Telegrams.
5th story in the Alexandra Series.
Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.
Re-Cap:
Alexandra, deciding that Adam had left for San Francisco without her, packed her bags mounted Carlapicio and headed off. Adam, Ben, Joe and Hoss caught up with her just outside of Goat springs...
Adam mounted sport while Hoss mounted Chubb. Adam then hoisted Alexandra up off the ground and sat her front of him. "Comfortable my little Annie Oakley?"
"Not very Dad, my bu...bottom hurts," groused Alexandra, pouting as she dropped back to look up into her father's face.
Adam pecked her on the nose. "Bad luck."
Chapter 6: The Journey
Goat Springs
Hoss, Adam and Alexandra arrived at Goat Springs within the hour. Old Toby met him at the porch as all three dismounted.
"Well you've arrived a tad early, boy," he smiled at Adam."I was expecting yer on the stage. Yer names on the passenger list."
"Sorry Toby, we had a slight delay," quipped Adam, squeezing Alexandra's shoulder as she shyly hid behind him. "I hope they didn't re-allocate our seats."
"Don't know about that. There was four passengers listed including you and a Alexandra Cartwright." Toby looked down at the little girl half hidden by her father's frame. "You get yerself married. It's a while since I seen yer."
Hoss chuckled and Adam smirked at his old friends teasing manner, while Alexandra muffled a giggle as she buried her face in her father's back.
"Well couldn't blame yer if fin yer did. I cin tell that's a mighty purity little gal yer got there even under all that dirt, though she looks a tad immature for you, boy!" winked Toby. "You must be Mrs. Cartwright, glad ta meet yer ma'am," said Toby holding out his hand.
"Nah, I'm his daughter, Alexandra Willameena Cartwright," smiled Alex. "My momma's in San Francisco we're going ta see ifin we can bring her home," announced Alexandra.
Toby raised an eyebrow at Adam; the man, once a boy that had been his long time friend, since Adam, his father and baby brother had moved to Eagle Station. If it hadn't been for Ben Cartwright and his support, old Toby would have never got this job. He would have died a lonely old man, probably froze to death after he fell asleep one night on the way home. It was after a night of whiskey and tears, re- living the horrors of losing his wife and three children to an outbreak of measles over twenty years ago.
"I reckon, little lady, I know some of that story. Your momma wouldn't happen ta be a Bonny Kate would she?"
"Yes sir, that's her."
"It's a long story Toby, most of it you know ..." coughed Adam, interrupting.
"That I do boy," Toby looked at Alexandra."Yer daddy heres done told me a lot about you and yer momma, ceptin he didn't tell me you was a little angel. Glad ta finally meet you little lady," laughed Toby.
Alexandra giggled. She had heard a few stories about old Toby and was also glad to finally be able to put a face to the name. On top of all that she liked him.
"Well yer got two hours afore the stage rolls in here, so how about yer get washed up and then join me fer some stew. You too Hoss, should have enough fer ten men," offered Toby, slapping Hoss on the back.
"But there's only four of us," corrected Alexandra.
"Three and half by looking at you little angel, but I know yer uncle here real good, and iffin I'm not careful he'll eat a month's supply of stew," laughed Toby.
"Shucks, thanks Toby," blushed Hoss, "Wouldn't mind a feed before I head back, I ain't going with them ta San Francisco; I'm jist here to take ole Sport home."
"Well everybody jist stop jawing and let's get ta catching up and eating. Adam there's a half barrel of rain water out the back ... Do for a bath for that little gal. Don't reckon a jug full's gonna get anywhere near the coat of dirt she's got caked on there. Looks like you been on a bit of adventure, Miss Alexandra."
"Yes sir, I was trying ta get my own way ta Sam ... I mean San Francisco. I thought my daddy left without me, cause well he has ta get there soon so my momma can get uncastrated. She was put in jail for a crime that we done proved she didn't do, so they's can quitted on her sentence. But my daddy has ta get custard cordial rights; that means he has to be in charge of her and tell the judge he'll look after her real good. Then she might be able ta come home iffin she's well enough. I thought dad forgot about me, so I was going ta go and show her my pictures and see her an all and maybe help. I got this here map. I was coming here first; of course. I thought the stage had already gone which would have been fine by me, cause I really don't like the idea of riding on the stage. My horse, Carlapicio and I, well we was going ta follow the overland trail. First stop was here; we was hoping ta get a drink, but stews even better, exceptin' iffin it's got too many carrots. I usually suck the gravy offa them and save them fer Little George. Then I was..."
