New Beginnings

Chapter 39:

Homecoming Blues

Gathering the family together in the front room, Ethan gratefully sips the coffee Claire brings him.

"I have some good news for all of you. Ben is awake and talking. His fever broke last evening and it hasn't returned. John Taylor says he will be able to move home tomorrow afternoon. He wants one more day to treat him before we bring him home."

At this announcement, George jumps up cheering loudly.

"Ben's coming home! Ben's coming home!" he chants as he marches around the room.

"George! Hush all that racket and let's listen to what Pa has to say!" Claire scolds him after his third circle of the small room.

Sitting back down, George tells her "I'm happy, Claire! Aren't you happy too?"

"Of course I'm happy. I'm just wanting to hear the rest of Pa's story. What did John Taylor do to help Ben, Pa?" she asks.

"He mixed some kind of drink and had him drink it every hour, he fed him mashed berries plus many other things. I don't even know what all he did. There were herbs boiling for steam, the mixtures for the drink and the berry mixture. All were things he found in the forest. I know he used sassafras, elm bark, moss and wild mushrooms since I gathered those. Maybe he can tell you what he used someday. He's a natural healer who knows the use of plants much more than I can explain. The best news is that it worked. Ben is going to recover."

"I'm ready Papa! I haven't played with Ben in a very long time. I miss him." George tells his Pa, grinning happily.

"I know you do son. We all have missed Ben. I know you want to play with him, but George, he's been very sick. Ben isn't going to be able to run and climb for awhile. He's to rest and gain his strength back. We're going to have him here with us though and that's the best news, isn't it?"

"Will you ask John Taylor to come for a visit? I'd like to fix a special meal and thank him for caring for Ben. We could have it this Saturday. That gives me four days to plan and get it ready."

"That's a nice gesture, Claire. Let's plan it for a week from Saturday. That way Ben will be more ready for company. John Taylor will want to come by to check on him by then so it will work out well.

"That will be great! I've even more time to plan a special meal. What does John Taylor like best? Turkey, chicken, beef, venison? Do you know Pa?"

"He"s a hermit who just lives in caves and woods, Claire. I'd say he eats rabbits, squirrels, raccoon, maybe deer. I bet he doesn't eat beef or chicken. as he can't hunt them." Joseph tells her.

"Joseph, John Taylor is not uncivilized. Don't make it sound as if he is. He does have a cabin, by the way. Before you ask, NO, I won't show you where it is. He wants privacy and freedom from inquisitive young boys! Now, how about a trip to town? We can stock up on supplies as I'm sure we need some food. The quarantine is now over." Ethan tells the children.

"Town? I'd love to go!" Claire exclaims rushing off to change into a fresh dress and fix her hair.

"Papa, are Alyssa and Aaron back from their trip yet?" George asks.

"Yes and we are invited to stop by after we get our supplies." Ethan answers smiling at the boy whose eyes are bright with excitement. "Now, before we go, you young man, need to wash your face and put on a clean shirt. You have mud spots on your shirt."

"Yes Papa!" George answers hurrying off to change.

"Pa?" Joseph asks, biting his lower lip anxiously.

"Yes Joseph?"

"I wasn't trying to sound disrespectful or arrogant or anything when I said that about John Taylor. I like him a-lot and wouldn't talk bad about him."

"I know you weren't being disrespectful, son. I just pointed out the fact, John Taylor is more like us than you seem to think. We owe him our courtesy and respect just as we do all people until they prove they do not deserve it. He saved your brother's life and mine too at one time. I'm indebted to him for that."

"Yes sir. I'll go help Rob with the wagon."

"Rob? Why didn't you mention you had been to town to get supplies while Pa was away?"

"I didn't think it was necessary, Joseph. He wants to take us to town so we'll go to town. There's no need to tell him we really aren't needing many supplies."

"Unh Hunh. You just didn't want to get chewed on for disobeying his command! Smart move, Rob. I'm surprised Claire didn't say something though."

