Chapter 4
Ben went around shutting up the house for the night and lowering the lanterns down to just a dim light before heading to bed himself, now that he had gotten everyone else off. After he got the doors locked and lights down he started banking the fire to settle the flames. Adam strolled in from out of the kitchen carrying a glass of milk. "Oh, I didn't know you were still up Pa." Ben kind of jumped with a startle not being aware that anyone else was still up.
"I would have said the same about you as well, Adam."
"My stomach was a little upset, indigestion I would guess, so I thought a glass of milk would help. That's my excuse what's yours?" Adam asked while approaching closer to his father.
"I'm going up in a minute. I was just cooling the fire down." Ben said while moving some coals around the logs in the middle of the fireplace.
"You sure there's nothing bothering you, Pa?"
"No, Son. Just was thinking that's all."
"About Ephraim and Gertie?" Adam asked while leaning against the hearth and sipping on his milk.
"How did you figure?"
"Just a hunch. You were kind of quiet after coming down from speaking with Ephraim."
"I'm just getting worried. I'm afraid that they are starting to get attached to this place, especially Ephraim. I heard his prayers and he mentioned something about hoping to stay here for a while. I just don't want them to feel crushed if we find them their family." Adam gave his father a gentle pat on his back as he moved over to the stairs.
"Don't worry so, Pa. They'll be just fine. It might be hard on Ephraim, but Gertie seems like she itching to get out of this house full of men." Adam gave his father a smirk then bid him a goodnight. "Good night Pa. See you in the morning."
"Good night Adam. Sleep well, Son." Ben watched his eldest son climb the stairs quietly. He continued to move the coals over some logs that were still engulfed with large flames. After a few minutes, and being satisfied with the outcome of the banking he placed the poker back in the stand beside the fireplace and climbed the stairs. When he got to the top he noticed that Adam was standing in front of Ephraim's door. Adam was leaning against the doorframe, when Ben approached with caution. Ben poked his head around Adam to see what his son was watching. When Ben noticed he couldn't resist letting out a soft chuckle and a smile. "This is the third night I've found them like this before going to bed."
"I can move her back to her own bed if you want me to Pa?" Adam offered while watching the two small children sleep.
"No, no. I believe they shared a bed at the cabin, so it's probably all they know. There's no harm done. They can stay together for tonight. But if it continues, I'll mention something to them in a few days. You best get off to bed, the rooster will be crowing before we know it."
"You sure?" Adam asked again.
"Yes, I'm sure. Go on now; I'll see you in the morning." Adam hesitantly moved away from the children's door and on to his own room. Ben watched his oldest son, and when he disappeared behind his door, Ben entered into the children's room. He crept in being cautious of not squeaking any of the loose floorboards. When he got closer to the bed he tugged at some of the blankets that had been pushed down towards the footboard and brought them up to the children's shoulders. He watched the two small children as they slept peacefully. He couldn't help by smile at the two. He did have to admit it was kind of pleasant having small children around again, tiring for sure, but still nice. Ben closed their door and moved onto his room where he would find a soft, warm bed waiting for him.
The second the big old red rooster let its first crow of the morning, Ephraim was up and at them. He was rushing around the room making a little more noise for Gertie's liking. "Jeez, Ephraim, can you be a bit quieter?" Gertie grumbled while pulling the covers up over her head. "Some of us aren't as eager to get this morning started."
"Oh, come on Sis. It's not gonna be that bad. Who knows you might have fun going to town with Mr. Cartwright." Gertie pulled the covers down and watched in disgust as Ephraim jumped around on one foot trying to get his socks on. Ephraim caught the look on Gertie's face and moved on over and sat on the edge of the bed, "Gertie, promise me that you'll behave while with Mr. Cartwright this morning?" Ephraim could tell by Gertie's facial expression that she was debating this request. "Please Gertie? I think the Cartwright's are starting to take a likin' to us. Just maybe if we can continue to make a good impression then they will stop looking for a family to take us."
"Don't you dare try that Ephraim! If Mr. Cartwright wanted to keep us as his own, he wouldn't be working so hard to find us a family. He even has the Sheriff trying to find a local family to take us in so that he can get rid of us." Gertie was fuming with anger at her brother's suggestion of making a good impression. There was no way Gertie was going to start changing who she was just to make a "good" impression on the Cartwright's.
