First, I want to thank Joan Sattler for reading Part 2 to ensure I don’t have any horrendous blunders in Australian history, geography or slang.  I also want to thank her for telling me about damper and suggesting Hoss’s initial reaction to it.

As in Part 1, there are a few Welsh words used in this story.  Cariad translates as dear or darling.  Bach and fach are endearments.  Adding bach after a man’s name or fach after a woman’s is like adding dear so Adam bach is Adam dear.  Tad is Welsh for father and mam is Welsh for mother. Tad-cu is grandfather and mam-gu is grandmother.  Merch is daughter, wyres is granddaughter, brawd is brother and chwaer is sister.
 
 

Adam Cartwright moved groggily from deep slumber to consciousness.  It took him a moment to orient himself and become aware of a high-pitched cry coming from the cradle on the other side of the bed.  “Bronwen,” he said with a yawn shaking her shoulder.  “Sweetheart, the baby’s crying.”

“Mmm,” she muttered sleepily until she, too, became aware of the persistent crying.  She reached over, found her spectacles, and putting them on, she got up and picked up the screaming infant.  “It’s all right, precious.  Mama is here now,” she said gently as she sat in the rocking chair to nurse her.  Beth quieted immediately and began sucking vigorously.  “Ow,” Bronwen moaned softly.  “Beth, you’re hurting mama,” Adam muttered something incomprehensible before turning over and going back to sleep.
 

A persistent knocking at the door caused him to sit bolt upright in bed. Bronwen was sleeping so soundly she didn’t even stir.  He got out of bed carefully, found his robe and slippers and opened the door.  “Nell,” he said in surprise.

She took in his bleary eyes, heavy stubble and tousled hair, and had to bite back a smile.  “I’m sorry to wake you, sir, but your family is downstairs waiting to have breakfast with you.”

“Oh, that’s right,” he said stifling a yawn.  “Tell them I’ll be down in a few minutes. Have you offered them coffee?”  She nodded so he said, “You’re a gem, Nell,” and closed the door.

He rubbed his face.  He knew he ought to shave but it would just have to wait until after breakfast.  He dressed quietly in one of his old black shirts and a pair of black pants.  Before he left he took a peek at the cradle.  He marveled at Beth’s little rosebud mouth and her tiny fingers with their tiny nails.  He wanted to touch her flower-petal soft skin, but was afraid he’d awaken her and poor Bronwen needed her sleep.
 

His family was waiting in the dining room, drinking coffee in their blue and white Wedgwood china.  “Good morning,” he said, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

“Looks like you didn’t sleep too well,” Joe grinned.

“I didn’t.  Beth was hungry when I got home and she needed to be changed.  Then she was hungry again about the time the sun came up.  Poor Bronwen is sleeping right now.”

“I guess that means we can’t see the baby,” Hoss said dejectedly.

“You can see her once she wakes up,” Adam said with a smile, squeezing his brother’s shoulder.  “You can even hold her.”

“You’re calling her Beth?” Ben asked.

“Elizabeth seems an awfully long name for such a little girl,” Adam said with a smile.  “She looked so sweet asleep.  I just can’t get over how tiny she is and how perfect.  Those perfect little ears, just like her mother’s, and her little hands with their tiny fingernails.”

“I felt the same way with each of you,” Ben said warmly.

“Aw, come on, Pa.  You aren’t tellin’ us Hoss here was ever as tiny Beth!” Joe interjected with an infectious giggle and Hoss reached over and punched him on the arm, almost causing him to slosh his coffee on the white linen tablecloth.

“He may not have been as tiny, but he was as perfect,” Ben replied, deciding to ignore the horseplay.  He turned to his eldest son and said with a touch of asperity, “Are you planning on growing a beard, son/”

“Maybe,” Adam replied scratching his stubble.  “It would be nice not having to shave twice a day.  Thanks for the suggestion, Pa,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes while Ben shook his head.

Jus then Nell entered the dining room with a large tray.  “Scrambled eggs as you requested,” she said to Hoss sitting a serving dish on the table.  “Fried potatoes the way you like them,” she said to Adam and sat that dish on the table.  “I have bacon and I mixed up a batch of cream scones,” she added setting two platters on the table before leaving.

