New Beginnings: Life Changes
Ch. 5
Showdown
Two weeks after returning home from their honeymoon in Denver, Ethan and Delphie find little time to be alone. Ethan has returned to work as Sheriff and Delphie is learning her new role as a mother. Having been restricted from anything he considered fun for a week, Ben is now free to enjoy the summer. Not happy with having his new Mama side with Ethan on his punishment for misbehavior during the week his parents were away, he's plotting small rebellions. Meanwhile, the time for training another set of horses for the army has arrived.
"Rob, Joseph, we have the group of horses due to be delivered today. Rob, once again, I need you to take over the negotiations for me. I have the paperwork ready and there shouldn't be a problem. The army corporals delivering the horses have been here before. Just sign the contract and get half the payment in advance. Joseph, you need to be here to help get the horses into the corral plus feed them." Ethan explains to the group gathered in the front room.
"Yes, Pa. How many horses are we getting this time?" Joseph asks.
"We'll have twenty for eight weeks. That's more than we sometimes have. We're asking fifteen dollars a head for gentling, grooming, and general care. That's more than fair, I believe. We will have the care of the horses plus training them so we should get reimbursement for that."
"Fifteen dollars for twenty horses is a lot of money."
"That's true Joseph, but it takes much of our time to work with the horses. Think of it as payment for eight weeks of work. If we work six days a week for eight weeks approximately five hours a day. That's a lot of work and then as I said we add the cost of feeding and caring for them. Our work has a reputation and as such the army expects higher prices for high results. We will accept no more than twenty horses though. If they bring more, just tell them we will only take twenty at a time. I've increased the number to accept as I believe we can handle that amount now."
Knowing the answer but needing to ask anyway, Ben speaks up. "Papa? Are you going to let me and George work with the horses like the older boys? We know how to gentle them too."
"Let me answer that with a question of my own. Are these wild animals or tame?"
"They're wild or we wouldn't need to be gentling them, Papa," Ben answers barely refraining from sounding sarcastic.
"How old have I said you boys must be before practicing gentling techniques on wild horses?" Ethan asks next.
"Thirteen. But Papa, that's so far away and we can help now!"
"You will help. You will help get food ready, clean and freshen stalls, take care of your older brothers' barn chores so they will have time for the work with the horses. You will not be allowed in the corral with these horses. Either of you. These are not tame, as I already stated and could harm you. Am I understood, Ben? George?"
"Yes Papa, I understand," George answers slumping a little in disappointment at not being allowed to go in with the horses. Working with the horses isn't the part he himself enjoys. He prefers grooming and giving carrots or sugar cubes as treats. He's especially fond of some of the mares whereas Ben likes the geldings or stallions.
"But we're a year older now. We can help with the horses." Ben protests which earns him one of his Pa's stern no-nonsense looks.
"Ben, I asked you a question. Do you understand you will not be working with the horses?" Ethan replies more firmly.
"Yes, sir," Ben answers bottom lip now poked out.
"It's alright Ben, George. We three will be finding all sorts of adventures together while your Pa and brothers have to work. Let them do all the hard work while we have fun." Delphie exclaims giving the boys a pat on the back.
"Delphie, just to tell you in front of the boys, they are not allowed inside the corral with the new horses. They are not to attempt to ride, gentle or do anything else with the horses. It is not safe for anyone but Rob, Joseph or myself until after the horses are tamed. Once we have gentled them and are confident they are safe, I'll allow the boys and you ladies to visit them."
"I understand, Ethan. As I said, we three will find our own amusements." Delphie replies with a slight nod to show she understands his message. The boys now know they can't try to convince her there are no rules as she's been told in front of them.
"Well, I'll be in town if something happens you can't handle. I'll be home in time for supper. Thank you for the excellent breakfast, Delphie. Enjoy your day. Boys, mind your Mama. Ready Claire? I'll walk with you to town."
"I'm ready. Bye, everyone. When I come home I'll tell you all about my new job working with Dr. Amy. I can't believe I get to be almost like a nurse." Claire tells her brothers.
"You'll be a good almost-nurse, Claire. You've fixed our hurts for years now." George tells his sister as she walks out the door.
