Chapter 6: Testing the New Governess
"Dad, when will she start, asked Michael regarding the new governess, Mrs Elizabeth Drake."
"Two weeks. Mrs. Drake will be here in two weeks", Adam answered.
Two weeks flew by. Just a few days before school let out, Elizabeth started as governess.
Hopsing showed her the ropes while the children were at school. In the evening, Adam spent time with Elizabeth and the children, helping them get acquainted. Ben and Adam were very pleased with their new governess and found her to be quite professional and loving. Right away Elizabeth and Kate hit it off. Elizabeth understood Kate's quiet nature but appreciated her full potential and efforts to care for her family. Little Molly accepted Mrs. Drake following Kate's lead. Elizabeth had not gotten many chances to communicate with eldest brother John, as much as she would like. She found him to be a fine young gentleman of 13 and enjoyed seeing his interaction with Ben and Adam. It was clear to her that John highly respected the both of them.
During the summer, John worked closely beside the Cartwright men learning the trade of ranching.
Elizabeth was amazed by the twin's appearance and had difficulty telling them apart. Unfortunately, they were catching on to this and using it to their advantage. Big sister Kate knew this trick all too well and warned them to behave. But being that it was summer, it was just too hard for two ten year old boys to avoid mischief.
"Not again Jack, I won't cover for you this time." Michael said firmly as he scooped the hay into his pitchfork.
"Come on Michael, I covered for you yesterday."
"That's cuz I covered for you the day before. Besides, I don't want to do all your chores and mine too. When I left the other day, I was gone an hour. But when you left, it was for three hours and I had to lie to Adam to cover for you. He won't be happy if we get caught." Michael warned.
"Adam won't do nothing to us Michael. You worry too much. All he'll say is "Boys, ya know better than that", and we'll say, "Okay", and that's, that. It's worth choppin wood over dontcha think!"
"Jack, don't go pushin it too far with Adam. I've seen that look in his eyes. 'Sides, I hate choppin wood. And I'm not doin it cuz of you!"
"Just this last time Michael, I won't be gone long."
Before Michael could even answer, Jack was gone. He was worried that his brother wouldn't get back before Adam came home for lunch. Tricking Mrs. Drake was easy but lying to Adam, now that was another story.
Jack rode his horse, Buck, as fast as he could out on the trail towards town. He had never ventured into to town by himself but thought of doing it many times.
Jack didn't leave his house much in Boston, always being under careful eye at home with his mother and governess, Mrs. Clark. But out on the Ponderosa, there was so much freedom. He loved it. He liked riding his horse fast, he loved to sneak off into to the night with Michael and go to the lake for a swim. He loved to hunt with his Uncle Joe. He would never move back to a big city again. Nope, he thought himself a real cowboy.
Adam was not completely unaware of the twin's travels. He found their sense of adventure healthy and therapeutic. He gave them a long rope in the beginning so as to allow them time to heal. But lately, he thought to keep a closer eye on the wayward boys, finding their travels increasing to a greater frequency. And stretching their beyond their boundaries, especially Jack. Adam had planned to talk with the boys before summer began but became distracted.
Jack made it into town. "Now, where to begin'…he thought to himself.
Jack knew to keep a low profile as he rode into town. Most everyone knew a Cartwright when they saw 'em.
First he hid behind the saloon. That's where he would tie up Buck. Ben and Adam would never allow him to even peek in the saloon windows. They said it wasn't a place for young boys. So, that's where he would begin… "
After a few hours of mischief, Jack realized the time. He went to retrieve his horse behind the saloon and Buck was gone. What was he going to do now? Someone had stolen his horse. He knew on foot, it would take an hour to walk home. And then he would have a lot of explaining to do.
"Should he stay and find the thief that stole his horse or surrender and walk home to his doom?"
Pondering his own question, Jack walked back in the alley way in hopes to find his horse. Jack wished he could whistle for Buck like Uncle Joe whistled for Cochise.
Standing on all fours, 20 feet away from Jack, Buck stood munching on a piece of hay.
There he was, tied up in the front of the saloon. And on top of the saddle laid a bag and someone's gun.
Now how was he going to get up on his horse with those things sittin on top?
Jack was puzzled and getting angrier.
"I bet one of those guys from the mine that Uncle Joe fired recognized my horse and took 'em just to get even. In fact, I saw a bunch of them playing cards in the saloon. I'll just walk over there and have a talk with those fella's. My Uncle Joe wouldn't put up with 'em and neither will I."
Jack thought to himself as he pulled up his britches and cocked his hat.
Jack looked into the first set of windows where he could clearly see the game table.
