Previously:
Adam has asked Marty to marry him and she has says yes, but they decide to keep a secret for the time being. Alex and her friends have some pranks planned as an initiation into their tree house club. Alex feeling a little jealous of Marty and also worried about her father falling in love with her, test out several prank ideas. One goes wrong and Marty is hurt. After she has been punished, Alex reveals that she is scared of loving someone new in case something bad happens to them too.
Chapter 14: Initiations and Havoc: Pt 2
The kids have their day.
Adam lead Alex through the big front door, "Okay chores done, now breakfast."
Alex nodded and headed off towards the dining table, but stopped in her tracks when she spotted Marty seated at the table. Marty's face was a little bruised around the cut, and while the black ointment wasn't all that attractive the wound had already closed up.
Ben was sitting there with Marty pouring her a breakfast tea. Alex flinched a little as she sat down on her bottom and then quickly dropped her eyes to her plate, avoiding eye contact with both her father and Marty opposite her. Marty sensed the child's guilt and embarrassment, pretty certain that Adam expected her to apologize.
"Morning Alexandra," said Ben.
"Oh, mornin grandpa, you sleep well?"
"I did thank you, and you?"
"Well no not really, cause I'm still a bit sore and I got one thing ta make right and I been thinking about it too much."
"Ah Huh," said Adam, "that you do."
Little Joe and Hoss walked in from the kitchen drying their hands and took their place at the table.
"Hey, pumpkin, you done real good on your chores this morning," praised Hoss, "Carlapicio's stall looks good enough for me ta sleep in. You gonna ride her ta school today?"
"Na, think I might walk, don't feel too keen about sitting in a saddle."
"You're not going to school this morning Alexandra; you'll come into town with Marty and me, to see Doc Martin. I will deliver you over to Miss Jones after.
"But I ain't sick." Alexandra liked Doc Martin, and she didn't mind being checked over just as long as he didn't want to take any more of her blood and look at it under his special scope or expect her ta take that medicine like he always did. Doctor Paul said they needed to make sure she didn't have any lead in her blood like her momma. There wasn't any, but she was small for age and he wanted to see her grow a bit more.
Alexandra wasn't very happy about going there this morning; Doctor Paul would not be pleased that she had hurt Marty. "He ain't gonna stick me with anything is he, or give me some of that yucky medicine," she asked pouting.
"No, but I think you could do with a check up, plus I think it might give you an opportunity for a task you still have a head of you." Adam raised his eyebrows and seemingly pointed them in Marty's direction, hoping Alex would get the reference and his expectation.
Alexandra looked at her father understanding he was trying to get the conversation rolling, though she just wish he would come right and say it or at least start it off for her. She really wanted to apologize to Marty, but she didn't know how to start. When it was obvious her father expected her to do this completely unaided, she blushed and chewed on her lip, wishing Hop Sing would at least bring her out some food so she could occupy her hands while she thought of a way to begin.
Her prayer was almost answered when Hop Sing put a bowl of oatmeal with stewed apples and rhubarb on top in front of her. Before she could pick up her spoon, Ben offered the opening she was looking for, "Perhaps, Alexandra you may like to say Grace, this morning."
Alex put her spoon down and clasped her hands together. "Dear Lord thank you for the wonderful breakfast we are about ta eat; well thank you fer given us Hop Sing ta make the wonderful breakfast we are about ta eat, but ya done growed the apples and oats for me and suppose yer done made the hens lay the eggs too or yer done made the roosters than done made the hens with the mommy hens who done laid the eggs, the first ones anyhow, since then I reckon the roosters are being doing pretty good making more hens on their own."
"Alexandra you can discuss creation with God some other time, our breakfast is getting cold," prompted Ben.
Marty giggled into her clasped palms, making Alex feel a little better and spurring her on. "Well like I was saying, Lord; thank you fer making Hop Sing and Uncle Hoss too, cause they ain't only great cooks with the miracle of natures that you been providing, but they done helped Marty. They fixed her up real good, so she won't have a scar. I'm responsible fer all her troubles, Lord and I'm trying real hard ta figure our how's I can make it up ta her, cause even though, it was just a dumb prank I was trying ta play on my Dad that backfired, Marty didn't deserve ta be hurt. She shouldn't think it was because I didn't like her and don't give a rat's ar... Care if in she gets hurt or not, cause I really do care and I gets worried sometimes that people I love and really like and that I knows really like me are gonna go away or get hurt. I reckon I thought I could be like my Daddy, and try not ta like people so much jist in case they do go away, or they get hurt like Leo done. That ways I wouldn't be so, but it's too late Lord; I done like Marty too much. So I'm telling you that I'm sorry and asking ya ta make me brave enough to tell her; I'm awful repulsive about it, so I hope she forgives me, and I will do anything she asks me ta do ta make it up to her. Oh, and Lord; thanks again fer breakfast."
"Amen!" chorused the family.
Before anyone could comment, Alexandra stated eating her oatmeal, cold as it was now, she dared not look up, feeling the family's eyes on her. Finally she couldn't take it anymore and looked up, and put her spoon down next other empty bowl. "I'm real sorry ya got hurt Marty and yer nearly lost one of them nice eyes of yours, though I reckon you'd look jist as pretty with a pirate patch anyways. You probably don't wanna be a pirate though. I was just a silly stupid prank, it ain't because I'm jealous or nothing, well maybe I get a little. I like ya and I hope ya still like my Daddy, cause he can't really help it that I do stupid things, it jist comes natural ta me. I should grow out of it, ya jist might have ta be patient."
Adam smiled proudly at Alexandra.
"Thank you Alexandra, I accept your apology. It takes a very brave girl to apologize. And don't you fret; I like you and your father very much."
"Come on then, we better get moving. Alexandra you need to go and change into a clean dress."
"Awwww; a dress? Daaaad."
"Alexandra, you would be wearing a dress and pinafore to school. Go and get changed into those."
Alex dropped her napkin on the table, "Okay, dang it. I was hoping ta have some of them eggs, that them hen's worked so hard on."
Hop Sing walked into the dining room and started clearing plates, "Not many eggs left Little Missy, but you good girl for eating all your oats."
"Thanks Hop Sing, I done like it with the apples and rhubarb on it," smiled Alex before heading up stairs to change.
"Mister Adam going into Virginia City today? Can pick up supplies?" asked Hop Sing.
"Not a problem, I'll need to take the wagon anyway." Adam finished the last of his coffee, and then stood up, intending to go and hitch the wagons.
"Adam, I need to take Dreamer back to town with us," said Marty.
"Why?" Adam asked with a touch of disappointment reflected in his tone,, "You can come back and recuperate here."
"No, I think I should stay in town. I can't help Paul with his rounds, but he could use some help with some paper work and there are supplies to organize. A sprained ankle and a little cut aren't going to cause any problem."
"Well I don't want you working too hard. You best rest as we have the dance coming up Saturday. It will be the last for a while; the round up and the cattle drives will take up most of the spring and summer. I want that ankle ship shape. I intend spending the whole night dancing with you." He pulled Marty out of her chair and pulled her against him playfully.