"Thank you, George. That's very kind of you. Have a great day."
Waiting for the delivery of the horses, Rob is checking the corral fence with Joseph trailing along behind him.
"I do wish they'd hurry up and bring the horses. I'm tired of waiting. If they don't hurry, we'll be missing lunch because we have to settle the horses first." Joseph complains as he walks after his brother.
Stopping at the far end of the corral, Rob examines the section of the fence he's come across to check.
"Joseph?"
"Huh?"
"Weren't you told to fix these rails last week? Didn't Pa say to come and replace this section of rails and also put in a new post here? The post is rotting and the rails are as well. He said to get it fixed so the new horses wouldn't be able to knock into it and tear it down, isn't that right?"
"Well, I don't remember the exact words, Rob. I don't believe I have a photographic memory."
"Do you remember being assigned the job?" Rob asks with a glare for the flippant answer.
"Kinda, yeah. I was going out with the guys that day and meant to fix it later. I forgot, it's not like I committed a crime, Rob."
"Go get the rails and post and get the fence repaired right now! We have horses coming at any time!"
"You aren't the boss of me, Rob." Joseph snaps back with his hands on his hips mimicking his older brother's stance.
"Joseph. Either fix the fence now or I'll do it. If I do it for you, two things will occur. One, I will flip you over a fence rail to give you a spanking and two I will then tell Pa I spanked you and why. What would he do with that information?"
"That's so almost funny, I am almost laughing. You wouldn't spank me!" Joseph protests. Then seeing his older brother's face and realizing he isn't joking he nearly whines as he says "Rob, come on. I'm not Ben or George! I am too old for you to do that! Be reasonable. Don't be this way."
At Rob's stern expression, obviously waiting for his answer, Joseph backs off and tries a different approach. "Don't tell, please? I'll get it done. Just don't tell. Pa would get me for not doing what he told me and going fishing instead. Plus forgetting all about it. You know he would! Please, I'll do the work."
"I won't say a thing if you get the job done correctly. Start now."
Snapping his heels together with a salute, Joseph snaps off "YES, SIR!" in his best imitation of a soldier.
"Get it done." Rob orders walking away.
"Get it done." Joseph mimics quietly. Not liking being ordered around by his older brother. "All that 'I'm In Charge' business a few weeks back is stuck in his mind. I'm not a kid to be ordered around."
An hour later he's nailing the last rail in place as he hears and then sees the group of twenty horses arrive. They are being kept in a tight pack by several men on horseback. Picking up his cloth nail bag and hammer, he walks across to meet the soldiers alongside Rob.
"Corporal Kent and Corporal Wilson, I am Rob Cord and this is my brother, Joseph. We are acting in our Pa's stead, today. I have knowledge of the arrangement." Rob informs the men who came forward to meet them, leaving the other four men to stay with the horses.
"Hello Rob, Joseph. Your Pa informed me of the arrangement for transfer. I have the money but I need to see the contract to be sure you have the same details as I."
"We are accepting twenty horses to gentle, care for and train in return for half the payment. The other half is to be paid when you or someone, come to collect these horses in eight weeks. The Circle Five Ranch does not cheat our customers, sir." Rob says firmly.
"Calm down, son. No one is suggesting you are trying to cheat. We seem to be miscommunicating. We always check the contract to make sure everyone knows the details beforehand. Here is our copy of the contract for you to read. May I see your copy as well?"
"Yes, here you are," Rob replies handing over the handwritten agreement.
"Everything seems to be in order with both contracts having the same terms. We gratefully accept, on behalf of the United States Army: the Circle Five Ranch will train our horses for eight weeks. Here is the prepayment for the care of the horses." Corporal Wilson remarks as he passes a money pouch to Joseph.
Looking at Rob questioningly, Joseph waits for instructions hoping he'll be asked to count the money.
"Open it and check to be sure it's all there, Joseph. Corporals, we have been cheated out of our payment once before so we are cautious." Rob explains.
"Understandable. You will find it all there. Now, if you will sign in your father's place, we will help you get the horses into the corral."
"It's all here plus fifty dollars more, Rob."
