Guests For Christmas
By Lyn Robinson

Both Hoss and Joe were looking forward to Christmas for very similar reasons but each had their own worries, which kept them awake at night. Hoss was totally confident about Sue but he was in two minds who to ask to be his best man; he hated the idea of choosing between his brothers even in such a minor way. He had acted as best man for both of them so that didn’t help. He talked it over with his father but for once Ben wasn’t much help, it had to be Hoss’ decision. The only contribution he made was to tell Hoss not to worry; neither of his brothers would take exception whatever decision he made.

Joe was often lost in his own thoughts wondering just what Nita would make of this wild land and his family and what they would think of her. She was so very different from Marie but he was sure that like his first choice, she could become part of his family but as the time for her arrival drew closer, he was on edge.

With plenty to do and think about Carole was sleeping much better, rarely troubled by nightmares but she had still given no hint of wanting to take the last step. Adam wasn’t pushing his luck, grateful that she was so well. He was kept very busy himself ensuring the normal work of the ranch went forward and stocking up for Christmas. There were a number of items that they couldn’t get in town and it became increasingly obvious that a quick trip to Sacramento was necessary. Adam had to meet representatives of the railroad and deal with a couple of queries on the contracts they had arranged for the following year so he needed to go, but with time short Joe went along too, so that he could complete the shopping while Adam dealt with the contracts. Ben, Carole and Hop Sing had come up with a long list for the brothers and they arranged to set out early the following morning.

Adam was over at dawn to collect his very sleepy younger brother. The pass was still open but at that time of the year a blizzard was always a possibility and they wanted to take advantage of the weather. They rode in silence for a while, with Joe not really awake. Adam remembered making a similar trip just before Joe and Marie’s wedding. Not completely fit his family had insisted he take a hand along and with many away he had taken Jess. Pulling Jess up a cliff when he was heavily thrown, he had made a friend for life although he hadn’t realised it at the time. Jess had come a long way since and the whole family relied on him just as they did José and a few others. Adam was smiling, lost in his thoughts as Joe slowly surfaced and curious Joe demanded to know why. Adam explained and then Joe filled him in on how Jess egged on by José and Kirk had followed Adam home a few days back. Adam was thoroughly amused and Joe said dryly, “If Hoss or I had tried it you’d have been furious.”

“But of course brother you know me well enough to have more faith or you darned well should. Now let’s turn to more important matters like Christmas and wedding presents for Hoss. You got any ideas?”

“Not a clue, my mind’s a complete blank. It’s alright for Pa he’s doing up Hoss’ room like he did for me and Marie.”

“I know, like then I’m lumbered with most of the shopping. We are going to need pack horses to get everything home.”
Joe laughed but Adam passed over three tightly written pages, “I am not kidding little brother.”

Joe whistled quietly “So I see. Well one thing for sure we can’t carry anything as big as a piano.”

As the brothers rode into Sacramento their guests were getting ready to leave San Francisco. The party of eight gathered at the station with a large amount of luggage. Will and John Mills, the only two men in the party busied themselves loading the luggage on board, bemoaning their faith. Commiserating with each other, united in their opinion that the women couldn’t possibly need so much they were only going for a fortnight. As Meg was a frequent visitor to Laura and Will, Nita knew her quite well and had met John several times. The three women, with Peggy’s help, managed the twins easily enough, even though Eve and Dawn were all for investigating everything in sight. They were taking the train to Reno and then picking up the stagecoach for Virginia City where they would be met. Edwin Booth and Jim Forrester would be taking the same route the following day as he had one more show to give in San Francisco. Edwin was going to stay for just over a month, as this time for once he was going to give some performances in Virginia City after his holiday on the Ponderosa.
Nita was feeling very nervous. She had been excited for weeks and had asked Laura hundreds of questions about the town and the ranch, but she still didn't know what to expect. It seemed a very long time since she had seen Joe and she was scared of his close family, knowing just how much they meant to Joe. They were rich and powerful men, like her father and his close colleagues, all of whom she disliked and despised. Joe was different but she couldn't believe he was typical of the family. The one she had heard most rumours about was Adam and he terrified her. The one time she had met him he had seemed cold and distant but now she was committed to staying with him.

Joe and Adam knew just when the party was due from San Francisco and were equally determined to be there to collect them. Joe because he had to be there for Nita and Adam because he wouldn't leave Carole alone to cope and anyway they were his guests and it would be rude. They had split the list and Joe headed of to deal with it while Adam went to arrange the meetings he had to cover with the railroad representatives. Joe booked them into a hotel and as he collected packages he dumped them in the room, beginning to become alarmed at the sheer volume. By the time he met Adam later in the afternoon Adam had completed his meetings and he took over the rest of the shopping telling Joe to head out to Tom Scott and buy two packhorses, worthwhile animals. When Joe returned Adam had just about finished the shopping, with the satisfaction of obtaining virtually all they wanted. His major problem was a present for his big brother. Hoss had never been the easiest person to buy for, his main hobbies working with his hands on leather or in wood had been very fully equipped over the years and it was rare to find a book which he would really enjoy. Although Hoss liked clothes they normally needed to be specially made for him, Adam had a couple of things ordered but he wasn't sure if either would appear for Christmas. He had found one present, a very lovely set of jewellery, neat but quite large, which he thought would suit SueEllen admirably. He had seen the engagement ring that Hoss had bought, two large diamonds with a beautiful emerald. The jewellery was also green although tourmaline not emerald. He had promised himself to give her something special for Christmas and this would go admirably with her wedding dress if she kept to a very plain white one as he hoped. Adam was wondering if Carole would offer to make her dress as she had for Marie. He hoped so but by now Carole had a lot more on her hands with three children and a houseful of guests so he wouldn't mention it.

Eventually Adam collapsed in the room surrounded by parcels wondering just how they were going to get everything home even with four horses. He was slightly surprised that Joe wasn't back yet but he wasn't really worried his little brother could look after himself and anyway it was often difficult to get away from the Tom. Adam was almost dozing off when Joe finally arrived back carrying yet another large package and two smaller ones but looking very pleased with himself. Adam lazed back in the chair. "Put them down if you can find room, how we get it home I don't know."

Joe frowned suddenly serious, "We can't get a wagon, it's snowing quite hard, be worse in the hills."

"Thanks for those few kind words brother. Let's go and eat, work out what we're doing."

"Sure just let me wash up first." Joe had collected all the presents he needed and was glad to be finished but he pushed the thought away and concentrated on the immediate problem. Adam waited until they had eaten and then relaxing over coffee he said
"They will be in Reno in the early hours, get the stage at 9.30 tomorrow morning, reach town late evening."

"Which doesn't give us any too much time to get there."

"Well we knew that when we came Joe. It was unfortunate we had to put it back two days but we both knew the risks. If we aren't back Pa and Hoss will have to meet them."

"I must be there." Joe protested "She's never even met them."

"Easy Little Joe, she'll have Laura and Will so she won't be alone with strangers."
Joe just looked mulish and Adam smiled faintly, "Anyway little brother I wasn't suggesting we give up just because of some snow but I won't risk my life. If necessary we will wait for dawn."

Joe relaxed, "Fair enough I know how rough it can be."

"Do you want to start at once? We were riding all last night, had no sleep."

"I'm alright, how about you? The horses are rested which is the most important thing."

Adam sighed “Maybe but I have a horrible feeling we’ll have to walk too much of the way! Come on then little brother lets load up and aim for that cave this side of the pass, maybe grab an hour or so there.”

Joe was very willing but he knew if the snow was really bad even leaving the pass at dawn it could be the early hours of the following day before they reached Virginia City. He could only hope that the conditions were easier than when he had Hoss had collected some books for Adam years earlier. The road was little different and Joe was tempted to suggest using the short cut they used in the summer, but with its steep drops it was too dangerous in bad weather.

It took them nearly an hour to pack up the horses, knowing that extra care now would pay dividends later, the last thing they wanted was a slipping pack. Adam popped into a saloon and filled his brandy flask and then the brothers moved slowly out of town, pulling their thick coats tight against the driving snow. Adam narrowed his eyes and considered what he could see ahead. “Provided the wind doesn’t change we should be okay. We have more than twenty four hours to get back.”

“Going to need it at this pace.”

“Slow and steady Joe, only way in this weather. You know that as well as I do.” Joe could only acknowledge the sense of that but as they hit heavier snow they had to walk and the pace dropped even more.

Adam was as eager to get home as his brother but as they got near the cave around 3 in the morning, he left the direct path and headed to it. Joe wanted to keep going but he could see his eldest brother looked very tired and he could only go along. Adam unloaded some dry wood from Blackie and made a fire. “At least the snow has stopped. Get some coffee and food, feed the horses and we’d better push on while the weather’s co-operating”

It was what Joe wanted but perversely as he saw how tired his brother was he said “I thought you wanted to rest for a couple of hours here.”

“Depended. The horses are alright and we haven’t been making quite the progress I would have liked. Can do if you’re tired Joe. You look worn out.”

“Pity we haven’t got a mirror, I was thinking the same about you.”

Adam smiled “Guess we’ll both be short a couple of night’s sleep. Not the first time, I’m fine if you are.” Joe poured coffee “Ready for some grub but otherwise fine.”
The brothers pushed on twenty minutes later, at least the snow got lighter and soon they were riding again, trusting their surefooted animals and slowly getting lower. They made better time after reaching the tree-line and decided to go to Adam’s house, dump everything, change horses and head for town, reckoning they just had time. They pushed hard over the last ten miles and reached the house just as Carole came down from putting the children to bed.

Hoss and Ben were with her helping to ensure everything was ready and Hoss had just finished harnessing up the surrey and the buckboard which would be needed to collect everyone from town. They had about given up hope of Adam and Joe being back in time, the clouds making it obvious that there was snow on the mountains.

Hoss was the first to reach his brothers as they dismounted stiffly. “You two look whacked, ridden all night I suppose?”

Ben joined him and considered his sons “Both the last two nights or they wouldn’t be here. Obstinate.”

Adam moved over to hug Carole “Well Pa what did you expect?”

“Exactly what you’ve done. I know you two. Good to have you back.”

Adam looked at his watch “I think we’ve got time for coffee Joe.”

Carole frowned “Have you eaten?”

“On and off we’re not exactly on a normal meal schedule. I’m not hungry at the minute. Joe?”

“Neither am I but coffee sounds good. If Pa can keep Hoss away from the packages.”

Ben smiled “I’ll unload for you. Where do you want it Adam?”

“Stick everything in the barn for now Pa. We’ll sort it out tomorrow.”

Hoss frowned, “I can go and collect everyone in town, you two look all in.”

Joe shook his head, “Thanks but I’m going. I have to be there to meet Nita.”

Hoss pressed, “No need for you to go Adam.”

“I want to Hoss but why don’t you come along too. I’d rather ride than drive.”

“Okay I’ll change your saddle over while you have coffee.” Adam nodded and went inside to try and reassure Carole that they were both fine just tired after a very long trip and little sleep. Carole had seen him tired before and wasn’t seriously worried. With Ben and Hoss helping everything was ready and Kam Su had a light meal waiting for when they got back, with plenty of water ready to be heated for baths. Carole was looking forward to seeing her cousin and perhaps even more to seeing Laura. Since Marie died Laura was her closest friend, odd in some ways but perhaps the fact that they’d both loved the same man made a bond between them. Carole knew that Adam still meant an awful lot to Laura even though she had in a sense jilted him.
Carole had to admit to a lively sense of curiosity about Nita. After all if everything went as Joe hoped she would be living very close to the girl for much of her life; with the brothers so close their wives had to get along.

Carole wasn’t the only one who was curious, Ben and Hoss were equally so and Adam not much better off. Although he had met her she had made very little impression on him. He rode alongside the buckboard on the way to town filling Hoss in on their trip and the conditions in the mountains. Joe followed in the surrey but lost in his own thoughts, excited and scared, wondering what Nita would make of it all, he didn’t even notice when Adam spoke to him.
Nita was equally quiet as they sat in the stage from Reno, glad to play with the twins, any distraction as she came close to the family and ranch which were Joe’s life. Scared of what they would think of her and rather scared by the barren hills and the immensity of the land, she was lost in her thoughts and none of the others disturbed her. They were all well aware just how important this trip was to her, even if public gossip had it down as just a pleasure trip, Christmas with friends while her family were in New York.

The stage took a long time edging through the heavy traffic in Virginia City even though it was past nine o’clock. Everything was open and busy, the mines and stamp mills contributing their usual clamour, the very ground shaking from the underground explosions. Nita watched the miners and cowboys in wide-eyed amazement, it was all so different from what she was used to. Plenty of San Francisco was as wild but she has always been protected and never seen it. She was fascinated looking from side to side and Laura pointed out the main sights, the mines, the huge stock dial, the courthouse, the opera house and the elegant Washoe club, in the town that she knew so well, although it had grown considerably in the years since she left.

Eventually the stage edged its way through to the office and yard where it stopped to unload. The three brothers had reached town half an hour earlier and had decided there was time for a beer to try and cut the dust of the journey. Adam and Joe both felt filthy having ridden to Sacramento and back without time to change and only just time to wash their faces and hands before heading into town, but that was just too bad the travellers would be ready for a bath themselves. They hadn't even had time for a shave and as Adam ran his hand across his beard he turned and looked at his little brother. “She won’t recognize you with that beard Joe; why not see if Lee Ping is empty?”

Joe downed his beer feeling his chin and as the stage wasn’t in sight yet he led the way over to Lee Ping’s There was one man in the chair but the other two chairs were empty so Adam and Joe settled in them, leaving Hoss to watch the street for the stage. Even when the stage appeared it would take several minutes to get through to the yard. Adam told Lee Ping to see to Joe first and relaxing back shut his eyes and was very nearly asleep by the time Lee Ping got to him. Hoss had already seen the stage and Adam told his brothers to go ahead he’d join them in five minutes, but now it had come to the point Joe was strangely loathe to go. He knew that Will would have telegraphed if she had pulled out at the last minute so he was sure that she was on the stage, but he couldn’t help worrying about the impression Virginia City would make. Its crowded bustle and roughness so unlike her home or New York and he knew that she’d always been sheltered even pampered. He put the time off for a few minutes “We’ll wait for you, plenty of time. Otherwise you’ll be going back to sleep again.”

Adam yawned widely, he couldn’t deny the risk. Both felt better for a shave and hurried down to the stage office seeing the stage turning into the yard. Laura and Nita were both looking out of the windows and rather surprised not to see anyone as the stage pulled in but Will recognised the surrey, “They’re around that’s the Ponderosa buckboard and Joe’s surrey.”

Before Nita had time to feel relief the stage pulled up and the door opened, Joe had run the last stretch and he was there to lift her down, blocking the door for a moment as he hugged her. Then Adam and Hoss, who had arrived rather more decorously, were ready to take the twins and help Laura and Meg down. Slowly some order emerged as their luggage was identified and moved over to the buckboard. Adam said hello to Nita, that he was glad she could come and stay, but she was too overawed to manage more than monosyllables. Even Joe looked different in his working clothes, his gun on his hip, still showing signs of a black eye and other evidence of a fight, dirty after his long trip. For a moment watching the three rough looking men, both Adam and Hoss so very big and even menacing to the tired girl, she began to wonder if she had made a terrible mistake. Then catching Joe’s eye for a moment and seeing the intense warmth in them, she calmed down. He was the same, just tired and dirty, as indeed was she.

