3: Romeo and Juliet
Adam was in bed reminiscing through parts of a book, having recently been inspired by the events of the day. It wasn't often he met someone with any familiarity with certain writers, let alone actually having met and known them personally... .
"Hey." Joe was standing in the doorway.
Adam sat up in his bed. "Hey. I was just looking through Walden...you know Violet has been to Walden a few times and still hadn't imagined it the way Thoreau described until after reading his book." He chuckled. "Thoreau writes his name as 'Henry David', yet only a few people knew 'David Henry' was his real name."
"Yeah, sure."
"Ok," he recognized the seriousness in his brother's eyes. "I know you didn't come in here to borrow a book. You have something to tell me?"
"You're interested in her, too, aren't you?"
"Well, aren't most guys around here?"
"Yeah, well I don't care about most guys, older brother!" Joe reacted to his brother's flippancy.
"You have some claim to her, Little Joe? You realize she's new in town and can have her pick."
"Look, I just came her to let you know before you make any more plans that I'm seeing her Friday night."
He paused, and sighed. "Ok, well, looks like I won't be marking my calendar for that day." He added. "Just remember, Little Joe, she's from another class. They're different than most girls you're used to."
"I think I know how to handle girls, older brother!"
"All too well it seems!"
Pa and Hoss were making their way up the stairs in time to hear doors slamming shut.
"What's going on here?" Ben wondered aloud. "You know Hoss, I think I'm going to have a talk with that girl, tomorrow!"
"Hold on, Pa." Hoss reasoned. "Ain't nothing happened yet. About all we know is Little Joe wants to see her and Adam wanted to meet her. We don't know nothing 'bout how she feels yet. I mean, you don't think someone like her would really mess with Adam and Little Joe."
"I suppose not. She's bound to draw attention being new. And we know how Little Joe is with newcomers...and even Adam finds her interesting, which doesn't happen often. If she's sensible, I'm certain she'll choose one or wind up with neither."
"Considering what's around, she couldn't do none better... ."
Ben patted his son's shoulder for that one.
Violet knew she had some decisions to make. She was interested in meeting Joe, she was beginning to have second thoughts on Adam. I didn't initially care for his nosiness into my private affairs, but he seemed genuinely interested...and I... .Well, it's too soon to rush into things... .
She didn't know his intentions but she had to make it clear she didn't want anything to progress too quickly.
But when Adam came to the door, he was cordial yet diplomatic. He discussed making an observation and wanted to see if he could make suggestions from there. Perhaps she read too much into things.
Adam on the other hand, was doing his best to be discreet. He wasn't going to compete with his brother, but he wasn't going to give up seeing her, either. In a way, he figured being part of the school board, made him an advisor and would be seeing her anyway on occasion. Yet he wanted other reasons to see her without raising suspicion... .
The rest of the week went fairly smoothly for Violet's class. She was beginning to catch on to the different personalities, which children needed more assistance, and the few who were very bright.
There were a few students, however, who were catching on to their own "suspicions," as well. One eight-year-old, named Jimmy walked up to her desk after dismissal.
"Yes Jimmy, did you have a question?" She asked the small blond, blue-eyed boy.
"Miss Adams, my pa wants to know why you won't see him?"
"Well, Jimmy, what would your ma think of me seeing your pa?"
"He says she's not supposed to know." He then muttered. "Whatever that means… ."
"Well, you tell your pa he needs to stop asking, or I'll have to see your ma."
"He won't like that," he muttered. "Yes, ma'am." He said aloud before running out of the school.
Next a blonde haired blue-eyed girl, about fourteen approached her desk.
"Maggie, did you need any help?"
"Miss Adams, are you stuck on Mr. Cartwright?"
"Stuck on?" She was unfamiliar with this term.
"You know, sweet on, fancying, taking a liking to?"
"Hmm, why do you ask?"
"Well, that's what my ma and some of the other women in town have been saying. Ever since you came here, he hardly pays them any mind. I saw you two outside the school the other day, and he comes in here a lot. He didn't do that with Miss Scott or the other teachers."
"I'm sorry this bothers you Maggie. But any type of relationship I have with Mr. Cartwright is our business."
"I met him first Miss Adams! You can't take him away from me!"
"Maggie Barnes," Mr. Cartwright was just walking in on their conversation, as he was pulling on his shirt. "Is that any way to approach your teacher—with accusations? Is that how you'd wish to be treated?"
