldn't go back and he didn't want to go forward. To be honest I wondered if I could either.
After Johnny died, I doted on Jeffery, making sure he was clean, educated, and had anything his heart desired. I sensed Parker didn't like it, but neither he nor I had the heart to change it, or even discipline him. I know I've spoilt him over the last four years. I wish I had spoilt Johnny. Kept him with me; indoors, kept him safe from the wilderness. If only..."
"The 'if onlys' will get ta ya every time," said Nola, nodding in understanding.
"I knew I was carrying a child within a week. I was hurting in places and you know, going to the necessary all the time. When I missed my ... time for the second month in a row, I knew it for sure. That's when I made plans. I couldn't stay there and have another baby. What if I couldn't look after it like I should have with the twins? What if Parker didn't want another child? He hardly looked at Jeffery. I decided to go back home. Father is a widower with a large house. He'd be happy to have me home again. I could get a nanny, someone who knows about babies and children and could teach them and keep them safe. Jeffery would go to the best schools. I really thought it would be best for everyone."
"Best for Parker?" asked Nola.
"Yes I think so. He could trap for as long as he liked without having worrying about us. He could visit, of course, but, now..."
"You're not sure."
Eve nodded as the tears started to stream down her face again. Nola leaned across and pulled the young woman into a warm embrace. She sat there caressing Eve's back as she sobbed her heart out.
"Shhh now, get it out and be done with it. Your baby needs laughter and song as well as rest and healthy vittles," crooned Nola as Eve's tears started to subside. "I'm going in there ta make the biggest breakfast this station house has ever seen. The men and Jeffery will be back in no time needing to eat. And you're gonna eat double helpings of everything," ordered Nola.
"You think they have found Jeffery, yet?"
"Trust ya man, Eve. He's come all this way. I don't think he'll let you down again."
"Nola? Do you think I could get up? I'd like to freshen up a bit. I must look dreadful. Parker doesn't need to see me like this."
"Parker needs to see you exactly like that. Bout time you two stop putting on masks, besides you look beautiful. Now stay put," said Nola as she left the room.
Nola had no sooner closed the door when she jumped in fright. Michael stood there at the door frame, his arms folded across his chest. "Nola Penelope Leeder, I hope you haven't been putting ideas in that young gals head. Her husband's here ta set things right, you leave it to them."
Nola scowled and placed her hands on her hips. "Michael Harold Leeder, I haven't put any ideas into Eve's head, but I got one ta put inta yours. Now stop with all the squinty warning eye stares at me and come and help me in the kitchen while I tell ya." With that Nola marched right past Michael, into the kitchen, her head held high and joy in her heart. Her idea jist might be a blessing for everyone.
Michael shook his head, "Harold... all you got is Harold. Penelope is such a nice name," he pretended to grumble.
Alexandra had been sitting at the table. She giggled when she heard Nola give Michael a piece of her mind. She chased the kind women into the kitchen. "Can I help, Mrs. Leeder?" she asked.
"Why of course. What a little darlin' yer are. How are ya at collecting eggs?"
"Real good Mrs Leeder. I have ma own chicken at home. She's called Jasper. She's all red and orange. My uncle Hoss reckons she looks like a call girl in a saloon, but she's more like them fancy chorus girls ya see in Paris France. She has a lot more class. Uncle little Joe laughed when I done told Uncle Hoss that. He reckons Jaspers proof that the chicken came afore the egg, cause no egg could looked as pretty as my Jasper. And when Jasper were an egg, she never got eaten, cause she was an egg with a baby chicken in it, so the chicken came first even though it was in an egg. Different eggs coulda come first afore the chicken eggs, but eaten' eggs laid by chickens come after the chicken right! Anyway daddy done settle the argument. He reckon neither one come first. He said the Rooster came first. Then Uncle little Joe starts giggling. His giggling is infectious, so Uncle Hoss starts chuckling; really belly laughin' he does, then Dad, starts snickering and closing his eyes with his hands over his face trying not to laugh real loud so bad, that his eyes starts ta water, like he's crying. I don't know why theys was acting that way, but I done laughed right alonged with them."
Nola tittered at Alexandra's story and the child's naivety. Michael coughed to catch Alexandra's attention and hopefully subdue his wife laughter.