"She wants to go to town as much as we all do, so she won't risk not being able to go. Now, bring Will out and let's hitch him up beside Maggie here. She needs her partner to talk with."

While hitching up the horse, Joseph says "Tell me something, Rob. What are we going to do if Claire happens to see Alex. She doesn't know about Elizabeth or that the family is planning to leave Paradise. I'm pretty sure Pa hasn't told her this or about Mrs. Greenbush leaving the boardinghouse to go back East. Pa said some families left the mining camp when the illness broke out. I don't know if they plan to return. This illness has changed our town."

"Yes, it has. I plan to let Pa handle all explanations to George and Claire. This news will upset both of them. George and Ben are big buddies with Mrs. Greenbush. They are going to really miss her."

"Me too, as she makes the best strudel and gingerbread cookies I've ever eaten. Maybe she can write out the recipes for Claire before she leaves. She isn't leaving until the beginning of August. That's almost three weeks away." Joseph answers, grinning at the happy thought.

While the boys are busy outside, Ethan decides it's time to talk to Claire. Walking over to her door, he knocks and asks "Claire, may I come in, sweetheart?" Seeing George come out of his room, he says "Go help Rob and Joseph and stay there, George. I need to speak with Claire. We'll be out soon."

As Claire opens her door, she sees George scurry outside.

"I'm ready, Pa. I didn't know I was holding us up. I'm sorry."

"We aren't in a hurry, Claire. May I come in? I have some news for you. Let's sit on the bed."

"There's no best way to tell you so I'll just say it. Claire, Alex's sister, Elizabeth succumbed to the fever. She died the night before I took Ben to John Taylor."

At Claire's gasp of "Oh, My! Poor Alex!" Ethan puts his arm around her and hugs her close.

"It is terrible, I agree. Claire, there's more. Because of the tragedy, Mr. Hale is leaving Paradise. They are only waiting for the baby to reach two months of age. I believe that will be next week."

"Leaving? All of them?"

"As far as I know, Mr. Hale will be leaving with his family. I'm sorry, Claire. I know how much you care for Alex and he for you. Perhaps in a year or two, when he's older, Alex will be able to return to Paradise. His family needs him right now."

"Pa, when we get to town, may I go see him? Please? I may never see him again." Claire asks wiping the tears running down her face.

"Yes, sweetheart, you may. That is why I'm telling you this now. I need you to be strong, Claire. Don't fall apart on the boy. He's under tremendous strain right now and doesn't need more."

"Yes sir, I'll hold myself together for his sake. I just need to talk to him and say good bye."

"Hi ya Squirt! Where's Pa and Claire?" Joseph asks as George runs up to the wagon.

"I think Claire's in trouble. Pa went to talk to her in her room and he looked upset. He told me to stay out here until they came. Is he going to spank Claire? What could she have done?"

"I doubt she's going to get a spanking, George. I am pretty sure she's not in trouble. Pa just wants to talk to her alone for a while. Come, help me find the rope so we can be ready to tie down the supplies. We don't want them bouncing around in the wagon bed." Rob says with a side look to Joseph.

"Okay. Ummm, Rob? Are you going to tell Papa how I acted up with you? You spanked me already so maybe you won't huh? I'm sorry I didn't mind you and went in the middle loft when you told me not to. If you tell, Papa will punish me! Before he left to go to Ben, he told me and Joseph he would whip us if we caused problems for you or Claire while he was away! Please Rob, don't tell, he'd use his belt again."

"It's been taken care of, George. I won't say anything unless he comes straight out and asks me if you went in the loft. I won't lie for you but I won't just tell him either. I don't think he'll ask me straight out so stop worrying."

When the supplies were bought, loaded and tied down, Ethan announces "Now, we'll walk down to Chris' house for a visit. You remember your manners boys, you are company."

"Come in, everyone! It's so good to see all of you. We've been missing you." Chris says ushering them inside.

"George! Come see what we have outside! You'll never guess!" Aaron tells him, grabbing George by the hand.

