The Governess
Chapter 5
Adam enjoyed his morning coffee out on the balcony off his master bedroom. He was quite pleased with his design work of his newly built room on the ponderosa. A special place where he found solitude every morning and night. The view from the balcony was breathtaking. Two large pines stood alone on a small hillside with a creek bed flowing below. Just as he always pictured it would be. As a child he would play in this creek and often see wildlife come and drink from it. Now a peaceful flow of trickling water that Adam grew accustom to hearing as the sun would rise and set on his day.
The children knew not to disturb him during these times. Afterall, he needed to set some type of boundaries to recharge after a long day. When necessary, Adam would welcome someone in for a chance to talk and spend quality time one on one, but otherwise, his room was off limits to the children.
It was a beautiful May morning on the Ponderosa, brisk enough to keep his wool blanket wrapped over his shoulders as he drank his first cup of coffee. With each sip, he reflected on the life changing events that had occured in the past 12 months. From spending a lifetime of managing mostly his own affairs to becoming a father of five children(of his decieced friends) in just a days time. After dealing with the tragic loss of the childrens parents in Boston and moving them all onto the Ponderosa, Adam wasted no time getting them enrolled into school. Six months of time and adjustment secured Adam to ask the children permission to complete the adoption and become thier legal guardian and father. To his relief, the children sang his praises. They all seem to be adjusting quite well and were happy. The children were more than advanced in their studies and used to academic challenge. For this, he knew a plan must be set in place before summer arrived. All the work on the Ponderosa could not keep this bunch of 5 out of mischief for too long. A governess would be needed and soon.
Adam spent several months advertising for a governess but with each interview he came up empty. Leaving very little time before the children were out of school, he grew concerned of what to do next as Ben and Hopsing prayed for divine intervention.
Hopsing and Ben expressed the need for a governess during the summer months. Adam hired a woman to help with the laundry and cleaning twice a week, but he knew they were right about the governess. The children would need careful watch during their time off. He would like to find someone qualified to challenge their minds as well. Adam advertised for a governess but with each interview he came up empty, leaving very little time before the children were out of school. He grew concerned of what to do next.
"Adam, may I talk with you for a second?" Ben asked as he knocked on his Son's bedroom door.
"Yes, Good morning Pa, Please come in."
"Son, I'm inquiring about the posting for the children's governess. Summer is right around the corner and Hopsing insist on help."
"My thoughts exactly Pa, I intend to go to town today and ask if there has been any new applicants."
"Son, are you sure that maybe you haven't overlooked someone?" Ben asked trying to keep a straight face.
"Now Pa, I know you think that I'm being a bit choosy, maybe unrealistic of that matter, but I assure you, I am going to find the right match for the children. I will not settle for any less. You know how hard things have been for them. They are adjusting so well. I don't want to interfere with progress."
"Yes Son, I agree with you. It's just that I've met some of these women that you've turned down and I'm beginning to wonder if your progress on selecting a governess is anything like your progress on selecting a wife." Ben peered into Adam's eyes and did not waiver.
Adam paced back and forth as he gathered his jacket and boots. "Okay, Pa, I hear you. I will find a governess for the children before school is out. Before Adam took his eyes off Bens he shook his finger at him and smiled. "So, you think I have a problem with choosing a wife do you?
"Maybe you should try putting a posting out in town." Ben chuckled as he turned and walked down stairs.
Adam finished getting dressed and proceeded to greet his day with a loud thud and tumble down the hall. The sounds were coming from the twin's bedroom. "Now what could they possibly be going at already this morning, Adam wondered to himself." He wondered to himself.
"Give it back, Jack!" Michael wailed.
"No, it's mine". Jack insisted.
Adam made way to the twin's room where the ruckus was taking place. In full view, Michael sat on top of Jack as the twin laid face down on the floor, with his hands gripped behind his back.
"Hem, Hmm. Care to explain what's going on in here?" Adam asked as he cleared his throat.
"Jack has my arrowhead!" Michael tighten his grip on jack's wrists. "And he won't give it back."
"I see. Michael, release your brother and both of you stand up."
