New Beginnings: A Fresh Start
Chapter 25
The Unexpected
The following afternoon,having returned from the morning church service, Rob approaches Ethan in the barn. As he rubs the large horse brush down Will's broad side he glances over at Ethan. Seeing his Pa's face looking relaxed he asks "Pa? Alex mentioned you and Mitch might be going to Denver soon. Are you planning a trip?"
Looking over the stall wall from where he's brushing Maggie, Ethan raises his eyebrows questioningly before he answers "We have another Sheriff's Convention to attend. Last year it was in Colorado Springs but this meeting is in Denver. Why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if I could go along. Please, may I go too?"
"Why would you want to go to a convention, Rob? It would be uninteresting for you as it's all talk of Sheriff matters. As far as I'm aware, you aren't planning a job as a sheriff. Unless I'm mistaken, you plan to be a rancher. Have you changed your mind then?" Ethan asks curiously, stopping grooming to wait for the answer.
Barely refraining from rolling his eyes at that, Rob replies "No, Sir. I still want to be a rancher. I wish to go to Denver Pa, not the convention. I was thinking Alex and I could go along and spend some time together seeing the sights. He's not been before."
"We are leaving early Thursday morning and returning Saturday afternoon. I'd rather you not miss school son. There will be other trips to Denver. Besides I need you here to be in charge and help with the ranch chores."
"Yes sir, but I would only miss one day of school. We don't have class on Friday, remember? Please could I come? It could be my birthday gift from you. You told me to think of something I wanted. This is what I want, a trip to Denver."
"Rob, why is this important to you? You usually despise going to the city. So what is this really about?" Ethan asks giving the boy a firm look.
Recognizing the suspicion on his Pa's face, Rob answers "I'm not planning any mischief or anything. It's like this, Pa, I need to buy some new clothes. All of my trousers are too short even after Claire has let the hems out. My shirts don't fit in the arms either. Perhaps I can buy some good ready made clothes there. You don't allow wearing dungarees to town and other than church clothes or school uniform, that's all that fit. It's hard to find many other ready made clothes here." Rob replies quietly.
"I understand now. Let me ask Matthew if he would be able to stay the nights I'll be gone. If he is agreeable then I will allow you to miss school this once. You can get your lessons and study them on Sunday and Monday after we return. How does that plan sound to you?"
"That sounds wonderful Pa! Thank you. Will you ask if Alex can come along too, please?"
"I will but we will abide by Mitch's decision. As to the clothes, Claire never has a problem making anything you ask. I daresay you'll have to go to a tailor in Denver and have the clothes shipped here. What were you planning to purchase?"
"Yes sir, I realize Claire is a good seamstress but I need them now and she's already sewing for Joseph and the little boys. He just passed down a set of pants to Ben. Claire reworked them to fit. I can save my clothes for Joseph to grow into. It won't be long before he can wear them. I was thinking of three trousers and shirts, sir. Is that too many?"
"You may purchase as many as you need, son. I was just curious. Why the sudden interest in dress clothes? I remember just last year, you had to be dragged by your ears to purchase a suit while we were visiting Denver."
Turning a little red at that comment, Rob answers "I'm growing up Pa. I don't balk at dress clothes anymore. Besides that first suit he had me put on made me look like a penguin! Ben was right about that! I'm happy to have found a decent one."
"Do your Sunday clothes fit well or do we need to buy a new suit?"
"They fit fine and PLEASE don't make me have to go through that again. I need nice trousers and shirts but not a suit."
"We'll find a way to get what you need." Ethan responds, smiling at the boy's reluctance to buy suits.
Tuesday evening, Ethan informs the children of his upcoming trip.
"I've spoken to Matthew and he will be staying overnight Thursday and Friday. He will have to stay in town during the day to help Chris as temporary deputy. Claire, on Friday while the boys are in school, you will stay in town with either Miss. Delphie or Mrs. Anderson as I don't want you alone at the ranch. Who would you like to spend time with?"
"I'd love to stay with Miss. Delphie and help at the clinic, Pa."
Listening, Joseph asks "Why would she be alone? Can't she stay on the ranch if Rob is going to be home?"
"Rob is going to be traveling with me as he needs to do some business in Denver, Joseph."
"I want to go along as well, Pa. Please may I come too?" Joseph asks. Feeling a large lump rise in his throat as Ethan shakes his head, No, he protests "You said we would do something together! Remember? YOU PROMISED!"
"Watch yourself, Joseph! You don't raise your voice to me."
"Yes sir, I apologize for yelling but Pa, you promised we'd do something together. Why can't I go if Rob gets to go?"
"Yes, I do remember son. We will do something together, just the two of us after this trip. I won't allow you to miss two days of school, son. This is Rob's birthday gift from me. I need you to stay and supervise the animals, Joseph. I depend on you to help look after the ranch."
