Adam was putting the last of his clothing into his bags. There was no wishing it away, today he was leaving for San Francisco. Cecille woke the children earlier than usual for their departure into town to see Adam on the train.
Elizabeth whimpered. "Papa going bye-bye."
"Yes, sweetheart but we will see him again very soon. One week. That is all this time." Cecille hugged Elizabeth trying her best to console her.
Adam stayed focused on his packing, hoping to avoid a lot of tears with the children.
Benji rose and stood stiffly beside his father. "Papa, I want to go with you."
"Son, I wish that you could, but there are too many things that I must do before you, Elizabeth and your Mama come to San Francisco. Mama will have packing to do over the next week, and she will need both of you to be good helpers, understand?" Adam placed his hands on his son's shoulders.
Benji did not want to disappoint his father, but it was almost more than he could bear. He stood with his head down, tears running down his cheeks.
Adam whispered into Benji's ear. "Now, let's not have your sister see you crying like this."
Benji quickly ran the sleeve of his night-shirt across his face and went to find his clothes. Cecille looked at Adam with tears in her eyes, then raised her head to the ceiling hoping to blink them away without the children noticing. She had been dealing with things reasonably well until Elizabeth and Benji had expressed their disappointment.
At breakfast, Benji and Elizabeth sat staring at their plates. The combination of rising early and suppressing their tears was stealing their appetites. Knowing that it would be a long day of travel, Adam forced himself to eat more than he felt the need to do. The situation with Hoss and Gabrielle was weighing heavy on Cecille, and he wished there had been sufficient time to discuss things with her, but he did not have the emotional energy to deal with anything else at the moment.
Later, Ben drove the surrey for Adam and his family into Virginia City. His son had requested no entourage, so Ben rode alone in the front seat with Adam, Cecille, and the children in the back. He allowed them their privacy, replaying in his mind Adam's announcement at breakfast. Though not entirely a surprise to he and Kate, they had not anticipated Cecille and the children leaving so soon. Still it was his mention of Gabrielle accompanying them that turned Hoss' surprised expression to one of solemnity. Ben would have liked to have seen Gabrielle's face as well, but she had chosen to stay in her room and not be a burden to anyone so early in the morning. In the back of his mind, Ben wondered if Cecille had pressed Adam to join him more quickly in San Francisco because of Gabrielle and what appeared to be her growing relationship with Hoss. Ben understood Cecille's reservations when it came to Gabrielle and Hoss; he had them too, but his heart ached for Hoss.
"Goodbye, son. Kate and I are looking forward to visiting you once you are settled in San Francisco. May you have good luck in finding a home. Take care." Ben grasped Adam's hand with a firm handshake.
Adam gave his father a clap on his upper arm. "Thanks, Pa. We will be happy to entertain you in Frisco in a month or so."
Ben stepped away to let Adam say his goodbyes in private. Adam kissed his daughter and then took Benji by the shoulders.
"Only seven days from today, son, and you, Mama, Elizabeth, and Aunt Gabbie will travel to San Francisco. I know you can count off the days easily, so let's not be sad." Adam tried to encourage Benji.
Benji blinked back his tears and nodded. "Seven days." The boy held up one hand and two fingers while trying to force a smile through his tears.
"That's right, son." Adam smiled and gave Benji a hug. "Ceci, it will not be long now. I hope all goes well this week, and I will be anxiously awaiting your arrival next Saturday in Frisco. I love you." Then he gave her a gentle kiss.
"I hope the week goes quickly. Goodbye, Adam. I love you, too." Cecille smiled weakly.
The conductor gave the last call as Adam stepped quickly into the train. He turned to wave one last time and disappeared.
Cecille took the children by the hand and moved toward Ben, but then she suddenly glanced at tall, gray-haired gentleman who was creating a disturbance near the depot exit. He had a carefully trimmed mustache and was wearing a finely tailored suit and top hat.
"Daddy?" Cecille spoke quietly, thinking that her eyes must be deceiving her.
"What did you say, Cecille?" Ben was certain he had not heard her correctly.
Cecille handed Benji and Elizabeth off to her father-in-law. "Uh...Ben...would you please keep Benji and Elizabeth here for a few moments."
"Uh...certainly Cecille."
She did not wait for his reply leaving Ben standing on the platform with Benji and Elizabeth. He watched in confusion while his daughter-in-law walked up to the tall man.
"Mama!" Elizabeth called.
Ben knelt and pulled his grandchildren close.
Benji looked surprised but commented without emotion. "Grandfather Armand."
"Really? Isn't that wonderful that your other grandfather has come all the way from Boston to see you?" Ben exclaimed.
Benji shook his head.
"Aren't you excited to see him?" Ben looked at his grandchildren in disbelief.