Once everything was loaded Adam suggested they head straight home, hot water and hot food would be waiting and beds for the children. That was a very acceptable thought and they moved over to the wagons. Hoss helped Laura up onto the buckboard and with Will next to her they each took one of the twins. Adam suggested to Peggy that she ride home with him on the front of his mare and she was delighted at the idea. That left Meg and John for the back set of the surrey with Nita joining Little Joe. Having got everyone in their place Hoss slowly edged out while Adam with Peggy’s help made one last check to ensure that they had everything. Nita was very quiet and the presence of Meg and John on the back seat didn’t help Joe, but as they reached the Ponderosa he pointed out the boundaries of the ranch as far as possible. Joe didn’t know John very well either but at least John helped the conversation along, especially when he spotted the flume. He told Joe how similar ones were being built in California, the engineer who had taken over the project when Adam went over to Europe, was making a very good living out of his friend’s design. Joe knew of one or two and assured John that the man had asked permission first and Adam had no objections. Nita stared at the flume stretching down the mountain, it was very impressive and she looked over at Adam, riding the horse easily so casually dressed, he looked more like a cowboy than an engineer. He was chatting with Peggy and at least didn’t look as menacing as he had one in town. The gun had looked so much part of him and he’d seemed to loom up even larger than his huge brother. Nita stared round at the snow covered mountains and all the trees, the sheer immensity of the land belonging to these men. Her father was rich and in its way the railroad was impressive but not like the huge extent of land, as everything in sight was owned by the Cartwrights, She was very quiet and shrunk back even more into herself as they came in sight of Adam’s house. She knew that he had designed it himself and anyway John commented on it. The house had everything her father’s mansion lacked, taste and elegance in a most spectacular setting. It was so much more than she had expected even having heard about Adam. She had discounted most of what Joe had said assuming that he was boasting about his brother, now she began to see he had in many ways been understating the case.

Adam had ridden ahead with Peggy to tell Carole that the others would be there in five minutes and he was waiting with his father out on the porch as the buckboard and surrey came into the yard. Adam took Eve from her mother and Will got down with Dawn. The twins were both fast asleep and the men took them straight upstairs. Laura smiled at Carole and then followed them up knowing Carole far too well to worry about being polite until the twins were settled. Joe led Nita in and introduced her to his father and to Carole. Nita fell back on the shell in which she had hidden so long before meeting Joe and politely, but rather coldly, acknowledged their greetings.

Carole suggested that Joe take her up to her room to wash up before they ate. Joe smiled at his sister-in-law. “Good idea. Come on darling I’ll collect your luggage in a minute bring it up.”

Adam and Hoss were busy unloading, Adam ignoring his brother’s suggestion that Adam leave it to him as he was already exhausted, but as he picked up one small case in his left hand he put it down very fast. It was only small but it weighed a ton and pulled on his injured arm. Hoss saw and came over taking the case from Adam’s other hand “That does it Adam you’re going in.”

“I’m okay, that thing weighs a ton.”

“You’ll be breaking that wound open again. Go on I can finish up, you’re exhausted.”

Adam was really too tired to argue and taking the small case, in his right hand, he went in leaving the rest to Hoss. He went through to his study and poured himself a drink. His arm was throbbing, his head pounding and for a moment he sat down glad of the quiet and the warmth of the fire. Hoss was right he was exhausted, but he’d achieved what he wanted to and was well satisfied.

Joe took Nita’s luggage up and for the first time she realised how tired he looked. She went into his arms and gently touched the old bruises on his face “Trouble?”

“Nothing serious I’ll explain tomorrow.” Joe kissed her thrilled to feel her response

“It so good to see you darling. I’ll let you get washed up and then I’m sure you must be hungry I am myself.”

“You look very tired.”

“I am. Adam and I had to go to Sacramento a couple of days back, only arrived home this evening and we didn’t exactly spare time to sleep. I wanted to be here to welcome you.”

“I’m glad you were.” Nita nestled close to him for a moment and Joe was glad to see the girl he loved back again and bent to kiss her “There’s nothing to be nervous about you know. My family won’t eat you.”

“I can’t help it Joe.”

“It doesn’t matter, don’t worry darling. You’ll have time to get used to them over the next few days and you’ll find them easy enough to get along with I’m sure.” Joe smiled and kissed her once more, before leaving her to wash up and wandering down. He was close to exhaustion himself and joined Adam in the study, pouring himself a large whisky before sinking into the other chair by the fire. He sighed heavily “Well she’s here.”

“She’s very lovely Joe.”

“Don’t judge her yet Adam, she’s over whelmed.”

“Easy little brother, no-one is judging her. It’s bound to take time to find her feet. Do you remember what hard work it was to make conversation with Carole the first time she came out to the house after we started seeing each other regularly? She was overwhelmed by the four of us and the general male atmosphere and that was without the strangeness of the rough land and Virginia City.”

Joe relaxed, “Might have known you’d understand.”

“We all do, don’t worry about it Joe. Give her time; she must be tired after the journey anyway. Come on I hear someone coming down, better go out and be sociable.”

“All you look fit for is your bed!”

“Try a mirror Joe, we’re both rather short of sleep, never mind we did what we intended.” The brothers went back out to the main room and did their best to hide their tiredness but neither managed more than a token meal. Everyone was tired and the conversation was stilted and when Adam couldn’t hide a wide yawn everyone else caught it too. Adam grinned as he looked round but it made up his mind. “This is stupid. We have more than a fortnight to enjoy ourselves. I for one am whacked and poor host or not, I can’t keep my eyes open, Pa will you take over for me, I’m for bed.”

Laura nodded her agreement “Sense for once Adam. I’m exhausted too. I’ll see you all in the morning.” Will followed her up and Nita took the chance to excuse herself, she had so much to think about that she wanted to be alone.

Carole sat chatting with Meg for a while and Ben talked to John but Hoss and Joe went on home. Joe was convinced that he wouldn’t sleep, worried by Nita’s first reaction, but after two sleepless nights and all the travelling he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. It was nine the following morning before he stirred and even then it was only because Hoss shook his shoulder.

Hoss was sure that Joe would want to be over at Adam’s reasonably early, “Come on little brother wake up!”

Joe yawned widely and Hoss grinned down at him “Bath waiting for you downstairs and I’ll bring you some coffee.” He was sure that his little brother would be stiff and sore after his hasty trip Joe was touched by his concern but to cover it he teased his big brother about getting dolled up so early in the morning and not even a Sunday. Hoss snorted “I’m guessing you’ll be putting on somethin’ a bit smarter than usual. I’m going to town to collect my girl and I ain’t arriving looking like a tramp. Almost ashamed of you two disreputable ruffians last night.”

Joe threw a pillow at him and told him to get out, before hauling himself out of bed and heading for the bath. He relaxed back in the water sipping his coffee and grinning to himself. With Hoss bringing Sue-Ellen out and Adam collecting Edwin and Jim Forrester that evening the Christmas party would be complete apart from friends from town. Even some of them would be staying for a few days with the party tomorrow as well as the usual Boxing Day party. Joe hoped that the weather would hold, because with so many people around, even split between the two houses, it would be hard to get Nita on her own otherwise. Not wanting to let her get uncomfortable, Joe hastily finished up and got dressed, then after a quick word with his father he headed out to collect Cochise and go to his brother’s. He didn’t even bother with breakfast, confident that Kam Su would feed him.

Hoss had already headed for town, borrowing his brother’s surrey to fetch Sue and her luggage. With the wedding so close she was giving up both her job and her room at the boarding house, so everything had to be transported, although Sue insisted that there wasn’t very much. In giving up her job she had had to explain to Sister Cecily why. Not that it had come as any surprise to the Sister, who couldn’t help noticing how Hoss was haunting the place, but she was delighted for Sue. The girl was an excellent nurse and they would be sorry to lose her but she had seen Sue with children and knew she was a born wife and mother. Very fond of Hoss and grateful for his help, Sister Cecily saw the tenderness in Sue’s eyes as she spoke of him and knew Hoss had found something very worthwhile at their hospital, apart from his health. She had insisted Sue bring Hoss over so she could congratulate them before they left town and promised to keep it quiet for a couple more days until they could announce it and issue the wedding invitations. Hoss willingly agreed and went to the hospital; he was delighted by Sister Cecily’s obvious approval of the match and laughed at Sue’s embarrassment as the Nun praised her and her work. Hoss was very proud of Sue and liked to hear her praises sung.

Then they went to collect Sue’s belongings, inevitably when she sorted things out there was more than she had expected. She had spent some of her money on new clothes, determined not to let Hoss down over Christmas but she had had to keep enough to provide a wedding dress, once it was announced. She was unsure how she would arrange for it but only used to very plain sowing she knew she would have to get in to the dressmakers somehow over the next week.

Joe rode in to find Nita, Meg. Laura and John still having their breakfast, while Will and Carole were looking after the five youngsters by the fire. He went over to Carole and kissed her, “Can you feed me too?”

“Of course there’s a clean space. Just let me tell Kam Su to cook you up some fresh ham and eggs and some pancakes.”

“That sounds great Carole. I was a bit late up and didn’t want to waste time.” He took the empty space opposite Nita and buttered some bread, feeling a lot better than he had the previous evening and starving. He grinned at her “Did you sleep well?”

Nita smiled glad to see him, she’d hardly opened her mouth so far, feeling so out of place. The house was so different from what she had expected, so comfortable and tastefully fitted out, even though it was in the middle of the ranch so far from town. Joe was glad to get the food and attacked it hungrily. As there had been one place unused he assumed that Adam wasn’t down yet and knowing how tired his brother had been that seemed reasonable. Having taken the first edge off his appetite he turned to Carole, “That lazy lump of a husband still in bed?”

Adam answered him personally, a rather lazy drawl. “I heard that little brother. How come I’m feeding you too? Your second breakfast or were you a late riser?”

Joe turned to watch Adam wander in from the kitchen, “I slept in, reckon we earnt it.”

“Well despite your aspersions I’ve been working for the last two hours. I took my breakfast into the study on a tray, which is why you found a clean space.”

Joe frowned, “What’s so urgent?”

“Christmas bonuses for the men and if you’re not careful I’ll send you out to deliver them.” Adam threatened.

Joe knew what a long job that was and with Edwin due and Hoss already in town he was puzzled, “Joking aside, who is delivering them?”

Adam’s eyes twinkled, “I just told you.” He was careful to keep far enough back so that Joe’s punch missed him, “Calm down little brother, you’ll have everything off the table, fine example for your nephews!”

“Well answer the question then.” Still over tired Joe was beginning to lose patience and Adam recognised that. “It’s okay. José has been fretting to get out and about so he offered. Jess and Pio Gomez are going along just to keep an eye on him. They are perfectly willing and it saves us a job. Between us we have seen virtually everyone over the last month so it’s not essential to do it personally.”

Nita was puzzled and John voiced her thought “You mean you trust a couple of hands to carry all that money around. Must be a lot. I don’t know how many people you employ on a ranch this size, but temptation surely for hands?”

Adam, still well over tired, was close to losing his temper but bit back the angry words and tried to explain. “At this time of the year we have about 90 hands on the books, it will swell to three or four times that number in the summer when we are logging. Sure it’s a lot of money but any of those three I would trust with any amount of money, or my life, even my children. They are friends they know that anything they need they only have to ask.”

John still looked doubtful and Joe cut in, “Adam’s right, all three have proved themselves often enough, we know we can trust them.” Then seeing the anger in his brother’s eyes, Joe changed the subject, knowing that Adam must still be tired if he’d been up so early, “What time is Edwin due in?”

Nita knew that the actor was coming and Joe had explained that Adam had met him when back east at college, but it still seemed an unlikely environment for the world famous actor. She studied Adam but as he caught her gaze and smiled she dropped her eyes in confusion. She grabbed at Joe’s offer to go out for a ride and Joe wondered if he ought to offer to take anyone else. Adam laughed at him, “None of the rest of us feeling that energetic this morning. Borrow Lady for Nita if you like.”

Joe looked over at Carole for confirmation, Lady was her mare but she nodded, “Of course. Just let her know who is boss Nita. She sometimes gets big ideas but she hasn’t an ounce of viciousness in her.”

Adam frowned, “No but she does have a warped sense of humour. I’m sure she deliberately threw me on the same spot every time when I was breaking her, the hardest spot in the corral!”

Even Nita smiled at that and hurried up to get her coat. Adam reminded his brother that lunch was at one and as Hoss and Sue would be joining them, could he be back on time for once. Joe promised, “I just want to take her over to see the main house and then up to the lake.”

“If you’re going over you can save me a job, tell Pa the bonuses are ready.”

“Sure you take it easy Adam, you’ve earnt it.” Adam punched his little brother gently amused by his concern “Go on enjoy yourself, but don’t forget the time.” Joe grinned and as Nita appeared he put his arm round her shoulders and led her out.

Carole and Adam filled the other four in on the plans for the next few days and told them a little about Sue. They made it clear that she was Hoss’ girl and that it was serious, but left Hoss to make it more explicit when he wanted to. Will was frankly surprised but both Laura and Meg were delighted he’d found someone, both very fond of Hoss. Adam warned them about Sue’s size not wanting her to feel awkward when she arrived because they were surprised. She would be staying at the main house but the pair and Ben were joining them for lunch and dinner.

Nita relaxed as she and Joe rode out on their own, the mare was gorgeous and she loved riding. Joe headed down the well trodden road to the main house and pulled up as they came out of the trees. “There it is Nita, the main house, centre of the Ponderosa.”

His pride was very obvious in his voice and she lent forward and studied it intently. The long sprawling main house, the barns, bunkhouses, cook shack and corrals were most impressive although totally different from Adam’s house. That would have transferred into most towns and only stood out because of its magnificent design but the main house would be out of place in a town. Here it fitted in superbly and she was very impressed by it. Even more so when Joe led her into the comfortable large main room, the fire as always was burning bright. Hop Sing was tidying up and Joe introduced Nita to the old Chinaman. She was rather offhand and once Hop Sing had returned to the kitchen Joe chided her gently. “I’m very fond of Hop Sing, he’s been with us since I was a baby. I know many people despise the Chinese but we have found them good loyal friends and very hard workers. On occasion they have pulled us out of trouble, once the flume was blown up and Hop Sing had all his relatives from town out and rebuilt it for us.”

Nita hesitated, it wasn’t what she was used to but then not much was out here. Staring at Joe she made a conscious decision. The prejudices and petty morals which ruled in San Francisco society hadn’t made her happy and seemed useless out here; she’d throw them out and take a lead from the man she loved. She smiled more freely than she had since she arrived “I’m sorry Joe I was rude, I won’t be in future, try and judge him as a man, forget his race.”

“That’s my girl.” Joe pulled her close and she nestled against him “It’s all so strange Joe. Strange and magnificent, much more than I expected.”

“I hope you’ll learn to love it as I do,” Then hearing his father coming down, Nita pulled away slightly, looking around the room. It was comfortable, well worn in places, lined with books, and the gun cabinets. The desk in a small alcove acted as an office and it was covered with papers. Overall it was a room which looked lived in and welcoming.

Ben came down to join them “Forget something Little Joe?”

“No. I just wanted Nita to see the house; we’re on our way to the Lake.”

“Long way round!” Ben chuckled “Do you want coffee now you’re here?”

