Legacy of New Orleans
Hoss Cartwright wearily dismounted from his horse and walked toward the chuckwagon. He was hot, tired and sore; he had been in the saddle from sunup and was happy to take a break. He poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the cook fire and, with a sigh, sat on a nearby log.
As Hoss began to sip his coffee, his brother Adam rode up. Adam dismounted and walked to where his brother was resting. “What do you think your doing?” he demanded. “We still have a lot of cows to round up.”
“Adam,” answered Hoss in a tired voice, “I’ve been working since early this morning. I’ve rounded up all the cattle on the north slope, and checked the creekbed. I’ve been in the saddle for almost six hours. I figure you can spare me for ten minutes while I get a cup of coffee.”
“Sorry,” Adam said with a guilty flush. “I didn’t mean to jump on you. I know you’ve been working hard. It’s just that Pa put me in charge of rounding up and moving the herd, and I want to make sure we get it done right.”
“It’ll get done right, Adam,” promised Hoss. “It always does.”
Adam nodded. He knew what Hoss was saying was true. Rounding up and moving the herd was a regular chore on the Ponderosa. Usually, his father led the roundup but Ben Cartwright was busy with some timber contracts. Adam just wanted to be sure nothing went wrong.
“Where’s Joe?” asked Adam, looking around.
“Don’t know,” answered Hoss. “He was heading over toward the canyon a little while ago. Said something about looking for strays over there.”
As the brothers were talking, a young man on a pinto rode up at a full gallop. Adam sighed. If Joe was riding that fast, something was wrong. What now, Adam thought.
“Adam, I need two men,” yelled Joe Cartwright as he reined his pinto to a halt.
“Two men? What for?” asked Adam
“There’s about 20 head of cattle trapped in the box canyon. I need some men to help me get them out, “ replied Joe.
“Twenty head of cattle? Are you sure?” asked Adam.
“Well, let’s see,” said Joe slowly. “They’re brown, and they’ve got four legs and horns. And they look a lot like the picture of cows that Pa used to show me when I was two. Yeah, I think they’re cattle,” Joe finished with a wry grin.
Hoss roared with laughter. “Adam, maybe you ought to draw Joe a picture, just to be sure.”
Flushed with anger, Adam said heatedly, “I didn’t mean are they cattle. I meant, how did they get trapped in there?”
“It looks likes they wandered in on a narrow trail,” Joe answered. “A rock slide blocked the trail, and they couldn’t get out. I need two men to help me clear the debris and make an opening.”
Adam stood wearily. “I’d better handle this. Joe, you go check on the rest of the herd.”
“I can handle it, Adam,” said Joe, his anger beginning to build. “Just give me the men.”
“Joe, this could be a little tricky. We need to be careful that we don’t start another rock slide,” countered Adam. “Also, I want to be sure the opening is wide enough for the cattle to get out.”
“I know that,” Joe said heatedly. “I’ll take care of it. Just give me the two men!”
Shaking his head, Adam answered, “No, this takes someone with some know-how to handle.” He glared at Joe. “Now, do what I said. Check the herd. I’ll get the cattle from the canyon.” Adam pointedly turned his back to his youngest brother and walked to his horse.
“Doggone it, Hoss!” Joe shouted with anger. “Adam treats me like I was a kid. I know how to get those cattle out. I should have just grabbed two men and handled it myself.”
“Aw, Joe,” said Hoss soothingly. “Adam doesn’t mean nothing. He’s got a lot on his mind. Besides, he IS a lot more experienced than you. He can probably handle it better.”
Pursing his lips in anger, Joe growled, “Thanks a lot.” . He wheeled his horse around and rode toward the herd.
Hoss shook his head. Joe just doesn’t understand, he thought. Hoss took a deep breath and finished his coffee. He stood, hiked his pants and walked to his horse. After he mounted, Hoss sat for a minute. He could see Adam in the distance, riding to the canyon with two men. He turned his head and saw Joe riding around the herd, keeping the cattle bunched tight. He decided he’d better check the brush to the south for more strays, and rode off.
An hour later, Adam and the two hands returned to the herd, pushing twenty or so cows ahead of them. Joe watched the men as they guided the cattle toward the main herd, then rode over to Adam. “See you got them out,” he said with a trace of bitterness.
“Yeah, it took us awhile to clear that path,” Adam replied, nodding. “The rocks and dirt were pretty loose. It’s a good thing you didn’t try it on your own. You might have caused another landslide.”
Joe said nothing. He stared at his brother for a minute, then turned his horse and rode off. Adam watched him with a frown. Wonder what’s bothering him, he thought. With a shrug, he went back to work.
For the rest of the day Joe avoided his brothers as he worked, but Hoss and Adam were so busy that they barely noticed his absence. The herd continued to grow in size as all three Cartwrights plus their crew kept guiding stray cattle into it.
The sun was beginning to set as Adam declared the work for today finished. He left six hands to rotate on night watch, making sure the herd kept bunched and didn’t stray. Joe was silent as Adam praised the crew for a job well done.
As the Cartwright brothers headed for the ranch house, Joe lagged behind Adam and Hoss. Adam looked over his shoulder once or twice, noting Joe’s sullen expression. “You’re not still mad about that canyon, are you?” Adam finally asked.
“I could have handled it,” answered Joe.
“Joe, it’s over and done with. Forget it,” said Hoss.
Clamping his teeth tightly, Joe scowled at this brothers. Adam looked at Hoss with a quizzical expression. Hoss just shook his head.
It was dark by the time the Cartwrights reached the ranch house. They stabled their horses and walked toward the house. Hoss stretched as they walked. “I hope Hop Sing has dinner ready, “ the big man said. “I could eat a whole steer.”
