New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 48
Brotherly Love
Sunday afternoon after church, the family gathered to have a birthday lunch for Ben and George.
"This roast is so tender. How did you get the beef to be this way?" Amelia asks as the group enjoys the meal.
"I cooked it early this morning and then just let it sit in the pot while we were away. We put it back on to warm while cooking the side dishes."
"Which one of you two birthday boys requested brussel sprouts and spinach?" Rob asks his youngest brothers.
Watching both boys' eyes dart across the dishes on the table, he laughs.
"No brussel sprouts or spinach in sight, fellas. I was only teasing."
"Why tease them that way?" Amelia asks as Ben complains "Rooobbb, that's not nice!"
"It's our birthday lunch, we don't have to eat brussel sprouts or spinach. We get our favorites like carrots, creamed potatoes, biscuits, and cornbread." George informs his oldest brother.
"That is what brothers do, Amelia. We tease each other sometimes. I know they both despise those vegetables. Both have been in trouble for not eating them in the past. I wanted to see what they would do if they thought the vegetables were here on the table."
"I agree with Ben. That was not nice to worry them." Amelia tells him.
"How do you two feel about sharing the same birthday?" Amelia asks George as he is sitting beside her.
"We really do not share a birthday, just a party. My birthday was March 20 and Ben's was two days ago on March 24th. We like having a birthday party together. Papa started doing it this way the first year we lived with him. We even met Rob at our party a few years ago before he was our brother. He was my sister Claire's friend and then our friend too. After his Uncle Vern got killed he became our brother." George answers.
"George, your lunch is going to be cold if you don't begin eating. You requested brown sugared carrots but they won't taste good if they are not warm so let's save the storytime."
"Yes, Mama, and thank you for making me carrots."
"Since you love them, you can have my serving, George. I prefer my carrots with no sugar." Joseph says from George's left side.
"I opened a canning jar of green peas as well, Joseph. I know you like those but I forgot to fill the bowl. It is the pot at the back of the stove. Would you bring a bowl?"
"Yes Ma'am, I'll get them. Excuse me, please." Joseph replies rising to do as asked.
After eating, Rob volunteers to help Joseph with the cleanup while the boys show Amelia their horses.
"We'll have dessert later. You boys take your time outside." Ethan tells them.
Sitting at the table wrapping the gifts for Ben and George, Ethan asks "How did you enjoy your time at the Blackstocks, Joseph?"
Washing dishes beside Joseph, Rob feels his brother stiffen slightly with a quick inhale before answering "I had a good time. Theo showed me his Pa's picture card viewer and pictures of New York City. Mrs. Blackstock let us spend the night over at the hotel with Mike and Mark. Mason was there too."
"She mentioned you boys went to stay with Mark, as we were talking after church. Do you believe it is alright for you to go to another person's home without asking your parents?" Ethan asks, his tone conversational.
Turning around completely to face his Pa, Joseph replies "No sir, not normally. This time was different. You tell us to obey the adult in charge and that was Mrs. Blackstock. She gave us permission to go visit and sleep over. Are you mad, Pa?"
"Your Pa is not a dog with foaming at the mouth disease, Joseph. Use the correct term." Delphie says, having come from checking the baby.
"Yes, Ma'am. Are you angry with me, Pa? Mrs. Blackstock did give us permission when Theo asked." Joseph asks, rewording his question.
"No, I am not. Just don't make a habit out of changing places you are staying without my knowledge. If an emergency came your mother and I would need to know exactly where you are staying."
"Yes sir."
Rob could tell his brother was still tense even after their father's reassurance. Knowing Joseph, he wonders what might have gone on to cause him to be this anxious.
The door opening and Amelia, Ben, and George's arrival keeps him from having any chance to talk with Joseph alone.
"Well now that you are back, I need your help. It seems we found some unclaimed gifts here on the table. Do you know a George or a Ben?" Ethan asks Amelia. He is completely ignoring the two excited boys beside her who are eyeing the presents
"Well, let me think," Amelia replies, playing along. "Yes, I do believe I have heard those names. Rob? Don't you know a Ben and a George?"
"I do and it is these two big guys right here! I have a gift for each of you from Amelia and me. I didn't wrap it though. Do you want it anyway?"
