13: Discoveries

Previously, Violet had written a letter to her sister-in-law:

Dear Julia,

I hope all is well. I am fine for the most part. I will readily admit, however, I had not initially considered some of the challenges I have now faced for several weeks. I have discovered, it is not quite so easy living out in the country in a house with men. After mother left, and being roughly two hours from town, I realize how alone I am. There are nights I look out the window and can see the moon on a clear night, longing for a woman to confide in. I do not see Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Myers except in passing. I am busy after school with tutoring. Once I am finished, I am quite tired and relieved when Mr. Cartwright, Hoss or Joe bring me home. I have tried convincing them to save themselves the trouble and let me ride in myself, but they won't oblige. They consider it a good excuse to travel to town. Nonetheless, I cannot complain as I am treated very well.

I am certainly looking forward to the coming weeks when I return for Christmas. Do give David, Emma, and Lilly hugs and kisses for me! I miss you all very much!

Love always,

Violet

She paused. Had she really called this place "home?" Could she even call it such as it was only temporary? There were days she wondered... .

One particular day, Violet met Joe outside the bath with a bucket in hand. "Morning, ma'am. With Hop Sing having the day off, I made sure there was plenty of bathwater. It's all yours." He cheerfully opened the door.

"Thank you, Joe." It wasn't long however, after she was undressed and settled in, did she notice different bubbles in the water, and two big eyes popping up. "Eek!"

Joe knocked before entering. "Hey what's wrong?" By now, she was hurriedly finishing wrapping her towel, while a frog was swimming in the tub. He used his bucket to fish it out. "Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am. I thought I saw one of those hopping around the well this morning. Looks he made his way in." Holding it out, he pursed his lips. "How about a kiss for the prince?" She splashed the bucket over his clothes, and the frog leaped out of his hands and into the hallway.

He caught it at the foot of the stairs, at someone else's feet.

"Joseph!" He knew that voice. Ben had his glare and his arms folded. "What's going on here?"

"Uh, nothing Pa. Just a frog making a splash in the washtub." Joe chuckled nervously.

"Get rid of him and clean up in there!"

Joe ran down the stairs and out the door just after Hoss entered.

Ben trudged down the stairs. "I don't understand! If it isn't one it's the other!"

"Well Pa, they're the same age, and the youngest siblings, I don't reckon they had someone to relate to that way."

"In that case, they should start treating each other like the brother and sister they never had!"

"It seems like they are, Pa."

Ben thought about this before sitting down to read.

Back in the room, Violet noticed a new letter on her desk:

Dear Violet,

I understand how difficult it must be for you during this time. I long for the days where we could talk to each other in person. Even while we are apart, just know I am still here for you, as always. I love you like a sister and you are greatly missed. Also remember, you are a strong woman for traveling and making it this far; after all, your blood already consists of strong women. Your family here believes you can succeed where you are, and we enjoy reading about your discoveries!

As close as we are to considering ourselves as sisters, I must share what else is on my heart. Surely you are aware your parents have arrived with a visitor; Adam. I was made aware when my husband mentioned he may come this way and to ensure he feels at home. While I did not initially know what to personally make of this man, after getting to know him, I can see why you have fallen for him. Your nephew and nieces absolutely adore him, and he treats them like the prince and princesses that they are. He is also a marvelous escort, dancer...and a great listener. I suggest you hold fast to this one! I suspect there are three little ones who will also agree.

We will be out of town for a few days. Grandparents will find any reason to spend more time with their grandchildren!

Love always,

Julia

Included in the letter was a drawing of two figures in black and purple holding hands. She couldn't help but grin from knowing who they were... .It was good to read Adam was fitting in nicely...dancing? Even she didn't have that privilege yet, though it was nice to imagine Julia more upbeat.

Before long, the three men sat at the table to smell something baked coming out of the oven.

"You know, don't tell Hop Sing, but lately, on his days off, I ain't been worrying about what we're gonna eat."

"Why would you worry Hoss? You're not starved!"

"Boys!"