"May I be excused, sir? I have homework." Joseph replies not meeting Ethan's eyes as to not show the tears he feels gathering.
"Yes and Joseph, we will take that trip, I promise. We may have to wait until Spring, however."
"Yes sir." Joseph answers knowing he is expected to do so before leaving the table.
In his room, he brushes his hand over his eyes angrily wiping the moisture gathered there. "You're too old to cry so stop it!" He whispers to himself.
"It's always about Rob and what he wants or the little guys or Claire. I never get to do what I want. I get so tired of being in the middle and having to give up what I want because of the boys or Rob or Claire. I don't matter, only them! It's just like Jason said. Middle kids get shoved aside." he thinks as he puts his head on his arms battling the disgusting tears. "Stop it! You're fourteen and do not cry over silly things!" He mentally scolds himself as he feels his eyes well up with tears again.
Having seen the look in Joseph's eyes as he left the table, Rob approaches Ethan in the front room as the younger boys begin the chore of washing the supper dishes and cleaning the kitchen area.
"Pa? Would it be possible for Joseph to come along? He's feeling hurt right now because he isn't being allowed to come."
"How do you know that, Rob?"
"I saw the look on his face and I just know. He seems disappointed you aren't taking him. I didn't know you had promised he could go on a trip with you or I never would have asked to go along. Could he come too? Alex and I would watch out for him if you are worried he won't be safe."
"Rob, it is nice how much you care for your brother but Joseph has school and I need one of you to stay to take care of the animals. Matthew can't do everything and be a deputy at the same time. Remember,he's filling in for Mitch and helping Chris while we are away. He won't be able to do that, help run the General Store, watch the younger boys and manage the animals. Joseph will get his turn to go on a trip, it just won't be this time."
"Papa? Can I have a turn to go somewhere or me and George together?" Ben calls having been listening instead of washing the table.
"Benjamin, this is a private conversation. I believe you have chores to finish and homework to do. Little boys who eavesdrop on private conversations instead of doing their chores get punished not rewarded with trips. Get finished. Someday, we will take another trip as a family."
Watching his little brother rush to wash the table, Rob answers "Yes sir. I understand what you are saying but I still feel awful about it though. I didn't mean to hurt his feelings by jumping over him in the request."
"I'll go talk to him, Rob. Everything will be fine. You need this trip more than he does right now." Ethan replies, putting his paper down to go talk to Joseph.
Knocking on the boy's door, he asks "Joseph? May I come in? I'd like to talk to you son."
Quickly sitting up on the bed, taking a schoolbook and opening it in front of him to show he is working on homework, Joseph calls "Yes sir."
"Son, I realize you are upset by my decision and I'm sorry about that. I need you to stay and be in charge of the ranch as I said. I just don't feel right leaving Claire and the boys alone. It would be different if Matthew was able to stay during the day. You are not being deprived of time with me, son. We will take a special trip just the two of us but it just can't be this time. All right?"
"Yes Sir, I understand. I'll take care of things for you."
"I know you will, Joseph. I know I can depend on you to do the job. Rob is thinking he has hurt you by asking to go to Denver. He didn't know you and I had discussed a trip. He needs to go to purchase clothes. You might want to talk to him. He is in his room."
After the discussion, Joseph goes to find his brother. Knocking once on Rob's door he waits and then enters when told to.
"Pa talked to me and I'm sorry for making you feel bad about going to Denver. I didn't mean to make you worry about me. I'm not upset now. I understand you need to go first and I can go somewhere later. Will you forgive me, Rob?"
"I have nothing to forgive, Joseph. It's you that should be asked to forgive me. If I had known you were told you would get to go on a trip with Pa, I never would of asked to go to Denver. I tried to get Pa to let you come but he needs you here. He's counting on you to look after the ranch for him. That's a big responsibility and he knows you can take it on alone. Does that make you feel any better?"
"Yes, he told me. I do feel better now that I know I'm not being overlooked. Sometimes I feel left out, Rob. You get to do so much more than I do and I get jealous. I'm sorry."
"That's enough apologies. Claire wants us to go to her room to meet about something. She told me to get you as soon as you and Pa finished your talk so let's go."
"Okay boys, I have an idea about Pa's Christmas gift. I think we should buy a hanging sign for the ranch. We just need to come up with a name."
"Do you have ideas already, Claire? Knowing you, you would already have some before you called us in here." Joseph asks, giving his sister a saucy look.
"I do have some but I want to hear other ideas too. What do you suggest for a name, Joseph?"
"I suggest we do something simple, 'The Cord Ranch' sounds easy. We want something easy to burn into wood, right?"
"Well, I was thinking iron myself. Something like the brands they use to brand cows. I sketched out some ideas. Here's one with two horse heads and then a name in the middle. What do you think of that?"