"May I go with Aaron, Papa?" George asks longingly.

"Go ahead but don't leave the yard and come when I tell you."

"George seems more grown up, Ethan. How did he become so mature all of a sudden?"

"I think it's only temporary, Chris. He's had to be all alone without Ben to rely on and so he's acting older. He's missed Ben, we all have, but those two are so close to each other, it's been difficult for George. I'm happy to see him want to go play. He needs to be around children close in age with him."

"Well now, Joseph. I heard you had some more exciting adventures while I was away. Are you planning to be an explorer when you get old enough?" Chris asks, eyes twinkling at the flushed faced boy.

"I don't believe I'll be having any more adventures like that for a long time, Uncle Chris. I despise the method Pa used to convince me of that. I'm finished with running off to find people." Joseph answers, elbowing Rob in the side for snickering.

"Joseph, mind your manners and sit quietly." Ethan says firmly. When Joseph ignores instructions and continues to prod Rob with his elbow, he announces

"Joseph. That's one!" to the boy who is glaring at his brother. "Hands to yourself, young man!"

AHHH, he's counting! Just like church, but I'm not going to get to three and be punished. Not this time! Joseph thinks, folding his hands in his lap and sitting still.

The conversation between the men is quite boring to Joseph since it's all about work. His hands are beginning to feel numb and tingle slightly when they all hear shrieking coming from the back yard.

"Let's go see what mischief those three have found." Chris says, rising to go out to the backyard. The boys, Claire and Ethan follow him to peer out the back door.

"Well, just look at that! What a sight!" Chris says grinning.

"Papa! Oh, Papa! Look!" George calls.

"I see, George. What do you have on top of you? A black wooly lamb, perhaps?" Ethan calls back, smiling slightly at the sight of his youngest being licked by a huge puppy.

"No, Papa. It's not a lamb, it's a puppy! Aaron says he's three months old but look how big he is!" George answers pushing the puppy off of him so he can stand up. "They have two puppies. This one and a brown one. The brown one is called Brownie and this one is Pepper. He likes to sit on me."

"We brought these two rascals back from Colorado Springs. The man who had them only had these two left, of six puppies. I bought them to give them a home." Chris explains as the older children all pet the puppies. Ethan, I'd like you to take Pepper home with you. I can't take care of both pups."

Hearing this, George runs to Ethan. "Oh, Papa! Please may we have him? I'll take good care of him and teach him to behave too. I've always wanted a puppy. Please Papa!"

"Aaron, Alyssa and I want to make this a coming home gift for Ben, Ethan. Please accept our gift for Ben." Chris says.

Watching, Claire sees George's face crumple at the news the puppy was for Ben and not him. Fighting tears, George turns and walks away from the men back over to the pups and Claire.

"It's all right, George. You'll still have the puppy if Pa agrees to take him. It won't matter who the puppy is given to." She whispers as she puts her arm around her baby brother.

"Yeah I know but I wanted the puppy to be just mine. I've never had much that was just mine before. The ponies, the cats, some clothes, books, toys, almost everything has to belong to both me and Ben. I want something that is just for me sometime. Something I can say is mine."

Hearing this, Ethan tells himself he needs to talk to George later. "Thank you Chris, Aaron and Alyssa. We will enjoy this bundle of furry mischief you call a puppy. Boys, let's see if we can walk him to the wagon. I think there's an extra rope to tie him with on the wagon."

"We have a leash for him, Uncle Ethan." Aaron says before going over to the small tool shed. "Here, we bought two, one blue and one red. George? Which leash do you want to have?"

"I like the red one, Aaron. May I get the red one Papa? Ben likes red too."

"Red it is, then. My what a fancy fella he's going to be. I see he has a collar too. Most dogs I've ever known didn't have such fancy things. they usually just had a rope for a leash. Chris, I see you are still new to this fathering thing. It's alright to say no, every now and then." Ethan teases the younger man.

"The kids wanted to fix him up so I let them. I did say no to china dog food bowls though. I didn't get the blankets they asked for either. The blankets were to be dog beds." Chris replies.