"We didn't ask for extra, just for the advanced payment," Rob states looking at the corporal.
"Yes, but we are adding fifty to the original agreement because your father has done work for us before. We also heard he recently acquired a wife. Let us give the money as a wedding gift. Surely he won't turn down a wedding gift."
"He might, he's particular about these agreements," Joseph replies with a grin while Rob ponders the situation.
"Alright, we accept. Thank you for the gift on his behalf. Thank you as well, for understanding why we needed to count the money. We're ready to accept the horses and we'd appreciate the help to get them in the corral. Joseph, saddle our mounts." Rob replies much to Joseph's disgust. He doesn't like being ordered around in front of the men.
"Joseph, wait." The officer calls as Joseph begins to walk away. "You two will not need horses, you will be keeping the gate open and be ready to wave them back into the corral if one makes a break for freedom. We will drive them into the corral." Corporal Kent replies.
"We're trained to deal with horses, sir." Joseph can't help but speak up. His words earning a condemning look from the corporal.
"Nonetheless, we'll do it our way this time. Your father can make decisions on what he will allow you to do when he's here. Right now he isn't so I will take command. Step aside and go hold the gate. Rob, you be the watchman."
As the men ride back to begin bringing the horses, Joseph complains to Rob, "He's treating us like we're Ben's age. We know how to handle horses! Who is he to tell us what to do on our own ranch?! We aren't in the army!"
"Just be cooperative and let's get the horses in the corral. Come on, get in the position. Must you be so contrary today? He must think you are a little boy the way you act."
While the older boys are taking care of business outside, Delphie is trying to entertain the younger boys. Ben is not in the mood for stories or singing. He has decided to make a game of running up and down the stairs to the attic rooms.
"Ben, please stop running before you fall. Come down and we'll play a game together. We can play Poor Polly or Kitty In The Corner. Claire told me about those game."
"No thank you, Mama. I am fine. I want to be upstairs."
"Stay out of your brother and sister's rooms. Do you remember what your Pa told you just yesterday? He wasn't happy and neither was Claire when you were in her room without permission."
"I'm fine, Mama. I won't go in the rooms. Weren't you going to make us some blackberry pies?" Ben asks redirecting Delphie to something away from his behavior.
"Yes, George will you be my helper? Ben, would you like to help as well?"
"I'll be in the attic. I'm going to watch the horses from upstairs."
"Very well, let's get our dough made, George." Delphie remarks turning towards the kitchen. Hearing her, Ben grins to himself thinking of the great prank he played that morning. Switching the sugar and salt bags will cause the pie to be inedible. As much as he loves pie, getting even is more important. The snake in the basket of bedclothes didn't phase his Mama so he's trying another prank. Watching her gently lift the garter snake and carry it to the garden was a surprise. He expected shrieks of terror not handling it lovingly.
Having finished watching the horses be herded into the corral, Ben plots his next move. Thinking that ruining the pies might not be enough, he has another idea. After a trip outside he returns to execute his next plan. With as much stealth as possible, he goes into his Mama's new room. Carefully he pulls the covers up around the bed, just as they were when he came in and tiptoes back out. Nearly jumping out of his shoes when he hears "What were you doing in that room, Ben?"
"Straightening the bedcovers, George. I saw they were a little uneven so I fixed it. Want to go play in the barn? We can see the kittens. Now that Shadow has moved them from the high loft, we can visit them. Yesterday, the little one we call Paleface let me hold him. Are you finished with pie making, Georgina?"
"Why are you calling me that?"
"Pie making is a girly thing."
"You're just jealous that Mama wanted my help instead of yours. She likes having me around. Go see the kittens by yourself. I don't want to be around you." George replies, leaving Ben standing alone.
Enjoying time away from the boys and household work, Claire is eagerly bandaging a patient. Having swabbed his arm with disinfectant and added healing balm to the cut, she's wrapping the hand.
"Miss?"
"Yes?"
"Is there any way you could do away with some of those layers? I need my hand to work and wrapped in five layers, it can barely even move my fingers much less use my hand. I need to hold my saw, you see. We're felling and cutting tees up the way for the lines to come through."
