Ch. 3: The Cartwright Girls

Rachel spent the majority of the week having to stay off her foot. She spent most of that time resting it on the settee and then at night was carried upstairs by her husband to sleep. She didn't enjoy the time of rest much, but she had to admit she enjoyed the strong arms of her husband wrapped around when he carried her up to their room. The swelling was finally starting to go down and she was able to put more and more weight on it for longer periods. It was hard to tell who was more excited over her recovery. Ben who was having to do the cooking, Rachel who was feeling almost helpless, or Little Joe who had been ordered to wait on her hand and foot. The first day she was up Ben spent half his time reminding her not to overdo while she half ignored him trying to catch up on all the housework that had been left undone. By-ends week she was back to normal as were the comings and goings in the Cartwright house.

The main goal was to finish up the list of winter preparations that Ben had made before he left for San Francisco. The four youngest Cartwright's spent most of their time in the schoolhouse. But as soon as they were out they had chores waiting for them. They didn't have much time left for anything else but that didn't keep the two youngest Cartwright's from enacting trouble on their new stepmother or digging in their heals anytime she asked them to do something. At least when their father wasn't around.

It was laundry day for the newest member of the Cartwright family. Laundry was always done outdoors when feasible with the weather and today was such a day. After setting her whites to soak in the tub of soapy water she returned indoors for the next load of laundry she was planning to start just as soon as she set her whites to rinse.

Seeing that she was now alone, Kate took it is as her divine opportunity to pull the small bottle of red dye she had snuck into her pocket and pour its entire contents into the tub of laundry.

Hearing the door open, Kate was quick to return the bottle to her pocket and take refuge alongside the house where she could watch the woman's reaction.

"NO!" Rachel screamed, her hand going to her mouth.

Hearing his wife's scream, Ben rushed out of the house and over to his wife.

"What's wrong?" Concern showing on his face worried that she was hurt.

"My clothes, they're," she said in tears. "It's red. I was so careful not to leave anything dark or red in the tub and it wasn't like this when I left it. Surely it wouldn't change color so soon?" She looked at him confused.

"This wasn't done by a red garment," Ben cupped a handful of the bright-colored water.

"How do you know?"

"Too bright and it's too consistent of a pattern on everything," he lifted a pair of her bloomers from the tub.

"Are you sure?"

"Take it from someone who's been a single parent most of his life and has had to do multiple loads of laundry. This wasn't done by accident."

"But who?" It was obvious she was racking her brain to determine the culprit.

"I have my suspicion," Ben crossed his arms in front of his chest. "And I intend to find out."

"Katherine! Joseph!" He bellowed.

Joe was the first to come running from the corral where he was dumping feed in one of the troughs for a few colts.

"You call me Pa?" He stopped directly in front of his father.

"You know anything about this?" He pointed to the tub.

"No Pa," Joe shook his head.

Ben knew the boy wouldn't lie but even that didn't keep him from asking other inquisitive questions he wanted answers to.

"Do you know anything about it?"

"Like what Pa?"

"Joseph if you know anything about this I expect you to tell me," Ben demanded.

"I've been helping Hoss for the past hour and Adams off taking care of the hay," he explained.

"And your sisters?" Ben wasn't too concerned about where his eldest was at the moment. He knew he wouldn't do such a thing as ruining Rachel's clothing.

"I think Lou Anne's in the barn."

"And Kate?"

"Ugh, Kate?" Joe wasn't sure what to say. "I saw her around here somewhere." He tried to act like he knew nothing but it was apparent he had seen her near the laundry.

"That answers that question."

"What question?" Joe played dumb.

"Nothing," Ben shooed him away and back to his chores.

"Katherine!" Ben called once more. "I'm pretty sure you can hear me, and if so you better be standing in front of me in one minute in you know what's good for you!"

Kate, who was perched in a tree alongside the house knew it was no use to stay hidden any longer. She couldn't stay up there forever and it was obvious by her father's inquiries that he was more than certain she was to blame, especially when he called her by her given name. Something he never did unless she was in trouble.

"Up here Pa!" She called from the top of the tree.

Ben stepped over to where the voice was coming from and looked up.

"What are you doing up there?"

"Bird watching?" She tried to sound as innocent as possible.

"Get down here," he pointed to place in front of him.

"Are you mad?"

"Did you put the dye in the laundry?" Ben asked his question before answering her own.

"Ugh," was all she managed to get out while chewing on her lower lip nervously.

"Katherine," Ben repeated in his no-nonsense tone of voice. The same voice that could make both Adam and Hoss shake in their boots.

"Yes Pa," her voice was low but she knew better than to keep him waiting when he so obviously wanted an answer and a direct one at that.

"Get down here," he said sternly.

"Are you mad?"

"You keep me waiting much longer you are going to find out how much," he placed his hands on his waist. His hand dangerously close to his belt.

Kate sighed but reluctantly dropped down in front of him. She landed on her feet but started to lose her balance causing her father to reach out and steady her.

"What would possess you to do such a thing," he looked her in the eye.

"How mad are you?" Seemed to be the only thing Kate knew how to say.

"Does this answer your question?" Ben gripped her by the upper arm and practically drug her over to the tub where Rachel was still standing. "Do you see what you did?"

"Don't you think they're pretty?" She tried to lighten the mood.

"You obviously aren't taking your actions very seriously are you?" Ben crossed his arms in front of his chest. "And it looks like I'm going to have to show you just how wrong they were." Ben started to unbuckle his belt.

"That's not necessary," Kate suddenly began to realize just how upset he was.

"It's a little too late," Ben ignored her, gesturing at the tub. "Your backside is about to be the same color as that dye."

"Please Pa," Kate tried to change his mind. "It was just a prank."

"Kate, you know I don't punish for pranks," Ben told her what she already knew. "But you completely ruined your mothers' clothes."

He was about to go on to say something about how much that was going to cost to replace but was rudely interrupted.

"She's not my mother!" Kate yelled before stomping away to the house.

Ben started to go after her, not a bit liking how she spoke to him but was stopped by Rachel.

"Ben, don't."

"Don't?" Ben looked at her in surprise. "I was convinced to forgo the spanking she deserves but being disrespectful as she has been yelling at me changes my mind completely."

"She's still adjusting Ben. She doesn't like me and we can't expect her to in just a little over a week."

"That doesn't give her the right to yell at me."

"She doesn't know how else to voice it," Rachel again tried to convince him.

"My children were taught very young not to raise their voice to me or their mother. And that's what you are."

"Stepmother," she clarified.

"My children also know that doesn't matter when it comes to showing proper respect."

"Maybe so, but she doesn't see me as her mother or stepmother."

"I'm beginning to see that," Ben ran a hand down his face tiredly. Still trying to figure out how to handle his daughter.

"But she will," Rachel assured him before placing her head on his chest. "They all will."

"I hope you're right," Ben had to admit he was beginning to have his doubts.

"Make Kate replace my clothes, but don't spank her and let me reach her on my own."

Ben started to argue but Rachel continued.

"You promised me you would and if I know anything about Ben Cartwright I know you are a man of your word."

"I hate when people use my words against me," Ben shook his head, but there was a slow smile beginning to appear.

"That's because I'm right," she teased him before returning to the now begrudging task at hand.

Ben sighed and started for the house where he could once again try to talk some sense into his hardheaded daughter.

"Kate!" Ben called up the stairs.

"Yes Pa," Kate reluctantly came out of her room but stopped short at the top of the stairs. Not quite sure how close she wanted to get to her father.