Joe looked at Nita and very softly she said “Yes please.”

Joe sat down as his father called to Hop Sing, “Adam asked me to tell you the bonuses are all ready.”

“He must have been up early.” Ben said anxiously but Joe smiled, “He’s okay Pa. Nothing much else to do. Will was looking after the barn chores for him.”
Ben relaxed and turned to Nita “Have you recovered from your journey Nita? We’ll all be glad when the Virginia and Truckee Railroad is finished to Reno. Then we’ll be able to do the whole journey by train, the stage coach is rough and dusty.”

“A little dusty I must admit. Then it seemed to take forever after we got to Virginia
City.”

“Traffic gets worse all the time, it’s a rough town.”

“Very busy, so much going on.” Nita smiled, “Not quite the same as San Francisco or at least not the part I’m allowed in,”

Ben nodded “Virginia City never sleeps, the mines work twenty four hours a day and the saloons and shops have to cater for the miners and do the same. After a day or two in town, I’m always glad to get home; it’s more peaceful out here.”

“You have a beautiful home Mr Cartwright.”

“Thank you. I keep meaning to replace some of the furniture, its getting rather shabby, but it’s comfortable and so we put it off.”
Nita was fascinated by the map of the ranch over the desk and Ben told her how he had got it, but it wasn’t any attempt to be accurate, especially now they had bought land on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Joe outlined the new addition and then pointed out where he was going to take her. She examined it with interest and the Joe helped her back into her coat, “Better get on. Adam has dared me to be late for lunch See you over there Pa.”

“Sure Joe. Get hold of Jess or José for me on your way out please.”

Joe nodded and once he had helped Nita to mount he swung up on Cochise and trotted over to the number one bunkhouse, He went in and seeing Jess passed on the message. Jess came out and saw Nita sitting waiting; he whistled softly “She’s a beauty Joe.” Then he hurried on up to the house while Joe remounted amused at his friend’s reaction.

Joe led the way up to the Lake but then hung back and let Nita go on alone. She had dismounted, tied Lady’s reins to a tree, and was standing staring mesmerized over the Lake when Joe finally joined her. It was very beautiful but all the graves made her feel uneasy. “I told you about this, our church.”

“It is lovely.”

Joe frowned, “You sound doubtful.”

“No. I just didn’t expect so many graves.”

Joe studied them for a minute. “It has grown. My mother and my wife, two Marie’s and the baby. Adam’s daughter, born dead, and two old friends of his. Not many when you think the oldest grave is 24 years old.”

“Still tended.”

“She’s still loved, they all are. Just because they have gone you don’t stop loving.”
Joe was very sombre for a moment and then seeing the doubt in her eyes, he put his arm round her, looking down at her. “I still love my Marie but life goes on and she isn’t here. I once said that I couldn’t say I loved you but now I can Nita, I love you very much, you’re as important to me as Marie was. Maybe you find it hard to believe but my love for you doesn’t alter the love I still have for her, nor is it any less because of my love for her. I’ve grown up with it; Pa still loves all three of our mothers. I love you, I need a flesh and blood woman here with me, I can’t live without love. Marie knew that and in time she wanted me to find someone else. She couldn’t tell me when she was dying I wouldn’t let her, but she left a message with Adam. Months later up here he passed it on. Somehow I know she approves and I have no doubts left, I love you Nita.”

Nita’s eyes were wet, she’d waited so long to hear him say those words and now that he had she had lost her voice, she could only move closer and lift her face towards him to be kissed. Joe pulled her close and did exactly that and after a few minutes she was able to respond and try to tell him just how much he meant to her.
Eventually Joe pulled her to her feet, “Come on or we’ll be late. Must be there to greet SueEllen.” Warning her not to pass it on until Hoss had spoken he told her about the big Irish nurse and his brother’s plans to marry her just after Christmas, Nita hesitated “You seem to know her very well and yet you said that Hoss has only known her a few weeks.”

Joe bit his lip; the house was already in sight. “We do. She stayed out here for a while to help out when Carole was ill. It’s a long story and I’ll explain later. There’s not time now, just don’t comment about it. I think you’ll like her but she’s rather shy, too conscious of her size, not that she looks too big against Hoss,”

“He is huge isn’t he?”

“Huge and gentle.”

Nita nodded, of all the Cartwrights he was the one that she was the least nervous about and even their father seemed less terrifying this morning. It was Adam and Carole, who really made her feel awkward and unsure of herself. They went in to rejoin the others and Joe was glad to see that Hoss hadn’t arrived yet, although Ben said that they were just unloading at the main house and would be over directly.

Carole had planned an elaborate meal to welcome Sue-Ellen and all the others, as no-one had been particularly hungry the night before. Adam was busy helping her with the final arrangements and so Joe found himself attacked by his nephews. They were soon jumping on him and asking Nita all the questions that only children dare. She adored kids and was soon captivated by the little boys and as she laughed with them and Joe, Ben watched, seeing what had caught his youngest son. She looked a different girl from the prim cold society miss, who had faced him so far. He could see the love in her eyes as they rested on Joe, unaware of everyone else for a minute and that convinced Ben that Joe had made another good choice. In time she would come down to normal and find her feet and he wasn’t going to judge her until she did.
Hoss and Sue were ready to go over and Sue knew that they were expected for lunch but she suddenly felt shy. Hoss’ immediate family accepted, even welcomed her, but there would be five strangers and she wasn’t sure of their reaction, or now much it would matter to Hoss. Hoss didn’t hurry her at first but as she fiddled around putting off the time to make a move, he said, “Come on Sue. Carole will be waiting lunch for us and judging by the work she was doing yesterday, it’s quite an elaborate meal.”
Sue nodded and very pale and quiet followed Hoss out. Hoss had intended to leave the visitors in the dark about his announcement until the party the next day, but as he drove over to Adam’s he began to doubt his ability to hide his news. He decided then and there to tell them, after the meal, as he didn’t want to ruin Carole’s preparations, they were already late.

Adam had passed round sherries by the time Hoss and Sue came in. he hurried over to greet them and take her cloak. “Come on over to the fire Sue, you look frozen, I’ll get you a sherry, how about you Hoss?”

“No thanks I’ll leave it.” Hoss joined Sue and with his arm round her shoulders she was able to acknowledge the introduction to five strangers with equanimity. Will and Laura in particular considered her with open curiosity, although very friendly and she was glad when Carole called everyone up to table. Adam had opened wine and gradually as she ate and drank Sue relaxed. Even Nita was able to relax, it was an excellent meal and although she was used to elaborate good food, this had a rare advantage, when it was meant to be hot, it actually was piping hot. Even the children ate well and when they had finished Adam let them leave the table and they got down to play quietly, leaving the adults in peace.

Hoss followed Adam into the kitchen with some plates and had a quiet word with his brother. Adam smiled at his request, “Of course you can Hoss, you don’t have to ask.” Hoss went and collected the brandy and Cointreau and some glasses and he put them on the table as Adam brought in the coffee. Adam had guessed what his brother was doing and so did Sue who looked up in sudden alarm. Adam gently gripped her shoulder “Relax Sue.”

Hoss passed out drinks and then said, “I’m not going to make a speech or anything. This isn’t news to some of you and maybe all of you have guessed but to make it clear SueEllen has promised to be my wife. We’re aiming to make the official announcement at the party tomorrow and the wedding is arranged for Saturday January 8th. We both hope that you can put of your return home for a few days and stay for the wedding.”

Will grinned broadly at his cousin, “Many congratulations Hoss. I’d like to propose a toast, long life and happiness to Sue-Ellen and Hoss.”

Everyone willingly stood to toast the pair and Sue blushed hotly but Hoss just put his arm round her and grinned, very proud and very happy. Laura and Meg quickly added their congratulations and then Nita feeling very awkward, hardly knowing either of them, said, “I hope you’ll both be very happy.”

Will was surprised his cousin had never struck him as the marrying kind, apparently content with his life as it was, but as Hoss sat down next to Sue talking quietly to her.

Will turned to Adam “Remarkably well matched.”

“Better than you can know Will. She’s as gentle and kind-hearted as Hoss. A very sweet woman.”

“Never expected this. Joe didn’t mention her.”

“He didn’t know. Hoss met her while Joe was away, broke open the wound in his back and as he was in town they took him to the hospital. Sue was working there. When I arrived he was half asleep, babbling about red- headed angels and although Doc reckoned that he’d be fine to come home after a days rest, suddenly Hoss liked it there and stretched it to a week,”

Will laughed; it was so unlike Hoss, usually a terrible patient like the rest of his family. Laura said “Well at least he knows his own mind.”

Adam followed her gaze and said quietly, “So does Joe, he’s just trying to be fair to her.”
“Maybe trying too hard Adam. She’s not acting like herself since we arrived, more like she was before she met Joe. She loves him very much and if it doesn’t work out I think she’ll retreat from the human race for good.”

“Let them work it out Laura. It’s all very strange for her, all of us, the ranch, Virginia City, give her time.”

“I just hope that Joe doesn’t give her too much time, let her ruin everything.”

Adam kissed her cheek “I’m the worrier round here Laura, stop trying to take over.”

“It’s just that I’ve grown very fond of her Adam and of Joe. She loves him very much.”

“Then it will work out, because Joe loves her too.”

Will shook his head “You two have got one wedding to arrange isn’t that enough for now?”

“Never satisfied Will.” Adam said lightly “You ought to know that.”

Then as Carole looked over he sighed, “Washing up calls. Come on Hoss, Joe your services are required or we’ll be eating off the floor this evening.” With so much to do he couldn’t leave everything to Kam Su and Will joined them. Carole took Marie up for a nap and Meg and John went out for a walk. Laura was busy with her daughters while Ben read to the twins. Sue feeling awkward with all the strangers went over to the young girl, who looked even more nervous and worried than she was. “Your name is Nita isn’t it? Joe’s often spoken of you.”

Nita nodded “Have you known him long?”

“No, only a few weeks, since he came back from San Francisco. Nita is a very pretty name, I haven’t met it before.”

Nita thanked her and then asked how she’d met Hoss. Sue told her of Hoss’ long stay in the hospital and her gradual realisation that she was the reason for it. Followed by his invitation out here for a party where everyone accepted that she was Hoss’ girl. Sue tried to explain how wonderful the other Cartwrights had been to her and in an attempt to put the younger girl at ease she forgot her own nerves. Nita couldn’t be shy with Sue; she had seen her embarrassment and relaxed. She asked Sue how she had ended up in Virginia City and learnt of her gradual journey west from London. Adam was about to bring some glasses in, when he saw the two heads close together, laughing over one of Sue’s misadventures. Putting the glasses down Adam went back into the kitchen and signalled his brothers over, “Come here you two but keep it quiet.” He pointed out the blonde and red-hair mingled as the pair giggled together. Adam smiled at the delight on both his brothers’ faces, “Pretty sight. Now get back to work.”

“Slave driver!” Joe complained but he was pleased to see Nita getting on with Sue, he so wanted her to like his family. Ben hadn’t missed it either and as Carole came down he remembered Dan’s comment about one of each colour. He had lost his lovely petite blonde daughter, but with luck Joe would still be completing the trio and he prayed for his youngest son’s happiness; Hoss’s now seemed as certain as Adam’s.

Adam had to go and collect Edwin and Jim but despite the apparent change of attitude in town, Ben didn’t want him taking any chances by going in alone. Both his sons were otherwise occupied so he decided to go along himself, Adam frowned “I’ll be fine Pa.”

“Don’t you want my company?”

“Don’t be stupid. If you fancy a long ride I’ll welcome it but it really isn’t necessary.”

“Probably not but Buck could do with some exercise.”

Adam accepted his father’s offer and they headed out, Adam driving the surrey while Ben rode alongside, chatting away. Joe had gravitated back to Nita as she watched them leave. “What’s amusing you?”

“I was thinking of my father. He kept on about the cultural wilderness in Nevada and how much I’ll miss out here. Yet this house is everything that monstrosity he built isn’t, elegant, smart, tasteful, as well as very comfortable. Father has tried many times to entice Edwin Booth for a dinner without success and now he’s staying here.”

“Edwin’s not the most social of men. I’ve always known him it seems. He and Adam have been friends for fifteen years or so, since they met in Boston when Adam was in college.”

Nita remembered what Joe had said earlier so she reminded him, “You said you’d tell me about Carole’s illness.” Joe hesitated but she had to know, “Not here. Put on your coat and we’ll go for a walk.”

He wandered down the canyon towards the main house, but his mood was suddenly very sombre and Nita began to get worried. Joe led the way to some flat rocks by a stream and sat down putting his arm round her shoulders. “Adam knows that I’m going to tell you, but apart from Sue and Doc only the family know, not even Will or Laura. Don’t let Carole know I’ve told you. You’ll understand why.” Then very quietly he told her about the kidnapping, how Adam had found her and what had been done. He didn’t go into any details and couldn’t tell her the state his brother and Carole had been in. He swallowed hard and went on “Sue came to help with the children and she helped Carole too. It took a while for her to come back to normal; I doubt she will ever forget. Adam won’t and I’m sure I won’t either, I’ll try and make sure that your safe Nita but I can’t offer any guarantees. The same thing could happen, this is a rough country and we are rich and obvious targets. Pa, Adam and I have all been taken before. It is a risk, a bigger one for a woman as Carole found. That’s why you had to know.” Joe fell quiet, remembering all too vividly and scared that it would tip the balance against him and he would lose the woman he loved.

Nita was astounded at first, whatever she had expected, it hadn’t been anywhere near the mark. Tentatively she said, “She seems to have recovered very well.”
Joe nodded. “Thank God. At first we feared for her sanity, but Carole is very strong. How fully recovered she is, I don’t know. At first she couldn’t even bear Adam to touch her hand and for a week she turned away from him but when she finally turned to him she seemed to get much better very quickly, Still if she has nothing to do you can see her slip back, brooding close to hell. At least with people staying and plenty to do, plenty of distractions she is much better, I don’t know how well she is, it’s not the sort of thing I can ask Adam but I do know that he’s certain she will fully recover, I can even date the day he reached that certainty.”

Rather bitterly Nita commented “I’m surprised there’s anything you can’t ask your brother, does he draw any lines?”

Joe had noticed a certain wariness in Nita’s attitude towards Adam but this was more almost animosity and he didn’t know what his brother had done to deserve it. Anxiety flared in him, for both were so important to him, they had to get on, but he did his best to hide it. He said mildly, “We’ve always had our own private lives. Only interfere if someone needs help.”

“Yet you told him that you were going to tell me all this.”

“No.” Joe corrected her “I asked him if I could. It isn’t my story to tell. The fewer people who know the better. We love Carole and were just so very sorry for her but can’t you imagine how some evil minded gossips would treat her like a freak, for something beyond her control.”

“I’m surprised he agreed.”

“Why? You have a right to know the risks of living here. Adam understands that and anyway he knows I wouldn’t love you, if I couldn’t trust you.”

“He doesn’t like me.”

“Even if that was true it wouldn’t matter. Might make thing slightly awkward I guess, you’re bound to see a lot of my family if you stay here”. He hugged her close “But it isn’t true. Adam doesn’t judge that quickly and he doesn’t know you. So far you’ve avoided him and when you do speak to him it’s that prim society miss that I first met. Equally you don’t know him. Don’t prejudge him. In some ways I admit he can sound terrifying but he isn’t and he’s more than ready to like you, simply because I love you and you make me happy.”

