21st August 1848
I don't mean no disrespect but Mr Cartwright sure can pick em. Fetch me my parasol, where's my bag, get me some water. We were going on a picnic, not trekking through the Gobi desert. What did she need that big ol basket for, and why couldn't Marvin carry it. That arduous task was left to Adam, and he done hurt his back comin off that wild horse last week. He told me to quit fussin but I weren't best pleased, him carrying that big ol basket. Oh this wasn't food or fish bait or anything useful, she had brought dainty China plates and cups for herself and Marvin to eat out of and a fan to keep herself cool. Such nonsense. Mr Cartwright gazed at her as they walked hand in hand. Can't someone please take the stars and sparkles from his eyes so he can join the rest of the world. Adam was in what I call endurance mood. He was tolerating this picnic but only just. It was his day off and instead of heading into town with the hands Mr Cartwright told him to pack the picnic food into the buckboard and slap on a smile. Adam wanted to slap something that's for damn sure. Hoss was up ahead with Marvin. Marvin kept pushing him into the bushes as they walked along. I'm not going to say anything.
~o~
This outing was being dictated over solely by Mrs Cuthbert. She pranced ahead like an imperial Queen giving orders Ben smiling away, totally besotted, poor man. We had left the buckboard behind and everyone was carrying something except the good lady herself who walked ahead looking for the perfect picnic spot. Oh the sun was too strong, too many insects, too much shade. She needs a kick in the pants, now I am being disrespectful.
Finally she settled on a perfect spot and looked none too kindly on Adam when he set the basket down with a loud clunk.
The picnic food was lovely. Hop Sing had outdone himself. Roast chicken, salads, cheese, freshly made rolls, strawberry pie and ginger beer. After we ate Hoss and Marvin took to the water. The lake was a shimmering silver in the beautiful sunshine, the perfect blue of the sky had everyone feeling merry. All except poor Joe. He had on one of Adam's old hats to keep the sun from his eyes. He sat near me, gazing a mite sadly at Hoss and Marvin's game. That is until Adam came up next to him and put a bull frog down his shirt. Joe squealed with delight at his new friend and fished it out to take a closer look.
~o~
Later on as everyone dosed in the afternoon sun and Marvin took a bamboo stick to some daffodils shouting die, die as he hit them savagely, I took little Joe for a walk. He couldn't swim with Hoss on account of his eyes and he was being very good leaving his hat on and staying out of the rough games. Joe danced along pointing out everything to me. I praised him for knowing all the names of the plants and flowers. We watched together as a farmer scooped hay into his wagon to bring up to his barn. Joe told me he was going to do that when he's older but he'd have twice as much hay. We found wild strawberries and I said we'd eat them all ourselves and wouldn't share with the rest of them. Joe giggled at the conspiracy between us and filled his mouth with the juicy sweet fruit. It was nice just to spend the time with him. The house is so busy lately I don't get time. These boys will be all grow'd up before you know it. You gotta appreciate the little things while ye can.
Later
I wasn't planning on writing again tonight but I had to, such a thing ta happen. I was tucking Joe into bed. He was havin an early night on account of being all tuckered out after the picnic. Well I thought I heard gun shots, two of em. Then I know I heard Adam shouting at Marvin. I raced from the room and down the stairs. I flew out the front door and such a sight. Adam and Marvin were rolling on the ground knocking seven bells outta each other. I tried to pull them apart but two boys when they go at it like that, you may as well try separating wild dogs. Shortly after Ben was pulling Adam to a stand while Hop Sing took hold of Marvin. Adam stood in his fathers grasp, breathing heavy, blood pouring from his nose and lip. Marvin lurched in Hop Sings grasp kicking out and struggling until one of the taller ranch hands took him from poor Hop Sing who was glad to get back to his kitchen.
Mrs Cuthbert quickly went to Marvin's side sympathising and telling the ranch hand to release her son immediately. Always respectful to visitors the ranch hand did just that. Marvin lurched forward and swung again at Adam. Ben caught his fist inches from Adams face.. Marvin was seized again and pulled back, struggling and cursing. Ben released Adam and told him to go wait for him in the barn. Adam shuffled off, his head down, resigned in what was to come next.
Over my dead body.