“Scones?” Hoss asked and Adam replied, “They’re like biscuits; you’ll like them.”

There wasn’t too much conversation as the men concentrated on eating.  When they finished, Hoss asked hopefully, “Think Beth might be awake?’

Adam grinned and said, “I’ll go see.”  Just then they heard someone knocking on the door and Joe said, “I wonder who that could be this early?”

“It’s probably Mam,” Adam said, standing up to go answer the door.  “Mrs. Davies,” he added seeing the puzzled looks on his family’s faces.  “She’s going to stay with Bronwen during the day to help out for the next couple of weeks.” 

Just then Nell walked into the dining room carrying a tray with a small teapot made of earthenware and a matching mug, an eggcup, a plate with several slices of buttered toast and a little pot of orange marmalade.  “Could you take this up to Mrs. Cartwright, please, and I’ll answer the door,”’ she said to Adam.  “Dr. Davies said to make sure she ate the egg for breakfast and not just toast.”

“I’ll make sure she follows orders,” Adam said with a devilish grin, for he was planning to be just as strict as she had been with him when he was recovering from malaria a couple of months earlier.  He turned to Hoss as he started to head upstairs.  “If Beth is awake, then I’ll bring her down.”
 

“Sweetheart,” he said gently, shaking Bronwen’s shoulder.  “I’ve got your breakfast here.”

“Morning,” she replied stretching before she reached for her spectacles.  “Nell knows I only eat tea and toast,” she said as Adam put the tray on her lap.

“But Tad has left strict orders that you are to eat an egg with your toast.  And you know his orders must be obeyed.  At least that’s what a very lovely young woman told me a few months back when I was the patient.”

“You are really enjoying this, aren’t you,” she replied with a frown as she accepted the tray.

“You bet,” he replied with another evil grin.  Just then Beth began to cry and he heard Bronwen say, “On no!”  He turned to look back at her and saw two wet patches begin form on her nightgown.  He raised his eyebrows and she snapped back, “I’m leaking.  Mam warned me it could happen.  Could you hold her until I eat this egg you insist I must have?”

“I’ll take care of Beth; you just eat your breakfast,” he replied calmly.  He walked over to the crib and carefully lifted the baby.  “Oh, I don’t think she’s hungry,” he said to Bronwen.  “She’s wet.”  He laid her back in the cradle to change her and then a worried expression crossed his face.  Just then Mrs. Davies came in the room.

“Here, Adam bach, I’ll take care of the baby.  You go visit with your family.”

“I’ll go in a minute,” he said in a neutral tone.  “Could I speak with you for a moment, please?”

“Surely,” Mrs. Davies said walking over to him.

“Is Beth all right?” he asked in a quiet voice full of anxiety.  “Look,” he added pulling back the diaper.

“That’s perfectly normal during a baby’s first day or so,” Mrs. Davies said reassuringly and he didn’t note the twinkle in her eyes.

Adam gave an enormous sigh of relief.  “I’d like to take her downstairs if she’s not really hungry.”

“Let’s just get her cleaned up and then you can take her.”

“Adam, could you get me a fresh nightgown, please?  And ask Nell to bring me some water to wash with,” Bronwen requested.

He got a clean nightgown from their chest of drawers and after he laid it on the bed beside Bronwen, he watched Mrs. Davies fasten booties on Beth’s feet and then a little bonnet on her head.

“Come on, Princess,” he said scooping her up carefully.  “Your uncles and your grandpa are eager to see you.”  He gently stroked the soft skin on her hands and felt blissfully happy when Beth’s little fingers closed around his forefinger.  “Here she is,” he announced walking into the dining room where the others were lingering over another cup of coffee.

“She’s jest so sweet,” Hoss said looking at the tiny face.  “Can I hold her now?”

“I think Pa should be the first to hold her,” Adam said quietly and Hoss nodded with a smile.  They both turned toward Ben, who held out his arms with tears in his eyes.

It had been such a long time since he’d held a baby in his arms and he’d begun to wonder if he would ever hold a child of Adam’s.  Oh Liz, he thought, you’d be so proud of your beautiful namesake.  “Aren’t you a beautiful little girl,” he cooed to the infant.  “You’re the first baby girl in our family, precious.”  He rubbed his finger lightly against her cheek, seeing if she would turn her mouth toward it.  “You’re a lucky man, son,” he said softly.