"Gertrude May Callahan, you will hold your tongue. The Cartwright's are wonderful people. Mr. Cartwright offered our Pa a job when he desperately needed it. He even offered us a home at the Timber Camp so that we would have a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs, and all because of Mr. Cartwright."
"Well, I don't like it here, and I'm sure hoping that Mr. Cartwright will hear something soon from Ma's family." Ephraim moved swiftly across the room and grabbed Gertie up from the bed by her arms.
"You can wish for what you like, but you will remember to mind your manners while here. You will be on your best behavior while with Mr. Cartwright this morning. If I get wind of anything different, I swear Gertie, you won't be able to sit for a few days." Ephraim was bound and determine that Gertie was not going to ruin any opportunity of them possibly having a future here with the Cartwright's. Gertie can wish for what she wants and Ephraim knew that nothing was going to stop him from wishing for what he wanted. While huffing and puffing Gertie jumped down from Ephraim's bed and ran out of the room towards her own to get ready for the day. As she was entering the hallway she ran right into Ben.
"Whoa there little lady, where are you off to in such a hurry?"
"I'm off to get dressed Mr. Cartwright."
"Good, good. After you're dress, why don't you come on down and I'm sure that Hopsing can straighten out that hair of yours. Maybe instead of pigtails, Hopsing can try braids or something for going into town today." Gertie nodded in agreement trying to move around Ben when he stopped her again with his hand. "And Gertie, dress warm, it's still cold out there this morning."
"I will." And with success this time, she was able to slip passed Ben and into her room. When she was in there she reached for her heavy stocking and slipped into them. She only had three dresses so she looked each one over trying to decide on which one would please Mr. Cartwright the most. She finally decided on her favorite. It was her woolen rust colored dress with blue and green plaid that had wide pleats running down the front, and narrow cartridge pleats in the back. It had long sleeves with the cuffs and neckline bounded with a narrow black cotton bias tape and a jewel neckline. It was one of Gertie's fancier dresses and the best in condition. She threw it on over her slip and was fumbling with the eyelet button in the back. She could never quit reach those darn things back there, usually Ephraim would help her but Gertie had heard him bounding down the stairs a few minutes ago for breakfast. As Gertie's frustration grew, she finally gave up in hopes that maybe Hopsing might help her fasten it when she was down there. She retrieved her faded brown leather ankle high boots from the floor and shoved her feet into them. She grabbed the short buckskin straps and tied them up to the top of the boot. After taking a quick peak in the armoire's mirror she proceeded downstairs to join her brother. She found him standing at the captain's wheel that Mr. Cartwright had over in his office area. Ephraim was turning the wheel from side to side while chatting with Adam who looked like he was working on the books. When Adam heard the clonking of Gertie's boots on the stairs he glanced up and greeted the girl.
"Good morning Gertie."
"Morning, Adam."
"Are you wearing your hair down today?"
"No, Sir. Hopsing is supposed to help me with it. Do you know if he's in the kitchen?" Gertie asked moving over towards where her brother was standing. "Can I try?" She looked from Ephraim to Adam for approval.
"Of course, go right ahead, but after you're done, you best be seeing Hopsing so he can fix that hair before breakfast." Adam motioned her towards the wheel. As Gertie approached the wheel Ephraim gave out a little groan about losing his turn but moved away so that she could give it a try. She stepped up to the wheel and carefully strummed the handles with her fingers. From afar the wheel looked like it would be really heavy and hard to handle but when she went to spin it she was surprised at how well it glided from left to right. Gertie took in how smoothly the grain of the wheel felt against her tiny fingers. She was trying to imagine what it would feel like out on the open waters with the smell of the ocean air, and the wind blowing through her dirty blond hair. She was startled out of her thoughts when she heard someone talking to her.
"Where are you navigating to?"
Gertie immediately felt he cheeks blushing with embarrassment of getting caught daydreaming. "Oh, Mr. Cartwright I was just playing that's all."
"I see you have taken to my captain's wheel, did you know I had that shipped all the way from Boston, Massachusetts? Thinking about Massachusetts, you just might have relatives from Massachusetts like Adam and I. For your Ma's home state of Maine used to be part of Massachusetts about 30 years ago." Gertie was pondering the thought that she might have relatives from such a place.