"Well I don't know about that Mr Cartwright, you'll have to get your requests in early, at the last dance, my card was filled completely up by the first dance." Marty tried to look prim and proper but failed and quietly laughed.
"Not this time, Miss Strawn."
"Oh, but Adam, now Marty done promised me a dance," teased Hoss.
"And me," added Little Joe.
"I suppose Pa, already booked a dance too," scoffed Adam.
"That I have, my boy. Marty promised me the first dance, I believe."
Marty laughed, "See, you have to be quick around here."
Adam feigned annoyance, then left to hitch up the wagon. Hop Sing came in carrying Marty's valise and his list, along with a large brown wrapped parcel. "Here, Miss Marty are your things."
"I'll put them in the wagon fer yer, Marty."
"Thanks Hoss."
"Vely good. Here missy is list to give to Mr Adam. And here is all Cartlight boys white shirts." He said patting the brown parcel. "Honourable cousin Hop Ling will launder and bleach, ready for big dance. White shirts not so white anymore, need special job. Hop Ling will have ready by Fliday."
"Not to worry Hop Sing, I'll get them to him."
"Oh Hop Sing, I can take them to Hop Ling, Marty still can't walk too well," offered Joe.
"No, little boy stay away from Hop Ling laundry shop, still not happy about fire you start".
"I didn't start it Hop Sing; I was jist hiding in there. Roy took the real culprits to jail," said Joe sheepishly.
Ben glanced at Joe with a small frown, "That he did Joseph, but, I still had to fork out for some of the damages after your night of mischief."
Joe paused a moment and a dreamy look came into his eyes, "Oh but, a dance with Lolita was worth it."
Marty looked around at the faces of the three Cartwright men, "I'd love to hear that story."
"Oh you better ask, Adam," giggled Joe.
"Oh, I hope not an old girlfriend," said Marty with a twinge of sarcasm.
"Sort of, anyway, there will be plenty of Adams old girlfriends at the dance, they'll probably…"
"Joseph, enough!" warned Ben.
"Don't take any notice Marty. Joseph is teasin yer," assured Hoss.
"Yes, naughty boys always tease. Hop Ling has new shop now. Little Missy, Alex, know where it is; she take them for you. Stay off bad ankle; remember I having number four dance with you."
oOo
Marty and Alex sat together on Paul Martin's examination table, as both the good doctor and Adam looked at them; their arms crossed in what appeared to be in slight annoyance.
"Seems you have two girls here, Adam that should avoid pranks from now on," said Paul a smirk appearing on his face.
"I'm fine, Paul really," Marty declared.
"Yes you are," scolded Paul, "but you need to stay off that ankle, so you won't be going with me on my rounds this week."
"At least I can help with all the accounts, and check the supplies. Please, Paul, I hate to put you behind."
"Alright Marty; that's a good idea, your eye is fine; not deep enough for stitches, but you were lucky," Paul directed his scowl at Alexandra.
"I done said I was real sorry, Doctor Paul, sides really I was trying ta play a joke on daddy, which was not such a good idea either, cause I ended up real sore myself."
"Hmm, well, fair enough then we won't mention it again, Miss Alexandra. Now, let's give you a good check up. Marty can you help Alex take off her pinafore."
"Why do I hafta take off my dress?" Alex asked suspiciously.
"Well first I'm going to check your throat, and make sure that nasty abscess scar has healed up. Then, I just want to check your joints and tummy, okay?"
Alex narrowed her eyes, at the friendly man. "You ain't gonna take any more blood in that there long needle agin are ya?"
"No, Alexandra, your last blood test was really good. My new microscope showed me that. Do you remember?"
"Yep, no lead in my blood, so, I should have grown some, should have I? And I've had a birthday too," brighten Alexandra.
"We better check that then, Little Missy."
Alexandra hopped down off the bench and stood against the measuring lines Doc Martin had painted on the wall.
"There, now let's see," said Paul bending down and examining the numbers. Alexandra had not grown more than an inch in the year she had been with Adam, and now nearly two years down the track she had barely increased in height by another half. "Well, look at that; another inch, Miss Alexandra," lied Paul.
Alex beamed, "That's good ain't it; soon I'll be as tall as the other kids."
"You might, though I don't think you are going to be a very tall lady, Alexandra."
Adam reached down and softly cupped Alex's cheek, "Just like your Momma, baby, and you will be just as beautiful."
"She weren't real tall, were she? But, then she did real good anyways, most of the time."
"What you lack in height you sure make up in energy," laughed Paul.
"That a good thing?" pouted Alex with her hands on her hips while sending a suspicious sideways glance to Doctor Martin.
"Sure is little lady," replied Paul convincingly. "Now let's check your tummy and your joints." Paul lifted Alex up and made her lay down on her back. He pressed her stomach in several areas, pressing into her midrift area then watching the skin recoil and return to a pale pink. He then kneaded and prodded her elbow joints as he bent and rotated them. "You have any sore tummy or sore legs or arms?" Doctor Martin asked while he checked her legs and knee joints.
"Nope, only sore butts," grimaced Alex.
Adam and Marty chuckled.
"Hmm, do you need me to check that out?" asked Doctor Paul in a mock seriousness.
"Not unless you got something ta take the sting out."
"Oh, I might have some cream, that will soften the pain, I believe."
"Cream that makes things soft? Like Hello Vera, I reckon yer should get Dad to rub some on his hard hands." Alex suggested rubbing her backside.
"Oh, good idea," laughed Paul, "he'll need those soft hands to play his guitar. He'll still be able to serenade all the ladies at the dance... You going to be singing for us Saturday night, Adam? If I'm correct Abigail Jones and Dawn Marie Potter are looking forward to it."
Adam blushed and Marty scowled, as did Alex.
"He can't his guitar is broken," smugly replied Marty.
"Oh yes, well I think we're about done here." said Paul, before turning to Adam. "Adam could I speak with you for a moment… in my office."
"Sure, Doc. Marty can you help Alexandra get dressed."
"Sure I can, and then we can go over to Hop Ling's and give him the laundry."
"I can do that Miss Marty, you ain't supposed ta be on your feet. I know where it is," offered Alex.
Adam stopped, "Marty she's right, you've got to stay off that foot, Doctor Martin says so and so do I. But, no Alexandra, you can't go alone; wait for me."
Alexandra stomped her foot, "jesssh, I'm leven ya know. I might look little, but I'm leven, Dad. It's jist around the corner."
Adam frowned, "don't you 'jesssh me'. I said…" Adam moved in to swat her tail, but was stopped by a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Let her go Adam, she's growing up," smiled Paul. "Here, Alexandra, would you drop in my shirts too. Hop Ling gets them whiter than anyone I know. I might have a real chance wooing the women at the dance this year with your daddy out of the race." He joked trying to lighten Adam's mood.
"But ain't you married? You real old, don't you got a Mrs Doctor Paul Martin?"
"No Alex, my wife died a long time ago. Her name was Martha too."
"Oh, sorry Doctor Paul, guess ya lonely for some female company, but a white shirt ain't necessarily gonna help."
"Alexandra …" Adam groaned in a waning tone, afraid what the kid was gonna come out with.
"What, I mean is can ya sing, Doctor Paul?"