Michael released his grip from Jack and stood up in front of Adam. Jack kicked hard and jumped up. As mad as a bull, he shoved Michael.
"I said that will be Enough." Adam firmly grabbed the boy by his arm and pulled Jack beside him.
"Now, what is this all about, Jack?"
"Michael thinks I have his arrowhead, but it's mine, Jack protested."
"Michael?"
Adam turned to study twin number two.
"It is mine. Jack's arrowhead had a chip on the side and mine does not. He lost his yesterday at the schoolyard. The one in his hand is mine, and he knows it. He took it off the dresser this morning." Michael gave his twin a stern glare as Adam held out his hand.
"Let me see it Jack. Adam studied the arrowhead. "It does not have a chip in it, smooth as a whistle. Here you go Michael. Adam peered down at Jack. It seems to me we had a conversation about losing your marbles last week at school. Isn't that correct young man?
"Yes, Sir. But I really thought that the arrowhead was mine", Jack whined. "I don't remember losing it."
"Oh' you do and you know it, Jack is lying! He took it on purpose and he's a lyin thief! Michael attempted to get in another shoulder shove to his brother but Adam interceded.
"Michael, need I remind you that we communicate in this family like civilized people and you must learn to control your temper."
"Yes, Sir", the tempered one surrendered.
Adam quickly turned to look Jack in the eyes. "Jack, either keep track of your belongings or accept when it is lost. We do not take things that don't belong to us. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Sir", he mumbled.
"And do we need to have a discussion on lying?"
Jack hung his head low and gave a shrug unwilling to admit he lied.
"Michael, you may be excused, Jack and I are going to have a discuson."
Jack quickly piped up, "No Sir, I don't need to be reminded about lying. I know it is wrong and I'm sorry."
"End of discussion. Let's go have some breakfast". Adam ruffled their hair and walked out of the bedroom only to hear another squabble in Molly's room.
"But I don't wanna wear that Dress. I want the blue one." Molly insisted.
"The Blue one is dirty, Molly. I told you that. You have to wear the pink one today. Now get dressed". Kate pulled her sisters dress over her head as she tried d to wiggle out.
Adam poked his head in on the girls, "Good morning ladies. How are my fine girls doing today?"
"Daddy, Kate is bein' bossy!"
"Molly, do as your sister tells you. Put on the pink dress. Besides, it's one of my favorites on you. Remember, it twirls best when you are dancing and you look like a beautiful ballerina."
Kate smiled back at Adam, appreciating his help.
"Okay, Daddy. I forgot about that part." Molly willingly let her sister finish her grooming and joined them down stairs.
After a trying morning, Adam was hopeful a governess would be found and soon. Once the children were dropped off to school, Adam went by the post office to check on the add.
"Good morning Mrs. Davies, Beautiful morning isn't it."
"Indeed Mr. Cartwright, it is." Mrs. Davies blushed, as she always did when Adam spoke to her.
"I'm inquiring about the posting for the governess."
"Yes, Mr. Cartwright. I'm sorry, No one new has responded to your posting. But several whom you've interviewed still show interest."
"Oh', Yes, I see. Well then, I'll just wait here for Jacob to bring my package."
"Certainly, Mr. Cartwright, your package will be ready in just a few minutes."
While waiting for his mail, a young woman appeared behind Adam in line.
"Can I help you Miss?" Mrs. Davis asked as she leaned to see across Adam's shoulder.
"Oh' pardon me". Adam moved aside to allow the young woman to step in front of him.
The young woman nodded and proceeded.
"Hello, my name is Elizabeth Drake. I've accepted the teaching position. Can you direct me to the nearest room and board?"
"Please excuse me Mrs. Davis for interrupting, but may I…" Adam turned to the woman and put out his hand. "Hi, I'm Adam Cartwright, school board president. I do believe I hired you for the teaching position beginning this fall."
"Oh' Yes. Yes, you did Mr. Cartwright," Elizabeth answered nervously as she rearranged her luggage to extend her hand.
"You've arrived earlier than I expected. The teacher's parsonage will not be available before September I'm afraid."
