9: The Rivalry
After a simple service, and a festive potluck afterward, Wendell had helped Miss Lotta Crabtree onto the stagecoach.
"Thank you again for the hospitality Mr. Cartwright, Adam, Hoss, and Joe. I'd love to say, but the City calls."
"It was a pleasure having you," Ben replied. "Anytime."
"Will, you know where to find me, as always."
"Likewise. Perhaps another weekend in the City soon?"
"Certainly!"
"Be sure to give your father my regards, my good man." Mr. Adams placed his hands on his shoulders.
"Certainly will, Mr. Adams…" he also gave Mrs. Adams a kiss on each cheek, before holding her daughter's hand. "And you, my dear, until we meet again, adieu." He kissed it. Before Adam could finish raising an eyebrow, he added. "Adam, if you ever happen to travel east, toward Boston, and happen to pass through Beacon Hill, just ask for the Holmes', would you?" He winked.
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind… ." He was secretly honored.
"Keep in touch."
"With you? How could I not?" Adam teased. "As a wise man once wrote, my friend,'Parting is such sweet sorrow.' "
"Indeed, 'Romeo'." He agreed. "No truer words from Shakespeare, himself!" Wendell bowed and blew one last kiss before getting into the stagecoach.
As the coach was pulling away, Lotta asked, "Write me a poem?"
"My dear, I'll write a dozen letters, if you sing just one song," was his reply, followed by a kiss.
"So typical of Wendell. Always making a dramatic entrance and grand exit," Violet mused.
"That is his way—of the hopeless romantic… ." Adam trailed off.
"Indeed." William, whom Adam realized was right behind him. "Friends, hmm? When did this happen?"
"Oh, I tend to make friends easily. You and I have a lot more in common than you think. We were born in the same state, have brothers named Joseph, graduated from the same college, and have an interest in the same kind of women." He stopped short of grinning when he noticed William giving him a disgruntled look. He added, "Well, let's say we head back to the Ranch for some festivities." Adam was eager to show the Ponderosa to the Adams.
"Quite breathtaking," Mrs. Adams commented upon seeing Lake Tahoe.
"Just as our daughter described." Mr. Adams mused.
Even William was speechless as he looked on in awe at the scenery.
After making it back to the ranch, the brothers were eager to showcase their riding skills. While getting prepared, Ben had a chat with John near the barn.
"Quite a property you have here, Ben. I can see why my daughter seems to enjoy it so much."
"Yes," Ben chuckled. "She's become a frequent guest here, since she's arrived—albeit a most welcome one."
"I do wonder how she manages on a man's ranch… ."
"Oh, she manages just fine. She certainly captivated my sons."
"All of them?" Mr. Adams asked quizzically.
"Well, Little Joe and Adam mostly. Adam especially."
"She certainly has that effect…I suppose, it comes from her mother. I had a bit of competition when I met her."
"I know the feeling too well," Ben chuckled. "I imagine you have concerns…but my sons respect her very much like the lady she is."
"I can certainly see." He glanced over toward Adam and the boys every now and then, who were in the bullring. The two continued chatting.
Joe had made good timing. Hoss was after, and had done a bit better.
Next it was Adam's turn. Adam had his chaps and work clothes on, and was about to mount. He glanced at William. "Are you sure you don't wish to change? You have on a very nice suit."
"Ah, no, I've managed thus far. I'm merely a spectator, not a day laborer."
"Ok, suit yourself." Adam hopped on. He rode the bull around the ring, despite the bucking. Shortly, Adam and the bull were stepping into a puddle.
Violet gasped while Joe came in just in time to shield her, but not in time to stop the mud splashing all over William.
"Argh!" William was spitting out mud.
"Good heavens!" Mrs. Adams cried, who was being consoled by Hoss, in front of her.
Adam quickly jumped off the bull and ran over to William. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry."
"This is one of my best suits!"
"Brooks Brothers, of New York I imagine?"
"Why, yes, how did you know?"
"Oh, it's a guess… . I've met plenty of stiff shirts in fine suits in my day… ." He responded quietly.
"Should I presume you own a suit?"
"Two actually…none that are stiff."
"Do they get much use?"
"Oh, I use them plenty of times." Annoyed, he added. "You really shouldn't let the mud set in William. Here, let me fix that." He went to pump water out of a spigot and filled a bucket of water.