"Ohhhh, no; I guess not. Well I take my chances with my charms and good looks then."Paul laughed and handed Alexandra two shirts to add to the package Hop Sing wanted delivered to his cousin at the Chinese laundry just off C Street.
"Alright Alex, go there and then come straight back, here. Then I'll walk you to school."
"Thanks Dad, I'll be real fast."
Alexandra went to run off, "Wait Alexandra," yelled Marty.
"Whah!"
"Your pinafore; you can't run around the street in your underclothes."
Alexandra looked down and giggled, "Oopps!"
"Yes, oopps come on, let's get you changed, while your Dad and Doctor Martin talk."
Adam followed Paul into his private office and closed the door.
"What is it Paul; Alexandra? Marty?"
"They're both fine Adam. Really, I just want to talk about Alex. She is still quite under the average percentile for her height and age, though not surprising considering the lead Katherine most likely had in her system during the pregnancy. Alex was lucky to have survived the gestation period and her early birth. It could all account for her small stature"
"The doctors suggested Katherine would have had only small traces of lead in her system when Alexandra was conceived." Adam stated with concern.
"Yes, Katherine may have passed that on, when Alexandra was in the womb. Katherine was further exposed when she returned to the theatre. I just want to make sure Alex didn't absorb any, or at least as not as much as Katherine obviously did. But, there was probably some exposure at the theatre, not a lot, but it could have been enough to inhibit Alexandra's growth during development spurts. Adam, I'm confident that if there had been and traces, they have been eradicated. We just want to keep an eye out for any symptoms. There is a lot of good research around and treatments. They've been treating this condition since the fall of the Roman Empire. The donation from Ben for the light microscope was a real godsend. Lister's model gives good magnification without blurring the image. Amazing piece of equipment, they're developing a compound microscope. It will be even stronger." Paul started excitedly.
Adam smiled at Paul's enthusiasm. "That's great Paul. When they get it right Paul, I'm sure we can get you a new one."
Paul blushed at Adam's generous offer. "No Adam, you've done enough. Sorry, I do get excited. The point is, if I'm reading the samples right; there is no lead in Alexandra's blood, just the same I'd like you to just keep your eye out for unusually sore joints or stomach pains. Her small stature may improve with age."
Adam pulled at his bottom lip in thought. "She's very conscious of her height."
"Well, if I remember right, little Joe was too; hasn't stopped him. But, Adam… You did tend to treat him like a kid for a long time."
"He still is a kid Paul, he's only seventeen."
"True," laughed Paul.
"You trying to tell me to stop treating Alex like a baby?"
"Sort of…None of my business, I guess, but I think you will only make her more self conscious. Just be aware that you may be doing that; that's all. If she's anything like the rest of you Cartwrights, she may try something foolish to prove she's a grown up. God help me I've had enough of Cartwright mishaps over the years."
"I'll try Paul. It's just that I didn't get the chance to baby her and like you have validated; she's my little miracle."
Paul slapped Adam on the back, "You are an excellent father, Adam, Alex is healthy and happy and I can see very much loved. Perhaps there will come a day when you'll marry again, have a baby to spoil rotten. Marty never stops talking about Alexandra and your family. I hope you and Marty…"
Adam raised an eyebrow, stopping Paul's conversation, "You fishing Paul; for a professional appraisal or a little gossip," said Adam with a smirk.
Paul Martin blushed then coughed. "Well…She's a very nice girl, Adam and the best damn nurse I've had. I would like her to stay and I'd like her to be happy. She deserves it."
"She deserves the world Paul, and if I can manage it, I'll give it to her."
Pauls' eyes smiled, "Lovely…But, Alexandra's mother, Katherine?"
"Marty and I have talked about all that. There are a lot of things to sort out, but it's Marty that wants to wait before we make any further commitment. So my friend you will have your nurse for a while longer, but when we get married…"
"Married, Adam, fantastic…"
"Ahh…We've made a commitment, but I think you may have to advertise for another nurse."
"Ohh, Hmm well guess I'll have to take the bad with the good…Married, hey, wait till, Old Sticky nose Wilburn's hears about this. Oh and there are going to be some mighty disappointed gals in town. Maybe I should take up guitar lessons." Paul joshed.
"Please Paul, we haven't announced it officially. Nor have we told Alexandra or my family, though I'm pretty sure they all suspect what's going on. There are circumstances that need addressing and organising, but … Adam smiled wide, "I intend to marry her, no matter what. So I'd appreciate your confidentiality in the matter."
"Of course Adam, you have my word, but I should just like to give you some advice."
"Ohh, what would that be?"
"Don't wait too long. Two heads and hearts are better than one. Life is a lot shorter than you think, Adam. Believe me; I see far too many short lives. There are problems and complex situations in families no matter what. But I will keep your secret, and I'll even pretend to be as surprised as everyone else. Just you don't be surprised if Marty doesn't want to stop nursing, she is passionate about it."
"She won't be nursing after we married Paul; It isn't proper for a married woman."
"Paul raised his eyebrows, "but…"
"Oh Paul, I'm sorry. You and Mrs Martin were different; wives often helped their Doctor husbands."
"Hmm…Well good luck with that argument then, Adam. You know Marty was bought up on a cattle station, they call them that in Australia, if she can't nurse, she won't want to just stand still; you may just find her on a cattle drive with you."
"Over my dead body," scoffed Adam, as he left Paul's office, the good doctor's laughter echoing throughout the rooms.
"What's so funny?" Asked Marty as Adam came through the office door.
"Oh nothing," said Adam. "I'll pick you up for lunch in an hour, Miss Strawn." He then leant down and kissed her tenderly on the cheek.
Marty smiled, and then glanced back at Paul, as Adam stepped out on the porch. Paul shrugged and quickly backed up into his office before he could be bombarded with a multitude of questions from Marty.
Adam stood outside on the boardwalk, waiting for Alexandra to return. He caught the sight of Alex coming around the corner, and then watched her cross C Street, carefully checking for horses and wagons. "Hey dad, all shirts delivered safe and sound. Hop Ling is gonna do all the white shirts tomorrow. He's was very funny, dad. He says; 'evelybody bringing white shirts for dance, white shirts, white shirts, too many white shirts'. Yer shoulda seen it, dad, there was a really big pile of shirts, taller than me."
"Well that must have been pretty tall I'd say."
Alex beamed, "Yup, guess so; I have done grown another whole inch."
oOo
Saturday arrived fairly fast. Adam had hitched up the buggy straight after breakfast and he and Alexandra had headed into town. There were supplies that needed to pick up at Sam Potter's and Alex was in charge of picking up the laundry from Hop Lings.
For today however, Adam's thoughts were on Marty and the spring dance. He had not had a chance to meet up with Marty all week. They had both been busy; round up had started and she had worked hard to get Paul's accounts up to date and doing what Paul had insisted; staying off her foot. Adam was looking forward to picking her up for the dance tonight. He had been thinking about what Paul had said and their agreement about not moving too fast with Alex; Paul's comments made sense and Adam decided to make an official wedding announcement sooner than later.
