CH. 4: The Cartwright Girls Part 2
"Well she's still alive," Joe nodded at his youngest sister who was just leaving the house after her date with destiny so to speak.
"Shut up Little Joe," Lou Anne emphasized the word LITTLE.
"You deserve everything Pa gave you and you know it," Adam interrupted the bickering.
"Adams right," Hoss agreed with his eldest brother. "Rachel could have broken her neck or worse."
"Do me a favor and just leave me alone," Lou Anne looked from Adam to Hoss.
"I've already heard it all from Pa and I'm not in a hurry to hear it again."
"You're just lucky I was in the right place at the right time." Adam wasn't ready to give in yet.
"So you hurt your arm big deal."
"This has nothing to do with my arm Lou Anne, but it has everything to do with you having it in for her since she got here."
"Don't you have something better to do than pester me all morning?" Lou Anne sounded annoyed.
"Not especially," Kate grinned. "You wasted mine and Adam's free time yesterday and you know that doesn't come along very often. So I had all evening to think of things to say to you when you got back."
"Lay off it Kate I'm not in the mood."
"We better all lay off if we know what's good for us," Hoss nodded at the porch. "Pa's outside."
"Best get busy before he doesn't think we have enough to do and heaps more on us."
The five split ways so they could hurry on to their usual assigned chores.
Adam was busy sharpening axes for rail splitting the following day. Knowing they were going to need the planks to reinforce the old ones on the house and barn roof before winter.
Hoss and Joe were refilling the trough in the corral with fresh water and hay for one of the new bulls Ben recently purchased. They were beginning to notice the bull could be very temperamental at times causing Ben to order neither of his three youngest children to step foot in the corral and Joe could only pitch in from the outside.
While Kate and Lou Anne joined Ben in the storeroom to take inventory of everything they might still need. Such as oil and wicks for the lamps, candles, ropes in case they had to tie off from the house to the barn in case of a blizzard, and several other things Ben marked off the list while the girls scoured the shelves.
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Now that Rachel was a Cartwright she made a few decorative changes to the house. Starting with the tablecloth Joe replaced and the five decorative feathered throw pillows she had placed in the different sitting areas of the room.
"Rachel and I are going into town to get the last of the winter supplies," Ben announced that afternoon over lunch.
"Can you bring me some candy back Pa?" Lou Anne piped up, giving him a lopsided grin.
"If she's getting candy I want some," Hoss joined in.
"I'll think about it," Ben winked, folding the sheet of paper he had in the storeroom and placed it in his pocket before backing his chair away from the table.
Adam and Hoss had just finished hitching up the team when the two parents left the house followed closely by Joe, Kate, and Lou Anne.
"Adams in charge," Ben announced the usual while Hoss helped his stepmother climb aboard the wagon. "And you have plenty of chores to keep you busy around here."
Adam nodded in understanding and there was a chorus of yes sirs from the others before he picked up the reigns and headed out of the yard.
"Pa's gone!" Joe said excitedly tossing his hat into the air. "Let's go fishing!"
"You're not going anywhere," Adam stopped him before he even had a chance to head for the barn for his pole.
"Awe Adam," Joe complained.
"You heard Pa, Joe."
"Who wants to go with me?" Joe turned to the other three.
Hoss, Kate, and Lou Anne didn't budge, then again he didn't really expect Kate to go against Adam. Nor Hoss for that matter, who wasn't one to skip out on assigned chores. Especially after their father just reminded them of the tasks that needed completing.
"Lou Anne," Joe knew if any of them would be ready for an adventure it would be his youngest sister.
"Sorry Joe," Lou Anne said reluctantly. "But I just got into a whole lot of trouble with Pa and I don't want to be in that position for a while."
"Fine," Joe relented letting out a sigh. "You win this one big brother." He said walking past Adam on his way to the house. The others following close behind.
"I better get to the dishes," a dissatisfied look crossed Lou Anne's face once they reached the front room.
"Anybody want to help."
Lou Anne hadn't received any takers and eventually turned to her sister.
"Kate?"
"Who told you to do the dishes?" Kate questioned before answering.
"Rachel."
"Ugh," Kate grumbled. "No thanks."
"Kate," Lou Anne tried again.
"I don't want to do anything Rachel wants me to do," Kate crossed her arms in front of her chest defiantly.
"Who cares who wants it done. It has to be done and if it isn't Pa will find out and we'll all be in trouble." Lou Anne was making perfect sense even if Kate didn't like what she was saying.
"Whew," Hoss shook his head. "Pa must have really given it to you to make you talk like that."
"Oh yeah," "Joe said in agreement. "She never makes sense when she talks."
"Don't you have something better to do than tease me?"
"Not especially," Hoss laughed out loud.
"Help me out Adam, please," Lou Anne looked to her eldest brother for help.
"Sorry baby sister," Adam tried to keep his own laughter at bay. "But they got a point."
"Well if you four aren't going to do any chores I'm certainly not going to. Come on Joe."
The two started for the door but again Adam stopped them.
"We're all doing chores and you two aren't going anywhere but to the kitchen to wash the dishes."
"What are you going to do?" Joe didn't like being told he had to help wash dishes of all things.
"Never you mind," Adam brushed him off. "You just worry about yourself."
"How come you get to tell everybody to get to work when you haven't said what you are going to do?" Kate squinted, looking at him confused.
"Because Pa left me in charge and," he started to say that they needed to get started on the list their Pa and Rachel left for them but was cut off.
"That's because he's going to take it easy at Pa's desk and pretend to be working while we're doing all the actual work." Hoss surprised them all by offering his own observation. Just once wishing he would be the one left in charge.
"Since when have I not done my share?" Adam's tone reached a new level of pitch. Obviously in both anger and annoyance.
"Keeping an eye on you four is a full-time job and I still manage to work more than all of you put together."
Hoss didn't say anything and instead responded by picking up one of his stepmother's pink throw pillows and whacked him across the head with it.
Adam was taken by surprise by the hit. He started to reel back but when he came back he came back fighting with his own pillow.
"Pillow fight!" Lou Anne dove onto the settee, grabbed a pillow, and attacked her unarmed brother and sister.
It was merely only seconds before Kate and Little Joe armed themselves and attacked anyone they could get close to.
They weren't sure how long they had been at it but it was obvious they lost all track of time and it wasn't long till they were interrupted by a slamming of the front door. Unfortunately, it was a little late for the pillows as they had all lost their stuffing. Feathers floating loosely about the air, covering each of the five Cartwright's as well as almost every crevice of the room.
"My pillows," Rachel repeated the usual gesture of covering her mouth in shock anytime her stepchildren did something that made her gasp.
"How did this happen?!" Ben demanded.
Neither of the five-spoke and Ben continued. "I want an answer."
Four sets of eyes fell on their eldest brother, a gestured that didn't go unnoticed by either Ben, Rachel, or Adam.
Adam let out a long sigh and turned his eyes upward. But when his gaze met his fathers it dropped just as sudden.
"Well?!"
Coming to the conclusion that no one was going to speak voluntarily Ben started with his eldest.
"Adam?"
"It's a long story Pa," Adam shrugged.
"Probably from an argument I'm sure." Ben read in between the lines of his sons' excuse. "Something I've warned you five about time and time again."
"Hoss started it," Lou Anne was quick to point fingers at her brother.
Hoss didn't say anything but his mouth did drop, turning his head to glare at her in response.
"I don't care who started it!" Ben yelled. "I thought by leaving you with a list of chores it would keep you busy. But obviously, I was wrong."
"We were going to get to it," Kate tried to appease him.
"When?! After you destroyed the house!"
"It wasn't intentional," Joe said sheepishly.
"So your stepmothers' property was just in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
"Not exactly," Hoss figured if everyone was else was going to speak up he might as well do the same. Knowing the nail was already in the coffin for all of them regardless of whether he spoke or not.
Ben didn't say anything further to the five standing several feet away from him and instead turned to his wife.
"Once again," he took a deep breath to calm himself before speaking to his wife. "I apologize for my children's lack of respect for your property. "And they will be paying for them. But I'm going to leave them to you this time. You are welcome to my belt if you feel the need to make a lasting impression."
Five sets of eyes widened at the mention of the word belt. Getting a tanning from their father was bad enough but the thought of getting one from the stepmother they barely knew made it ten times worse.
"I don't think so Ben," Rachel as of yet didn't feel comfortable enacting discipline. "But I do want this place cleaned up and don't want to see one stray feather when they're done." She tried to make her tone of voice sound firm.
Kate was about to say something smart in response but Adam silently and in one slick motion placed a hand over her mouth.
Kate felt like licking it to make him mad but she refrained knowing it wouldn't be very safe to do without being able to run to her father for protection. And at this particular moment in time, she wanted to stay as far away from her father as possible.
"You heard your stepmother. Now get to it!" He ordered, raising his voice as he said the last four words just to show he meant business.
The five were quick to make tracks and Ben seeing he was being obeyed stepped outside to begin unloading the wagon. Rachel followed wanting to do her share and Ben leaned against the wagon before pinching the bridge of his nose while letting out a deep breath.
"Don't worry about it Ben," Rachel rubbed a hand over his arm. "We can send away for others."
"I'm just tired of my children ruining your things," Ben looked at her apologetically.
"And I'm so glad they'll be going back to school next week."
"I've been meaning to ask why they aren't in school?" Rachel recalled.
"Their teacher Miss Charlotte Landry had to take some time off to care for her mother. She's been sick with pneumonia and was real week."
"And she's recovered?"
"Yes," Ben nodded. "We can take them into town Monday and I'll introduce you."
"I don't know how the kids will like that."
"Some of them may not like it but you are their stepmother."
"I'd like to meet her," Rachel admitted.
"She's a good teacher," Ben nodded.
"And I can say my kids have given her plenty of challenges."
"I'm sure she has challenges with more than the Cartwright's."
"I'm sure," Ben figured she was right. "It's just when you have the most kids in the school you wonder."
"Are you expecting a challenge Monday?"
"Hoss doesn't care for school. He's a good boy it's just he struggles with the work. Adams had to help him quite a bit."
"Maybe I can pitch in," Rachel volunteered. "Give Adam a break."
"You won't get any arguments from him," Ben knew that Hoss challenged his usual patient brother when it came to homework.
"And the others?"