"Well now, maybe you are not such a pushover after all. I change my opinion." Ethan replies, grinning.

As the boys and Ethan take the puppy home, Claire walks over to see Alex. Her knock on the door is answered by Alex's little brother, Danny.

"Hello Danny, I came by to see your Mama and Alex. May I come in?"

"Mama doesn't talk right now. She's all sad all the time. I'm to watch the baby and wake her if she squalls. Papa isn't here and Alex is in the barn doing chores. I can't let anyone in if Papa or Alex aren't here."

"That's fine, I'll talk to Alex in the barn. Tell your Mama I said hello."

"Claire! What are you doing here?" Alex asks as she opens the barn door and walks inside.

"I came because I just heard about your sister. Pa's been gone two weeks with Ben and I didn't know. I'm so sorry, Alex."

"I'm sorry too. I loved her even if she was a pest at times. The whole house seems empty now and Mama isn't herself at all. She barely talks at all. She's taking care of Danny and Laurie but not much else."

"Laurie, that's a pretty name."

"Mama named her Annie Laurie when she was born but changed it to Laurie Elizabeth after Elizabeth died. We're going to call her Laurie." Alex tells her as he quickly wipes tears from his eyes. Seeing this, Claire moves over to wrap him in a close hug.

"It's okay to cry, Alex. I cried when my Mama died. I've cried since. I won't think badly of you if you do." she whispers.

"Claire? You know we are moving back East, right? Da wants to go to Boston to be near Mama's family. He says they might be able to help her come back to us. I really don't want to go. I want to stay here. I love Colorado and Paradise. I've been trying to think of a way to get him to let me stay."

"I don't want you to move away, either. Have you told him how you feel?"

"No, he's not the same person, Claire. He's snappish and angry with Danny and me. He's quick to punish us for any little thing we say or do. Last night, he whipped Danny with a belt. Da has never whipped Danny before. He's probably only spanked him about three times and that was with his hand! All Danny did was drop a plate he was drying. It was wet and it slipped. I was right beside him so I know he didn't drop it on purpose. I tried to tell Da and he whipped me with his razor strop for back talking him."

"Fathers are difficult to deal with when they are upset. I've had my share of problems with Pa since Ben took sick. Are you going to really try to stay in Paradise? Doesn't your Pa need you?"

"I'm seventeen in two months. That's old enough to be on my own! I'll find a job here in town or something. I'm not going with him to Boston! I'm just not a city guy. Besides I'm not going to stick around be treated the way Pa did last night! If he's going to be cruel, I'm not going to be around him. Maybe I can take over running the boarding house. Ms. Greenbush is moving on too."

"I hadn't heard that. I'll miss her. She's such a sweet lady and loves Ben and George! I wonder who Uncle Chris will get to help him look after the twins? Mrs. Greenbush looked after them for him sometimes. It won't be long before school is in session and they'll be there most of the day. He'll still need someone during the times he has to be on deputy duty after school is out. I guess I can have them out to the ranch. Four young kids is a lot to look after though." Claire replies.

"When is Ben coming home? I'm happy for you Claire. I am!" Alex adds the last when Claire gives him a doubting look.

"Thank you. We were just lucky. Ben is coming home tomorrow. Pa says he's still very weak though and must rest. I need to be getting home so I can get his room ready and other things I must do. Please don't leave without coming to say good bye, Alex."

"I told you, Claire. I am not leaving. I'll run off first, before I let him force me into leaving!"

"Talk to my Pa or Uncle Chris or Uncle Mitch before you decide to run off. Please, Alex. They can help you."

"I will, Claire. I'm just upset with Da right now. I'll be out to your place in the next few days to see Ben."

