7: Family Matters

At the Ponderosa, the Cartwrights were already in preparation. Violet was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her parents. As foolish as it seemed, it was unnerving. She had somehow convinced Hop Sing to let her make her family's apple pie and pear tart. The biggest problem at hand however, was keeping the other Cartwrights out of the kitchen. Hoss and Joe were about to help themselves to tarts and pie filling, when their hands were subsequently slapped with a wooden spoon.

"Dadburnit, Violet, not one little piece?"

"There won't be enough left after you're done helping yourselves, Hoss."

"Now I see why they say a woman's place is in the kitchen," Joe mused. Little Joe was subsequently chased out by a rolling pin.

Ben moved out of the way of a fleeing Joe before entering the kitchen. "Have any of you seen my clothes for this evening?"

"No, Pa. I was going to ask you the same question," Hoss made his way out of the kitchen.

"They're all hanging behind your doors, Mr. Cartwright, with your trousers and ties."

"Oh…you know, if there's one thing I've taught my boys, it's completing their chores…you don't have to do it for them." He added apologetically. "What I meant was, it's not often that a woman irons our clothes, does our laundry, and cooks for us. It's actually been quite some time… ."

She nodded slightly to note she understood. "My mother does the same for my father. 'It helps him feel taken care of', she once told me. I don't mean to impose."

"Your mother taught you well," he smiled. "I certainly appreciate it. Just don't overdo it, lest the boys get spoiled and start demanding and ordering you around… ." She laughed at his partial jest. Ben left the kitchen, remembering the last time they had a woman's touch in the house, and how much it was appreciated. He also began wondering what it would have been like to have a daughter… .

Adam managed to sneak into the kitchen as Violet was just fitting on a pie crust. He came from behind, embraced her and kissed her on the cheek.

"What's that for?"

"Everything. For being you…you aren't nervous, are you?"

"Nervous? I'm only meeting my own parents." Her traditionally fastidious parents, meeting the modernly lax, Cartwright men. How could she possibly be nervous?

She apparently hadn't convinced him. "I'm the one who should be nervous. I'm meeting your parents for the first time, remember?"

"Are you afraid?"

"Your mother…perhaps."

"Really? Why?"

"Well, this is a man's ranch. Women tend to try and fix things, run things their own way, even down to the way you do your own laundry and iron your clothes. "

"Mhmm." She nodded.

"I just imagine you telling me how your mother runs your house and she'll find something to fault here."

"That's why I did the cleaning."

"Thank you for that." Being aware of his statements, he added. "Of, course, this afternoon is the exception to the rule."

"Adam, are you afraid of having a woman in your house?" She wondered if her question was too bold.

"Not if she can handle it… ." None have yet, but perhaps this time… . He went back to his original subject. "As for your father…I'm terrified. I rarely fear a man, and I've faced some dangerous men in my time."

"Adam you worry too much. Just try to get along with him."

"Get along…a cowhand and a judge."

"Hmm…and I thought the term was 'Rancher.'."

"Your father won't see a difference."

"You're a businessman. Think like one. You earn their respect, and some are older than you. Be the smart, fearless man I know you are."

"Alright, I'll take your advice." He gave her another kiss before sneaking out. Of course, it was after he left, she noticed a few pear slices from one of her tarts were suddenly missing… .

"Sorry—I couldn't resist!" She heard him reply. She could only shake her head in amusement. She really had no time to be frustrated. After all she still had to get herself ready!

It was about time for the stagecoach to arrive in Virginia City. Violet, Adam and Wendell were waiting in front of the hotel.

"I think that's the one." She pointed out.

A stagecoach was pulling through the Main Street and stopped in front of the hotel. Coming out of the stagecoach was a lovely older woman with greying brunette hair, and a distinguished older man with a silvery receding hairline; both were well-dressed.

"Mother! Father!" She greeted both of them one by one.

"Violet darling, you're well!" Her mother embraced her tightly.