Elizabeth gave him a worried look and Benji moved in more closely to his grandfather Cartwright's leg.
Ben picked up Elizabeth and hugged her close and then gave Benji's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Daddy, what in the world are you doing in Virginia City?" Cecille was now standing directly in front of her father.
"Cecille! Well, that is a fine way to greet your father after I have ridden on a most uncomfortable train car for days."
"I am sorry Daddy. I am just so surprised to see you. You did not wire that you were coming."
Louis Armand ignored his daughter's comment. "Are you here unaccompanied? Why would Adam leave you like this?"
"You just missed him. He left for San Francisco on the train that just pulled out."
"On the last train? But you are alone?"
"The children and Adam's father are right over there." She pointed across the platform. "Come, I will introduce you."
Cecille gave Ben an awkward look. "Ben, I would like you to meet my father, Louis Armand. Daddy, this is my father-in-law, Ben Cartwright."
With Elizabeth still on his left arm, Ben extended his right hand and greeted Louis Armand with a warm smile.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Armand."
Armand said clearing his throat. "Uh...yes...good to meet you. Benjamin, Elizabeth, it is good to see you." Their grandfather barely acknowledge his grandchildren in a very business-like manner.
"What a surprise for Cecille and Gabrielle and the children that you have come to visit them in Virginia City." Ben offered cordially.
"I have not come here for a visit, but to take Gabrielle back to Boston where she belongs." Armand glanced at the surroundings. "It is very difficult for me to believe that Adam came from such humble beginnings as this. He certainly has bettered himself. Is there a decent place to stay in this dusty town?"
Cecille pleaded. "Daddy, please!"
Ben looked at his daughter-in-law, his frustration building. He thought to himself. How is it possible that Cecille turned out to be such a lovely woman with this haughty, hard nose of a father?
Cecille was quick to suggest a solution. "There is a hotel right down the street which will be more than adequate for you."
"Fine. Now if I can possibly find a porter to tend to my baggage." Armand was distracted and unhappy with his circumstances.
Ben choked back his growing frustration. "Never mind. I will see to your baggage. Cecille please show your father to the hotel. I will make sure that his baggage is delivered even if I have to do it myself."
Armand looked shocked. "You will see to my bags? Really! Adam led me to believe that you were a important man in this part of the country. If that is so, then why on earth would you be bothering with my baggage?"
Cecille gave Ben a look of helplessness. "Thank you, Ben. This way, Daddy. Come children." She took her children by the hand and urged her father toward the hotel.
Two men dressed in ranch hand attire leaned against the column outside the hotel as Cecille, her father and the children passed by. They took careful notice of Louis Armand as he entered the hotel. The men moved into the hotel lobby as Cecille and her father approached the desk.
"I would like to have your best room. Expense is not an issue." Armand demanded loudly.
Cecille whispered to him. "Daddy, please. Use some discretion. This is not Boston."
The hotel clerk looked dismayed. "I am sorry sir, but our luxury suite is occupied. You may have an elite room."
Armand scowled and began to grouse. "Cecille, is this the only hotel in this cow town?"
The hotel clerk stood a little straighter and spoke with authority. "Excuse me, sir, but we run a fine establishment here. I am sorry that our best room is not available. However, if it does open up during your stay in Virginia City, I will personally see that you get it."
Armand waved at the man dismissively. "Oh, very well. If that is the best you can do, I guess I have no other choice."
"If you would please sign the register. Here is your key for room 10, upstairs and to your right."
Armand grabbed the key from the clerk with a huff, and scrawled his name in the register.
"I hope you enjoy your stay in Virginia City, Mr. Armand." The clerk mispronounced his name to rhyme with 'hand.'
"Armand! Armand! My God, man, did you just crawl out from under a rock?"
"Daddy, please, stop! You are frightening the children!" Benji and Hannah were clinging to her skirt.
"Well they need to know my name, even if their name is Cartwright."
"My apologies, Mr. Armand. You can be certain I will not make that mistake again."
Cecille's father turned without responding and headed for the stairs.
The clerk looked at her sheepishly. "Excuse me, ma'am. Correct me if I am wrong, but you are Mrs. Adam Cartwright, aren't you?"
"Yes, my husband and I stayed here a few days ago during the bad weather. That is my father who is visiting from Boston. I am afraid you will have to excuse his poor behavior. He has had a long and tiring trip. Thank you for your help."
"You are welcome, Mrs. Cartwright. Have a nice day."
In the meantime, Ben was able to locate Armand's luggage and hire a young man to bring it to the hotel. Ben stopped at the hotel desk to inquire which room Louis Armand was in and accompanied the porter to room ten. Ben reached out to knock on the room door, then pulled back when he heard Armand speaking to Cecille.