"Come down here. I want to talk to you."

"What kind of talk is this going to be?" Kate sounded worried. "A talk or a TALK."

Kate knew that in most instances a talk with their father meant it was going to end with a couple of swats.

"Come down here and you'll find out." By now Ben had no intentions of spanking her but after what she did he didn't see anything wrong with making her sweat for a little while longer.

"Yes Sir," Kate didn't like his answer but she knew better than to keep him waiting regardless of the consequences.

Reaching the bottom step Kate stopped in front of her father.

"I'm sorry Pa, I know now why what I did was wrong. It's going to take a lot of money to replace Rachel's clothes."

"Yes, it is," Ben agreed. Pleased that she was beginning to understand her wrongdoing. "Which is why you are going to be doing chores to replace them."

"That's going to take forever," she started to complain.

"Kate," Ben crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Yes Sir," she was quick to turn penitent.

"I think a whitewash job on the woodshed will pay for most of it."

"Augh Pa," a disgruntled look crossed her face.

"We can always take a trip inside the woodshed first," he suggested.

"That's okay Pa," Kate backed down. "I better get started." She was quick to hurry past him to get started on the dreaded chore.

"I'll get you started," Ben followed her out to makes sure she had all the right supplies.

XXXXXXXX

That same day and Adam had been given the job of bringing in the hay from the hayfield so they wouldn't risk wet rot in the winter hay. Knowing how important it was for not only their livelihood but also to make the winter easier on the stock.

Even with working all day, which he was planning to do it was easily going to take him a couple of days to get the job done.

"Adam," Rachel announced riding up to the hayfield where her stepson was pitching hay into the back of the wagon to bring in to store over the winter.

"Rachel," Adam looked up startled.

"What are you doing here?" He asked dropping the pitchfork so he could help her down.

"I haven't seen much of the Ponderosa and I wanted some fresh air.

"Does Pa know about this?" Adam knew that Ben wasn't in the habit of wanting her to wander around without a guide.

"Really Adam? You sound like your father. But I can take care of myself.

"Sorry," he apologized. "But the Ponderosa is a large spread and it wouldn't be hard for someone to get lost."

"I also brought you your lunch," she handed him a white towel that had been tied around his lunch.

"No one else could bring it so you didn't have to come out here?"

"Kate wanted to, but she found herself in trouble with your Pa."

"Again," Adam groaned. "How bad this time?"

"Bad enough to be made to whitewash the entire woodshed.

"At least she wasn't taken into the woodshed," Adam figured.

"He considered it."

"For the life of me, I just can't figure out what's going on in that sister's head of yours."

"I can," Adam said simply. "Absolutely nothing."

Rachel couldn't help but smile at the young man's simple choice of words.

"It was the same with me when Marie first came. I don't even know why Pa ever bothered to put his belt on those first few months. And even though I didn't think so at the time I deserved every one of them."

"I find that hard to believe that you were ever that bad," Rachel said warily.

"Believe it, it's a wonder I'm still alive."

"Adam," Rachel proceeded with caution.

"I know you don't like me, but."

"I never said that," Adam interrupted bluntly.

"I just don't know you."

"I understand," she said before again hesitating to continue.

"You mentioned that you didn't get along with Marie," she wanted to make sure she was on the right track.

Adam nodded and Rachel continued.

"Can you tell a little about that?"

"Whew!" Adam exhaled a deep breath.

"I wouldn't even know where to start." Then again, in all honesty, Adam wasn't sure he wanted to say anything at all.

"Too much to tell," he finally said. "And I got chores to do."

"Can you talk while you work?"

"I'm sure you have better things to do than listen to me make a trip down memory lane."

"Please Adam," she tried another approach. Knowing it would never do for her to straighten and speak severely saying she was his stepmother and expected to be obeyed. She hadn't don't that with his siblings who were being a great deal more difficult and she wasn't about to start with him.

"Why do you want to know?" Adam had to admit he was being a little impertinent but he couldn't help it, he didn't like all the questions.

"I was hoping something you would say would give me an idea on helping me get through to Kate. Your father's told me how much you two are alike."

"You married Pa, she doesn't trust you. It's that simple," he said adamantly.

"And as much as we're alike, our circumstances are different regarding the way my behavior was and hers is now," Adam said pointedly.

"How so?"

"For instance," Adam started to explain. "I have a grandfather that lives in Boston. One day when I was out of sorts for some reason that had to do with Ma or Marie at the time and Pa. I told Pa I wanted to go live with Grandfather Stoddard."

"What did your Pa say?"

"He said that as long as he was living he would be the only man raising his children."

"I can see him saying that," Rachel smiled imagining her husband's face when he said it.

"I wrote to him anyway."

"Oh Adam," her eyes went wide.

"Pa had a bit different reaction."

"I can imagine."

"I waited weeks for a reply and was just about to give up, thinking he agreed with Pa when he appeared in the yard."

"From Boston?"

"Pa was thrilled to see him but as soon as he saw Pa he hit him across the jaw and started yelling. He got the impression from my letter that Pa was abusing me and he was furious."

"Pa wouldn't fight back so I knew it was up to me to stop it. Grandfather gave Pa the letter that I wasn't supposed to write in the first place and the rest is history. By the time it was over it was hard to say who wanted to get their hands on me first. Pa won out and I don't think I sat for a week. At least not comfortably. Grandfather stayed for a couple of weeks and we spent a lot of time together. He started to help me see things a little clearer. But he eventually had to return home and it was apparent I hadn't changed much."

Adam took a breath, picking up the hay fork to return to the job at hand after his lunch break before giving her the reason behind his story.

"Kate doesn't have a grandfather she could write to so that's different. And I didn't have an older sibling who's tried talking to her about something he experienced firsthand. So there's that too."

"What made the difference between you and Marie later on? I know you came to love her?"

"Very much," Adam agreed. "But that's a story for another day."

"Thank you for taking the time to talk with me," she started for her horse.

"I really shouldn't let you go on your own," Adam lifted his hat to wipe the sweat from his brow.

"You can come along," she offered.

"No can do," Adam shook his head. "I got to get this hay loaded so I can get home and get to my other chores."

"I can stay and help," she volunteered.

"Rachel?" Adam looked shocked when he realized she was serious. "I can't ask you to do that."

"You're not," Rachel pulled the newly purchased gloves from her saddlebags. "I want to."

"This isn't exactly the most enjoyable job on the Ponderosa," he warned.

"If I'm going to live here and be a part of the Cartwright family I need to learn all the aspects of the ranching business. Even the ones that aren't fun."

"Maybe so," he still wasn't convinced but he didn't know what else to say. "But I don't think hay loading is the best place to start. It's a dusty job, the hay gets in your clothes and it itches, and then it gets in your eyes and that's even worse." Adam wasn't exactly trying to make it sound horrible but he had to admit he wasn't by any means exaggerating.

"Now Adam, surely you're not going to tell your stepmother what she can and cannot do." Rachel ignored his warning before picking up the extra hay fork Adam had brought along.

"Pa's going to kill me."

That night and Kate was both tired and out of sorts. She hated taking a bath and by the time it was time to quit so she could get started on the evening chores she had more paint on her than she did the woodshed and she had to take a bath. What made it worse she had another full day of painting awaiting her the next day.

The family was sitting around the fireplace, Adam and Kate both with books in their hands, Lou Anne had the doll Ben brought her, and Hoss and Little Joe were both sprawled out on the floor playing a game of marbles. Rachel was darning one of Hoss's socks while her husband sat in his high back red chair cleaning one of the rifles.