"She sure can talk, don't get that from you, does she? Though, them big words must be in yer blood; custard cordial rights..." laughed Toby, shaking his head as they followed him into the way station."
~oOo~
Toby had indeed provided a hearty meal and while Alexandra was plonked in the tub outside to wash half the state of Nevada off her, Adam and Hoss enjoyed a coffee with old Toby. Adam spoke of the latest news regarding Katherine.
"Still can't believe yer had no idea yer had a daughter, thought yer was a lot brighter than that," laughed Toby, trying to lighten the mood after hearing of Katherine's illness. You gonna tell the littlin, how bad her momma is? I see she thinks she's coming home."
"I intended to this morning, but I may take a private moment here before the stage arrives."
"Thing is when Alex gets somethin in that head of hers, she'll fight yer tooth and nail ta do things her way, just like the first time we found out about her in Elk. Thank goodness she's mellowed a bit since then," said Hoss.
Toby chuckled, "Mellowed a bit has she, well you'll have ta tell me more about that day; I'm sure it will make a good story, but I gotta get these horses ready. "You're a good man Adam Cartwright, and it mighta been a big shock and a hard time with Katherine an all, but yer got yerself a right little angle there. You better get her done up nice and clean." He said pointing to Adam then yer can get her belly full for the trip. Next stops Emerald Bay, but it will be well after supper by the time yer all arrive."
Adam ventured out the back and stopped; taking in the amusing sight of Alexandra sitting in a half barrel of soapy water with her legs crossed. She played with the abundance of suds she was able to create from the goats' milk soap Toby had with his supplies. She made herself a frothy beard as she sang...
"The gypsy rover went over the hill, down to the valley so shady ..."
Adam walked up and joined in, "He whistled and he sang till the green wood rang and he won the heart of a la a a dy..."
Alexandra looked and smiled, "Hey you know that song, dad?"
"Yep it's a good marching song,"
"It's a love song, dad."
"It is?" laughed Adam.
"Yep... Dad did you sing it to momma?"
"Nope she sang it to me, actually. I remember laughing at her, ardi do, ardi do da day, chorus; she turned it into a yodeling song as we walked towards a little pond . We went on a picnic. She had a lot of fun in her Alexandra. We sang all the time. She had a good voice, so did your grandmamma."
"Did my grandmamma like you?" asked Alexandra, her eyes alight with curiosity. She loved the handful of times Adam recalled certain moments he had with her mother, though there weren't many for him; just a weeks' worth really, but a lot of nice and joyful memories.
"Dad, did grandmamma like you?" Alexandra repeated.
"I think so, in the end, but maybe not at first."
"Why?"
"I guess she thought your momma and I were too young and getting a little serious about each other. You grandmamma was a good mother. She wanted to protect your mother and Molly. She didn't want them repeating the same mistakes she'd made."
"What mistakes? My grandmamma Willameena was nice, but bossy. I couldn't see her making any mistakes. She was the one that got the 'Star and Garter" up and making money, even afore I was born. Molly told me iffin it wasn't for her it woulda gone broke. Then Ivan took over when we went back south and momma had me. Grandmamma had ta go back though, cause Ivan needed her help. Me, Molly and momma all came with her. I was two years old."
"That's right; she didn't want girls to have to be on their own without money or the means of making an honest living rather than having to do… well other things just to survive."
"Like some of the chorus girls had too," added Alexandra matter of factually.
"Ahem, perhaps..." Adam blushed and was at a loss for words; not sure just how much Alexandra had been exposed too while she lived at the Star and Garter. In the early days, Katherine was well aware of some of the girl's activities: ruled over mainly by Frank Hallett, but it was a business Willameena refused to expose her daughters to and was bent on changing it for the other girls once she had ownership of the theater. Hallett had paid them very little as dance hall girls; many had turned up at the mining town looking for honest work or fame. As far as Willameena was concerned Hallett was just an evil man praying on the desperation of young women, and she fully intended to change that.
Alexandra resumed her explanation as she washed the remaining suds from her face. "Some of the chorus girls went on special outings with the miners, but grandmamma didn't like it and didn't put up with any shenanigans, unless the minor asked permission, for courting that is, not permission for shenanigans; courting the girls with honorable intentions."