"Kate doesn't have much trouble with classwork. And it seems like she saves her misbehaving for the ranch."
"And Joe and Lou Anne?"
"The complete opposite," Ben ran a hand through his hair just thinking about the trouble he's encountered with the two of them. "They could find trouble at a Sunday school picnic." Ben didn't go into detail but he vaguely remembered them doing the exact thing he just said. More than once in fact, and more than just the two of them for that matter.
"So what extra chores do you want the kids to do?" He asked changing the subject.
"Me?" Rachel sounded surprised.
"It was your stuff they ruined," Ben pointed out.
"I know, but," Rachel tried to excuse herself.
"And as their stepmother, you need to be able to discipline them," Ben ignored her interruption. "Otherwise they will walk all over you. I can't be here all the time."
"I know," Rachel sighed. "But."
"But what?"
"I hate it when you make sense."
Ben chuckled slightly but returned to his initial question.
"What do you want them to do?"
Rachel didn't say anything but Ben was pleased that she was thinking about it.
"I've never done this before," she looked over at her husband after waiting for several minutes.
"You'll get used to it," he assured her.
"Unless they stop getting into trouble," Rachel sounded hopeful.
"Them?" Ben pointed at the house. A look of shock crossing his face. "I'd sooner put faith in a herd of wild mustangs than my children."
"One can always hope," she didn't sound all that convinced after her husband's vague example.
"I'll be old and gray before that happens."
Rachel again appeared as if she was deep in thought but eventually came up with a possible solution.
"Maybe Hoss and Lou Anne could help me with dinner and do the dishes afterward?" She looked over at Ben, hoping she was on the right trail.
Ben nodded in agreement and Rachel continued.
"While Little Joe cleans and polishes the fireplace."
"He's not going to like that," Ben could only imagine the reaction they were going to get from his youngest son.
"Do you think it's too difficult for him?"
"No," Ben shook his head. "They've all cleaned it before. More than once."
"And Kate could dust the furniture and pick up any extra feathers that got away?" Again she stopped once she made another suggestion.
"You don't have to ask my permission," Ben shook his head.
"Yes, I do," Rachel looked at him intently. "You're their father."
"No you don't," Ben said in all honesty. "I wouldn't have married you if I didn't think I could trust you with the care of my children. And just I knew you would be, you have shown that multiple times since you've come."
"Thank you, Ben," she leaned into him. Wanting to feel his strong arms of assurance around her.
"You still have one left," Ben said after obliging her with a hug.
"Hmm?" She wasn't sure what he meant by it.
"I have five children, you only mentioned four."
"Maybe Adam could take care of everybody's outside chores while the others are busy inside?"
Rachel couldn't think of any other inside chores that needed doing and she knew they still had their regular chores to do.
Ben agreed with the nod of his head and returned to the task of unloading supplies from the wagon.
Rachel remained near the side of the wagon, not showing any signs of returning to the house causing her husband to speak up.
"They should probably get started," Ben looked over at her.
Rachel nodded in agreement but again didn't budge.
"You're going to have to move in order to talk to them."
"Aren't you going to tell them?" Rachel looked worried. Never expecting to have to punish them all at the same time or so soon after the wedding.
"It's your punishment."
"I still don't think it's a good idea."
"Good idea or not your their stepmother and have to show authority."
"But why now?" She wrung her hands.
"Don't you think they deserve punishment for being disobedient and ruining your pillows because of a disagreement amongst themselves?"
"Yes," she agreed.
"Then what's the problem?"
Rachel didn't reply, knowing it was futile to get him to change his mind and she reluctantly started for the house. She took a deep breath her hand on the door handle. Pushing it open she felt five sets of eyes turn on her.
The Cartwright offspring surprised her so much by taking their punishment in stride all she could do was stand there dumbfounded as the five made tracks to begin their punishment. She wasn't really surprised by Adam and Hoss's behavior. They seemed to accept her in a manner of speaking. And Joe and Lou Anne had done much better since their past experiences with their father. She didn't expect the altercations to end completely. Knowing they still had a long way to go before they were truly one family but at least there wasn't complete hatred showing in their eyes any longer. She was most surprised by Kate's behavior, knowing that the only looks she ever got from the eldest Cartwright daughter was malice. Then again, with her father just outside she figured that had a great deal to do with her silence. That, combined with the firm grip her brother had on her arm with one hand and the other hand ready to go over her mouth in case the need arose.
Rachel didn't wait to see if they were going to obey, she was too flustered over handing out her first punishment and she was in a hurry to get to the kitchen where she felt useful and as if she was in her own domain. At least until HopSing returned that is.
The five Cartwrights had yet to budge and it took several minutes before any of them found the words to speak.
"Do you think she's serious?" Joe looked from one sibling to the other.
"The way I see it," Adam took a deep breath. "There's only one way to find out. We can either do what she says with no loss to us but our free time. Or we can stand here and do nothing till Pa comes in lose more than our free time."
"We'll be in the kitchen," Hoss said before leading his youngest sister out of the main room.
With Adam disappearing outside and Joe searching for the supplies he needed for the fireplace Kate was left alone.
"I hate dusting," Kate grumbled as she finally decided to pick up a rag and get to work.
They were about an hour into their work. Kate rather pleased with the progress made with her dusting. The dinner table had been neatly polished and after standing on the hearth to clean the mantle getting in Little Joe's way multiple times she was careful to knock several dust bunnies in his face in the process. Just hoping to get a rise out of him.
"I'm not kidding Kate!" Joe yelled in frustration. "You do that one more time and you're going to be covered in blacking!" Joe held the thick black liquid up, practically begging for her to push him a mite further.
"Normally, I'd love to see you try," Kate said menacingly. "But I have a feeling one more outburst would only cause Pa to burst. So I'm willing to back down if you are."
Joes face still held a firm expression but he had to agree with his sister. Their father didn't look pleased after their last interaction.
After settling on a truce, the two shook on it before returning to their chore. Knowing they needed to have everything done before dinner and from the smells coming from the kitchen they had a feeling it wouldn't be long.
Kate didn't have much left and she let out a loud whew when she reached her last piece of furniture. Her Pa's desk.
She was about halfway done when she accidentally knocked the inkwell over causing it to spill over some of his important papers and it was at that moment he chose to come in.
"I'm sorry Pa," Kate was about in tears worried that she was going to be in trouble. "I tried to clean it up but it only made it worse." She pointed at the smeared papers.
Ben didn't look pleased with the soiled papers but he could tell by her behavior that it wasn't done intentionally.
"Come here," Ben reached out to her.
Kate moved ever so slowly but eventually took the few steps to stand in front of him where Ben proceeded to wrap her in a hug.
"I'm sorry," Kate apologized again, her face buried in his shirt. "I know those were important."
"It's okay," Ben pulled her gently away from him so he could look her in the eye. "I should have closed the ink better." He took his handkerchief from his pocket so he could wipe her eyes.
"You have feathers all in your hair," Ben laughed pulling one from her hair and holding it in front of her.
"Joe dumped handfuls on my head."
"Let's get them out," Ben draped an arm over her shoulder before leading her up the stairs and into his bedroom.
Kate took a seat on the edge of his bed and watched as he dug through his top dresser drawer. Smiling when Ben withdrew a wooden hairbrush with the initials MC burned into the back.
"Ma's brush."
Ben took a seat on the edge of the bed next to her before brushing out her long dark hair, pulling multiple feathers out in the process.
"Your brother did a fine job with the feathers," Ben chuckled.
"I'll have to get him back for that."
"Oh boy," Ben could only imagine what that was going to lead to. "Nothing too drastic, okay."
"Sure Pa," Kate grinned.
Finishing with the task at hand Ben turned her around to face him.
"I think it's time I passed this down to you," Ben handed her the hairbrush.
"Really Pa?" Kate looked at him hopeful.
"I think you're old enough to understand the specialness of it and care for it properly," he placed it in her hand.
Kate ran a hand over it gently before looking up. "I remember Ma using this on me. In more ways than one. One day she was brushing my hair with it and the next day she was using it on my backside."
"I think she used it on all of you," Ben recalled.
"She was worse than you sometimes."
"I'll have to remember that," Ben laughed out loud before pulling her onto his lap to tickle her.
A few minutes later and Adam came up the stairs interrupting the tickling session.
"Rachel said it's time for supper."
"Best get down there then," Ben set the girl on her feet.
"Uh oh," Adam said when he saw the hairbrush. "I remember that."
"Pa gave it to me," Kate said with a smile.
"That's nice," he smiled back. "I remember when Pa made that for her."
"Tell me about it."
"Maybe some other time," Adam nodded. "Right now we better get down to supper before Hoss eats it all."
"He can sure do it too," Kate ran to her room to leave the brush before trying to push her way past Ben and Adam to get to the table.
Despite the trouble they got into just earlier that afternoon it did little to spoil their attitude around the dinner table. Which both Ben and Rachel were pleased with.
Kate and Lou Anne were teasing each other about looking like chickens when they were covered in feathers. Adam and Hoss were playfully arguing on who's job had been harder. Adams having to do everybody's chores or Hoss having to help cook and clean in the kitchen. Joe on the other hand was thinking about something all on his own before voicing it aloud.
"Rachel," Joe spoke up.
"Yes, Little Joe."
"Now that we ruined your pillows. Can you get a color other than pink?"
"Why do you not like pink," Rachel laughed.
"Not really," he said honestly.
"We'll see."
"Pa?" Lou Anne looked over at her father who hadn't said much throughout dinner, being too busy watching the interaction.
Ben didn't say anything but he did give her his attention.
"Did you get me any candy?"
"You'll never know."
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Everyone had been working really hard on their usual chores as well as all the extra winter chores that needed doing. And with school starting the following week the parents discussed taking the day off and taking everyone down to the lake for a picnic.
Adam and Kate packed books to take along. Hoss and Joe a couple of fishing poles and Lou Anne a new rope for Ben to use to replace the swing they had put up several years ago but was beginning to frail.
Rachel on the other hand was just hoping to relax or take a long walk alone with her husband.
Ben pulled the wagon to a stop and the family of seven started to jump out.
"Kate," Ben looked at his eldest daughter. "I expect you to stay out of the water this time."
"Right Pa," Kate jumped out of the back of the wagon.
"Regardless of arrowheads," he reminded her.
"It'll be hard, but I'll try."