“What’s unusual about that?” kidded Adam. “You can always eat a whole steer.”
“Yeah, but this time, I too hungry to bother to wait for Hop Sing to cook it,” answered Hoss with a grin.
Ben Cartwright was sitting in his leather chair by the fire as his sons walked in the house. He smiled as they began removing their hats and holsters. “Well, it’s about time you boys got here,” he said with a smile. “Dinners almost ready. Get cleaned up.”
Brushing by his brothers, Joe climbed the steps without a word.
Surprised at his youngest son’s actions, Ben watched Joe, then turned to Adam and Hoss. “What’s wrong with Joe?” he asked.
“Aw, Pa, he’s just got his feathers ruffled because Adam wouldn’t let him clear a trail by the box canyon,” said Hoss.
“It was a pretty tricky situation,” explained Adam. “The dirt was loose and I was afraid Joe might start another landslide. I told him I would handle it and he got mad.”
“Couldn’t Joe have cleared the trail?” Ben asked, frowning.
“Maybe,” admitted Adam. “But I wasn’t sure and I didn’t want to take the chance. He might not have known how to do it without getting hurt, or making the situation worse.” Adam turned to Hoss. “C’mon, we’d better get cleaned up before you fall over in a faint from hunger.”
Hoss grinned. “Yeah,” he agreed. “I’m getting right puny.”
As he watched Adam and Hoss climb the stairs, Ben’s frown deepened. He didn’t like the idea of his sons having petty fights. It could lead to something more serious.
Dinner was a pretty quiet meal. Adam outlined the day’s accomplishments to his father as they ate. Joe said nothing and Hoss was too busy piling food on his plate to contribute much.
When Adam had finished telling his father about the day, Ben smiled. “Sounds like you boys are doing a good job,” he said. “Do you think you’ll get the herd moved to the new pasture tomorrow?”
“We should be ready to move them tomorrow,” Adam answered. He turned to Hoss. “I want you to go up to Oak Meadows tomorrow morning and check the creek. We need to be sure be sure there’s enough water there for the herd. Remember last year, some beavers had dammed it up.”
Hoss put down his fork. “Doggone it, Adam,” he complained in a cranky tone. “I haven’t got time to ride up there. I got to make sure we finish branding those calves.”
“Well, somebody’s got to do it. I need somebody I can trust. If we send one of the hands, they won’t know if the water level is right or not,” replied Adam.
“Why don’t you do it?” asked Hoss.
“Because I have to count the herd and get them organized to drive,” answered Adam, the patience in his voice wearing thin.
“But, Adam, if I don’t watch the branding, one of those drovers is liable to brand a calf that don’t belong to us,” argued Hoss.
“I can’t very well leave it to one of the hands to count the herd and get them moving,” Adam argued back. “And if we get the herd up to Oak Meadows and there’s not enough water, we have a real problem. I need you to check the creek. It’s important.”
Abruptly, Joe threw his napkin on the table and stood up. “I’m going to the barn,” he announced and walked out.
Both Adam and Hoss watched him leave with a surprise. “What’s wrong with him?” asked Hoss.
Ben had nothing as Adam and Hoss talked. Now he shook his head at Adam’s and Hoss’ surprise at Joe’s reaction to their conversation.
“You boys just told your brother Joe that you didn’t trust him to check a creek, watch the branding, or count the herd,” Ben explained quietly.
“We never said that,” Adam said with a frown.
“Oh yes you did,” answered Ben. “You two sat there and listed all the important things that had to be done, and not once did you think of asking Joe to help. What was he suppose to think?”
“Pa, we didn’t mean we didn’t trust Joe,” said Hoss. “It’s just that, well, he’s just a kid.”
“Hoss is right, Pa,” added Adam. “Joe can take on some of these chores when he’s a little older.”
“A little older?” said Ben. “How old does he have to be? Joe’s not a kid any more. He’s 22; he’s a young man. You two have been thinking of him as a little brother for so long that you haven’t realized that he’s grown up right under your noses.”
Adam and Hoss looked at each other. “Maybe Pa’s right,” said Hoss slowly. “You know, Joe handled breaking all those horses and getting them to the Army last month. He did a good job with getting those cattle to the railhead before that.”
“Yeah, but what if he makes a mistake? That could cause us some real problems,” argued Adam.
“I remember you two making some mistakes along the way,” Ben reminded his sons. “You corrected them and you learned. I think you owe it to Joe to be allowed to do the same thing.”
Adam sat thoughtfully. “You’re right,” he admitted finally. “I guess we have been treating him like one of the hands instead of letting him do the important work. Do you think I should go talk to him?”
“No,” said Ben, standing. “I’ll go.”
Ben walked to the barn and opened the door. He look in and saw Joe was rubbing his saddle with half-hearted swipes of a rag. Joe turned to see who came in, then went back to work. “Come to see if I found my way to the barn all right?” he asked angrily.
Standing just inside the barn door, Ben said nothing. He knew Joe wasn’t really angry at him; he was just lashing out at the first person he saw.
Half-heartedly, Joe rubbed the saddle a few more times, then stopped. He turned to his father. “I’m sorry,” he apologized in a contrite voice. “I didn’t mean that.”
“I know,” said Ben quietly. “You’re angry at your brothers, not me.”
“Pa, Adam and Hoss treat me like I’m twelve years old,” Joe complained, his voice filled with frustration. “Every time I try to do something, they ignore me or push me aside. I’m tired of them acting like they know everything and I know nothing.”
Again, Ben stood silently for a minute. Then he took a few steps to a bale of hay and sat down. “Joe, sit down,” he said. Joe hesitated. “Please, sit down,” Ben repeated. Joe dropped the rag and walked to bale of hay. He sat down next to Ben.