"Oh, yes. I did get carried away with the wrapping. I think two layers would do if you take two with you and promise to rewrap it tomorrow. If you'll wash the wrappings tomorrow then you'll have fresh wraps for the following day. What lines are you referring to? As far as I know, the train lines are set."
"Yes Miss, I will follow your instructions. Not train lines, telephone lines. The telephone company is bringing a crew out to set poles and string lines very soon. My brother works with the company as a lineman. If you know any young men sixteen and above who want to earn three dollars a day stringing lines, tell them to come to the General Store this Saturday at noon."
"Yes, sir. I will and here's a tube of ointment to treat that cut. If it gets red, swollen or more painful, come back to the clinic as it will need further treatment."
"Yes, Miss. May I have your name? I don't wish to call just you "Miss".
"Claire Cord."
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss. Cord. Might I inquire where you live? I would like to take you on a walk by the lake after I finish work today."
"Thank you for the offer, sir. A walk would be grand but, I am engaged to be married."
Dr. Amy, having come into the clinic in time to hear the conversation from "May I have your name?", waits to see what the young man has to say next.
"Well, engaged is not married yet. I still have a chance. What about taking that walk with me? I like pretty girls and you'll see I'm a good kisser. I just might make you forget all about the other guy. Now, where was it you lived?"
"I live with my Pa, our ranch is out a ways from town. You just ask for directions to Sheriff Cord's ranch and anyone will be able to direct you. Have you knowledge of Ethan Allen Cord, the gunfighter?"
"Why yes, most people have heard tales of him. What makes you ask?"
"That's my Pa and also the Sheriff here in Paradise."
"Well, thank you for your time. I'll take care of my cut. Good day to you Ma'am." The man says doffing his hat as he walks quickly past Dr. Amy to leave the clinic.
As the door closes behind him, Amy begins to chuckle and Claire asks "How much did you hear?"
"Everything from where he asked 'May I have your name?'. He certainly made fast tracks out of here when you told him your Pa was not only the sheriff but a famous gunfighter! I wish I'd been able to see his face when you said it!"
"It's the first time I've ever used Pa's fame. Most of the time growing up, we were told never to mention it. I hope he doesn't get cross with me for telling."
"He'll be proud and pleased at how well you handled yourself. Be sure to tell Delphie this tale as well. She'll enjoy it as much as I do. Your Pa can rest easy, as you know how to handle the riffraff."
"Why do you call him 'riffraff'? He seemed pleasant enough."
"Claire, no decent young man talks about taking a private trip or kissing with a young woman he just met. Stay with Alex, he'll love you the right way and forever."
"I have not wanted to be with anyone except Alex since we first met almost three years ago. I wish you'd been here to see my dressing of the wound. I sent a jar of disinfectant with him, is that alright?"
"It's fine and you did well on the dressing. I glimpsed it as he ran past." Amy says, chuckling again.
"Where did you learn so many good nursing techniques? Your handling of young Lenny this morning with his broken fingers and now this. The first day on the job and I'm getting worried you may replace me!"
"No, I won't I am not the one with a Doctor's certificate from a university. I picked up the skills being Big Sister and our friend John Taylor, an Indian Healer, taught me a lot as well. Well, I should say he taught Pa, who in turn taught us. Joseph and myself, I mean. Joseph is good at putting what he knows to use with the animals. He leaves the people to me."
While Claire is enjoying her first day of working at the clinic, her brothers are not enjoying their day.
"Joseph!" Rob calls, stalking towards his brother.
"WHAT NOW?" Joseph asks, exasperated as this is by his count at least the twelfth time, Rob has commented on something he's doing.
"Don't yell! You know that spooks the horses. Now, look! The mares you were near are running. What are you doing over here? We were just going to put the towels on their backs, not try anything else. I look over and see you brushing them down! That's too risky. You know that! Now go back to toweling them only. One towel at a time for the count of twenty and switch to a new horse. We aren't to do more than get them used to something light on their back. Can't you remember to follow the instructions today?"
"Yea, I can. I can also remember you are not the boss of me so back off or ..."