"Yes!" Ben exclaims as George says "Yes please, Rob."
"Alright you boys sit opposite each other and we will begin with Rob and Amelia's gift," Delphie tells her boys who are nearly dancing in place with excitement.
"Close your eyes and hold out both hands," Rob instructs. When his young brothers follow his command, he passes a coin to Amelia, motioning for her to give it to George. Dropping his coin into Ben's hands as Amelia does the same with George, Rob says "Open your eyes."
"Money! Thank you, Rob! Thank you, Amelia!" Ben says enthusiastically as George adds "A whole half dollar! Thank you both!"
Unable to control himself, Joseph asks "Is there a half half dollar, George?"
"Yes, there is. It is a 25 cent piece. Twenty-five is half of fifty, Joseph. You should know that by the time you are fifteen. I know it and I am just turned eleven."
"He got you, Joseph! He's correct too! A 25 cent piece is half of a half dollar!" Rob tells his frowning brother.
"My gifts for you are in brown paper and will be last. Open something else." Joseph tells his brothers. His tone of voice earning a reproving look from his mother.
"Here boys, open mine. Your Pa and I got separate gifts this time." Delphie explains as she pushes identical white paper packages to each child.
"Oh! A new shirt. Thank you, Mama. I like the blue and white pattern. Ben, we have the same except yours is red and white."
"Yes, thank you, Mama."
"These are for spring and summer and are not school clothes. I saw your two summer shirts are faded. These will look much better. Also, you can each wear either shirt."
"Here you go, boys. Something you both have been wanting." Ethan exclaims handing each boy a rectangular wrapped box.
"A POCKETKNIFE?! Oh, thank you! Look, Joseph! I have a knife too now!" Ben tells his brother, getting a nod of acknowledgment.
"Thank you, Papa. The knife is very nice." George replies somewhat less enthused than Ben.
"You are welcome, boys. These are real knives and are not toys. You will not throw them or play with them. If I find you have misused it, two things will occur. One, the knife will be put away for a determined amount of time, and two, you will not sit comfortably for the rest of that day! Clear enough?"
"Yes sir!" Both boys answer.
"Good, we will talk about what you may use the knife for, later. Just remember it is not to be played with."
"My gift for you is not from a store. I hope you like it." Joseph says as he passes a wrapped parcel to his younger brothers.
"Thank you, Joseph, but what do I do with it?" Ben asks examining the wooden plaque with the name Kelly carved on it.
"Thank you very much. Is mine to remember our first Mama and put on the remembrance shelf with the things Claire has sent from Boston?"
"You could, George, but it is really a nameplate for your horse's stall. My idea was to have Lucy and Kelly both have nameplates on the stall doors. I saw it in a horse racing magazine at the Mercantile. In a photograph of the racing barn, each horse had a nameplate on their stall. I carved these for your horses."
"What a thoughtful gift, Joseph. You have impressive talent to be able to carve letters." Amelia tells him.
"Thanks, Amelia. I enjoy carving."
"Well now, it is time for birthday spankings who wants to go first?" Ethan asks watching the two birthday boys' faces morph from happy to shock.
"What did we do wrong?" George asks.
"You dared to turn another year older. Come here!"
Flipping the protesting boy over his knee, Ethan taps his behind lightly ten times before saying "Ten taps for luck and one real smack so you will grow properly next year."
"YOW! That stung, Papa!"
"I needed to make sure you grow properly, son. Now for Ben, come here."
"Nununh, No thank you. I will skip that." Ben answers as he tries to get past Ethan to the front room.
"Not an option, my boy. You also have to get your birthday spanking in order to have good luck and grow properly." Ethan tells him as he easily snags the boy around his waist,
"Annnd one to grow on!" Ethan calls laying the final smack after the eleven light ones. "YOWeee! That was a real one!" He hears from the boy over his lap.
"We never had this before, why this time?" George asks
"I was just told of the tradition. You can thank Mrs. Blackstock."
Looking over at George, Ben tells him silently "This is one thing I will not be thanking anyone for."
"Dessert time! We have white cake with raspberry jam filling and chocolate pie. Birthday boys get first choice." Delphie declares bringing the cake to the table while Amelia brings the pie.