"That guy there looks pretty darn guilty to me", Jack thought to himself.
The man in the black hat returned Jack's gaze and gave him a wink. "Guilty as charged." Jack quickly ducked down and began to breathe rapidly.
"That's it. I ain't no coward. I'm goin' in to talk with him".
Jack stood on his feet and blazed into the saloon.
Now, Jack was feelin' mighty big for his britches but in stature, Jack looked 4 foot tall to the men looking back at him.
"What are you doin' in here youngin'?" Sally asked from behind the bar. "Are ya lookin' for your Pa ,Boy?"
"My Pa ain't in here but I am lookin for a horse thief."
Jack made sure to say "thief "as loud as he could so everyone would hear him.
"Listen Baby, if you ain't here to get your Pa, you better find your way out before one of these here men takes you over their knee. You have no business here." Sally smiled as others began to laugh.
"I said, I'm hear lookin for the guy who stole my horse".
Jack turned and faced the man in the black hat.
"Look here son, you callin' me out". The man in the black hat played along.
"I might be". Jack stepped forward.
"Come on Sam, take that youngin outta here. Swat his tail good enough so he don't come back into my salon."
By this time, everyone in the salon was in an uproar.
Sam picked Jack up by the scruff of his neck and hauled him off to the front step. Jack's arms and legs were flailing. He tried with all his might to get in a kick or punch, but the man in the Black hat was no match for him.
"Unhand that boy, shouted a voice across the road."
"Jack kicked a screamed to get loose, Uncle Joe, Help!"
Sam tossed Jack to the side, "You know this boy, Cartwright?"
"He's my nephew. Adam's boy. What business do you have with him?" Joe glared.
"He was just about to get thumped. Hangin' out in the saloon, says he's lookin for a horse thief. That's some imagination you got kid. Lot of guts too. You keep better watch of him Mister Cartwright. He's gonna find himself trouble in these parts. You tell Adam I said so."
"Thanks Sam. You won't be seein' him anytime soon." Joe reached his hand out for Jack and lifted him onto his feet.
The man in the black hat walked away.
"Now what are you doing out here, and in the saloon? Where's Adam?
I found Buck out back and came looking for someone, didn't see anybody 'till now. "
Jack looked down and kicked at the dirt beneath his feet.
"So it was his Uncle Joe, the horse thief, how stupid could he be", he said to himself.
"Let me guess, 'ol Adam doesn't know you're out here, does he?" Joe asked in a stern voice."
Jack stared into the ground.
"Well, let's go. You can tell me your story on the ride back to the Ponderosa."
Joe pulled his bag and gun down from Buck's saddle.
He gave Jack a hard smack on his bottom as Jack mounted his horse.
With surprised eyes, Jack looked back at Joe.
"Don't think you didn't have that comin' to you. Just you wait 'till that big brother of mine gets a hold of you. I've been caught under his wrath a time or two at your age, now there's a few stories I could tell you.
Jack looked at his Uncle for sympathy and Joe returned a smile.
"Whoo-whee Boy, what were you thinkin to mess with a guy like Sam. I don't know if that's guts or kissin death.
Joe jumped up on Cochise and gave his whistle.
Joe and Michael rode up to the Ponderosa finding Ben outside near the corral.
"Jack, where have you been?"
Ben's tone was frightening enough even for Joseph to feel prickling up his backside.
Immediately, Joe decided to answer for Jack.
"Found him in town Pa. Up to a little mischief, that's all. No harm done."
Ben held his breath for a moment and in an almost whispering low tone stated...
"No harm done. No Harm, is that so. You just wait till your Father gets home, Jack. There just may be some harm in this entire little escapade. He's out with four men right now looking for you.
Jack bit the bottom of his lip as it began to tremble. He had never been in this kind of trouble before. Long ago with his Pa maybe, but never with Adam. Jack shifted his feet back and forth not knowing what to say or do. "Grandad was sure angry", he thought.
"I think you should go on up to your room now Jack. Adam will be back soon enough and want to talk with you, Joe suggested in a lighter tone."
Jack peered up slowly at Ben to see that he approved. "Humph. Well go on and do what your Uncle says, Ben grumbled".
Jack turned up on hi heal and ran for cover.
"Pa, you nearly scared that boy out of his britches."
"Joseph, What I wanted to do is burn his britches. But, it's not my place now, Adam will have to decide how to handle him."
"Well, if I know Adam right, poor Jack won't be sittin' to straight for a while."
"Believe it our not Joe, I don't think Adam's ever takin a hand to these kids."
"Well, I sure wish he had that kinda patience for me when I was younger."