“I know,” Adam replied quietly.

“She looks prettier today,” Joe observed.  “Her skin’s not so mottled.”

“Joseph!” Ben barked and Beth whimpered at the louder voice and abashed Ben soothed her with a rocking motion.

“He’s right, Pa,” Adam said with a smile.  “I remember Hoss and Joe didn’t look their best right after they were born either, and I suspect it was the same with me.”

“Can I hold her now?” Hoss asked eagerly and reluctantly Ben handed her over.  “Hey, Sweet Pea,” Hoss crooned.  “I’m your Uncle Hoss.  I’ve come all the way across the ocean jest to see you.  And I think you’re the prettiest little thing.  You just pay no mind to Uncle Joe.”

“I didn’t say she wasn’t pretty yesterday,” Joe complained.  “Only that she’s prettier today.”

“And you’re gonna get prettier every day, ain’t ya, Sweet Pea?” Hoss said to her and he, too, had to touch her delicate soft skin while Adam stood by with an enormous grin on his face.

After a few minutes Joe announced, “Now it’s my turn.”

“Put your hand under her head to support it,” Adam instructed him.

“Adam, I have held a baby before,” Joe said with a scowl to which Adam replied, “But not my baby!”

“She is awful tiny,” Joe said softly as he gazed down at his niece and gently stroked her cheek.  “And I’ve never felt skin so soft.”  Just then Beth began to screw up her face and flap her arms before giving a loud wail.  “Sure got a set of lungs on her though,” he said with a pained expression, offering her to her father. 

“I imagine she’s hungry,” Ben suggested.

“But she just ate a few hours ago,” Adam protested.

“Son, take it from someone who’s raised three babies, she’s hungry.”

“She’s not wet, so I guess you’re right,” Adam replied skeptically.  “I’ll take her up to Bronwen.”

“You and Bronwen and Beth need more time together so your brothers and I will do some sightseeing on our own today.”

“Maybe we’ll visit that beach you wrote about,” Joe added with a grin.

“It’s a beautiful day for it.  I think Nell would make you a picnic lunch to take and Mam could tell you how to get there.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Ben said with a smile.  “We’ll go back to the hotel for our bathing costumes and then come by here for directions and lunch.”
 

Adam found Bronwen dressed in the clean gown and her negligee brushing her long black hair.  Unfortunately, the sound of Beth’s crying caused the same reaction as before. 

“She’s hungry,” Adam said handing her the baby and trying not to notice the damp spots on her negligee.  “May I watch you feed her?”

“If you like,” Bronwen replied with a smile, going to sit in the rocker.  Adam noticed she grimaced a few times and asked if Beth was hurting her.

“A little.  Mam says in a day or two my breasts will be used to it.”

“Where is Mam?” Adam asked.

“She’s talking with Nell about what I should have for dinner.  Apparently I have to eat like a horse to produce milk for Beth.  And I wanted to start getting my figure back,” she lamented.  Adam wanted the same thing but wasn’t sure what to say, so wisely kept his mouth shut.  Mrs. Davies had returned in time to hear Bronwen’s last remark.

“In a couple of weeks you’ll be fit to take the baby on walks.  The more you walk, the quicker you’ll get your figure back.  And no one is asking you to overeat; that would be bad for the baby and you.  No, you just need to eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, soup, rice and bread.  You also need to drink plenty of milk.  I’ve told Nell you may have tea at breakfast but milk at every other meal.  You shouldn’t eat meat more than once a day and you mustn’t eat any highly seasoned foods.  Oh, you also need to drink plenty of water.”  She turned to Adam then.  “Actually, it wouldn’t hurt you to follow that diet either, and it would make things easier for Nell and me.”

Adam had a hard time imagining eating meat only once a day, but said quietly, “If you think it best, Mam.”

“Then that’s settled.  Well, I’m going to do some laundry.  Babies dirty a lot of diapers and apparently you’re going to be going through a lot of nightgowns so we don’t want to get behind.”
 

Adam watched Bronwen nurse Beth until he felt someone shake his shoulder.  “You fell asleep, cariad,” Bronwen said with a smile.  “I think you’re as tired as I am so why don’t we both take a nap.’