"Cecille, I would never have allowed your sister to come all the way across the country without an escort, but she did not give me a say in the matter. However, now I intend to personally escort her back to Boston."
"Gabbie has been perfectly safe here, Daddy. The Cartwrights are wonderful hosts, and I believe she is truly enjoying her stay. However, she injured her ankle yesterday; so she will not be up to traveling for a few days. And you know very well that she will refuse to go back with you if you go about it this way. Besides I had planned for her to accompany the children and me to San Francisco next Saturday."
Not wanting to eavesdrop any longer, Ben knocked on the door.
"Yes, who is it? Louis Armand responded gruffly, pulling the door open.
Ben forced a smile and remained calm. "We have your luggage, Mr. Armand."
Armand mindlessly motioned Ben and the porter in, then Ben tipped the young man well.
"Hopefully now you can get settled in, rest a bit and get a good meal...Mr. Armand, I would like to extend an invitation to you to come out to the Ponderosa for lunch tomorrow. I am sure you are anxious to see Gabrielle. Unfortunately she is unable to come into town because of a small mishap with the children on the stairs, but she should be fine in a few days. What do you say?" He worked to muster his best smile.
Finally coming to the conclusion that all his money was not going to get him and his daughter on a train back to Boston any time soon, Armand acquiesced with a sigh. "Yes...Mr. Cartwright, I accept your invitation...thank you."
"You are quite welcome! I will send one of Adam's brothers in to pick you up about 10:00 tomorrow morning, if that is acceptable?"
"That will be fine. I will see you tomorrow."
Cecille stood holding Elizabeth in her arms and Benji by the hand.
Ben reached for Elizabeth. "Cecille, why don't I take the children to the surrey and give you a few minutes with your father."
"Thank you, Ben. I will not be long."
Ben took his grandson by the hand and leaned down to whisper in the boy's ear. Then he took Elizabeth from Cecille.
Benji looked up at his grandfather Armand. "Good day, Grandfather."
Armand's expression softened slightly. "Good day, Benjamin...and Elizabeth...Mr. Cartwright."
Ben touched the brim of his hat and left the room with the children. Cecille turned to her father trying to will away the tears that were building.
"Daddy, you have embarrassed me. You could have had the decency to let us know you were coming. Ben Cartwright is a very kind, thoughtful, and prosperous man, despite what you may think. I hope your disposition is greatly improved with some rest, otherwise I seriously doubt that Gabbie will want to see you."
"Cecille, I do not need your reprimand."
Cecille looked at her father directly in the face and stated firmly. "Daddy, I am a grown woman. I am not a little girl and neither is Gabbie. You do not seem to listen to anyone else. I do not know why I expect you to listen to me, but I must try. So, I am asking you, Daddy...tomorrow, please, be polite and treat the Cartwrights with due respect." Then she quickly left the room before her father had an opportunity to respond." She thought to herself as she exited the hotel. Oh, Adam, why did you leave today of all days.
Hoss and Mary were in the barn when the surrey pulled into the yard just before noon.
"Here let me help ya." Hoss held his hand out to Cecille to help her and the children out of the surrey.
"Hi Hoss. Hi Mary." Benji and Elizabeth called out.
"Hey there kids! Everything go alright gettin' Adam to the train?"
Ben looked at Cecille.
"Yes, Hoss, Adam is on the train to San Francisco, but we had quite a surprise. My father is in Virginia City."
Hoss looked at her with surprise. "Your Pa is in Virginia City? All the way from Boston? And ya didn't bring him to the ranch, Pa?"
"He will be coming for lunch tomorrow. With a full house here, it is best that he stays in town at the hotel." Ben was relieved that he did not need an excuse for not offering Armand a place to stay.
Hoss grinned at the children. "Well, I think it's bout time for lunch. Pa, you go on in. I'll take care of the horses."
"Thanks, Hoss. I appreciate that. It's been a rather long morning." Ben gave his son a weak smile.
Inside, Kate greeted her husband. "Ben you made it back in time for lunch. Did everything go as planned?"
Ben gave her a kiss on the cheek and sighed. "As far as Adam is concerned, yes."
"And?" Kate looked at him curiously.
Cecille jumped into the conversation. "My father arrived in Virginia City unexpectedly."
"He did? Why that's wonderful! But you didn't invite him to the ranch?" Kate looked at them with concern.
"He was very tired. Ben invited Daddy for lunch tomorrow. I believe that will be best." Cecille glanced furtively at Ben.
Kate sensed that there was more to the story, but she did not push it for the moment. "All right children, let's get your coats off and your hands washed. Lunch will be ready soon."
"Thank you, Kate." Cecille offered. "I need to speak briefly with Gabbie and then I will be back down for lunch." She climbed the stairs and knocked on Gabrielle's door. "Gabbie, may I come in?"