Ben put his arm around Joe’s shoulders. “I know it’s hard being the youngest,” he said. “Adam and Hoss don’t ignore you on purpose. They just think of you as a little brother. They forget you’re not that boy who used to tag along with them.”
“Pa, I’m not a kid any more,” stated Joe firmly.
“I know that,” answered Ben. “And I don’t think I’ve treated you like one. I’ve given you just as many jobs to do as brothers.”
“It’s not you, Pa,” Joe agreed. “But I get so mad at Adam and Hoss…”
“That doesn’t help the situation,” interrupted Ben. “When you get angry, you make things worse. A man doesn’t get angry over little slights. Only a boy does that.”
Seeing his father’s point, Joe nodded. “You right. I guess I do lose my temper too much. But how can I get Adam and Hoss to take me seriously?”
“By always doing your best, by taking on any job that needs to be done no matter how small a task it is, and by working with them, not against them,” Ben advised. “It was hard for me at first to let you and Adam and Hoss to take over running some things on the ranch. I was sure I could do everything better and faster myself. It took me awhile to realize that my sons were grown men, and that they were able to do things just as well - or even better - than I could. When I finally let you boys take over some things, I found that we could make the Ponderosa an even better ranch. And everyone was happier. A man is always happier when he’s given responsibility, given important work to do. Adam and Hoss will learn that. You just have to be patient with them.”
Joe smiled. “Be patient with them? That’s a switch.”
Laughing, Ben said, “I know. But you have to try.”
“I will, agreed Joe a bit grudgingly. “I’m sorry I lost my temper.”
Ben clapped Joe on the shoulder. “How about telling your brothers that?” he asked. Joe nodded.
When Ben and Joe walked back into the house, Adam and Hoss were standing by the fireplace. Adam immediately turned to his youngest brother.
“Joe, Hoss and I have been talking. I’m sorry,” Adam apologized. “I didn’t realize I was ignoring you. I didn’t mean it.”
“Yeah, we haven’t been treating you right,” added Hoss. “I’m sorry, too.”
“I guess I shouldn’t have lost my temper,” Joe offered. “It was my fault for getting mad so easily.”
“Well, I guess we were all wrong,” said Hoss with a grin.
As he listened to his sons, Ben smiled. He had hoped they would get over their bad feelings quickly. He was happy that they had.
“Tell you what,” Adam said. “Why doesn’t Joe take charge of the branding, I’ll count the herd, and Hoss can check that creek.”
“The branding! That’s the worst job of the three!” Joe protested.
“Little brother, we said we want to give you a job to do,” said Hoss smiling. “We didn’t say we would give you a GOOD job.”
Everyone laughed. Ben sighed with relief as he saw his sons kidding each other again. It was a sign that the bad feelings were forgotten.
“If you boys are going to finish that round up tomorrow, you are going to have to get started early. I think maybe you ought to turn in,” Ben suggested. He noted the frown starting to form on Joe’s face. “Of course, that’s up to you,” added Ben quickly. “You’re all old enough to make your own decisions.”
Joe smiled wryly. “I know Adam and Hoss need their sleep. They aren’t as young as they used to be.”
“I think I can manage to get these old bones up to my room,” said Adam with a smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Hoss and Joe decided to join Adam in calling it an early night. As they followed their older brother up the stairs, Ben sank into his leather chair. Raising sons, he decided, was a challenge. He hoped he was up to it.
hhhhhhhhh
As he sat at his desk, Ben read the proposed timber contracts and began calculating the lumber he would need. He put down the papers and rubbed his eyes, feeling tired. It was late afternoon and he had been working on the contracts most of the day. Adam, Hoss and Joe had left early in the morning to finish moving the herd. The boys were in a good mood when they left, their squabble forgotten. Ben hoped their good humor would continue. He felt sure that their disagreement was just the result of long hours in the saddle the last few days. He knew how irritable one could be after spending ten or twelve hours a day herding cattle. He also wished he were at the round-up instead of stuck at home with this paperwork. With a sigh, he picked up the papers in front of him and began to read again.
A knock at the door startled Ben. He had been concentrating on the contracts and hadn’t hear anyone ride up. He put the papers on and his desk and walked quickly to the door.
Pulling open the door, Ben saw a gray-haired man standing before him. The man was in his fifties, dressed in an fancy gray suit and carrying a walking stick. Next to the man was a beautiful young woman who looked to be in her early twenties. The woman was wearing a fashionable-cut blue traveling outfit – a short jacket trimmed in black velvet and long skirt. Her thick, black hair was pulled back and pinned into a twist at the back of her head. A small blue hat sat at an angle on her head.
“Yes, can I help you?” asked Ben of the strangers who stood before him.
“Hello, Benjamin,” the man answered, speaking with a French accent. “It is good to see you again.”
Ben stared at the man, then shook his head. “I’m sorry….” he began.
“I’m not surprised you don’t recognize me after all these years,” the man said with a smile. “I’m Charles Dumont.”
“Charles Dumont! Marie’s cousin!” exclaimed Ben in surprise. Several emotions flashed across Ben’s face – astonishment, confusion, and doubt .“I didn’t recognize you. It’s been, what, twenty-five years since I saw you.”
“Something like that,” agreed Charles airily. “May we come in?”
“Of course, of course,” Ben said hastily. He stepped back and opened the door. “Please come in.”
“Thank you,” replied Charles as he entered the house. He paused in the doorway and looked around. “What a fine house. I’m not surprised. Marie always did have a flair for making a house look its best.”
The young woman followed Charles into the house and smiled demurely at Ben; Charles seemed to have forgotten her as he studied the house. Suddenly, he realized she was standing at his side.
“Where are my manners?” apologized Charles. “Ben Cartwright, this is my niece, Denise. Denise, this is Ben Cartwright, the husband of my beloved cousin Marie.”