"No Sir."
"Do you like Miss Adams, or would you rather someone else teach the class?"
"Oh Sir, I like Miss Adams, it's my ma who wanted me to ask, honest!"
"Well, I think you owe Miss Adams an apology Maggie."
"I'm sorry Miss Adams."
"Shouldn't you be running along home now? Your mother is expecting you home for chores."
She groaned but complied, and left the school. Now it was Adam's turn to approach the desk.
"What was that about? And why was Jimmy in such a rush?"
"Your sweetheart thinks I'm stealing you away, and Mr. Taylor keeps asking his son about me."
"Oh, I should've told you about those two. Maggie's been stuck on me since I started substituting, and Mr. Taylor has quite the reputation… . Anyway, I came to see about this desk wobbling."
"Yes...although I don't recall it being like this earlier this week. One day the window pane is cracked...then the wood stove needs cleaning...then the pump isn't working and now the desk... .Why, you must be awfully busy tending to a Ranch and being quite the handyman!"
"Well, it seems compared to my father and the Colonel and a few other board members, I'm their man. These old things have a knack of falling apart... . I'm sorry about that. Hopefully this hasn't soured your experience."
"Oh, no, I've had quite the experience." Admittedly it was interesting seeing him at work... .
Rolling up his sleeves, his shirt still unbuttoned, he helped clear the desk before using his saw to level all the remaining feet. "You sure this height isn't too low for you? If not I can replace the feet and polish it to match later."
"I'm sure it'll be fine, thank you."
"Oh, excuse me." He buttoned his shirt up. "It was hot outside, checking on the pump, and hammering at the forge to meld the new pieces together... .Well, if you need anything else—"
"I certainly know who to call...oh, is there a charge for the service?"
"No, Miss Adams—it's covered by the School Board." He put on his hat on his way out. "Have a good night."
After he left, she realized she only had a few hours to prepare for the evening. I'll pick you up at about Six on Friday… were Joe's words. She wondered throughout the week if she should say "no." But wouldn't he consider it rude for turning back from her original response? She had never been in this situation before. Men out here seem to make their interests known and acted rather quickly. There were a few of those back in Boston, but the gentleman were less assertive, it seemed.
Nonetheless, Joe was knocking at the door come six o' clock.
"Who goes there?" Remarked Hank.
"It's me, Joseph," replied the young man in a pressed shirt, trousers and tie.
"Joe? Oh right, Little Joe."
"Well tonight I go by Joseph," he attempted a French accent.
"Right." Hank laughed at his feeble attempt.
At this moment, Violet had made her way to the door. Joe was speechless for a moment as his eyes glanced over her outfit, a blue off-shoulder satin evening gown, with her hair in loose curls, tied partly with a ribbon. "You certainly know how to make an impression!" She smiled slightly as he offered his arm. "Our chariot awaits!"
They took a horse-drawn wagon across town to a French restaurant.
"This is a nice place." She commented.
"Thank you," Joe was looking at the menu, anxiously glancing at the menu choices.
"Are you alright, Joseph?"
"Fine, just fine." He began naming off items. "Let's see…cassoulet, escargot, foie gras, filet mignon, canard a l'orange, confit de canard, confit d'oie, poulet cordon bleu…sounds delicious."
She realized he probably didn't understand what most, if not all, of those items were, but appreciated his attempt at trying. It was rather cute.
When the waiter came out, Joe indicated, "ladies first."
She began, "Filet mignon, gratin dauphinois, et haricot verts, si vous plait."
Joe responded. "I'll have the same, please." A little after the server left, he added, "…and here I am trying to impress you! I didn't know you speak French."
"I learned some French in school. In Boston we have French speaking Canadians that visit often. Their French is a bit different, but it helps."
"Well, I can't say you'll make use of it much here…though I would like to learn…my mother was French from New Orleans."
"Oh, is that so? I could teach you if you'd like."
"Sure, thanks." He grinned. Then he added, "Hey, could you mind telling me what you—I mean, we, ordered?"
"We're having steak, grated scalloped potatoes, and green beans."
"Mmm…good choice."
After Violet explained the menu, and they finished their food, Joe rode the wagon down the street at a leisurely pace, naming off all the storefronts and buildings.
"I appreciate you bringing me out on this lovely evening."
