Chapter 16

The next day, Adam announced they should begin the journey back to the Ponderosa and take their time doing it, so that they could get to know one another's true minds. It made Mary anxious to think of returning to the Ponderosa, wondering what his father and brothers would be thinking of her, especially since Adam had promised not to reveal her story to them.

"I know what you're thinking." Adam expressed. "How are we to explain your behaviour to my family when we get back. Right?"

"Yes. Can you read my thoughts Adam?"

"I can well understand your anxiety at returning, but we will talk all this out during our journey home."

"A 'home' is something I'd only dreamed about. Thank you for that. I'm just so anxious and thrilled at the same time. So much has happened to me since I first met you, Adam. And look what you've done to me. I can't believe how differently I feel right at this moment." Mary said smiling.

"That's good, Mary. And keep those smiles coming. I love to see you smile. Now, let's have some breakfast, pack up and head home. I bought a small buggy which is waiting for us outside and Sport, my horse, is tied to the back also patiently waiting."

They spoke with Father Phillip before they left and thanked him for having such an understanding heart. He said he would pray for their happiness together. And they wished him well in the restoration of the church.

Their journey homeward was just wonderful for Mary, who was now learning things about Adam and his dreams. How he wants to build a home of his own on a certain spot of Ponderosa land. Unbeknown to Mary, Adam already had the place in mind.

Mary had begun to relax a little during the journey back to the Ponderosa, but as the buggy approached the yard her nervousness flared up again. Adam put his arm around her letting her know she was not alone and that they would come through this with flying colours.

Ben, Joe and Hoss emerged through the front door when they heard the buggy approaching. Adam got down and walked around to the other side to help Mary down. Joe quickly took hold of the horse's bridle and said he would look after the horse and buggy. Hoss offered to look after Sport. That left Ben, who suggested they went inside and rest up.

"Perhaps Mary would like to rest in her room, after such a long journey." Ben suggested. "Dinner won't be ready for another couple of hours."

"Yes, thank you Mr. Cartwright, I think I will." Then hesitently Mary asked, "Is it the same room I had before?"

"Yes Mary, it is."

"Thank you." And with that Mary made her escape.

Adam held up his hand to forestall his father. "Now Pa, before you start asking questions, let me tell you, something happened between Mary and myself before she left us, although she masked her feeling by her behaviour. She has since told me her entire story, but don't ask me to tell you it as I promised her that her past history stays between her and me. I will tell you only this, that her past was horrendous and I plan to give Mary a life of fulfilment to make up for it, if she'll let me."

"If she'll let you?" Ben said, looking questioningly at Adam.

"Yes, I've yet to convince her that her past is not important to me.

"Joe and Hoss are bound to want some answers."

"Yes, I'm sure. But I'm leaving it in your hands to make them understand that questions are out." Adam sat in the blue chair. "I know she's the one for me Pa. She is highly intelligent, loves books, music and art. And I believe there is a little of Mary Kelly in her. So all in all I see a great future for us and that beautiful strip of land you gave me would make a wonderful spot on which to make a home. We would only be a short distance away."

"All this planning seems very sudden, son. Let's get Mary settled in first and give her some time to adjust before you consider anything more serious." Ben was concerned that Adam was rushing into things. He felt he was making a mistake. But of course he had no idea of Mary's past or of her true self.

"Pa, it's not like we're getting married tomorrow. I know Mary will need time. I know that only too well, believe me."

"Okay, let's leave it at that for now. Go and rest up before dinner. It's been a long day for you too."

"Thanks Pa." Adam stood and made his way upstairs. He went along to the guest room and opened the door. He found Mary asleep. He lovingly looked down on her, kissed her forehead and left her for his own room to wash and lie down.

…

Mary came down the stairs, having washed and tidied herself, refreshed from her nap. Adam walked over to her and took her arm through his and introduced her to his father and brothers as if it was the first time they had met.

"Well" said Ben, "Let's make our way over to the table, dinner is ready."