Two weeks later:

Throwing the stick for the seventh time, George smiles as he watches his pup, Pepper chase it. The day Pepper came home with them, his Pa had a talk with him about the puppy. Pa explained the puppy would be his dog but everyone could play with him. Having the responsibility of teaching a puppy manners sure isn't easy. George thinks. So far, Pepper has chewed up one harness and one saddle blanket! Pa sure wasn't happy about him chewing those things. He punished Joseph for leaving the harness and blanket down where Pepper could get to it. Joseph got mad at me 'cause he got in trouble and has to do extra chores! He was to hang them up over the stall not lay them on a bale. It's not my fault, puppies chew!

Having Pepper has made the attention Ben gets a little easier for George to bear. It seems someone comes everyday to welcome Ben home. "They sure have made a fuss over him. He just acts like he doesn't care if they come or not. He has even been disrespectful, not talking when they speak to him. If it were me doing that, Papa would warm my britches! Papa let's Ben act really bad and doesn't even scold him!" Taking the wet slobbery stick from Pepper, George is just about to toss it again when Claire calls to him from the porch.

"George, time to wash up and set the table for supper."

"Why can't Ben do it this time? I have done it every night lately and he does nothing!"

"Ben isn't strong enough to do chores yet. Now come inside!"

"Claaaaaaaire!" George whines, drawing out his sister's name. He's about to complain more when he hears his Pa.

"George! You heard your sister! Not another word of complaint, move your backside mister!"

"I'm coming. Here Pepper, here's your rope chew. I can't play anymore so you'll have to play by yourself. Be good and I'll come later to tell you good night and give you some supper." George says reluctant to leave his friend.

"Wash up good, George. I don't want nasty dog germs and hair all in my food." Claire tells him as he passes by to go inside.

"Pepper doesn't have nasty dog germs. He doesn't have much but a collar, leash and the rope toy." George answers back quietly, when Claire comes into the kitchen as he's washing at the kitchen pump.

"We're almost ready to eat, George. Please set out the bread basket, the cups and silverware. We need knives and forks. I'll dish up the meat and boiled potatoes on the plates. Alright, now take this gravy bowl and walk carefully with it. Don't spill it!" Claire tells him somewhat bossily.

Gritting his teeth to keep from snapping at his sister, George does as she says. Coming back to the stove for the bowl of greens, he can't help but smile. The aroma of the beef roast makes his stomach start growling.

"Come get the plates, George. Take it and walk slowly. I don't want you to drop it!"

"Claire, I am not some clumsy baby. Stop telling me how to carry things! I don't need you to tell me how to walk!" George snaps, irritated.

Having just walked into the kitchen area in time to hear George, Ethan stops him as he passes by.

"Young man, I don't want to hear one more complaint or disrespectful word! You do as you are told to do without complaint or backtalk. Understand me?"

Hearing the stern words, George nods his head answering "Yes sir, I understand."

During the meal, George watches as Ben pushes his food around the plate. He seems to have a little trouble getting the food to stay on the fork. After several failed attempts to keep the meat on his fork, Ben picks up the plate, flips it over face down on the table. George scoots his chair over as the gravy, potato pieces and juice from the meat run off the table. Shocked at Ben's behavior, George waits anxiously to see what his Pa will do.

"Oh my goodness, Ben. You just made a mess." Claire says noticing the plate.

Ben looks over at her and proceeds to push the tin plate off the table, watching it fall to the floor.

Amazed at Ben's actions, George looks over at his Pa, expecting him to punish Ben. His Pa just continues eating as if nothing unusual just happened. Looking at his older brothers, both are copying their Pa, just eating as if nothing happened.

"Ben pushed his plate off the table, Papa. There's a big mess of spilled food all on the table and floor. He's wasting food!" George reports just in case his Pa hasn't noticed.

"I see that George. Claire, will you chop up some meat and potatoes in a bowl for Ben? I think handling a spoon would be easier. George, get a wet cloth and wipe up the food on the table."

"I'm still eating, Papa. I didn't cause this, Ben did." George points out.

"Get the cloth and clean the table, young man! Remember what I told you earlier? You need to help your brother and then you may finish your supper."

"Yes, Papa." George answers, rising to get the wet cloth and thinking "Here we go again. Ben gets by with everything and I get snapped at!"