“Welcome,” Ben greeted the young woman with a smile. He turned to Charles. “Your niece? I didn’t know you had any close family.”
“Well, actually Denise is the daughter of a distant relative. These relationships get so complicated that it is simpler to call her my niece,” replied Charles smoothly.
“I’m the one forgetting my manners now, “ said Ben. He gestured toward the sofa. “Please come in and sit down. Can I offer you some coffee?”
“Thank you, that would be nice,” Charles replied as he strolled across the room. Denise smiled and followed Dumont.
“Hop Sing! Hop Sing!” shouted Ben as he escorted the pair to the couch. Charles and Denise settled themselves comfortably on the couch.
Hop Sing came running from the kitchen. “What you want?” he asked. “Hop Sing making dinner; no time for foolishness.”
“Hop Sing, we have visitors,” Ben explained. “This is Charles Dumont. He is Mrs. Cartwright’s cousin. And this is his niece, Denise.”
“Mrs. Cartwright’s cousin!” exclaimed the Chinese cook with delight. “Ah, very good, very good.”
“Hop Sing, please bring us some coffee,” ordered Ben. Giving a quick nod, Hop Sing ran back to the kitchen.
Turning, Ben moved to in his favorite leather chair next to the fire. “Charles, it’s nice to see you,” he said in a neutral tone. “We lost track of you after Marie and I left New Orleans. I wrote you when Marie died, but never heard back.”
“Ah, my poor Marie,” Charles replied sadly. “I meant to send my condolences, Benjamin. She was such a lovely woman. So sad that she was taken from us so soon.”
“Yes,” said Ben quietly. His eyes drifted off in remembrance for a moment. Ben shook his head quickly. “What brings you to Nevada?” he asked.
“Business,” Charles answered vaguely. “I was traveling in the area. I thought I would spend a few days in Virginia City. I would very much like to meet Marie’s son.”
“Joe?” asked Ben in a cautious voice. “What’s your interest in Joe?”
“Oh, no special interest,” said Charles. “I suppose as one gets older, one gets more sentimental. I thought I should meet and get to know Marie’s son while I had the opportunity.”
The conversation was interrupted by Hop Sing, who entered the room carrying a large tray with a coffee pot and three cups of coffee. Hop Sing set the tray on the low table in the middle of the room.
“Thank you, Hop Sing,” said Ben. He reached for the coffee pot and began pouring the coffee.
“Hop Sing best cook in all of Nevada,” bragged the Chinese cook. “You stay for dinner. Hop Sing make fine dinner for Mrs. Cartwright’s cousin.”
Charles looked at Ben inquiringly.
“Of course, you’re welcome to stay for dinner,” offered Ben, passing the coffee cups to Charles and Denise. His voice was polite but not enthusiastic.
“Well, if it’s not too much trouble, we’d be delighted,” Charles replied.
“Very good, very good,” said Hop Sing happily. He raced back to the kitchen.
An uncomfortable silence filled the room after Hop Sing left. Ben was at a loss about what to say. Finally, he asked, “What type of business are you in? The last I heard you were involved with…” Ben hesitated and glanced at Denise. “involved with some gaming enterprises,” he finished awkwardly.
“Yes, I did run a gambling house for many years,” said Charles as he sipped his coffee. “Denise knows all about that. But I’ve given that up. Now I run a small import business. You know, buying items from other parts of the country and selling them in New Orleans.”
Nodding, Ben turned to Denise. “Are you from New Orleans also?” he asked.
“Yes,” answered Denise as she daintily sipped her coffee. “You have a lovely home, Mr. Cartwright,” she added, obviously changing the subject. She also had a trace of a French accent. “I did not expect to find such a house out here in the West.”
“Thank you,” said Ben. “It’s not as elegant as many of the homes in New Orleans, but we like it. We find it very comfortable.”
“Is Joseph around?” asked Charles.
“He and his brothers should be here shortly,” answered Ben. “They’re moving a herd of cattle to some fresh pasture. I expect them back any time now.”
“Ah, yes, I remember,” said Charles with a smile. “You have two other sons. I remember that you said you already had sons when you married Marie. I have heard about you over the years, Ben. You have become a very wealthy man.”
“I’ve been very fortunate,” agreed Ben. “But my true wealth is my sons. They are fine young men.”
The sound of footsteps and voices came drifting in from outside. The front door opened and Adam, Hoss and Joe walked in, an openly curious expression on each of their faces.
Ben, Charles and Denise all rose to greet the young men. “Boys, I’m glad you’re back. We have some visitors,” said Ben.
“We saw the buggy outside,” hinted Hoss, his voice filled with curiosity. “We were wondering who was visiting.”
“This is Charles Dumont, and his niece, Denise. Charles, may I present my sons, “ said Ben, a touch of pride in his voice. “This is Adam, my oldest.” Adam nodded in acknowledgment. “And this big fellow, we call Hoss.” Hoss grinned his hello. “And this is Joseph.” Joe smiled his most charming smile at Denise. “Joe, Charles is your mother’s cousin, visiting from New Orleans,” Ben added.
As he stared with open admiration at Denise’s loveliness, Joe had been barely listening. However, at Ben’s words, his gaze spun to Charles. “My mother’s cousin?” he said in wonder. “I didn’t know any of her family was still alive!”
“We lost touch over the years,” explained Charles. “Joseph, I am very pleased to meet you.”
Walking forward quickly, Joe took Charles’ hand. “You have no idea how happy I am to meet you. Pa’s told me what he could about my mother, but I’d like to hear more. Did you grow up with her? And what’s New Orleans like? Is it as terrific a city as they say?”