"Mr. Cartwright what's Massachusetts like? Do you think I would like it there?" Gertie asked with wonder of such a place.
"Missy Gertrude, come and let Hopsing get that hair up for you. Mr. Cartwright has requested braids. Come into kitchen." Gertie's question was interrupted by Hopsing who needed her now. "Come, breakfast be serve right after. Mr. Cartwright, you call boys to table now. I'll have Missy hair done in no time, just like Hopsing's." Hopsing motioned for Gertie to follow him back into the kitchen. Gertie eyes met Mr. Cartwright's in hopes that he would speak to Hopsing and have him wait until they were done talking about Massachusetts.
"Gertie don't keep Hopsing waiting. I'll tell you about Massachusetts on our ride into town. Now run along."
"Promise you won't forget to tell me about it?" Gertie asked for reassurance that Ben wouldn't forget to tell her.
"We'll have plenty time to talk about it Gertie, now run along." Gertie started to skip off when she heard Ben start to clear his throat. It was then she remembered the no running in the house rule but had never heard anything about no skipping, but the look on Ben's face was enough for Gertie to stop skipping and to walk the rest of the way. Gertie rounded the corner into the kitchen where Hopsing had one of the chairs at the small table pulled out for her to sit. Gertie sat right down and her stomach started rumbling at the smell of the delicious breakfast of what looked like french toast, and bacon.
"Girly need to sit still, while Hopsing gets braids in. Mr. Cartwright requested two braids for Missy. Hopsing have them done by now if Missy wasn't wiggling."
"Sorry Hopsing, I just can't help it, breakfast smells so good this morning."
"It makes Hopsing happy to know that Missy is finally hungry this morning. You eat all on your plate today, and that will make Mr. Cartwright very happy man too." Hopsing made quick work of Gertie's hair. "There, Missy all done. You go sit at table and tell boys breakfast is being served."
"Alright Hopsing, thanks for helping with my hair, I appreciate it." Hopsing released a big grin. It was nice to hear Gertie show gratitude for his work. Gertie again started skipping towards the great room when she remembered and slow to a walk. Mr. Cartwright was having a business type of conversation with Adam while Hoss and Little Joe had just come in from the barn when Gertie announced to the room that breakfast was ready.
"Excuse me Mr. Cartwright?" Gertie announced with a bold, loud voice.
"Yes, Gertie?" Ben asked looking up from a mound of papers that were spread out across his big mahogany desk.
"Hopsing said that breakfast is ready, and to come to the table." Gertie had a smile that spread from ear to ear, pretty pleased with herself for announcing breakfast.
Adam tossed a glance at his Pa and softly whispered in his ear, "What's gotten into her this morning? It's nice to see her demeanor change some." Ben returned the smile back to Adam in agreement.
"Thank you, Gertie. We'll be right over. Hoss, Joe, go wash up and sit down for breakfast." Ben spoke to his boys as they were bickering over something silly like who was the better shooter between the two of them.
"Yes Pa." The boys answered in unison. As the boys were getting ready to move to the wash pump in the kitchen they passed Gertie and Little Joe pulled at one of Gertie's braids to get her attention.
"Hey, Pigtails, what are these all about? I can't quite call you Pigtails if you're gonna start wearing braids."
"Sorry, Little Joe. Your Pa wanted braids today because we're going into town. But you can still call me Pigtails." Gertie flashed Joe a big grin.
"Deal." Joe patted her head and walked off to do as his Pa instructed. Meanwhile Gertie, Ephraim, Ben and Adam were all starting to take their spots at the table. They all had just gotten settled when Hopsing had returned with platters full of french toast and bacon along with a dish of apple butter, and maple syrup.
"Mmmm, Hopsing it looks like you've out done yourself again." Hoss said rubbing his two hands together ready to dig in.
"Not so fast, Eric. We need to do the morning blessing. Seeing you're so eager to dig in, would you do the honors of the prayer this morning?" Ben requested of his son.
"Sure Pa. Bless us our Lord for these gifts that we are about to receive, from thy bounty to Christ our Lord, Amen."