"Yes, I thought I would rent something here for the summer. That is if there's a place available?"
"Mrs. Davies will be able to help you with that I'm sure. If there's anything I can do for you, any questions you might have about the curriculum or school, please let me know."
"Yes, Thank you Mr. Cartwright, I will."
Elizabeth turned to speak with Mrs. Davis as Adam continued to wait for his package. Adam studied the new teacher carefully as she spoke with Mrs. Davies. He couldn't help but over hear Elizabeth tell the attendant that she was looking for a job to fill her time over the summer to help pay for expenses.
"Excuse me, I do apologize for interrupting again and now ease dropping, but did I hear you correctly? Are you looking for a summer position? Adam asked."
"Yes Sir, I am. Just for the summer though, before my teaching position begins."
"Well, as a matter of fact, I know of a position you might be interested in. Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee?"
Elizabeth looked towards Mrs. Davies for reassurance. She smiled back at Elizabeth with a nod. "Lucky girl." Mrs. Davies thought to herself. "Hopefully she won't be turned away."
Adam and Elizabeth talked for several hours over coffee and eventually lunch. After an intense interviewing process, Adam hired Elizabeth for the governess position at the Ponderosa. Adam was pleased. He liked her disposition, although finding her a little on the quiet side. But after all, she was being interviewed for a position she had not inquired until now. Elizabeth was of medium build and height. She had brown hair with golden highlights, and green eyes, which he thought were her best feature. Adam was feeling quite relieved to have found someone before the summer break. And this time, as fate would have it, Mrs. Drake came to him. Now he could move forward with his busy schedule at the ranch.
Elizabeth loved the idea of being a governess for a short time. The family situation sounded so dear. It would warm her heart to give the Cartwright's what they needed. Feeling exhausted, Elizabeth sat down at a nearby tree. She had never been thru an interview process like this one. Although she had taught for several years before and experienced working with intellectual and powerful men, Mrs. Drake couldn't get over to as why she seemed so flustered. Adam was certainly a handsome man but it wasn't just his looks something about his entire presence. She had never experienced anything like it ever before.
"I hope he didn't sense my nervousness. I tried to contain my feelings." She said to herself. "If he is to think of me seriously, I must keep my emotions in control." Elizabeth knew that she needed this job and didn't want to take any chances of losing the teaching position either. She would do her best to remain professional at all times. She could not allow herself to befriend Adam in fear she may not hide her emotions well. Whatever they may be. "What was this strong attraction all about?" She had no intensions of falling in love with another man, ever again.
Adam made the announcement of the new governess at dinner. He could see that Ben was pleased with his decision and the children listened carefully as he gave the details.
"I don't like governesses", Jack grumbled with a mouth full of potatoes. "They are so grumpy."
"Yeah, and make you take naps when you're not even tired, Molly added."
"You guys are just thinking about Mrs. Clark. She was unpleasant, that's all. John said encouragingly."
"I bet you're right John. Mrs. Drake didn't seem bossy or mean. You know, she is a teacher. So she must like children."
"That's not always the case." Jack disagreed." My teacher in Boston hated us, he even told me once."
"Well, after what you did Jack, who could blame him." Kate added.
Ben and Adam looked at each other with inquisitive smiles.
"Well, let me reassure you children that Adam worked a very long time to find just the right person to be your governess. I think you can trust his judgment and give her a fair try, Ben offered. "And Son, she sounds lovely; it will be nice to have Mrs. Drake's help."
Just as Ben said that, Kate turned down at her plate and picked at her food.
Adam intuitively took note to what Kate may be feeling and said, "You know Pa, and I'm looking forward to Mrs. Drake's help as well. Its high time Kate and Hopsing get some help around here. It's not fair to a young girl of twelve to spend her whole summer caring for her family. She will need several breaks to go swimming."
Kate turned up at Adam and smiled sweetly. She knew that he understood what she was feeling and appreciated his kind support. Adam gave her a wink and continued, "Boys tonight, we will do the dishes. I think its girls night off." Groans were heard about the table.
"Dad, when will she start, asked Michael."
"Two weeks. Mrs. Drake will be here in two weeks".