The grandfather clock chimed and Kate stretched.

"I'm going to bed," she stood, tucking her book under her arm.

"Goodnight," Ben lifted a hand to pat her arm as she started to pass him.

"Goodnight," Kate spoke to everyone but Rachel.

"Kate," Ben said gruffly, just before his daughter started for the stairs.

"There's someone else in the room I expect you to address."

A dark look crossed her eyes and her tone was just as dark when she spoke. "Goodnight."

"Kate," Ben's voice matched her level of darkness. "I expect it to be done respectfully."

"I said it," Kate crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"Isn't that enough for you?" She wasn't sure if she meant for it to come out sarcastically but that's how it was perceived.

"Kate," Ben drew in a breath. "I've been rather lenient with you today and I'm beginning to regret it. You are asking for a tanning and I'm about to oblige you." He placed the rifle on the table in front of him before he started to stand.

"That's not necessary Pa," Kate was quick to apologize as she started to back away. "I didn't mean it."

"You said it," Ben made eye contact with her.

"It just slipped out," she spat out, trying to come up with something more to get him to change his mind.

"And I aim to make sure that doesn't happen again."

"Please Pa," Kate tried again to persuade him. "Give me another chance."

Ben sighed as he thought it over. He didn't like disciplining his children before bed but he would do what he had to if necessary.

"You've got it," Ben relented, being careful to eye her seriously. "But this is your last warning. You understand me?"

"Yes Sir," Kate was quick to respond.

"Goodnight," this time she spoke to her stepmother in a deferential tone.

"Goodnight Kate," Rachel had been watching the interaction between the two, hoping it would end without either Ben or Kate being upset. Knowing Kate's backside would be burning and Ben would be hurt by the fact he had to discipline her in the first place.

"I think it's time the rest of you went up to bed," Ben looked at Hoss before moving on to Joe and Lou Anne.

"Goodnight," the three were quick to head up the stairs, getting the feeling their father wasn't in the mood to be pushed. Despite the fact, they all knew it was a little early.

Ben, who had no intention in sending his eldest up. Knowing it wasn't likely he would cause a disruption. He would probably spend the rest of the evening in a corner to himself with his book or guitar.

"I think I'll go up too," Adam didn't know of his father's thinking and figured he wouldn't wait to be sent up.

"Adam," Rachel spoke getting his attention.

"Mam?" Adam turned to face her.

"Will you be going out to the hayfield again tomorrow?"

"One more day," Adam sounded pleased that he would be through with the dusty job by the morrow's end.

"Would you like me to come along? I don't mind helping again," she volunteered.

Adam was about to respond, saying that Hoss was going along this time when Ben interrupted.

"You let your mother pitch hay?" His tone revealing a shocked expression and his eyes narrowing down at him.

"Ugh," Adam wasn't quite sure what to say getting the feeling he was in for a lecture.

"Well?"

"Not exactly," Adam was coming up blank when it came to an explanation.

"Stop pestering him," Rachel shoved her husband ruefully. "It was all my idea and I told you all about it when we got home."

"That's just wrong Pa," Adam shook his head at his father's manner of teasing.

"I'm sorry," Ben laughed. "I couldn't resist."

"Just remember what they say about paybacks," Adam pointed at him before continuing up the stairs.

Rachel laughed at her eldest stepsons response before reminding her husband of something.

"And just so you know," she shook her head. "Your son sounds just like you when he's trying to convince me not to do something."

"I guess that's what happens," Ben smirked. "I swore I would never sound like my father but I do. And now Adam is turning into me."

"One Ben Cartwright is enough for all of us," she laughed out loud.

"Kate," Adam walked into his sisters' bedroom without bothering to knock.

"What do you want now?" Kate closed her book roughly.

"Do you know how lucky you are that Pa has been as patient as he has?" Adam again tried to talk some sense into his little sister.

"Would you just leave me alone?" Kate said in frustration.

"Kate, I'm getting tired of warning you. If you want to stay restricted on the ranch for the next year and not be able to sit for just about that long it's fine by me. But don't come whining to me when you're at odds with Pa and he gives you exactly what you deserve." Adam started to stomp out of the room.

"Adam," Kate sat up from where she was lying on her bed.

Adam looked back and Kate continued.

"Why did Pa have to get married?"

"Kate," Adam moaned taking a seat next to her. "We've been through all this."

"And I still don't like it," she grumbled.

"She's not that bad if you would give her a chance."

"Don't tell me you're on her side?!" She started to stand.

"Keep quiet," Adam grabbed her by the arm.

"And it has nothing to do with sides, it has to do with the truth. She's done everything she can to either keep you out of trouble or struggle with how to reach you."

"And I suppose she's reached you?" She said sarcastically.

"I don't know," Adam said truthfully. "Maybe."

"And she's already got Hoss," Kate was beginning the countdown.

"She's a good cook, what do you expect?"

"At least I still have Joe and Lou Anne."

"If you were as smart as I thought you were you'd take it down a notch. Because I know how this will end." Adam left her alone to do some thinking as he went on to his room.

XXXXXXXX

It was the second day of hay loading and whitewashing for the oldest son and daughter of Ben Cartwright along with Hoss and Little Joe who went along with their brother.

"Kate," Ben spoke getting her attention as he led his horse out of the barn.

"Pa?" Kate looked up, paintbrush in hand.

"I'm going into town. I want this job done by the time I get home."

"Awe Pa," Kate complained. "We have more important things to do before winter sets in."

"Do you like to whitewash?"

"No," Kate shook her head. "I get dirty and have to take a bath."

"Then it a good punishment."

"It a waste of time."

"No, it's discipline. And if it helps you learn to behave then it's worth it."

"Yes Sir," Kate said half-heartedly, returning to the dreaded job. "But I still don't like it."

"And you don't have to," Ben shook his head. "You just have to do it."

"I will," Kate still didn't like it but she knew her father took her at her word as she had always been honorable at telling the truth.

"Good," Ben took her into his arms for a quick hug. "I've always counted myself as a patient man Kate Cartwright. But you young lady are pushing it." He pulled her away from him so he could look her in the eye when he said it.

"It's what I do best," she threw him a mischievous grin.

"Get back to work," he turned her back to the woodshed so he could go back to the saddling of his horse.

"Ben," Rachel said noticing her husband with his horse. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going into town to check the mail. I'm expecting a response about a contract."

"Hurry home," she said placing a kiss on his cheek.

"I will," he promised before turning back to his daughter. "Kate," he said causing her to look up. "I suppose you're going to treat your stepmother with respect and we're not going to have to have a session in there when I get back," he nodded at the woodshed.

"No, Pa," Kate shook her head.

"Good," he cupped her chin. "I love you."

"Love you too, Pa," she said before returning the brush to its bucket of wash.

With Kate back to work, Ben led his horse further into the yard, motioning for his wife to follow him so they could have a quick word away from little ears.

"There shouldn't be any more problems with her today," Ben mentioned. "She normally doesn't get into trouble two days in a row."

"She'll be fine," she assured him. "Go on to town and take a little time to yourself, you deserve it."

Two or so hours later, and Kate was still hard at it. She took a quick lunch break but other than that she spent every minute with a paintbrush in hand. She was so engulfed in finishing the job before her father got home she barely noticed the presence of her stepmother as she concentrated on the back wall of the woodshed.