"That goes for all of you. It's much too cool." He spoke to the remaining four although he had serious doubts Adam would even consider getting in.
"Yes Sir," they responded in turn before helping unload the wagon.
"Pa," Kate carried one picnic blanket while Rachel carried the other.
"Can I go exploring for arrowheads this summer?" Her young mind was obviously still on the arrowheads.
"Yes," Ben wasn't even thinking that far ahead. He was just trying to get through another long winter of being trapped inside the house with his children 90% of the time.
There were two picnic baskets packed to the brim and with Adam and Hoss carrying those, Kate and Lou Anne with the picnic blankets and Little Joe with their recreational supplies it wasn't long before they had their picnic area all set up and they were ready to dig in. There was plenty of good-natured teasing geared towards Hoss who was hovering over one of the baskets. Adam being sure to guard the other so the rest of them would at least get a snack.
They were all having a wonderful time. Even Kate seemed to enjoy herself as long as she stayed away from Rachel as much as possible.
After lunch, they were all surprised by their decision to explore the area around the lake rather than lie about the area reading or enjoying a nap.
The four youngest were goofing off engaging in a game of tag and after several failed attempts they eventually convinced Adam to join in the fun. It started with them all gaining up on him but they eventually spread it out even. At least as even as they could make it since Adam had tossed Lou Anne over his shoulder and Hoss did the same with Kate. Ben found himself enjoying the interaction and he couldn't help but laugh out loud as Joe barely avoided the grasp of his two elder brothers. Setting the girls down the four decided to return to singling out just one of them and they all charged after Little Joe. Joe was quick to take off at breakneck speed and he wasn't even paying attention to where he was going and he was barely skating by the side of the lake.
Rachel who was enjoying a few moments alone enjoying the beauty of the Ponderosa was just about to turn away to rejoin her husband when her eye caught glimpse of a stray wildflower that grew near the water's edge. She decided to pick it from the ground to show Ben and just as she was bending over her fingers just grazing the single flower she was accidentally knocked headfirst into the lake.
Neither of the five Cartwright's stopped until they heard a SPLASH! Causing them to stop dead in their tracks.
Seeing their stepmother sitting in the lake brought laughter to the three youngest while Adam and Hoss made tracks to fish her out of the water.
"I'm real sorry Rachel," Hoss was quick to apologize.
"What's happened?" Ben who too stopped paying attention to the interaction near him also rushed to the lake just as soon as he heard the splash.
"I'm sorry Pa," Hoss again apologized. "I didn't mean to knock into her. We were playing and someone shoved into me. Hoss wasn't naming any names but he was looking primarily at his elder brother.
Ben waved a hand at him to show there was nothing for him to be concerned over while he placed a hand out to steady her while Adam and Hoss remained on each side of her before she reached the bank.
"Now Rachel, I know you heard me tell the children not to get in the water. I didn't think I was going to have worry about my wife." He teased her, a sparkle in his eye.
Unfortunately, his wife wasn't in the mood for any form of teasing, good-natured or not. She was dripping wet and even though she wasn't upset directly with the children she wasn't exactly smiling.
"Shut up and get me a blanket."
Ben stifled a chuckle and he gestured with his head for Joe to run along to fetch the blanket.
"I'm just teasing my dear," Ben took the blanket from his youngest son and wrapped it around his wife before rubbing his hands up and down her back to warm her.
"I'm not in the mood Benjamin," she left him standing alone with his children while she headed for the wagon.
"Looks like somebody's in the dog house," Adam glanced at his father, a grin beginning to spread.
"Get the wagon ready Adam."
"Sounds like big brothers going to be the one in the dog house," Kate whispered to Hoss.
Unfortunately, the whisper didn't go unnoticed by their Pa and he was quick to look at her with a raised brow.
"Do you want to join him?"
"I'm going to go help Adam," Kate was quick to make her departure.
"Let's get going," Ben told his remaining three children that stood near.
"Has anyone else noticed how we're always having to leave early because someone falls in the lake?" Lou Anne didn't look at anyone in particular.
"I have," Hoss voiced. "And maybe we should leave Kate and Rachel behind next time."
"If you recall the only reason Rachel fell in the water was because you knocked into her." Ben looked over at his middle son.
"That only happened because Adam pushed me," Hoss tried to pick up for himself.
"Never mind that," Ben interrupted. "We're just not going on any more picnics till spring." Ben's mind was made up as they made their way to the readied wagon to begin their ride home.
"It's all fun and games till someone falls in the lake," Joe smirked.
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Monday came much too quickly for the four youngest Cartwright's as it was the first day back to school after their mini-vacation. As usual Ben lectured them on good behavior and what he expected at the breakfast table that morning. The first two days thankfully went by without a hitch. But by the third day, little did they know that things were about to change.
It was Wednesday morning when Kate woke up with a headache. She chalked it up to allergies or possible changing weather and tossed some cool water from her wash basin onto her face before pulling on her school clothes. She was just pulling her last boot over her stockinged foot when she heard her name.
"Kate!" Rachel called from the bottom of the stairs. "Breakfast is getting cold!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming," she grumbled as she descended the stairs.
"What's going on with you this morning?" Ben looked at her from his place at the table. "You're usually one of the first ones down."
"I guess I'm tired," Kate yawned as she slumped in her seat next to Hoss.
"Sounds like you need to spend more time sleeping than reading," Ben pointed at her with his fork. Knowing that was what he spent most of his time correcting her for after bedtime.
"I didn't stay up that late," Kate shook her head.
"Just the same maybe you should go to bed early tonight."
"Awe Pa," Kate reached for her glass of water. Suddenly realizing how thirsty she was. She drained the glass in a matter of seconds causing her father to look at her questioningly.
"Are you feeling alright?"
"Fine Pa," Kate knew she needed to eat something. If only to keep her Pa from becoming further suspicious. Despite the fact she was struggling with merely the smell of the bacon Hoss was munching on.
The rest of the conversation about the table was centered around mostly small talk before Ben reminded Adam that they needed to get a move on if they were going to make even a dent in the timber splitting. Adam in turn responded by a nod of the head before excusing himself from the table to saddle the horses. Hoss complained about having to go to school saying he could be of much better use splitting timber and once again his Pa had to remind him that he had to finish his education before he joined him. Hoss's head dropped but he knew there was no use arguing with his father once he made his mind up. Sighing, he backed his chair away from the table and headed to the barn to saddle his mount for his long trip to the schoolhouse or to the gallows which was the way Hoss made it look from the expression on his face.
Ben and his eldest son were quick to make their departure as soon as they finished their breakfast leaving Rachel alone to send the remaining four off to school. After making their lunches and tucking them safely into their saddlebags she sent them on their way. Leaving her home to catch up on chores such as changing the bedding in all the bedrooms, gathering dirty laundry from the children's rooms, and catch up on a pile of mending she found in the corner of one of the rooms. There was a rip in Hoss's shirt, a button needing replacing on Little Joes' pants and a great deal more needing done on Lou Anne's stockings before they were even close to being in good enough condition to be worn again.
Lunchtime came around much sooner than Rachel anticipated as she had been so caught up in her work she hadn't even noticed. On the other hand, Kate wasn't sure if the lunch hour was ever going to come considering she couldn't wait to get outside and lie down.
"Hey Kate," Hoss found his little sister lying under a tree in the schoolyard.
Kate didn't say anything but she did lift her hat off her face so she could look at him.
"You going to eat your lunch?" Hoss saw it sitting next to her, completely untouched.
"I'm not hungry." She let the hat fall back in place above her eyes.
"You sure?" Hoss couldn't help but think how appetizing the roast beef sandwich looked, along with a shiny red apple close by.
"You can have it," Kate knew what he was getting at. "Just leave me my canteen."
"You alright little sister?" Hoss took a seat next to her before digging into her lunch.
"Fine Hoss," Kate had a feeling she was coming down with something. But she hated to miss school, especially considering she was already there.
"Just tired, I guess."
"Maybe Pa was right," Hoss recalled what his father had said that morning over breakfast. "Maybe you should go to bed early tonight."
"Maybe so," Kate sat up just long enough to take a sip of water.
It wasn't long after lunch when the class was participating in a writing assignment that Kate found herself unable to hold her head up much longer.
She wasn't sure how long she had been resting her head against her desk but it was long enough to get her teacher's attention. Normally she would startle the children awake, knowing it was just a matter of disrespect. Being bored out of their minds with lessons. But not this time. Miss Landry knew the Cartwright kids well enough to know they weren't ones to drift off to sleep at the drop of a hat. Especially Kate who rarely ever misbehaved during school hours. Occasionally she had gotten a note sent home for not paying attention or for fighting. But it didn't happen very often. Ben Cartwright had been a single father for a long time and at times she wasn't sure how he did it but she admired him for how he managed his family.
Suspicious, the child was ill. Miss Landry swiped a hand over the girl's forehead to check for a fever.
"Kate," Miss Landry placed a hand on the girl's back, shaking her gently awake.
"Hmm," Kate lifted her head. Being quick to apologize just as soon as she realized where she was.
"Your sick Kate," Miss Landry helped her out of her desk before taking her out to the water barrel for a sip of water. Calling Hoss to come along with them.
"Can you take your sister home?" She looked at the young man who had a hand resting on the girl's back.
"Yes ma,am," Hoss nodded.
"Is it okay with your Pa for Joseph and Lou Anne to ride home alone?" Miss Landry wanted to clarify before she assumed.
"Yes'm," Hoss replied. "They'll be fine, Pa told us to come straight home after school."
"I'll be sure to remind them," Miss Landry knew that the two remaining Cartwright's she would have in class would be the two to most likely strain from the path.
"Thank you," Hoss was sure to answer before helping her atop her mount. Being careful to follow closely beside her as they started their trek out of the schoolyard.
The ride started in silence, Kate feeling worse as time went on and Hoss far too concerned to say anything. He was too busy focusing on the matter at hand. Keeping one eye on his sister and one eye on the road. He was always one to show concern for his other siblings but he wasn't by any means used to being the one left to care for them in their entirety. That had always been Adams' job and he wasn't in any hurry to take over. But being the charitable and caring brother he was he would do what he had to regardless of how much he disliked it.