"We gonna get this talk started taday, Nola, looks like this kids on ta somethin," laughed Michael.
"The chicken coops out the back Alexandra, why don't you ask them which came first," suggested Nola.
"Oh, good Idea... Buk, buk,bukbuk buk..." sang Alexandra as she headed out the back door.
"Okay my little chickadee, your turn," laughed Michael.
"Well, I was thinking..."
~oOo~
It hadn't taken Adam or Parker long to pick up Jeffery's trail. Parker was used to tracking animals, and one small boy, dressed in only a pair of boots and his night shirt, who had no idea where he was going was so very easy. They spotted his small form sitting on a log not far from the banks of the lake. He was mumbling to himself and scrubbed at what they assumed were tears prickling his cheeks. Parker wanted to rush to him, scared of the lake and his child's inexperience, but Adam stopped him, and motioned him to get closer before startling him. So, that's what they did; they rounded a set of lush green bushes and quietly came up behind Jeffery.
Jeffery really hadn't been thinking when he'd decided to jump out the window. He'd heard his father and mother talking about him; about his father taking him away from his mother. His mother wasn't going to let that happen, but she would be handing his care over to someone else, or even sending him away to school.
While the idea of living in a big bustling city was attractive, especially because he wouldn't be as lonely, the thought of not being with his mother was daunting. Just as daunting was the idea that he would be taken back by his father to live at the foothills of the mountain. Spending time with his father was something that he had wanted to do, but he also realised that he was perhaps not as adventurous as his brother Johnny. Well that's what his mother kept telling him anyway. Would his father be disappointed in him for not being as good as Johnny?
Fact was, Jeffery was lonely and confused most of the time. Jeffery couldn't figure out exactly what he felt or what he even wanted. He'd liked being spoilt and pampered by his mother, and deep down he knew she loved him. His momma spent most of her time making sure they were clean, well dressed and well spoken. The only thing Jeffery was really sure about was that he loved his momma and papa and he didn't want Johnny to be dead.
Over the last four years he had not forgotten his brother. He always remembered what he looked like and if he forgot he would simply borrow his mother's looking glass and sneak into the narrow pantry beside the kitchen and talk to Johnny. He knew it wasn't really Johnny he was talking too, for Jeffery didn't have the same cheeky grin or the same twinkle in their same brown eyes. But, he never stopped looking for it just the same. He'd often wondered if they had all made a mistake, that maybe he was Johnny and it was sissy pants Jeffery that had died. He wondered if his parents would have felt better if it had been him instead, he wondered if he would have. Somehow he really didn't think so, but when he was confused about being confused the only way he could stop it was to talk to Johnny.
Jeffery looked to the lake, "Maybe I'll see him there?" he mumbled. But, he was afraid; afraid of the water. So for once he spoke to the sky.
"Johnny, you listening? I can't see your face." Jeffery scrubbed at the tears, then sighed."It isn't going to work. I didn't mean to run away. I just don't want to go back or go forward. Hopefully the stage will leave without me and then I can go back and just think for a while. Mrs Leeder might even let me borrow her looking glass and I can see you. Can you see me Johnny?" he asked searching the morning sky.
When no sign came, Jeffery dropped his head, and used the toe of his boot to draw circles in the damp earth. "I don't think mother or Papa will leave without me, though, so that might not happen. Mother and Papa miss you but they don't like to remember you, not to each other or to me."
It was now Parkers turn to drop his head. He'd gone from worry, to guilt and then shame all in a matter of seconds. Adam didn't have to see the man's face to understand what he was suddenly thinking. Parker's subtle movement of his body, his head lowering, his shoulders slumping and the concave of his stomach which almost doubled the man over was indication enough for Adam that this big man was close to breaking.
Adam gentle laid a hand on his shoulder, "Go to him," he whispered.
Jeffery sensed the movement and heard the softly spoken words. "Yes go to him," he panicked and suddenly took off running as fast as his loose boots could carry him towards the lake.
Adam and Parker jumped at the same time, through the thick bush, tangling themselves for what seemed an eternity. Panic mixed with adrenaline and anger made it all seem so much longer and desperate, but it wasn't, and without even realising it they had arrived at the lake to find Jeffery knee deep in the water close to the muddy bank, slapping the water at his own reflection.