Nita bit her lip, sure she had seen disdain in Adam’s gaze and wondering if he disliked the idea of her replacing Joe’s first wife. Joe had told her how Adam had aided that match and how fond of each other Marie and Adam had become, trying to dispel her fears of his brother, which Marie had shared before they met. Still the day was too lovely and she had Joe to herself so she changed the subject not wanting to quarrel. For a while they walked on and slowly Nita relaxed. Any awkwardness she felt with his family more than compensated for by having Joe next to her.

On the way to town Adam and Ben were talking about her, both very aware of her nervousness, more noticeable with them than anyone lese except maybe Carole. Ben was almost defensive as he described the change in her as she played with his grandsons and said, “She does love Joe that much is obvious.”

“I know Pa and he loves her, so it’ll work out. Give it time, all this is new and we’re a close family to come into, especially for someone who is not used to it.”

“You worry her more than anyone.”

Adam sighed, “I get that impression too. I hope she gets over it. Joe is worried about it, after all he and I have always been close, even when we were both married, or maybe especially then. All I can do is play it casual, give her time.”

Relieved, if not surprised, to find that Adam wasn’t judging her either Ben changed the subject to the party the following day. They had a long list of stores to collect as well as Edwin and Jim. For once the stage was on time and Ben found himself left to complete the loading of the stores while Adam hurried over to greet his old friends. There was so much news on both sides that the four men were chatting all the way home. Ben knew the two new arrivals very well and as they had been regular visitors they were almost part of the extended family. Adam had Hoss’ permission to explain about his engagement and although a little surprised Edwin was pleased, taking due note of Adam’s description of Sue. However the situation with Nita was more awkward, but Adam with some help from his father put them in the picture sufficiently to ensure neither man put his foot in it. Edwin accepted it but when Ben mentioned her full name he looked at them in a blank disbelief, “Leland Stanford’s daughter?”

Adam nodded “Do you know her?”

“Seen her in San Francisco. The younger one, blonde, supercilious kid, looks down her nose at the world. He’s a prize bore. Don’t sound much like Little Joe.”

Adam laughed, “She treats us a bit like that but it seems to be just a shell to hide behind when she’s nervous. She’s not a bit like that with Joe and according to Laura since she’s known him, she’s even begun to treat the rest of the world as human. I live in hopes that she’ll admit my existence soon.”

“Love must be wonderful.” Edwin said cynically and rather doubtfully but then catching his friend’s eye he smiled “Don’t worry Adam I won’t put a foot wrong.”

“I know I can trust you Edwin that’s why you had to know the situation. It’s a little awkward at times but she only arrived yesterday, so very early days.”

For Joe’s sake Nita was making an effort to get to know his family and when Adam and his party arrived back she was sitting chatting easily with Hoss and Sue, at least this pair were very normal. It didn’t take long to perform the introductions and Edwin set out to charm the two new girls who looked like becoming part of his friend’s family, while Carole watched amused. Edwin had greeted her boisterously, complimenting her on her looks; he had grown fond of Adam’s wife. Sue was tongue tied with this famous actor but Nita was used to helping her father entertain and as he didn’t matter like Joe’s family, she was reasonably at her ease. Noticing the pride with which Joe considered her helped considerably and she kept up a light hearted conversation with Edwin and Jim until they went to have a belated dinner.

The next day was Hoss and Sue’s day and all the family were equally determined that it was going to be a day to remember. After breakfast, before going over to the main house Carole waylaid Sue and led her into the study. First she wanted to know what Sue was going to be wearing that evening to ensure that they didn’t clash. Sue had a new dress in her favourite dark green, IT was very simple and she confided in Carole her slight anxiety that without any jewellery it would be too plain, but she hadn’t anything worth the name. Carole had seen what Adam had chosen but that would have to wait until Christmas Day, for now she offered the loan of her diamond necklace, it would go well on the high neckline and the dark green. Sue hesitated it didn’t seem right to borrow but Carole smiled. “In a few days we are going to be sisters. I’ve missed having one so much since Marie died and you know how close Hoss and Adam are, so you’d better get used to the idea.”

Sue laughed “I haven’t really got used to the idea of a husband let alone a ready made family!”

“It takes a while.” Carole admitted. “There was one other thing Sue, have you done anything about a wedding dress yet?”

Sue shook her head “I should have I know. I must speak to Hoss, get into town sometime but he seems to have so much arranged.”

Carole grinned in delight “There’s no need if you’ll trust me. Let me make your dress for you. I made Marie’s when Joe got married and I’d love to make your’s too.”

Sue was taken aback by the suggestion and very touched, but she firmly shook her head. “No Carole, you’ve got enough to do, the children, all these people. It’s lovely of you to offer but I can’t let you.”

“Nonsense. All these people are family. Even Edwin comes so often we don’t stand on ceremony and they also provide at least two useful needles. Laura helped me before my wedding and I know that she and Meg will help, sew seams and edging so it won’t be hard work. Can you sew?”

“Straight seams are about my limit.”

“That’s fine I can design it and cut it out. I enjoy that. Please let me.” Carole was so eager that Sue gave way. “Alright Carole I would be delighted to have you do it.”

“Right we’ve just got time to tell the others their jobs and then you can have a look at some material I just happen to have upstairs.”

Sue looked suspiciously at her and Carole laughed, “I bought it weeks ago, could always use it for something else but it was obviously only a matter of time. I wanted to dress Hoss’ bride, like I did Joe’s”

Sue smiled happily and followed her out where they found Meg Laura and Nita by the fire with the five children. The men with Peggy’s help were harnessing up and loading some crockery that Ben wanted to borrow. Carole sat down and picked up her daughter. “Right attention please. I want some help. We are going to make Sue’s wedding dress.” She turned to Sue, “How about bridesmaids? Have you decided?”

Sue shook her head and Carole went on “Oh well there’s time but I shall need some sewing done, Laura, Meg?”

They both grinned and Meg complained that she might have known the invitation had an ulterior motive, Carole ignored that and turned to Nita, “Can you sew Nita?”

Nita nodded and Carole hesitantly said “It’s entirely up to you. You don’t have to help if you don’t like sewing.”

“I do especially fine work and embroidery. I get bored with seams. I’d love to help but I don’t know anything about cutting out or fitting,” She smiled, glad to be asked.

Carole yelled for Kam Su and asked him to keep an eye on the children and then with all four of the others she went upstairs to her bedroom, “Excuse the mess. Adam was going to tidy up but he got talking with Edwin and so …” She rummaged in a chest in the corner and brought out a bolt of white brocade. It was pure white with a pattern in the heavy material and very lovely, rather similar to the material of her own wedding dress. She had some white satin as well but it was the brocade which they all fell for, Sue thought she had never seen anything so lovely.

Carole grabbed a piece of paper and sketched a very simple design with long slightly full sleeves and a high neckline. “I thought something like this, but I’m open to suggestions.”

Laura considered it critically, the only other one to have any experience in dress design and looking at the material she nodded. “Could do but it’s not such a raised pattern as your’s was, might need something to set it off, maybe jewellery but it would have to be plain.”

“We can worry about that later and the old adage, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. I just wanted you all to have a look and over the next few hours when you have nothing better to do, get your thinking caps on. Beth is going to be staying at the main house for a few days so we can enlist her help too.”

Sue looked at them all “I don’t know what to say?

Carole grinned, “No need to say anything. We’ll enjoy it and with all of us it won’t be hard work.”

The others all agreed and even Nita tucked her hand in Sue’s arm, “People are supposed to rally around for a wedding, That’s half the excitement of it. It’s much nicer than when my sister got married. Outsiders were told to arrange everything, We didn’t even hold it at home because of the disruption. Maybe it meant something to her but for me it was a non-event.”

Adam called for them, wondering where everyone had disappeared to and as Carole came downstairs he was struggling to get a coat on uncooperative daughter and demanding to know where she’d hidden the punchbowl that his father wanted as neither he nor Kam Su could find it. Carole took over Marie, suggesting that he look in the cupboard in the study where it was always kept. Five minutes later she had everyone moving smoothly over to the main house where Hoss and Joe were already moving the furniture around.

Kam Su and the women disappeared into the kitchen to help Hop Sing with all the food that would be required. Nita automatically went with them and just did as she was told, finding peace in being accepted. Adam helped his father with the punch and other drinks leaving the others to the heavy work not wanting to risk breaking open the wound in his arm.

An hour later Edwin mopped his forehead and considered his friend sitting comfortably with his feet up on the coffee table. Edwin sank down in the chair next to him “I should have known you had an ulterior motive in getting me here. You got a cast iron excuse and work the rest of us. I reckon with the party here, Christmas Day at your place and then Boxing Day back here and then Hoss’ wedding I’m gonna earn my keep this visit!”

Adam just laughed but decided it was time for a break and he went into the kitchen where Hop Sing and Kam Su had a picnic lunch ready. Adam got his brothers to help him take it in and the work party grabbed chairs round the tables already set out for the meal. Hoss had invited about thirty people for a meal and then another fifty or so were joining them in the evening when a buffet would be provided. Everyone was eating their sandwiches and drinking coffee when Hoss, his first hunger satisfied. realised Sue was miles away. She was holding her sandwich but hadn’t so far even taken a bite. She was obviously very pleased with her thoughts and intrigued he asked “You look almighty pleased with yourself love. Any particular reason?”

Sue came back to the present with a jolt and took a bite, then she smiled “Yes” and she told Hoss of Carole’s insistence that she make the wedding dress and the beautiful material her future sister-in-law had laid in. Hoss wasn’t too surprised, he knew Carole very well, but he was very pleased that she had wanted to do it and by Sue’s evident delight. He caught Carole’s eye “Thanks and, if you do half as good a job as you did on Marie’s, she’s gonna look marvellous.”

Carole smiled “I want to do it Hoss and Sue will look beautiful whatever I do. All brides do on their wedding day, provided they’re really in love.”

Adam moved over to his wife, they hadn’t discussed it although he had been hoping she would find time to manage it. He was very pleased, especially seeing the delight on both Sue’s and Hoss’ faces. He just kissed her and held her hand for a moment, no words needed between them.

Joe was sitting staring into the fire remembering the first time he had introduced Carole and Marie, when her instinctive reaction had been to offer to dress his petite beauty and the ethereal elegant bride who had come down the stairs to join him. As he looked up at the stairs it was almost as though he could see her there now.

Adam knew his little brother very well and could read the thoughts going through his mind, but he happened to look over at Nita and caught the look of near despair on her face and realised that he wasn’t the only one to guess. Normally he would have left Joe to his memories but he didn’t want his brother to risk losing his new love and he slid down onto the rug next to Joe, gripped his arm and very softly murmured. “Don’t forget Nita, she’s been working very hard.”

Joe came back to the present with a start and needing a few minutes to collect his thoughts, he grabbed sandwich and asked Hoss if they had decided on bridesmaids yet. Hoss rather guiltily admitted that they hadn’t even considered things like that yet. Joe pulled himself to his feet and moving over to Nita put his arm round her waist, “You see my problem darling. I’m the only member of this family who ever thinks ahead.”

At that he had to put up his hands to ward off two cushions accurately aimed at him by his elder brothers. Ben broke things up by sternly telling his sons to grow up before something got broken, even if the twinkle in his eyes belied the words. He had been equally aware of Joe’s thoughts and glad that Adam had moved in so discreetly.

Everything was ready well before the guests started to arrive and Carole, with Laura’s help, were busy giving the younger children a slightly early supper before getting themselves changed. Peggy was joining the party but the little ones after saying hello would all be put to bed before they sat down to eat. Adam had already changed and wandered down to look after the children, followed by Hoss, Hoss was nervous although he couldn’t have explained why and he tried to cover it by thanking Adam for Carole’s gesture. Adam shrugged “All her own doing Hoss. I didn’t even know about it until Sue said.”

“Sue’s borrowing Carole’s necklace tonight. I ought to have bought her some jewellery, never thought of it.”

“Plenty of time big brother. You got the important pieces, two rings.”

“Yeah. I did look at a couple of necklaces but they were junk and she needed so many thing, a surrey, a saddle, and warm clothes. She won’t let me give her a penny not even now.”

“Actually I found a pretty necklace for her for Christmas. Not expensive I’ll leave that to you but it’ll do until you can buy something better, knew you hadn’t bought jewellery.”

Hoss grinned, “Thanks Adam, nice idea.”

Adam was sombre for a moment, “I was determined to get her something nice. Carole and I owe her a lot for her help. I reckon she just about kept Carole sane.”
“Carole is better now isn’t she?” Hoss asked suddenly anxious.

Adam stared into the fire, showing more than he would have wanted, “More or less.” Furious with himself for bringing it up on Hoss’ big day he forced a smile. “She’s marvellous, it was bound to take time and all this excitement has helped, no nightmares recently. Enough of us. When are you going to make the announcement and give her the ring?”

“I don’t know, what do you think?”

“Probably the easiest time is over coffee after dinner, before the hordes arrive.”

“Yeah I wondered about that. Think I will, if I can pluck up the nerve.”

Adam smiled “Oh we’ll give you a shove if necessary.” Joe came down to join then

“Adam is your daughter meant to try and eat the poker?”

Adam turned to Marie and picked her up and tried vainly to brush the dirt off her face. “I swear she’s more of a menace than the twins put together!”

Hoss laughed, “You’ll have to wash her. Anyways I think you’ve forgotten just what those two hellions got up to before they gained a little sense.” Adam removed his daughter to the kitchen and Joe settled down next to Hoss. “Is he alright, looked a mite upset as I was coming down.”

“No he’s okay, just a bit gloomy. I don’t think Carole is quite well yet, not as well as we’d hoped.”

Joe knew what his brother meant “They’re sharing a room again and a bed even before the house filled up.”

“That don’t mean everything Joe.”

Joe bit his lip “Do you think I need an explanation! I had hoped….”

“Same here. He didn’t say much just that it was bound to take time.”

Joe straightened his shoulders “He’s right Hoss. Now cheer up, this is your day, your engagement party and Adam wouldn’t want anything to upset that. He and Carole will be fine they love each other too much not to be, eventually.”

Then as Adam reappeared with a slightly cleaner daughter the brothers changed the subject. Slowly the others started to come down dressed for the party. Nita was in a lovely midnight blue dress, Laura in a pale blue and Meg in a soft deep pink and as they came down together, looked very colourful. Adam was surprised not to see Carole but Laura said, “She went into give Sue a hand. Be down in a minute”
In fact everyone else was down and the first guests about due when the girls finally appeared. Carole had redone Sue’s hair, fitting in the diamond pendant which went with the necklace, very careful to give little added height while showing off her beautiful hair. Sue was amazed at the difference it made the fullness round her face as Carole pulled little tendrils into curls and set the diamond. She was determined that Sue would dominate her engagement party. For herself she had chosen a subdued gold dress which she hadn’t worn since her trip to London and she was pleased to find it still fitted. It showed the dark green of Sue’s dress of to perfection as she had intended and as the two came downstairs Adam and Hoss weren’t the only ones to come to their feet. Edwin summed it up. “You’ll have two beauties in the family in another couple of weeks.”

Hoss moved forward to hand Sue down the last stairs. He had never seen her look so lovely. She fingered the necklace, still nervous at wearing it, “It was nice of Carole to lend me this.”