"Yes, your grandmother was a very good woman," said Adam, relieved and thankful of Alexandra's innocence, though it was obvious the little scamp had eavesdropped a fair bit.
"I'm real excited ta see Momma again, dad. I'm sorry that I took off without waiting. I guess I got a little worried."
"Yes, well you're lucky we have a long trip ahead of us otherwise we would be having a serious discussion about that. I think I made it very clear last time you took off on your own what the consequences would be."
Alexandra sank down a little lower in the tub. "If, it's any constellation dad, the spanking yer already gave me is still stinging a bit."
"Consolation, Alexandra, constellations' are the stars, though I was mad enough to see stars when I discovered you missing, young lady."
"You too huh? Though, I was probably more sad, dad. When momma was taken away by the sheriff, I never saw her agin, not face ta face; skin ta skin, like grandmamma used ta say. Molly took me out ta Brother Sebastian's. I done snuck in once or twice, and tried ta get a peek at momma when she was in jail, and at the court, I seen you there, but I didn't know who ya was. I seen ya the first time outside the theater. You talked ta me dad, ceptin you didn't know it was me neither, did ya? Anyway then the next time I seen momma was when they took her away on the stage with that Marshall fella ta San Francisco. It weren't fair. I know grownups think theys was doing what it's the best fer me, maybe, I don't know why exactly, but well I ain't seen her and it jist seems ta me that everybody's trying ta stop me from seein her."
"I guess it might look that way. But you were very little…"
"Not that little, dad; small maybe, but I ain't stupid."
"No you are definitely not stupid sweetheart. In fact I think you are very clever, though I think you had a very different early childhood, one that, perhaps wasn't necessarily the best environment for a small… young girl.."
"Yer mean the theatre? It was a good place ta be, dad. Everybody was real nice, and they all helped me learn lots of things. They really liked Grandmamma and Molly and momma. Theys was all a bit loud sometimes, and lots of cussin' at times, but all sorts of different people came ta the theatre. I was allowed ta do lots of different things, like help make the costumes, and make props and rehearse with some of the acts. I had a real good time and got ta meet lots of different people."
"Well there were a few things I wished you hadn't learned. The point is; people weren't trying to stop you from seeing your momma to be mean. They were trying to protect you from seeing something bad happening to your momma. Did you think it was a possibility that your momma did not want you to see her in a bad way, or perhaps she just wanted you to remember her happy and know you were safe?"
"No, I didn't think of that, dad. Don't mean I don't want ta see her any less, though. I understand that people only wanted ta keep me safe and momma happy."
"Good, because that's what your momma really wants, as well as Molly and all of us." Adam scrubbed at his face, wondering how to breach the next part. He'd made several attempts to have Alexandra ponder the probability that her momma may be dying or even die before they get there. More importantly, Katherine no longer resembled the mother she had once known, not in mind or body. Though there had been some improvement, she would never be cured of the effects of the lead poisoning and most likely the mental trauma caused by Darcy's death. Adam believed that she had never really got over Frank Hallett's attack and the trauma of that night ten years ago. "Alexandra, you know I've been visiting your momma for the past two years and even though she has got a bit better, things don't look good sweetheart."
"You mean she's gonna die?"
"Yes baby she is. I hope it's not too soon. I wish it wasn't going to happen at all, but unless there has been a real big improvement while I've been gone this time, I think your momma's heart is going to be too weak."
"It might not though?"
"It might not, but I want you to understand that the likelihood of her living for a long time, or even being able to come home, is not good."
Alexandra nodded, "I know dad. Uncle Joe said that too. I'm jist hopin is all, hopin and praying ta Howard."
"Howard?"
"Remember dad; Our Father who is in heaven, Howard be thy name."
"Oh that right Howard, who lives in the mountains…"
"Lived dad, Howard or Father Sky as Lajoci called him, went ta help the Bannocks, though he can still hear our prayers. Gods jist like Hop Sing; he can do bunches of things all at the same time, Grandpa said so."
"Grandpa said Hop Sing is jist like God because he can multi-task?"
"Huh? No Grandpa said Hop Sing can do lots of things at once. God can do lots of things at once. But, Uncle Hoss said Hop Sing was a godsend, thereafores' I concluded that…"
"Hop Sing is like God?"