"Of course I am, Mother! Why wouldn't I be?"

"You know I'm a worrywart. I've never seen so many men carrying pistols in all my life!"

"Well, it is the West," she laughed.

"My dear, have you put on some weight?" She added quietly.

She gasped. "Mother!"

"Come now, my dear." It was her father's turn to eagerly embrace her. "It's good to see you."

"Thank you, Father. How is everyone, and Shadow?"

"They are all well, and send their greetings. Shadow is perhaps missing her owner, but Mary has been keeping her in practice."

"Good." She turned to her companion. "Mother, Father, this is Adam Cartwright."

"Good afternoon, Honorable, Mrs. Adams. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"Pleasure to meet you Adam. I'm Mary Adams."

"Ah yes, Adam. It's good to finally have a face to a name. I've heard many things about you." He gave a firm handshake and looked at him straight in the eyes.

"Well, Honorable, what kind of things?" He asked cautiously.

"Oh, I've heard many things." He merely replied.

Hmm. Whatever that means… . Adam thought.

After greeting Adam, Mr. and Mrs. Adams noted a familiar face. "Wendell, my boy, or my good man I should say!" He embraced the younger man. "How are you?"

"Very well, Sir. I have enjoyed my time, so far. I leave tomorrow afternoon with a special companion, Lotta Crabtree. She's headed East."

"You'll have quite the story to tell your father!"

"That I will." He also greeted Mrs. Adams with a kiss on the cheek. "You're radiant as always, Mrs. Adams."

"And you're evermore charming, Wendell!"

"Hello, Violet." A well dressed brunet gentleman, with neatly combed hair, and a mustache was getting off the stagecoach.

"Will!" Taken by surprise, she remembered the letter.

"I know you're probably surprised to see me. But I met with your parents while they stopped off in New York and accompanied them here."

She wondered who could have possibly thought this was a good idea?

"Will!" Wendell greeted. "How's it been in my other favorite city?"

"Busy, but grand, nonetheless, my good friend."

"Pardon me," Adam was confused. "Will, is it?"

"Oh, pardon me—I'm William. William Gardner Choate, esq. However, my close friends call me 'Will.' I'm Violet's fiancé—or her most recent. You must be Adam Cartwright."

"Yes, you know about me?"

"Why yes. I spoke with Mr. Adams, and he was telling me he was heading out of town soon to visit Violet and this man he was going to meet. I decidedly cleared my schedule, and had to meet this man, myself. It was meant to be a surprise, including for the Adams."

"That it was," Violet replied somewhat nervously.

"Wonderful." Adam feigned his enthusiasm for this news. "Care to join us?" He was only being polite.

"Delighted, so long as I'm not imposing."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all." Adam knew he wasn't being honest, but what else could he say or do? He briefly looked at Violet, who knew she had some explaining to do… .

Wendell broke the silence. "Well, now that you're all here, I'll help you get checked in. The rooms are actually quite nice." He winked at the two of them as he escorted the others into the Hotel.

Adam leaned against a post on the hotel porch. "So, that's your last fiancé… ? How long were you two together?"

"About two years."

"Sounds serious."

"It was, Adam, at the time."

"When did you two decidedly end things?"

"I ended it over the summer, before July."

He was piecing it all together. "Shortly before you were hired by the school board."

"Right, Adam—"

"Why?"

"Why? What does it matter?"

"Well, clearly it couldn't be irreparable if he came all the way here to work things out."

"There were a few reasons—but it simply wasn't working anymore."

"So you ran away to someplace as far away as possible."

"No, I came here because I stopped teaching to marry him. And when I decided I wanted to come back, there were few options available by that time of the year. I only expected to be here a year, to convince my family it was worthwhile to remain employed rather than see my value diminish by being idle, never mind the embarrassment I was giving to the family namesake… ." She added, already imagining what he would ask. "No Adam, I wasn't planning to stay. However, since the day I arrived, I began to feel comfortable here, in a way I couldn't be comfortable at home… ."