"Good morning. I figured you all would still want a good meal even while Hop Sing is out." They recalled a previous time when Joe burned toast, and Hoss overcooked eggs and eggshells.

"Scones, with homemade clotted cream and jam, ham, eggs, and milk."

"Snow cones?"

"Scones, Hoss. They're like biscuits, but best with the preserves, and clotted cream." Ben spread on a little bit of each. "It's delicious thanks." He took a few bites.

Hoss started spreading, but shrugged and scoffed it down. "Mmm." He mumbled approvingly.

"Not bad," Joe agreed. "Say, what's in these preserves?" He spread from a bowl nearest him onto another scone and took a few more bites. His face gradually turned red. "It's got some, heat to it." He coughed and gulped down his glass of milk.

She stopped eating. "Oh, some strawberries...and some peppers. One of Hop Sing's cousins acquired them through a trader from Siam."

"Hot chili peppers?!" Joe's face was sweaty. "How many did you use?"

"Just a couple, but I was sure to finely chop them...would you like some more?"

"Um, I'm fine, thanks. This was more than enough!" He coughed. "You don't taste anything, Hoss?"

"Hmm... ." Hoss spread some preserve and ate another scone. "Nope." Hoss tried not to giggle between bites.

"Pa?"

"Tastes fine to me." Ben tried not to look at his son while eating.

Joe realized they were missing a key ingredient... . "Well, I'll be!" He glared at the cook, who said nothing and but hid her laughter while drinking her milk.

Well, you boys better get a move on with your chores."

"Can I come?"

Hoss and Joe looked at each other, before the former responded. "Violet, are you sure? We're branding calves today, and it ain't exactly for the faint of heart."

"I suppose it can't hurt boys, at least once," was Ben's reply.

Joe and Hoss' mouths dropped open.

Shortly after, Violet went outside, while Ben went to his desk to work. Shuffling papers and letters, he couldn't ignore his sons looking down towards him. "Yes?"

"Pa, are you sure about this? I mean, last time—"

"Yeah, and I carried her home."

"Hoss, Little Joe, she's not that girl."

"We know, Pa, but still, it's hard if you ain't used to it."

"I imagine it's also hard moving somewhere, far from family, and most amenities, to living with several grown men in the middle of nowhere." He paused, noting their change in tune. "All I'm asking is you give her a chance. After all, your brother Adam is visiting her family, and hasn't been east since college. That indicates her parents' opinion of him, and his intentions... ."

"Well, Pa, we ain't meaning it like that. I sure don't mind her being here, especially the way she cooks."

"Don't worry, Pa. We'll go easy on her." Joe added, "no tricks this time, I promise."

After they went out, Ben found an invitation buried among his letters: "On behalf of the Republican Party, you are cordially invited to the reception of James W. Nye, incumbent Governor of Nevada Territory and hopeful candidate Henry G. Blasdel, Recorder of Storey County...at the Bower's Mansion in Washoe City...Regrets to Orion Clemens, Secretary of Nevada Territory." It's next week! Ben remembered the last time he attended a similar event... . Adam would really enjoy this, but in his absence, who should I bring?

During the train ride to Massachusetts, Adam discovered something he hadn't achieved much of the past couple days: sleep.

He dozed off and on in his seat, which his passengers found nonetheless amusing.

"You manage to sleep anywhere, Adam."

"Where I'm from, you find sleep where you can, or you won't sleep at all, Mr. Adams." He secretly wondered when, if he would ever, be able to refer him by his first name. He discovered much from weeks of traveling, he was particular, but nonetheless polite, with few words. There had been a great deal of silence, which Adam could be thankful for if it meant for less interrogation. Even still, he wanted to feel a bond with this man.

Mrs. Adams appeared to have an amused grin. "Surely you don't mind the company?"

He looked down briefly. "Oh, them? No." Two little girls were in his lap, sleeping under his chin. Even their mother seemingly had a peaceful look about her face, as she appeared to be resting, along with a young boy between her and Adam. He didn't often become too involved with young children. Yet here he was, unable to imagine leaving after shortly meeting them. They accepted him, which was what he hoped for. His challenge now was to convince the others, or hope they would tolerate him in the least.