"Go ahead, finish what you were going to say... or what?"
When his brother doesn't answer, Rob smirks at him. "Just what I thought, all talk. Get busy and start laying the towels on their backs. We still have ten to work with and that's including the two stallions I'll do. You do the mares."
"I can do a stallion as well as you. Stop telling me what I can and can't do."
"Stop arguing and start working. I'm about ready to put you over a barrel and whip you so watch it!"
At that statement, Joseph feels his fist fly out and connect with Rob's mouth.
Horrified at what he just did, Joseph attempts to apologize.
"I I I am so sorry. I didn't mean to hit you."
"Work now, talk later," Rob says walking back across the corral.
While his brothers are arguing outside, Ben, having visited the kittens is now busy putting pepper into the stew pot simmering on the stove. Not noticing someone watching from the stairs, he stirs the stew. He's quite surprised when his stirring arm is seized in a tight grip.
"Yow! That hurts, let go!" He complains before actually looking to see who it is holding his arm.
"What did you just add to this stew?" Delphie asks sternly.
"Nothing. I was just stirring it well."
"Do you know who put a toad in my bed today? I just put clean sheets on! How about who switched the sugar and salt? The sugar bag now contains salt. It's not funny to make pies with salt or put sugar in something that needs salt. You can ruin it by having it be sweet, Ben."
"I didn't think it was funny when George did those things. Why would you think I did?"
"Ben, I thought you and I were getting along just fine. Now with all these pranks, and you telling me a bold face lie, makes me wonder. Never tell me lies, Ben. Lying will only get you one thing from me."
"I'm not lying."
"Ben, George was with me all day. He wouldn't have put the toad in my bed. He's the one who told me about the switched salt and sugar so I know it wasn't him who did it. You have had your limit of pranks for this week. There will be no more or we'll refer it to your Papa. For now, sit your bum on this stool and don't move. I'll be right back."
Sitting as he was told, Ben watches as his new Mama moves to the pantry shelves. Taking something down, she returns to the child.
"Ben, I want to hear the truth. Did you switch the sugar and salt, put a toad in my bed and smear my face cream on my dressing gown? Were you also responsible for the child-sized boot prints in mud across the new front room rug?"
"I didn't do any of those things. I'm not the only one who is a child here in this house."
"Alright Ben, open your mouth."
"Why?"
As soon as the boy opens to say something, Delphie inserts her finger wiping it across the inside of his cheek.
"OWWWWW! MY MOUTH! MAMA! IT'SBURNINGHOT!" Ben gasps as his eyes begin to water and his mouth fill.
"This is what happens to people who lie. They get a burning. Now with your Papa, it may be a burning bum but with me, it will be a burning mouth. You have one more minute to wait and then you can rinse your mouth."
Tears running down his face, Ben leans over the sink and rinses his mouth with the glass of water provided.
"What did you do to me?"
"I put hot sauce on the inside of your mouth. My Mam did that to me when I was a wee one. It cures the lying faster than a switch don't you think?" Delphie asks as the boy continues to rinse his mouth and spit out into the sink.
"You'd use a switch on me?" Ben asks between rinses.
"If it became necessary. Let's not be enemies, Ben. I want to be your Mama who is a fun and kind Mama but I won't let you get away with being naughty. Are you ready to start again and be the boy who used to be kind, funny, and loving?"
"I am. I'm sorry, I got mad when you let Papa whip me and then make me stay home all last week."
"You thought I would protect you, is that what you thought?"
At the slight nod, she takes the boy in her arms and sits down in a chair. "Wee little lamb, listen to me. I love you and I will always protect you. That protecting might be protecting you from yourself. Your behavior, while your Pa and I were away was not the Ben I know. You can't treat other people that way. You can't put yourself in danger either. Your Pa and I couldn't do without you or any of our family so please, no more stunts with guns. I hope your Pa got that message across. I imagine he could and would repeat the lesson if he needs to do so."
"NO, I don't need it repeated. I learned it! I did! I won't be bad anymore. I promise. Don't tell on me. Please, Mama?"
"Don't tell on you for what? What have you done?" Ben hears a voice ask from the doorway.