"My pleasure," he flashed her a smile before slowing down. After a few moments of silence, he asked her, "What's on your mind?"
"Hmm?"
"It's just that you seem awfully quiet tonight."
Did she really want to tell him that? "Well, I was thinking you didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"It wasn't any trouble."
"This was just more than what I was expecting…coming here…meeting you and your family… ."
Joe was shaking his head, already drawing a conclusion. "It's about Adam, isn't it?"
"Well, yes and—"
"I knew it! I heard you were out with him that afternoon—"
"Joe, it's concerning both of you. I like you, truly I do; and I like Adam…but I'm not quite ready for anything too serious at the moment."
He paused for a moment, accepting her answer. "Good luck telling all the other men in town."
"I already have," she smiled. "It hasn't been easy! I'm not used to having so much attention at once."
"Well, it's not everyday a gal like you comes to town."
"That's what everyone has said."
He smiled. "C'mon, I'll take you home. I told Hank I wouldn't keep you late."
She laughed at that. It amused her that they looked out for her like they were her parents. Speaking of her parents, she began thinking of them. What would they think of Virginia City? They hadn't even known it existed until she told them about the position. Her father was aghast she chose to go so far from home, with so much at stake, but granted his permission since her contract was just for the school year. She hated that she still needed his permission for certain things, but he was her father. She only went so many places because she was hardly ever alone…and this was the first time she had been this far from home without anyone accompanying her. She was enjoying the freedom.
After dropping her at the house, Joe decidedly headed for the nearest saloon. What was one drink? He thought.
He strolled in, noting a usual crowd, several miners, cowhands and a few rustlers he wouldn't make eye contact with. He made his way toward the bar and ordered himself a drink.
"Hey Cartwright!" He turned to see a burly dark-haired man known for starting trouble. "You're mighty dressed this fine evening. What happened to the pretty lady you were entertaining tonight? She leave you high and dry? Or is she seeing your brother, Adam?"
"None of your business Mack!" He stood up to face him.
"Maybe it is, if I find her, and you've had your time with her!"
"Don't you dare talk about her or me like that!"
"Or, what, Cartwright?" Mack shoved him.
Joe angrily struck him square in the jaw.
"Oh, you'll pay for that Cartwright!" He went to strike him, but someone grabbed his other arm in a hold.
"Not tonight, Mack!" Mack turned to face Adam and Hoss.
"Adam Cartwright, this ain't none of your business!"
"It is if it concerns my youngest brother. Go on, get before you make all of us angry!"
Mack warily walked past the men and exited the saloon.
Joe stood there beside his brothers, and surprisingly responded angrily. "'Youngest brother', eh? You think I'm too young to handle my own problems?"
"What's the matter with you?! Mack is hard enough for most people to handle. I couldn't just walk in here and let him clobber you."
"You never gave me the chance to try to defend myself!"
"You didn't have a chance! He only probably only backed off because of Hoss!"
"C'mon Little Joe," Hoss reasoned. "Let's cool off a bit." He turned to his older brother. "I'll handle this one, Adam."
"Good, maybe you can talk some common sense into him!" Adam walked out, deciding having a drink with his brothers wasn't worth it tonight.
Hoss and Joe sat back down at the bar. "Hey, Little Joe; your night ended already?"
"Yeah Hoss, it turns out she's not looking for anything too serious, right now."
His older brother took sympathy on him and bought him a round. "Y' know Adam. He can be mighty smug an' bossy at times, but he always looks out for us when we need it."
Joe sipped his drink. "Yeah, you may have a point there… ."
Adam and Sport were traveling at a lax pace through the streets. He really was in no rush to get home, but he wondered what came over Little Joe. Sure he hated being referred to as the "youngest brother," but what else would he be to him? Was he really out of line stepping in? No. Little Joe could be stubborn, even when it came to his own safety and well-being.
He slowed down when he was about to pass Hank and Abigail's house when he noticed a lamp was lit in one of the rooms upstairs. Mrs. Jones never stayed up late. Abigail might stay up and read sometimes, but at this time, even Hank would retire early if there was a big day ahead. Could she still be awake?
Violet had already changed into her nightgown and brushed out her hair. She had caught up on her Math tests and read through every essay, correcting spelling and punctuation. She still couldn't sleep for some reason. It was really hitting her that she was far from home, her family and friends. Everything was a new experience for her… .