It was a few hours until the Old Colony Railroad stopped in the Wollaston area of Quincy. It was an easy carriage ride, as they traveled roads with fall foliage abounding in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellow.

"One thing I remember around here is watching the leaves change. You wouldn't see it much in Boston but here and there."

"This is a great time to visit." Mr. Adams agreed.

"I haven't really explored much outside of Boston, but Quincy seems like a really nice town."

"It's grown since I was a boy, but it was a nice place growing up, and still remains to be so."

"You're going to love Grandpa's house." Remarked David sitting next to him. "It's a big house, with lots of windows and doors."

The carriage stopped in front of a stone and picket fence. Adam could see a grey three story mansion with black shutters and several fireplaces; greatly expanded over the years.

"Welcome back to Peacefield, Judge and Mrs. Adams." A young dark haired maid greeted from the doorway. "I see you have company. Did you enjoy your stay?"

"Yes. Thank you, Nora." Mr. and Mrs. Adams walked up the walkway. "Mr. Adam Cartwright will be staying with us along with some dear friends of ours."

Adam was scanning one side to the other, taking it all in while comparing the descriptions in his mind.

"I told you it was a big house!" David could hardly wait to run to the door with his sisters and his mother following them closely behind.

Adam entered a hall with a grand staircase directly in front of him. Nora led them all to a paneled room with an assortment of chairs and a fireplace. After settling in, an older dark haired maid provided tea.

"Thank you Marge," Mr. Adams reclined in a chair.

"A lovely home you have here."

"Thank, you, Adam. It's been home for many members of the Adams family over the years. My cousin Charles has lived here and his home in Boston from time to time. However, as of now, he and his wife along with their two youngest, are in the United Kingdom as he fulfills his duty as United States Minister."

"Yes, I've heard it's a family affair."

Mr. Adams gave Adam a tour, as they passed went down a hallway, into other living areas including a large parlor, a dining room, washroom and even a kitchen with fine china in a proceeded up the staircase. "Here we have the study... ." Adam looked at a globe which Mr. Adams mentioned belonged to his uncle. He sat in a colorful chair, while Mr. Adams took a moment to sit at a sturdy desk in front of a fireplace. "I've been in here for hours at times...it's a great place to think. If the doors are closed, I expect not to be disturbed until I'm finished."

"Nice chair. I could fall asleep in it."

"Indeed. It was my grandfather's favorite. He fell asleep in there the last time he was in here."

The last time...Adam knew what that meant. Adam was pleased to resume the tour while passing bookcases in the hall.

He also saw a dressing room, and quite a few bedrooms, and even "hers." A sleigh bed, dresser, armoire, and a round table. There was something covered in the far corner, but he didn't have time to investigate.

"This will be your room." They were standing in a good sized room with a poster bed, dresser, armoire and pull-down desk. "It was my son's room some time ago. I'm sure you'll be quite comfortable here."

"Thank you, Sir." He had to admit he did like the furnishings, and could gather it was to a young man's taste.

Walking the grounds outside, the garden was bare, but there was evidence of brush, fruit trees and a small pond. "Quite a sight in the summertime," Mr. Adams mused. "David taught Violet how to swim in the pond until she was old enough to go to the beach. Ever since she could walk, she would pick as many wisteria flowers as she could reach on the side of the house. They were always her favorite flowers, and one of the reasons we gave her the name Violet, since she was drawn to the color they were."

Back inside they went, as Marge called them for dinner.

Adam had to admit Mrs. Adam's pork loin and mashed potatoes and peas was comparable to Hop Sing's (not that he'd dare rank one higher). It also appeared she had a tendency to feed all her guests especially well. (Not that he ever starved.) He could imagine being comfortable here... .

He wasn't certain what his time here would bring. However he imagined, at least he would still have time to look around the area, to see what else had or hadn't changed since his last time in Boston.