"Adam, what are you—Argh!" Splash! William was doused in cold water. "You've ruined it!"
"Well it's already ruined," he said dousing him again. "I'm just rinsing the excess."
"You've done just about enough!" Enraged he thrust Adam to the ground. Gasping from the ladies was heard.
Adam taken aback, wiped his face, dusted himself off and stood level with him. "Watch it, I'm not the kind of man you want to mess with!" He suddenly drew which shocked William, but after firing, the bullet went straight instead for an empty bottle on a fence post right past William, shattering to pieces.
"You didn't think I was actually going to shoot you, did you?"
William started. "Well, I—"
"Adam! What on earth is going on here?" The clamour alerted Ben and Mr. Adams from the other side of the barn.
"Oh, nothing, Pa. William was a little to close to a mud puddle."
"Is that true, Will?" Mr. Adams asked.
He glared at Adam, and replied reluctantly. "Yes, he did forewarn me. I'm sorry, Adam. I don't know what came over me… ." He was being all too polite.
"Here, William, I'll help dry you off now, I'll heat the water for the tub," Adam offered.
"I'll manage." He walked briskly ahead of Adam toward the house.
While William was upstairs, Ben gave Adam a talking to. "Adam what on earth was that about?"
"Do you really think I intended that to happen, Pa?"
"No, but you made the most of humiliating him as one of our guests. You incited him, and if I hadn't intervened you would have humiliated this household more. Do you realize what you could've done? Shocking our guests like that? I was just having a conversation with Mr. Adams. I had the impression he was forming a favorable opinion of you… ."
"One never knows, Pa." He replied. As hopeful as he was, he was still cautious.
"Well you won't know now, will you?"
Adam, now with a sense of guilt, was making his way back outside, when Violet was approaching.
"Adam must you be such a show off?"
"I'm sorry. I hadn't intended that to get out of hand."
"I'm teasing." Glancing toward her parents, who were heading inside, she added. "They—we, are enjoying it."
"Glad to hear, at least someone is."
They were walking toward the barn. "I should've warned you. William is quite a sensitive man as I've come to understand. He doesn't wish to be offended."
"He wasn't the most popular guy in school, I imagine?"
"Were you?"
"Well, there were only fifteen of us, two were my brothers, but most of the girls seemed to like me."
"Ahem!" They turned around to see William.
"Oh, William, my apologies for earlier."
"I was just going down memory lane. Speaking of which, I was looking through my class album last night…I remember you, now. You went by 'Bill'. You were valedictorian, member of the Hasty Pudding Club, and your brother Joe was also a part of our class… ."
"Yes, my brothers called me 'Bill' or 'Billy Boy.' I prefer not to remember those days… although I realized I nearly forgot about a young man from out West who got into quite a debate with my brother in History class."
Adam paused, knowingly. "Well, he was relentless. He seemed to be great at arguing. I imagine he's doing well as an attorney, as I figured he would."
"Yes, indeed he has earned much recognition. Joe and I are often compared amongst our peers, so you may imagine we match off well." He added, quietly. "I'm always seemingly in a competition, at one point or another."
"I'm no stranger to competition myself."
"Wonderful! I love a good competitor… ." He edged closer to him.
"Good! So do I." Adam leveled with him.
"Oh, if you think you're game—"
"Only if you dare to challenge me." Adam replied coolly.
"Ahem!" Violet stood between them and pushed them apart. "That's quite enough from both of you! I am not anyone's trophy!" Angrily, she was storming back toward the house.
"Darling, wait—"
"Sweetheart, please—"
"Stop—both of you!"
Ben and the Adams were having a nice conversation when Violet came through door, fighting back some tears. Ben and Mr. Adams immediately stood up from their chairs.
"Why Violet—" her mother started.
"My dear, what seems to be the trouble?"
She sat down on the settee and buried her face in the palms in her lap. "Men, can be so, foolish!" Her mother attempted to console her.
"I would guess the matter involves two men in particular." Her father surmised.
Violet rose her head up, her face flush. "I'm sorry Mr. Cartwright. I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation."
"Miss Adams, if it's alright with your parents, may I take you somewhere? I suspect you need advice from a neutral source… ."
They agreed, and Ben led Violet outside. "Adam would you mind saddling up my horse, and another one for the lady?"