"Yep like all good god fairy men and women, Chinese, Indians leprechauns, and cowboys and…"
"Everyone, yes I get the picture, Alexandra," said Adam, stopping her before she could get off track. "Good; praying is good, Alexandra. You can ask God to help you out just in case your momma dies. He can help you get over your sadness."
"Nah, I got you and Uncle Joe, Uncle Hoss and Grandpa for that, Dad. I need God for miracles. Suppose, I can ask him ta help you from being sad, though."
For a moment Adam was lost for words. His little girl really did understand what was going on, but like always she only hoped for the best. "Thank you, will you do that?" he asked with a tear in his eye. Alexandra was a mischievous little devil at times, but she spoke with the sincerity of an angle. Toby was right; I got me a sure fired little angle of my own, thought Adam.
"Sure Daddy, I love ya, so does God."
"I love you too, and so does God and your momma. And she will be very pleased to see you, but Alexandra, I… I have to warn you sweetheart, your momma may not really recognize you; her memory isn't very good. And, she doesn't quite look the same. She has been very sick and will look… maybe a little pale and skinny."
"Oh, well, I suppose that ain't good, but momma's memory was never very good. There was lots of times she'd forget stuff. Molly had to remind her a lot, me too, exceptin when it came ta numbers. She knew everybody's tab balance and low and behold iffin you were late squarin' up; she'd remind ya quick smart."
Adam chuckled, not surprised at that at all, recalling the night he'd handed over his ten dollar silver piece. He never did get the change back. "Okay, that's good. I just don't want you to get a fright. I want you to enjoy the time you get to have with your momma, even if it's only a short one. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yeah dad, I understand. Momma's real sick, and she will look sick, and she may not remember ma face straight away. But she'll know I love her, right?"
"Right, she'll know that for sure," he said tweaking her nose. Adam stood up and leant over the tub."I think we should wash your hair," he said, checking it and then for dirt behind Alexandra's ears.
"Awwww! No; do we have too? It gets all knotty when ya wash it. I think I should have it cut short again. Grandmamma always let me have it short. I kinda liked it, cause I liked bein taken fer a boy, cause boys get ta run around and climb stuff, spit and cuss."
"No one gets to cuss, not boys or girls. Besides, you're not a little boy, you're a little girl with beautiful blonde curls like your momma, but they are in desperate need of a clean," he frowned."Hand me the soap, please."
Alexandra reluctantly handed over the soap. Adam then massaged the bar between his palms creating lather. "Poke your head down under the water and wet your hair, Alexandra."
Alex threw herself forward and pushed her head between her knees and under the milky white water that covered her. When she'd managed to immerse most of her hair, she suddenly popped up spluttering, and wiped the sopping curls from fer eyes. Before she had time to open her eyes Adam quickly applied the lather with the palms on his hands and massaged the soap in to her hair, scrubbing her scalp as he went.
Alexandra cringed and wriggled from the manhandling of her head, scrunching up her face and scowling when she felt the tugs. "Dad, ye don't have ta yank so hard," she complained.
"Okay done; close your eyes and I'll rinse," warned Adam. He grabbed the bucket of water that sat next to the wooden half barrel and poured it over her head.
Alex's eyes went wide when the cooler water cascaded over previously warm body. "Ahh," she screeched, "ya got soap in ma eyes, dad. It stings, dang it, it stings dad, somethin fierce," Alex screeched again and scrubbed at her eyes.
"I told you to keep your eyes closed. Here let me wash it out, Alex," said Adam holding the last of the water over her head.
"No no more water, dad," she said slapping his hands away sending splashes of water all over his black shirt. Then she tried to step out of the bath.
"Alexandra, stop your fussing; you still have soap in your hair, calm down, sit," he chastised.
"No; don't give a damn about soap in ma hair! OW!"
Before Alexandra could cuss anymore, her father applied a quick sharp swat to her bare backside. "Stop the cussing and sit back down; now please. You have soap in your hair. What are you going to do run off naked into the forest?"
Alexandra sat back down immediately and slapped her fists into the water in frustration.
"Now close your eyes. Don't open them until I tell you to," ordered Adam.
Adam went to the pump and added a few more pints of water to the bucket. Before pouring it over Alexandra's head, he warned her. "Now this is going to be even colder than the last. Ready?"