Alexandra and her friends had spent the week, collecting and arranging the props for their pranks. It was pretty much a certainty that the pranks were going to be played tonight in town. Like the others, each pair of kids was trying to figure out what the others were up to. Willy and Lajoci had been working together. Alex was pretty sure one of their pranks was going to be real interesting, as they had been collecting the stray cats in town. Josh and Daniel were concocting some sort of slimy sticky stuff as well as gathering odd and deformed looking carrots. . Alex could not imagine what prank they were assigned. Lydia Ann and Jessica had subcontracted Juliet and had been busy all week at her father's newsprint shop. Alex only hoped that her own prank would go as planned.
Adam pulled up in front of Sam Potters. "Right Alex you go over to Hop Lings and pick up our shirts."
"Sure dad, but can I jist say hi to Lydia Ann."
"Yes, when you get back. Now get going."
Alex jumped down and headed off, while Adam tethered the horses and wagon. Before he could enter into the mercantile, Hiram Knoble waved to him from across the street.
"Mr Cartwright," he yelled waving, before crossing the street carefully.
"Hiram?"
"So glad I caught up with you, Adam. I've had a telegram."
"From Elk, from Molly? Did she remember anyone visiting Katherine before the Darcy Plummer incident?"
"No, I mean yes…" Hiram shook the cobwebs from his brains, "I received word from Molly only yesterday. She wrote a letter, explaining she had no sightings of anyone visiting Katherine the week before her arrest. However, that does not mean there was no such encounter. Then today I have received a wire from a lawyer in Oklahoma. His client; one Mister Francis Garner- Hallett is contesting the acquisition of the theatre by Williameena. He states that Williameena acquired her share of the theatre fraudulently, and in short; your ownership and Molly's is under scrutiny."
"Francis Garner- Hallett?
"Yes, he is the son of the original owner and Willameena's partner. He is making some pretty wild accusations, Adam. The fact that you were responsible for his father's death…"
"It was self defence."
"Yes, that was proven; I have the sheriff's statement at the time. However, his father's share of the theatre should have been bequeathed to him instead it was…"
"Given to his brother; Frank Hallett's brother …Edward, I think, he sold his share."
"He did, and the purchaser signed that share over to Williameena, who then put an Ivan Koslov in as manager, when she left with her daughter and maid."
"Yes Pa arranged for their transport. Katherine was physically well enough to travel, but she was traumatised and in shock after Franks Hallett's attack. Williameena took her back to her family in the south."
"Francis Junior is claiming that his uncle did not have the right to sell his father's share and he wants the theatre back, all of it."
"That's a pretty big ask."
"He's suggesting that Williameena had planned the take over from the start. It's complicated and I have started work on it, tracing the purchase and titles of Edwards's sale, as well as the man's claim of parentage, but he could have a case."
"Fine, he can have it for all I care, but not Molly's share. Williameena wanted her to have a foundation and security."
"Well that's another contentious issue. They have proof of Molly's true heritage; her biracial line. She is not allowed to own property as a single African female. I know many overlook that here in the west, but he's adding that to the claims."
"Molly's father was white, her mother only half Negro. Williameena took her in as a child, at the request of her white father. I will not let him have her share; if Molly wants to sell fine and good. He can have my share; Alexandra's share actually, I'm only the executor, make him an offer."
"That, I can do."
"He can have it for a small price, but he has to come here for me to sign it over. I want to see him. I don't recall a son, but I'm wondering if he was the man Alexandra saw. I'll find some way for her to get a look at him. And if he was; I'll be asking a lot more questions before I sign over anything."
"Very well, Adam, I'll get started on those instructions straight away." Hiram straighten his small round glasses on the bridge of his nose, a habit he had when processing information. "I'll send a message out with his response as soon as I get it. Meanwhile your father may know more about the sale ten years ago. If I remember rightly you weren't in any condition to witness any of that."
"Thank you, Hiram, I'll talk to Pa, he'll know about the sale."
Hiram spotted Alexandra coming around the corner into C Street. "Oh, there's Alexandra. If this Francis Garner- Hallett was the man you might want to keep her out of town for a while."
"I will, thanks, Hiram."
"Hey dad, all done."
"Alexandra, say good morning to Mr Knoble," prompted Adam.
"Oh good morning, Mr Knoble, sorry I didn't mean ta be rude."
"Good morning Alexandra and no apology necessary. I see you have been doing some errands; that's a pretty big package you have there."
"Yes sir, theys all white shirts. Everybody's gonna look real good for the dance tonight. We were lucky Dad, Hop Lings was having some trouble at the laundry, he weren't real happy, said he done the best he can with the shirts, but they's aren't as good as he usually done. He still had a washing piled real high."
"Taller than you?" laughed Adam.
"Yep, still taller than me, Dad."
"That wouldn't have been hard little miss," chuckled Hiram.
Alexandra snapped her head, at her father's lawyer and friend; she had grown some, Doctor Paul told her so! She felt like kicking him the shins, but she knew her dad would have tanned her good for it and her backside hadn't fully recovered. You'll wait Mr Hiram Knoble, she thought. "You going ta the dance, Mr Knoble?" she asked sweetly.
"Yes I am, Miss Abigail Jones has agreed to let me escort her. I'm looking forward to it."
"Me too; all the kids are. It's the Harvest Dance so all the kids get ta go, and everyone, like Hop Sing an old Henry. This year even chief Winnemucca is coming along with Sarah and Yuma and some of the council elders. Miss Jones done organised a fundraiser fer Sarah ta take ta Carson City with her. She's gonna start a school for the Indian children. Pastor Johnston gonna present it an all. So all us kids are gonna be there fer that too. We don't usually get ta go to the dance. Don't know why it ain't like yer doing anything bad that little kids shouldn't see, not like gambling or drinking or canoodling and slapping saloon girls bottoms, or singing rude ditty's like, 'chorus girls are funny, they lie down in the grass, they can kick their legs up in the air and whistle through their … OWWW!"
"Alexandra!"
"Whu?"
oOo
Each of the Cartwright men ran around, hurrying themselves to get ready for the dance. Alex had already bathed and was dressed in her petticoats, while Hop Sing ironed her dress. Adam was getting ready, shaving the last of his five o'clock shadow while Alex chattered on the bed.
"Ya look handsome, Dad, we better get movin though, cause Ma…rty will be wai…ting," sung Alex as she jumped on the bed.
"Yes, you are right. Stop jumping!"
"What yer so nervous about, dad, Marty will wait fer yer. She loves ya."
"She does?" Adam smiled acting surprised. Adam decided to take the opportunity to address his and Marty's relationship, casually while they dressed. "Alexandra, there's something we need… I need to talk to you about."
"About, you and Marty and me?"
Just then Hop Sing bought in Alex's dress, looking flustered and mumbling to himself, "not my ploblem… not my problem… búshì wǒ de cuò , tiào líng kěnéng fēngkuáng; not my fault, Hop Ling probably crazy; Ai ya fēngkuáng de rén; damn crazy people."
Adam took no notice of his rumblings. Their family coordinator often grumbled when under pressure and the chaos that four men and one little girl could cause when trying to get ready for a function.
"Hop Sing, help me with Alexandra's dress, I seem to be all thumbs."