"It's looking good out here," Rachel complimented her stepdaughters' work.

"Thank you, ma'am," Kate knew she was expected to reply. But that was all she was willing to say.

"Mind if I lend a hand?" Rachel picked up the extra brush lying near the work area.

"Pa might not like it."

"Well, what your Pa doesn't know won't hurt him. And I'm not going to tell him are you?"

"The furthest thing from my mind."

She didn't have much more to go by the time her brothers came in with the last wagon load of hay.

Adam had just backed the wagon up outside the barn while Hoss took the time to unhitch and water the horses before they got started tossing hay up to the loft.

"Let's play in the hay!" Lou Anne squealed jumping from the loft window and down into the wagon load.

"Lou Anne Cartwright!" Adam yelled before grabbing her by the arm and lifting her out of the wagon and placing her firmly on her feet in front of him.

"Awe Adam," she complained. "I wanted to roll in it."

"Don't awe Adam me," he stood firmly. "I ought to tan your hide for pulling such a stunt."

"What's going on here?" Rachel hurried from the back of the woodshed when she heard the commotion.

"My kid sister is trying to break her neck."

"I'm sure she won't do it again," Rachel tried to appease the situation between her two stepchildren.

"You bet she won't by the time Pa gets done. Where is he?" Adam started to look around.

"He went into town," Rachel sighed, worried where this was going to lead to now that Ben wasn't there to control both the situation and his children.

"Guess that means it's up to me," Adam crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Now Adam she was just playing," Rachel tried. "Weren't you Lou Anne?"

"Sure," Lou Anne tried to look innocent.

"And Adam," she turned to her eldest stepson. "I'm sure you did the same thing when you were young."

"Well not exactly," Adam admitted. "But similar."

"And you won't do it again will you Lou Anne?" Rachel wanted to clarify, just to make sure it was settled.

"No," Lou Anne said quickly, although was the last thing she wanted to say.

"Then it's settled," Rachel picked up a handful of hay and tossed it at Lou Anne.

That playful interaction was all it took for Joe, Hoss, and Lou Anne to get started on a hay war about the yard.

"My paint job!" Kate yelled when a handful of stringy hay landed on the wet door.

"My hay!" Adam reacted in a manner similar to that of his sister. Thinking of how long it had taken him to load the hay into the wagon in the first place and knowing it was liable to take him the rest of the evening now that he had to reload it into the wagon before they got started tossing it in the loft.

The four Cartwright's ignored their loud complaints and continued with the unexpected hay war.

Adam and Kate exchanged glances, and seeing as they were beaten, they readily joined into the war.

Kate bellowing, "If you can't beat them, join them."

They lost track of how long they had been playing but it must have been a while since they weren't interrupted until Ben rode into the yard.

"What is going on over here?!" Ben bellowed to get their attention. Finding not only them covered in hay but the yard and the wet paint on the woodshed as well.

"It's my fault, Ben," Rachel went over to him just as soon as he stepped down from his horse. "I started it."

"I'm glad you had fun," Ben said truthfully. "And I know you don't know about ranch living. But we need this hay for the livestock if we're going to keep them alive this winter."

"I understand," Rachel noodled. "And it will be good as new just as soon as we get it picked up," she assured him.

"I know," Ben sighed before looking at his children who stood unmoving since he rode in.

"Get this mess cleaned up," he said before taking his horse into the barn to unsaddle.

Once Ben left for the barn, the remaining Cartwright's began the cleanup chore.

Kate and Rachel were just reaching for the same clump of hay when Kate muttered, only loud enough for her stepmother to hear.

"Just because you helped me paint the shed still doesn't mean I like you."

"Of course not," she knew it could never be that easy.

XXXXXXXX

The following afternoon found Lou Anne up to her old tricks when it came to giving Rachel a hard time.

Ben was upstairs getting ready to take Kate and Joe into town to replace the things of Rachel's they ruined while Rachel worked in the kitchen and Adam and Hoss worked in the barn.

"Lou Anne," Rachel found the girl on the settee playing with her doll while she carried a freshly filled oil lamp into the room.

"Please go into the storeroom and bring up," Rachel started to ask but was abruptly cut off.

"Do it yourself, I'm busy."

"Doing what?"

"None of your business," Lou Anne started for the door but stopped in her tracks when she saw her father descending the stairs out of the corner of her eye.

"Lou Anne, please bring a few of the wicks up from the storeroom," Rachel repeated. "I need to replace them."

Lou Anne still didn't budge and Ben cleared his throat to get her attention.

"You heard your mother."

"Stepmother," Lou Anne grumbled.

"What was that Lou Anne?" Ben looked at his youngest.

"Nothing Pa," she said sweetly as she begrudgingly left the door for the storeroom.

She returned to the room a short time later and placed a handful of wicks on the kitchen table before being quick to make her escape out the door and into the yard just in time to see her father, sister, and youngest brother drive away in the buckboard. She was just about to ask where they were going when she saw Hoss leading her stepmother's saddled horse from the barn.

"What you doing with Rachel's horse?"

"She wants to go for a ride."

"I thought we were supposed to saddle our own mounts."

"We are," Hoss nodded. "But she asked me to take care of it."

"And you did it?"

"Of course, she's my stepmother."

"That doesn't mean you have to listen to her."

"Again, she's my stepmother," Hoss repeated. "And she hasn't been anything but nice to me."

"I think I'm going to be sick," she said disgustedly.

"Don't you have chores to do?" Hoss was getting tired of his sisters' sarcastic attitude.

"Don't you?"

"That's exactly where I'm going," Hoss started for the barn, leaving his sister standing in the yard alone.

Lou Anne kicked at the dirt as she stepped alongside the water trough to fill a bucket of water when she noticed a burr near the right of her boot. Taking it in her hand carefully, Lou Anne grinned as she thought of the countless pranks she could do with one bur.

Making a decision, Lou Anne stuck the bur just under the saddle blanket. Making sure it would hurt the horse other than cause a start when Rachel took her seat in the saddle.

Lou Anne was quick to disappear just as soon as the deed was done, narrowly escaping a round of questions from her eldest brother who was coming round the back of the house for the barn.

He stopped just near the corral to give Rachel a boost in the saddle when the horse reared back throwing her off. She let out a scream amidst her descent and it was quick to make Adam pay attention and bring Hoss running from the barn and after the horse.

Adam wasn't sure how he did it, but he somehow managed to catch her before she was flung into the trough or against the corral, despite the fact the impact took them both to the ground. Rachel going down hard against her stepson.

Adam groaned and as soon as Rachel got her bearings back from the surprise fall she pulled herself up. Adam was a little slower however after getting the breath knocked out of him, but he eventually returned to his feet.

"You okay?" He choked out a question.

"Nothing hurt but my pride," Rachel dusted the dirt from her dress.

"But that's a little more than I can say about you." Concern showing in her voice when she saw the blood oozing from the arm of his shirt.

"It's just a scratch," Adam didn't pay it no mind.

"Let me see," Rachel started to take his arm in her hand but it was jerked away.

"It's fine," Adam brushed her concern aside. "I just scratched it on the barbed wire," he remembered the wire they had hanging from the corral.

"Adam," Rachel was still a little shaken from her fall but she did her best to sound authoritative. "It was rusty wire and I don't want it to get infected."

"I've hurt myself worse out on the trail last year."

"Either way," she took his arm in hers being careful to raise his sleeve.

Adam winced, the material sticking to some of the already dried blood on the wound and Rachel stopped.