“I should write to Rhys,” he began but she put her fingers over his mouth.

“After we take a nap.  Besides, I sleep better when I’m curled up next to you.”
 

That afternoon he sat at his desk and began to write Rhys.

January 13, 1875

Dear Rhys,

Your niece, Elizabeth Sian, arrived around six p.m. on January 12.  She and Bronwen are both well.  Naturally we are all besotted with Beth, for that is what we’ve decided to call her.  My youngest brother, Joe, was quite surprised that she was bald; apparently he thought girl babies came with hair.  She doesn’t seem to favor either Bronwen or me particularly.  Her eyes are the same shape as Bronwen’s are and she seems to have inherited my chin.  Oh, and she definitely has her mother’s ears. 

My father and my brother, Hoss, are going to remain in Australia long enough to visit Cloncurry.  When they return home, they are going to invest some of Cartwright Enterprises’ money into Cartwright & Davies, Inc.  It should help us buy some of the more modern equipment we’ve discussed without needing to ask the bank for an additional loan. 

We should be arriving about a week after you receive this letter. It will be summer when my family and I arrive so I’ll get to experience firsthand just how hot it can be there.

I hope you and Matilda are both doing well, and I’ll look forward to seeing you both.

Affectionately yours,
Adam
 

When the afternoon mail arrived, it contained a letter to Bronwen from Matilda.  He took it up to their room where he found Bronwen sitting in one of the window seats holding Beth while tears streamed down her face.  He covered the distance in a few long strides and dropped to his knees beside his wife and daughter. 

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong.  Tell me.”

“I don’t know,” Bronwen sobbed.  “I’m happy Beth is born, but I just feel so empty now and so sad.”

Adam sat beside her, putting an arm around her shoulders comfortingly, resting his chin on her head as she turned and cried on his broad chest.  When she finally stopped, he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and turned her face up to his.  “Are you all right now?” has asked as he handed her his handkerchief.

She blew her nose before answering in an unsteady voice.  “I’m fine.  I don’t know what came over me.  At least Beth slept through it all.  I wouldn’t want her to see her mama this way.”  As if responding to her name, Beth yawned and then opened her eyes and fastened them on her parents’ faces, causing them to smile.

“Hello, Princess,” Adam said quietly, offering her his finger, which she immediately grasped.

Bronwen looked at him and smiled, but then the smile changed to a little frown.  “Adam, you haven’t shaved.”   She ran her fingertips along the stubble on his cheeks and chin unsure how she felt about its texture.

“I’ve decided to grow a beard,” he replied with a smile.  “Pa suggested it.”  He saw both her eyebrows shoot up at that and added with a grin, “Well, he unintentionally put the idea in my head.  If I don’t like it, I can always shave it off.”

“Please don’t grow a big bushy one.  I’d feel like I was kissing a mouthful of hair,” and she wrinkled up her nose in distaste.

“Neatly trimmed, I promise,” he chuckled before capturing her mouth for a long, intimate kiss.

“Your face is certainly scratchy right now,” she said tartly when they broke apart.  “I hope the beard grows in soon.”  Beth made a cooing sound that seemed to indicate her agreement, which made both of her parents laugh.

“I almost forgot.  You got a letter from Matilda.  Let me hold Beth while you read it.”  He took the baby and went to sit in the rocking chair while Bronwen tore open the letter.  Before she could begin reading Adam said, “Look at this.  She’s trying to nurse!”

She smiled saying, “Don’t hold her in the same way I do when I nurse her.  Try laying her on your lap; that way she can see your face.”  With a smile she turned to her letter.

December— 1874

Dear Bronwen,

By the time you receive this letter, Rhys and I should have a new niece or nephew.  We are both looking forward to seeing him or her very much.  And I am looking forward to the day you and Adam and the baby become our neighbors.  I try not to let Rhys see, but I am so lonely here, Bronwen.  There aren’t that many other women in town and most are older women with children.  If it weren’t for Pip, I’d die of loneliness during the day when Rhys is at the mine.  Pip is the little terrier puppy Rhys got.  He is just adorable.  He’s a little thing, but so energetic.  He is blue and tan with the sweetest little topknot and a ruff around his neck.  Rhys says the ruff will help protect him from snakes.  I know one of the reasons Rhys got Pip was to kill snakes and other vermin, but I can’t bear the thought of my little darling tangling with a snake and being poisoned.