Adam was solemnly listening now, decidedly supporting her. He embraced her instead, then put her hands in his. "Should I assume I'm a part of the reason?"

"A very large part, yes." She grinned.

They showed the new guests around the city, and introduced them to the Myers and Mrs. Jones before making their way to the Ponderosa.

"Is this place quite a ways away? I feel we've been traveling for miles."

"This is all a part of the Ponderosa, mother."

"Wilderness…with no end in sight it seems." William looked around.

"You'll get used to it." Wendell replied. "The sunset is lovely in the distance."

"Hmm." Mr. Adams looked around the scenery quietly.

"You're awfully quiet Mr. Adams." Adam decidedly broke the silence.

"Oh, I'm merely making my observations. It's not often I travel through this territory." He continued looking on in silence.

"Is your father always this reserved?" Adam whispered to Violet quietly.

"He's staunchly New England." She whispered back.

"Adam, I am a man of few words…very few words." Mr. Adams replied.

Violet looked back at her mother, both shaking their heads knowingly.

"My husband may be quiet, but is quite keen on intuition," Mrs. Adams decidedly spoke up. "Don't be overly concerned by his silent demeanor."

"My apologies Mr. Adams, I was merely curious."

"Inquisitive," he said.

Adam decided not to say anymore, wondering if he was being corrected or merely making a statement. It hadn't helped that he, along with his wife spoke the same proper English as their daughter, with Mr. Adams perhaps seeming less expressive with his words.

They finally arrived at the house.

"Why, it's like a large cabin in the woods!" Mrs. Adams exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like this before."

Mr. Adams turned in all directions of the homestead and property. After being brought inside and seemingly scanning the great room up to the ceiling, he spoke. "Excuse me, may I ask what wood grain this is? I'm not too familiar with this."

"Ponderosa Pine, Sir. That's how we come to name this place the 'Ponderosa'. It's very hardy and quite common in the West."

"I see…and I understand that you built this place, Adam?"

"Yes, Sir, after returning home from college."

"I see," he nodded.

Adam thought. Hmm…hard to please, is he? "Pa, we're here! Justice J.R. Adams, Mrs. Mary Adams, William, this is my father, Benjamin or Ben Cartwright, and my brothers Hoss, and Little Joe."

"It's nice meeting you, Honorable, and Mrs. Mary Adams." He shook both their hands.

"Oh, please—John, or Mr. Adams will suffice."

"Well, in that case, John, you may call me Ben."

"Delighted." He replied.

"I imagine you're named after your grandfather?"

"Yes, but my middle name is Robert to distinguish me from my uncle and cousins."

"Your uncle, the President?"

"Yes, that's the one—he was my favorite uncle, and I like to imagine I was his favorite nephew. Whenever my father, Thomas disciplined me, he always felt bad for me and gave me a treat afterward, swearing me to secrecy!" Ben and John both chuckled.

"And your name is 'Hoss?'" Mr. Adams inquired to the younger brother.

"Eric actually, but 'Hoss' is just a nickname I had since I was a wee one. Actually I don't reckon if anyone's ever called me 'Eric'." He blushed.

"Well, thank you, Hoss." Mrs. Adams smiled.

"And you're Little Joe?"

"Joseph, but everyone calls me 'Little Joe' except for your daughter. And I see where she gets her impeccable taste, Mrs. Adams!"

"Why, thank you Joseph. You've men have done quite well for yourselves, I see." She looked over the great room, noting the furniture, and everything neatly being in place. "You must have quite a housekeeper to look after you."

"Well, we have Hop Sing, who's also our cook, but we all do our share of chores." Ben spoke up.

"Smart men. I remember having trouble getting David to tidy his room!"

"Ah, David, your son." Ben looked and noticed the man he hadn't met. "Excuse me, William. I imagine you're a friend of the family."

"Yes, quite close… ." He said looking to Adam and Violet.