"Thank you, Hoss. Let's eat." Ben announced. The Cartwright family dug in along with the two Callahan children. Ben couldn't help but smile to see how much food Gertie was finally consuming, it warmed his heart, but on the other hand he watched as Ephraim wasn't consuming as much as he normal does. As he took a closer look at the child he looked a little pale this morning and his nose was running a bit. Ben tried to brush it off with the thought that maybe he didn't sleep well with Gertie in there with me him last night and that he might be just a little tired. He would need to find some time to talk with the children about that situation later. As the meal continued the morning discussion was about the boys moving some herds around and his trip into town. Ben couldn't help but notice who had been coughing some during the morning meal. "Ephraim, my boy, are you alright over there? You've seem to developed a bit of a cough, and you're looking a little worn this morning."
"Oh, I'm fine Mr. Cartwright; I just seem to have a tickle in my throat, that's all." Ben cocked an eyebrow in question.
"And the runny nose is from what?" Ben inquired. Ephraim caught the looks that were being exchanged amongst Adam, Little Joe and Mr. Cartwright.
"Allergies, perhaps?" The three Cartwright boys couldn't help to laugh at Ephraim's sarcastic remark.
"Oh, really? At this time of year, young man?" Ephraim couldn't possible let onto Ben that he was indeed feeling a bit under the weather, for he was looking forward to riding with Adam and Little Joe today. He just shrugged his shoulders in response to Ben's question
"I think you might be coming down with a cold. Maybe you shouldn't ride with the boys this morning. What might be best is for you to return back to bed."
"Oh, no, Mr. Cartwright it's nothing serious. I feel fine. I've just gotta go with Adam and Little Joe today. I'll bundle up real good, please Sir, you must reconsider?" Ephraim was practically on the verge of tears begging Ben to change his mind.
"Oh, Pa, he'll be fine. If he's not, we'll send him on back. Let the boy ride with us." Adam tried coming to Ephraim's defense knowing how badly the boy wanted to go with them. "I'll even have Hopsing pack some hot tea for him, and bring along some extra hankies for the nose." Adam tried joking while placing a friendly slap on the boy's shoulder. Ben watched the interaction between his oldest and the young boy and decided that indeed, Ephraim would be heartbroken if he couldn't go.
"Alright he can go, Adam, but the minute you notice that he's not keeping up, or that his cough is getting deeper and harder, send him back to the house immediately." Ben then turned his attention back towards Ephraim. "Ephraim, you need to be honest with Adam and Little Joe, when they ask how you're doing, you need to tell them the truth. Can't be having you catching pneumonia on us, now can we?" Ben flashed a smirk over to Ephraim to let him know that he had his approval to go with the boys this morning.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Cartwright. I'll let them know, but I'm feeling fine, I am." Gertie watched her brother and knew that he was lying through his teeth. She had heard him a few times last night coughing but she didn't think too much of it, but now looking at him, she could tell that he was indeed feeling under the weather, and that he shouldn't be going out. She would have to try to get him alone to talk with him about this, but now wasn't that time.
The Cartwright men and Gertie finished their meals up, while Ephraim pretty much left his breakfast on his plate. "Well, it looks like we're all ready to start our morning off. Boys do you think you'll be back before lunch?"
"Yeah, Pa, if all goes well, I think we should be back here by noon. What do you think little brother?" Adam noticed that when he said little brother he not only got a glance from Little Joe, but Ephraim eyes were right on him as well. Adam couldn't resist smiling at the young lad hopes of having an older brother.
"I think that sounds about right, Adam. Pa, I wasn't sure but I got Coco saddled up for Ephraim, do you agree that was a good choice?"
"Wonderful choice, Joe. I think Coco will be a fine horse for Ephraim." Ben answered in agreement with his youngest.
Joe turned to Adam as he was putting on his coat and hat. "Adam, when you're ready, I've already saddled Sport and Cochise so they're good to go."
"Thanks Joe." Adam said grabbing for his gun belt.
"I'll go grab Jonesy and Charlie from the bunkhouse and we'll meet you in a few minutes Adam. Pa, have a good trip to town."