What was most difficult was meeting ladies her own age. She discovered some, but a few were married and already had a young child or two. The ones who weren't, tended to be less receptive, perhaps with the attention she was receiving in town.
Nonetheless, she already had a great group of kids, helpful parents, kind neighbors and a few good friends: Mr. and Mrs. Myers, as well as Mrs. Jones. Of course she couldn't forget the helpfulness of the Cartwright men: Ben, Joe, Hoss, and Adam. She never knew anyone quite like them. While the youngest son seemed to have his way with the ladies around here, it was quite apparent his older brother's elusiveness also made him especially desirable. She could understand why. He certainly wasn't like any man she already knew… . But after today, hurting Joe's feelings, she was better off not getting any more involved—
Clink, clank!
What was that? Was someone throwing rocks outside her window? Who could be out this late—was Joe coming back?
She went out to the balcony, seeing a familiar man wearing all black, with his hat and horse to his side.
" 'But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?'… ."(1) A baritone voice narrated into the night.
She had to admit, it was quite flattering hearing his baritone voice narrate a role as if it were poetry. "Ah, Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'—quite impressive!" She couldn't hide her pleasure and amusement.
"Ahem! That is not your line."
"Oh, pardon, I wasn't aware I was chosen for the part," she coyly remarked.
"No 'script reading' allowed!" He teased.
She openly feigned her annoyance. He knew she would've known this scene, wouldn't he? " 'Ay me!' "(1)
" 'She speaks!'… ." (1) He gasped.
" 'O Romeo, O Romeo. Wherefore art thou'… ." (1)
They bantered back and forth until she heard him clap. "Not bad."
She motioned him to meet her on the porch, and hastily put on her robe, before carefully closing her door and sneaking quietly down the stairs to go outside. "And for what pleasure do I have for this visit?"
"Oh, nothing in particular. I was passing by, thought you might still be awake, and was wondering how you were doing." He added. "Actually, while I'm here, I wonder if you'd mind coming by the Ponderosa tomorrow. I'm curious to see how you really handle a horse."
"Well I hope you're prepared. I start off rather quickly!"
"Well, hopefully not too quickly. I might want to enjoy the afternoon a bit. I may have a few things planned. Hopefully you don't mind surprises… ."
"Not at all… ." Wait…What could he be planning?
They began sitting on the porch swing, noting it was still mild for September. "So, after this week is about finished, what do you think about living out here?"
"Well, I do like it. The people here are welcoming for the most part, and very active in the community, much like my hometown of Quincy. In other ways, it's quite different. Back home, everyone knows each other and has lived there much of their lives. Here, everyone is from somewhere else. Everything is very spread out. Properties spread for miles. It is very unlike New England where towns and cities are clustered together with structures and centers that were established for centuries. Everything appears to be so…new, almost seemingly appearing overnight!"
He had to chuckle at her assessment. "Well, to tell you the truth, much of the city did in fact appear overnight, thanks to the 'Gold Rush'… ." He went into the history of Virginia City, and how it mirrored other Western towns. He could see she was interested in these things, not having experienced anything similar. It was nice having someone share his interests… . "Have you heard from your folks?"
"I've been writing back home about everything so far. I wrote them the first day letting them know I arrived. My mother told me she's trying to picture the place in her mind. She's very much a city person and can't imagine living too far away from many stores. My father likes the idea of a remote retreat once in a while. He regrets not being able to see me off with his caseload. He's traveled to San Francisco before but thinks of the West as being perilous for a lady."
"Well it can be dangerous. I gather he's very protective."
"Very much so, and always was. I'm the youngest. My brother, David is much older. He is very much like you are to Hoss and Joe, I think. And he had no qualms of him traveling. I almost didn't think he'd let me come here, but he's more reassured after hearing about the Myers' hospitality."
"Well, I'm certainly glad he did. Hopefully we can convince your father to keep you around." He smiled.
Her smile quickly faded after a thought. "I suppose it's a good thing he's on the other end of America. I'm not certain he'd be pleased about me meeting a man in my nightgown and robe."
"Your father…" he was becoming curious about him. "What does he do for a living?"
"My father? He's a judge…for the Supreme Judicial Court…the highest in Massachusetts."
