Chapter 25
I do hope everyone is well and staying at home as much as possible. Keep safe and well everyone.
I had a lot of trouble with this chapter. It's taken me a very long time this time. My apologies to you all.
The rest of November was a very busy time for everyone. The men all working hard on the Ponderosa and those in Virginia City. All preparing for the winter to come. And of course Christmas.
All four girls were busy a couple of days a week with Auntie Ellen, helping to make the tablecloths and napkins for the restaurant. Rachel was busy at the Dickensian, painting and cleaning thoroughly and arranging a place to accommodate their little library she and Abby were planning. Even with all the ranch work, Adam had found the time to draw up the plan for the front window and had begun work on it plus helping Sam with the extra bedroom for Connie. Everything seemed to be going according to plan.
Then one afternoon Adam arrived home, giving himself some time off as there was nothing immediate waiting to be
done that he hadn't already done. He felt a little quiet time with Abby was required. There was no rush to go to town for the girls as they were at the Cole's and didn't need to be picked up 'til six. Adam was eager to have his wife all to himself for once. Instead, he found that Abby was having a nap upstairs, so as not to disturb her he returned downstairs and made himself some coffee and then was about to sit down in front of the fire when his attention was drawn to Abby's sketch pad. He picked it up and took it with him to his chair, sat, sipped his coffee and then he turned his attention to the sketch pad.
A little while later Adam heard Abby's footsteps coming slowly down the stairs. He stood up and Abby stopped suddenly, startled at seeing Adam.
"Are you feeling alright, Abby?" He asked, concerned that something may be wrong.
"No, Adam." She replied. I get a little tired these days and thought it best if I have a little nap this afternoon."
"Have you been doing too much. You know you must take care, sweetheart."
"I'm fine, really. I've been working hard at the drawings for the restaurant and I think I've done about as much as I can."
"Where are they? They're not in your sketch pad?"
"No, I've put them in my portfolio for safety. I want to show them to Rachel for approval first before I get them framed." Abby gave him a warm smile.
"By framed, you mean me?" Adam gave her his side grin smile, while nodding his head. "Mmm. I thought so. By the way I've been looking through this," Adam said, producing the sketch pad. "I thought I'd find your drawings in here, but what do I find instead…"
Abby went to grab the sketch pad out of his hands, but he raised it up and out of her reach. "That's my private work, meant for my eyes only."
"Oh, indeed." He said, showing a little annoyance, but his heart said something else. "These are so good, sweetheart. When did you draw these? Me, the girls, Pa and everyone?"
"Oh, a little while ago."
"I hope that's not a lie."
"No, it isn't. I drew them not long after I arrived at the Ponderosa."
"I thought you said a little while ago?"
"Well, it was a long little while ago." Abby hung her head in shame. "Truthfully? I drew them, especially your face, as I wanted your likeness with me always after, I left. I hadn't expected to be staying. But now I don't need the drawing. I can look at the real thing now."
Adam held out his arms and Abby immediately fell into them. "Oh, how I do love you," he told her.
"And I you."
"You have a great talent, my love."
"Thank you, sweetheart. I've only really ever painted for myself. It was never meant for public scrutiny."
"Well, I expect there's going to be a lot of comments when your Dickensian paintings are on show. Can I see them?"
"Yes, of course. They're in my studio. I'll get them." She broke from their embrace and went for her portfolio. She returned within seconds. "Here they are."
They went over to the table and spread the drawings out. "Wow!" Adam was astounded at what he saw. "These are wonderful, just wonderful."
"Thank you, darling, but you are biased."
"No. These are really good and Rachel is going to love them. Your use of colours is just right. They depict the scenes wonderfully."
"I did try to achieve the atmosphere of the scenes."
"And succeeded." Adam turned and gave Abby a kiss. "Now how about a little cuddle time, umm?"
"Do you have time?"
"Oooh yeees. I've made time, 'til I need to go pick the girls up at Ellen's at six."
As Abby was putting the drawings back in her portfolio, "Would it be okay if I came with you. I could drop in to see Rachel while you pick the girls up."