Gabrielle sat propped up in bed. "Sure, Cec."
"How are you feeling today?"
"Much better, thanks."
"That is good to hear...Gabbie..."
"Yes. What is it Cec? You seem troubled."
"You are not going to believe it, but Daddy is in Virginia City."
"What! You must be joking! He came all the way out here?"
"I am afraid so, and as you might expect, he is not a happy man."
"Oh, Cec, what are we going to do? I am not ready to go back to Boston." Gabrielle paused and then whispered. "Cec, what if I want to stay here?"
Cecille sat down on the edge of the bed. "I think it is a little too soon for that, don't you?"
"When did you know that Adam was the right man for you, Cec?"
"Honestly, Gabbie, I was pretty sure the night that we met, but I was so frightened that Daddy would not approve of him."
"Really?"
"Yes, really and truly. But, Gabbie, Adam is much different from Hoss...I mean...Hoss is also a wonderful man, but are you sure you could be happy here...on the ranch?"
"Oh, Cec, I know that I would have so much to learn. Believe me, I know that, but I have never known a man like Hoss, so sweet and endearing, yet so strong and masculine."
"All those things are true, still, life here would be very difficult compared to what you are accustomed to in Boston."
"It's not like the Cartwrights are destitute. They have a cook and I am sure we could hire help if necessary."
"Gabbie, that's not what I mean."
Gabrielle held up her hand to her sister, but then spoke gently. "Cec, if Hoss and I were to marry, and at this moment, that is far from certain, but if it does happen, his family is here and you will not be that far away...Cec, you know quite well that all of Daddy's money never bought what is truly important...Love, Cec, more than anything else I feel love in this home, and I hope that some day I will be a part of it."
There was nothing Cecille could say. If it was the desire of Gabrielle's heart to belong to a family that loved each other deeply, then she had no right to deny her sister that opportunity. Cecille gave Gabrielle a hug.
"Now, will you please send Hoss up here for me. I am getting hungry!" Gabrielle teased her sister with a flash of her blue eyes.
Cecille laughed. "My, aren't you the demanding one! I will send him up immediately your majesty!" Cecille gave Gabrielle a curtsy.
In a few minutes Hoss knocked on Gabrielle's door.
"Yes?"
Hoss chuckled. "Someone said you need a lift. Can I come in?"
"Yes, please do."
"How are ya doin' today?" He was unable to keep from smiling at her.
"I am doing much better, thank you, but I could still use some help with the stairs."
Hoss bowed to her. "Glad ta be of service, ma'am."
Gabrielle giggled and Hoss scooped her up in his arms. She would not have needed to, but she placed her arms around his neck. Hoss loved the feel of her in his arms and had an overwhelming urge to kiss her. "Would ya mind if I gave ya a kiss?"
She purred into his ear. "Not at all. I was hoping that you would."
Hoss gently pressed his lips to hers. Gabrielle tightened her arms around his neck as the kiss deepened. Suddenly, Hoss felt a small person yanking on his pant leg.
"Hoss! Hoss! Come on, Hoss! It's time to eat!" Mary stood staring at them with one her trademark scowls.
Gabrielle buried her face in his shoulder hoping that Mary would not see her laughing.
"Dadburn'it, Mary! What are ya doin' sneakin' up on us like that! Ya like ta scare us half ta death. Now git on downstairs!"
"Aunt Kate! Aunt Kate!" Mary took off running toward the stairs.
Redfaced, Hoss called after her. "Mary, hush now!"
"I guess we are in trouble." Gabrielle tittered.
Hoss laughed, too. "Yeah, I guess we are at that. Since we're already in for it, we might as well make it worthwhile." He grinned and gave her one more kiss.
Hoss and Gabrielle were greeted with knowing smiles and smirks when they reached the table, except for one little girl. Mary sat with her head down pouting after receiving a good scolding from her Uncle Ben.
Late that evening there was a knock at Louis Armand's hotel room. "Yes." He responded.
"Message for Mr. Armand." A male voice called from the hallway.
Armand opened the door impatiently. "What is it?"
A man with a gun hidden under a towel forcefully pushed Armand back into the room followed by a second one who closed the door quickly behind them.
The man holding the gun hissed at Armand. "One word and you're dead. Do you understand?"
Armand nodded, trembling with fear.
"Now get your boots and coat on. We'll be travelin' a ways tonight. Got that note, Tate."
"Yeah, Pierce, right here." Tate pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and tossed it on the bed.
"If ya promise ta keep your mouth shut I won't gag ya, but one peep and you're done. Got it?"
Armand nodded again, wide-eyed.
The two men led Armand out the back entrance of the hotel to a buckboard that was waiting in the alley. They bound Armand's hands and pushed him roughly into the back of the buckboard and then took off slowly out of town.