It was hard to tell who had a harder trip home, Hoss or Kate. And for a while, it appeared as if it was a close race. Kate was overcome by a wave of nausea and practically threw herself off her horse so she wouldn't throw up all over him. Hoss dismounted and it was obvious he was struggling with what to do. He knew he needed to be the good big brother and offer his support but on the other hand, he wanted to stay where he was and bury his face in his horse's mane so he didn't have to see or smell the fowl scene before him. Taking a deep breath Hoss did what needed doing and that was be the loving and caring brother he always was. He could tell his sister was having a hard time holding her hair back while she vomited and he hurried over to pull it away from her face. The vomit started to splatter on his boots when it hit the ground and Hoss was seriously beginning to wonder how his father handled it or even his older brother for that matter who seemed able to step up when their father was away. There was a break in the vomiting and she slowly started to straighten.
"You okay?" Hoss gently turned her around to face him before pulling his handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her so she could wipe her face clean.
"Thirsty," she nodded.
"We'll be home soon," he helped her climb back into the saddle. Before taking the reigns from her deciding it would be easier on her if he led the way home.
Hoss was careful to go extra slow the rest of the ride home and just when he didn't think they would ever get there they finally reached the yard. There was little to no activity in the yard other than a few chickens and barn cats that scurried about and Hoss wondered where everyone was. Knowing that normally when they arrived home Adam or Ben was typically in the yard working. Then again they were early considering they still had several hours before school was officially let out for the day.
"Where's Pa?" Kate asked just as soon as Hoss helped her dismount.
"I don't know," Hoss looked around anxiously. Wanting his Pa around just as much as she did.
"Pa!" Hoss even found himself calling for him alongside his sister.
Things only got worse for the siblings when instead of Ben coming outside it was Rachel.
"What's wrong?" Rachel rushed into the yard when she heard her stepson call for her husband.
"Kate's sick," Hoss replied while handing his sister the old tin cup full of water they left hanging at the pump.
"Where's Pa?"
"What happened?" Rachel looked at Hoss.
"She fell asleep in class and was complaining of a headache. Then she started throwing up on her way home."
"She's running a fever," Rachel managed to brush her hand across the girl's forehead before she pulled away.
"Where's my Pa? I want my Pa!"
"He's working baby," Rachel explained, trying to appease her.
"Don't call me baby." Kate was in tears and it was only getting worse when she realized her Pa wasn't home.
"Let's go inside and get to bed," Rachel offered.
"Where's Adam?" If Kate couldn't have her Pa she would be more than willing to settle for her eldest brother.
"He's working with your Pa," Rachel knew things weren't going to end well when she offered that bit of information.
"Go get them, Hoss," Kate complained sounding much younger than she was.
Hoss looked at Rachel, wondering if that's what she wanted but Rachel shook her head.
"We'll be fine," Rachel knew that as the child's stepmother she needed to step up and care for her regardless of the challenges she was posed.
Rachel placed an arm over the girl's shoulder to lead her into the house but again the girl pulled away.
"Kate," Rachel tried again. "You're only going to feel worse if you don't get some rest."
"I'll rest when my Pa or brother gets home."
"That's fine," Rachel knew they weren't going to get anywhere going back and forth the way they were.
"But is there any reason you can't wait for your Pa and Adam in your nightshirt?"
Kate scowled, her expression deepening when she spoke not daring to look the woman in the face.
"I guess not," Kate trudged across the yard and slowly pulled herself up the stairs.
"You sure you don't want me to get Pa?" Hoss didn't sound convinced by Rachel's reasoning.
"We'll make do son," Rachel gave him a small smile.
"I'm going to put the horses up and get started on chores. Call me if you need me."
"Don't you have to get back to school?"
"Do I have to?" Hoss looked at her hopeful. "Miss Landry didn't say anything. And I kind of figured I'd get a head start on chores. Especially with Pa and Adam busy and Kate sick."
"I guess one afternoon away won't hurt." Rachel winked at him before hurrying in to check on Kate.
Hoss busied himself with a few chores near the house. Like chopping wood and removing all the barb wire near or hanging loosely on the corral in case of another accident. He wanted to be sure and stay close in case Rachel changed her mind and indeed needed his assistance and he was beginning to wonder if she would change her mind when he heard his sister whining loudly, sounding as if she was in tears. It went on for several minutes but after a while, it subsided. At least lightly anyways. Sighing in relief, Hoss returned to his chores. He didn't want to have to go in, completely unsure what he could do to help if he did. And as long as there was no screaming he would remain exactly where he was. Turning his attention to his work, Hoss ignored the sounds both inside and outside. So much, in fact, he didn't even hear his elder brother ride in.
"Don't tell me you got sent home from school?" Adam teased him, leading his horse to the trough.
"No," Hoss shook his head. "I leave that to Joe and Lou Anne. I had to bring Kate home, she's sick."
"What's wrong with her?" Adam lifted his hat from his head to wipe the sweat from his brow.
"Don't know for sure," Hoss shrugged. "But I wouldn't stand in front of her if I were you."
Adam squinted, catching his brother's drift, not having any plans of getting splattered, knowing far too well what that was like. Experiencing the same exact thing in the past from all three of his youngest siblings.
"What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were helping Pa split timber rails." Hoss recalled changing the subject.
"I was, but my ax handle broke. Came to get a new one." Adam started for the house.
"I thought you were going to get a new handle?" Hoss stopped him. "Those are in the barn."
"Better go check on Kate first. She's probably giving Rachel a hard time."
"She was complaining about you and Pa not being here."
"Bet you were too when you had to bring her home."
"I survived."
Once again, Hoss lost all track of time and about an hour later he found himself caught off guard once again. Only this time, it was by his father when he rode into the yard.
"Eric, why aren't you in school? And where's your brother? He was supposed to be back an hour ago." Ben didn't even give him a chance to reply before firing off another question.
"What do you want answered first?" Hoss was trying to keep track of the multiple questions he had been asked.
"Are you being smart with me boy?"
"No, Pa," Hoss said quickly. Getting the feeling his father wasn't in the best of moods and he had better start answering his questions and fast.
"Kate got sick and Miss Landry asked me to bring her home. I figured I'd just stay around here and get started on mine and Kate's chores."
"I suppose your brother is in with her?"
"Yes Sir, she was upset when you weren't here."
"I better go up to her," Ben started for the house.
"Pa," Hoss called after him. "Did you want me and Adam to go back to work on the rails?"
"No," Ben replied after thinking it over. "Tomorrow's another day and we've only got a couple of hours left of work anyways."
"We could go get it done," Hoss was still willing to try.
"I tell you what," Ben softened. "When Little Joe gets here the two of you can unload the wagon and tomorrow you can go back out with me."
"Sure Pa," Hoss brightened before starting on the newly appointed task he had been given.
Entering the house, Ben was quick to hurry up the stairs where he found his eldest daughter resisting every attempt her stepmother made to get her to drink the herbal tea she made.
"Pa," Kate looked terrible and the strain in her voice was even worse as she complained. "Rachel's trying to make me sicker than I already am."
"No, she's not," Ben took the cup of warm liquid from his wife before taking the seat Adam previously occupied on the edge of the bed next to her.
"I don't like that stuff," she pouted, sounding much younger than she was.
"She's running a fever," Adam answered the question Ben didn't have to ask but the look on his face did. "And Hoss said she threw up on the ride home."
"Anything else sweetheart?" Ben placed a hand on her face hoping to determine just how night the fever was.
"My head and throat hurt too," Kate leaned her head against his arm. Wanting to feel his love and assurance as close to her as possible.
"And the tea will help," Rachel looked from Kate to Ben. "It's an old family recipe from my great grandmother."
"And she's going to drink it," Ben assured. "I'll take care of her." Ben who had been a single father for many years was far too used to caring for his children primarily on his own aside from the help he received from his other children and he was preparing to do the same again.
"I'll leave you to it," Rachel was more than willing to give them some space for the time being. She wanted to do as much as she could to help but that would be later after her husband had a chance to work his magic in getting the child calm and more at ease with Rachel's care.
"Call me if you need me," Adam glanced at Ben before following Rachel out of the room.
They had just started to make their way down the stairs, Adam right on her heels, in a hurry to get outside to get started on his chores done before dinner.
"You know Kate was asking for you when I told her your Pa was out." Rachel thought it was important he knew.
"Yeah," Adam gave her a small smile. "We've been close for years."
"How'd it happen?"
"I don't know," Adam wasn't completely sure how to answer her question. "It just sort of happened," he shrugged before she ended up stopping him again with another question or comment.
Rachel left father and daughter alone for a while. Hoping he could convince the girl to let her help care for her without a series of loud complaints or tears. She had plenty to do while she waited, and she knew she needed to start in the kitchen with preparing dinner for her family. She knew Ben and Adam would be hungry after working on timber most of the day. And Kate needed something nourishing to keep her strength up while Joe and Lou Anne probably used every ounce of energy they had just to pay attention in school. That only left Hoss, but Hoss was always hungry and the first one at the dinner table as well as her taste tester.
She knew Joe and Lou Anne were home by the noise in the yard and she couldn't help but peek out the kitchen door to make sure everything was okay. She reminded them that their sister was ill and needed her rest and to please keep it down. The two nodded in understanding but it was mere seconds after she closed the door that the noise continued. It didn't sound as loud but it wasn't by much.
Thinking a pot of soup would be the best thing for Kate, she started by simmering several vegetables on the stove before slicing several pieces of bread knowing that the other members of the family would like something hearty to go along with it. She didn't know how long it took but after a while, she decided to go up to check on the two members upstairs. Wanting to let them know that it wouldn't be long and dinner would be ready.
She was pleased to find the mug of tea gone and Kate fast asleep, her head resting comfortably against her father's shoulder.
Rachel smiled when she saw them but it also brought about a conversation from the past.
"It amazes me at how good you are with them."
"Why?"
"I've never seen a father so close to his children as you are."
"I guess that happens when you're a single father," Ben hadn't thought about it much. "But I was close to them even when I was married. But that's the way I wanted it."
"How did you manage your children when you were alone and before you were able to hire hands and they were sick?"
"It wasn't easy," Ben admitted. "But I've always had good kids."
"What do you mean?"
"When it was just me and Adam traveling west and he was sick. I would travel at a slower pace for him and if I thought he was too sick to be bumping around in the wagon we wouldn't travel that day at all."
"Delayed your travels I'm sure."
"It did," Ben nodded. "But it gave us both time to rest up and I was able to spend some time reading to the boy."
