Chapter 21
The passing of a week and matters had drastically improved. Davy had become a very happy boy, having Miss Grace staying with them, with lots of reading of stories and working with Adam and learning new things all the time. Adam could see an improvement in Cathy's behaviour toward Grace and was pleased to see it.
Adam and Grace had talked long and hard over what they would do. Adam persuaded Grace to stay with them and become a tutor to Davy in preparation for his starting school the following year. Also to help Cathy with any homework she might have trouble with.
"We need to tell the family you were a teacher before you came to us. They need not know anything else."
"I need to be doing something worth while, but a job in town will now be out of the question. I will certainly like to become a tutor and helper at the Ponderosa. I can be of great help, I know it. It'll help me earn some money and I can at last begin to pay you back for the loan."
"Listen to me Grace, please. You will not be here as a servant, you are to be my wife and as such you will live here as a member of this family, and any money you require will be my privilege to provide. And as for the loan, I'll not hear another word about it. It's forgotten."
"I hear what you're saying, Adam. And I thank you. I will try and do my best. I know your father and brothers like me, and Davy, of course, and I'm beginning to make progress with Cathy. We're becoming good friends."
"That is very great news. I'm happy that love is starting to grow. She so deserves your love and it's good to know it's beginning to be returned. She is a lovely girl, all those insecurities held her back."
"We have made great strides and it brings me such joy, I can't describe.
"In that case, what do you think about announcing our forthcoming wedding? Have we decided then on February 14th?"
"I think it's very romantic to be married on Valentine's Day. Will they be pleased do you think?"
"My father will probably say 'about time'. They laughed, embraced and kissed with passion.
"How can I wait for two months?" Adam groaned.
"Well, it's the same for me. We just have to be patient."
"Oh, there's another point I want to make and that is where we'll all live."
"I thought we'd be living here." Grace said, surprised.
"No. Pa asked each of us years ago to choose a piece of land on the Ponderosa if ever we needed it and I would like to build us a home on a spot I love dearly to make our family complete. I'll take you there so you can see it for yourself and if you approve, that's where I'll build our home. And who knows, we may have to make space for more children if we're so blessed."
"It all sounds wonderful, Adam."
"There is one thing I would like to do before we announce anything and that is to speak with the children and talk to them about our decision first. I'd like to hear what they think about our plans. Hopefully they will be happy for us and then we can announce it as a family."
"I wanted to say that too. We certainly think alike, Adam. I think we should find time today. I just hope they will be as excited as we are."
"I hope so to." ….
Adam, Grace and the children were gathered together in Grace's room, Davy on Grace's lap and Cathy on Adam's.
"Children we have something to tell you," Adam began. "Grace and I would like to marry."
Davy's face lit up with a great smile. "Will you be our mother then, Miss Grace?" He asked, looking up into Grace's face.
"That is my dearest wish, Davy." She replied, kissing his cheek and ruffling his hair.
"Cathy, have you anything to say?" Adam asked.
"If it means we'll truly be a family, I'm happy for us all."
"Thank you, sweetheart." He hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear, "I love you for saying that." And then he kissed her cheek. She hugged him back and returned his kiss.
"I, too, thank you Cathy. That was a beautiful thing to say." Grace said, smiling over at Cathy.
"I want to be a family too." Davy said, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.
"Are we then all happy for Grace and I to marry?" He asked, taking in a breath and holding it.
"Yes, Pa." Davy piped up immediately.
"Yes, Pa," from Cathy, but not quite as enthusiastically as Davy.
"Very well then, Grace and I have talked of getting married on February 14th, if that's all right with you two."
Again, "Yes, Pas," were declared by the children.
"Well now, since we have all agreed on the date, I think we should announce it to everyone at supper."
"Oh yes, Pa. Won't they be surprised." Davy cried.
"You will have to keep it a secret until then, Davy. Can you do that." Grace hugged Davy close.
"Yeah, I can do it."
"It's for your father to tell the rest of the family." She said. "Understand?"
"Yes, Miss Grace."
"All right now, let's all go about our daily chores as normal, for the rest of the day," Adam said. And so they all went back to their routine. …
Later, as supper was just about finished, Adam stood and made the announcement that Grace had consented to be his wife and that the marriage will take place on February 14th. There were shouts of congratulations from everyone.
"And about time too." Adam and Grace laughed together. "This calls for a celebratory toast," Ben said, "Hop Sing," he called.
"Yes, Mr Cartlight, you want more coffee?"
"No, Hop Sing, I want you to bring out a bottle of our best wine and bring in a glass for yourself. We are about to celebrate the coming marriage of Adam and Grace."