"Let's go inside." This time she wouldn't take no for an answer and was quick to lead him in.

"I need to go help Hoss," Adam still wasn't happy with how much attention she was paying to him.

"I'm sure he can manage fine on his own for a while," Rachel assured him as they reached the kitchen.

"I wonder what made her rear up like that?" Adam was speaking of the horse, primarily talking aloud to himself.

"She's always been so gentle before," Rachel pointed out before starting to undo the buttons on his shirt sleeve.

"I can do it," Adam pushed her hand aside. He didn't do it roughly but it was enough to make her step back and continue unrolling the bandage she planned to use.

Adam carefully rolled up his sleeve and Rachel proceeded with pouring a bit of iodine over it before dabbing it dry with a clean towel and smearing a bit of ointment she found in the cabinet before wrapping it with the bandage.

"Should be fine in a couple of days," she smiled at him.

Adam started to leave, in a hurry to get back outside but he stopped himself short before he got too far out of the room.

"Thanks," he looked back at her. Figuring he owed her something for being so concerned even if he didn't think it was warranted.

Adam didn't wait for a reply and hurried out the kitchen door, in a hurry to get back to work.

"You found her," Adam gestured at the horse with his head when he saw his brother watering their stepmothers' horse in the yard.

"That's not the only thing I've found," Hoss revealed the bur he found under the saddle.

"That explains a lot."

"That's what I said," Hoss agreed.

"Wonder how it got there," Adam started to say but was cut off when Hoss's face fell.

"What's the matter?"

"I think I know how it got there," Hoss said before explaining the conversation he had with Lou Anne.

"Oh no," Adam leaned against the corral, not liking the way his day was turning out at all.

"What do you think we should do?"

"I don't know," Adam answered truthfully.

"Should we tell Pa?"

"I'm not going to tell him anything."

"We have to do something," Hoss looked at his brother confused. "Don't we?"

"If we tell Pa, his daughter wanted Rachel to fall from her horse there won't be anything left to bury after he kills her."

"Augh Adam, stop exaggerating. "It could have been meant as a prank."

"I'm being completely serious," Adam's eyes were wide when he said it.

Hoss winced and Adam continued.

"I just don't know what to think. I hate to think of Lou Anne getting in trouble, but I told Pa about Little Joe and he isn't nearly as hard on Rachel as he was."

"It is only fair," Hoss figured shrugging. "And if we don't, things will never get better."

"I know," Adam sighed. "I just don't want to do it."

"Well don't look at me," Hoss held his hands up in surrender, wanting to stay completely out of it, especially considering he was the one blamed for the bed incident. "Wonder where she is anyway?"

"If she's smart she's on her way to China."

Hoss was about to reply to his brothers' remark but was interrupted when Rachel approached them.

"You alright Mam?" Hoss decided on a different reply.

"I'm fine Hoss, thank you," she smiled at the gentle boy.

"I think we found the reason for your fall," Hoss once again revealed the bur and repeated the story.

The three didn't get to say too much after that, at least not after the buckboard pulled in with Ben, Kate and Joe.

"Your back," Rachel was the first to approach, looking for a kiss from her husband while Adam was the second to approach looking to take the reins.

"What happened to your arm?" Ben didn't miss the bandage on the boy's arm.

"I fell," Adam wasn't sure how to respond but he figured that part of the truth was good enough.

"How?" Ben was curious.

"It was me," Rachel interrupted. "I lost my balance and knocked him against the barbed wire hanging on the corral." Rachel figured that wasn't too much of a lie, considering she did lose her balance. On the horse that is.

"I've been meaning to pick that up," Ben chastised himself for his negligence.

"It's not bad," Rachel assured him. "I cleaned it up and he should be fine in a couple of days."

"Good," Ben jumped down from the buckboard before moving to the back to unload the supplies.

"Did you get my things?" Rachel followed him.

"We did," Ben turned to the children he took along with. "Kate, Joe, don't you have something to say?"

"We already said we were sorry Pa," Joe reminded him.

"Joseph," Ben looked at him sternly.

"I'm sorry about ruining your tablecloth," Joe handed her the new one he was forced to pick out.

"Thank you, Joe," she gave him a small smile.

"Excuse me if I don't say anytime," he smiled back. Not liking the amount of work he had to do to replace it.

"Kate," Ben nodded for her to take her turn.

"Here's your stupid clothes," Kate shoved them at her. "It's not my fault you don't like the color red."

Rachel gasped at the girls' response while Adam, Hoss, and Joes' mouths dropped.

Ben on the other hand had a different reaction and he was quick to be at her side before gripping her arm firmly.

"I think it's time you get reacquainted with the taste of soap," Ben crossed the yard, his daughter still in tow as they reached the kitchen door that led into the house.

"Wonder what brought that on?" Hoss said aloud. "That soap tastes terrible."

"She was mad because Pa wouldn't let her run off with her friend Mary Brady. He said we were there for one reason and that was to replace the stuff we ruined." Joe enlightened them, regarding their town trip.

"One of these days she'll learn to keep her mouth shut," Adam proceeded with the caring of the buckboard. "At least I hope."

XXXXXXXX

Things were quiet after dinner that evening. Lou Anne didn't like the looks she kept getting from Adam and Hoss and was quick to excuse herself. Saying she was tired and wanted to go to bed. Ben on the other hand, who was oblivious to his youngest daughter's actions spent some time playing a game of checkers with his youngest son. One would think that he would have been a little put out after the soap incident, but it was quite the opposite appearing as if he was growing used to the constant trouble his eldest daughter seemed bent on causing.

"What was that?" Ben looked at Joe, his eyes sparkling.

"What?" Joe started to look around the room. Giving his father just enough time to secretly remove another one of Joes' checkers from the board.

Joe was clueless as to what was going on in front of him, but his brother Adam wasn't and he was having a hard time keeping from laughing at their fathers' prank. He couldn't however keep a slight chuckle from escaping. Ben motioned for him to keep quiet and he somehow managed to cover it with a slight cough.

"Guess it was nothing," Ben shrugged, getting Joe to return his attention back to the game.

Rachel had no idea what was going on but after watching the looks pass between father and son she had a feeling she might want to keep an eye on the game as not to miss anything interesting.

"Didn't I have a checker over here?" Joe looked at Ben confused.

"Hmm?" Ben appeared as if he was barely paying attention to the game.

"A checker," Joe pointed at the designated spot on the board.

"I don't think so," Ben shook his head.

This continued for several moves, every couple of moves Ben either moving the checkers around the board or removing them completely.

This was about all Hoss could handle and he found himself having to walk away to keep from bursting into a fit of laughter.

"Are you cheating Pa?" Joe looked at him intently.

"Me?" Ben pointed at himself. "You know me better than that."

"Guess so," Joe shrugged, despite the fact he couldn't keep the confusion from coming.

Ben again gestured at something to take Joes' attention from the game. Unfortunately just as he started to make another move, Joe turned back.

"It is you Pa," he laughed when he caught him in the act.

"It's me," Ben reached out to ruffle his hair.

Joe yawned and Ben pulled him in for a hug.

"Better get ready for bed boy."

"I am tired," Joe yawned again. "Goodnight."

"You too Kate," Ben looked over at the girl who started out reading but lost interest in the book after watching the interaction of the game.

"I'm not as tired as Little Joe," Kate tried to convince him.

"Maybe not," Ben agreed with her. "But it's getting late and theirs going to be plenty needing done tomorrow."