"Will do Joe, see ya at lunch. Adam, take Ephraim out so that he can get familiar with Coco before mounting her." Ben said while moving over to the door to make sure that Ephraim was indeed bundling up. "And Adam why you're out there could you have Jimpson or Smokey hook up the buggy for us?"
"Sure thing, Pa. We'll see you around noontime. Ready Ephraim?"
"Yes, Sir." Ephraim started for the door right behind Adam before Ben stopped him.
"Ephraim put this on." Ben handed Ephraim a scarf to put around his neck. Ephraim took the scarf with resistance but knew better than to say anything against it. Ben grabbed his jacket and tugged it together, "Now Ephraim, remember what I said. If you start feeling worse you speak up to Adam or Little Joe you hear me?" Ephraim's eyes darted from Ben's eyes to the floor, but mumbled an answer.
"Yes, Sir, I will. Can I go now?" Ben smiled at the eagerness that Ephraim had to just go ride the pastures. Ben placed a small, soft pat on Ephraim's shoulder and gave him the answer he was looking for.
"Go on now. Have fun." Ben stood with the door open for only a second as he watched Ephraim run out to meet up with Adam, Little Joe and the hands. Ben quickly shut the door before anymore warm air escaped, and more cold air entered. He moved over to his desk and started picking up the mounds of papers that he had left there for breakfast. He also needed to get into the safe to retrieve the satchel full of money that he wanted to deposit into the bank. As he was gathering up all his things he needed for town he could see Gertie pacing out of the corner of his eye. "Gertie, Dear why don't you go get your coat, hat and mittens on. We'll be leaving here shortly."
Gertie nodded in agreement and moved over to the hook were her coat was but it was too high for her reach. She tried jumping up and down to get some height but it wasn't working. As Ben was finishing up he was wondering what on earth was making that continuous thudding noise. As he rounded from his office he noticed Gertie bouncing up and down trying to get her coat down. Ben let out a soft chuckle at the sight of this little pint of a thing, with two braids bouncing up and down. "I see you need a little help with that, huh?"
"Sorry Mr. Cartwright, I was trying to do as you asked."
"And I appreciate that, but it looks like we'll need to move a hook a little lower so that you'll be able to reach it on your own." Ben reached over for his coat and grabbed Gertie's as well. He handed hers and took mental note of needing to get her a heavier one than that for the upcoming winter. Gertie put her mittens and bonnet on and waited patiently for Mr. Cartwright.
"Hopsing?" Mr. Cartwright hollered into the kitchen. "Hopsing? Gertie and I are heading out; do you have the warming blocks for us?"
Hopsing came running out holding a few warming blocks in a towel. "Just out of the oven, Hopsing go and put them in the buggy. Missy will stay warm with these at her feet. Did you get extra throw blanket?"
"Yes Hopsing. Thank you. We'll be back for lunch around noon."
"Hopsing have hot chicken sandwiches ready, with lots of gravy for boys and you."
"Oh, sounds good, Hopsing. Have a good morning." Ben ushered Gertie out to the buggy and helped her get in. Once she was settled on her side, Ben moved the blocks to fit her feet and tossed the blanket firmly around her little body. He moved over to his side and pulled himself in. Once he took a hold of the reins he turned to check on Gertie one more time. "Are you ready for our trip to town?" Gertie moved her lips to the side of her cheek and answered.
"Mr. Cartwright, how long will it take to get to town?"
"About twenty minutes, why?"
"Well, if you'll excuse me I think I should make a trip to the outhouse before we leave." Ben started laughing a deep belly laugh. He had forgotten with children that this was a must do before leaving the ranch.
"Yes, of course, Child. You run along and do that. I'll be waiting right here." Ben held his hand out to help Gertie down from the buggy. He watched as the little girl ran off towards the outhouse, he couldn't help but to continue to chuckle thinking about how soon you forget things like this when in fact your own boys are now full grown. Gertie was back in a flash and again Ben helped her get settled. Once she seemed ready, he turned and gave her a genuine smile. "Are we all set now?"
"Yes." She replied. And in the first time in four days, Ben was thinking that Gertie actually looked happy today. As he clicked to Salt to get a move on, Gertie returned a smile back to Ben, indeed thinking that maybe her trip to town with Mr. Cartwright was in fact not going to be that bad after all.