"I like the horse heads but what name are we going to use?" George asks.
"Well boys, what name seems good to you?" Joseph asks waiting to see what his younger brothers come up with.
"How about just calling it 'The Circle Six' for our family?" Ben asks.
"That is a great idea, Ben. I only see one problem there." Rob tells him. "What would we do if someone else comes into the family? Change the number?"
"Who's coming into the family? Are we having a baby?" Ben asks as Claire and Rob swap looks and a smile. Each are thinking of Ethan's friendship with Miss. Delphie but neither speaks of it.
"No Ben. You have to have a Mama and a Papa to have a baby. We don't have a Mama." George answers and then announces "I have an idea for a name."
"What's your idea, George?" Rob asks.
"We can call it the B.C.E.G.J.R Ranch." At his brother's and sister's baffled looks he says "For Ben, Claire, Ethan, George, Joseph and Rob. I put the letters in order like the alphabet."
"That is a good suggestion,George. The only problem is what would we call it? People would get tired trying to say B.C.E.G.J.R Ranch every time they had to name it. That's almost a tongue twister. Just like trying to say 'Sally sells seashells by the seashore' we'd get tongue tied!" Joseph teases as the others giggle.
"I like Ben and George's suggestions but let's change it to 'The Circle Five' for all five children. We can either spell out the words or use a symbol. Like this." Claire tells the boys as she sketches on the back of her paper.
"Two horse heads facing each other with the name in the middle. Rob, you take this paper and find an Ironworks business in Denver. Our blacksmith here can't do lettering. I asked him already. He can do a circle with a five in it but not the name. Let's see it we can get the name written out. If it comes to price per letter then change it to the symbol of a circle with a five in the middle. We'll still have the words THE and RANCH. It will look like this." Claire quickly sketches out her idea to show the boys.
"Let's go with the symbol, a circled five. I like that better than trying to spell out circle and five. I really think it would cost too much to spell out The Circle Five Ranch. What do you all think?" Rob asks.
As the others agree Ben says "I think it's going to be so special. Papa won't ever guess what we bought this year! When is Christmas?"
"Not for nearly four weeks Ben so don't go crazy yet. We just have to get it while I'm in Denver." Rob answers.
"When will we have a Thanksgiving dinner, Claire? Has Thanksgiving come yet and we forgot it? We had a big one last year. I just remembered that's when Rob comed to live with us and John Taylor comed and Uncle Matt and other people."
"They came, Ben not comed. No we didn't forget Thanksgiving. We had a feast at Rob's celebration on Saturday. We had Thanksgiving with many people this year. Now, it's getting late and you boys need to get to bed. Remember, this is a secret so no telling Papa." Claire answers, shooing them off her bed.
When the boys have left, Joseph whispers "What do you two know that you aren't telling me? I saw that look you sent each other when Ben asked who was joining the family! I want to know too! I'm not too young!"
"Who said you were too young?" Rob asks, giving Joseph a puzzled look.
"Everyone does when I ask about certain things. Now tell me."
"Have you noticed Pa being with Miss. Delphie more than anyone else lately?" Claire asks her scowling brother.
"Yes. He has been with her at town get-togethers. Why?"
"Think Joseph! Why do you think he's with her?" Rob asks.
"Because he's being a gentleman to a lady?"
"Yes, but there are many ladies in town, why just stay with Miss. Delphie?" Claire asks him, smiling.
"Because he LIKES her? Likes her more than the others? Are they getting married? They are, aren't they and you two know it but didn't tell me!" Joseph exclaims loudly.
"SHHHH! Don't be so loud! You'll have Pa in here! No, we don't know anything about them getting married! Calm down will you?" Rob tells him.
"Joseph, we aren't keeping anything from you. All we know is what we just told you. They are together a lot. I think they like each other's company. We'll just have to wait to see what happens. I think it's sweet and good for Pa to have someone to be with other than us. Don't you?"
"I guess so. I like Miss. Delphie too. I'm tired and have some homework to finish. Goodnight." Joseph replies standing to leave.
On Thursday morning, everyone is awake early to say goodbye to Ethan and Rob.
"Joseph, I'm leaving the horses with Mr. Willis at the stable. Don't forget to go by for them after school today. Ride Beauty but lead Lightning, son. I don't want to risk you getting hurt on Lightning. Boys, remember to mind Joseph and Claire. Don't cause any problems for them or Uncle Matt while we are away. We'll see you Saturday afternoon about four o'clock. Everyone keep yourselves safe, please."
"Pa, we'll be fine. You and Rob best go now or you'll be late to the train. Don't worry about the ranch or us. We'll be fine. Have fun Rob and enjoy shopping." Claire replies.