"You know I'd have gotten a lot more done today if I wasn't spitting soap and trying to get the taste out of my mouth half the day."

"Get to bed kid," Ben pointed at her.

"I'm going, I'm going," Kate reached for the book she placed on the coffee table before crossing in front of her father.

"Leave the book."

"You know me too well," Kate grumbled.

"It's my job."

"Aren't you ever going to take a vacation?"

Ben was about to say something about her smart-alec behavior but was interrupted when Hoss picked her up and hurried her up the stairs.

"That kid," Ben stood to place another log on the fire.

"And here I thought Lou Anne was going to be the difficult one." Ben placed his leg on the hearth, leaning over to warm his hands.

Adam and Rachel exchanged glances neither of them saying a word in response. But the more Adam remained silent the more his youngest sister's actions repeated in his head, causing him to eventually reveal the truth.

"She has Pa," Adam sighed, causing his father to turn his full attention on him.

Adam didn't like discussing something that could get his sister into trouble but he figured it was only fair. Knowing what Hoss said earlier that day was true. Nothing was going to change until Ben started to notice.

"She's just done it all out of earshot from you."

"What?" Ben's surprise immediately turned to anger.

"Is this true Rachel?" It's not that he didn't trust Adam or expected him to lie, he just wanted to make sure he was getting a clear picture of his youngest.

Rachel didn't say anything, but she did give a slight nod.

"What has she done?"

"I did get this from a fall," Adam's voice was low as he pointed at his arm. "But the main reason she lost her balance was because there was a bur under her saddle and the horse threw her."

"What?!" Ben was shocked to learn the truth.

"Adam caught me and nothing else happened," Rachel tried to calm him.

"Are you sure it was Lou Anne?" Ben wanted to make sure he had proof of wrongdoing.

"Hoss and I were the only other ones here."

"And Hoss hasn't been in trouble since the bed," Ben recalled.

"Hoss didn't do it," Adam figured if he was going to say anything at all he might as well tell all. "It was Lou Anne who cut the ropes to Rachel's bed. Hoss and I questioned her about it."

"How could I have been so wrong?" Ben turned away, upset that he punished the boy wrongly.

"I knew it couldn't have been Hoss." Sure Rachel hadn't known them for long at the time of the incident but she had to admit she found it hard to believe it had been Hoss as she got to know them.

"And you knew about it?" Ben turned on Adam. "But didn't say anything to me."

At this point, Adam had no idea what to do or say and the expression on his face showed it.

"Don't blame Adam," Rachel spoke for the first time. "I asked him not to say anything."

"He still should have said something," Ben glanced at Rachel.

There was silence in the room and Adam chose that moment to attempt an escape.

"Who said you could leave?" Unfortunately, his escape didn't go unnoticed by his father.

"Let him go, Ben," Rachel placed a hand on his arm. "None of this is his fault."

Ben hesitated but eventually spoke.

"The next time you see your siblings get out of line I expect you to tell me that instant," Ben placed a finger firmly in his chest. "You're the oldest and I expect you to act like it."

"Yes Sir," Adam said quickly after nodding a silent thanks to Rachel.

Once Adam was upstairs and what they thought was out of earshot, Rachel turned on her husband.

"You had no reason to get onto to him like that," she was trying to keep her voice down as to not yell and wake the children but she was finding it rather difficult.

Adam froze when he heard his stepmother's statement. He had just rounded the upstairs corner and deemed it a safe place out of his father's sight to eavesdrop. He knew it was wrong and knew his Pa wouldn't be happy if he knew but the conversation downstairs was enough to keep him glued to the floor.

Rachel's statement ringing in his ears. He hadn't treated her badly at least not compared to some of his siblings. But she deserved better, more respect on his part. She barely knew him yet she was getting him out of trouble. That small statement was enough to make his mind up at least that and his father's order. From now on he was going to take a more active approach on how his siblings treated their stepmother. And if that meant being a squealer, he would do what he had to, to make life more bearable for her.

"I have to talk to Hoss." Ben was up in a matter of minutes. Causing Adam to tiptoe down the hall and slip into his room.

"Ben, it's late," Rachel stopped him. "Wait until tomorrow."

"No," he shook his head. "I made a mistake and can't let it go any longer." Ben took the stairs two at a time, in a hurry to reach his sons' room.

"Hoss," Ben stepped into the boys' room. Where he found him stretched out on the bed half asleep.

"Pa," Hoss blinked several times before focusing on his father's face. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes," Ben rubbed a hand over his tired face. "I need to apologize."

"Pa?" Hoss sat up, looking at him confused. "Why would you need to apologize?"

"Your brother told me about the bed," he looked at him intently.

"You woke me up for that?" Hoss didn't appear a bit put out over the incident. "I plumb forgot about that."

"Hoss, you've always taken things in stride," Ben patted his arm. "You forgive and forget in a manner that has amazed me ever since you were little. You will do almost anything for your brothers and sisters even if that means you yourself gets into trouble. Which is what I estimate one of these times were. Am I right?"

"Guess so?" Hoss shrugged. Never spending much time thinking about it.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know for sure. And by the time I did, I didn't mind anymore. Adam and I figured that as long as she didn't do it again we'd keep it between us."

"You're a good boy Eric and I'm sorry I misjudged you."

"Augh shucks Pa, it's alright.

"I don't know what I did to deserve a boy like you," Ben shook his head wondering.

"Just lucky I guess," Hoss threw him a lopsided grin.

"I guess so," Ben kissed his head before leaving him to go back to bed.

XXXXXXXX

The following morning, Ben knew he needed to talk to his youngest. It being too late the night before upon its discovery. He had every intention to do so as well. Unfortunately, early that morning before she was even dressed and downstairs he was called away by rumors of cattle rustling in the area.

It was late that afternoon by the time he returned home from his trek around the ranch with several of the hands looking for any sign of rustlers. None were found and he reluctantly returned home, knowing he needed to spend some time with his family, and most importantly have a very unwanted but necessary talk with his youngest.

After unsaddling his horse and heading inside for a late lunch and quiet talk with his wife he went in search of his young daughter. Not finding her inside or even in the yard he decided to question his four elder children.

"Is Lou Anne back here?" Ben stopped by the back of the house where Hoss and Little Joe were working splitting the rails Ben and Adam had brought in earlier that week.

"No Pa," Hoss held the long blade in his hand.

"Do you know where she is?"

"Gee Pa, we've been out here working most of the day," Joe arched his back out. Tired of the constant bending of moving fresh slats off to the side that they would use later on to repair the roof.

"I think she's mad at us," Hoss spoke up, hating to admit it.

"Whys that?"

"She wanted," Joe started to say but was interrupted by his brother.

"She's mad at all of us."

"What?" Ben looked surprised. Knowing it wasn't very often one of his children was mad at all four of their siblings.

"Maybe you should ask her?" Hoss suggested.

"I'm asking you," Ben knew that Hoss would be the one least likely to skid around when it came to telling him what he wanted to know.

Hoss chewed on his lower lip as he struggled with just exactly how to tell his father the truth.

"Well?" Ben didn't have time to wait around for his middle son to finally come up with a safe answer.

"She wanted us to take her down to the lake so we could go fishing. We told her we had winter chores to do and She stomped off saying we never had time to do anything fun with her anymore.

"Why would she do that?" Ben wondered aloud. "She knows how important it is to get

done before winter sets in.

"Beats me Pa," Hoss shrugged.

"Where'd she go after that?"