“It goes well with the dress and you look very beautiful. I’ll buy you one when we find something you like.” He touched her hair and then kissed her forehead “I’m not sure what you done different, but I sure like it.”

“Carole did it.”

Hoss smiled at his sister “You’ll have to show her how Carole. Thanks,”

“I enjoyed playing with it. You’re very lucky Sue you have beautiful hair.”

Just then the first buggy arrived, Dan and Beth inevitably and as they were both staying for Christmas Adam took their things up leaving his father to make the necessary introductions as other buggies followed them in. By the time he returned there was a steady stream of arrivals, all of them strangers to Nita, but she was used to company and managed to keep the names reasonably straight and to make conversation. Sue only knew a few of them herself and she was almost overwhelmed. reduced to monosyllables, Hoss stayed close to her and every time she was stuck he, or one of the family, moved in smoothly to cover her and slowly she relaxed a little.

Joe was proud of the way that Nita seemed to fit in so easily but as it gradually dawned on the guests just who she was, both Nita and Joe were considered with growing curiosity. All of their guests knew Joe well enough to see there was something between him and the lovely, but rather haughty, blonde.

Sue knew that she had never looked better and that combined with the support from Hoss and his family gave her confidence. Slowly she sorted out the various visitors and by the time they sat down to eat she was chatting very much more comfortably. Hop Sing and Kam Su had worked hard but for once in his life Hoss was too nervous to be hungry much to his brothers’ private amusement. Once they met each other’s eye and while Adam just managed to keep a straight face Joe was driven to removing some empty dishes to the kitchen, to have a chance to release the giggles which ere bubbling up uncontrollably.

Hoss hadn’t missed their reaction but he promised himself he’d make them pay later. He gave up pushing his food around and began cleaning the table and helping Hop Sing to bring in the dessert. As time grew closer to make the announcement he kept feeling for the ring for reassurance, wondering how he’d get through the wedding if a mere engagement party had him a in a cold sweat.. In fact it came as a great relief when his father and Adam started passing out coffee and brandy for anyone who wanted.

Hoss had decided to pass out the wedding invitations at the same time and Joe had the bundle of envelopes. Sue was looking firmly at her plate and Hoss could only wait for his father to sit down. Adam poured a large brandy for his brother “Drink this first and relax they won’t eat you.” He squeezed Hoss shoulder in reassurance and sat down.

Hoss took his brother’s advice, drained the brandy and then as his brother smiled at him he got to his feet. “If I could just have your attention for one minute. I had a very good reason for arranging this party and she is sitting next to me. You’ve all met her SueEllen and she has done me the honour of agreeing to become my wife.” He took Sue’s hand and slipped the ring on. “My little brother has the official invitations but we hope you’ll all be able to get out here again on January 8th when we’ll be having the wedding.” Hoss sat down relieved that it was over admidst a babble of congratulations and Ben rose to propose a toast to the happy couple. Everyone very willingly rose to that and then as they gradually left the table Hoss and Sue were surrounded as their friends congratulated them. Dan wanted to know if he could put it in the paper and to Sue’s horror Hoss agreed.

Beth joined Ben once she’d had a word with Hoss and Sue “Can’t say it’s a surprise. I thought something was in the air when Adam asked us to bring her out to his place. I’d just about decided Hoss was a born bachelor.”

“I had wondered myself.” Ben admitted “Just a case of finding the right one, he moved fast enough then.”

Beth dropped her voice and looked over at Joe and Nita, who were talking quietly, leaving Will and Adam to help clear the tables. “What goes on there? You are going to be left alone if both boys go.”

“They don’t go far, thank God. Anyway that one is still in the maybe stage.”

“Joe looks as though he’s in love, I’ve not seen him look at anyone like that since Marie died, but it’s an unusual choice. She is Leland Stanford’s daughter isn’t she?”

“Mmm. I hope it works out for Joe; she’s on the defensive so far, not used to the rough country or us. He’s determined to see if she can accept this land before he asks her.”

“Suppose she can’t?” Beth asked, worried for Ben knowing just how much all his sons meant to him.

Ben smiled “I’m not worried Beth. Joe won’t leave this ranch he knows how much it means to him, it’s bred in him. If she can’t accept it, I think she’ll lose him. It’s just what effect that would have on Joseph.” He was quiet for a moment and then smiled more freely. “Enough of that, this is Hoss’ day, a day to celebrate.”
It was indeed Hoss’ day now that he’d got the announcement out of the way and he made up for the food he’d missed at dinner by frequent recourse to the buffet. As the new guests arrived they were soon put in the picture and Hoss was the centre of attention with Sue. His brothers were pleased to see it and for once kept in the background just ensuring that the supplies of food and rink were kept up. The party went very well and the last guests didn’t leave until near 2.30 a.m.

Adam had taken the children home hours earlier and he took turns with Will to babysit. Will was about to go and relieve him again when Joe forestalled him. “Nita’s tired anyway, I think we’ll call it a day and I’ll look after the kids.”

Will wasn’t sorry he was enjoying himself and Joe had a quiet word with his father and Hoss. Hoss looked worried, it wasn’t like his little brother to leave a party early “Anything wrong Joe?”

The twinkle in his eyes answered the question but Joe said “Nope, just the chance of an hour alone.” He grinned “You look better now you’ve got this far and Sue is radiant. Congratulations brother.”

Hoss grinned very broadly “All I gotta worry about now is the wedding. Enjoy yourself little brother and be good.”

Joe grinned wickedly, “Not knowing when this’ll break up I don’t have much choice. You wouldn’t like to keep it going for say three hours?”

Hoss punched him lightly “Go on with you, see you in the morning.”

Joe collected Nita and helped her into the surrey having said good bye to a few particular friends. “It’s a lovely evening and I’d like to take you for a drive in the moonlight but we’ll have to postpone it. Guess you’re not really dressed for it anyway. Let’s go relieve big brother.”

Adam had taken the chance of half an hour’s peace and quiet to start drawing up an answer to a claim from the Gould and Curry of encroachment by the Consolidated Virginia. He had the study door open to make sure that he would hear the children and would have reacted to any whimper from them, but deep in one of his law books checking the correct wording, he didn’t even hear the door go. Joe went through with Nita and stood staring at his brother for a moment. He looked at Nita, pure exasperation clear on his face, well aware that Adam wasn’t even aware of them and then he moved over and took the book away. “For God’s sake Adam, just what are you doing?” He turned the papers round, “Blast the mine and Jim fair. I suppose that’s what he was so serious about earlier I saw him give you some papers. It’s supposed to be a party, not work!”

“Easy little brother. Just thought I might as well make a start while it was quiet.”

Adam frowned “What are you doing here anyway?”

“Babysitting instead of Will. You get back Nita and I will look after the kids if they stir.”
For the first time Adam saw Nita in the doorway and grinned at his brother” Now I see.”

“Get going, you’re not to be trusted, working at this time of night.” Adam laughed but getting his coat he went towards the door “I take it you don’t want relieved in half an hour?”

“Shoo brother,” Adam did as he was told. It was the first time Nita had seen Joe trying to control his brother and it put a slightly different perspective on the brothers’ relationship. She had thought he was ruled too completely by his elder brother, it was the main reason she was so antagonistic to Adam.

Joe tidied the papers and put them in the drawer. “He’s hopeless, we’re major stock holders in the mine and Fair and Mackay are always pushing any legal problems over to Adam. It’s not as though there aren’t lawyers on retainer in town, but Adam has never learnt to say no or to delegate.”

“Do you often tell him what to do?”

“I try, not too successfully usually but I guess I do as well as Pa. Adam’s as stubborn as they come.”

“I don’t understand you and your brothers.” Nita sighed, very puzzled.

Joe pulled her down onto his knees, straightening her long dress and kissed her. “We aren’t that odd. Actually maybe it would help if you knew a bit more about Adam. He was almost like a second Pa while I was growing up. Pa was busy building the ranch, long hours out on the range and business trips and apart from the time he was away at college, Adam was always around. He taught me to read and write, to ride, fight and shoot. When there was a school he had to come down and talk me out of trouble, then read the riot act on the way home and often cover for me with Pa. I must have been a nuisance as a youngster tagging around his heels but he always found time for me.
Hoss too if it comes to that, guess their relationship is about the same. In my late teens I had a spell of rebelling against him and Hoss, far more than Pa. They tried to wrap me in cotton wool, stop me getting into trouble. They couldn’t accept I was grown up.” He laughed wryly, “Maybe I wasn’t that grown up, I did manage to find a lot of trouble and they were always around to pull me out.”

“I didn’t realise.” Nita said.

“How could you? I should have explained before. Tend to forget it wasn’t exactly orthodox family life but with no mother Adam sort of got driven into growing up fast. We’re a lot closer than most brothers I’ve always known that but these days its two way, even if occasionally he seems to forget.” Joe kissed her “Enough of my family I’ve got you to myself for a while.” The time went past all too quickly and as they heard the main party arrive Nita scrambled off Joe’s lap and tried to straighten her dress where it was crumpled but Joe didn’t care and lazed back grinning happily.

Adam kept the rest away from the study anyway and tired out everyone headed fairly rapidly for bed.
The following day was quiet, despite the crowd of people around, many of whom slept late. Carole took the opportunity with some help from Laura and Beth to measure Sue and get the dress cut out. She distributed pieces of material to be edged and most of the women were busy sewing. Ben had cleared up at the main house with his younger sons help, enlisting Dan to give them a hand. Quite a lot of the furniture was left out of the way until after the Boxing Day party. Joe took the chance to tell his father what he had found Adam doing the previous evening and when Joe headed over to see Nita, Ben went along with him wanting to talk to his eldest son. Adam had been up early and put in another couple of hours work, but he didn’t tell his father just assuring Ben that it wasn’t too serious and he could deal with it without putting too many hours in. Then he firmly changed the subject to the following day when everyone would spend Christmas day with him.

With more people around, not so closely connected to Joe, Nita found it easier to relax and to avoid Adam and Ben. Helping Carole with the dress and joining in the discussion of what else would be needed for the wedding she found Carole easy to get on with. They were constantly interrupted by the young children but Nita enjoyed having them around, the first time she had been close to young children who weren’t strictly regimented. Sue loved children, but the two sets of twins were just too young to be trusted, and she decided to ask Peggy to act as bridesmaid for her. Peggy was thrilled and Laura with Carole’s help began making a dress for her too.

Joe spent most of his time with Nita and even when he wasn’t by her side he couldn’t stop himself watching her. Slowly she was relaxing, the girl he’d come to love predominating and as he saw it Joe relaxed too. After lunch he suggested taking her for a ride. Hoss was sitting next to hi and said thoughtfully “Sounds a good idea Joe.”
Joe hadn’t exactly intended going in a party, he wanted Nita to himself, but he bit back the hasty retort as he met his brother’s twinkling gaze. Hoss grinned broadly “Easy Little Joe I just said it was a good idea. It’s a mighty big ranch and I reckon we can both find somewhere pretty to go without falling over each other.”

Joe nodded, “Sure I was thinking of going over towards the horse herd.”

“Then maybe we’ll go up by the lake.”

Everyone else liked the idea and a large party rode out, the two brothers making no apologies for taking their girls off separately, Ben was there to do the honours. Adam and Carole remained behind, not sorry to have a couple of hours to themselves for last minute arrangements.

Joe was trying to show Nita as much as he could of the land that he loved and he tried to tell her the restrictions and penalties it imposed in return. The long hours they all worked in the spring, summer and autumn, the weeks when he didn’t get home at all and the risks they inevitably had to take with injuries happening both from natural causes and from fights to hold onto their land. He told her of the times they were unable to get to town, snowed in for weeks on end, of the long hours Carole spent alone. He suggested that she ask Carole about their life and the problems, he wouldn’t deny them. They were wealthy but they had many responsibilities and worked harder than any of their men.
Nita had seen a little of that in San Francisco and she could accept that he had work to do, She knew she might find it hard at times but she would take Joe on any terms, even if she only saw him once a week, She only really felt alive when she was with him. She shushed him when Joe tried to explain more about problems and asked what she could see ahead. Joe accepted the change of subject and named the mountains, indicating where the ranch boundaries lay, where the mines were, the new land and where they would be cutting timber in the spring. They rode through the outskirts of the main herd and then Joe led her up a side canyon where the breeding herd of blood horses were at the moment.

Joe pulled up and helped Nita down and they went to lean on the fence. Several of the younger animals came over to Joe to see what he had brought them and he began feeding them pieces of apple, giving some to Nita as well. As they came up he described the best animals and eventually the stallion picked his way over disdainfully. He was a beautiful thoroughbred and Joe held Nita’s hand out and introduced her to the stallion, who blew down his nostrils as though acknowledging the introduction. Nita made a fuss of him and the stallion accepted it for a moment and the apple she gave him before backing off just out of reach and standing looking at them. Nita had never seen such a magnificent animal and said so. Joe nodded “He’s a beauty although Adam’s Blackie is nearly as fine, but this one breeds true, passing on his looks. The best of our foals are his get. Blackie never did pass on his, that’s why Adam decided to ride him when his horse broke a leg. Pa didn’t want us to get a thoroughbred at first, he likes working horses, but we outvoted him and now Pa’s one of his most fervent admirers, He’s done a lot to raise the overall standard round here. Adam and I have got our original investment back ten times over; everyone wants to breed to him.”

Nita frowned “Why you and Adam?”

“The herd was our private venture, to breed quality horses. We financed it separately and still take the decisions jointly. Our pet project if you like. We’ve always taken projects for ourselves, Pa has an experimental farm, where he tries various crops not usually grown here and Hoss has a couple of thoroughbred bulls to improve the cattle/ We all get involved but unless you need more money than you have then the day to day running and decisions are left to whoever is in charge.”

Nita nodded “But you said you outvoted your father?”

“We have equal say in all ranch affairs. The Ponderosa is jointly owned between the four of us. That’s legal Pa insisted as soon as each of us came of age, had deeds drawn up, but even before that we had an equal say in all decisions. Whenever three of us agree the other one gives way, whether it’s me or Adam or even Pa.”

“And your father sticks to it?” Nita asked in surprise,

“Of course. He means it when he says we re joint owners. We argue on occasion but there aren’t often hard feeling and when there are they never last long.”

It was so very different from the way she had been brought up that it gave Nita plenty to think about, as did their long ride round the ranch. The animals were superb but no more so than the scenery, so much more magnificent than anything she’d known, the Sierra Nevada rugged, covered in snow, the tall pines and the mysterious dark waters of Lake Tahoe. She was beginning to understand just why it meant so much to Joe. She was quiet as they rode back with too much to think about but Joe had seen the admiration in her eyes as she looked round at the scenery and he was satisfied that the Ponderosa was getting to her, even if his family wasn’t.

Once the children were in bed, Adam managed to get rid of most of the adults over to the main house and with Carole, Edwin and Jim he reorganised the house, decorated the Christmas tree and began piling up the presents under it. Hop Sing had been helping Kam Su all day, but he’d now gone back to the main house promising to return after breakfast, Adam fetched up drinks and wine refilled all the decanters and then joined the other three in the study. He poured out drinks all round, grateful for a few minutes peace with his old friends. It wasn’t the first time they had had so many for Christmas, but never before had they had them all day Christmas day. They wouldn’t even have time alone to exchange presents with the family and Adam regretted that. Even though the others were all friends, mainly close friends it would be slightly inhibiting. In consultation with Carole Adam had bought token presents all round and knew that his father, at least, had done the same thing. In bed that night he confided his slight worry to Carole but she reassured him, the children would be so much the centre of attention, so excited that any other undercurrents would be missed.