"This is all your fault, Johnny. Papa should have busted your tail for following him all the time. Should have kicked your arse! Arse; that's a new word I learned from Alexandra. It's the same as ass except ruder. You're an ass Johnny, Papa's an ass, and even I'm a little ass. You should have done what Papa told you... No...No... you shouldn't have died. You weren't supposed to, why did you leave us?"
Adam stopped short of the lake and let Parker wade in. Without a word Parker grabbed his son's small arms from behind and turned him slowly around to face him. Jeffery just looked up into his father's face.
"Papa!"
Parker lowered himself into the water, never letting go of Jeffery's hands or taking his own teary eyes from his boys. Once there, kneeling in front of him, he turned Jeffery's hands over and laid his palms flat on the water between their bellies. With his own large hands on top, Parker softly moved his hands, waving the water apart like he was wiping the dust from a well worn mirror. When the water stopped its quivering, and the deep 'Marie Louise' blue of the lakes surface was still, Parker looked ta the reflection and smiled. Jeffery followed his gaze, and couldn't help but allow an identical smile appear on his own face. Both sets of eyes in the waters reflection no longer had the tears that in reality still trickled down each of their cheeks. Instead their wetness was absorbed in the glistening water and the warmth of the smiles.
"See that... it's Jeffery. Jeffery that's you", said Parker, so quietly it sounded like a heavenly secret. "You know how I can tell. See that little sparkle in you left eye, see..."
"It's Johnny; its Johnny's sparkle," exclaimed Jeffery, awed and glad he finally discovered his brother in his reflection.
"No, this is Jeffery's sparkle. Johnny's sparkle was very different. This one's all yours. See it's sort of like mine. See that little speck of green, here," said Parker pointing to Jeffery's reflection of his eye.
Jeffery looked closer to the water, dipping his nose into the middle of the images. He threw his head up, dismayed that he had disrupted the image.
Parker laughed, "Don't worry it will be back. Here look into my left eye Jeffery, see, we have the same colour and the same little speck. Your grandma Winston use to tell me that when I was tryin' ta tell a fib or a tall tale it used to catch the light a certain way. It would sparkle. She'd laugh and forget all about what I'd done that was naughty. Well for a while anyway," he winked.
"It's my sparkle?" asked Jeffery.
"Yep this one's yours and this one's mine and Johnny, well he had one too. In the other eye, though, but he didn't have that little green speckle, Jeffery. Only you and I have that."
"My very own, sparkle!" Jeffery liked the idea.
"Yes son."
Jeffery took a breath. All of a sudden he felt very selfish for wanting his own sparkle. And he did so want it and he wanted to keep it and feel special, like his mother wanted him to feel. She gave him everything he wanted; let him do anything that he wanted to do or behave just as he pleased. Jeffery thought that's how it was supposed to be. He had learnt only to be selfish. Was this the same? It must be because it had made him feel so happy to have his own sparkle, not Johnny's. Tears started to well in his eyes once again. "I'm sorry Papa. I'm sorry that Johnny died, and that you had to be so sad for so long. We won't see his sparkle ever again. I should have stopped him, like before when he'd..."
"Stop. You are not to blame for Johnny's death. None of us are. Yes, we all could have done things differently. If he hadn't got sick he wouldn't have died, but it happened that way and nobody's to blame. I'm sorry that it happened. I'm even more sorry now that we didn't talk more about it and we were so sad all the time; that you felt so bad. It's true, we won't see his sparkle anymore and that can be heartbreakin', but we can remember it; because it means he was here. He was part of us all; me, your mother and you. And you were part of each other. But you have your own sparkle Jeffery and we have ours. I want to fix that Jeffery. I want us to be all together. Do you think you could hear me out?" asked Parker.
Jeffery nodded. "I don't know about momma, though."
Momma? thought Parker, it had been a long time since he had heard Jeffery call Eve that. "Maybe we could all talk together. Mrs Leeder says she can't travel today. Maybe a day is all we need to start again."
"Guess we can try, Papa; Give her the old Winston Sparkle," giggled Jeffery. He then started to shiver, but continued to smile anyway.
"Come on, you're freezing, let's get going. Mr Cartwright will be thinking we're all gone crazy staying out here splashing in the cold lake at this hour of the morning."