"Fine, no problem. Now come here and make me happy."
With that, Abby closed her portfolio and made her way, seductively across to Adam who was sitting patiently waiting for her and once near enough he caught hold of her and placed her on his lap. Time was then lost to them and suddenly it was time to leave for town and the girls. …..
"Oh Abby, how well you created these drawings?" Rachel said with tears in her eyes. "They are just marvellous, and how well they represent Dickens' stories."
"So you like them then?" Abby said, smiling from Rachel's praise.
"Like them? They are absolutely wonderful." She couldn't take her eyes of them.
"The only thing left is for me to write a quotation at the base of each drawing and get them framed."
"Adam. He agreed?"
"Oh yeah. Happy to do it."
"He's such a marvellous man, always willing to help people. With all the things he's doing, the front window here, notice board, and I understand he's doing work at Sam and Ellen's house, where does he find the time to do everything."
"He likes to keep busy, and then he enjoys his leisure time all the more."
"That means me and everybody else is keeping him from you and the girls." She hugs Abby as she says this. I'm so sorry, Abby."
"No, no, Rachel. There is a generous heart he hides inside. He acts tough when he has to but to those he loves and cares about he is a softie, and that's why he does these things for people. Look what he did for me."
"Yes, you're right. You have a wonderful man there."
"And so do you, Rachel. John Harvey is a good man and I believe he loves you. He doesn't say much but I saw the look in his eyes that night we all had dinner together."
"I hope so, because I have strong feelings for him too." Rachel blushed. "Now back to The Dickensian."
"Yes, okay. Ellen and the girls have been working hard on the table cloths and napkins and are almost finished. So when do you think you can open the restaurant?"
"Well, not long now. Maybe two weeks, once Adam has finished the front window. I think by then I'll be ready."
"Marvellous, you must have a special opening day, well a re-opening day, that is." Abby started putting her drawings back in her portfolio. "Now, I must get on to Ellen's, Adam is there to pick up the girls."
"Right. Thank you once again Abby. Your drawings will be a great success. And I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't get some commissions out of this."
"Oh no, I'm not good enough for that."
"Nonsense. Don't you dare sell yourself short. You have an amazing talent and everyone will see that."
"Well thank you for that. You sure know how to boost a girl's confidence." She gives Rachel a kiss and a hug. "See you soon, Rachel."
"Bye, Abby, and take care and look after Junior."
"I will," Abby said, lovingly touching her bump. "Bye, Rachel."
Abby left and made her way over to the Cole's.
…
Abby met up with Adam and the girls, who were sitting and chatting with Ellen and Sam.
"Business completed, Abby?" Adam enquired.
"Yes, all accomplished."
"Good," said Ellen. "How about a cup of coffee, Abby?"
"Yes, that would be lovely. Do we have time, Adam?"
"Oh yes, Ellen has kindly invited us to stay for dinner, as by the time we get home dinner for us would be very late."
"That's very kind of you Ellen, and much appreciated." Abby said in thanks.
So within a half hour everyone was sitting round the table enjoying a lovely meal.
"Do you think we'll be getting snow soon?" Asked Sam.
"Maybe, but the worst of it comes in January and February," Adam told him.
"I hope that will be so." Abby joined in. I wouldn't want Rachel's plans to have to stop because of the weather."
"Well, we shall have to pray that the bad weather keeps off," Ellen added.
The girls were all seated at the end of the table quietly chattering among themselves until Mags stood up and said, "Thank you Auntie Ellen for dinner but can we leave the table now, please?"
"Of course, as long as you've had enough."
"Yes, thank you," said Beth. "It was delicious."
Abby gave Adam a smile in recognition of their girls' manners. Adam winked back at her.
With that all four girls left the table and went into their bedroom.
"Connie and Jenny have come a long way in a short time," Abby told Ellen.
"Yes, they sure have."
"With much thanks to you and Sam here, your patience and more importantly your love, without that I'm not sure they would have survived into a better life." Adam added.