Adam relaxed and as Carole fell asleep in his arms worn out by all the work, he couldn’t help thinking back over the events of the year. An odd one in so many ways and yet maybe next year would be even odder, with both of his brothers hoping to get married. He was tired too, but he’d never felt further from sleep and as Carole was very peaceful and hadn’t had any nightmares in over a week, Adam slipped out of bed. He got dressed and rode up to the Lake. He knelt down by his daughter’s grave for a moment and then went over to Marie’s. He had done as she asked passed on her message to his brother and now he would do all he could to aid his brother’s search for renewed happiness. At the moment he seemed more of a hindrance than a help and he spoke directly to Marie, wishing he could get through to Nita as he had to her.

Adam wandered up to the point and sat down, it was nice to have so many friends around but occasionally he wanted to be alone, with all too many thoughts not all of them pleasant. He sat there for nearly two hours and then as he was cold and anyway hardly in a Christmas mood, he went home and drove the depression away with three hours concentrated work on his legal problem. Hearing Marie cry he went to wash and change, Carole was rather sleepily getting dressed and was puzzled to see him changing. Adam kissed her “I was restless, so I got up a while back.”

“You look tired.”

“Just need some coffee. Kam Su is already busy. A very happy Christmas my darling.”

“I love you Adam.”

Adam kissed her and held her close for a moment “I think you know just how much I love you.”
“I wish I could be a true wife to you.”

“You will my darling, don’t try and rush it, we’ve all the time in the world.”

“I can’t act Adam you know me too well.”

“I don’t want you to; neither do I want you worrying about it. It’s just not that important, just as long as we have each other and I can hold you.”

She kissed him again and then as Marie complained went over to pick up her daughter, growing up so fast now. Adam said “Just a minute darling I don’t know if we’ll get another chance to be alone today so here’s your present now.” He handed her a small jewellery box. Carole took it wondering what he had bought and Adam took Marie from her so that she could unwrap it. Inside the box was an exquisite gold pendant watch, heart shaped on a gold chain with the numbers picked out in tiny diamonds that shone in the light. Carole hugged him in delight and Adam smiled broadly “There are a couple of other things but I wanted to give you this while we were on our own.”

“It’s gorgeous darling, thank you so much but I’m afraid that you’ll have to wait your’s is already in the pile.” Adam didn’t care about that and as the twins bounced in he got his brood downstairs before they woke anyone else. In fact everyone was up fairly early and they had finished breakfast and cleared away before Ben arrived with the other half of the party. For a few minutes it was chaos as coats were removed, presents added to the pile and Adam handed out drinks or coffee for all who wanted. Finally the children’s beseeching requests were answered and Joe and Hoss began handing out the presents from under the tree.

By the time the presents had been passed round everyone had respectable piles even if the immediate family inevitably had more, with all their guests all bringing at least token presents. Adam and Ben had taken presents out to Kam Su and Hop Sing and as usual tried to do the impossible and thank the pair for another year of friendship and help. Joe and Hoss had already been to see the hands and had seen Hop Sing, while Adam was aiming to go and see his friends in the bunkhouse after lunch. Many of the hands would be joining them for the usual party the following day but Adam liked to see them personally if only for a few minutes, before many went to join the celebrations in town.

Sue was already overwhelmed by this Christmas so different from anything she had ever known. Hoss had astounded her with his present an elegant surrey similar to those his brothers had bought their wives and a lovely bay mare already broken to harness. She hadn’t known how to thank him and it made her gift insignificant, but Hoss had been delighted by the worked leather jacket, knowing just how much of her small store of money she had spent on him. Its perfect fit was a testimony to her knowledge of him. Sue had never seen anything like the decorated tree at Adam’s or the mess of presents under it and she stayed close to Hoss as they began to open their presents. They laughed over the squeaks of excitement from the children. Eventually Hoss started to open his own and he was oblivious of Sue for a few minutes, but then he realised she was staring at one small package, It was from Carole and Adam and she stopped dead when she read the message “To our new sister with much love and more thanks than we can ever say, Carole and Adam.” Hoss frowned puzzled but that cleared as she passed him the card. He smiled, “Well open it.”

Sue did as she was told and if she had been touched by the card and message the gift took her breath away, There was a bracelet, necklace, a pendant, earrings and three different hair pieces all matching her engagement ring with green stones set in a delicate silver setting. It seemed much too expensive and she looked up at Hoss, adoring it but unsure whether she should accept, Hoss smiled down at her “Very attractive. Adam always had a nice taste in jewellery,”

“It’s too much.”

“Nonsense. I know he wanted to get you something a little special for helping Carole.”

“He’s already given me Sheba.”

“Stop worrying woman. You were saying you needed something on your wedding dress, strikes me Carole had that all arranged.”

“It matches my ring.”

“Yeah well Adam had seen that and one day I’ll get you an emerald and diamond necklace to really match but these will do fine until we find something, Adam said they weren’t emeralds but you’ll have to ask him what they are I forget.”
Sue fingered the necklace “Do you think I can accept?” she asked longingly. To her surprise Hoss laughed “I don’t reckon you have any choice. He’s the rich one of this family, he can afford it and anyway it’s what he wanted.”

Sue nodded and then she got up and went straight over to Carole and Adam. For the first time unsolicited, she gave them both a hug unable to find the words to say thank you. They were more than satisfied by her pleasure and from that moment Sue seemed to grown in confidence as she finally realised that she was not only gaining a wonderful husband but also a family who welcomed her with open arms into their tight family circle. She still felt as though it was a dream from which one day she would awake but she’d never dreamt anything so marvellous and she revelled in it.
Adam put the necklace round her neck for her when she asked and Joe came over to have a look “Very nice Sue.”

“He shouldn’t have been so extravagant.”

“Oh he can afford it.” Joe dismissed that as unimportant, “It suits you that’s the
important thing.”

Everyone had done very well for presents and before they had finished opening them Adam was trying to clear up and pass round sherries or whatever people wanted as word came from the kitchen that food was almost ready. The kids were over-excited
and with so many people around Carole was getting overwrought as she tried to make sure that everything as ready, Adam was seeing to drinks with his father’s help and the two younger brothers were wrapped up in their girls, so it was Edwin who noticed. Adam wasn’t there so he drifted over to Joe and Nita. “Sorry to interrupt but Joe I think you’d better help Carole or there’s going to be tears.”

Joe looked up and instantly saw what he meant, “Thanks Edwin,” He jumped up and went over to Carole and put his arm round her, “I’ll take that Carole, you come and sit down and have a drink.”

“Joe I must….”

Joe kissed her forehead, “You must calm down, everything’s fine.” He caught Laura’s eye “Will you put Marie in her chair?” Hoss and Sue looked up and Joe said “Take the twins. Nita make her sit down while I get a drink”

Nita gently took Carole’s arm and pushed some parcels off a chair. “Come on Carole everything is under control, you’ve been working too hard. Just tell us what you want done and enjoy your drink.” She smiled down at the tense older woman and Carole gave way “Thanks. I’m alright now, just bring in the condiments and make sure the place names are all out.”

Joe handed her a sherry “I’ll do it.” He stopped by his eldest brother as he went out

“Leave that to Pa, Carole’s getting a bit upset.”

Adam worriedly handed over the tray of drinks to Edwin who had come over and hurried to join Carole. Nita slipped away but she recognized the anxiety and affection on his face and saw the way Carole relaxed against him. For the moment the pair were oblivious of all their guests as Carole tried to reassure him. Adam could feel her calming down but he was determined that she shouldn’t have anything else to do that day.

His family were all rallying round and soon had everyone sitting down at table. Adam put Marie’s chair next to Laura and the twins next to Hoss and Joe with Eve and Dawn next to Will and Beth, leaving Carole free. He could then concentrate on carving the meat while his father began serving at the other end of the table. Soon everyone was eating and it was remarkable quiet. Even Carole managed to make a decent meal and seeing that Adam relaxed and enjoyed his own food.

After thoroughly overeating and demolishing considerable quantities of wine, the party all took coffee and in some cases brandy and collapsed round the fire, some in the living room and some in the study. The children were playing with their new toys and Hoss and Joe began to clear the table. Adam went over to join them but his brothers decided he had done enough and looked very tired. They tried to persuade him to leave it and go and sit down, but didn’t succeed until Will came over and said that he’d help out. With that offer Adam conceded defeat and went into the study to join Carole sitting down on the hearthrug leaning back against her chair, petting the dog which promptly settled next to him, and almost dozing over his brandy. When his brothers rejoined them Adam roused himself and getting his guitar began playing softly at first and then as the requests for songs came he tried to fulfil them. Joe borrowed Carole’s guitar and backed him up playing the rhythm accompaniment, taking over when Adam needed a break. For more than two hours they took turns as everyone relaxed and sang along. Nita wasn’t used to such an afternoon but as Joe smiled at her she joined in, knowing most of the songs and to her surprise she thoroughly enjoyed it.

By late afternoon half of them were asleep and Adam was fighting hard against the temptation to join them. He’d sent Carole off for a nap but he couldn’t desert his guests. Joe went over to him seeing him start awake and rub his eyes. ”Why not go and have an hour yourself, you look exhausted.”

“I’m alright and anyway we have guests, I can’t just walk off.”

“Don’t be stupid, half of them are asleep and anyway they are guests of the Cartwrights not just you. Pa, Hoss and I can cope for a couple of hours.”

Adam glared at him “It’s my house, my guests.”

“All old friends Adam. Did you get any sleep last night?”

“Not much I couldn’t settle a bit worried that I was asking too much of Carole, too soon. Thanks for looking after her before lunch.”

“She’s fine, just a lot to do; any woman would tend to get overwrought. Tomorrow will be at the main house and she can relax.”

Adam sighed heavily “Guess you’re right little brother. Sorry I’m fussing over nothing,”

“Because you’re exhausted Adam. Go on have a doze you’re half asleep now.”

Adam forced himself to sit up straighter, “No Joe. I have guests.”

Joe gave up and went to enlist his father’s help, but by the time he got back nature had had its way and Adam was asleep, with Edwin and Jim opposite snoring in unison and Dan, Fair and Mackay all asleep in the corner.

Joe shut the door carefully, “Let’s leave the sleeping beauties to it Pa.”

“Only some of them, it’s not much better out here!”

Earlier during the afternoon Nita had been talking to Sue, trying to find out if Sue resented the way Adam seemed to dominate his brothers, everything revolving round the eldest brother, everything planned by him. She found Sue seemingly unable to understand what she was saying, but that had only increased her infuriation with Adam. For years she had watched her father, slightly embittered as the power he thought he had proved useless, with Collis Huntingdon taking over all real power. He father became a figurehead, playing second fiddle and if he didn’t know it, those in power did and she’d seen them laughing at him, amused by his pretensions of culture allied to a complete lack of taste. For his mansion he’d brought in all the expensive fashionable items from Europe, architects from England and New York and he had achieved a monstrosity. Over the last year or so even he seemed to have noticed that he only had the shell of things and pushed even harder to try and get noticed. She hated him in many ways but he was her father. Adam was everything her father wanted to be and wasn’t. She was scared that Joe would play second fiddle to his brother all his life and end up an embittered man like her father. It was alright for Sue, Hoss was a sweet man, but he wasn’t clever. Strong and active, he would make a niche for himself; but Joe was like Adam in many ways and she thought the family considered him a poor substitute and, even worse, that he considered himself so.

Adam felt much better for an hour’s sleep and he was able to organise the light tea which was all anyone wanted. It was soon after tea that Jim Fair could no longer resist the temptation to find out what Adam was doing about the Gould and Curry complaint. It might be Christmas day but he had kept quiet all day and now as Adam wasn’t doing anything, he saw no reason not to enquire.

Nita was lazing back against Joe when she felt him tense and following his gaze saw Jim Fair talking earnestly to Adam and holding his arm. Eventually Adam shrugged resignedly and led the way into the study. Joe was on his feet immediately and Nita followed, intrigued.

Joe wasn’t the only one to notice Jim Fair and Adam disappearing Ben did as well but he couldn’t break away immediately and seeing Joe get to his feet he relaxed, it wasn’t that urgent. As Joe went into the study, with Nita just behind him, they heard Adam say, “We can’t move before next week, the courts are in recess but Joe thought…”

Fair interrupted “I want your opinion, you’re the lawyer.”

Joe moved over to the desk and took the papers from in front of his brother, “For God’s sake Jim it’s Christmas Day. Not a time for working.”

Jim never had liked Joe and the necessity of keeping his temper with him over the last few years, as Joe became more important in the Cartwright’s decisions, hadn’t improved his feelings. He glared at Joe, “Don’t start on me again Little Joe, Adam isn’t doing anything anyway. I only want his opinion.”

“He’s not doing anything because he’s worn out. Even dozed off in the chair and he never does that unless he’s exhausted.”

Adam said mildly “I am here remember! Don’t argue you two, it’s Christmas Day,”
Joe smiled “That’s all I’m pointing out. There’s nothing we can do for a few days anyway. Look Jim you want to know what to do. The two veins are close and Gould and Curry say we’re encroaching.”

“I know that!”

“Okay so we need to prove they are separate veins, your tests and Adam’s both say they are. That’s good enough for me so I suggest we take samples from both veins under unbiased supervision, say Dan and the official assayer. Take three lots, one for the assay office in town, one to go to Sacramento and the third to Carson City. Couple of our men willing to take them and wait for the reports. If those three agree it should outweigh the conflicting evidence we have at the moment. Then Adam can arrange a court hearing for the first week the court is back in session.”

Jim was at least partially placated by that, he could see it should work but he still glared at the brothers. “Well why didn’t you let Adam tell me instead of creating a row?”

Adam lent back in his chair, “I tried to tell you Jim but you didn’t want to know what

Joe thought. This was his idea not mine.”

Jim grunted but before he could answer Ben spoke up from the door. “Either way it doesn’t matter. The details can wait. We don’t work at Christmas.”

Jim knew better than to argue with Ben and he went out leaving them alone; he had some idea of what was happening and even if it was Joe’s idea it could well work. Nita watched the three men, delighted with her clever man, for once even Adam had to admit that he’d helped.

Ben was cross and showed it, “I swear Jim Fair gets worse.”

Adam shrugged, “He’s always been the same Pa, begrudges leaving work for a minute and he’s never had any tact. Still little brother to the rescue again.”

Nita heard the words and read a mocking tone into them, not noticing the very evident affection in his voice. Little brother struck her as derogatory, not as it had always been used by both Adam and Hoss as a term of affection. She didn’t wait to hear Adam say “Thanks Joe”. Her face was burning with the injustice she felt Joe suffered and she couldn’t understand how he put up with it and still seemed close to his brother.

Ben hadn’t heard what his sons were planning until he overheard Joe’s explanation. Unlike Jim Fair he wasn’t art all surprised at Joe coming up with a good idea and having checked who would be taking the samples he merely commented that it sounded like a good idea and then changed the subject.

Adam, more tired than he wanted to admit, had been very glad to see his little brother come in and as Joe headed back out to join Nita he smiled, “Jim is going to throw something at Joe one of these days. You should have seen his face when Joe came in.”

“Jim should know better and you need to learn to say no.”