Adam Cartwright thought no such thing. He'd waited until Parker was in the lake and had a good hold of Jeffery, then silently and quietly slipped away, leaving father and son to their private moment.
"Oh and one more thing Jeffery Dwight Winston", said Parker as they dragged themselves out of the water and started the walk back. "You ever go running off by yourself, or run and jump into a lake without a grown up there before you have learnt to swim, or poke little girls in the bottom with needles, let alone fight and hit a girl, you will find yourself over my knee getting your backside paddled till yer teeth rattle," he warned trying not to smile at Jeffery's sudden wide eyes.
Jeffery was indeed shocked. His papa had never threatened him with a physical punishment, but...he kinda liked it. "Who Sir me Sir?"
Parker nodded his head. "Yes sir, You sir. In actual fact," said Parker, "I think there orta be a consequence just the same. Just like there was for Alexandra," with that Parker picked up Jeffery and threw him over his shoulder, then lightly paddled his backside as he trotted back towards the station.
Jeffery yelped and giggled as he bounced on his father's shoulders, high above the ground and held tight by just one big hand, feeling very safe and not confused at all.
~oOo~
Old Henry had the team ready and waiting within the hour. They all had a hearty breakfast and enjoyed the good company. Jeffery had eaten with them and Parker joined them a little later, after he had sat with Eve while she ate. He came from the room, smiling like a Cheshire cat, and announced that he was going to be a father again. Eve and he still had a few things to sort out, which included being on the same page with regards to raising Jeffery. But, the mood was generally positive and even more so when Michael offered Parker employment.
The Overland Company was looking at restructuring their stage coach routes. Emerald Bay would be definitely staying for the time being, but with the rumours of a transcontinental railway being planned, some of the Overland way stations would be amalgamated. Mr Holladay was especially interested in Emerald Bay saying it was one of the prettiest of his stage lines routes. The Overland Company was considering expanding using the Steamers and Paddleweelers to cross the great lakes during the summer months. This of course would be perfect for Parker. He could spend the Fall and early Winter trapping and the Summer helping Michael with the station work.
The Leeder's had a small house available; one they had built for their son, who had since moved away with his young family. Parker and Eve would move into it, make repairs and plan on enlarging the house to make room for their growing family. Nola was particularly excited and couldn't wait to tell Eve. She was sure the young woman would love the support and Nola was itching' to give it. The cabin was just half a mile from the station and would be close enough for when the baby came.
Emerald Bay didn't boast a large of population, but the few people there would be good neighbours. They all met once a week for a small church service and picnic. Hopefully, there may even be a school some day. Meanwhile Nola had all that was needed to home school Jeffery until he was old enough to go to the school between Emerald Bay and. Meeks Bay.
"All aboard!" yelled Old Henry.
Nola, Jeffery and Parker all said their goodbyes to Adam and Alexandra as Michel loaded up the last of the luggage and stocks to be delivered to Placerville.
"You take care, Adam. And Alexandra mind yer Pa. Here's some sandwiches and a couple of slices of my special corn and apple cake should keep you going until lunch, and the next station," offered Nola with a heart warming smile and buxom hug.
"Thank you, Nola. We don't have too many stopovers between here and Placerville, so it may have to do until supper, too."
Parker stepped up and shook Adam's hand. "Thanks for all your help, Adam, sorry if I startled you out there this morning."
Adam put up his hand. "I am glad your journey had a happy ending, Parker."
"Thanks to you. I would like to ask another favour of you Adam."
"Sure."
"Could you send this wire off for me? It's to Eve's father. He's expecting them the day after next. Eve and I will pen him a letter later, but it won't get there in time. Could you send it off for me when you get to Placerville?"
"Not a problem," said Adam as he took the note.
"He's a judge Adam. I'll include an introduction in my letter, if you like. The Hon. V. Carey of San Francisco. He may be able to help or at least offer you some advice with your case."
"Thank you Parker. Any help will be greatly appreciated."
Parker nodded, and then pulled Jeffery to stand in front him. He squeezed the boy's shoulders. "Jeffery say thank you and goodbye to the Cartwrights."
"Thank you, Mr Cartwright have a safe journey. Bye Alexandra," bubbled Jeffery.
"Bye Jeffery, I gotta say the trips gonna be a mite borin' now that you aren't comin'."