"Yes dad," she groused.
Adam rinsed the soap out of Alexandra hair with a lot more success than last time. "Okay; open your eyes; it's done. Here I'll hold the towel, climb out," said Adam.
"Okay dad, close your eyes," instructed Alex.
"Alexandra, now you're modest? You were about to run buck naked through the forest, like a Shakespearian nymph; a screaming and cussing Shakespearian nymph."
"Yeah dad, but I had my eyes closed."
Adam chuckled. "Oh… of course. Come on, I'll close them." Adam closed his eyes and Alex folded herself into the outstretched towel.
"Off you go then; go get dressed. Toby said you can use his room. I've laid a clean dress, petticoats and a matching bonnet on his cot."
"New?"
"Yep I got it town, this morning. We'll get another one when we get to San Francisco."
"For when I visit momma?"
"Yes, off you go, call me if you need help. Oh and no more cussing. That's got to stop, Alexandra. If your mouth hadn't already been full of soap, I would have scrubbed your tongue raw. Next time I will and add a couple of more swats to your backside. Understand?"
"Yes, Dad, I'm sorry, but it was stinging and I jist couldn't think straight. I heard Uncle Hoss cussin' something fierce when old Chubb done stepped on his toe. And then I remember the time, Joe didn't turn up at the north pasture, and you was fit ta bust; calling him a lazy sonofa…"
"Ahhh, eavesdropping is also very naughty, Alexandra. I'd be careful," he warned as he pointed his finger at her. "Go get dressed now," scowled Adam, pushing her towards the backdoor with a tap to her towel padded rear end.
~oOo~
Alexandra was finishing up the last of her stew when the stage pulled in. She put her spoon down and neatly folded the napkin her father insisted she lay across her lap to protect her new dress.
"Slow down, Alexandra, Toby has to put up the team first, you're not going to miss the stage. "
"I'm finished most of the stew anyway, dad."
Adam looked into the bowl. "Well yes most of it, at least you ate the vegetables, so I'll excuse you."
"Thanks dad. Where's Uncle Hoss?" asked Alexandra, as she ran to the porch.
"Helping Toby."
"Who are they?" She asked pointing to a woman and small boy disembarking the stage.
"I'd say they are the other passengers," replied Adam.
The woman stood there dusting the front of her skirt. She looked annoyed; huffing and puffing. She turned to the boy and started wiping his face with her lace handkerchief. "I can't wait to be out of this dust bowl," she complained. .
"Ma!" griped the boy.
"Hush now, Jeffery, I know how you feel. This wild place will be behind us soon enough!" she promised.
"No ma, you are hurting my face. STOP IT!" He yelled stomping his foot.
"Oh, I'm sorry baby; you know momma wouldn't hurt you on purpose."
Alexandra rolled her eyes, as she looked on the pair. The woman was dressed in a velvet blue travel suit, with a frilly lace shirt underneath. Her hat matched in color, but was almost a foot high and adorned with roses and feathers. Black netting fell from its rim and covered her face and was secured by her stuck out chin. Jeffery also matched his mother. The poor kid, thought Alexandra. He was dressed in a pair of blue velvet knickerbockers, long white socks and a sailor's shirt. To top it all off, the boy was wearing a blue beret with a little red fluffy ball on top.
"What a knob," mumbled Alexandra.
"Alex!" chastised Adam.
"But dad, look at him. He's gotta be about eight years old, but his dressed like a five year old."
"Acts like it too," mumbled Adam, voicing his thoughts.
"Thinking out loud dad?" asked Alexandra. "I'd get a swat for that," she smirked.
"Huh?" said Adam as he looked down at her.
"Oh nothin'. Shush, dad; here they come."
Adam stepped down off the porch. "How do you do ma'am, can I help you inside? Toby should have the horses ready to go in about half an hour. Perhaps you would like a cool glass of water," he offered with charm.
"Why thank you. My, well this is a step up," she said. "Overland employees obviously get better mannered the closer we get to civilization," she quipped.
"Ahh no ma'am, I'm…"
"Adam Cartwright!" Adam was cut off, when Old Henry climbed down from the stage seat. "Glad we caught up with you. I held up the stage as long as we could in Carson City, but well, I couldn't keep Mrs. Winston and Jeffery Dwight junior here waiting in this "appalling,' heat any longer," squealed Old Henry in a sarcastic tone and false sotto voice. All the while he waved his bandana in front of his face like it was a fan.