He knew not to ask his father. "Certainly."
William and Adam stood dumbfounded and defeated when they watched the two ride away. Hoss and Joe, apparently eavesdropping from the barn were about to speak.
"Don't even think about it." Adam read their mind.
"Fine." Joe agreed as he along with Hoss went back toward the house. "I reckon Pa's still a charmer."
"I reckon so," Hoss chuckled, looking back at the two men with disgruntled faces.
William waited until the were inside to ask, "Well, I wonder whose fault this is?"
"Ah, let it alone, will you?!" Adam responded hastily. They finally made their way inside.
Ben and Violet were trotting along at a steady pace, when they came to a clearing by a tree. "This seems to be a good spot." He dismounted and helped her off.
"You're quite the gentleman, Mr. Cartwright."
"Thank you, Miss. I suppose I had a few years of practice." He added quietly before they sat down. "I can only hope I can pass off good sportsmanship onto my sons… ."
"Oh, don't you worry, Mr. Cartwright. Your sons have done fine. It's me, this is my doing… ."
"Oh? How so?"
"You see, I came here, having no real expectations. Before accepting this job, William and I had quite an argument and postponed our wedding plans. I told him it was over. Before leaving, he wanted me to meet him in New York. He wanted to reconcile, but I told him I had already made arrangements to move, though I did tell him it was for one term. Ultimately nothing was resolved and I continued onward here. I didn't quite know if William and I would smooth things over. After all, we've known each other and had been together for quite a while. Most of my friends assumed we would marry. A couple have become engaged recently. I did wonder if my decision was too hasty, but I was nonetheless going to honor my commitment. I imagined after my term was over I could return back east and perhaps perspectives might be different…but then I came and was quite surprised. I had a sense of independence and freedom like I never had felt before. I wasn't in a rush for any reconciliation nor to meet anyone else. I imagined there would be many types of men out here, but none that I would forge more than a friendship with. Like my father, I was wary of westerners I suppose." She chuckled slightly, and Ben smiled at the remark. "Yet, once I met you, and your sons, and well…I hadn't anticipated any of this happening…I didn't expect Adam and I…I hadn't planned to fall so quickly… ." She was fumbling for the words to convey her emotions. "I do love him…I haven't been able to admit such before." She felt relieved yet somewhat embarrassed at her less than perfect confession.
"My dear," Ben put his arm around her shoulder to reassure her. "That's how love is…it isn't planned…it happens…and when it does, you simply know. When I saw Liz, Adam's mother for the first time waiting at the dock for her father after one of our voyages, I just knew I was going to marry her. I just knew." Violet was now leaning against the tree listening intently. "After losing her, I never thought I'd find love again, but I met Inger, who had options, and later Marie, who I never imagined I had much chance with. You're a little like them in a way. You have Liz's New England sensibilities, Inger's love of children, which Adam loved, along with Marie's sophistication and love of horses. You know, Inger had a suitor, interested in her, while I was a widower with a young boy, and no food, and no money…and yet we fell in love. And Marie, could have any man she wanted, and did, and yet…we were in love. I miss them all dearly, yet whether or not I love again, I'll know when I find it."
"You're a fortunate man, Mr. Cartwright. Most find that once in a lifetime, and a few, I wonder if they will. My Aunt Lizzie, turned down a suitor or two in her day…she hasn't married. My father doesn't want me to end up like her. I don't really concern myself with not marrying. I imagine I will, someday, have a family of my own, but not just for the sake of it."
"You're wise for not wanting to rush things. I imagine in your society the pressure you must face to marry based on expectations… . I only hope, when that day comes, you know it's right."
"Thank you, Mr. Cartwright, I truly needed this."
"Anytime, Miss. It's good to get away and reflect sometimes. It appears you have quite a decision to make—a good one at that. If I had a daughter, I'd be pleased if she had a couple of capable suitors to choose from."
She nodded, and suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Mr. Cartwright, may we go back?"
"Certainly if you wish."
She embraced Ben tightly and kissed him on the cheek before he graciously helped her back on her horse.
When they returned, everyone was having tea and coffee and light sandwiches at the table.
William beat Adam to the punch at rising from the table. "Violet are you alright?" Adam sat back down, seeing he had already rushed to her.