"I know I'll have fun but I don't know about enjoying shopping, Claire. Bye all, behave yourselves!" Rob answers as he finishes tying his carpetbag to the saddle on his horse.
"Matthew should be here by suppertime. I'll send a telegram when we arrive in Denver to let you know we are well." Ethan tells the children.
"Papa, you told us that last night. Did you think we forgot?" Ben asks.
"Pa's have to repeat themselves, Ben. They get worried when they leave the kids." Joseph tells him giving Ethan a grin.
"Okay, I'm going. I see I've given out enough instructions. Take care and we'll see you Saturday. Ben, George, I need a hug to last until Saturday." Ethan says opening his arms and bending down for the two youngest.
Later that morning, Claire, Joseph and the boys arrive at school only to find Mr. Davis standing on the school steps.
"Good Morning students. School has been cancelled until further notice. There has been a report of a student who may have measles and all children are under quarantine until further notice. Claire, Joseph, take your brothers home and stay there. Someone will send word when it is safe to return to town."
"No school? That's great news Mr. Davis!" Ben exclaims happily.
"Now Ben, you know you like school. Okay kids, time to head back to the ranch." Mr. Davis replies.
"Sir, I have to go get Pa and Rob's horses from the stable first. I can't leave them there. Pa said to get them home after school today. He and Rob are traveling to Denver until Saturday." Joseph explains at the questioning look he receives.
"Alright son. Go get your horses but go nowhere else."
"Yes sir. Claire, take the boys and start for home. I'll catch up with you in just a little while." Joseph answers as he turns to go to the livery stable.
Walking the horses out of the stable, Joseph looks up as he hears someone call to him.
"Joseph! Stop a minute. I won't be coming to the ranch." Matthew tells him. "Caleb is sick and Dr. Americus thinks it may be measles. He's been sick for two days but this morning he woke with spots. You know I'm courting Mrs. Brandenburg, right?"
"Yes sir."
"I'm going to be staying and helping her through his illness. I've had measles but she has not. You and Claire keep the boys out of town. If something happens and you need help then come for me but otherwise stay home. You are the man of the house and I expect you to behave as such. No running off and leaving Claire alone!" Matthew tells the boy, thinking of the time Joseph ran off after the stallion. "No mischief! You act out or cause trouble in any way and you'll answer to me AND Ethan! You hear me? I'll try to come check on you children tomorrow."
"Yes sir. We can take care of ourselves Uncle Matt. We've done it many times. Don't worry about us. I need to get the horses home out of the cold and catch up to Claire and the boys." Joseph answers, walking away before he says something he will regret. Leading the horses down the street, he thinks 'What does Uncle Matt expect me to do? Sheesh! I know how to take care of the ranch alone. I'm not some little kid!'
Meanwhile on the train as Rob and Alex settle into the long ride, Alex whispers "You have that look on your face again that spells trouble. What exactly are you planning for us to do the next few days? It better not be some crazy scheme like the one you had when school had just started! That 'being real men' idea really got us in huge trouble, Rob! I, for one, do NOT want to be in that kind of trouble ever again!"
"Relax Alex. I'm not going to do anything dumb on this trip, I promise. We are much more grown up now and won't do such childish things. We'll have fun, just wait and see."
"That doesn't make me feel any better, Rob." Alex replies quietly.
"You have to have faith, Alex. I have a special project I need your help with. Did you bring some sandwiches? I'm hungry as it's been hours since breakfast. Claire made us some ham or roast beef sandwiches and I have enough for you. We can get water from the water jug in the back of the car after we eat."
"Mitch brought sandwiches for us too. I'll go get one from him." Alex answers standing up and walking up six sets of seats. Walking on a moving train causes him to have to hold the seat tops as he moves down the aisle.
"Mitch? Could I please have one or two sandwiches? Rob and I are hungry."
"Rob has plenty, Alex. Get him to share with you if you want more." Ethan tells the boy as Mitch hands over two sandwiches.
"Yes sir, Uncle Ethan. Rob already offered but I wanted a turkey and egg sandwich."
"Turkey and egg together?" Ethan asks as Alex makes his way back to his seat.
"No, one turkey and one egg. I think turkey and egg together would not be very tasty." Mitch replies. "Do you think those two boys of ours are back there plotting mischief?"
"They better not be. I've already had 'The Talk' with Rob. He knows he'd best behave himself."
"I had a similar talk with Alex, also. That's never stopped them before, you realize that?"
"We can only hope it will this time. Believe in the good, Mitch."
"Two boys alone in a big city full of temptations. It's hard for me to believe in the good, Ethan."
A/N: (For the story of what Alex is referring to, you might wish (if you haven't already) to read Being Real Men. It's listed on my profile list of stories.)
Thank you to the guest who reviewed ch. 24 calling themselves "Me". It's great to know you are a longtime reader. I hope you continue to enjoy the stories.