"Maybe you can do some bird watching," he chuckled."Hey, I might even see you on the way back."
"Yeah maybe!" smiled Alex.
"Well bye. Hey I like your boots."
"Alexandra why are you wearing your riding boots?" asked Adam, slightly annoyed.
"Cause theys more comfortable, Dad, and look I don't need to wear no stuffy tights," said Alexandra pulling up her skirts. "Sides, my shoes are still a bit wet from yesterday."
"Oh...Hmmm, hopefully they'll be dry by the time we reach Placerville."
"Probably Dad."
"Papa can I have some boots like Alexandra?" asked Jeffery.
"Yes I suppose so. They'd be more sensible than the ones your mother got you to travel in."
"Momma ordered them by post, Papa. When can I get the boots?"
"When I can get into Placerville, I guess. You might have to wait. I can bring some of your everyday clothes from the old cabin down. I'll be going up there with a couple of mules tomorrow to get some of our things for the new house."
"But, I want cowboy boots jist like Alexandra. She's a girl and I'm a boy I should have cowboy boots," complained Jeffery, his old habits starting to resurface.
Parker frowned. "And you will Jeffery, but not today, not until..."
"But papa, I need them; I want them. I'm going into ask momma she will..."
"Jeffery Dwight Winston, turn around and get back here," called Parker.
"But Papa, I..."
Parker didn't raise his voice, just glared at his youngster and called him over, "Here, now," he said firmly.
Jeffery mouth dropped open and he shuffled within arm's reach of his father.
Parker put his hand on the boys shoulder, turned him around and applied three sharp swats to the seat of his velvet trousers, then turned Jeffery around to face him. "I said you will wait. You will not disturb your mother, she needs her rest, and from now on you will not ask her for something after I have said no to. You will not play us against each other to get what you want. Your mother and I are in this together now, young man. So..." he sighed, "You need to change your ways. And those swats Jeffery are a reminder of what will happen if you choose not to. Do you understand?"
Jeffery rubbed at his backside, screwing up his face as he tried to pull the heavy material away from his rear end.
"Jeffery do you understand? Answer me please."
"Yes, Sir."
"Good."
Alexandra started to giggle so Adam quickly picked her up under one arm and threw her up into the carriage. "Say goodbye, Alexandra," he ordered with a smirk on his face, as he climbed aboard.
"Bye Alexandra," she yelled out the window as Old Henry slapped the reins.
Alex continued to wave, until the coach had gone around the bend and the station and its occupants were no longer in sight.
"That Jeffery, he don't know what he's got himself into," she chuckled as she sat down on the seat opposite her father.
"I'm sure he does. I think he will be a much happier little boy, now, even though he still has a lot to learn. And laughing at him wasn't very nice, Alexandra."
"I wasn't laughing at him, Dad."
"You were," said Adam narrowing his eyes.
"Who, sir me sir?"
"Yes!" Adam laughed.
"I was laughin WITH him Dad, cause its jist like you said he's gonna ne a lot a happier, even though he's an such a greenhorn kid. He was smiling as wide as a canyon when he come back from the lake. He done told me his Papa threatened ta tan the living daylights outta him iffin he was every again rude or poked anyone with a needle or got himself in a fight with a girl. He was happy that his pa said that!" Alexandra exclaimed.
"Well, Alexandra you told him that that's what good father does. You told him that it meant that you were forgiven. Didn't you mean it?"
"Yup, that part, but he's jist so flammable."
"You mean gullible...Why, because he believed every word you said... that's not very nice."
"No Dad, I mean flammable cause he backside is gonna be on fire from now until Christmas with the amount of stuff he needs ta learn, and I'm guessing' he ain't going ta be happy about it all the time. Not the stinging part anyway."
TBC Chapter 11; Diminished Responsibility. The continuation of Katherine's trial.
A.N. Thank you to Lajoci for getting this beated so fast. I know it's an interruption to Katherine's story, but the journeys past and present are experiences for both Adam and Alexandra. Of course as usual, the characters in this part of their journey just seem to take on a life of their own. Sorry if it was too long winded. Those of you wanting the scene where Adam finally finds out who Alex is, may be disappointed; that flashback won't come for a while and it will be Alex telling the tale, so expect a melodramatic account. A very special thank you for those who left reviews; its good nourishment for the muse.