"That was special," she beamed.
Ben nodded in agreement before continuing with his trip down memory lane.
"After I married Inger and he was sick. She would ride in the back of the wagon with and either read to him or play little games with him."
"And after?" Rachel asked hesitantly.
"Thankfully, neither of the boys were very sick during the remainder of the trip. Other than a few colds and such."
"Then you purchased the Ponderosa," Rachel stated.
"Some of it," Ben nodded.
"Then you met Marie?"
"Then I met Marie, we built the house we have now and things got easier."
"Even with the increase in children?"
"Even then," Ben chuckled.
"And after?" Again she asked hesitantly.
"I left," Ben's voice was distant and showed a deep realm of regret.
"Have they ever talked to you about it?"
"Eventually
"Adam was young and decided to quit school for a time."
"Adam quit?"
"Rachel didn't think that sounded like the eldest boy at all. Despite the fact she didn't know him well yet."
"I don't know how he did it, but he somehow managed to keep up with his studies by studying at night. During the day and the other children were In school he ran the Ponderosa."
"He was just a kid himself?"
"We had a good foreman who was willing to shoulder a great deal of the responsibility and help Adam with everything he could. To make a long story short, I returned and that's when I found out what I was made of. I had to win my children over and assure them I would never leave again."
"How long did that take?"
"Longer than I wanted it to. But I couldn't really blame them."
"You'll have to tell me about it," Rachel didn't want to sound nosy but she did want to know everything she could about the family she came to love.
"Not much to tell," Ben shrugged. "I was lost in grief but found my way home." He slipped gently off the bed before ushering his wife out so they could leave the girl alone to sleep.
XXXXXXXX
By the time the family finished their dinner around the table Hoss was sent up to see if Kate was awake and wanted dinner. He returned a few minutes later saying she was hungry but wasn't sure if she could stomach anything afraid of having another incident like she did earlier that afternoon on the ride home.
"I'll take something up to her." Rachel decided to fill a bowl of soup before placing it on a tray with a small slice of bread and glass of water.
She started to carry the tray through the downstairs room where a few members of the family were seated in various places engaging in different activities. Adam was seated in the blue chair reading while Ben sat at his desk working on paperwork for the ranch and Hoss cleaned one of the rifles.
"Adam," Ben called from the desk. "Carry the tray up for your mother."
Adam squirmed a bit at the mention of the word mother but he was quick to obey, setting his book down before taking the tray and following close behind her.
There were still a few minutes of daylight left and after dinner Joe and Lou Anne were quick to burst out the front to engage in another outdoor game. Ben knew he needed to call them in soon but he had to admit he was enjoying the few minutes of quiet knowing that as soon as they came in quiet would be a distant memory.
Adam and Hoss exchanged a few words, Adam either answering questions regarding the art of gun cleaning or offering a little advice here and there concerning the process.
"Pa!" Joe called coming in from outside, Lou Anne just steps behind him.
"Over here," Ben looked up from the pencil he was sharpening.
"Can I stay home from school tomorrow?"
Ben didn't even get a chance to reply when Lou Anne voiced her own question.
"If Joe stays home can I stay home too?"
"No one is staying home but Kate."
"But Pa," this time it was Hoss's turn to voice a complaint. "You said I could go out with you to get the timber tomorrow."
"I never said you could skip school to go," Ben clarified.
"Awe Pa," he couldn't help but grumble.
"There will be plenty of time to finish when you get home."
"Yes sir," Hoss wasn't exactly thrilled with his father's decision but he knew it would be useless to get him to change his mind.
Seeing they too had been denied their request, Joe and Lou Anne crossed over to peer over their brother's shoulder. One on each side.
"What you doing big brother?" Lou Anne straddled the armrest of the chair Hoss was sitting on.
"You know what I'm doing," Hoss didn't like the way they were either leaning over him, messing with his cleaning supplies, or pestering him with stupid questions.
"I want to do it," Joe took the gun from his brother's hands.
"Joe," Hoss said annoyed. "Stop."
"I know how to do it," Joe gripped it tighter. "I've seen Adam and Pa do it a hundred times."
"Pa," Hoss complained when Joe continued to give him trouble.
"Joseph," Ben started to correct him but was interrupted by his youngest daughter.
"Yeah it's my turn to hold it, Lou Anne took it.
"Joseph and Lou Anne Cartwright," Ben was quick to cross the floor and remove the gun from her hands before handing it to Hoss and telling him to finish up and put it away.
"Awe Pa," they whined.
"Don't awe Pa me. You know the rules. You aren't allowed to touch the guns without my permission and that is exactly what you just did." He wanted to be sure and clarify before he went on with a warning.
"We know, we know," they said simultaneously. "Don't," they started to say but was interrupted.
"You two," he pointed at Joe and Lou Anne his voice stern. "You touch any gun without my permission again and your backside is going to be warmer than a gun muzzle when it goes off. You understand me?"
"Yes Pa," they were quick to nod in understanding.
Ben was about to say something about them getting ready for bed but was interrupted by his eldest who was standing on the landing of the stairs.
"Pa, Kates asking for you."
"I'll be right there," he started up the stairs.
Joe and Lou Anne grinned, thinking they just got away with staying up later when Ben stopped short.
"I expect you two to be ready for bed in half an hour. I'll be in to check on you later."
The two siblings exchanged unhappy glances but they didn't argue and unhappily dropped themselves onto the settee.
"Being the youngest isn't any fun." Lou Anne dropped her chin in her hands.
"Being the third in line isn't much better either," Joe followed the direction of his sister, letting out a long sigh.
That night, Ben was awakened by a sound he was all too familiar with. It was the sound of constant coughing followed by a tight choking sound as a restraint to keep from vomiting.
Ben practically threw himself out of bed. Unfortunately, he was a little late by the time he reached her room and found her vomiting all over the bed.
Rachel followed close behind, still tying the sash of her robe as she ran down the hall.
She found Ben next to the bed doing his best to hold her hair back. Hoping the bout of nausea would pass soon enough.
Rachel filled a glass of water from the wash pitcher in the corner of her room and placed it on the bedside table knowing she would need to wash her mouth out afterward.
"Her fevers gotten higher," he glanced over at Rachel.
A few minutes later, and the nausea subsided. She was breathing heavily but she was calm enough for Ben to lift her out of bed and carry her out of the room to get her changed in a clean nightshirt and his wife could strip the soiled bedding.
Leaving his daughter resting on his own bed, Ben hurried to the far end of the hall where his eldest slept.
"Adam," Ben shook his son's shoulder to wake him.
"Adam," he said again after he didn't open his eyes.
"Pa," Adam blinked several times before sitting up in bed.
"It's Kate, she's worse."
Adam rubbed his eyes to get the sleepy out before throwing the covers back.
"What's wrong?"
"Her fever seems to be getting higher, I want you to ride for the doctor."
"Is she still vomiting?" Adam started to get dressed. Knowing he wasn't about to go anywhere in his nightshirt.
"She's in my room now because Rachel is changing her bedding," Ben answered his question.
"I'll get going," Adam was still buttoning his shirt as he ran down the stairs and out to the barn to saddle his horse.
Adam rode faster than usual into town, jumping off his horse just as soon as he reached the doctor's home, not even bothering to tie him to the hitch post out front.
"Doc!" Adam banged on the front door.
"Dr. Martin!" He yelled again, anxious for someone to open the door.
Just as he was about to knock again, Paul Martin's wife Carol came to the door.
"Adam," she said concerned. Knowing that it was normal for one of the Cartwright's to come banging on their door. Especially in the middle of the night.
"Is everything alright?"
"Kates sick, running a high fever, vomiting, and complaining of a headache. Pa sent me to get Doc Martin. Is he here?"
"He's out of town," Mrs. Martin said regrettably.
"When do you expect him back?" Adam wondered concerned.
"Not till tomorrow at the most."
"Mmm," Adam ran a hand through his hair trying to determine what to do.
"Maybe I can do something," she suggested. "I've assisted Paul many times."
"Anything you can do to help, we'd be grateful."
"Saddle me a horse from the livery while I gather a few things."
"Yes ma'am," Adam hurried across the road and over to the livery.
By the time they reached the ranch, Ben and Rachel had Kate settled in her room once again.
In the end, it was determined she had a virus and it was pertinent they kept her fever down. That, along with proper care and a great deal of rest Mrs. Martin was certain she would make a full recovery.
Rachel assured her that she would get it and Ben walked her down the stairs where Adam waited downstairs for the verdict and volunteered to escort the good doctor's wife home. While Ben and Rachel remained near their daughters' bedside until she fell asleep.
Noticing how restless his child's sleep was, Ben decided to sleep in the chair next to his daughter's bedside. Knowing he wouldn't get any sleep himself if he didn't stay close. Worried she would have another bout with nausea or her fever would rise in her sleep.
By the time Adam returned home the house was dark aside from a soft glow from the fireplace and a single lit lantern sitting on the side table near the door that had been left for him so he wouldn't come home to pitch blackness. When he reached the top of the stairs he found his fathers' bedroom door open with a low-lit lantern burning. He figured it was left open intentionally so they could listen for Kate but as he started down the hall for his bedroom Rachel stepped out.
"Adam."
"Kate settled?"
"Restless but she's sleeping from the medicine Mrs. Martin gave her. Your Pa's in with her."
Adam nodded and Rachel continued.
"Best get some sleep yourself. It's been a long night."
"Don't I know it," Adam agreed as Rachel retired to her room for the night and he continued on to his own.
"Need anything?" Adam ran a tired hand over his face as he poked his head into his sisters' room where he found his Pa ringing a wet rag from the washbasin before returning it to the child's fevered brow.
"Yes," Ben nodded. "I want you to get back to bed and stay there a couple of hours later than usual in the morning."
"No promises," Adam smirked, taking his leave. Knowing it wasn't likely he would stay in bed later than usual despite the number of hours he lost. There were just too many things that needed doing and with Kate sick and Ben and Rachel caring for her he would have a lot to handle on his own before he got some help when Hoss and Joe got home from school.