"Yes, Mr Cartlight, right away. I pleased for you Missy Grace and Mr Adam."
"Thank you, Hop Sing." They said together. Hop Sing quickly disappeared to complete his given task. When he returned Ben started filling glasses and then he stood to make the toast.
"To Adam and Grace, may your life together be always a happy and loving one. And to you Catherine and David, may you be always happy in your new family. Please raise your glasses in congratulations to Adam and Grace and Catherine and David."
A chorus of 'to Adam and Grace and Catherine and David' sounded wonderful in Davy's mind and in Cathy's too, with just a little hesitation as Adam leaned into Grace and kissed her. Then looking across at Grace with a glint in her eye, she asked, "Can I have a sip, Pa?"
"Certainly not. You are far too young to be drinking wine. You wouldn't like it anyway."
That question and answer caused smiles and laughter around the table.
"Is it an acquired taste, Pa?" Cathy further asked. Grace almost choked on her wine.
"Are you all right?" Adam asked her as he gently patted her back.
"Fine, just fine, thank you," she replied, giving Cathy a look, daring her to not say any more.
Adam wondered where on earth Cathy had heard that phrase before, but the thought went out of his head as the family adjourned to the great room, still in a congratulatory frame of mind, with pats on the back, kisses for Grace and hugs and kisses for the children. Adam had also informed the family that Grace had been a teacher and will be helping Davy with his preparation for school next year and Cathy if she needs any help.
It was a fine evening and everyone went to bed happy. …..
The following morning at breakfast the day was treated as normal.
"Grace and I are going into town, while the weather lasts. We'll be taking Cathy to school and then we have some supplies to get in before the weather turns bad." Adam announced.
"Can I come too?" Davy asked hopefully.
"No, Davy, not today."
"But I want to go," he almost yelled.
"Davy, you speak to me in that tone again and you'll be in trouble. Understand? Adam admonished.
"Yes, Pa." Davy was now in a sulk.
"Besides, you'd miss out on Uncle Joe's surprise."
"Yeah, Davy." Joe said. "You and me are going to have a look at some horses today to see if we can build up our stock."
"Really Uncle Joe?"
"Yep."
"I'm sorry, Pa. I should've waited till you finished saying what you was saying."
"Yes, you should. Wait next time." Davy, with downcast eyes, nodded his 'yes'.
"Okay," Ben spoke to everyone, "let's get started. The day has begun and with it getting dark so early now, we need to complete our jobs by then. Grace and Adam to town, Cathy to school, Davy and Uncle Joe to see about those horses, Hoss ranch chores to complete and me, I have the books to finish. Not my favourite thing, but it has to be done."
"Why do you do it if you don't like doing it?" Davy asked.
"Because, Davy. There are many things we all dislike doing, but the jobs still have to be done. So we just
grin and bear it, meaning, we have to accept doing that something, without complaining. Understand."
"I think so." Davy replied.
Everybody rose from the table and took off in all directions. …
"When it snows," Cathy was asking on their way into town, "will I have to go to school?"
"Oh, no, sweetheart. The roads can become impassable. And we could get a snow storm anytime soon. It's lasted longer this year, without the snow coming. But your school work will not be neglected. Miss Grace will be able to help you when you have to stay home."
"Mmm." Grace and Adam glanced at each other, knowing that might be a problem to come.
They arrived at the school house and dropped Cathy off. "Be good now," Adam said, as he kissed her goodbye.
"We'll be in town all day, so we'll pick you and Alice up at lunch time and we'll enjoy a light lunch together. Okay?"
"That will be nice, Pa." Then she quickly ran towards the school house door and entered. No children were waiting outside, due to the coldness of the day.
"Do you think she suspects anything, Adam?"
"No, I don't think so. Now…" Adam drew out his wallet and handed Grace some money. "…this is for you to spend as you wish."
"Oh thank you Adam. You are so good to me. With Christmas only two weeks away, I need to get some presents for everyone. Will you help me choose what to buy?"
"Of course. Did you bring Cathy's dress?"
"Oh yes. I wish for her to be my flower girl and get her a lovely dress to wear for the occasion."
"And I will find a nice little suit for Davy. I'm sure they'll be delighted when they get them. And for you?
What are you planning?"
"Something simple. I'm not one for ostentatiousness." She answered. Adam kissed her then, knowing his choice for a wife was just perfect.
They rode on into the town and over to the mercantile.
"Morning Jake."
"Morning Adam, Grace. And what can I do for you today?"
"Well, first, we have a list of supplies to get for Hop Sing. Got to keep the stock up in readiness in case of bad weather."
"Of course, I understand."
"But we'll be back later to pick them up."
"We need to do other things first, and then we'll be back to have a look around for presents for the family." Grace told him.