Now, however, Adam had other things on his mind. He gathered Violet lived quite the pampered life. He tried to imagine her leaving it behind. Was she missing this place? Would she enjoy living on the Ponderosa? Had she—well, there was no use worrying about that now. While he was looking at some books, his curiosity was getting the best of him as peaked down the hall... .

"Hold it right there!" Adam froze immediately. "Turn around real slow!" A pint-sized fellow pointed an index finger at him. "Now drop it!" Adam dropped his hand in his pocket to his side. "Over here, nice and easy." Adam played along, but stopped short and rolled until the boy was on top of him. "Hey!" David laughed as Adam tickled him.

"Oh, you're good...but I've been in this spot one too many times, my friend."

"Mr. Adam, I was looking for you."

"Oh?" They both got up.

"Could you play us a song, please?"

"Please?" By now he had Emma and Lilly pleading with him. Their mother wasn't far behind.

"I've read to them twice, but you seem to be the expert at putting them to sleep these days."

"Ha, Ha. Of course." Adam played a medley of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "Baa Baa Black Sheep," and "Lavender's Blue" to do the trick.

Nevertheless, he decided to explore his immediate surroundings. Adam was curious about the elder David as he looked at what appeared to be a childhood picture of him and his parents, and another, possibility from especially liked one in particular of him as teenager, with a small girl in his arms, and his parents behind him. Adam thought, He was definitely a face I'd seen before, but where?

Adam decided it wasn't worth pondering now, and figured he could start writing. Opening up the desk, he could see it still had paper, fountain pens and an ink bottle in a drawer. But as he pulled out some paper, he noticed a thin book. As he glanced through it, he saw various pictures of David, other young men and clubs Adam vaguely recalled from college: the Porcelain Club; the Hasty Pudding Club after performing "Damon and Pythias." (He spotted another familiar young fellow in the back.) The rest included David posing with different girls, but one in particular caught Adam's attention...Emily?

Knock Knock! Mrs. Adams stood through the open door. "How are you doing Adam?"

"Just fine, thank you."

"I see you found some of David's old pictures. Sometimes I pass this room and expect him to be here, but I remind myself he's a grown man with a family." She smiled as she reminisced, then glanced at what he was looking at. She shook her head. "You wouldn't believe she left him shortly after that photo was taken. My son took it very hard at the time."

"That's unfortunate," he lamented. "About how long ago was that?"

She paused. "About thirteen years ago...why do you ask, did you know her?"

"I was just curious," He paused. "Let's just say all the boys in our graduating class knew who she was...she was very popular."

"That she was, and she certainly used it to her advantage...well, it all worked out for the best." Adam nodded and she continued. "If you do need anything, please let us know."

"Well, I would like a few envelopes and stamps, please. There are some people I'd like to contact."

"Certainly."

"Thanks." Adam put the picture book back, and laid in the bed with his hands behind his head. The timing was certainly right... . Enough about that. Some aspects of the past should remain there, and this was better off.

Back at the Ranch, Violet watched as Hoss held down a calf while Joe tied the legs down. A branding iron was already heating over a fire. It amazed her that Adam and his brothers could do this so often without flinching. Am I sure about this?

"Hey, you alright?" Joe whispered to her.

"Sure, I'm fine." Who am I kidding?!

"It ain't the finest job, but it's a necessary one." Hoss assured her.

"If it makes you feel better, this little guy might be scared too, but it'll be over really quick." Joe added.

Poor thing...how could I help him? Unless... "Can I rub his head?"

"Sure." Hoss agreed.

"Easy, we're in this together, right?" She whispered as she gently stroked him. Her nerves were gradually easing. The calf jerked a bit when the iron hit, but she continued reassuring him and he calmed down.

Hoss and Joe had the same sheepish grin on their face.

"Alright, onto the next one... ."Joe untied the calf.

When Ben heard the horses, he didn't hesitate to ask Violet. "Looks like things turned out rather well."

"It took some adjusting," she admitted. "I'll freshen up a bit before supper." She pardoned herself and went up the stairs. Yet before reaching the doorknob, she looked down the hall, but changed her mind.