Ben remained by his daughter's bedside throughout the night. Her restlessness continued and she found herself awake more than she was asleep. And it wasn't until after Ben found himself sitting up in bed next to her, her lying so close to him she was on top of his arm that she was able to drift off to sleep. His arm ached, dreadfully uncomfortable, his arm falling asleep long ago, but he never once even considered moving it. He hated when his children were ill and he vowed to always be there for them when they were sick or any other time they needed him. Looking down at her sweaty face he couldn't but think back to the day she was born. By the time she came around, he had been a father for many years. But that was to three sons. Seeing he had a daughter threw him into completely unchartered territory. He knew nothing about raising little girls and here he held one in his arms. What he learned over the years however was that whereas they may need a little extra tender love and care at times they could be just as difficult if not more than boys. He had to admit he didn't love every minute of being a father. But there were times when that same little girl made him know that without a doubt it was worth it and the bad outweighed the good by a long shot.
Kate slept for a few hours, unfortunately, she had another bout of nausea Ben had to deal with. Fortunately for both them and Rachel, Ben had fast hands and was able to catch it and keep it from covering the sheets once more. Her fever didn't seem as high as it did before Mrs. Martin came over but it was obvious she was still running a temperature. It took time to get her settled once again, but after a while she managed to drift off to sleep, allowing Ben to get a few minutes of much-needed sleep himself.
The following morning and all but Kate and Ben were up at their usual time. Rachel was busy cooking breakfast and preparing lunches for the three that were going to school and Adam was busy tending to chores around the ranch hard.
With Hoss, Joe, and Lou Anne off to school, this left Adam and Rachel alone at the table both of them appearing as if they could drift off to sleep at any moment.
"I need to do the dishes," Rachel wasn't really speaking to Adam directly rather she was just talking aloud. "But I don't want to get up."
"I need to go up and see what Pa wants me to do today," Adam yawned, feeling the same way as his stepmother when it came to standing up.
"Might ask him if he wants some breakfast when you go up," Adam nodded in agreement and reluctantly forced himself to stand and make his way up the stairs.
Quietly opening the bedroom door Adam peered in. Ben was in and out of consciousness while Kate was fast asleep.
"Pa," Adam whispered. Not wanting to wake his sister.
"Pa," he said again when he didn't wake, placing a hand on his arm.
"Hmm," Ben moaned when he realized where he was and how uncomfortable was.
"Rachel wants you to come down for breakfast," Adam whispered.
Ben sat up moaning with every move he made. He wasn't very hungry but a cup of coffee or two he figured would do wonders to help keep his eyes open.
"Do you want me to get back to the timber stripping?"
Ben was about to reply saying that was fine until he remembered Hoss.
"No," he shook his head. "I promised Hoss he could go out with me later today."
Adam nodded, about to ask if there was something else in particular if he wanted him to do before just deciding for himself when a yawn escaped.
Ben was about to tell him something about going about to bed when Kate awoke.
"Pa, are you leaving?" She looked sad.
"He's just going down for some breakfast," Adam spoke up wanting to assure her. Knowing that if she asked and needed him Ben would stay by her bedside all day. He was the same with each of them when they were ill.
"I'll sit and read to you a bit."
Kate agreed, always enjoying when he volunteered to read aloud. Shifting over a bit more so he would have plenty of room to sit down.
Ben nodded a silent thanks to his eldest before slipping out of her room and heading down the stairs intended to take out practically an entire pot of coffee single-handedly.
Rachel longed to do her part in caring for her young stepdaughter and she had every intention in doing just that not long after lunch, Adam having remained all morning.
"What are you reading?" She had slipped into the room a few minutes earlier but hadn't wanted to interrupt until the start of a new chapter.
"Oliver Twist," Adam closed the book.
"The book Pa brought me from San Francisco," Kate coughed.
"Are you hungry?" She asked gently.
Kate shook her head no and Rachel turned to Adam.
"I'll sit with her," she offered. "I left you something for lunch on the table."
Adam stood stretching, sore from sitting in the same position for so long, telling his sister he'd be back sometime later before taking his leave for the dining room table.
"How are you feeling?" Rachel asked, placing a gentle hand on her head to check for her fever.
"I am liable to throw up on you," Kate didn't make it sound as if she was warning the woman sitting on the bed near her and sounded almost as if she wanted it to happen.
"So am I," Rachel didn't budge.
Kate looked at her confused but didn't say anything.
"I've never had a strong stomach," she enlightened the girl.
"You should ask Pa what he's been through," Kate smirked slightly at her comment. "He's been thrown up on, bled on, and just about everything else you can think of from every one of us kids."
"He's a good father to you kids," Rachel fully believed every word she spoke.
"We love him," Kate turned red, slightly embarrassed at her comment.
"He was blessed to start at the very beginning and grow along with you. I've never been a parent before and I'm starting in the middle."
Rachel didn't miss the expression cross her stepdaughter's face at the mention of being a parent. Knowing that Kate still wasn't certain how she felt about her.
"Get some sleep," she patted her arm. "You need your rest."
"I'll be right here if you need something," Rachel took the chair next to her bed.
"You don't have to," Kate started to say.
"You had a hard night," she smiled. "Let's not take any chances."
"Suit yourself," she rolled over looking for the most comfortable position to help her drift off to sleep. She wasn't used to someone sitting in the room when she was falling asleep. At least aside from a member of the family. She was just about to close her eyes when she flashed them open in an instant, suddenly remembering that Rachel was part of the family now. And it was that thought that made her feel almost worst.
To Kate's surprise, Rachel was still by her bedside when she awoke an hour or so later.
"You're still here?" Kate rubbed her eyes.
"Of course I am," Rachel smiled. "I'm worried about you."
"Why?" Kate asked bluntly.
"Because I care."
"Why?" Again Kate asked.
Rachel was about to reply when they were interrupted by a short rasp on the door.
"Come in," Kate called out before letting out a raspy cough.
"Hey little sister," Adam stepped in, tossing her a small smile.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm bored," she complained.
"Never heard of boredom as a symptom of sickness. Have you?" He looked over at Rachel.
"Can't say that I have," she shook her head. "But she is still running a fever." Rachel proceeded by submerging a cloth in the basin on the bedside table before ringing the excess water out and placing it gently on her head.
"Pa and Hoss went to work on more timber rails and seeing as you have things handled here I'll head outside."
"Adam, wait," Kate stopped him.
Adam turned and Kate put on her best face of persuasion.
"How bout a story?"
"I got work to do Kate," Adam tried. "You know that."
"Please Adam, you always tell the best stories," Kate was never against begging, at least not when it came to her family and something she wanted.
"Just one," Adam gave in and moved to take a seat on the edge of the bed.
"You promised you would tell me the story of how you and Ma came to love one another."
"Awe, Ma always loved me," Adam corrected her statement. "Even when I didn't deserve it."
"Ma loved us all the same." Sure Kate may not have known much about the early years when her mother came to the Ponderosa. But she knew what she experienced and knew there was no difference between herself, Joe, and Lou Anne with Adam and Hoss.
"That's one of the things that made her special. Now, are you going to be quiet so I can start the story?"
"Yes," Kate leaned back against the pillow that was propped against her headboard.
"I was pretty young at the time," Adam began. "And Hop Sing was on vacation."
"Hop Sing took a vacation?!" Kate not only looked shocked but wide-eyed as well. "He never takes a vacation."
"I know," Adam nodded. "And Ma and Pa had a time trying to convince him to take one."
"Hop Sing swearing up and down that his was job to take care of Cartwright family."
"But he went?"
"Eventually he relented, deciding he would go and visit family leaving Ma with all the household chores of cooking and cleaning. With Ma having the run of the house I was trying to stay as far away from the house as possible. I couldn't leave the ranch and knew if I was to avoid trouble the most logical thing I could do was hide out outside. Anyways, I spent a couple of hours working on a project in the barn losing all track of time. Apparently, Hoss and Joe had been complaining about wanting to go play outside but Ma was too busy with her household chores and they were both too young to be left alone."
"Was I born yet?" Kate interrupted the story to ask a question.
"Not yet," Adam laughed at her question. "Anyways, after a while, Ma put a roast in the oven and decided she had just enough to time take the little ones out to play. The horses in the corral started neighing so I walked out of the barn to check on them. When Little Joe saw me he got excited and came toddling over. I don't remember what made the horses so skittish but they kicked open the gate and stampeded out just as I was crossing in front of them and they knocked me down."
"What happened?" Kate was fully intrigued by her brothers' story and Rachel herself was on the edge of her seat as she listened in.
"I thought you said your throat hurts?"
"It does," Kate looked at him blankly. Trying to determine what that had to do with the story.
"You sure are talking a lot for someone whose throat is supposed to hurt."
Adam picked up the cloth that was still draped over her head before shoving it playfully in her face.
"Adam!" Kate even if she wasn't feeling well couldn't help but laugh and try to push him away before pulling the cloth off her face and swinging it at him.
"Now, now no roughhousing," Rachel stopped them. "I don't want Kate getting nauseous or her fever rising."
The two separated and again Kate started with the questions.
"Where was Pa?"
"I don't remember," Adam shook his head. "But he wasn't home."
"What happened?" Rachel surprised them both with a question of her own.
"Were you unconscious?" Kate picked up where Rachel let off.
"No, but I was in a great deal of pain. Now I'm going to go back to work if you two keep pestering me with questions," Adam again started to back away.
"No!" The two Cartwright's said simultaneously.
"How did you get inside?" Kate interrupted with another question despite her brother's threat.
"If you quit interrupting me I'll tell you."
Kate didn't say anything, but she did shrug before giving him a sheepish grin.
"Ma somehow managed to carry me inside despite all the moaning and groaning I was doing. I was trying not to cry but I remember the tears being so thick in my eyes I could barely see her. She was trying to be as careful as she could but it didn't matter. I was too uncomfortable by the way she had to shift my body around when laying me on the settee and trying to get my shirt off so she could get a better look at the area on my chest I was holding. Bruises were already beginning to form and once I finally managed to blink the tears away I could tell she was worried. I don't remember much regarding what was said, all I remember is managing to get a few words out and assuring Marie I'd be fine while she went into town for the doctor. She hated to leave me, but she knew she didn't have a choice but to go. I remember talking to her later on when I was still recovering but wasn't in so much pain and she let on about what a difficult time she had hitching the buckboard. She took Little Joe with her but left Hoss to watch over me. There wasn't anything he could do to help me but he was so worried that she knew he wouldn't run off and get into trouble and it would be easier if she only had Joe to manage.