"That's not a problem." Jake said with a smile. "See you later then." And with that Adam and Grace left the store.
Their first stop was the church.
"Good morning Reverend. Grace and I want to discuss our forthcoming marriage with you."
"How wonderful, many congratulations to you both." John Gardner clasped his hand with joy. "Come on in and we'll discuss the arrangements you want."
When they were all seated in the Reverend's parlour, they divulged their plans to the Reverend.
"We have set our wedding date as February 14th and wish you would call the bands in time before that." Adam said.
"No problem there. Are you thinking of marrying in the church or at home on the Ponderosa?"
"We are hoping for the church." Grace joined in.
"Excellent. I shall be looking forward to that blessed day." He rose and shook hands with them both.
The next port of call was to Mrs Clara Mitchell, the dressmaker.
"This is your domain," Adam said, "I leave it entirely in your hands. I'll just sit here and wait." Grace thanked him and squeezed his hand.
Grace produced Cathy's dress from where she had hidden it inside of her carpet bag. "I'd like you to make a flower girl's dress just an inch bigger all round than this one. And can you take the measurement now, as I need to get the dress back before being noticed it's missing?"
"A flower girl's dress. And yes I can measure it now. Who's getting married?"
"Please keep this to yourself for the time being, but Adam and I are."
"Oh my, how wonderful. I recognize you now. You're the lady that was rumored around town to have been in prison. How sorry for you, and it was all lies."
"Yes, well it's all been sorted out and best forgotten."
"Yes, of course. Now shall we look at some material? I have a nice selection just over here, if you'll follow me." Grace looked across to Adam, who was smiling at her.
"Won't be too long, Adam."
"Take as long as you need."
With decisions made for Cathy and herself, they left the dressmakers and decided that a break for a coffee would be welcome. They entered the café and saw that Mrs Fairweather was there with some companions having tea. As soon as she saw them she stood and made her way over them.
"My dear, how good to see you among us once again. I'm so sorry for being one of the ones to have spread those lies about you," Then looking at Adam she said, "your daughter was right in knowing how my ears would pick up on such news and gossip about it all over town. Well, I've learned a good lesson myself because of it and will never speak ill of anyone again. Please forgive me."
"I do forgive you, Mrs Fairweather. Please think nothing more about it. All is righted now. I hope we'll become good friends." Grace said, holding out her hand to Mrs Fairweather. They shook and smiled at one another. Mrs Fairweather returned to her friends while Adam and Grace found a seat and ordered their coffee.
"Well, that was something I thought I would never witness," Adam said in lowered tones, "wonders will never cease." He started to chuckle.
"Be quiet," Grace scolded, "she'll hear you. I don't want to lose her friendship so soon."
"You were just wonderful in the way you handled her. I'm mighty proud of you."
"Thanks. Now let's just enjoy our coffee and relax in readiness for our lunch date."
"Right." Adam smiled at Grace, loving to look in her eyes and feel the love coming from them. He was indeed the luckiest of men. ….
Lunch at the café was a cheery affair. Alice were animated in her talk of a school concert.
"We are going to tell the story of Jesus' birth and sing carols," Alice said, and Cathy has been asked to take part, and me as well."
"Oh what part is it Cathy?" Grace asked, anxious to hear what she would be doing.
"The Angel Gabriel," she said without any enthusiasm.
"That's just great." Adam said.
"You sound as if you don't want to do it," Grace said, showing concern. "Why not?"
"I can't learn the lines and I can't read it very well."
"Well, I can help you with that, if you'll let me," Grace said, trying her best to make her feel better about it.
"You will?"
"Of course I will." Grace squeezed Cathy's hand, "I'd love to."
"That's kind of you Grace, thank you. There you are Cathy, no need to worry any more. You'll have Grace to help you. What do you say to Grace?"
"Thank you Miss Grace."
The rest of the lunch went quite well.
The two girls left to return to school for the afternoon session and as they strolled across town, Alice asked, "Why do you call her Miss Grace, she's your Ma now, ain't she?"
"Not yet, she isn't. But I guess I will call her Ma once she is married to my Pa. Oh..." Cathy put her hand to her mouth, "…I'm not supposed to say anything about that. Don't you tell anybody. They'll all find out soon enough."
"Married, I'm happy for you, you'll have a Ma and a Pa."
"Yeah. She's growing on me. I've started liking her and she likes me."
"Maybe I ought to find a lady for my Pa so we could be the same," Alice said, grinning from ear to ear. Then putting her arm through Cathy's, they skipped the rest of the way to school. …
Adam and Grace finished their purchases after lunch and returned for a little refreshment while waiting for school to finish for the day.