Ben went on the porch while the boys let the horses drink. Hoss spoke, "Well, Pa, she handled it better than we expected."

"Yeah, Pa. I don't want to get ahead of things, but I think she's starting to fit in here."

"Good...Oh, you two are going on that cattle drive tomorrow?"

"Sure, Pa...say, something happening?" Joe wondered.

"Oh, I was just certain you'd be busy...that's all." He went back into the house.

"You think he's planning something?"

"I don't know Little Joe, but I'm sure Hop Sing will tell us what we missed."

What was Violet to do with two less men in the house? Well, there was one thing she was hoping to do in an emptier house... .

The next day, she waited until Ben went to check on the other ranch hands in the pasture. That would buy her some time while Hop Sing was in the kitchen. Somehow she was still nervous. Adam was private, but so was she, and it didn't stop him from getting into everyone's affairs, including hers. Wait, would he—she'd rather not think of that—as petty as it might seem.

Adam kept his room tidy—the long bed, a dresser, a bookshelf, and a secretary desk. For a man that usually wore the same clothes, he had quite a variety: red, grey, brown, cream... . If only he wore them more often... .

Yet what really caught her attention was what was atop the desk. A picture of a woman and an oval box with cherubs. His mother, Elizabeth. And the same 'knowing' look that Adam had. She really was beautiful... .

Her finger fit between the opening of the desk and she pulled it down. A few scrolls of paper tumbled forward: a sketch of the inside of a well, and a pump; a blueprint of a grist mill, and a separate diagram of the wheel. She could imagine Adam explaining how it worked while holding her intrigue. The last one, was a blueprint of a house, dated 1851-1852. Looking carefully she recognized the design and dimensions to be the home she was standing in. He wasn't much older than me!

There was also a red book in the very back: Harvard Class Album, 1852. There was a leaner young man, but the distinguished features were still there. Flipping through pages, she found pages of young men she recognized as her brother and his friends...more than a decade ago...including someone else... . Pictures came out, of two alluring young ladies. Jane and...Emily?! He had been to Beacon Hill before... . She put them back in and closed the book. And here, was another book, handwritten in nice penmanship for a man. Dear Journal—Did she dare? She closed the desk.

She really wondered what was in that box. Opening the lid, It played a nice tune she didn't recognize, but a ballerina spun around inside. She wrapped one of Adam's shirts around herself. At least the faint woody scent reminded her of him.

Ben came through the door as Hop Sing was coming out of the kitchen. "Supper almost ready Mr. Cartwright."

"Thank you Hop Sing." He casually made his way up the stairs. Maybe now is a good time...but as he reached the hall, he heard a familiar sound he hadn't heard often. He could see Adam's door was open and Violet was twirling around with one of Adam's shirts. She stopped short when she saw Ben. "What are you doing in here?!" Before she could respond he rushed over and slammed the box shut. "Do you have any idea what this is?! You have no business touching what isn't yours!"

"I'm sorry. You're right, I shouldn't be here." She hurriedly put the shirt back. "This isn't my home and I shall know my place and where I belong from now on!" She went out the door before Ben could say another word.

Ben looked at his wife's picture, and sighed. I'm sorry, Liz.

What was I thinking?! She went down the stairs and continued out the door, before Hop Sing could speak.

Ben was running down the stairs. Hop Sing approached him. "Miss Violet went out. Look very sad."

"I know Hop Sing." Dejectedly, He walked to the barn and decided to take a look inside.

"Hello, Sport." She stroked his mane. "You must be lonely being in here all this time." After Sport nickered, she replied. "I miss him too." When she placed her forehead on his nose, Ben could see tears streaming down her face.

"I think Sport would like to go for a ride." He was afraid he startled her, but added. "Go on, I'll saddle him for you."

"Thank you." After she hopped aboard, she whispered in Sport's ear. "Let's go to Adam's favorite spot." Sport whinnied and charged out of the barn and down the road.

"Where Miss Violet go?"