“Less fatiguing to give in and explain than to keep trying to put Jim off.” Adam said lightly, but his father gripped his shoulder, “Are you alright Adam? You look very tired.”

“Not been sleeping too well the last few days and it was a hard trip to Sacramento.”

“Any reason?”

“Not really Pa, don’t worry about me I’m fine.”

“Sure Adam but you know if you want to talk…”

“I know I can and I will but honest Pa, I’m okay.”

At least the next day the party was at the main house and the responsibility was off Adam. The hands joined in, some of them bringing girls and the dancing went on until the early hours. Eventually everyone left for town except for Beth and Sue, who were staying over, Beth just for a couple of days.

As Adam drove Carole home she was speculating that with all his sons married maybe Ben and Beth would finally make a match of it. Adam was very doubtful; once he had half expected it, but that was several years ago and both had seemed to gratefully settle for a close friendship.

With the excitement of Christmas over they could get down to detailed planning for the wedding, although several trip were planned out round the ranch, provided the weather continued to cooperate. Nita had gradually relaxed, the more she saw of the ranch, the more enthusiastic she became about it. The sheer magnificence of the ranch connected to something deep inside her and sometimes just standing staring out of the window she got a lump in her throat. As she worked with Carole on the wedding dress she took Joe’s advice and asked her about life around the ranch. Carole tried to be straight with her and tell her about the difficulties but she couldn’t hide the fact that she loved it. Even after all that had happened she loved her husband and his family, the home he had made for them and the ranch itself.

Over those days Nita reverted to normal with everyone except Adam. She even relaxed with Ben and as she talked about his son, Ben knew that he was right she loved Joe very much. She found herself telling Ben just what a difference Joe had made in her life, proving human beings could care about something other than themselves and Ben felt very proud of his youngest son.

Joe watched her settle down, he was sure of her feeling for the ranch and if her one trip to Virginia City overwhelmed her, that wasn’t surprising. The sheer noise and bustle often had the same effect on visitors from down below in San Francisco. She was slowly getting on terms with his family, at ease with Carole, Sue and Hoss, even reasonably so with his father but there was the one big exception. About four days after Christmas Joe saw her snub Adam very emphatically over something trivial. Adam just sighed slightly and turned away but Joe was very worried. Nita wasn’t herself with Adam, she was cold, cynical all the things she had been when he first met her. With everyone else she was fine but she treated Adam as though he had done her some terrible injury. His brother meant an awful lot to Joe and he didn’t like to see it, equally he hated the idea of his brother having such a bad impression of her. Suddenly he made up his mind it was nearly two hours until dinner and he wanted to talk to Adam. He went over to join his brother and asked him to come for a ride.

Adam had seen Joe’s face as he turned away from Nita and knew exactly why Joe wanted to get out but he didn’t comment, just telling Carole that they wouldn’t be long. Then pulling on his coat and putting on his gunbelt and hat he followed Joe out. They saddled up in silence and without discussion headed up to the Lake. Joe found it hard to put things into words and they had reached the Lake and walked up to the point in virtual silence. Then Adam encouraged him “Go on Joe get it off your chest.”

“I’m so sorry Adam I just don’t understand why Nita treats you the way she does.”

Adam smiled and rested his arm lightly round his brother’s shoulders, “No need for you to apologize Joe. It doesn’t matter.”

“But it does Adam. I got you to invite her into your home and she acts as though you’re her enemy, that you’ve done her some injury.”

“She’s just nervous.”

“I know that but I don’t know why, she’s fine with everyone else.” Joe shook his head

“I just don’t know what to do.”

“Easy Joe. Stop looking at the one small problem and look at the main picture. She’s got used to the family and the ranch, that’s what you wanted.”

Joe half pulled away and studied his brother intently “What do you think Adam?”

Adam smiled and sat down in his usual place, he waited for Joe to join him and then said “It doesn’t really matter does it Joe? But for what it’s worth, you love her and I can see why. She is very much in love with you. She’s gentle and kind, sweet with the kids. She has fallen for the ranch and I don’t think she’ll find it half as hard to adapt as you fear.”

“How do you know she likes the ranch?” asked Joe puzzled, she hadn’t said very much even to him.

“I’ve got eyes and ears even if she doesn’t acknowledge my existence; I heard her enthusing over the mountains, the herds, just about everything to Sue yesterday. I reckon she knows more about the ranch than Sue even though she’s only been here a few days and Hoss has been showing Sue around for weeks.”

Joe said, “I love her Adam and I want to marry her but you matter too, you know that.”

“Nothing is going to come between us Joe, you know that.”

“Maybe not now but what is it gonna be like over the years with my wife getting at you at every opportunity? Maybe you’ll feel awkward coming to my house and stay away. Make our family occasions a nightmare instead of what they are now.”

Adam had realised his brother was getting uptight, but not how badly, and he forced Joe to look at him. “Calm down Joe. I didn’t realise you were letting it tear you apart.”

“What did you expect Adam? I love you both.” Joe pulled away and went to stare over the Lake, not knowing how to cope with this problem. Adam left him for a few minutes to get control and then went over and gripped his brother’s shoulders. “Seems to me that Nita and I are going to have to come to terms. We both have a good reason; neither of us want to see you hurt. Just calm down, maybe we’ll never be as close as Marie and I were, but I’m sure we can come to a working arrangement.”

“Why is she acting like this Adam?”

Adam shrugged “I don’t know her Joe, equally she doesn’t know me. I’d guess she feel I threaten you in some way.”

“But that doesn’t make sense!”

“You said yourself she’s not used to close families. If she does feel that way, time will soon solve the problem when she finds I’m no threat. Anyway with a little cooperation maybe she and I can get to know each other a little better. I’ll think about it.”

“It isn’t fair to ask you Adam it isn’t your problem.”

“Of course it is Joe but you stop worrying it’s a minor one and we’ll find a solution between us. Why not take the plunge, she might feel better if things were settled?”

Joe shook his head “I can’t risk tearing the family apart, you all mean too much to me.”

“Do you think I’d do that?” Adam asked slightly hurt but Joe shook his head “Of course not intentionally, but Pa, Hoss and Carole are all bound to come to your defence if she keeps getting at you and I’ll be caught in the middle.”

Adam had been assuming that Nita would come down to earth with him as with everyone else, that it was just a matter of time. Now if Joe was getting so worried and wouldn’t act until things were settled then they were running out of time. He decided that he had to force a confrontation, which might at least clear the air. “Will you leave it with me Joe for the next twenty-four hours?”

“What are you going to do?”

“Trust me little brother and try not to worry.

Joe frowned and studied his brother’s face intently but then he did as he had always done and trusted Adam. “I’m just sorry to have to involve you when you’ve got your own problems.”

“We’re always involved Joe, we’re family anyway I’ve no real problems, you helped me when I needed it.”

Joe couldn’t hide his disbelief and Adam knew him very well, he shrugged “Okay so everything isn’t perfect, but only time will help and worrying achieves nothing, so I might as well think about something practical.”
“I’m sorry Adam.”

“Well I knew it would take time and it really isn’t very long, she’s marvellous to be as fit as she is.” With that Adam firmly changed the subject and as it was cold they soon headed home. Adam was thinking hard but he could only await events and play it by ear.”

The next morning he got the chance. The children were all up early and had even woken Meg and John s with their assistance he had everyone on their way to the main house after an early breakfast. Beth was going home that day and they had intended going over anyway. Then he prepared a tray and took it up to Edwin and Jim. Edwin was just awake and sat up, frowning at Adam, “What’s all this in aid of? Breakfast in bed, old friend! There must be a reason?”

Adam laughed “Of course there is, when did I ever wait on you without an ulterior motive?”

“Never” said Edwin positively “What do you want?”

“Just for you and Jim to stay out of the way for an hour or so. I’m sure you can find something to do rehearse or something. I’ve sent all the others over to the main house and I need an hour or so in peace.”

“Everyone except Miss Nita Stanford?”

“That’s it Edwin.”

“I wondered how long it would be before you did something. It’s tearing Little Joe apart.”

“Trust you to notice. I just hope we can come to terms.”

“Well you’re slipping badly Adam if you can’t handle one young girl.”

“Thank you for your confidence, I just hope you’re right.”

“We’ll keep out of the way. Good luck, not that you’ll need it.”

Adam wasn’t so sure but he could only set the stage and wait so he retreated to the study, forcing himself to concentrate on the legal papers he was drawing up. He had no idea what he was going to say to her but surely they could come to terms, both of then loved Joe so they had something in common.

Kam Su had been primed and when Nita appeared he immediately popped out of the kitchen to enquire what she wanted for breakfast. Nita was puzzled, it was so quiet and she asked “Where is everyone?”

“Some not up. Mrs Carole and Mrs Laura take children over to the main house, to see Mrs Beth, she go home today.”
Nita was surprised, it wasn’t that late, but something about the air made her hungry and she went to the table and asked for a full breakfast. Kam Su brought her in a plateful and then brought a fresh pot of coffee before retreating,

Adam had been waiting for that and after giving her a couple of minutes to start her food, he picked up his empty mug and the paper he had been working on and wandered out. Nita looked up in surprise she’d assumed that he had gone with Carole but she could hardly object to his movements in his own house. Adam sat down opposite her. “I thought I smelt coffee. He filled his cup and then jotted down a couple more comments before putting his paper down and sitting back in his chair he considered Nita. “Edwin and Jim are still upstairs, the rest have gone on ahead, I thought I’d take the chance to get a bit of work done while it was quiet.”

“Don’t let me disturb you. I am perfectly alright on my own. Kam Su will get me anything I require.”

Adam smiled “Oh I have perfect faith in Kam Su’s ability to look after my guests but I’m glad to have a chance to talk to you on our own.”

Nita put down her knife and fork and considered him suspiciously, not trusting him at all. “Why?”

Adam had decided to be straight forward, they could fence for days and achieve nothing and he said bluntly, “Because my brother is in love with you and he also thinks a lot of me. All we seem to do is argue and it’s tearing him in two.”

“You blame me.” She said furious.

“No I didn’t say that, but we’ve hardly spoken since you arrived and when we do its unfriendly. Surely you’ve seen what it’s doing to Joe. We both love him and it shouldn’t be beyond us to come to terms.”

“I’m surprised you care.” She said bitterly

Adam lent back in his chair “That’s exactly what I mean Nita. You seem to have judged me and yet you don’t know me. I am trying very hard not to do the same, because I know Joe wouldn’t have fallen for you if there wasn’t more than I have seen.”

Nita bit her lip, she had seen how worried Joe was and she didn’t like it but she didn’t know what to say. Adam went on “I wish I knew what I’d done to worry you, I’m sure there’s something and yet I wouldn’t do anything to harm Joe, he means too much to me and I owe him too much.”

Nita pushed her plate away, somehow not interested in food any longer, “I know you taught Joe when he was a child, but he’s not a child now.”

Adam frowned “I know that. Joe fussed enough for a while saying Hoss and I didn’t accept him as grown but that was years ago. I wasn’t aware that I treated him as a child, I certainly don’t think of him as one.”
“Well you treat him as one, little brother, Little Joe.”

“I call Hoss a big moose or big brother, is that condescension too? It’s not meant to be, more a term of affection after all Joe is my brother and little especially compared to Hoss.”

“You are clever that’s obvious, engineer, lawyer and a very fine architect. This house is magnificent. Fast gun, good fighter best on all fronts. What I don’t understand is why Joe speaks up for you.”

Adam smiled relaxing sure they’d got to the root of the problem. ”Nita you may love my little brother but I think you’re in grave danger of underestimating him. It’s a mistake many people have lived to regret, I do believe you are jealous of me on his behalf, scared Joe plays second fiddle to me.”

He was so close to what she felt that she blushed scarlet and Adam need no more confirmation and, to her utter surprise, he burst out laughing. “Well Joe’s rarely made the mistake of hiding his gifts from view.”

Adam poured out more coffee for both of them “Maybe I can tell you a few things about my brother, if for once in his life he’s had a fit of modesty.”

Nita sipped her coffee studying him intently, he seemed so different all of a sudden and Adam was exerting himself to draw her out. The sincerity and affection for Joe was very evident in his dark hazel eyes and for the first time she saw a resemblance between him and Joe.

Adam frowned with concentration “It’ so difficult to know where to start after all Joe is 27 now, many years and they have been full ones. I admit I’m the scholar of this family, I’ve always enjoyed books and it was the obvious move to go east to college when I was in my teens. The law degree was a fluke really. I needed an excuse to run away from the ranch, everything had gone wrong. The reasons now seem strangely irrelevant but that eighteen months I was away, Joe was about twenty and he began to really take his full share of the work round here. I didn’t know until it was over but there was a lot of trouble. Hoss was nearly killed, the ranch threatened with bankruptcy for a while and Pa relied heavily on Joe. He’s never failed to pull his weight since then, even earlier he did a lot more than most people knew. We’ve had other fights since all too many and I’ve lost track of the times I’ve relied on my brother’s help but maybe a few examples would help you understand. Soon after Joe was married we contrived to get on the wrong side of one of the town bullies and we were ambushed on the way home by seven or eight men, Joe was shot and beaten, a bullet in the leg. I was taken elsewhere but Joe walked home, five miles, to get Pa to find me. How he did it I’ll never know but if he hadn’t I’d have died in the snow. As it was I caught pneumonia and just to bring me peace of mind my brothers forced the pass to Sacramento to find me some books to read, Joe knew my library well enough that in 60 odd books on varying subjects he only chose one I already had and they were all of interest to me,”

Nita watched Adam’s face, fascinated by the emotion that for once he made no attempt to hide and she could sense just how much his brothers’ efforts had meant to him. Adam went on “After Marie died in childbirth I was so scared for Carole and not fully fit. Joe helped me so much, I don’t know where he found the strength but he did and I lent on him very heavily before the birth of the twins. After that he was heavily involved in a timber contract, working all hours to push it through but when Carole and I decided to go to Europe we both independently thought of asking Joe to come along. Thank God he did, for two days out Carole and David caught diphtheria, the ship’s doctor was a drunken incompetent, and without Joe’s help I couldn’t have saved them. I owe my brothers so much. Hoss delivered Marie when the Doc didn’t get here in time and the cord was strangling her. It was miraculous how he saved her. I thought the baby would die but Hoss somehow knew what to do. After losing one daughter in a miscarriage I don’t know how we’d have coped if Marie had died too.” Adam stared deep into his cup “Even this year I’ve owed them a lot. When we had that Indian trouble I had to rely on Joe taking charge of the men while I arranged a truce. He was injured feverish, trying to look after Hoss, but he took charge too and it took guts and a real sense of responsibility to leave me. I knew it was a lot to ask but Joe was the only one I could trust. Equally we had to trust him to handle all the negotiations in San Francisco this fall. That was a two million dollar contract do you really think we’d have entrusted it to Joe if he wasn’t eminently capable. Even more recently I owe Joe my life and Carole’s when she was kidnapped. I wasn’t thinking straight and Joe had to plan for me, to say nothing of risking his life for her and with Pa, Hoss and SueEllen supporting us over the next few nightmarish days.” He fell quiet too aware of the pain of those days to dare to catch her eye.”

Nita could see the emotion on his face and very gently she said “Adam you didn’t have to tell me that.”