I feel I must prepare you for the fact that the heat here can be quite excessive. Sally, the girl we hired to come in three days a week, and I try to do the housework in the morning when it’s still cool. The hotter it gets, the more time we spend on the verandah. We’re getting some wicker furniture so we can dine there.  I recommend that you speak with Adam about doing the same.  You may tell him that I love the house he designed for us.

Please write and let me know all about the baby.   I am waiting impatiently for your arrival here in Cloncurry.

With love,
Matilda

“Matilda says to tell you that she loves their house.  She also loves their little puppy.  You know, Adam, I was thinking that we shouldn’t get a little puppy.  I’m afraid it would be too much work to take care of and train.”

“When I see Mr. Greene, I’ll tell him we’d like an older puppy that’s been housebroken.”  He paused for a minute gazing at Beth before adding, “You know Pa and Hoss would like to see Cloncurry and I need to meet with Rhys so we’ll be leaving next week.  Joe will be here for another week and I’d like to ask him to stay here with you while I’m gone.  I know your mother will also be here, but I’d just feel better if Joe were here as well.”

“Is he going to be looking after me, or do you really want me to keep him out of mischief?” she asked with a saucy grin.

“A bit of both.  Besides it will give you a chance to get to know each other better.”  He added in a more serious tone, “Pa and Hoss both told me that Joe had a bit of a problem with my decision to settle here.  I think if he gets to know you better, he’ll understand why I made the decision.”

She nodded her agreement and then asked curiously, “Where is your family?”

“They went to Bondi Beach,” he replied with a grin.  “I had written them about how beautiful it is and so they packed their bathing costumes.”  He grinned more broadly as he said, “I’m having difficulty imaging Hoss in a bathing costume.”  She saw his face screw up then and he said, “Uh-oh.  I’m afraid Beth needs to be changed, and now I need a change of trousers.”

Bronwen giggled and got up saying, “Here, I’ll change her.”

Adam shook his head saying, “I never realized that we would be changing our clothes as often as Beth’s diapers.”

He was just buttoning his clean trousers when Mrs. Davies stuck her head in the room.  “Dr. Browne is here to see Bronwen and Beth.”

“Send him up please,” Bronwen said.  “Could you stay, cariad?” and Adam replied, “Yes, I’d like to be here.  Mam,” he added.  “I am going to be taking my family out to supper so you and Nell don’t have to worry about feeding us.”

“Coward!” Bronwen said with an impudent grin after her mother left.  “You just don’t want soup and vegetables for supper.”

“Untrue,” he retorted with a smirk.  “I don’t want to see poor Hoss waste away before my eyes.” 

A few minutes later Dr. Browne, a genial man who looked to be in his late fifties, entered.  “Mrs. Cartwright, Mr. Cartwright,” he said with a smile and a nod.  “I’ve come to see how you and Miss Elizabeth are doing.  May I take her?”

He examined the baby thoroughly, paying particular attention to the stump of the umbilical cord.  “She looks to be in perfect health.  Has she been nursing well?”

“She has a good appetite,” Bronwen said proudly.

“Good, good.  Has she moved her bowels?” 

Bronwen started to say no, but Adam spoke up quickly.  “Yes, she has.” 

“Fine.  No colic?” and Bronwen shook her head.  “That’s excellent.  Now Mrs. Cartwright, how are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” she assured him.

“No excessive bleeding?”  When she answered in the negative, he smiled at her.  “Now, I should warn you if your mother hasn’t already done so, that you may find that your emotions veer back and forth between joy and sorrow.  It’s perfectly normal for the first few weeks after childbirth.”  He turned to Adam then.  “I’m glad you’re here, Mr. Cartwright, because my next bit of medical advice concerns you as well.  You and Mrs. Cartwright will need to abstain from marital relations for the next six weeks.”

“Six weeks!” Adam repeated, his eyebrows shooting up.

“Well, isn’t it providential that you’re taking Pa and Hoss to Cloncurry and you’ll be gone for at least six weeks,” Bronwen said demurely, but Adam saw the naughty glint in her eyes.