As the family begins to enjoy their dessert, everyone hears a loud wail from the bedroom.
"I'll get her," Ethan says before leaving the kitchen. Returning moments later with a cooing baby, he says "Someone wants to come to her very first party."
Trying to balance the little wiggler and eat his cake proves difficult for Ethan.
"Let me hold her, Pa," Rob says scooping Emerson up into a sitting position in his arms. "There now Little Miss, you can see everything so calm yourself."
"She likes that, Rob. She wanted to see what we are doing." George informs his brother.
Joseph finds sleep nearly impossible that evening. Every time he feels himself relax, his mind jerks back to the previous night. Rolling back to front and side to side he can not lose the images playing in his mind.
The early morning call for chores wakes him after he has fallen into an exhausted sleep three hours earlier.
"Joseph! Move it along, son. The cows are waiting for milking. Ben and George are already out there. I have now called you twice! You won't be happy if I come up here again!" Ethan says from the doorway.
"Coming, Pa." The boy answers slowly moving his legs to sit on the side of the bed. His head swimming and aching, he dutifully dresses for chores.
Nearing lunchtime, Joseph has fallen asleep for the third time. Once nudged awake by Theo sitting behind him and once through the sound of his teacher's clapping hands. Having received a stern warning to "Pay Attention!" from his teacher, the boy drifts off again despite fighting hard to stay awake. This time he is rudely awakened by a loud voice beside his desk "Joseph Cord! On Your Feet!"
"You will take this note and remove yourself. I will not tolerate you sleeping in my classroom. Today is not the first time we have had this problem. You are dismissed until you have your parent's signature or your father brings you back."
Stopping at the well in the schoolyard, Joseph pours dipperfuls of extremely cold water over his head. Awake now, he wonders why he didn't think of this earlier. Deciding there was only one place to go, he heads for what Rob has named The Homestead.
Hearing the sound of hammering coming from the recently remodeled barn, Joseph steps inside.
Luckily no one but Rob, whose back is to the doorway, is there.
"ROB! I need to talk to you. Could you stop the infernal racket and listen?" Joseph calls out after impatiently waiting to be noticed.
"Joseph? What are you doing here? Is there trouble?" Rob asks having nearly dropped the hammer at the shout.
"Not the way you mean it, no. Everyone is fine as far as I know. I need to tell you something and get your advice."
"I'm listening."
"Rob, it was awful." Joseph continues after explaining how he and Theo followed Mark to the wooden house at the edge of the mining camp. "They were hardly even dressed! Just walking around in camisoles and knee high pantaloons! There were girls there your age maybe even my age. Men were paying them to have the women sit on their laps and go into the rooms too! One was named Lucy and one said her name was Clarice but I could call her Claire! She tried to stick her tongue in my mouth and wanted me to take off my pants! All I could see was our Claire's face! I left and Mark was still in there! Theo came out right after me."
Having listened and watched the anguish appear at the retelling, Rob asks "Did you do anything at all with any of those women? Did you even kiss one?"
"No. I wanted to kiss one but after learning one was named like my first mother and one named the same as my sister, I could not! I left when the girl tried to put her tongue in my mouth and unbutton my pants! I don't think I am a real man as I did not enjoy that! Aren't we supposed to like that stuff?"
"To me, that means you are more of a real man than many adults, Joseph. You knew what was happening was not something you felt good about so you left. Some people don't pay attention to those feelings or don't care to do anything about it." Rob replies ignoring the last question completely.
"How about coming home with me so you can explain that to Pa? I don't want to have this conversation with him! He probably will not react the way you did. I haven't been in major trouble since last summer, Rob! I'd very much like to keep it that way too! That time I stole the Army stallion and let him run free in the canyon was the last time. I told you how Pa punished me for that one. Somehow, I think this ranks as bad! Especially when I got sent out of school with a note! I couldn't stay awake because I was awake almost the entire night thinking.
"I didn't follow that last sentence. What was it again?"
"I didn't get much sleep for worrying and fell asleep three times in school. Mr. Davis sent me home with a note to be signed. You know how we get punished for having to be sent home!"