I think I drifted off to sleep because when I came to Hoss was standing over me running a little hand through my hair. Moments later and we were both startled by Pa coming in. He had no idea what happened and was taken back finding me hurt. He said he had been out on the ranch working somewhere and had only come home because he was worried that Marie had her hands full with his three sons. Pa knew immediately that I had broken rib. He didn't know how many and he didn't know how bad. That would have to wait for the doctor's diagnosis. The area was beginning to swell causing Ben to hurry to the kitchen for ice he could wrap in a towel and place it on the area hoping it would not relieve the pain, but also help his breathing not be so labored. I don't recall how long it took for Marie to get back with the doctor. All I knew was I was feeling a lot better now that Pa was there.
By the time the doctor finished examining me to make sure I didn't have a punctured lung or blood vessels I was in excruciating pain. The doctor said I needed to be moved to my room where I could rest more comfortably. Pa told him not to worry that once the medicine he gave me got in my system he would carry me up. I overheard the doctor saying a few more things to Pa and Marie before he left and I don't know how long it took before I was able to fully relax and drift off to sleep. But what I do remember is so stitched in my mind that I don't think I will ever forget it. It was my family staying very close wanting to watch out for me and make sure I did not want for anything. Especially Marie, here I had treated her anything but kindly but she remained my sole caregiver while Pa worked. It took at least a month or so for me to get back to normal and I had been ordered not to overdo before then so I had to spend a lot of time around the house with Marie where we got to know one another. And it was then that we began to form a relationship and she became Ma. The rest is history, you and Lou Anne were born and turned all our lives upside down. The End."
Rachel was about to say something poetic regarding the touching story but Kate beat her to the punch by saying something a little less than poetic.
"Good story big brother, how bout another?"
"I said one story," Adam held up a finger. "I have chores to do."
"Later?" Kate looked at him hopeful.
"Kate, I'm busy."
"That's why I said later," she whined.
"I don't know," Adam knew he had to say something if he was ever going to get to work. "Maybe."
"I'll be right here waiting." Kate folded her hands in her lap.
"She'll be here resting," Rachel overruled her.
"But I haven't been up for that long," Kate whined all the louder.
"You sure complain a lot when your sick," Adam said what Rachel was thinking.
"I didn't say you had to sleep, but you have to stay in bed and rest."
"Hand me Oliver Twist."
XXXXXXXX
Rachel pondered Adam's story for a while, and even though he was working she found herself going in search of him anyway.
"Adam," she found him cutting the timber rails into slats that could be used in the patching of the roof Ben had plans to do that week.
Adam stopped pushing the saw and looked up to wipe the sweat from his brow.
"Need anything?"
"I know your busy, especially since you took the time to appease your sister with a story. But I'd like to ask you a question."
"I don't guess Pa will mind if I don't get too many slats cut. I was only supposed to stay close to the house in case you or Kate needed something." Adam tossed the now cut slat to the pile before setting the saw aside.
"It's about the story you told Kate. What was it your Ma did that made you give in and let her care for you?"
"She kept loving me," a small tear slipped out of the corner of his eye. "Before I got hurt no matter how much I didn't deserve it or how bad I treated her she didn't give up. And I guess by then I realized she could have left me laying in the dirt for Pa to get home and care for me." Adam had such a faraway look in his eye that Rachel couldn't bear to interrupt his thoughts.
Rachel started to turn away, but Adam who returned to the here and now knew she had something more to say and he looked at her with such intent in his dark eyes she couldn't but voice her thoughts.
"I'm trying, but I don't know what else I can do."
"Keep loving her. If it worked for me it will work for her." Adam returned the hat to his head and returned to his work, not wanting or willing to say another word to her.
Rachel remained in the kitchen for a while, trying to get started on her dinner preparations. The house was quiet and she hoped the girl was sleeping. Knowing that once her husband and the other children arrived home there wouldn't be a second of peace despite her and Bens's best efforts.
It was only half an hour before Rachel was proven right and Joe and Lou Anne came charging through the front door.
"Hoss is so lucky Pa let him go straight from school to help him with the timber.
Even if he did have to work, at least he doesn't have to do his evening chores, Joe still didn't like the fact that he had to do his and Hoss's chores.
"It's one day Joe. And the only reason he's letting Hoss skip his evening chores is because he wants to try and stay later and get the timber done."
"Adam could have helped him, he's been doing it every other day."
"Pa doesn't go back on promises and he wanted someone around the house to help Rachel with Kate and that was Adam. So case closed. Now stop complaining so we can get our chores done and play."
"Since when have you ever been the voice of reason?" Joe said sarcastically, knowing it was quite out of character for his baby sister.
"Beats the heck out of me," she shrugged. "But I don't like it." She dropped her school books loudly on the coffee table in protest.
"Me neither," Joe followed suit. "I like you better the other way. I'm not the only one in trouble then."
"It's hard having siblings like the ones we got. They hardly ever get into trouble and that makes Pa think he's doing something right."
"Somebody's got to pick up the slack and keep his life interesting."
"I think me, you, and Kate have certainly proved that we're keeping our side of the bargain recently."
"Yeah but Kate will return to her old self soon enough. She's just been acting out because of Rachel. Before long it'll just be us left."
"Do you do things to get in trouble intentionally?" Lou Anne looked at Joe curiously.
"No," Joe shook his head. "It just happens. Something enters my head and before I even have a chance to stop it, I do it."
"Same here," Lou Anne grumbled.
The two siblings were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't even hear their stepmother come in from the kitchen.
"I had a feeling it was you two," Rachel didn't look very happy at the two children standing in front of her. And it was evident in her stance as she stood with her hands on her hips.
Neither of the two said anything, both confused in her behavior as to why she was upset with them.
"Must you make so much noise? Your sister didn't get much sleep last night and her fevers gotten higher in the past hour."
"Is Pa coming home soon?" Joe sounded anxious. Not caring if Rachel got on to them or not. In his opinion, it literally went through one ear and out the other.
"I don't know," she sounded tired. "Why?"
"We wanted to ask him if we could do our chores later and go fishing first."
"Better not," Rachel shook her head. "You know how your Pa's a stickler for doing chores before play. Besides, I'm sure you have homework to do."
"Awe Rachel," Joe complained kicking at the floorboards with his boot. "Can't we wait to ask Pa?"
"No Joe, now please just do what you're told. I'm tired, me, your Pa and Adam got very little sleep last night and I still have a lot to do with dinner, dishes, and taking care of your sister."
"Yes Mam," Joe sighed, before turning around to head outside to get started on his chores.
"Why'd you give up so soon?" Lou Anne didn't even realize what she was doing when she slammed the door behind her.
Seconds later and Joe didn't even have a chance to reply before Rachel threw the door open.
"Lou Anne Cartwright. Did I not just tell you two something about making too much noise?"
"Sorry," Lou Anne said apologetically. "I forgot."
Rachel exhaled a long breath she didn't realize she was holding but didn't even bother with a correction. It didn't do any good moments ago and vaguely she didn't have the energy to deal with them any further. For one she didn't feel like arguing and two she didn't think she could actually discipline them had the need arise without their father there to back her up.
The two were surprised by her sullen behavior but were taken back even more by her simple return to the house without saying anything further.
"Do you understand her?" Joe looked at Lou Anne confused.
"Not in the least," Lou Anne shook her head.
"You two better not let Pa overhear you talking like that," Adam couldn't help but overhear as he pushed a wheelbarrow full of slats across the yard.
"What are you talking about?" Joe didn't like being told off by his eldest brother.
"For one," Adam held up a finger. "If Pa would have heard you slam that door again he'd have you opening and closing it fifty times. And two," he repeated the gesture, only this time by holding up two fingers. "Talking disrespectfully about your stepmother wouldn't help matters either."
"Don't you have something better to do than pester us about something?" This time it was Lou Anne's turn to voice a complaint at her big brother.
"Not really, no," Adam said with a grin as he continued on his way.
Rachel returned to her stepdaughter's bedroom with a pitcher of clean water in hand knowing it hadn't been refreshed since the night before. She had just opened the bedroom door when she was met with the girl sitting up in bed dry heaving in the basin. There was a little off-colored fermented water that appeared to look almost like foam in the bottom of the basin that Rachel was sure was from the water she had been taking over the past couple of hours since being awake.
"Oh Kate," Rachel was quick to set the pitcher down before moving to sit next to her. Rubbing small circles of reassurance on her back.
It took a few minutes, but after a while, Kate deemed it safe to have the woman remove the basin from her.
"I'm thirsty," Kate squeaked out.
Rachel took the glass from the table and poured a little water from the pitcher she brought in before bringing it carefully to her lips.
"Take small sips," Rachel held the glass firmly in her hand wanting to control the amount she consumed.
"Is my Pa back yet?" The girl mumbled, tears filling her eyes, on the verge of spilling down her cheeks.
"Not yet honey," Rachel eased her further back down in the bed, wanting to make her comfortable.
"I miss him."
"I know you do, and I'm sure he'll be home soon. It's almost time for supper and evening chores."
"I'm not hungry."
"You don't have to eat." Rachel patted her arm.
"Can you send Pa up as soon as he gets home?" Kate rubbed her eyes.
"Sure," Rachel gave her a small smile. "Now close your eyes and try to get some rest," she proceeded by caressing the girl's cheek gently with the back of her hand. "I'll be back soon, I need to check on your brother and sister and Hoss'll be hungry so I have to have supper ready."
Rachel started to leave the room but returned to her bedside when Kate spoke.
"Rachel," her voice was raspy. "Why are you taking care of me? I'm not your kid and Pa wouldn't be any the wiser if you didn't."
"No," Rachel knew what she was saying was true. "But you are my stepdaughter and whether you believe me or not I love you as if you were my own."
"Like Ma and Adam." Kate's voice was so low Rachel could barely make out the words. But it was evident by the girl's tone that she was being met with a realm of realization. And Rachel hoped with every fiber of her being that Kate was finally beginning to understand just how much she loved her Pa and his children and longed for them to accept her as their stepmother. She knew that even if Kate was to stop resisting her every attempt to love her they would still have a long way to go before she and the others for that matter didn't stiffen anytime someone referred to her as their stepmother. Then again, as long as Kate wasn't showing complete signs of bitterness towards her she would count it as a win and just look to the future knowing they had to take this very important first step before moving on to her title.
