Ben was standing on the stoop, gnawing his lip in worry. Marie stood just behind him, a pale little shadow, still in her party dress, although she had washed her face and hands and combed her hair as her father had instructed. The brothers dismounted and approached them.

"Well?"

"It's been sorted out, Pa," said Adam. He drew Marie out and kissed her. "He'll never hurt you again, darling."

"What – what did you do?"

"What we had to."

"You didn't...?"

"Harry Peterson rode out of town this morning, alive and well," said Hoss.

"Well, we say well..." Joe grinned. "He'll probably be sore for a few days."

"Quite a few days by the time you'd finished with him, Joe. More like a week or two!"

"You delivered the clincher, Hoss."

"You didn't really hurt him?"

"Well, he could still ride, Pa," said Adam. "He'll survive. But I don't think he'll be gracing us with his delightful presence again."

Marie burst into tears again and was immediately ashamed of herself. "I'm sorry. I'm always crying! Just like the stupid, weak, useless woman I swore I'd never be!"

"You'll never be stupid, weak, useless," said Joe. "A stronger, braver, cleverer woman I've never known." He nudged her arm affectionately and she gave him a tiny smile. "And you know how much it costs me to say that!"

"And you're only saying it to make me feel better."

"How long have you known Joe, Scamp?" Adam laughed. "You two have been fighting ever since you exited the womb! When has he ever said anything just to make you feel better? Especially when it comes to brains. You know, you having a lot more than him n'all."

"You never need to feel frightened again, darling," Hoss said, leaning forward. "Ever. We'll never allow anything to happen to you."

Joe wrapped his arm around her and she lay her head on his shoulder as they went inside.