"Yes, Pa, William is well acquainted with the family." Adam wanted to move things along. "Well, everyone, make yourselves at home."

Mrs. Adams was ushered into a seat, while William sat on the settee. Mr. Adams was eyeing the walls, noting a collection of rifles on the wall. He saw Ben's desk and noticed the bookshelf.

"Someone has quite the collection. Adam, is this yours?"

"Yes," replied Adam. "How did you know?"

"Violet has told me you're a fan of Shakespeare and other writers. May I?"

"Certainly."

He began fingering through a few books. Pulling one out, skimming through pages, and resuming quietly.

What is he thinking?! Adam kept wondering. Why can't I—Why is he so…difficult?

"Supper will be ready in a few moments." Hop Sing announced.

"Adam, if I may, I'd like a word with you. Is there a place we can speak privately?"

"Certainly Sir. The porch would be fine," he replied somewhat nervously.

They sat on a bench. "Well, Adam you must be wondering what I'm thinking. I can't help but notice your observations." Adam at this point was wondering if he were a mind reader or being intentionally vague. "I'd like to thank you in person for inviting my wife and I out here. You have a wonderful home. I understand you weren't expecting another person, but you have been accommodating nonetheless. I see you are a well-read man with a respectable family. It's good to finally see you in person."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Now, while we're in the business of getting to know one another, I want you to be aware I've been and will continue to learn as much as I can about you. My only request is for you to be honest and not attempt to hide anything from me. I have my way of discovering things."

"Well, I have nothing to hide, Sir."

"Good, then. I did, however, have a few questions regarding your background and your records."

"My records, Sir?" What kind of records?

"You do recall I wanted to look into your background, for my own curiosity? Sheriff Roy, Deputy Clem and the judges in town assured me I had nothing to be concerned about. I was meaning to discover what man, interested in my daughter, would otherwise not disclose. Surely you don't mind?"

"Mind Sir? Well, it's public record after all." He began scratching the back of his head to ease himself. Mind? It's my criminal record—of course I mind!

"There were quite a few charges from what I have seen… ."

"Yes, but none that haven't been later thrown out."

"Yes, I've read about those. You and your father acquitted before a murder trial…an arrest in Placerville resulting from a stolen identity…and others… .You seem to have friends in certain authorities… ."

"Yes," he could see where he was going with this. "Sir, if you suspect I've gotten off easy, I can assure you that's not the case. I am, by all accounts an honest man."

"I see… . They're intriguing cases nonetheless…in particular a robbery in Morris Flats in which you were delirious."

"Oh I remember that one," he was chuckling slightly. "The Sheriff in that town thought I was seeing things… ." Seeing that Mr. Adams had the same solemn demeanor, he stopped chuckling. "Of course, I did help him find the real thieves."

"Yes, I read about them finding that also. Another interesting case I found involved the murder of a saloon girl."

Adam paused. "…Sue Ellen Terry."

"You remember her?"

"Yes, I had a relationship with her at one point." He wondered if he should even admit such, but he wouldn't put it past this man to find out anyway, somehow.

"You had a relationship with a saloon girl, Adam?"

"Yes, but it wasn't a serious—normally, I take my relationships seriously."

Mr. Adams appeared puzzled."Do you normally court saloon girls, Adam?"

"No, Sir." He had to start over, as he realized how that must have sounded. He cleared his throat. "I courted that particular saloon girl. To clarify, at that time, I was looking to help her in her self worth, not to take advantage of her. I treated her with respect and courted her and brought her home to my family, like any other lady."

"I see…and the man, the Sheriff who admitted to killing her, you shot dead."

"In self defense."

"Of course," he nodded. "The men out here make much use of guns."

"Well, Sir, the laws of the land are very different here."

"Yes, I see." His tone seemed to indicate an opinion of negligence.

Hop Sing opened the door a peak. "Mr. Adam, Mr. Adams. Hop Sing don't mean to disturb you, but dinner is ready."