"I think she went after Kate and Adam." Joe was the one to answer his last question.

"Kate! Adam!" Ben called for them once he reached the woodshed.

"In here Pa!" Kate stepped out, a load of freshly chopped wood in her hand that she was carrying inside to fill the shed to the brim with the wood Adam was chopping.

"You two seen your sister?"

"Not for the past hour or so," Adam answered for them both as he picked up another log to set it in place before reaching for his ax.

"She said something about being mad that Hoss and Joe wouldn't go fishing, then something about Rachel, and finally something about chores."

"What's this have to do with chores?" Ben was trying to put two and two together.

"She didn't like Rachel telling her what to do, then she didn't like me and Hoss reminding her of the extra chores she had before winter sets in. Complaining that all she ever did was chores. Which I responded by telling her that it's a ranch and what did she expect?"

"She didn't like that very much," Kate spoke up.

"Do you know where she went?" Ben was trying to get back to what was important.

"I saw her heading off behind the barn," Adam recalled. "Not sure where she was going, but I told her not to go far."

"Guess she didn't listen if she's not around the yard," Kate stated the obvious.

"Better go after her," Ben observed the sun. "It'll be getting dark soon."

"You don't think she got lost. Do you Pa?" Joe didn't think any of them could get lost on the Ponderosa.

"I don't think so Little Joe," Ben shook his head. "She was just upset and probably ran off. We'll find her."

"Adam, Hoss saddle the horses, we're going after her."

"Me too Pa?" Hoss looked up surprisingly.

"You earned it boy," Ben gestured with his head. "And this will give you practice tracking."

Adam and Hoss started for the barn and Ben turned to his youngest son.

"Joe, get your brothers jackets."

"I'm going to, "Kate announced.

"You're not going anywhere," Ben's tone was firm. "The last thing I need is another one of my children lost."

"How am I going to get lost with you, Hoss and Adam?" Kate sounded as if she was ready to argue.

"Kate," Ben glared. "I don't have time to argue with you. You are staying here."

Kate started to open her mouth, but an extra look from her father made her think better of it.

"Get started on yours and Lou Anne's chores."

Joe was coming out of the house with his brothers' jacket when Ben added.

"Joe, take care of your brothers' chores."

"Yes Sir," the two replied reluctantly.

Lou Anne lost track of how long she had been walking. All she knew was how tired she was. She wanted to stop but it seemed like with every step the more she thought of how unfair her young life was turning out to be and all she could think to do was walk away her frustrations.

"I should have brought my horse," she said to herself, her feet aching after the long walk. Then again, she wasn't allowed to ride without her Pa or one of her elder brothers with her. She already had a feeling she was going to be in trouble for taking off, at least she didn't have to worry about adding to it with the horse.

She continued to place one foot in front of the other, completely unsure of where she was headed. She somehow managed to find the lake where she continued to walk along until she reached her mother's grave. It was then that she decided to rest up and gather her bearings. She had no idea she was that far from home and had only ever ridden that far when she was with her family. She was tired and wanted to go home. Unfortunately, she didn't have the energy to turn around and head for home. At least not yet anyway. Lou Anne picked at a few weeds before eventually lying her head down and drifting off to sleep.

It was almost dark by the time Kate and Joe finished the chores and made it inside where they waited for Rachel to finish supper.

"Wonder when they are going to get back?" Kate was growing impatient as she stood at the open door.

"What do you care for?" Joe looked up from where he was sprawled out on the floor shooting marbles from one end of the house to the other near the kitchen table. "It's her fault she ran off."

"I didn't say I was worried about her," Kate closed the door. "I just wish they'd get home. Adam and I were going to try conducting a new experiment from one of his books."

"Don't you remember what happened last time you and Adam tried that?"

"Yeah, but that wasn't our fault," Kate tried picking up for herself.

"Wasn't your fault?" Joe sat up. "Pa told you two not to mix all that stuff together in the house that it would cause a mess. But you didn't listen and that's exactly what happened. The house smelled like vinegar for three days and we stepped on slivers of glass for just as long.

"Again, that wasn't my fault. I didn't know Adam already added the extra ingredients and I didn't know Hop Sing was going to light the lamp that was sitting next to it."

"For the record, I still don't know how it happened, but the heat must have activated the experiment, and when it started to shoot out it caused too much friction and caused the lamp to burst." Kate rubbed her chin as she squinted obviously still trying to figure something out.

"At least that's what Adam said. Even though I still don't know how it did that."

"I don't know how it didn't catch fire to the whole house?" Joe offered his own hypothesis.

"By the time Pa was done with me and big brother were both on fire. Which is one of the reasons we've waited so long before attempting another one. We didn't want to risk another encounter with Pa. Well, that and he took the book away for six months." She added.

"And you decided you'd risk another disaster?" Joe asked clarifying.

"Your one to talk," his sister scoffed. "You're the king of disaster and run a close race with Lou Anne on who disobeys Pa the most."

Joe was about to argue but was interrupted by his stepmother.

"Joseph," Rachel said frustrated after stepping on another one of his marbles. "Didn't I tell you to pick these up?"

"And Kate," she added. "Close the door and wash up for dinner."

"Pa's not here so you can stop acting like our mother," Kate closed the door roughly behind her.

Rachel wanted to remind her that it didn't matter if their father was there or not. That she was still her stepmother but she refrained. Knowing it wouldn't do any good. If Kate had it in her head to be as she had been since the beginning no amount of words would change her mind.

Instead, Rachel let out a breath and returned to the kitchen for another dish.

She was beginning to wonder if they truly would become one family. Sure Hoss accepted her and Adam and Joe were beginning to. But Kate and Lou Anne were another story. Kate was being impossible and even no one said it she knew she was part of the reason Lou Anne disappeared.

Again, Rachel sighed. Knowing that all she could do was pray and give her new family time.

XXXXXXXX

Ben, Adam, and Hoss Cartwright continued on their trek northward. They had already stopped at three different places she frequented and vaguely they were running out of places to look. It was dark and seeing almost anything was difficult. On top of that, there was a heavy mist beginning to fall.

Hoss wasn't sure how he did it with the meager light from the moon, but he somehow noticed a fresh set of footprints that appeared to belong to his youngest sister, and just as he started to follow them his eldest brother spoke up.

"I think I know where she went," Adam's face brightened.

"Where?" Ben asked quickly.

"Ma's grave," Adam's tone dropped.

"You don't think she just went to the cave near there for shelter?" Hoss wondered.

Adam shook his head and Ben agreed.

"I think Adams right."

"Only one way to find out," Hoss returned to the saddle and urged his horse forward.

By the time they reached the lake, there was a steady fall of rain. Seeing his youngest child curled up in the dirt brought a worried expression to cross the father's face. Dropping the reigns to the ground, Ben made the short trek in a run.

"Lou Anne," Ben lifted her head into his lap.

"Are you okay?" He looked her over.

"Pa," the child blinked several times.

Ben nodded as he felt a shiver go through her little body.

"Come on baby," he lifted her into his arms.

Lou Anne moaned but rested her head on his shoulder and was back to sleep in seconds.

"Is she alright?" Adam asked.

While Hoss took his sister from their father giving him a chance to return to the saddle before handing her back knowing their father wanted her as close to him as possible after the long evening of worry.

"She'll be fine once she gets some rest," Ben turned his horse around in a hurry to get his children home and out of the rain.

Sometime later and the youngest child of Ben Cartwright was dry and tucked snugly into her upstairs bedroom. She was so exhausted after her expedition around the ranch she barely stirred when her parents got her into some dry clothes and into bed.