Adam shook his head, trying not to laugh, though it didn't stop Alexandra, well not until her father jabbed her in the back. "Sorry Henry. You still have room for us. They didn't sell our seats?" he asked, hopefully.
"Nope, there's plenty of room; Just Mrs. Winston and her boy. I ran into your father jist comin' out of Carson City. He told me you were headed this way to catch up with us."
Jeffery pulled at his mother's skirts. "I'm going inside, mother. It's too hot out here. You can talk all you want, but I don't intend to waste my time out here."
"Oh, yes sorry, Jeffery. If you'll excuse me, Mr. Cartwright, Jeffery is right. We have been delayed long enough because of you. With the little time left of our rest stop, I really would prefer it to be spent in the shade." The woman took her son's hand and pushed passed Adam and headed into the station.
Adam and Henry raised their eyebrows at each other, and laughed once the woman was out of earshot.
"Going to be an interesting trip, Adam. Thank goodness I'm on top on the stage. Don't know iffin I could stop myself from wringing that brats little neck, iffin I had ta sit with him in the same space fer too long."
"Hmm, it should be interesting. I was hoping to get a bit of shut eye before we get to Emerald Bay."
"Good luck with that," laughed Old Henry.
Alexandra followed the pair in, then stopped by the table and watched the woman pull her gloves off and pour her son a class of water from the pitcher Toby had set on the table. Jeffery drunk from it then suddenly spat it out on the floor at his mother's feet.
"That's warm. I want a cool drink!" he demanded.
Alex cringed at the way he spoke to his mother. "There's a little crik at the back a here; waters real cool. Ya wanna go and have a drink there. My daddy's got a couple of canteens we could fill em up and take them on the stage with us," offered Alex.
"Crik? Whats a crik?" Snapped the boy, giving Alexandra a sourly look.
"She's mean creek, Jeffery. I'll go; I don't want you getting yer clothes dirty."
Alexandra didn't appreciate the spiteful inference of the pair in front of her. She continued on, trying to be polite, though she couldn't resist adding her own touch of mockery. "No, ma'am, I'll go; wouldn't want your little girl, getting her fancy clothes dirty. Sides, she's probably a mite young ta be toddling off on her own, though she would be with me. I am eleven."
"MOTHER! Tell her I'm not a girl." Jeffery pointed to Alex, "I'm a boy!"
"Right. Sure. You. Are." Alexandra nodded and talked down to the boy as if she was talking to a small child. "I'll jist go get you a nice cool dwinky winky then shall I? Now you stay right there, close ta ya mamma's skirts; I won't be long." With that, Alexandra, smiled sweetly, turned grabbed two of the canteens that sat with their luggage and headed out the door.
Jeffery scowled and poked out his tongue just as Adam walked into the small way stations office to grab his gear. Adam stopped and leveled the small boy with a cold stare. Jeffery then shrunk back, when Adam dropped his baggage and moved towards the mother and her son.
"How do you do Mrs. Winston. I'm sorry I didn't get to informally introduce myself; Adam Cartwright," he said and tipped his hat. "I see you've met my daughter, Alexandra. I'm sure we'll have a pleasant trip to San Francisco. Are you returning home?" he asked.
"Uhmm… Yes Mr. Cartwright. My parents live there."
"Oh just visiting then?"
"No. My father ran off and my mother and I are going back to civilization," Interrupted the boy.
"Oh, that is sad," said Adam, though silently thinking to himself, 'no wonder'. He then silently chastised himself for not being very Christian in his thoughts.
"Thank you Mr. Cartwright. We will both be happier once this trip is over. The last eight years out here has been quite harrowing. Are you visiting family too?" she asked, feeling a lot friendlier towards the handsome Adam Cartwright and his impeccable manners.
"Yes and no, ma'am. I'm going to visit Alexandra's mother; she has been ill."
"Oh I hope she gets better soon. She doesn't live with you?"
"No , I live on the Ponderosa, with my father and brothers. Katherine's needs were best meet in San Francisco," Adam replied candidly.
"Oh just like us," she smiled.