Hop Sing pulled Alex's dress over her head, and then started fastening the buttons.
"My shirt Hop Sing, where are my shirts?" asked Adam trying to hurry.
"There!" Hop Sing snapped, pointing to the shirt hooked on the chair.
Adam grabbed it from where Hop Sing had placed it, and held it up, then frowned before yelling…and he wasn't the only one.
"HOP SING!," a chorus of baritone voices bellowed and echoed throughout the house. Adam turned suddenly holding up a pastel pink shirt to his chest as Ben, Hoss and little Joe arrived at the door in matching shirts and horrified facial expressions.
The little man threw his hands up in the air, "not my ploblem, not my ploblem…"
Alexandra tried not to laugh. She cupped her hands over her mouth, and then looked at her father in all seriousness. "That's what Hop Ling said, I tole ya he said he couldn't get them as white as usual dad. He must a tried dad, though, cause he looked real worried."
"We can't go to the dance looking like this Hop Sing?" Joe almost pleaded, hoping that the man to produce a miracle.
"No more white shirts, sent all white shirts;, now pink white shirts to Hops Ling. Honourable cousin is in disgrace, still no more white shirts, you wear pink ones". He said pointing to each of the men. "In dark not look so bad." He offered as some consolation.
"Yeah, Dad, sides pink's a real pretty colour, you done told me that when yer wanted me ta wear a dumb old pink dress".
"Pretty for girls Alexandra, not boys," scoffed Joe.
"Hec it ain't too bad, I'll just put my vest over it and yer won't notice," said Hoss finding a reasonable solution and as usual trying to placate the situation.
"Well boys there's not much we can do about it, we can't wear our work shirts," said Ben as he looked at each of his sons standing in their now pink shirts.
"Fine!" huffed Adam, "I won't be taking off my evening coat though, I'll wear the three quarter. Came on Alex, put your shoes on and go get your brush and ribbons, we've got to get going."
"I lost my hairbrush, Dad, can I use yours?"
"Lost? When? Grrrr; forget it, go get your ribbons; we'll do your hair at Marty's."
"Ribbons!, daaad…" Alexandra started to whine.
Adam's eyebrows arched, his patience wearing thin, he stepped forward. Alex wide eyed, turned and ran, shouting, "Ribbons it is, Dad; pink ones too, I'll match your shirt."
Adam turned back to the mirror and finished his tie. "Pa I'm taking the buggy and picking up Marty, I'll meet you in there"
The Cartwright men moved off to finish dressing while Alex, after returning, sat on the floor to buckle her shoes, trying not to giggle, "Shing'wauk kanni; tree house," she whispered, "wait till the others see this."
"What did you say, Alex?"
"Oh…Nothing, Dad."
oOo
Marty burst out laughing when she got a good look at Adam's shirt in the light of Mrs Wilburn's parlour.
Adam scowled, "This is not funny Marty; every white shirt in the house is now this color. I look like some dandy actor from the east."
"Oh, Adam you look fine. I like that color on you its suits your dark and handsome features," teased Marty.
"Yeah, I confur, dad, that mean's I agree, "smiled Alex.
"The words, concur, Alexandra," corrected Adam, still scowling.
"Yes, that; besides Marty's the ones supposed ta look beautiful, and she looks more beautiful than you, dad."
Adam blushed, "She does," then smiled, thinking how he was going to be spending the evening with one of the most beautiful girls in Virginia City. He was sure not going to let anything spoil the fun. "She is very beautiful."
Marty smiled then got nervous all of a sudden; brushing at the crushed taffeta skirts of her evening gown. "Do I? You sure? I wasn't confident about the dress colour. I know red is considered a little inappropriate, but… Well, It's not red; more a rich burgundy. I look ghastly in pale colors like yellow, but still it…"
"It is stunning, you are stunning," drooled Adam.
"Yup, and it matches Dad's pink shirt. Now come on, we're gonna miss all the fun," Alex said excitedly, as she jumped up and down on the spot impatiently.
"Okay, Okay," said Adam, as he took Marty's arm and escorted her to the buggy.
Alex jumped in and Adam grasped Marty around the waist to help her up. He suddenly paused to cherish her firm and womanly form, then stood her back down on the ground gently and lowered his head, "You are beautiful Martha Strawn," He said before meeting her lips for a long kiss.
Marty withdrew, her eyes sparkling as she whispered, "I love you Adam."
Adam smiled and moved in for another kiss, but was thwarted by the sudden appearance of a blonde haired freckled face ten year old that had stuck her head between the couple. "Come on dad, ya can do that latter when ya done ask Marty ta marry ya."
Marty and Adam looked at the child between them.
"You know, Alexandra?"
"Yup, corse, I ain't no ninny."
"Well, I've already asked Marty to marry me… Adam paused and asked tentatively, "How do you feel about that?"
"I don't know, Dad." Alex swished her face around to Marty, flicking her large pink bow in Adam's face. "How do you feel about it, Miss Marty? I hope I didn't put yer off none, cause of the mouse and the guitar string prank, promise I won't play no tricks on ya."
Marty laughed, "I feel just fantastic about that, Alexandra."
"Well then ya better say yes, so we can get ta the dance afore everybody has ta go ta bed!"
Marty looked into Adams eyes, "Yes Mr Cartwright."
Adam playfully pushed Alexandra's face out of their way and kissed Marty again. Alexandra rolled her eyes, "We ain't never gonna get there", she grumbled."
"Right," Adam announced then helped Marty back up in tho the buggy. They didn't have to go far; the town hall was just at the end of C Street, two doors up from the bank and across the way from Sherriff Coffee's, office. All three waved to Roy as they went past.
Roy scratched his head, wondering why Adam was wearing a pink shirt. Didn't seem to bother Adam though, the man was beaming. No wonder; that pretty nurse sure looked fine, thought Roy. Sherriff Coffee would be coming to the dance later, after he'd done his early patrol. Most people in town were at the dance; though Sam had a few young rough looking drifters turn up at the saloon earlier. They looked familiar, and Roy intended to check his wanted posters later. The stage was also coming in late tonight. So he'd just check things were quiet before he went to the dance, and then do another patrol after ten.
Roy turned around to go back into his office to get his gun, when he noticed the wanted posters stuck to the wall of his office. He scowled and shook his head when examined the wanted posters closer. All the faces of the criminals had been replaced with a rather good likeness of him. "Dang it, fool kids pranks. I'm gonna have to replace all of these. Lucky I got enough re-prints in ma draw." He scratched his head, "Gonna have to check the others around town as well. Maybe I won't be getting to the dance after all. Damn, I was gonna ask that pretty little gal Marty fer a dance too."
Lydia Ann, Jessica and Juliet had been watching from Sam Potters porch; when they heard Sheriff Coffee grumble, then rip down half a dozen posters on the pin board outside his office. They smiled at each other, Shing'wauk kanni; tree house, they shouted and giggled in unison.
Alex was out of the buggy and in the hall, before Adam had a chance to hitch the team. She ran up to the girls as they arrived with their parents.
"Prank one down," said Lydia Ann. "You should have heard Roy grumbling."