Indulgently, Ben smiled at Joe’s enthusiasm. “Slow down, Joe,” he said with a laugh. “Charles and Denise have just arrived. Give them a chance to get their breath.”
Reddening a bit with embarrassment, Joe said, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to throw all those questions at you so suddenly. It’s just that there’s a lot I would like to know.”
Charles smiled at Joe. “I understand,” he replied, “and I will be happy to answer your questions. Your father has been gracious enough to invite us to stay for dinner. If I don’t answer all your questions at dinner, perhaps we can meet later in Virginia City. Denise and I will be staying there for awhile.”
“Virginia City? Why not stay here?” suggested Joe. He turned to Ben. “Is that all right with you, Pa?”
Looking a bit uncomfortable, Ben cleared his throat. “Well, hm, yes, of course,” he agreed. “You are welcome to stay here, if you like. Of course, you may find Virginia City more comfortable.”
“Please stay,” pleaded Joe. “We can make you just as comfortable as that hotel in town. It would give us a chance to really spend some time together.”
“If it’s not an inconvenience….” Charles started. He turned to Denise. “What do you say, my dear?”
Denise smiled directly at Joe. “I think staying here is a wonderful idea. Perhaps you can show me some more of this lovely country.”
The girl’s words directed Joe’s attention back to Denise. His face showed he was once again struck by her beauty. “I would be happy to be your escort,” he offered gallantly. “I can show you some of the better sights on the Ponderosa. I think you’ll be impressed.”
“It’s settled then, “ said Charles decisively. He turned to Adam and Hoss. “Would you mind helping me get our bags from the buggy? I’m sure Denise would like to freshen up before dinner.” Nodding, Adam and Hoss followed Charles out the door.
Taking Denise by the arm, Joe gently guided her back to the settee. As she sat, Joe settled next to her on the small sofa. Returning to his chair, Ben frowned as he saw Joe’s eyes riveted to the lovely girl.
“Have you been traveling long in the West?” Ben asked politely but his eyes showed a keen interest in the girl’s reply.
Denise had been smiling directly at Joe. Now she shifted her attention to Ben. “A few weeks, “ she answered. “I’ve never been in the West before. The scenery is breath-taking.”
“The Ponderosa has some pretty sights,” Joe told the girl. “I’d be happy to show you.”
“Thank you,” said Denise with a dazzling smile.
The front door flew open again, and Charles, Adam and Hoss re-entered the house, each man carrying two bags. “Perhaps you would be kind enough to show me where to put these,” Charles said.
“I’ll show you,” Joe offered hastily. He took Denise’s hand. “Please, come with me,” he said to her. She smiled graciously as he escorted her up the stairs, followed by Charles, Adam and Hoss.
A few minutes later, Adam and Hoss descended the stairs empty-handed. Ben was still sitting in his chair.
“Joe is helping them get settled,” explained Adam.
“Yeah, “ added Hoss, grinning. “He can be down-right helpful when it comes to a pretty young gal like that Miss Denise.”
Nodding, Ben turn to stare into the fire. Adam and Hoss looked at each with a frown. Adam shrugged his shoulders and turned back to Ben.
“So that’s Charles Dumont,” said Adam.
“Why do you say it like that, Adam?” asked Hoss with a puzzled expression on his face.
“As I recall, he had quite an unsavory reputation,” answered Adam.
“Let’s not say anything about that now,” said Ben hastily. “After all, it’s been quite some time since we saw him. He may have changed. Let’s be fair and not judge the man on his past. Besides, I don’t want to spoil this for Joe.”
Shrugging, Adam agreed. “Whatever you say.”
hhhhhhhhh
Dinner was a lively affair. Ben asked Charles about people and places he remembered from New Orleans, and Charles told him all the news. Joe, Adam, and Hoss tried to outdo each other with stories of their adventures – and misadventures – on the ranch. In return, Charles told amusing stories about life in New Orleans.
Sitting next to Joe at the dinner table, Denise said little. But she smiled at the youngest Cartwright whenever the opportunity arose. Joe could barely take his eyes off their lovely guest.
Padding quietly across the room, Hop Sing came in to remove the dinner dishes. “Everything all right?” he asked hopefully.
“Hop Sing, that was a wonderful dinner,” Denise said graciously.
“Yes, indeed,” added Charles. “Hop Sing, I believe you’re the best cook outside of New Orleans.”
Beaming with pleasure, Hop Sing removed the plates and other dishes from the table.
“Charles, you just guaranteed yourself meals that will be fit for a king,” said Adam with a smile.
“Oh, why is that?” asked Charles.
“Because from now on, Hop Sing will try to show you that he is a better cook than anyone in New Orleans,” explained Adam. Everyone at the table laughed.
As the Cartwrights and their guests settled back in their chairs and began drinking after-dinner coffee, Joe finally tore his gaze from Denise and turned to Charles.
“Tell me about my mother,” Joe asked in a slightly pleading voice. “Pa and Adam and Hoss have told me what they remember, but there’s so much I don’t know. Did you grow up together?”
Across the room, a look of concern flashed on Ben’s face. He was worried about what Charles would say. He loved Marie and knew she was a fine woman, but he also knew there were things in her past she had wanted forgotten.
“Ah, Marie,” Charles said pensively as he stirred his coffee. “Yes, we spent time together when we were young. Unfortunately, as we grew older, we drifted apart.”
“What was she like?” ask Joe anxiously.
“She was beautiful, intelligent and gracious,” answered Charles. “But she also had a quick temper. She could flare up in a moment when she was angry.”
“Yeah, we know what that’s like,” Hoss said with a grin. “We all know where Joe got his temper.” Joe made a face at his brother, and Hoss laughed.