"How fitting." Suddenly even he was a bit nervous. He didn't know this man, but he was still intimidated at the idea of what he could be… . They began standing up. "Well, I guess it's time to bid you goodnight… ." He drew her close and for a split second, she wondered if she should back away, but instead she was drawing closer until their lips met… . It would've been longer, but the light of lanterns flashed on. Sobbing was heard. The two pulled away. "Apparently we have an audience," Adam mused.
The door was cracking open. "Abigail you ruined it!" complained Mrs. Jones.
"I can't help it mother." She wiped her face and blew her nose with a handkerchief. "I always get teary-eyed with 'Romeo and Juliet!' And it was recited so artfully!"
"Well, I best be going. I'll see you tomorrow." Adam gave her a quick kiss on the hand, before putting his hat back on and waving from his horse.
The ladies were all inside. Hank was at the top of the stairs, arms crossed. "Well, young lady, the next time you decide to have suitors calling in the middle of the night—"
"Hank it was only Adam."
"I know his voice Abigail. I was only going to say it had best be one of the Cartwrights. I wouldn't allow anyone else to disturb my slumber!" Hank was a nice guy, but when he got angry, he tended to destroy things… .
"Hank, why don't you sing me a song?" Abigail suggested. "It'll help us go back to sleep."
"Well, alright I suppose." Abigail followed him up the stairs as he began singing " 'Early One Morning.' "
After Violet aided Mrs. Jones back to bed, she had much to ponder back in her own bed. What am I doing? Why did I allow him to… ? Especially after… ? What if it had continued? I can't get too far ahead of myself. I may very well take a liking to Adam, but surely I'm not… . Still, I've never felt so secure, felt so much… . But father already has his own idea of a suitor... . What would he make of Adam and his family? She tossed once more and continued dreaming of this Dark Knight… .
Meanwhile, Hoss and Joe were already back at the Ponderosa, when Adam had arrived. The two younger brothers had only recently returned from the saloon, and almost seemingly were waiting for the eldest. Without saying anything, Joe shot Hoss an uncertain glance as Hoss seemingly coaxed him with a nod. Adam was retiring Sport for the night when Joe approached him in the barn.
"Hey, uh, Adam, can we talk?" Adam faced his brother to provide his attention, while Joe continued. "Look, I'm sorry I berated you for your help tonight. You know I don't always think things through until later."
"You're right about that one." He decided to make himself comfortable on a crate while Joe found a bale of straw.
"It's just, I hate to admit you're just better at some things. I try so hard, and some of these girls go for someone else. You hardly pay attention to anyone, but you could have your pick if you wanted. Half the girls I like just fall for you, and you don't even try."
"I honestly wished most of them wouldn't."
"I was mad when I found out you had lunch with her when I already asked her out. I took her to this French restaurant hoping to impress her, and she ends up teaching me French. I'm not so sure I could keep up with her… ."
They were both getting up. "Little Joe, one of these days you'll learn to pursue the ones you really like and you'll gauge which ones are worth your interests. Look at it another way. You give Hoss advice about girls he's scared to approach. You're more successful than you think you are." He patted him on the shoulder on their way toward the house.
When they walked in, Ben was looking up from his desk. "Hello boys. Any trouble tonight?"
"Oh, just Mack with the usual," Hoss replied.
"Over what?"
"Nothing, Pa." Joe shook his head. As Hoss and Joe headed upstairs, Joe suddenly whispered to his brother. "Hey, didn't Adam leave before we did? Why did he come in after us?" Hoss could only shrug.
Ben was pretending not to hear their conversation when he casually remarked to Adam. "You're awfully restless tonight. Something on your mind?" Before he could respond, he had the answer already. "A girl. All of you boys' problems tonight involve a girl." None of them could pull the wool over their father's eyes. "You really like this one."
"The more she shares the more I want to know… . One thing I don't understand, Pa, is why she isn't already married or spoken for?"
"Well I suppose if she were married, we never would have known her in the first place. Besides, she may be asking the same question about you."
"Well we know the answer to that." Adam responded abruptly. "I only wonder now, if I had already married, and 'she' came to town…well, I might've been in trouble… ."
Ben smiled and nodded. "Everything happens for a reason. These things have a way of sorting themselves out."
Adam felt a sense of relief. He didn't always agree with his Pa on everything, but he could appreciate these words of wisdom.
(1) Excerpts from 'Romeo and Juliet', Act 2 Scene 2