Ben was both mentally and physically exhausted. But even that didn't cause him to shrink from his fatherly observation.

"Why haven't you changed out of those wet clothes?" Ben looked at his two eldest who was sitting on the hearth of the fireplace.

Hoss started to say that he was too hungry to even care about his clothing but Adam was the one to speak.

"You haven't changed either Pa," Adam

"I was busy tending to my child. What's your excuse?" Ben's tone was stern.

"I was hungry," Hoss lightened the mood of everyone when he gave his answer.

Ben cracked a smile and let out a small laugh causing each of them to relax.

"I suppose you two are dry enough from sitting near the fire. Now you want to make some room for your old man?" Causing Adam to scoot over.

"You're not old Pa," Kate looked at him confused.

"It's an expression, Kate." Ben took the cup of coffee Rachel had brought in from the kitchen to help warm him.

Kate shrugged and took a seat in the red chair her father normally occupied when he wasn't wet.

She wanted to ask where they found her but she could see something in her father's face that made her think he wasn't much in the mood for small talk. She considered just going to bed but in her opinion, it was far too early. She started to say something to Adam about him reading aloud in one of his books but again even Adam didn't appear to be interested in saying much.

"I can't believe my seven-year-old cut the ropes and placed a bur under a saddle." Ben had his head resting in his hands as he thought of the past few events that surrounded his youngest.

"Believe it Pa." Kate's timing was a little off with her next observation and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't keep her mouth shut. "She's a menace to society."

"And you're not?" Ben looked up at her rigidly.

"I didn't cut the ropes now did I?"

"Only because you didn't think of it," Adam muttered.

"Shut up Adam," Kate glared at him.

"Kate," Ben corrected authoritatively.

"I still didn't do it," she mumbled.

"Kate," Ben repeated. "Do not push it."

"You know Pa." Her father's warning going in through one ear and out the other. "I don't want to say you're playing favorites. But if one of us," Kate waved her hand around the room, gesturing at her brothers. "Would have done what she's done, you wouldn't have cared that we were tired or out on the ranch. You'd have busted our butts and then made us ride home."

"Get used to it Kate," Joe stood from his place on the settee preparing to head up the stairs. "She's his baby and will always be his favorite."

"Now hold on there," Ben was flabbergasted. "Sit down, I want to talk to every one of you."

"Now you did it, Joe," Hoss shoved his brother. "We're all in trouble."

"No one's in trouble," Ben raised his voice to get their attention. "Even though it is none of your business. Your youngest sister is not going to escape punishment. But when and what I choose to do is my decision. Now I love all of you equally. But if you can't see that then I'm sorry. But that's something you'll have to work out for yourself. Now get to bed all of you."

Kate and Joe started up the stairs solemnly, slightly embarrassed by their behavior.

Ben noticed his two eldest had yet to show any signs of obeying and he repeated himself.

"I said all of you."

"Pa," Hoss started to say something but was cut off.

"Do as I say, Eric," Ben's tone was low but there was no mistaking the firmness in it.

"Pa," Hoss tried again. "I just wanted to say we don't all think that." He couldn't believe he was speaking for both himself and Adam. Knowing it was normally older brother who did all the talking for them, being he was better with words than himself.

"Thanks, boys," Ben squeezed Hoss's arm and placed a hand on Adam's shoulder.

Adam and Hoss left without a word and Ben dropped onto the settee next to his wife.

"I may not be old," he looked at Rachel. "But sometimes they really make me feel it."

XXXXXXXX

Lou Anne knew she was in trouble the second she woke the following morning. She moaned and rolled over hoping to go back to sleep not wanting to face the day. Unfortunately, sleep wouldn't come and she slid over the side of the bed.

"Can't avoid the inevitable," she stood to begin her dressing process.

"Might as well get it over with." She said as she left her room and started down the stairs.

It must have been later than usual since the only two people she found at the breakfast table were her father and stepmother.

She hesitated before taking her seat unsure if she should sit down to breakfast, get started on her chores, or simply await the coming lecture and discipline she knew was coming.

"Sit down and have your breakfast," Rachel was the one to answer.

Lou Anne didn't budge but instead just looked over at Ben.

In all her seven years she knew her father wasn't one to hold off on punishment for long. And she was a little surprised when he nodded his approval. Then again, he also wasn't in the habit of withholding food especially considering she slept through dinner.

"Eat your breakfast while I talk."

Lou Anne took her usual seat and started in on the plate Rachel filled.

"I don't guess I need to start by telling you how disappointed I am and how wrong your behavior has been."

"I think I'm going to get started on cleanup," Rachel started to leave the table but Ben stopped her.

"Stay, please."

Rachel hesitated but eventually returned to her seat getting the feeling this was going to get awkward.

"Whether you know it or not. It was wrong for you to behave the way you have been. Simply because you don't want her here." He pointed at Rachel when he said it.

Since you've had it in your head that she was only going to cause problems rather than help before you even met her. And that's why you not only cut the ropes on her bed but have been far more disrespectful towards her than you know I tolerate or this wouldn't have been kept from me for so long."

"How'd you know about that? Did Adam and Hoss squeal?" Lou Anne's brows came together as a look of unhappiness crossed her face.

Ben nodded but didn't get a chance to speak before Lou Anne grumbled.

"Darn brothers," she muttered under her breath.

"You're in enough trouble young lady," Ben pointed a finger at her. "I wouldn't suggest you add to it."

"You won't have time for me anymore now that you're married," Lou Anne said angrily yet there was a realm of sadness in her face.

"Is that what you are worried about?" Ben looked both flabbergasted and ashamed by the reason behind her behavior.

"Did you ever stop to think that I'll have more time for you being married?"

"No. How?"

"With Rachel here, she can help with you and your siblings by getting you off to school so I can get an early start on my work and then get home earlier in the evenings to spend with you kids. You'll always be my baby girl and one of my first priorities."

"I didn't think about it like that."

"I know you didn't. Now I'm going to ask you a question I want a very straight answer to. Why is it you don't like Rachel?"

"Ugh Ben," Rachel started to say but was again interrupted by her husband.

"I want her to answer this one."

"I," Lou Anne started to say but dropped her head when she mumbled the rest.

"Clearer this time?" Ben urged her gently.

"I don't know," Lou Anne was beginning to feel a bit guilty over her behavior. Especially now that she realized she was always going to have him.

"And the next time your upset about something instead of running off talk to me about it Lou Anne. I thought I had a better relationship than that with my children. I want you, your brothers and sisters to always feel like you can talk to me no matter what's bothering you."

"How much trouble am I in?" Lou Anne finally summed up the courage to ask.

"You cut the ropes and let your brother take the blame. You placed a bur under her saddle. You've been disrespectful, disobedient and if that's not enough you ran off. "You have quite a bit of misdeeds stacked against you. And you ask me how much trouble you are in?"

"I say stupid stuff when I'm in trouble," Lou Anne shrugged.

"Before we head upstairs I want you to make me a promise. Can you promise that you'll at least try to give Rachel a chance?"

Lou Anne sighed as she ran the question over in her mind but she eventually responded with a nod of her head.

Rachel wanted to gasp at the girls' response but she kept her behavior in check. She knew she still had a long way to go before they could form a true relationship but by the simple nod of her head and the look of disdain disappearing she had a feeling she just might have a chance. At least with Lou Anne that is. The baby of the family for that matter.