“I remember once, when she was just a girl, her father refused to let her ride a new horse he had purchased,” Charles continued. “She stood in the yard and stamped her feet in anger. Her father ignored her. So Marie sat down on the front steps and vowed not to move until her father let her ride that horse. She sat there all day and most of the night. The family had to walk around her to get in and out of the house. Her father pleaded with Marie to come into the house, but she refused to move. Finally, her father gave in and gave her permission to ride the horse the next day. As soon as she had his permission, she smiled sweetly and went into the house. And rode the horse first thing the next morning. She could be stubborn when she wanted something.’
“Another trait Joe inherited,” said Adam wryly.
“What was she like as a girl?” asked Joe, ignoring his brother.
“We didn’t see each other that often,” explained Charles. “Holidays, family occasions, that sort of thing. I do remember when she was about eight, she received a music box for Christmas. How she loved that music box! She kept it by her bed and played it constantly. When her parents died and Marie moved to the convent to be raised by the good sisters, it was one of the few things she took with her. I can remember her clutching it in her arms as she walked into the convent.”
Joe looked at Ben, who nodded. “Yes, it’s the same music box,” Ben said, his voice choked with emotion. “She brought it with her to Nevada. I know how much she loved it. She said it was one of the few things she had that reminded her of the good times when she was growing up. When you were fussy as a baby, she used to play that music box while she held you. It always calmed you down and put you to sleep.”
“Such a wonderful girl,” mused Charles. “I am truly sorry we weren’t closer. I’m sorry but there’s little I can tell you about her after she went to live with the sisters.”
Quietly, Ben sighed with relief. Whatever secrets Marie had, he felt they were safe. Charles either didn’t know or didn’t want to reveal them.
Yawning daintily, Denise said with a smile, “You must forgive me. It has been a long day.”
Instantly, Charles stood. “Of course, how insensitive me. Please forgive us, but we would like to have an early evening.”
Politely, the Cartwrights stood as Denise rose and joined Charles. As the pair walked toward the stairs in the living room, Denise stopped and turned toward Joe.
“Will you show me some of the Ponderosa tomorrow, Joe?” she asked. “I mean, if you have time. I don’t want to take you from your work.”
“Don’t worry about that, Miss Denise,” Hoss answered with a grin. “Our little brother is always looking for an excuse to get out of doing work.”
“It just so happens that we’re pretty well caught up,” said Joe. “We’ve moved the herd to the new pasture. Hoss has to check some fences tomorrow and Adam and Pa have to go over those timber contracts. So I guess that leaves me to show Denise the Ponderosa.”
“Timber contracts?” remarked Charles with surprise. “You handle contracts on your own?”
“We have a lawyer in Virginia City who always looks them over, “ Adam explained. “But Pa and I are pretty good at reading the fine print. We’ve seen enough of them over the years to be able to spot when someone is trying to sneak in something that shouldn’t be there.”
“Of course,” agreed Charles. “I should have realized that. I suppose I think of the West as being the wild and unsophisticated place that the newspapers describe.”
“We’re not quite the innocents that some people would believe we are,” said Ben pointedly.
Almost absent mindedly, Charles nodded. “Well, thank you for a pleasant evening,” he said. Charles turned to Denise. “Come, my dear, I’ll escort you to your room.” He took Denise’s hand and led her up the stairs.
For a minute, Joe watched the pair depart, his facing shining with happiness. Then he turned to his father. “Isn’t it great that they came to visit?” he asked, his voice filled with joy.
“Yes,” replied Ben evenly. “I’m happy for your sake that they are here.”
“Well, I’m going to bed,” Joe announced. “I want to be up bright and early tomorrow so I can clean up the buggy. I want to show Denise the Ponderosa in style.” He walked rapidly across the room and bounded up the stairs.
“Think I’ll call it a night, too,” said Hoss. He strolled across the room and climbed the stairs also.
With a pensive look on his face, Ben walked slowly to his favorite chair by the fireplace and sat down. A frown grew on his face as he stared into the fire. Adam sat down on the sofa. “Pa, what’s wrong?” he asked.
Turning a bit, Ben looked at Adam in surprise. “Oh, nothing is wrong, at least nothing that I know about,” he answered.
“Then what’s bothering you?” Adam persisted.
Ben smiled. “I guess I’m easier to read than I thought, “ he said. His face turned serious. “I just can’t help wondering why Charles Dumont showed up at the Ponderosa after all these years.”
“Don’t you think his story about being here on business is true?” asked Adam.
“Perhaps,” answered Ben. “But I know Marie didn’t like him or trust him. She never said why. She just said that he was a man she didn’t care to associate with.”
“What are you going to do?” Adam asked.
“I don’t know, Adam,” admitted Ben. “You saw Joe’s face tonight, how happy he was that Charles was here. I can’t take that away from him, not without good cause.”
“It’s a problem,” Adam agreed. “But there must be something we can do?”
“Just wait and watch, I guess” said Ben. “And I’m going to watch Charles Dumont very carefully.”
The house grew quiet as everyone settled in for the night. Denise was sitting in her dressing gown in front of a mirror, brushing her hair, when she heard a soft knock on the bedroom door. The door opened immediately, and Charles walked in. He closed the door softly behind him.
“You did very well tonight,” he said.
Denise shrugged. “It was not difficult. They are charming and intelligent men. They are not at all the country bumpkins you led me to believe they were.”
“Yes, I know,” said Charles thoughtfully. “I believe I’m going to have to re-think my plan.”
“What are you going to do?” asked Denise as she continued to brush her hair.
“I don’t know,” replied Charles. “I need a little time to make a new plan.”
“What about me?” Denise asked. “What should I do?”
“You, my dear, should continue as we discussed. You shouldn’t find it too difficult. Joseph is a very handsome young man. And, from what I could see, he is already quite taken with you.”
“He seems to be a nice boy,” offered Denise.