"Well," Ellen said, "they have all been very helpful with the tablecloths and napkins, Beth and Connie, that is, Jenny and Mags have been learning a little about sewing but enjoying being part of it all."
They finished their dinner and while Abby helped Ellen with the dishes, Adam and Sam sat in the parlour with their brandy listening to the voices of the girls in their bedroom.
"They have become good friends," Sam said, with a smile.
"Yes. It's good to see them together." Adam paused taking a sip of his brandy. "So, to change the subject, I believe we are near completion of the new bedroom for Connie."
"Yes, just the wardrobe to complete and it'll all be ready for Christmas. With many thanks for all your help."
"It was my ple…." Adam was interrupted by a dispute coming from the girls' bedroom.
"You cheated, you louse," came Connie's loud voice.
"Beth doesn't cheat, you're just not as good as she is and don't call her that," Mags shouted in Beth's defence.
"Mags, enough. I can fight my own battles," Beth said in a raised voice, then turned her anger onto Connie. "I don't cheat you bitch.
The angry voices continued as Ellen and Abby were drawn back into the parlour.
"What's going on in there?" Ellen asked of the two men as they stood.
"Adam, do something, please. Go in there and lay the law down." Abby told him.
"Abby, we are not at home. I think that job belongs to Sam. Okay, Sam?"
"Right," Sam said, and he made his way over to the bedroom door, opened it and stood watching Beth holding Mags off of Connie who looked as though she was ready for a fight.
"Stop right there young lady," Sam said in his strictest voice. The girls all stood to attention. "What's been going on in here and I want to know right now."
Mags was the first to speak. "Connie accused Beth of cheating, which she did not."
"Did you Connie?"
Silence.
"Answer me, right now, Connie." Sam sternly said.
"Yes," came a whispered response.
"Speak up, Connie. Mumbling is not allowed."
Connie raised her head and looked Sam straight in the eye. "Yes, Pa. I did, because she was. I saw her." She was not backing down.
"Beth?" Sam turned his attention to Beth. "Did you cheat?"
If her Mamma and Daddy were not there she would have said no, but she knew it would be worse for her if she was found out in a lie, so, "Yes, I did. I wanted to beat Connie just once. She's too good at the game. I wanted to win at least once."
Sam turned his head and looked at Adam.
"Your house, your rules," Adam told him.
"I think you should take your girls home and settle it there." Sam said. "I have my own house to put in order."
"Coats girls," Abby told them. "Thanks Ellen for a lovely meal. Sorry about all this."
"Well children will be children, won't they," she whispered to Ellen.
Abby helped the girls on with their coats, collected her own and Adam's and together they all left the Cole's.
….
"Daddy…" Beth started.
"I don't want to hear it," Adam told her. "I never thought to hear you argue like that, or cuss like that and especially with your friend. You were the one who cheated and caused your sister to almost fight Connie because of it AND in Uncle Sam and Auntie Ellen's home. You should be ashamed of yourself. I'm very disappointed in your behaviour today. Tomorrow you will apologise to Uncle Sam and Auntie Ellen and to Connie too and Mags. You got her into trouble as well. If I ever hear you raise your voice to anyone again you will get double what you are about to get. Understand me now."
"Yes, Daddy. I'm sorry."
"Okay, let's get this over with." Adam placed her over his knee and gave her one hard swat; "I never want to hear you you cussing again;" second swat; "that's for accusing Connie of wrongdoing when it was you all along;" third swat; "that's for cheating in the first place;" and a fourth swat, "you will never repeat this behaviour." Beth was now in tears. That spanking was very hard. Once it was over he lifted her up and hugged her and told her she was forgiven.
"Thank … you … Daddy," she said with tears running down her face. "I was angry that Connie won all the games. I will make my apologies first thing tomorrow."
"Good girl. Now into bed. No story tonight." Adam helped her into bed and kissed her goodnight.
Then he went into Mags' room. She was sitting on the side of her bed in her nightdress waiting for her Daddy.
"And what have you to say for yourself?" Adam asked, as he sat next to her.