"Yes, I'm fine. Could I speak with you?"
"Yes, of course." He whispered. "I thought you had forgotten… ."
"No," she was watching Adam's expression, as he was making his way over. "Adam, William and I were headed into town."
"Where to?"
"The cafe near the Hotel."
"Hmm…that area can be a bit rough later in the evening... are you sure you'll be alright?"
William answered. "We'll be fine, Adam. If you wouldn't mind dropping us."
"Of course," Adam was only partially willing to chauffeur. "I'll get my coat." On his way out, Mr. Adams called to him.
"Oh, just a reminder. I still wish to speak to you this evening, but instead of the Hotel, we can meet here, for convenience."
"I won't be late," he promised as he put on his hat.
After reaching town, he dropped the two off and told them, "If you need anything, I'll be around."
Adam went to the saloon in the Hotel. He avoided eye contact with anyone and headed straight for the bar.
"What'll it be today, Adam? Your usual?"
"Water, please, Sam. I don't plan to be in here long."
"Water?" The bartender obliged but raised a brow as he came back with his drink. "Gettin' soft are you? It's that girl of yours, isn't it?"
"I'm meeting with her father tonight. The last thing I want is for him to smell alcohol on my breath. Nothing ever gets past the Judge."
"Good call," he agreed. "The Judge is not a drinker is he?"
"Not that I can tell. He's probably never had a drink in his life!"
"Nonsense! Even these upperclassmen have a secret penchant for drinking. They just don't want anyone else to know."
Adam had a chuckle at that.
Meanwhile, William and Violet were at a table enjoying light refreshments.
"Well, this is nice. It's been quite a while since we've been able to sit down like this."
"Why, Will, that's one of the nicer things you've said since you arrived!"
"Why the need for the smart remarks? I was only trying to be nice. I hardly had a chance to speak with you until now."
"Alright Will, let's begin shall we? Why did you decide to come out here?"
"Why, to see you of course."
"Was this before or after you discovered I had met someone else?"
"That's irrelevant. I was coming out here, regardless."
"Were you really? You hadn't time to meet with the Wedding coordinator, help me pick the venue or the menu, yet you had the time to travel thousands of miles away after I moved to a new city?"
"I knew I made a mistake, love. I admit I didn't think you were serious about leaving; but after a while it settled in that you were gone. I couldn't imagine what things would be like at the end of the term let alone the end of the year. I missed you." He added. "So, about how long have you known 'him'?"
"That's irrelevant," she returned. "You're here for reconciliation are you not?"
"It certainly is relevant! It happened quite fast."
"Well, it wasn't intentional, although I'm certainly under no obligation to remain alone if I so chose. Did you expect no other man to have an interest in me?"
"Not the way I have." He calmed down. "I've known you a long time. You didn't even have the slightest interest in boys when I first came to your house to visit your brother. I suspected the pouty-lipped girl with the curly hair was different than most her age, and figured in time she'd become quite a lady someday. I continued on my way and we crossed paths again as time went on, and I was eventually proven right. However, I wasn't the only one who recognized this, as she had quite a few suitors. Despite doubts from my sisters, I hoped she would remember the young man who had been there for her, even after her own brother had been away. One day she had, and I had been indebted to her ever since."
"Hmm… ." After listening carefully sifting through his view of events she recalled, she responded. "Will, do you believe our relationship is about being 'indebted' to one another?"
"Well, I suppose in a matter of speaking."
"Do you believe I was 'indebted' to your desire to court me? To your proposal?"
"Well… wait, what are you saying?" He appeared puzzled.
"The way it seems, being 'indebted' to someone implies an obligation. It's as if I had an obligation to eventually choose you over any man showing any interest in me. It speaks of a sense of entitlement that I'm finding to be offensive."
"Entitlement?! If I felt I was a man worthy of you, I'm not certain what other expectations you would have of me desiring to be with you."
"What would you call it then? You must understand, I chose to be with you, and to say 'yes' to you, but that was my choice, not by any 'expectations'. Whether I will continue to stay with you is still my choice. What I haven't discovered until recently is I actually have a choice." She hesitated. "Will, I don't regret ever knowing you and being a part of my life, but while you have been a part of my life, I'm afraid we don't have a future together."
Stunned, he replied slowly. "But, why not?"