Adam looked up and sighed heavily, “I don’t really know how to explain I know it’s not what you’ve been used to, I rely on my family and I know they will always be there when I need them Whether it’s a gun to cover my back in a fight, a pair of hands to tend the sick or a shoulder to cry on when tragedy hits. When work needs doing we take equal shares, even legal work, Joe often helps me and on surveys he can do his half without any help these days. Often Joe’s sees the way out of trouble as on this current problem, the strategy was his idea not mine, I’m just doing the details. We split four ways and no one of us is more important than any of the others, I haven’t the physical strength or the tracking ability Hoss has and he can’t draw up contracts but we both do our share. It’s bred into us, Pa has always treated us equally there’s never been any need for jealousy between us. If I’ve taught Joe and helped him over the years, of recent years he has helped me so often and done so much around here, you can’t know how much I’ve relied on him.”

Nita stared at him, one thing was very evident if Joe thought a lot of his brother, that feeling was reciprocated and Adam was equally proud of Joe. She could see so many similarities between the brothers and realised she had misjudged Adam, She hesitated but he had been very frank she could do no less, “I think I have been very unfair to you Adam. Jumped to conclusions all of them wrong,”

“Look all I’m asking is that you give me a chance. Let’s get to know each other. I’m no threat to you or to Joe; all I want is for my brother to be happy. He’s known tragedy he loved Marie very much, we all did. For a while I was scared he wouldn’t find it again but he loves you and I’m not blind I can see that you love him. That’s the only really important thing, but we don’t want anything to mar your happiness or Joe’s. Provided we can get along without leaving him trapped in the m idle, that’s all we need.”

“It’s been my fault.”

“Maybe not entirely. I was very offhand when we met in San Francisco. I apologise, I was tired, coming down with a cold and I hadn’t realised how important you were to Joe.”

“Even so, when you were kind enough to invite me here I should have given you a chance, not snubbed you all the time. I thought you didn’t like me; guess I was scared of you. You’re everything my father would like to be and isn’t.”

Adam smiled wryly “Don’t go too far the other way Nita. I have my faults I’m sure sometime soon I will get Joe mad and he’ll fill you in on some of them. But you are very welcome her because that’s what Joe wants. Let’s forget the past now, start fresh, maybe we’ve begun to know each other a little better this morning.”

Nita looked at him suspiciously “Did you arrange this deliberately?”

“Of course. I even took Edwin breakfast in bed. I had to talk to you, Joe was getting rather upset. Surely my little brother has complained to you of my deviousness, he’s always complaining to me.”

“Well I think I’m glad you are.”

“I’ll go and tell Edwin and Jim they are free to emerge and then we’d better go and see Beth.”

Nita hesitated, but as Adam gave her an encouraging smile, she said, “Talking off deviousness, I wonder…..”

She broke off and Adam said “I’m sure Kam Su can feed you and Joe if that’s what you want. I’ll remove Edwin and Jim and tell them that you have a slight headache. Send Joe back.”

“Would you Adam?”

“Of course I will.”

“It’s just that I think I need some time to get my thoughts straight and I’d like a chance to talk to Joe alone.”

Adam went upstairs and knocked on the door “Time to go over to the main house.”

Edwin opened it and studied his friend’s face then nodded “Five minutes. I’m glad to see my confidence was not misplaced.”

Adam laughed his friend knew him very well. When he went back down Nita had had a chance to collect her thoughts and she came straight over to him. “Adam I want to say thank you. You shouldn’t have had to say so much, talk of things I know must be painful to you but I’m very glad you did. I think maybe I’m beginning to understand why Joe is so different from anyone else I have ever known.”

Adam smiled at her and for the first time she smiled freely at him and he considered her speculatively “I think my little brother is a lucky guy. He deserves all the luck in the world, but when you smile like that you’re as beautiful as Carole.”

She knew instinctively that he could give her no higher compliment and her eyes danced as she looked up at him, breaking away in confusion as Edwin came downstairs. Edwin hadn’t missed the byplay and as they rode over he teased his friend “Another victim of your fatal charm, what puzzles me is why you waited so long.”

Adam punched him lightly well satisfied with his morning’s effort and he looked forward to reassuring his brother. When all the others had turned up early it hadn’t taken much effort to guess what Adam was up to. Joe had the added knowledge that Adam had intended doing something but neither Ben nor Hoss had missed the tension between Adam and Nita or the state it was getting Joe in, so they were able to guess too. Joe couldn’t settle wondering what Adam was doing and whether his brother would manage to break through to Nita. Eventually unable to face the others he had gone up to his room and Hoss could hear him pacing around in there.

In two minds whether to go in, Hoss opted for leaving Joe alone and went downstairs. Catching his father alone he asked if Ben knew what Adam was up to. Ben shook his head “I can only guess but Joe’s been getting very worried about the way Nita treats him, so I’d guess Adam is trying to talk to her.”

“I don’t get it Pa, in so many ways she’s a sweet girl, fine with me and with the rest of you and yet she snubs Adam every time he opens his mouth, why?”

“I don’t know, maybe Joe is too like Adam.”

“So what she loves Joe?”

“I’m not sure Hoss but trust Adam he’ll sort her out.”

“I hope so. Little Joe’s caught in the middle, it’s hard on him.”

Joe saw his brother ride with Edwin and Jim, surprised not to see Nita, on edge he didn’t want to talk in front of the crowd downstairs and sure Adam would come up to see him, he stayed put. Adam wandered in and Ben Hoss and Carole all converged on him, he grinned “Easy you lot. Where’s Joe?”

“In his room.”

“I don’t somehow think he’ll want lunch Pa, Nita is waiting to talk to him, I think we’ve come to terms shall we say.”
That was sufficient for his family, who were sure that he wouldn’t give more details, certainly not with so many people around. Adam took off his coat and gun and then headed upstairs to join Joe.

Joe was standing over by the window staring out and he didn’t turn as Adam came in, sure who it was and not daring to ask. Adam sat down on the bed and stretched

“Cheer up little brother and kindly have more faith in me.”

Joe turned at that and Adam grinned, “I think we have a better understanding, she even smiled at me, very lovely Joe.”

“How did you do it?”

“Seems she had the idea that I don’t trust you little brother or at least that I treat you like a child and don’t recognise all the talents she can see. I think I have disillusioned her!” He grinned broadly and Joe sat down next to him “How am I supposed to take that?”

“I tried to explain how we all play our part round here and how much at times I rely on you. The details don’t matter but she said sorry for snubbing me and even asked me to excuse her, she has a slight headache. I reckon Kam Su can feed the pair of you.”

Joe studied his eldest brother, “Is it alright Adam?”

Adam laughed “For goodness sake go and propose to the girl Joe or do you want me to do that for you too?”

“I think I can manage.”

“There’s champagne in the wine cellar. Help yourself whatever you want, I’d wish you good luck but I don’t think you’ll need it. Nita loves you.”

“Thanks Adam. I’ll see you later.” Adam watched his brother go out looking almost younger as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders and a couple of minutes later Joe appeared outside going to collect Cochise, Adam watched his brother dance the pinto out of the yard, Cochise as always reacting to his master’s mood.

Adam decided he’d better head downstairs and make their excuses even if no one was going to believe him. Everyone had been able to see how pleased Joe was as he came down but after a few efforts to get Adam to explain he made it obvious that he wasn’t talking. Light-hearted he parried all questions so easily that he turned it into a joke. He soon carried everyone along with his mood and after the tensions of the last few days the family relaxed and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Nita was so deep in thought after Adam left that it only seemed a couple of minutes before Joe came in the door. She had had to change her opinion of Adam very considerably and very fast and try to adjust to a family relationship totally different to that she had grown up with. As Joe came in, looking so very pleased, she smiled at him, “You’ve spoken to Adam?”

“I have indeed.”

“I don’t know how much he told you.”

“No details and it doesn’t matter, he said you have a better understanding.”

“I judged him without knowing him. I’ve been very unfair to him but he says we’ll forget and we’ll start again. I think I see why your brother means so much to you.”

“Give him a chance and you two will be friends.”

Nita was rather glad Adam had kept their talk to himself and stared reflectively into the fire “I think we will. He’s a lot like you Joe; maybe that’s what unsettled me.”

“Enough about my brother. Nita darling, you’ve seen us, our lives here, our ranch, I’ve tried to tell you the problems let you see and if you want more time then just say. I love you so very much and I want you, will you marry me?”

Joe stared at her and for a moment his heart seemed to stop as Nita continued to look into the fire, a half smile flickering on her lips. Then she turned to look at him “Do you really have to ask Joe? There’s nothing I want more. I’ve wanted it every since you first came to San Francisco. I’d marry you and live in a hovel instead of which you talk of problems and then show me the most magnificent country I have ever seen and Adam has proved how elegantly and comfortably you can live here, Everyone seems alive here not just existing. I have loved every minute of it and I don’t ever want to go back to San Francisco and you know how much I love you.”

Joe took her in his arms and kissed her passionately and then jumped up. “This calls for champagne.” He began rooting around in Adam’s wine cellar while half laughing, half crying Nita tried to stop him. “Joe you can’t just help yourself.”

“Of course I can this is Adam’s house he won’t mind,”

“You can’t even if he is your brother.”

“I would anyway. I’m always pledging his word or helping myself to his things and he knows I’d never go too far, same as he knows that he is welcome to anything of mine. However in this instance he told me there was champagne.”

“He knew you were going to propose?”

“He knew that I wanted to and only the situation between you two was stopping me, so he virtually ordered me to and refused to wish me luck. He said that I wouldn’t need it because you loved me and he was right.”

Nita shook her head “After the way I’ve treated him, he’s quite a man your brother.”

“I thought you’d agreed to start afresh.”

“We did but….”

“Adam will have put that all behind him, he means what he says. Ah and here’s the champagne.” Joe opened one bottle and poured out two glasses and passed one to Nita

“To us my darling.” Then he considered her thoughtfully “Is the 22nd too soon? A fortnight after Hoss’. It would solve my problem on remembering dates, same as my birthday, which is the 22nd of September, kindly note.”

“Can we arrange it that soon?”

“Don’t see why not. Banns on Sunday for the first time. It will mean living in the main house for the time being of course. Gives your family nearly a month to get used to the idea and arrange to come for the wedding. We can practise everything at Hoss’, get it perfect for us.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

Joe laughed “Well it will be the fourth wedding we’ve had. You don’t mind having it at the house do you? We’ve got good at it,”

“I’ll be very happy wherever.”

Joe suddenly put his glass down and went over to get his coat, He had remembered to pick up the ring from his room but he couldn’t find which pocket he’d put it in. Eventually he found it and came over, “I hope you like it and that it fits, if not we can change it.” He took her left hand and carefully slid the ring on for her, Nita sat there with a faint ooh of surprise and wonder. The ring fitted perfectly, three stones in a straight line in a simple gold setting with a large sapphire in the centre, her favourite midnight blue and two superb diamonds. It was similar to Carole’s ring but the stones were pyramid cut. “Oh Joe it’s beautiful.”

“Not nearly as beautiful as you are my darling.”

Nita nestled closer to him and for a long time they were oblivious of anything except each other. Then Kam Su coughed discreetly from the doorway, “You wish food?”
Joe was hungry even if Nita wasn’t and nodded, “Please Kam Su, don’t go to any bother,”

“Yes Mr Joe and congratulations.”

“Thank you Kam Su, she is beautiful isn’t she?”

“Very lovely. Your father will be so proud, three daughters all beautiful and hair all different.”

Nita blushed but Joe had grown almost as used to Kam Su as he was to Hop Sing and was fond of him. “Just leave it to me to tell him okay? I know you and Hop Sing as soon as either of you know anything half the ranch seems to know it. I’ve never worked out how you do it; do you have your own private telegraph line?”

Kam Su grinned broadly, “Many congratulations Miss Nita” and then hurried off to get food.

Joe was quiet for a minute thinking about the possibilities of what he had just said but then he forgot about it and concentrated on his lovely fiancée. After they had finished eating Joe collected three more bottles of champagne from the cupboard. “Come on let’s go and tell the rest and then I’ll go into town start things moving and send off these telegrams.” Over lunch they had managed to compose telegrams for all of Nita’s family who had to be notified, They both knew that it wasn’t going to be popular in certain quarters but as she was of age no one could stop her doing what she wanted and they would just have to accept it. Nita frowned as he came out with the bottles
“Where are you gong with those?”

“I think Pa is out of champagne, he was saying he would have to re-stock, and this is a champagne occasion, nothing else will do.”

“But Joe…”

“But nothing, you just nurse the bottles so they don’t explode before we get there and stop worrying.” Joe hustled her into her coat and went out to saddle up Lady for her and Cochise.

Nita felt as though she was in a dream, happier than she had ever been and she looked at the land with a new eye. She was to be part of this, to become a Cartwright of the Ponderosa. They walked the horses over to protect the wine and Nita suddenly felt very nervous, wondering how the family would take the news. Strangely the one person she was confident of was Adam; Joe had made his feelings very clear. Unsure of the reaction of the rest of the family she wanted to put off her arrival and slowed even more as Lady reacted to her signals, Joe could see that she was nervous and pulled closer “Cheer up darling, they have to be told and it won’t exactly come as a surprise.”

“Do you think they’ll approve?”

“Of course they will. It’s only your family who object, no trouble with mine. I have them too well trained.”

Nita had to smile at his light-hearted confidence and then they were there. Joe helped her down, just leaving Cochise tied to the hitch rail as he would be using him later and asking Kirk to take care of Lady. Then he led the way in.

The main party had just finished lunch and were sitting round the fire with coffee. All of them knew Joe well enough to guess what had been going on but Joe casually took off Nita’s cloak and his own coat, hanging them up. Then with his arm round her shoulders he led the way over to the fire “It’s cold out there.” Adam vacated a chair for Nita and waited. Like many of the others he had noticed the ring on her finger but they were waiting for Joe to say something. He looked round at them, his family and close friends, eyes dancing with excitement and savouring the expectancy. Then feeling the tension in Nita, he said “I know this won’t be a surprise. Nita has promised to marry me as soon as we can arrange it.”

Adam was the first to congratulate the pair with his father and Carole almost as fast, all obviously delighted, knowing it was what Joe wanted but to Adam’s surprise his big brother made no move although Sue came over. Adam caught Hoss’ eye and frowned slightly and Hoss started guiltily and joined Sue. To cover his confusion he teased Joe, “Be useful to have a second wedding, finish up the leftovers from ours.”

Joe laughed “With you around big brother there never are any leftovers! No we practise at yours, iron out any problems so that everything is just right for us.”

Ben put an arm round his two younger sons, “I’m sure we can make both perfect. For now we ought to toast your engagement. It’ll have to be brandy….”

Joe interrupted “No champagne. Find the glasses Hoss,”

“But Joe…” Ben started only to be interrupted by his eldest son “I shouldn’t worry Pa, Joe will have provided. I had several bottle. I just hope he hasn’t joggled them too much or we’ll have an explosion.”

Nita said “I tried to stop him Adam.”

“No one can when he gets hold of a bright idea, I shouldn’t worry I’ll send him to town in a minute to get some replacements.”

Joe punched his brother “You would too you big bully,”

“Oh I will.” Adam grinned broadly knowing that his brother would be going to town anyway to start things moving, Then they went out together to collect the champagne, while Hoss and Ben passed out the glasses, Once everyone has some champagne, even Peggy, Ben proposed the toast, long life and happiness for his youngest son and his beautiful fiancée.

RETURN TO LIBRARY