"I was bad."
"You certainly were."
"Well, she said Beth was a louse and a cheat and I was sticking up for her."
"After shouting at Connie, you were about to start a physical fight with her, if I'm not mistaken."
Mags lowered her head.
"Am I right?"
Mags just nodded.
Adam raised her chin making her look at him. "I want a verbal answer."
"Yes, but I was only going to slap her face, not have a big fight."
"Oh, and that makes it all right, does it?"
She shook her head and then remember to answer. "No, Daddy. I'm glad Beth stopped me."
"And the truth all along was that Beth HAD cheated. So how do you feel about it all, now that we know the truth of it?" He asked.
"I don't know. I would have made it all worse, I guess."
"You guess right. I am very disappointed in your behaviour today and for that you know what to expect."
"Yes, Daddy."
"Right, over my knee young lady."
Mags stood up and placed herself across Adam's lap and received one very hard swat which made her scream out.
"Ow, ow, Daddy. I'll be good for always."
"You will not misbehave again in someone else's home again, especially Auntie Ellen's home. They are very dear friends." One more hard swat and he stood Mags up and hugged her. "I love you sweetheart but it's my job to correct you when you do wrong."
"Y..yes, Da..daddy." She said, with tears in her eyes and trying to rub the sting out of her bottom.
"And you know, following a punishment, you will always be forgiven."
Mags nodded. This time, the nod, Adam let it pass.
"I'm sorry, Daddy. I want to say sorry to Connie and Uncle Sam and Auntie Ellen. Can I do that tomorrow?"
"Yes, sweetheart. That's what I expect of you." Adam stood up and pulled the sheets over so Mags could get into bed. "Now you can get into bed early and no story tonight."
Mags turned over onto her tummy and cried some more. Adam leant over and kissed her forehead. "No more tears now, he said. "We start fresh in the morning. Now time for sleep."
"Yes, Daddy," she mumbled into her pillow. "Daddy," she called just as Adam was about to leave the room, "Daddy, can I give you a hug, please?"
Adam returned to her bedside and sat on the bed while Mags turned and got up on her knees and threw her arms around Adam's neck.
"I love you, Daddy."
"And I love you too. No matter what happens in our lives that is one thing that will be constant. I will always love you."
"Thank you, Daddy." She loosened her grip on Adam and fell back into bed.
Adam kissed her once more, tucked the sheets back around her and left the room. …
"That was very strange for Beth to behave like that, and Mags fighting for her sister, well not quite fighting, thank the Lord, was a shock." Abby said as Adam sat on the sofa next to Abby.
"Jealousy, that's what it was. Beth wasn't able to win one game against Connie and she just lost it."
"Are you alright, Adam?"
"I will be. It's all over now and all is forgiven. They will make their apologies in the morning."
"Good. Would you like a drink to help you calm down? I can see it's upset you."
"Yes please, sweetheart. I think she's been influenced by Joe's cheating habits and thought she'd have a go herself."
Abby went to the drinks cabinet and poured Adam his drink. "I made coffee while you were upstairs. I'm going to get myself a cup." She left Adam sipping his brandy while she went to the kitchen for her coffee.
…
Later that evening as they lay in bed Adam voiced to Abby, "I'm so glad I have you. Without you, I would be lost."
"Things will settle again, Adam, they always do," she said with confidence, knowing it was the truth.
"You're right, sweetheart. We'll be back to normal tomorrow." Adam chuckled, then said, "until the next time."
Abby gave a soft laugh. "Let's hope the next time is a long way off." She turned to face him and kissed him thoroughly.
"Are you really that tired?" She said, fluttering her eyelashes.
"I see you're after a little attention too," Adam said, playfully.
"Well, not quite the same attention as others have received this night."
"Well, you'll have to tell me what is this attention you seek."
"I think I would like…" Adam turned to face Abby and stopped her talking by kissing her passionately and let his hand wander over her body, which brought sounds of pleasure from Abby.
"More please."
"Certainly, my love. My pleasure." And together they made sweet passionate love.