"Not quite," smiled Adam, but kept the pretense in the hope of having a more pleasant trip with the woman and her obnoxious son. He suspected this woman would have no qualms in making comments. Adam was not ashamed of Katherine's situation, however he was not about to have any one sprout their opinion or aspersions to Alexandra.
Alexandra suddenly appeared on the porch steps, holding up two heavy canteens. "Hey dad, I got some cold water for the trip."
Adam turned around and scowled at Alexandra. The front of her new dress was wet and covered in grass stains. "Alexandra; your dress!"
"Oh sorry dad, I had ta lean over ta reach the water. It's okay; it'll wash off, won't it?"
"Yes, come here, we'll try and move some of it now." He waved her over and started on the larger stain on the front of her dress using his handkerchief and the cold water from the canteen.
Jeffery smirked at her as Adam scolded her for getting so dirty so quickly. "Guess your momma's gonna wonder what the cat dragged in once she gets a look at you," snarled Jeffery.
"Jeffery Dwight Winston! That was very unkind." scolded Mrs. Winston.
Adam thought; 'about time.' If that woman didn't pull her child up soon, the kid would be a lost cause and would make her life a living hell. Perhaps not having a father around was the real crux of the matter.
Alexandra threw her fists to her hips and scrunched her face up. Her lips thinned and peered at the boy with a menacing glare. "Won't worry my momma at all; she'd be glad ta see me even iffin I was wearin' a flour sack, which will look pretty fancy where she is. More fancy than the uniforms they probably make her wear in jail."
"Jail!" gasped Mrs. Winston.
Adam stood up, and blushed. He squeezed Alexandra's shoulder, silently conveying she should keep both her temper and words to herself.
Of course Alexandra was too busy trying to put Jeffery in his place and his snooty mother too. "Yeah, Jail. See my momma's the main person in charge of the San Francisco jail for werewolves. She's the caretaker of the werewolves. Thems are men who turn inta hairy monsters at the full moon. Most people are safe, though, cause they's like ta eat rats, and maybe crunch on a snotty nose momma's boys every now and again. That's when they get put in jail for eatin kids. My momma's the ones who keeps them shaved, clean and fed. They have their own herd of sheep jist for them werewolves, and maybe a few momma's boys they keep locked up jist for a treat every now and agin."
Jeffery's eyes went wide horrified at the images that Alexandra was projecting with her tall tale.
Adam scowled at Alexandra for her mischievous taunt, though silently he couldn't blame her. He was also a little relieved that she hadn't revealed too much about Katherine or taken the boys unkind words to heart. "Alexandra, that's enough teasing," he warned patting her backside to accentuate his meaning.
Mrs. Winston was relieved and a little embarrassed that she'd been almost pulled into the tale. "Oh she's just making all that up," the woman sighed in exasperation. "She sure does have an imagination, doesn't she? Though, I would appreciate if you didn't tell any more stories like that little girl; my Jeffery will have nightmares."
Alexandra went to add another comment, but stopped when her father looked her square in the eye and raised both his eyebrows at her, "Behave, respect for your elders, Alexandra; remember?"
Alexandra knew what two raised eyebrows meant, but just the same, gave her father a sour expression along with her nod of submission. She turned to Mrs. Winston and smiled sweetly. "Sorry ma'am. I won't say another word, promise," smirked Alexandra, knowing her father couldn't see her face.
Hoss and Old Henry, along with Toby, arrived, calling for the passengers to board up. Adam grabbed his bags and took them out to the stage. Mrs. Winston followed putting on her gloves as she went. Jeffery paused to look at Alexandra, who was still smirking.
Taking the golden moment, she poked out her tongue. "Grrrr, Yum, yum," she growled and licked her lips. Jeffery took off for the safety of the stage.
"Okay Pumkin, its time fer me ta say goodbye. Give yer old Uncle Hoss a cuddle," said Hoss, spreading arms wide.
Alex threw herself into the big man's belly and hugged him hard. "Bye Uncle Hoss, I'll see you soon."
"Bye pumkin, be good now."
"I will… Oh wait a minute." Alexandra turned and ran back to Topy's kitchen table where she had left her folded napkin, then rushed back to Hoss and handed it to him. "Give these to Little George, or Carlapicio, or maybe Chubb afore yer head home; they love them."
Hoss unfolded the napkin and looked at the large chucks of carrots. He quickly folded them back up and shoved the napkin in his pocket when Adam suddenly appeared back next to him.