Ben had to laugh
. Joe was happy to have eased his father's anger, in which he knew was actually fear.
"You know Pa, Jack didn't do anything worse than we would have done at his age. In fact, he kind of reminds me of myself a little bit." Joe said with a smile of pride.
"And that's a good thing Joseph? Not for your brother, it's not." Ben shook his head.
"See Pa, Adam's had lots of practice. He'll be two steps ahead all the way.
They both laughed.
"So,where did 'ol Adam go to look for Jack?"
"Michael gave him a lead towards the north pond."
Joe gave his Pa a pat on his back and leaped onto his horse.
"I'll let Adam know we found the boy and that he's safe. I need to head back to town for some unfinished business."
"Thanks, Son. Are you going to inform your brother of his wayward son?"
"You know Pa; I think I'll let Jack tell Adam himself. It doesn't seem fair to give it all away. If he's smart, maybe he won't have to tell everything."
"My Son is encourage Lying?" Ben bellowed.
"Not lying Pa, just selecting his words carefully."
"Well unfortunately, that boy's father was the master at that. He will see right thru it and use his own manipulation to get to the bottom of things."
The night air was cool with a slight breeze. The cicadas' were keeping rhythm. The sky was clear unveiling the beginning of a starry night.
Adam held his brandy in one hand, his head in the other.
He sat on his bedroom balcony pondering the days unfolding events. The somber feeling deepening in the pit of his stomach.
Reflecting on his boyhood days, he remembered the look in his father's eyes after a punishment was given. Often finding Ben staring off in this same way.
He never knew as a child what his father was thinking or feeling but now he had a pretty good idea.
He knew the day would come when he would have to correct one of the children as he did tonight. Several times had passed that he chose to avoid it. Unfortunately, today they would both surrender to the dreaded deed.
He waited till he felt calm and assertive and set his boundaries clearly.
He listened and talked just as his father did before him.
Fatherhood brought him unconditional love, joy, sadness, concern and fears…Yes, he was facing the biggest challenge of his life. And Right now, he felt flooded with guilt.
"Did I cause this; was I too hard on him?"
The questions, that of every good parent, has when life doesn't go as planned.
Yet another lesson of parenting and self-forgiveness Adam would have to come to understand.
Adam said a short prayer to his dear friends Karen and Wil for the blessings of their children and the guidance he needed.
He prayerfully asked Karen to forgive him for being too harsh in his punishment and asked Wil to give him strength to continue to be the man he needed to be for his children.
A soft knock was heard at the door…
"Dad, Can I talk to you?"
Adam stood up and walked towards his bedroom door.
It was Jack, standing in his night gown, his arms hung sweetly down at his sides.
Adam even more so humbled by his innocence.
"Jack come in. Are you okay?"
Jack walked into Adams room but remained silent.
Adam was beside himself. "What was this child thinking? Was he hurt, angry?"
The guilt-ridden father tried to wait patiently for Jack to make his move.
"Jack would you like to talk?"
Without words, Jack nodded, yes.
Adam took Jack's hand and led him back to the balcony. He sat down and pulled Jack onto his lap.
Jack winced and shifted to get comfortable on his soar bottom. This made Adam feel even worse.
"Stay strong Adam Cartwright-he needs you to be strong", Adam said to himself as he took a deep breath in.
The two remained quiet for quite sometime.
"You see that constellation right there." Adam pointed towards the sky. "That's the warrior. He's strong and brave. Would you like me to tell you the story about him."
Jack nodded his head.
Adam told his young son the story of the great warrior as Jack nestled into Adam's chest.
Looking back on the past year, Adam never felt so close to his little boy as he did tonight.
"Dad. I'm sorry."
"I know little buddy. You know the dangers of what you did. You understand your disobedience. All is forgiven, this we talked about."
"I know." Jack sat up and looked into Adam's eyes.
"But I'm really sorry. I told mama and papa too."
Adam's heart melted at the sincere apology.
"You know Jack, when I was a little boy and would find myself in a position very similar to yours tonight. You know what I would do with my Pa?"
Jack lifted his eye brows to show interest.
"Well I would do just like your doin' right now. I would go to my Pa, just to make sure things were right between us. And you know what, No matter what I did…and you know Uncle Joe was the worst…but my Pa always forgave us boys and loved me no matter what I did. And that's how it's gonna be with you and me. We Cartwright men live by this rule. Nothing can change the love we feel for each other. We're a family."
Jack nodded with contentment and curled in to place his head back on Adam's chest.
Adam bent down and kissed his head.
And for the first time Adam heard Jack say, "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too son."