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Chapter 4
After a couple of hours Ben and Adam were relaxing in front of the fire, when a scream was heard coming from the bedroom. Adam rose immediately to investigate. Leaving his father opened mouthed, once again. Entering the bedroom, he found Julie awake and trying to sit up, but having no strength, could not achieve it.
"What are you trying to do?" He cried, rushing over to her. "Just lay back and relax. Are you alright, we heard you scream."
"I'm fine. You still telling what to do, Bossy Pants."
"Yes, especially when you're as weak as you are."
"What have you brought me to, so you can have your wicked way with me?"
"That's enough of that talk and I've already told you, I have no intention of raping you. I prefer my women willing."
"I bet you do. And there have been many, I suspect."
"Well I'm no saint, but I'd prefer you to keep those thoughts to yourself. My father wouldn't be pleased to hear them."
"Your father? So where have you brought me?"
"You are on the Ponderosa, our family home. You were introduced to him when you arrived here, but you were unconscious again and missed the introduction."
"So you removed my clothes again and put me to bed? At least this time you didn't leave me naked."
"Yep, and gave you one of my nightshirts this time. I hope you approve."
"Not keen on the stripes, but it's better than nothing."
"Also, we've had Dr Martin here to look you over. He found you to be malnourished and anemic. So he recommended total rest and be given certain foods to build your strength."
"You don't need to be doing all that. I feel better already. I should be able to leave in the morning."
"You sure are a stubborn young lady. You'll stay right where you are and get well. Doc Martin was also concerned about your lungs because of your ordeal in the rain, twice. He'll be back in a couple of days to check up on you before giving any further instructions about you getting up from bed."
"Such a Bossy Pants," she whispered to herself.
"I heard that."
"Well stop listening in on other people's conversations."
But before Adam could respond, there was a knock on the door. Adam knew it was his father. Been in here too long to be proper.
"Come in Pa."
Julie immediately pulled the covers up to her chin.
"Julie, this is my father, Ben Cartwright. Pa, this is Julie."
"How do you do, young lady. I hope you are comfortable. You gave us quite a scare. Perhaps you're ready to try a little food now?"
"No, actually, I need to…" she raised her eyebrows at Adam.
"Pa, I think we should leave for the moment."
"Oh, of course," Ben said, realizing what Julie required. And just as Adam was about to follow his father out of the room, he heard a quiet call.
"Adam."
He turned and saw Julie call him over with a wave of her hand.
"What is it?" He asked.
"I don't want to have to ask you this, but I can't do this on my own. Will you help me?"
"It's not something I can do for you, unfortunately," he joked.
"Adam! Julie was not amused as she was desperate to relieve herself.
"Sorry. Of course I'll help you. I'm glad you asked and not struggled to try on your own."
"It's so embarrassing."
"I know. I've been there myself.
"Oh."
"Now, I have the perfect solution. It's much easier for a man than a woman, so I'm going to place the chamber pot on the chair over there, help you to it and leave while you deal with your needs. Call me when you're done."
"Thanks, Adam. I think."
"You're welcome."
Having completed her ablutions, she covered the chamber pot with a towel, that was conveniently placed nearby, and called for Adam.
Adam knocked and opened the door a fraction. "All okay? he called.
"Yes. thank you," she said, as Adam came into the room and allowed him to help her back into bed.
"You're going to need to stay in bed for a few days to recover to your full capacity."
"Oh no, not that long. Perhaps today, that's all."
"Nope. You'll recover first before you get out of that bed."
"You're being a bossy pants again."
"With you I need to be. Besides I have a plan."
"A plan? What sort of plan?"
"What happened this morning must have been an embarrassment for you, so I've asked our good friend, Mrs Shaughnessy, to come and stay. She'll be a great help to you."
"Who is this Mrs Shaughnessy and can you trust her?"
"Trust her? Of course we trust her. She's been here many times over the years to take care of us in one way or another."
"In what ways?"
"Well, to look after us when we've been sick or injured, cooked for us when Hop Sing was away. She once helped out with a young girl we had staying here." He decided not to go into details about the spitfire that Joe brought home. "Why would you ask if we trust her?"
"It's just I don't want her to ask questions as to why I'm here and I'd prefer it if you told her nothing of how we met. Just tell her I was visiting and fell ill."
"I won't lie to Mrs Shaughnessy. She's like family. I'll just say you are new in the area and you took ill on account of the weather."
Julie opened her mouth to speak, but Adam raised his hand to stop her.
"I will also tell her how shy you are," Adam smiled at her, "and ask her not to ask questions. How's that?"
"That will have to do, if she'll do as you ask."
"She's a lady who lives in Virginia City now, having been widowed for many years and her children are all moved away. She didn't want to leave her husband alone, so she stayed. Has a small house in town and helps out whenever she can."
"Sound like a godsend."
"She is. Just be respectful and everything will be alright." No need to tell her that Mrs Shaughnessy has a strong mind of her own. She'll find out soon enough for herself, he thought.
"Okay. You can go now and leave me to my rest. The sooner I'm rested the quicker I can get out of here."
"Nice to see how appreciative you are."
"Sorry. Thank you, Adam."
"You're welcome. Oh, just so you know, Mrs Shaughnessy has already been sent for and should be here later this evening. You'll like her, believe me." Well, I hope so, he thought, I'm sure she'll see another 'bossy pants' in Mrs Shaughnessy. And with those thoughts in his head, he smiled and left the room. … Julie wasn't stupid enough to see she needed to get her strength back before she could contemplate journeying on and realized she'd probably be dead by now, if not for Adam. But how do I repay them? I have absolutely nothing. Maybe I could make Mrs Shaughnessy an ally and wrangle a way out of here. Little did she know Mrs S. I think a shock is in store for her.