"Alexandra, go and get your bonnet," ordered Adam.
"About the bonnet, dad…"
"Alexandra, go get the bonnet; you'll need a hat to keep the sun off your face and the dust out of your hair. It's on Toby's bed."
Alex screwed up her face, but went to retrieve the bonnet without further complaint. She arrived back seconds later wearing it and took her father's outstretched hand. Adam knelt down and tied the ribbons securely under chin. "There you look real pretty," he said and stood up. He turned to Hoss. "Bye Hoss." Adam slapped his brother heartily on the arm. "Make sure you give Sport an extra dipper when you get him home."
"I will. Might jist give him another little treat too." Hoss looked at Alexandra and winked.
Alex giggled, glad her farther ignored her uncle's cryptic comment and followed him out the door towards the stage. All of a sudden Alexandra froze and pulled Adam abruptly to a holt.
"Alex?" Adam turned and saw the fear written on his daughters face. He checked the area for whatever had may have caused it; thinking there may be a snake or something nearby. "Alexandra what's the matter," he asked when he considered there was no obvious danger.
"Nothin' dad."
"Well hop up into the stage, then. Old Henry needs to keep to his schedule."
"Can I ride on top with him, dad?" Alexandra asked.
Adam decided to put a stop to her nonsense; however he noticed that Alexandra was truly shaking. He bent down in front of her and tugged the ribbons of her bonnet, pulling her face down to meet his eyes. "Alexandra, look at me," he asked, concerned about her fixed gaze on the stage coach.
Hoss came to the porch expecting to be waving his family off and saw Alexandra frozen in fear. "Adam, remember in Elk… The stage coach," he said pointing.
Realization dawned on Adams face. "Alexandra, look at me," he said a little more firmly. Alexandra met his gaze. "I know you don't like stage coaches, but it's the fastest and safest way for us to get to your momma."
"The stage took Grandmamma away, but when they bought her back, she was… she was… she had an arrow in her. She never woke up. Then when they took momma away, she was crying. Momma never came back, daddy. Please can I go up and sit with Old Henry?"
"You can't ride with Old Henry because this part of the trip is very bumpy and you might fall off. You will be safer inside. I won't leave your side. You can even sit on my knee for a while, Okay?"
Alex chewed her lip.
Adam picked her up and let her bury her head in the crook of his neck. He patted her back and soothed her, then climbed into the carriage slowly, before sitting down on the thinly padded seat. Alexandra never moved, closing her eyes tightly she held on for dear life, as Hoss closed the door and gave Old Henry a wave to signal all were aboard.
"Shhh," crooned Adam, as the stage coach lurched forward then started down the road. Adam continued to rub Alexandra's back.
"What's wrong with her?" asked Jeffery.
"Nothing," replied Adam. "She's just tired. We both are. We've had a big day, haven't we Alexandra?"
Alex nodded, then while one hand tightly gripped Adams shirt, her other hand feigned a yawn. Adam smiled. He grabbed his thick ochre coat and put it across Alexandra. "That's right Alex why don't we have a sleep. Before you know it we'll be at the next station in time for supper. I could do with a sleep too," said Adam. Pulling his Stetson hat down, he snuggled down with his daughter in his lap.
Before long Adam felt Alexandra's light purr. He pulled the big Heavy coat away, knowing that she would most likely get too hot after a while and probably wake anxious again. He carefully moved Alexandra so she was stretched out on the seat beside him, then folded the coat and used it as a pillow. Taking his own advice, he decided to catch up on the much needed sleep he'd been looking forward to, though sleep eluded him. Every time he closed his eyes all he could see was Katherine; laughing and smiling as they raced their horses out of town together, towards the hot spring pond for a picnic; their very last time together.
That last day in Elk would change their lives forever.
Flashback.
TBC Chapter 7: My Bonnie Kate.
A.N. Sorry this has taken me so long folks, besides real life, a broken computer and my recent leg injury, I've had little opportunity to write. I also had a hard time writing this. I want the flashbacks to be all in sequence, including the day Adam found out about Alexandra. I've left a few teasers there, but that will be the last of the flashbacks. For those that wanted some more of Marty, there will be some time with her especially when she reads Adam's letter. But don't worry; the next story will include their relationship. A big shout out to Lajoci for helping me make this so much better.