"Like your Ma and Adam," Rachel repeated. "I'm not trying to take your Ma's place the same as your Ma wasn't trying to take Adam and Hoss's Ma's place or immobilize all your Pa's time."
Kate didn't say anything, but she did give a slight nod in understanding, figuring she owed the woman at least that much. Thinking that perhaps, everything she just said was true. Had she been wrong this whole time? The thought repeated in her head over and over again.
Rachel left the room, and Kate moaned. Why did she have to think about this now when she wasn't feeling well. She didn't feel like she could properly analyze the situation and she felt as if she was slowly weakening and seeing Rachels point of view. She wasn't willing to completely give in just yet. She wasn't that sick, at least that was the last thought that entered her head regarding the matter before closing her eyes to ease the pain in her head.
Thirty minutes later and she was still attempting the mantra, and when her big brother came in she was more than willing to set the matter aside for possible future thought. Maybe?
At least that was her plan before elder brother brought up universally the same thought.
"Rachel said you were sick again."
"Yeah," Kate grumbled. "Lucky me. Is Pa home yet?" She asked hopeful.
"Not yet, but should be soon."
"I want him to come home."
"He is," Adam felt like that was all he ever said when it came to one of his younger siblings.
"I need him to take care of me," she whined.
"He will when he gets home. But at least you've had Rachel here today."
"Awe Adam, don't start that."
"Listen, Kate," Adam took a seat on the edge of the bed. "I know you probably don't want to hear this. But I'm going to tell you anyway." He paused.
"Rachel has pitched in quite a bit in taking care of you and she did it all lovingly rather than thinking of how bad you've treated her since she's arrived. Try to remember that."
Kate didn't reply, but for some reason, Adam didn't know but he did notice her face didn't show complete malice as it had before.
"I know."
"What?" Adam had to question her comment, completely unsure if he heard her correctly.
"I said I know," she repeated. "I was thinking about it already."
"I knew you'd get smart eventually. Just had to give you time," he winked at her teasingly.
"At least it didn't take me as long as it did you with Ma."
"True," Adam nodded in agreement.
"But we haven't determined who was worse?" Kate pointed out.
"And you'll never know," Adam shook his head with a smile.
"Someday?" Kate looked at him hopeful, always enjoying when her father or brother told a story from the past.
"Maybe," was all he was willing to say on the subject.
"So how are you feeling?" He felt her head for a fever.
"What's the verdict?"
"It's still there," he replied.
"I feel like it," she coughed.
"Pa will be home soon and that'll make you feel better."
"Hope so," the girl couldn't help but smile.
"If your feeling any better after dinner, I'll come read to you."
"I'd rather you tell me another story."
"In that case don't count on it. Now I've got to get back outside and make sure Joe and Lou Anne are actually doing their chores."
"Don't count on it." Kate rubbed her eyes.
"Get some rest," he saturated the rag they had been using before ringing it out and placing it over her eyes and head. "Pa will be home before you wake up."
XXXXXXXX
Dinner wasn't nearly as lively an affair as usual. Not with Kate sick and Ben, Adam, and Rachel as tired as they were. Hoss talked of nothing but the work he did and Ben was sure to add how good a job he did. Once the work conversation died down Joe and Lou Anne took it upon themselves to pick up the slack but the motivation just wasn't there. At least not with the conversation being practically one-sided.
They were just finishing their dinner and getting started on their dessert when they were interrupted by Kate.
"Pa!" She called. "Pa!" She called again urgency showing in her voice.
Ben tossed his napkin on the table and pushed his chair back, in a hurry to reach his daughter.
Even though Rachel felt as if she made progress with the girl, she decided to remain at the table. Thinking that if she charged in with Ben anytime he was called by one of the children it wouldn't do anything but hinder the relationship she was trying desperately to form with them. She had to realize that they were used to only having their father to care for them and it would take time for them to adjust to her wanting to do the same. Not only that, but with two parents, she felt it only right to remain with those still at the table. At least with Little Joe and Lou Anne being as young as they were.
"What's wrong sweetheart?" Ben entered his daughter's bedroom where he found her curled up.
"My stomach hurts something awful Pa," Kate was doing her best to apply pressure against her belly.
"I'm sure it's from the virus," Ben placed a hand on her belly. "I'll get you a hot water bottle, maybe it will help soothe it."
"When am I going to get better?" She started to cry.
"It's barely been 24 hours sweetheart," Ben ran a gentle hand through her hair. "You have to give it time. Now I'm going to call for Rachel and I'll be right back." Ben proceeded to the landing on the staircase where Rachel and his children immediately looked up.
"Kate's not having a very good night. Her head and stomach are hurting pretty bad."
"What about fever?" Adam asked.
"Seems the same," Ben nodded before asking Rachel to prepare a hot water bottle.
Adam, Hoss, Joe, and Lou Anne continued to stare after their father who remained on the landing running a tired hand over his face. Preparing for another long, one he wasn't a bit prepared for after staying up most of the night before and then working with the timber. And even though it wasn't quite their usual bedtime, Ben decided it would be best to send Little Joe and Lou Anne to bed. Not only to keep them out from underfoot but to also keep the house quiet, at least so was his intention. Thinking that with Joe and Lou Anne in bed, Adam and Hoss wouldn't have to deal with the squabbling that was bound to happen.
Joe and Lou Anne of course protested the unfairness of having to go to bed when Adam and Hoss's got to stay up. But Ben was quick to tell them that if they stayed up they would have to clean up the supper dishes. Which was what Adam and Hoss were going to be doing but didn't know it at the time. The two elder boys exchanged dejected glances but didn't say anything in complaint. Knowing it had to be done and with HopSing away and with Ben and Rachel busy with Kate, this left them.
Normally kitchen cleaning wouldn't cause such a stir but it was quite the opposite when it came to the two eldest Cartwright brothers who could be very disruptive when they wanted to be. It all started when Hoss knocked over a glass of soapy water onto his brother's pants and Adam retaliated when Hoss was bending over to return a dried dish to the cabinet that he popped him with a rolled towel causing quite a loud pop and a yell from his brother.
"I'm going to get your for that Adam!" Hoss charged after him.
Adam making a quick escape out of the kitchen and over to the dining room table planting himself on one side of the table and Hoss on the other.
"You can't stay there forever Adam!" Hoss glared at him. "And when you do I'll be here."
"You'll give up before I do!" Adam teased triumphantly.
"Boys!" Ben thundered, interrupted their threats as he descended the stairs.
Unfortunately, it didn't stop there and their father's calls of warning did little to no good and fell on deaf ears.
"Boys!" He repeated from his place near the fire where he was taking the time to add another log to the already blazing embers.
"You just wait, Adam! I'll get you for this!" Hoss bellowed.
"You started it," Adam was laughing and that only made his brother's temper escalate all the more.
"It was an accident!" Even if Hoss felt that way that didn't keep him from trying to dive over the table to grab his brother. Unfortunately for him Adam was too fast for him and jumped back, accidentally causing a chair to crash to the floor when his foot caught one of the chair legs.
"Adam! Hoss!" He straightened.
"Adam!" Ben tried again. "Eric!"
"Stop it now!"
Ben's next move didn't go unnoticed by either son when he made one last attempt to get their attention with his hand going for his belt.
Both boy's eyes widened and immediately turned contrite moving to stand next to one another to show that they were no longer trying to kill each other or at least torment the other.
"Your sister is restless and not feeling well and your stepmother and I are trying to get her to go to sleep and she needs quiet. This roughhousing had better stop or the next sound that interrupts your sister's rest is going to be the sound of my belt coming off and her older brothers getting a whipping."
"Sorry Pa," Adam was the first to apologize.
"We were just horsing around," Hoss tried to keep them out of trouble.
"And normally I wouldn't mind," Ben clarified. "But when you start getting too loud and knocking things over then I have no choice but to intervene. And the next time I tell you to stop I expect it to be done immediately. You both know how I feel about disrespect. Which is exactly what that was."
"We're sorry," they apologized again. "Can we go back to the kitchen?"
"Go ahead," Ben released them.
"Whew," Hoss wiped the sweat that was beading on his forehead. "That was close," he said leaning against the kitchen work table.
"Yeah," Adam agreed wholeheartedly. "I think we better watch ourselves."
"Right," Hoss returned to the washing of the last few dishes so they could finish up and get to something they enjoyed doing and that had nothing to do with cleaning. But centered on reading or strumming his guitar for Adam and for Hoss it meant munching on an apple near the fire or outside looking up at the stars.
That night, however, Hoss decided to retire early and Adam decided to forego his usual routine and take the time to relax out on the porch and watch the stars. Thinking that with winter coming, he wouldn't get too many more opportunities to do so.
He had just settled himself on the porch, leaning his chair back just enough to relax but to keep himself from falling backward. He started out trying to make out the constellations but after the long night, he had before he eventually closed his eyes. He had just drifted off to sleep when he was awoken by a hand on his shoulder.
Adam shifted and would have fallen completely backward had it not have been for a firm grasp to keep him steady.
Adam awoke with a start but settled when he realized it was his father beside him.
"Don't you think it's time you went to bed son?"
Adam yawned and again shifted himself in the chair.
"Or were you planning on sleeping under the stars tonight?"
"No," he yawned again.
"In that case, the house is this way." He pointed behind him.
"I'm coming," he stretched.
"Tonight?"
"Yes Pa, I'm coming. I'm just tired."
"Last night was long and hard," Ben agreed.
"Hopefully we don't have a repeat of it," Adam knew his father was thinking the same.
"I don't think so," Ben shook his head. "She's asleep now."
Adam nodded and Ben continued.
"Speaking of Kate, I've been meaning to talk to you about something I've noticed."
Again, all Adam did was nod but he was attentive.
"I know it's you who's been talking to Kate on trying to get her to ease up on Rachel."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Adam wasn't willing to say a word on the subject.
"Adam," Ben looked at him intently.
"I've been your father for many years and I think it's safe to say I know you better than anyone. You grew to have a very special relationship with Marie that she kept very close to her heart. You also have a unique relationship with your sister and are typically one of the only ones that can get her to say or do certain things that she wouldn't typically do without a great deal of thought.
Anyways, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't know how you did it. But thank you." Ben placed an arm around him.
"I still don't know what you're talking about," Adam gave him a wink before heading for the house, leaving his father standing alone, yet proud.