"Yeah and there are a few more around town, so even if he gets the ones outside his office taken down, it will take days for him to find them all."
"So how did you go, Alex?" asked Juliet.
"Well…Look around," Alex swung her arm out and the girls followed it. They surveyed the room as families and guests arrived. Every male in the hall so far was wearing a pink shirt; some trying to hide that fact with fancy vest or long coats just as her father had.
Adam walked Marty into the hall. Adam took off his gun belt and hung it up next to the few that hung on the wall. Roy didn't like guns at the dance and most of the men left their sidearm's at home, however for many of the ranchers; with a long buggy ride to a from Virgina City, wore one as a safety precaution. Adam also kept a rifle under the seat in the buggy.
Adam and Marty stopped in their tracks when they got to the main ball room.
Marty shook her head, "Oh this is priceless," she whispered when she spotted the variety of pink shirts worn by most the male population of Virgina City.
Ben stayed pretty close to the refreshment table; still a little self conscious of his attire, though it was wearing off somewhat, as it seemed Hop Ling's laundry had indeed suffered some sort of mishap. Surveying the room he noticed Paul Martin was also wearing a pink shirt. It was then he spotted the four little girls with their hands cupped over their giggling mouths. He tried to grab Adam's attention from where stood at the punch bowl. He waved then nodded to the children on his son's right.
Adam wondered what he was alluding too, but quickly followed his father's gaze and the most likely culprits of the elaborate pink shirt prank. He watched as the Josh, Daniel, Willy and Lajoci then joined the group.
Adam sought out Yuma among the crowd. Yuma and Kimama along with Sarah Winnemucca were dressed in the European dress of the day. Ordinarily it would have been hard to pick Yuma out in the crowd, as even with his longer hair, he still looked very much a typical male of the west. Tonight, however, he was easily picked out in the crown, not because of his long hair, or rugged aesthetic chiselled features that pertained to his race, but because he was the only male in the room, so far, that was wearing a white shirt. Only old Winnemucca and Lajoci wore the traditional Paiute outfits'. The Winnemucca's had been invited; along with many of the town Paiutes to witness Sarah Winnemucca receive the money Miss Jones fundraiser had accumulated for Sarah's school.
Yuma guided his wife over to greet his good friend. "Adam Cartwright. Is this some secret meeting you have going on among the white man of this town? Had I known the traditional colour of the harvest dance was a pink shirt for males, I would have assimilated."
"No Yuma, it is not some conspiracy, though I think someone or some ones has played a prank on the town's people."
"Hmm not all, though it seems," teased Yuma, noting his own attire.
Just then they watched and heard the group of children nearby, stack their hands on top of each other and chant, "Shing'wauk kanni."
Yuma turned back to Marty and Adam. "That means; Tree house. I think we should just keep an eye on the children. Lajoci has been very busy all week with his new friend Willy. I suspect they are up to something."
"Makes sense; Marty overheard them talking about playing pranks as an initiation over a week ago. Hopefully the pink shirts are it, though Hop Ling is not very happy. And I don't blame him."
Alexandra looked up and spotted her father and Yuma staring at their group. "I think we better split up, so one prank down …"
"Two," reminded Juliet.
"Okay so, spread out and separate. I think we better stop saying Shing'wauk kanni; let's leave that catch cry until the end, I have a feeling dad and Yuma are on to us. We might have to put a stop to the other pranks."
"No," scowled Willy, "Lajoci and I have worked all week on ours."
"Yeah," said Daniel, "and I wanna test my new formula out."
Alright, alright!" conceded Alexandra.
The hall had quickly filled, and the musicians had made their way to the rostrums. They sat down and started to play a reel. Many of the couples decided to dance. Paul turned to Marty, "If I'm right, Marty I have the first dance …"
"Oh yes Paul, Adam do you mind?"
"Well, actually yes, I wanted the first dance." He pouted.
"Oh Adam, you can have the very next one and then very last one." Smiled Marty and patted Adams chest, 'sorry' she mouthed silently.
Adam frowned but then graciously conceded, deciding he would give Paul a couple of minutes then tap him smugly on the shoulder.
Meanwhile Roy had indeed replaced the wanted posters on the board outside and found another poster in his files of Hunter brothers; wanted for attempted bank robbery. The images resembled the two drifters Roy had spotted in town that afternoon. The poster was a little worn, so Roy decided to take a closer look and headed off to the Bucket of Blood.
Sam, the bartender, spotted Roy as he stood at the partition just in front of the swinging saloon doors and raised an eyebrow. Roy nodded to the two young fellows sitting at a table. Beside the pair and a well dressed gentleman standing at the bar, the saloon was empty. Roy was also glad to see that Sam had made his patrons disarm. It was a new bylaw Roy had gotten passed. Many were not happy about it, but newcomers were given the concession of leaving their holsters hanging at the door. Sam poured the gentleman in front of him a drink and attempted to make small talk, while Roy removed his badge and moved up to the bar, and close enough so that he could overhear any conversation going on. He listened carefully to the conversation behind him, yet pretended to be interested in Sam's conversation with the gentleman.
"Ted, I ain't seen any sign of tha sheriff, " said Jack, "reckon he must be at the dance too?"
"Maybe, ain't many people in here. That there fella at the bar looks kinda suspicious though. I reckon I seen his face on a wanted poster outside." Ted scrubbed at his three day growth. "Ifin we don't get a chance at the bank tonight, we could probably claim the reward money on him; I 'm sure his wanted fer murder in Laramie."
"Yeah what's his name? Maybe we could pull him in on this job; yer can always do with a extra gun hand."
"Think the poster said, "Bad Boy Roy."
"Don't look too much of a threat," said Jack.
"Hmm maybe," pondered Ted. "Anyways, the whole towns at this dance; I say we wait till it's a might darker."
"Yup, good idea, Jack, I cased the side door; it's even darker in that alley."
It is… thought Roy, dark enough for me to hide and catch yer red handed.
"Hey… You," called Ted.
Roy and the gentleman at the bar turned around at the same time.
"No you; the old fella," said Ted as he pointed at Roy. "Can I buy yer a drink ole timer?"
Roy nodded and grabbed the whiskey, bottle then joined the two at the table. "Why yer interested in buying an ole timer a drink?" asked Roy playing the part.
"Shush up, ole man. We know who yer are and ifin ya play ya cards right, you can earn yerself a little money."
Roy smiled… these two idjits are playing right inta ma hands.
Roy listened, to their plan, and then agreed to go look out for them in the alley beside the bank. He then swallowed the glass of whiskey in front of him before nodding at the Hunter brothers and left the saloon.
Roy crossed the road and could hear the music wafting from the hall. He shrugged his shoulders and headed towards the alley to wait for the Hunter brothers to make a move. "Attempted robbery; not this time," Roy bragged quietly to himself. He would play their lookout in the alley until the boys had grabbed their loot, and then arrest them for robbing the bank. He stopped when he saw two youngsters coming from behind the jail. "What are you boys doing," he growled.
"Jist using ya outhouse, Sheriff, there's a line a mile long at the hall," explained Josh.
"Well don't dilly dally out here get back ta the hall, NOW!"