After everyone is eating again, Ethan tells them "John Taylor will be coming for a visit tomorrow. I saw him in town today and invited him to lunch. Claire, don't go to a lot of trouble, now. He's not used to fancy meals."

"I made extra tonight just in case we had company tomorrow. I'll fix beef stew. I'll use the extra meat, put in potatoes and carrots for a stew. Let's see, I'll bake a couple of pies tonight and biscuits in the morning. Will that be good, Pa?"

"That sounds perfectly good to me. George, you help Joseph clear the table and clean up tonight. You may take the scraps to Pepper after you finish cleaning."

"I have some beef parts saved for him, George. They're in the bucket with the other scraps. He's going to have a good meal tonight." Claire says with a smile for George.

As George begins to clear the table and wipe it off, he hears Rob say "Come Ben, I'll read to you in your room."

"Rob! You can't read yet! I want to hear the Knights of the Round Table story too! I am almost through in here, won't you wait for me?" George calls.

"Come in when you get finished, George. You won't miss much." Rob answers as he walks Ben into the bedroom.

Seeing the tears standing in George's eyes as he brings the dishes to the sink, Joseph puts his arm around his brother and hugs him. "It's alright, George. Pa asked Rob earlier, to take Ben to bed after supper. He wants Ben to rest more and if Rob reads to him he'll settle down quietly. Come on, let's get these washed and dried so we can have some fun too."

Taking the bowl of scraps out for Pepper, George stays with his puppy.

"Pepper, you don't know this, but it used to be better here. Ever since Ben came home, everything is all about Ben. What he wants or needs. Like tonight, I like to hear Rob read aloud and he went off with Ben just leaving me out. I get scolded and punished for no reason. Ben makes a huge mess at supper on purpose and then throws his supper on the floor without even being scolded. Pa made me clean up Ben's mess! It's not fair, Pepper."

Hearing a sound behind him, George turns to see Joseph in the doorway.

"Pa sent me out to tell you to come inside now. He's in one of his bad moods again so you better come right now."

"I'm coming. Let me just tell Pepper something."

Giving his pup a hug goodnight, George giggles as he receives a wet dog tongue in the face. "Thanks Pepper, I needed a sloppy dog kiss. You are my best friend. I used to say it was Ben, but now it's you. Night boy, be good, no chewing except on your toy."

"George, you best not let Pa hear you talk about Ben the way you did to the dog! You'd be standing to do everything for awhile if he did." Joseph whispers as they walk towards the house.

"I know, it's just not fair! Ben acts horribly without any scolding or punishment and if I even complain a little, I get scolded."

"Ben nearly died, George. Pa is very thankful he survived. You should be also. I think that's why he isn't scolding Ben at all."

"Well, if I nearly die, maybe he won't spank or scold me either." George whispers, grinning.

"That is not at all funny, George! You say something like that again and I'll take you over my knee! Watch and see if I don't! Now get inside before I do it right now!" Joseph whispers sternly after bending down to look George in the eyes.

"Hello, Mr. Taylor. Welcome to our home. Won't you come inside?" Claire greets the man walking with her Pa towards the door.

"Good afternoon, Claire. Thank you for the invitation to lunch. It's always a pleasure to have someone else do the cooking! Now remember, my name is John Taylor not Mr. Taylor."

"Yes sir. Is that permissible Pa?"

"If he wishes to be called John Taylor then it's fine with me. Come in and see the rest of the children. They've been eager to meet you again." Ethan replies, opening the large wooden front door.

"John Taylor, this is Rob. I don't believe you have met him yet. He's the eldest, then Claire, Joseph, Ben and George. You have met the rest of my brood at one time or another."

"Good to meet you, Rob. I take it you don't have a yen for running off to some adventure as do your brothers and sister."

"I have learned better, sir. Their kind of adventure only leads to a sore rear end, sir."

At John Taylor's bark of laughter, Rob grins at the older man.