"Yes, I remember. I knew something was bothering you when we were there for lunch yesterday. You seemed very tense. My advice would be to go home, sleep, then talk to the parents together. Pa has changed and Ma helps talk him out of major punishment. You being honest and apologetic will help."
After watching Joseph head in the direction of home, Rob leaves in the opposite direction, heading for town.
Knocking on the hotel room door he hears "Yes? Who is it?"
"Rob Cord, I need to speak to you about Mark. May I come in?"
"Please do, door is unlocked."
After repeating what Joseph told him, Rob says "Mason, my brother is fifteen but not worldly wise. He hasn't been brought up being allowed to explore what my Pa calls the "wild side of life". Mark coerced the boys to go to a cathouse! Joseph is most likely going to have his tail feathers burned when my Pa hears of this! Mark needs to be reined in as well! I am very tempted to take my belt to him!"
"Has he caused you any trouble while working at your place?"
"Not much. Occasionally he complains about my assignments but he always does them and does them well. He is reliable and a good worker as is Mike. Mason, I need to get retribution for my brother. Where does Mark go on his day off?"
"I completely understand your anger. You let me handle retribution. The boy needs to pay for a few things with me and this is one of them! Is there a woodshed or secluded wooded spot nearby? Somewhere out of this room away from people."
"There's a woodshed behind the Sheriff's office. Pa has used it himself for wayward boys. It may still have the modified razor strop hanging inside. It had the bottom metal piece removed. I can tell you from experience those set your butt on fire!"
"That would be perfect. I promise Mark will no longer be influencing Joseph or anyone else to wayward behavior!"
"Thank you. Will you be staying on in Paradise longer? I could use the help. As you probably know from the guys, I bought a Sears and Roebuck house kit. I had a telegram this morning informing me the kit will be here next week! I need many good workers to help put it together."
"We were planning to leave next week but the rodeos I booked fell through. They were small and did not want to pay much anyway. We would be grateful for the work. Both boys have enjoyed our stay here. I have as well since I recovered enough to actually leave this room. Dr. Amy saved my life."
"She is an excellent doctor. You all staying is great news! I will let you know when I receive the kit. I need to go. I have to go see my Pa."
Having requested to speak with Ethan privately, he retells the event emphasizing Mark taking the boys to the mining encampment.
"Pa, Joseph is feeling remorseful and confused also. He said he did not think he was "a real man" because he did not like what was happening and left. I thought you should know how he is feeling before you punish him."
"I appreciate your running interference for your brother, Rob. I know that you are trying to lessen his punishment. You say you went to Mason?"
"I am not trying to get Joseph less punishment. I just wanted you to hear how he really feels. In the heat of your discussions, it is sometimes hard to get the real feelings spoken. I did talk to Mason. I hope I didn't overstep. I love my brothers and I do not appreciate what Mark did! Mason is going to use the woodshed out back, by the way." Rob says.
"I feel you handled this quite well. In years past, you would have covered for Joseph and tried to hide his misdeeds. You have matured into a good young man, son."
"Thank you for saying so. I have learned better. You taught me well. Mason and the boys will stay and help me assemble the house. I asked them to stay as the kit is to arrive next week!"
"Joseph will help you as well, after school and all day on Saturdays. He will work for no pay and do whatever you ask of him courteously. If he doesn't, you have my permission to punish him."
"Yes sir, I need to get back to work. I was putting in stall doors when Joseph showed up."
"Mason is a good man as well. He will keep Mark on the right track, I am positive about that. You can rest easy on Mark leading Joseph astray."
Arriving at the ranch an hour later, he asks Delphie "Where is Joseph?"
"I can see you are worked up. Calm down before you talk to him. He said he was feeling sick in his stomach and his head was aching. I gave him a medicinal drink to help and sent him to bed. He is sleeping soundly."
"Did he say why he was home early?"
"He told me he had not been able to sleep last night and just could not help falling asleep in class. I read the note Mr. Davis sent. He says the boy was exhausted and could not even hold his head up. He wrote how he had to sound threatening and send him home to keep the class in order. He says he can not allow students to think sleeping in school is permissible and hopes we understand. Joseph didn't read the note as it was sealed. He is most likely worried about how you will react to him being sent out of school."