"Thank you Hop Sing." Adam replied. "I'm quite looking forward to dinner… ." Hop Sing had no idea… .

"As am I." Mr. Adams decidedly got up. "Thank you for allowing me a moment of your time.

You're quite a mysteriously interesting man, Adam Cartwright. I hope to learn more about you in the coming days."

"You certainly will." And I've learned all I need to know about Mr. Adams, the Judge… . Adam added in his own mind.

At the dinner table, William seemed interested in probing Adam for answers. "Adam, Wendell tells me you went to school back east."

"Yes, the Lawrence Scientific School."

"Why, that's the Engineering School at Harvard!"

"Right…you seem surprised."

"Surprised isn't the word."

"Dubious?" Adam was reading his mind.

"Well, I suppose I'm surprised you haven't mentioned the Harvard part… ."

"Well, to most men around here it wouldn't make a difference where or if you went to school."

He nodded, seeming satisfied with that answer. "And what year was your graduation?"

"Oh, in 1852. I don't think about it much, but I recall it was one of the nicest days in June. After a long winter, I was excited to see an actual spring. Hoss, and Little Joe didn't understand that kind of feeling, but Pa remembers."

"Ah yes… I imagine we're the same age Adam, as I also have recollections of that day. We graduated the same year. Well, that was the year of my Bachelor's. A couple years later was my Juris Doctor. And a few years ago, my Master of Laws. Have you ever gone back, Adam?"

"No, William…I returned to life on the ranch," to get away from certain elitist attitudes… . He was being too polite to repeat that aloud. "I suppose I missed Pa and my brothers."

"Oh, I see. you're a family man. I have brothers also. Two elder and a younger. My younger brother, Joseph, is also a lawyer, lives in Manhattan, while my eldest brother, George, a Psychiatrist, has his own private practice in Westchester. My other brother, Charles, is still practicing in Boston. I split my time between Boston and New York, though I'm leaning towards moving to New York permanently. Boston, though I'm from Salem originally, is home. Although I imagine I can accomplish more in a larger city."

"You're an ambitious man, William, from quite a family."

"I am indeed." He added. "Speaking of which, I have excellent news. I have recently purchased a townhouse in the City."

Mr. Adams spoke up. "Why Will, you never mentioned this before."

"Oh, I wanted it to be a surprise. You see, Violet and I were looking for such a place earlier in the summer," he grew quieter. "Unfortunately for various reasons, we passed on it." He resumed. "However, it recently went back on the market earlier this month, and I couldn't pass on it this time. It's a lovely townhouse. Brick, walkup, high ceilings, and right across from Central Park."

"Oh, I remember," Mrs. Adams recalled. "The one on Fifth Avenue, the Upper East Side. Not too far from the places I shop when I visit the City."

"I suppose a congratulations is in order," Adam spoke up.

"Thank you, Adam. It's greatly appreciated."

Violet on the other had remained quiet, until she responded. "That's very good news, Will."

"I thought so," he seemed only half-heartedly pleased with her response.

Sensing her awkwardness, Adam changed the subject. "The apple pies and pear tarts are delicious. You taught your daughter well, Mrs. Adams."

"Thank you, Adam. Our daughter was about three years old, cracking eggs in the kitchen…and onto the floor, for that matter. She certainly has learned." Everyone laughed. "I would hope she has made a good impression."

"Oh she has. The school, the children, and the citizens love her." Mary seemed pleased with this response.

"Ben," John spoke up. "Wendell mentioned to me that this property is several hundred thousand acres, extending to the California border."

"That's correct John. This property goes all the way to Lake Tahoe, which this Territory shares with California."

"Hmm…I would very much like to see this Lake."

"You most certainly will, John. After service tomorrow, the boys and I will be happy to show you all around. You may even get to see the boys in action, breaking in horses."

"You should see it—it's fun—and Adam is the best at it!" Wendell excitedly whispered to Will.

"Of course he is," he smiled through his teeth.