“Don’t become too fond of him,” advised Charles. He reached over and took her hand, gently pulling it to him. He softly kissed her fingers. “Just remember who you really are.”
Denise stiffened slightly. “I’ll remember,” she said.
Giving a brief nod of satisfaction, Charles released her hand. “Good night, my dear,” he said softly and left the room.
Putt the brush down, Denise frowned slightly at her image in the mirror. She was lost in thought for a moment. Then she shrugged and her face cleared. She picked up the brush and went back to brushing her hair.
hhhhhhhhh
Breakfast the next morning was more subdued than dinner. The men chatted about the ranch and work that needed to be one. Charles seemed interested in what they had to say and asked many questions. Denise sat quietly once again, adding little to the conversation. She was dressed in a riding outfit which – in Joe’s mind, at least – made her look less distant and unattainable. She continued to fix her charming smile on Joe.
"Ben, how many head of cattle do you have?” asked Charles.
“This time of year, about 5,000 head,” answered Ben.
“But where do you sell so many cattle?” Charles asked in astonishment.
"We have a contract with a Chicago firm,” explained Adam. “They buy the cattle and ship the beef to the big cities in the East.”
“You know, you could make a create deal of money by selling directly to restaurants and markets,” Charles said, looking thoughtful. “I know many in New Orleans who would be willing to pay for your beef.”
“We have a contract,” Ben repeated. “Besides it’s more trouble than it’s worth to sell to many, many customers. It’s easier for us to sell to one buyer.”
“Of course, of course,” answered Charles. “I can see with so many cattle why that would be so. But perhaps some of the smaller ranches might be interested in such a proposition.”
“Perhaps,” agreed Ben with an air of dismissal. “Well, we do have a working ranch here. Hoss, you better get to those fences. Adam, we really must go over those contracts. I believe you have other plans, Joseph,”
Joe grinned at his father. “I want to show Denise the Ponderosa. Hop Sing has made us a picnic lunch, so we won’t need to rush back.” He stood and offered his hand to Denise. She smiled at him and took his hand as she stood. The pair walked hand and hand to the front door. As he opened the door for Denise, Joe looked over his shoulder and grinned at his brothers. Then he followed Denise out the door.
Charles watched the couple leave and then turned back to Ben. “Joseph is a fine young man,” he said. “Marie would be proud.”
“Yes, he is,” agreed Ben with affection. He cleared his voice. “Well, Charles, I’m afraid we won’t have much time to show you around today. We do have some work which has to be done.”
“Not to worry, Benjamin,” said Charles. “I must go into Virginia City and take care of some business anyway.”
“I’ll hitch up your buggy for you,” offered Hoss as he stood. “I’ve got to get to saddle my horse and get to those fences.” He walked out the door.
“I will plan to see you a dinner,” Charles said, getting to his feet. “I don’t know how long my business in town will keep me.”
Nodding, Ben watched his guest depart. Adam looked at his father, who was staring off into the air.
“Do you think I should go into Virginia City with him?” asked Adam in a quiet voice.
Looking a bit startled by his oldest son’s voice, Ben shook his head. “No,” he said. “Let’s get to those contracts.”
hhhhhhhhh
As he drove the buggy slowly, Joe pointed out the sights of the Ponderosa. He talked about the Ponderosa, and how his father had built the ranch through hard work and long hours. He showed Denise the pond where he sometimes fished. A flock of ducks were idly swimming in it and Denise declared her delight as they watched them for a bit.
Next, Joe drove to a meadow from which they could see the large mountains of the Sierras. Denise seemed stuck by the majesty of the snow-capped peaks. She eagerly asked Joe to show her more. Joe was pleased that Denise seemed to be enjoying herself.
Joe drove the buggy to the top of a hill and stopped. “Let’s stretch our legs a bit,” Joe suggested. “There’s something I want to show you.” He got out of the buggy and walked around to the other side. After offering Denise his hand and helping her out, Joe escorted her to the crest of the hill.
Below them was a magnificent sight. Large pine trees filled the hill, coloring it with green and brown. At the bottom of the hill, the dark blue waters of Lake Tahoe stood in contrast to the forest above it.
Denise gasped. “Oh, Joe, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you,” Joe said gently.
Smiling at Joe, Demise answered demurely, “Thank you.” She reached out and slowly stroked Joe’s cheek with her hand. Joe’s eyes shone with pleasure; he stepped closer and quickly kissed Denise.
Denise stepped back in surprise.
“I’m sorry,” apologized Joe hastily. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
Once more, Denise smiled at him. “You’re sweet,” she said softly. “I’m glad you kissed me.” Denise looked around. “Could we sit for a few minutes?” she asked. Joe nodded, not trusting his voice.
Joe led Denise to a log a few feet away. She sat on the log, modestly pulling her skirt down while Joe settled on the ground next to her and stared up at her face. He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.
“Tell me about yourself,” Joe said. “Have you always lived in New Orleans?”
A shadow seemed to fall over Denise’s face. She looked at the lake for a moment, then turned back to Joe with a smile. “Yes,” she answered simply. “Do you know the city?”
“Not really,” said Joe. “Just what Pa has told me about it and what I’ve read. I’ve always wanted to go there. It must be a exciting place.”
“Yes, it can be exciting,” replied Denise. “But also cruel.”
“Cruel?” said Joe in a puzzled voice. “I don’t understand.”
“When one has little money, and no family connections, the people there can difficult. They place great value on one’s place in society. And one’s place is determined by one’s wealth and one’s connections.”
“Doesn’t sound like the city that Pa described,” said Joe.
“Your father is a good man. I’m sure he wouldn’t judge people by the cut of their clothes, or the size of their bank account,” replied Denise. She gazed out at the lake again. “You are fortunate to live in such a clean and simple land.”