"I'm sure that is part of his uneasiness. Did Joseph say anything to you about why he could not sleep?"
"No, I hope he isn't getting sick."
"He may be feeling sick but I believe it is guilt and shame, not illness causing those feelings. I learned today how Mark took Theo and Joseph up to the mining encampment Saturday night to visit the, uh, I'll just say house of entertainment. You know the one where the special women do the special favors for money?"
"The druthlann? Our fifteen year old little boy was taken by Mark to that place?! How could he!"
"Translate 'the druthlann' for me so I know the word."
"The brothel, Ethan! Our boy went to that place! Did they touch him? Is he damaged?"
"Now it is my turn to say 'calm down'. Joseph spoke to Rob and if he was truthful, he is untouched. He and I will have a discussion later. I will find out the entire story! Despite the fact Mark led the boys, both are old enough to know not to do such things. Joseph, Ben, and George have known for four years, the mining camp and the area around it is forbidden! There is no reason for any of them to visit unless they are with me!"
"You are getting worked up again. Before you punish him, talk it over. Find out his feelings about this. There may be things he needs to say. I think a two week restriction plus extra chores suits the crime, Mr. Sheriff."
"I plan on doing just that, Mrs. Sheriff. I will interrogate the suspect before sentencing him. I am going up now to begin my interrogation."
Knocking once before opening the older boy's bedroom door, he finds Joseph asleep. Shaking the boy by his shoulder, Ethan says "Wake up, young man. We need to talk!"
"Nooo, don't shake, head hurts, Ohhhh nooo" At the last 'no' Joseph has slapped his hand over his mouth.
Reacting quickly, Ethan grabs the washbowl from the top of the dresser, putting it in front of the slightly green faced boy just in time.
"Uhhhh awful." Joseph remarks screwing up his face.
"Let me take this bowl while you keep Rob's washbowl here on the bed. I will get you some water." Ethan tells him.
Returning, Ethan finds the boy asleep with the clean bowl beside him. Placing the glass of water within reach, he leaves.
Back downstairs he tells Delphie "We'll keep him home tomorrow. You may be right, he may be ill. I'll talk to him then if he is better."
The following day, Joseph finds himself very hungry and no longer so exhausted. He remembers both parents checking on him, helping him drink, and his clumsiness with getting down to the W. C. He remembers his Pa telling him not to try to get up for morning chores or school.
Finding his mother at the table, Joseph greets her with "Morning, Mama".
"Good morning. Let me get your breakfast. Some toast, eggs, and milk for now. It will be lunchtime in a few hours. You can eat again then. Your Pa is at the office but plans to be home for lunch."
Later that day after sandwiches and soup for lunch, Joseph finds himself being quizzed by both parents. Having double the questions proves to be even more intimidating.
"My gracious, Joseph! You are too young to be even thinking of going to a brothel! You wouldn't have felt uneasy and been seeing your sister if your mind was ready for such an experience!"
Having gotten over his shock at his mother's talk of such things, Joseph nods and agrees "Yes Ma'am"
"Joseph, what is it that makes you continue to follow friends into experiences you know are forbidden and wrong? You have a conscience and are usually level-headed, but then you just go off half-cocked and pull some boneheaded stunt like this. Why?" Ethan demands.
"I don't have an answer, Pa."
"Your mother and I have decided you will be restricted from all activities with friends for the two weeks left before the spring school vacation. You will go to school, church, and The Homestead only. You will be working with Rob every day after school and all day on Saturday. His house kit is being delivered this week. He has full permission to punish you if you disobey him. I will follow up on that punishment here at home if he feels the need to punish you. I will be checking daily with him and Mr. Davis as well."
"Yes sir," Joseph answers both dreading and yet ready for what he knows will be the next statement.
"Let's take the rest of this discussion out to the barn, young man!"
"Ethan! No! We agreed on the punishment." Delphie protests.
"We agreed on your stated punishment. He deserves this and he accepts it."
"I have known since I put myself in danger by going to the mining camp, I earned a whipping. It will make me feel less awful, Mama! Well, at least in my stomach and head area, anyway." Joseph tells her as he stands to follow his Pa.