"Oh, please don't contain your enthusiasm. I'm an equally fast draw." He smiled wryly while looking at him.

"And he can sing while playing guitar." Violet added.

"Well, Adam, you are a man of many talents, after all."

"Well, what else would I be?" He shot back.

"A Rancher."

"Yes, I'm one of those, too." He responded quietly.

"Adam, you must play us a tune."

"Well, I don't know Mrs. Adams. I'm not sure I can play a familiar piece on my guitar."

"Nonsense! I don't mean that. You can play anything you like."

"Well, alright," he complied. After retrieving his guitar and fingering the strings, he added, " I don't know too many songs at the top of my head."

"Go on!" She prodded.

Adam began playing "Early One Morning." After finishing, Mrs. Adams wanted another song. He began playing another lively tune, "The Bold Soldier." He shot glances at Mr. Adams and Will, who were at least clapping along: "Soldier oh, soldier… . He courted the lady… . Her beauty shone so bright… .She always loved the soldier, because he was so bold… . Soldier oh Soldier, if I would be your bride, but for fear of my father, some danger might betide… . Swore, he would be married, no matter what betide. Fa, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la… ."(1)

Soon thereafter, the guests were thanking the Cartwrights for the evening.

"Adam, those arrangements were wonderful."

"Thank you Mrs. Adams."

Mr. Adams told Adam. "You have quite the ability Adam. 'The Bold Soldier' was an interesting choice to play."

"Well, Mr. Adams, it was the first lively tune I could think of that would showcase my talents."

"Your intentions were clear… ." He replied, facing him.

"Mr. Adam, any intentions I have I wouldn't merely imply. " He attempted to defend himself.

"Hmm," he nodded slightly as if doubtful. "Thank you again for your hospitality. In the near future, I would hope you can discuss any intentions you have with me in person. I may also have a few questions for you."

"Certainly Sir."

"Good. I hope you're available tomorrow evening. Perhaps at seven, back at the hotel?"

"Yes Sir." Adam was slightly taken aback.

"Thanks for lending the Library," thanked Wendell.

"Not a problem. You know, you're quite alright."

He grinned his appreciation, then added. "If I were you, I'd make sure I'm there there no later than five minutes prior."

"He wasn't kidding was he?"

"He hasn't as long as I've known him."

Adam raised a brow. "Now why—"

He knew his question. "Believe me, you'll thank me later."

Will at the very least offered a polite handshake. "We'll be meeting again soon I bet."

Last was his favorite guest. "What do you think of my parents?"

"Your parents are alright. Your mother, father… ." He paused.

"You'll get used to them." She understood.

"Violet, we must be going."

"Coming, Mother." She gave him a quick kiss. "You were wonderful!" Will, who was still watching offered her a hand out the door as he shot another glance at Adam, who merely smirked.

"Well, she certainly seemed happy to see her parents." Ben remarked.

"They are good people. I can tell you one thing. Mr. Adams is a difficult man to read, at times. I've never met a man with such a stone face for expressions. And he's very thorough."

"I don't know Adam, he seemed easy to read at least to me after that last arrangement." His father was still looking at him. "You knew exactly what you were doing, and he knew it too."

"The words may have stepped on his toes, but I supposed I expected to get more out of him. The only time he showed any emotion was when he questioned my relationship with Sue Ellen, not that it's any of his business."

"Adam, weren't you the one who said 'some women are worth the trouble'?"

He remembered, and was certainly regretting that now. "That's before I met someone else whose father likely thinks I'm trouble. You know, the man researched all the crimes I was ever charged with or otherwise involved in? Not that it's any of his business either."

"Well, Adam, if you're interested in this girl, you better get used to it. Anything involving his daughter, including you, is his business."

He could hear his brothers humming "The Death March," on his way out to the carriage, but he was too busy pondering what Mr. Adams could have on his agenda for him the following evening. He was not looking forward to another interrogation… .

(1) From "The Bold Soldier"