"Because, I've discovered what it means to truly love someone, and while I may have grown an affinity for you over the years, I don't love you…and I suspect you don't truly love me. What you love is the idea that I am someone or something to obtain, due to merit, upbringing or any achievement. I've discovered…I'm in love with someone else."
She could see while silent, he was fuming. "And this Adam fellow is the one you 'love'? You discovered this, recently? You can honestly believe you're in love, with a man who herds cattle for a living and carries an obsession for guns and violence?"
"Yes I do!" She was nearly shouting. She noted people around them watching. "I didn't know who Adam was nor cared what he did for a living. I didn't decide to fall in love with him. I simply did. I realized the kind of man he really was, the kind of man I hadn't known I was looking for until I stumbled upon him, like no other. And I love that he's a strong and diligent man, who would never harm anyone without being in harm's way, and I admire his intellect and appreciate he has the mind of an engineer. And he happens to do quite well for himself with managing the finances of the family business, and being enough of an entrepreneur to have a stock in silver and gold. Quite a gamble, but he's figured it out. But I don't expect you to understand that since you don't understand what love truly is!" With that she was getting up and storming off.
"Violet, wait!" He left money on the table and followed after her.
"Good evening!" She moved faster out the door.
Meanwhile, Adam was downing another drink when another man tapped his shoulder. "The fellas outside are sayin' there's quite a stir going on near the cafe…a gentleman and your lady."
"I dunno, is she your lady?" Another man spoke up. "It's hard to keep track between you, Little Joe and those two rich gents."
The first man added. "She could be my lady, too if she don't mind sharin'—"
With that, Adam casually turned around to the two men sitting with beer mugs. Bang! Bang! Their glasses shattered to pieces with splints and froth covering them. "You mind your business and I'll tend to mine." Before Adam made his way out of the saloon, he threw a couple of bills on the counter. "Keep the change, Sam, for the damages." He adjusted his hat on his way out.
Adam didn't make it very far out of the building when someone grabbed him from behind. "Not so fast Cartwright! You owe me one from last time…you mess with me or my friends, I mess with you."
He knew that voice. "Well, you and your friends deserve whatever's coming, Mack."
"Oh, you don't know what's coming… ." He tightened his hold to put a gun to his head.
"I'd think about that if I were you—"
Mack was pulling the trigger.
"Adam! No, Stop!" His lady was approaching, shocked at what was happening. William stopped her from moving forward.
"Sweetheart, don't—"
"Hey, honey, you're just in time."
She pulled away from William. "Don't you dare!"
"I wouldn't come so close if I were you."
"Or what?" She continued warily. "Would you dare shoot me, a lady?"
"Lady?" He chuckled. He flipped his aim toward her, and fired, but not before Adam tried kicking him.
She went down immediately with William on top of her.
"Oh, you've done it now!" He regained control of his arms. When Mack made another move with his gun, Adam fired. Bang!
Mack fell to the ground.
Adam mused made his way over to William.
"Adam, wait!" William could see Mack, while bleeding was grabbing his gun.
"Drop it, Mack!" Sheriff Roy had a gun in his face. "You're under arrest for attempted murder." He cuffed him as he dropped the gun.
Clem shown a gun at the two men beat up, coming out of the saloon, who were attempting to draw. "Don't you two try anything." They held up their hands.
"Thanks, Roy, Clem."
"How's the lady?" Roy asked.
William was now getting up, and rolled her over.
Adam stood over and held her palm. "She's alive. Luckily, for her he missed."
She was shaky, and sweaty. The first time she ever feared for her life. Her eyes were open. Adam and William helped her to her feet.
"Thanks for saving my life."
"I should thank you–you saved mine." She managed to reply.
A smile grew on his face. "C'mon. Let's head home. Hop Sing probably has dinner waiting for us."
She laughed and nodded while William witnessed them embrace and kiss.
Adam turned back to him. "Thanks, partner."
William nodded his reply. "You two should get going."
"You're not coming with us? At least spend the night. You're still a guest, and it's the least we can do."
William thought for a moment. "Alright, I'll accept." After getting into the carriage he asked.
"What's for supper?"
"It's Sunday. Chicken dinner. Hop Sing makes the best around."
"Happy Sabbath, Adam."
"Same to you. So much for resting!" He chuckled, as the carriage left town back to the Ponderosa.