“Maybe,” said Joe doubtfully. “But sometimes I wish it was more exciting around here.”
Denise turned back to him. “One makes one’s own excitement,” she commented. She gazed into Joe’s eyes. “Sometimes, all it takes is having the right person to share things with.”
Almost in a daze, Joe returned Denise’s look. He raised his face slowly to hers and Denise bent her head. Their lips met in a long and tender kiss.
When they finally parted, Joe stared longingly at Denise. “I never met anyone like you,” he said softly. Denise smiled back at him. She stroked his cheek again.
“I’ve never met anyone quite like you,” she countered.
Scrambling to his knees, Joe took Denise in his arms. They kissed again, this time more passionately. When they parted again, Joe’s face was filled with wonder. All he could do was looked at the lovely creature in his arms.
Finally, Joe sighed. “Come on,” he said reluctantly. “We probably should get going.” Denise looked surprised, then pleased.
“Yes,” she agreed as she stood. “You’re right. Perhaps you would take me closer to the lake.”
Rising from the log, Joe put his arm around Denise’s shoulders. He guided her slowly back to the buggy and helped her in, then climbed in the other side of the buggy and picked up the reins. Joe turned to Denise and kissed her again quickly. Denise smiled at the gesture. “The lake?” she reminded him.
“Right,” Joe acquiesced with a distracted air. “The lake.” He chucked the reins and the buggy started forward.
With an expert touch on the reins, Joe drove the buggy down a trail toward the lake. As they neared the lake, they passed through a grove of large pine trees.
“The trees are so large,” Denise said in wonder. “They look as if they could touch the clouds.”
“They’re big,” Joe agreed. “It can take hours to cut one down.”
Denise looked surprised. “You cut them down? How sad to spoil such a lovely sight.”
“We only cut a small portion of them,” Joe explained. “It’s really better for the trees that we do. It gives the ones left behind more room to grow. And Pa make sure we plant a new tree for every one we cut down.”
“I feel a bit guilty taking you away from your work,” Denise told Joe. “You must have so much to do, taking care of that large herd of cattle and all these trees.”
“My brothers can manage fine without me,” replied Joe with a trace of bitterness.
“Why do you say it like that?” Denise asked. “You sound angry.”
Joe hesitated. “I shouldn’t, I guess,” he said slowly “It’s just that sometimes Adam and Hoss treat me like a kid. It’s hard being the youngest sometimes. I have to keep reminding them that I’m not a boy any longer.”
Affectionately, Denise laid her hand on Joe’s arm. “I don’t think of you as a boy,” she said softly. Joe grinned in happiness.
The pair rode for several minutes before Joe stopped the buggy at the end of trail, a few feet from the shore of Lake Tahoe. The waves of the lake lapped gently on the sandy shore.
“Oh, Joe, what a wonderful spot!” Denise exclaimed with enthusiasm. “Could we have our luncheon here?”
“Sure,” Joe answered. He climbed out of the buggy and tied the reins to a nearby bush. Then he walked to the back and opened a small box attached to the rear of the buggy. He took out a blanket and a picnic basket. Joe walked to the edge of the sand and spread the blanket. He set the basket on the blanket and walked back to the buggy. “Your luncheon awaits, madam,” he said with a small bow, and helped Denise from the buggy.
As Joe and Denise settled themselves on the blanket, Denise reached in and began pulling food wrapped in napkins from the basket. “Hungry?” she asked Joe.
“Yes,” answered Joe, desire shining in his eyes.
“I meant for food,” chided Denise, a smile dancing in her eyes.
The pair ate and drank from a bottle of wine. As they dined, they talked of small, inconsequential things. Neither paid much attention to the conversation. Both seemed to be waiting for the other to say or do something of more importance.
When they had eaten their fill, Denise repacked the basket and moved it to the edge of the blanket. She moved closer to Joe and began to stroke his hair gently. Joe kissed her softly. “You not like any of the other girls I know,” he said. “You’re more…” Joe stopped, searching for the right word.
“Worldly, perhaps?” Denise suggested. “I’ve probably seen more of the world than most of the girls you know. I grew up in a French society. The French are more open about things, you know.”
“Viva la France,” murmured Joe as he moved closer and kissed her once again.
hhhhhhhhhh
Sighing, Adam placed a sheaf of papers on the desk and looked at Ben. “I guess that does it,” he said with relief. “We can have the lawyer look these contracts over and, if he agrees, we can sign them next week. I think they are a fair deal for everyone concerned.”
“I agree,” concurred Ben. He frowned as he heard the clock in the other room strike four. “It’s getting late. I wonder where Joe is?”
“I wouldn’t count on seeing Joe soon,” commented Adam. “From the look on his face this morning, I don’t think he’s going to be rushing to get Denise back.”
The sound of a buggy distracted Ben. He stood and looked out the window behind the desk. “Charles is back,” he announced.
A few minutes later, Charles strolled into the house. Ben and Adam walked over to greet him.
“I hope you had a productive day,” said Ben. His voice held a hint of inquiry.
“Yes, very much so,” answered Charles. He looked around the room. “Denise is still out?”
“Yes,” replied Ben. “But I’m sure she’s fine. Joe and Denise probably just lost track of the time.”
“I’m sure you are right,” agreed Charles. “I’m not concerned.”
The faint sound of a buggy pulling up was again heard. A minute later, the door opened and Denise walked in, followed by Joe. Joe had a look of pure happiness on his face.
“Ah, there you are, my dear,” said Charles. “We were just talking about you. Did you have a good time?”
“Yes,” answered Denise with enthusiasm. “Mr. Cartwright, the Ponderosa is really beautiful. You must be so proud of it.”
“Thank you,” said Ben.