"Yes sir," Josh and Daniel saluted in unison, and then ran.
"That was close," puffed out Dan.
"Yeah, but we ain't got the ones from the saloon."
Josh walked slowly towards the hall while he watched Roy disappear into the alley next to the bank, "Quick, now!" He whispered as they ran and headed off to the saloon.
Alexandra watched her father try and tap Doctor Martin on the shoulder to get a dance with Marty, but he was too slow, Hoss beat him to it, then her grandfather. Finally when Adam thought he had it in the bag, Hiram Knoble cut in by mere seconds. So now he stood by the punch bowl just as unimpressed as he had been earlier.
Adam wasn't the only one. Dawn Marie Potter and Abigail Jones were equally peeved. Hiram had promised a dance with Abigail, and Paul Martin had personally escorted Dawn Marie. Paul had indicated he would be spending some time with her at the dance; instead he had danced with Martha Strawn and then was passed around the dance floor by what seemed like every middle aged widow in the territory. Jami Sue Cahill walked up to join the grumbling pair.
"That Martha Strawn, she's got everybody signing her dance card tonight," snarled Jami, feeding the scowl on the other two women's faces. "Not happy girls?" She asked. "Don't know why, as far as I'm concerned Martha Strawn is well occupied and Adam Cartwright isn't."
"That doesn't mean he's available, Jami Sue, you know he's been courting Martha Strawn," explained Abigail.
"Ahh, it's probably not a serious relationship. These pamphlets say something different, anyways."
Jami held out a pamphlet; it read, 'Romance lessons and the art of Serenading. Let Adam Cartwright show your beau how to Romance you right. Fill out the form below and hand it to Adam Cartwright at the harvest dance. First dance, first lesson FREE.'
"What? Where di you get these? I can't see Adam condoning this… it's a joke," scoffed Abigail.
"Weren't no joke when he did his Cyrano de Bergerac for Hank Meyers with you Abigail. That worked out," giggled Jami Sue.
Abigail blushed. "Well not in the end, Jami Sue, I'm back here and still single."
"True, but, if your man's dancing with Adam's girl, well than, maybe you should take a lesson," she smirked waving the pamphlet in Abigail's face "If Hiram's serious about you, then he's sure to get jealous."
"Hmm you might have something." Abigail moved in, "Mr Cartwright… Adam I can see your feet just itching to dance."
Adam recognised a request when he saw one, "Abigail, yes, I guess we'll both have to wait, though."
Abigail looked dejected. Adam chewed his bottom lip, thinking. Abigail Jones was shy on Hiram; everybody knew it. Abigail had been a good sport about Hoss and Joe's match making scheme some time ago. He smiled wide exposing his dimple and gave the homely school teacher a playful wink. "Well, Abigail, why wait. Would you like to dance, Miss Jones."
"I'd love to Mr. Cartwright." Abigail moved in close and whispered, "Thank you, Adam, do you think Hiram is watching?"
"Let's hope so." Adam pulled Abigail in closer and swung her around the dance floor, as she laughed.
Marty searched for Adam in the crowd, wishing he would tap Hiram on the shoulder; the man had two left feet. She spotted Adam laughing with Abigail Jones as he swung her around the floor. She glared, then excused herself, and marched annoyingly over to the table where the other women stood watching the proceedings.
"Miss Strawn, why you really look something in that red dress," mocked Jami Sue.
Dawn felt a little uneasy about Jami's blatant inferred comment, after all Dawn had worked with Marty during the small epidemic they had months back, when very few offered to help. "You look real pretty, Marty."
"It's not red; it's burgundy," corrected Marty, aiming her statement directly at Jami.
"Close enough, understandable though you being a nurse an all. Saloon girls, nurses, much the same aren't they," She sneered. "I bet Adam can't wait to dance with you, well if you get him away from Abigail that is."
"She's having her first lesson," said Dawn.
"What do you mean?" Asked Marty.
Jami Sue held out the pamphlet. They are on all the tables here. Abigail was lucky to get the first lesson, seems fair enough, they do have history. It's my turn next."
Marty, looked at the pamphlets, certain that is was some kind of joke, but still annoyed that these girls would take advantage of the situation.
"Don't worry," whispered Dawn, "Jami Sue has always had eyes for Adam, she's just jealous."
Marty crossed her arms across her chest. "Yes, well that's obvious. Still I sure would like to see Jami Sue get her comeuppance."
Suddenly all hell broke loose. Women started screaming and jumped on tables. A littler of at least ten pole cats ran through the middle of the hall. The women held their noses, squealing as the men tried to round up the critters that were now scurrying off in all directions.
Men dived over tables, under tables, through doorways, and chased the animals around the legs of chairs as the women screamed. Kimama and a few of the other women ran to the room where Daisymae and Caroline Thorne were babysitting infants, who had been put down to sleep away from the noise of the hall. However, with the entire ruckus outside, most of the babies, including Fire Dance, had woken up and now added to the wails echoing around the town hall. Mothers grabbed their bundled infants and started patting in unison, trying to consol them.
The Musicians stopped playing and went to stand up to get out of the way. Unfortunately that was not an easy task. They had somehow, been glued to their chairs. The tried to run and get out of the way of the scampering animals and those that pursued them, but ended up banging into each other and falling over.
Ben was shouting orders like many of the other unoccupied males. Hoss was doing his best and had already managed to grab one skunk and hurl it out the door. It took at least another ten minutes for the rest of them to be caught and thrown out. Hoss looked around at the mess, tables had been knocked over, babies were crying, women were standing on chairs, refusing to get down, and the musician's were still attached to the seats of their chairs trying to untangle themselves from each other.
Hoss held the last critter up, shaking his head; they were all going to stink soon enough and the hall too, the dance would have to be abandoned. But Hoss sniffed their air; the distinct smell of pole cat was absent. He looked at the animal he had in his hand, then rolled his eyes. "It's alright folks, this ain't no skunk. It's jist a plain ornery black cat. It jist looks like a skunk. Somebody done painted its back, probably the same with all the pole cats. Smell the air, there ain't no smell." He beamed.
Everybody stopped and put their noses in the air. Hoss was right there was no smell. But before anyone could be truly relieved, a gunshot was heard coming from the street."
Adam, Yuma and Ben along with a handful of other men grabbed their gun belts, strapped them on, then drew their… Carrots?
"What the…" asked Adam.
The other men looked at the array of misshapen carrots instead of their colts. They continued to run outside, but stayed close to the hall walls; taking cover.
Adam spotted Roy hunkered down behind a wagon opposite the Virginia City Bank. "Yuma there's a rifle in the buggy, grab it and head around the other the back door of the bank.."
"Over here boys," called Roy, then stood up and yelled, "You two in the bank; Ted Hunter, Jack, your done surrounded, come out with yer hands up."
Adam slipped in beside Roy, while Yuma headed off behind the bank with the rifle in his hands.
"What's going on, Roy?" Asked Adam.
"A couple of dan burn idjit bank robbers; that's what. They figured I was some kindred criminal and asked me ta help rob the bank. I was hoping ta catch them in the act, but some pole cat came running down the alley half near scared me ta death and them two then hightailed it back inside the bank. Good ta have back up I could use the extra guns."