The Cuthbert party were brought into the big room and ice was immediately brought for Marvin's blackening eye. His punching hand was soon in a pool of soothing water. I came from the kitchen with ointment, water, and rags. Mrs Cuthbert informed me that my services were needed to fetch another Ice pack for Marvin's hand.
I stiffened my back and walked on. Mr Cartwright called my name. I ignored him too.
~o~
Nobody cared that Adam was out in the barn in an awful state, blood all down his shirt. Adam spurned my offers of help and said he was fine.
"Adam stop actin the man," I told him.
He laughed at that and took the rag from my hand and put it to his swollen face, his laughter soon turned to a grown. Hoss scampered in, a look of horror on his tanned, freckled face.
"Adam, I'm sorry, I'm powerful sorry."
Adam nodded, waving him away, knowing his father would be along anytime.
"Weren't your fault Adam. It was mine. I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for Hoss?" I asked.
"My fault ma'am, Marvin was showing me his best shot. He told me to hold out two whisky bottles and he shot them..."
Did I hear right. Did the child just tell me Marvin used him as target practice.
"He got you to hold out two whisky bottles and he shot them out of your hands." I asked.
Both Adam and Hoss nodded.
Adam turned on Hoss.
"You shouldn't have let him do that, you know better." He told him sternly.
Hoss's bottom lip began to quiver.
"Aw Adam, don't tell Pa please. He'd blister me good."
~o~
Just then the door snapped and was lurched open. That door needs some grease.
Mr Cartwright came in looking as mean as a mountain lion.
"Mrs Jennings, would you please take Hoss up to the house."
At his Fathers entrance Adam stood. I pushed him back down.
"I'd like to Mr Cartwright but one of the children is feeling poorly and needs my assistance so I think I will stay here."
"Mrs Jennings, I have not time to argue the point," Mr Cartwright said rubbing a hand across his left eye.
"Good then it's settled," I sat and went on tending Adams cut lip.
"Eh, ma'am," Adam tried to intervene, probably not loving the idea of a woman standing ground for him.
"My face is alright now, I'd best talk to Pa."
I ignored him, I had to, what's right is right.
I stood to face my employer.
"Mr Cartwright, you expressly told me that I would be managing the children's discipline."
"Adam is not one of the children," he argued.
"He's not a child you're telling me?"
"Of course not he's..." Mr Cartwright could see the trap he was falling into.
"What is he then?" I asked "is he an Adult?"
Mr Cartwright didn't answer.
I then turned to Adam.
"Go to your room, I'll be up in a minute."
"Ma'am," Adam got to his feet.
"Stay where you are Adam." barked Mr Cartwright.
Adam froze in mid step.
"Mrs Jennings," Mr Cartwright sighed, looking weary.
"If you want to say something to me, we will agree a time and you can meet with me and we can discuss it."
"Or, I will speak to you right now because I am an adult and can speak when I want."
Mr Cartwright's face was turning red. My Elmer used to get that face whenever we argued, I'd just plough right on through it.
"Mrs Jennings, I thought I made it clear I did not want us arguing points in front of the children," He muttered angrily.
Adam again tried to intervene.
"It's ok Mrs Jennings, thanks and all but I'd best just take the lickin," He said.
Mr Cartwright suddenly looked to Hoss.
"Why are YOU crying?" he asked.
"Because it's me, it's my fault. I deserve the lickin," Hoss wailed.
Hoss told of Marvin's practice shots and Mr Cartwright became more and more shocked.
"He used you for target practice?" He asked.
That little rat hadn't told him anything. In fact he told Mr Cartwright that Adam had been jealous of his gun and tried to take it away from him. He said that, that's why they had fought.
You could almost see the light go on in Mr Cartwright's head.
"Adam, Hoss go to your rooms," he told them.
As he passed him, Mr Cartwright took hold of Adams face and examined the damage. He noted the swollen cheek and split lip and his face darkened.
~o~
I'm up in my room now. So tired, what a day.
Adam was suitably punished. I bandaged his knuckles and tucked him up in bed. in Adams world that is severe punishment.
There was words spoken downstairs. I could hear the lady crying and they left abruptly. I do not wish her ill. I'm sorry if they've broken up but she has ta see that boy of hers is gonna bring troubles to their door. If he's not checked soon he will be beyond all help. I sure hope Mr Cartwright don't take it too bad, that's all I hope. And I hope I'll have a peaceful day tomorrow. But somehow I doubt it.