"Give her time, Hop Sing." Ben was standing by the door of the barn. He'd follow along, shortly.

Back in Quincy, it was early, but the sun was out. Adam looked out into the hall, and the doors were still shut. Good. He opened a door where there were books on the table: Hawthorne's The Blithedale Romance, Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, among others. The last had no title, but was a handwritten diary. Could he? Instead he opened the armoire, which was stuffed with more dresses, albeit a heavy material: red, yellow, blue...all had a slight lavender scent. Then behind him was the covered object. Of course...it was an elegant white wedding dress on a mannequin. He tried imagining her in it, even with loose stitches, pins and needles suggesting it wasn't finished.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

He turned around, "Nora."

"Adam, I've read about you. Violet taught me to read." She spread out the train of the gown. "I remember when this came from the seamstress. She was crying on the bed. 'How could I waste so much money? How could I let my family down? I'm going to be the laughing stock from here to Beacon Hill, but I just couldn't marry him...I kept thinking while he was busy, and I planned, there was another world out there I didn't know about.' Then she showed me this advertisement in the paper. She didn't even know how to pronounce it. Ne-vah-da?"

"Nevada."

"Right, Nevada Territory, but to her it sounded so unique she hoped it would be exciting. I told her, 'follow your heart, go for it.' Of course later on I heard her father call her into the study. I could hear them arguing even with the door closed. Then loudly, I heard, 'Go! If it makes you feel better!' After the doors opened, Mr. Adams seemingly moaned. 'I lost my daughter...what have I done?' She told me of her leaving, but promised to write. Her letter mentioned a lot of things including a man in black. It seems she found her way." She grinned.

"So she did...does her father seem different?"

"He seems more at peace now, than when she first left. I think it hit him hard, first."

No wonder he was that way with me... .

"He's really a good man."

"I'm beginning to see."

They could hear knobs turning, but Nora closed the door and lead him to another door that lead to another room. "I'd come in this way so I'm not seen. Sometimes we'd talk late at night."

"You probably miss her."

"Yes...but you're a welcome change."

Going through another hallway she showed Adam back to his room.

"If you need anything, do let me know."

"Will do." As he reclined on the bed, he imagined she had more stories to tell. They would certainly have more to talk about as he continued discovering his surroundings.

Buck had followed Sport's tracks, although Ben was sure where they were headed. He could see Violet sitting near Lake Tahoe on a rock, and Sport settling right under it. He figured he would walk Buck the rest of the way through the dirt. She saw Ben approach and make himself comfortable on another rock across from her.

"Mr. Cartwright, I know I shouldn't have been in Adam's room, it's just..."

"I know, I know...all this change must be hard for you. Away from family, friends...Adam." She looked in his direction as he spoke. "I'm sorry I lost my temper. I don't want you to feel you can't be at home. You're certainly welcome here."

"I know it's different, and not for long...but I do enjoy being here."

"Good," that pleased him. "That music box was a gift I bought for Adam's mother, before we were married."

"I can see why it means so much to you...where did you find it?"

"Amsterdam...a fine city...I could tell you all about it, but you might find it more comfortable on the settee."

Once they got back to the house, Hop Sing was pacing the porch. "Hop Sing have supper ready. Dumplings, Noodles, and Oolong tea."

"Wow, Hop Sing. I can't remember the last time you made that!"

"Hop Sing had special request."

"Thank you Hop Sing." Between having Chinese food for dinner, hearing of Ben's stories, it really wasn't bad being in an emptier house.

Violet was looking through a book on the settee when out of the corner of her eye she could see Ben had the music box playing on his desk. She was surprised to see Ben waltzing by himself. "I'm attending a reception next week. There will be refreshments, some speakers, and likely some entertainment. I'm making sure I'm not out of practice. With the boys away, I was thinking on asking someone to come with me, if she doesn't mind." By now he waltzed over and offered his hand.

"Of course," she accepted. As they went around the room, she began to imagine Nevada as a young Territory finding its place, as she was also discovering in her own life. She could be comfortable here... .