"Ben is in his room. I put him to bed to wait for you to examine him. He seems better, not sleeping as much." Ethan tells his old friend.

"I'll check on him and be right out for some of that delicious smelling lunch. Do you want Ben to come out to lunch?"

"Yes, he's to eat with us. Let me show you his room."

"I hope beef stew is something you like, John Taylor. We weren't sure what you might like to eat." Claire tells him as she serves the bowls of stew. "The potatoes, carrots and green beans are all from our garden."

"It smells and looks delicious. I eat anything that doesn't eat me first, Claire. I appreciate you going to so much trouble just for me."

"HUMPH! We had stew last night! She didn't fix it just for YOU!" Ben snarls, glaring at the man across from him.

Ignoring her younger brother, Claire passes the bread basket to John Taylor. "I started to make biscuits but decided on cornbread instead. It's fresh from this morning."

"This bread makes me think of my mother, Claire. She used to make cornbread and serve it with cream for dessert. She'd cook it in a iron skillet over a fire. I don't know when I've had any as good as hers, until now."

"Thank you Sir."

"Ethan, you have quite a family here. You are a lucky man to have such a good cook, too."

"She is at that. Claire is interested in medicine, John Taylor. She'd like to know some of the methods you used for treating Ben."

"Well, I'll be happy to share with you after we finish the meal. What might you boys be interested in?" John Taylor asks looking at Rob and Joseph.

"I enjoy ranching, Sir. I'd like to have my own ranch or farm someday." Rob answers.

"Rob is rich, John Taylor. He could buy a big ranch if he wanted too. I'd like to raise and teach horses. I might work on Rob's ranch if he'd let me." Joseph says looking over at his brother.

"Maybe, Joseph. It's a long way away so don't plan to do it just yet." Rob answers.

Tired of being ignored, Ben snatches the cornbread off George's plate and shoves it in his mouth.

"HEY! Ben! That piece was mine. I was saving it for last. You shouldn't grab food that way!" George tells him angrily.

"Shut Up! I do what I want!" Ben answers back grabbing George's half full bowl and tipping it up so the food slides off on to George's good shirt and pants.

"BEN! I wasn't through! You're being mean!" George complains, teary eyed at the thought of the mess on his clothes. Risking a glance at his Pa, he sees Ethan frowning at him.

"I didn't mean to mess up my good clothes, Papa! I didn't!" George hurries to say before Ethan can scold him.

"I know that George. You didn't do anything wrong, son. Come George, I'll help you get cleaned up. You can just wear your other pants and shirt."

"Yes sir. Papa? I'm still hungry."

"We'll fix you some more to eat, George. Don't worry. Excuse us, please. We'll be back in just a moment." Ethan says walking with George to his room.

"Well now, young Ben. That was not a very nice action you just did. Don't you think you should apologize to everyone?" John Taylor asks the child sitting with his arms folded and pouting.

Ignoring John Taylor, Ben demands loudly "I want PIE! I'm done!"

"I'll get your pie, Ben. Just don't shout anymore, alright honey?" Claire soothes as she gets up to fix the piece of pie.

"Claire, you aren't even through eating. Don't you think he can wait?" John Taylor asks incredulously as he comes to help her carry the pie and bowl of stew for George.

"He will only get louder and cause more trouble if I don't get it right away. It's easier to do what he wants."

"Does Ethan think that way too? Has he been allowing Ben to do as he pleases?"

"Pretty much, I guess. As I said, it's a lot easier. Ben has screaming fits if he is denied something he wants orif he is scolded."

"Did he act this way before he took ill?"

"Oh, no. Pa would have punished him if he acted that way then. It must be left over effects from being so ill." Claire replies, walking to the table.

"Well, I'll just have a talk with your Pa about this. Ben is not ill now and should not be behaving in such a way. I know Ethan well enough to know he is feeling guilty over Ben's illness. As I said, he and I will discuss this. Don't worry, your brother will be back to his usual self soon. This behavior is temporary. I've seen it before." John Taylor assures Claire.