Adam grimaced, and re-holstered his carrot, "Hopefully they'll give themselves up."
Ted and Jack Hunter had fled back inside with their bag of loot when they saw a pole cat run at them from the alleyway and the ole man fired his gun at them. "Dang it, Ted, I reckon that Bad Boy Roy done double crossed us."
"We might hafta shoot our way out of this, Jack."
"I don't know, Ted, half the town probably out there now. We orta give ourselves up."
"You wanna go ta jail, Jack?" Barked Ted, "Here…Get over here by the winda, see ifin yer can see who's out there," he ordered. Ted pulled out his gu… carrot … "Jack what in tarnation?"
Jack arrived and pulled his gun to find a similar mutated looking carrot. "Dang, we ain't gonna be shootin our way outta nothing," he almost cried.
"That's right, Ted, your associate here had the right idea in the first place." Yuma had come through the back door of the bank, and waited for the opportunity to move in on the two. He aimed the rifle at them. "Best give yourselves up. The white man's law may go easy on you, even if Mother Nature hasn't; you fools!"
The brothers sighed and stood up, put their arms in the air and let Yuma goad them along at the point of his rifle.
As soon as Roy saw them he yelled, "Throw down ya weapons."
Ted and Jack threw their carrots into the middle of the street. Roy scratched his head, "this has sure been a strange night, what's all that?" he asked pointing to the limp vegetables lying in the middle of the street.
"Seems Roy, you're the only one with a loaded carrot in this here town," drawled Adam. "But, don't worry, Yuma has them covered."
"I don't know ifin I wanta ta know this story, Adam. Let's get these two imbeciles locked up." Roy turned to the crowd that had started to wander out into the street. Just about everyone now felt safe enough to venture out to see what had transpired, everyone including the musicians with their chairs still stuck to their behinds, and Hoss now caressing a much calmer camouflaged cat The only ones that appeared to be missing were, Marty, Alexandra and her friends. Adam searched the faces, and then spied the children from the door frame; they were there, watching with horrified expressions.
Adam marched towards them, hoping that Marty was alright. He suspected that the initiation pranks were the reasons for the night chaos, and he intended to get the culprits and extrude their confession, he just hoped there weren't any more surprises.
Alexandra and the tree house gang took off as soon as they spotted Adam marching ominously towards them. Adam came through the door. The guests at the dance had also started to disperse. Some had started to clean up while others prepared to leave and others searched for their guns. Adam discovered Marty with the women in the room where the babies had been. There he found her trying to console several distraught mothers.
"This is not my Charlie", cried Mrs Harrison, "his skin is too dark; the child is Paiute.
"This is not my Penny," announced Mrs Kirkpatrick fearfully, "it's a boy."
Then Mrs Muller bellowed, "And this is not my Ludwig; this one is oriental."
"That must be my little Maeling. This one is a boy with blonde hair and blue eyes," cried Mrs. Ling Pau, as she bounced the crying child in her arms.
Kimama shook her head, "This child is not my Martha…Fire Dance, daughter of Yuma, son of the chief Winnemucca. I think he is your Charlie, Mrs Harrison."
Each of the women's husbands then entered the room.
"What's happened here?" asked Adam.
"Somebody swapped all the babies around, Adam," said Marty.
Daisymae was in a state; sobbing in the corner. "I only left them for a while Mr Cartwright. Caroline was here. Joe asked me to dance and Caroline was here and the babies were asleep."
Joe patted Daisymae's back. While Caroline spoke to the group. "It's not Daisy's fault. I dozed off, I'm sorry, but it was only for second, the children are fine aren't they. They are all here aren't they? Oh my; what if someone has taken the wrong one home, someone swapped all the blankets Mr Cartwright," cried Caroline.
"They are all here Caroline. I think I know who played this joke,." Adam replied comforting the young woman.
"Well, it's not very funny," huffed Mrs Harrison, "these poor girls are a real mess and the babies are all out of sorts. It's going to take me all night to settle Charlie down."
Mr Harrison looked down at Kimama and at the sleeping child in her arms, "He is fine, Evie."
"Mrs Harrison, perhaps it would be a good time to take young Charles home," said Kimama.
Mr Harrison tickled Fire Dance, "I don't know Evie this one's a might prettier and this is the first time in four months Charles junior has fallen asleep afore midnight. Mighten wanta test fate, ya know." He nodded to the sleeping child in Kimama's arms.
Evie Harrison glared at her husband.
"I'm funnin with you, Evie. All the babies are fine, but Kimama has a point, best get these youngins home."
Yuma gladly took a giggling Fire Dance from Mrs Harrison, as Kimama laid Charles junior in his mother's arms. "He is a beautiful baby Mrs Harrison," complemented Kimama "he is teething see, his gums are rolled. Let him chew on some leather," she suggested.
"Thank you Kim…"
"Kimama."
"Thank you, Kimama; I'm sorry if I was abrupt. He is my first baby and I guess I'm a little over protective."
"And that you should be," softly said Kimama, "All babies are a gift."
Adam sighed with relief as Marty and the women sorted out whose baby was whose. Just when he thought it might be safe to go back into the big hall, another ear piercing scream could be heard.
"What now!" seethed Adam as he and Yuma ran into the large room. There on a table top was Jami Sue Cahill, screaming and flicking and hoping on the spot. "Get them off, get them out, they're all… all over me…" The young girl yelled, swiping at imaginary insects.
Hoss was standing the closet to her. He dropped the pretty cat. "What are all over yer, Jami Sue? What's the matter," he asked.
"Spiders… Spiders… in my… un… my purse…"
"Ole them harmless things," said Hoss, "Lookey here; they's rain huntsmen, thet's all. They're big and ugly, jist like me he chuckled, "but harmless as a baby kitten. They's inside cause they probably sense a storms commin."
Jami let Hoss lift her down. "You're not ugly Mr Hoss." She said relieved and comforted by the big man's embrace.
Hoss blushed.
"You really think a storms coming?" She asked, fluttering her eyelashes as Hoss lifted her down from the table.
"Storm coming… That's an understatement," fumed Adam. "ALEXANDRA CARTWRIGHT! GET HERE….. NOW!"
TBC
Chapter 15: No title yet… All Hell To Pay; I'm thinking! Any other suggestions?
A.N . Such a long chapter I'm sorry, I wanted a bit of a lead up to the pranks. Actually I had intended this story to be a lot shorter, with only little snippets of Alexandra's background and Katherine's story coming through, but, they keep coming up. I promise that a major event in Katherine's and Adam story of ten years ago will be told, by the end of this story. I actually cut out Ben's talk with Adam. It will happen in the next chapter after the pranksters are dealt with. I hadn't intended at first to do it this way, but it is quite a sad and dramatic tale, so interspersing it amongst Alex's humorous adventures, I think works. Alexandra hasn't forgotten about Hiram either. There were s also two episode references; any of you Bonanza fans get them? A bigggg shout out to Lajoci for going through this very long tale and pulling me up on a few mistakes. Any we have missed please point them out; I've posted this in a bit of a rush. huge computer problems and Real life is very busy.