They all sat down at the table, Mary on Adam's left with him at the top in his usual seat facing his father. Ben said grace and everyone began to dish up their plates, except Mary.

"I feel I ought to say something to you all about my previous visit here."

"There's no need." Adam said, touching her hand.

"Oh, but there is. Some sort of explanation is definitely required and I plan to give it." Mary said looking at each of the other three faces looking at her.

I know you'll find it hard to forgive me for my behaviour and if you feel the need to punish me for it, then I'll understand and accept whatever you feel is right and proper."

"I think Adam has dealt with that issue," Ben said with a slight smile.

"True, but it wasn't only Adam that I wronged was it." Mary said, her heart beating fast.

"You're not Irish then, I take it?" Joe asked, staring at her.

"Joe!" Hoss admonished. "We don't need to know anything about before. Let's just start fresh, like we only just met Mary."

"That's very kind of you Hoss." Mary said, thanking him.

"Can we eat now, please." Ben brook into the conversation. "Dinner is getting cold and you know what Hop Sing will say if he sees us talking so much and not eating."

"That's right Pa," Adam confirmed. "Now, have some roast pork." Adam said holding out the plate for Mary to take some. "And then help yourself to the vegetables. We can talk more comfortably in the big room once we've finished dinner."

When dinner was finished they all took themselves to the comfortable seats around the fireplace and Hop Sing brought in a tray of cups and saucers, and then returned with the big coffee pot, cream and sugar.

Mary began again, once the coffee was poured and everyone had one. "I want to make it up to everyone. I can do many chores, including barn chores, grooming horses, repairing horse shoes and branding, though I can't obviously hold a steer down. I can also do all house chores, chicken coup, collecting eggs…maybe this will help in my apologies to Hop Sing."

"Hold on Mary," Hoss interrupted. We don't expect you to be doing any such thing. You are here now as our guest."

"Hoss is right." Said Ben. But maybe you could help Hop Sing a little. He can always use it."

"Very well, whatever you want me to do, I'll do." Still very nervous, she drank her coffee straight down.

Adam watched and listened to Mary's every word and was pleased with the way she was conducting herself.

Eventually, Mary decided it was time to retire. "I hope you won't mind, but I'm rather tired and would like to retire, if that's alright with you."

"Of course." Ben responded. "It has been a long day and I'm sure we'll all be doing the same very shortly."

"Goodnight then, and thank you all." Mary said, rising from her seat. All four Cartwright's rose up from their seats.

"Oh no, please stay seated, I've not deserved that courtesy. Maybe in time. But thank you all the same." And with that Mary left them and walked up the stairs and along the corridor to her room. Never had she taken such a long walk!

…..

"You haven't said much Adam." Joe said, questioningly looking at Adam.

"There was no need for me to say anything. Mary needed to say what she did and I was so pleased with her for considering you all with courtesy. It will be hard for her to adjust, I'm sure, but I'm here to help her with that. I think I'll just go on up and see that she's alright, and then go off to bed myself. Goodnight, one and all."

"Goodnight Adam" came the reply from Ben, Hoss and Joe, collectively.

…..

Adam knocked on Mary's door. "Come in Adam."

"How d'you know it was me?"

"I didn't think any of the others would be knocking at my door."

Walking into the room and looking at Mary, Adam could see she had been crying and came over to her, sat next to her and pulled her to him and held her tight.

"There's no need for tears any more. You're safe here with me and I hope, in time, that you will feel you belong here with us, with me. I'm not going to rush you into anything." He said handing her his handkerchief.

"Thank you Adam," she said wiping her eyes.

"Now then, I want you to go to sleep and not worry about anything and tomorrow I'll start showing you around the Ponderosa, after our chores are completed, that is." Adam said smiling and winking at Mary. "Do you need anything?"

"No thank you, everything I need is right here. Hop Sing prepared this room very well."

"Goodnight then, Mary and sleep well." Adam said, kissing Mary lightly on the lips, not wanting to frighten her by anything more passionate. He stood and made his way to the door. "I love you, just remember that." He closed the door behind him.

Mary was left in a daze.