Dr. Browne cleared his throat.  “Yes, I’d say it’s providential.  Your wife needs time to recover from childbirth, Mr. Cartwright,” he added sternly.  “Of course, doctor,” Adam said with a sigh.  Dr. Browne then turned his attention back to Bronwen.  “You are nursing the baby yourself?”

“That’ right.” 

“Well, that should prevent you from becoming pregnant again too soon.  Your mother said she already told you about the importance of fresh air and exercise.  It’s good for the baby as well.  In two weeks, I want you to begin going on daily walks with the baby.  Don’t exhaust yourself.  You may not feel up to going very far the first few days, but your strength will return.  I’ll plan on coming to check on you both in two weeks.  Don’t worry,” he added with a friendly smile, “I can see myself out.”

“Oh cariad, if you could have seen the look on your face,” Bronwen giggled.

“Very funny.  I suppose you don’t mind?” he said sarcastically, a scowl marring his handsome features.

“Perhaps in another week or two, I’ll mind, but I really don’t feel amorous at the moment.  I’m sorry,” she said candidly.  “I still want your hugs and kisses and I’d love a backrub,” she added softly.

“I’m not some brute, you know, who can’t control himself,” he said sharply.

“Of course you’re not,” she said soothingly.  “Beth is asleep.  Would you put her in her cradle for me?”

Picking up his daughter in his arms soothed his temper as she’d known it would.  After he put the baby down he turned to Bronwen with a rather sheepish grin.  “So you’d like a backrub?”

“Yes, please.  Yours are so relaxing,” she said smiling at him.

He felt the tension in her muscles relax as he gently kneaded them, trying to focus on that rather than how stimulating he found the touch of her soft skin under his fingertips.  His massage was so successful that he discovered she had fallen asleep.  “It is providential that I’m going to be away,” he whispered to her sleeping form, “because I don’t think I could abstain for six long weeks if I were here sharing a bed with you.”  He dropped a light kiss on her cheek and then went downstairs.
 

He was reading the newspaper when his family returned tanned, or in Hoss’s case sunburned, from their day at the beach.  He took them to a little restaurant where they told him all about their day.  He told them the doctor had come to visit and said Bronwen and Beth were both in good health.

“Pa, Hoss and I will be leaving for Cloncurry at the beginning of the week, Joe, and I was hoping that for the last week you’re here you would come stay at the house.  I’d feel better knowing you were there, keeping Bronwen company.”

“You aren’t worried that she’ll succumb to my charm?” Joe asked teasingly, certain he would get a rise from his oldest brother.

Adam smiled smugly.  “Nope.”  Immediately his expression grew serious.  “The doctor wants her to rest for two weeks and I know you’ll be entertaining company for her.  I’m hoping you’ll make sure that she follows doctor’s orders.”

“Don’t worry, Adam, you can count on me,” Joe replied and they smiled warmly at each other. 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

There are times, Adam thought as Beth’s piercing wail broke through his consciousness and he felt Bronwen move out of his arms, when I wonder what I’ve gotten myself into.  He listened to the sound of Bronwen’s soft footsteps as she walked to the baby’s cradle and his daughter’s screams became soft sucking sounds.  Although the room was dark, he could see his wife and daughter in his mind’s eye: Bronwen’s expression dreamy and serene while only Beth’s bald head was visible as she sucked greedily.  He dozed off listening to the sound of Beth’s nursing and only partially woke when Bronwen curled next to him.  He woke again at daybreak.  He got out of bed carefully, trying not to wake Bronwen.  The minute he left her side she stirred and said in a sleepy voice, “Is it morning already?’

“Go back to sleep, sweetheart,” he said bending down to drop a kiss on her hair.  He smiled as he watched her drift back to sleep, and then he dressed quickly in the nearly dark room.  He headed for the kitchen.  He could smell the coffee percolating before he reached the kitchen and heard Nell’s quiet movements.  He was always surprised that a woman as large as Nell could move so quietly.

“Mornin’, Mr. Cartwright,’ she greeted him with a broad smile.  “How many times did the baby wake you up?”

He smiled ruefully.  “Three.  Maybe by the time I get back she’ll be sleeping through the night”

“Maybe,” Nell said noncommittally.  “Well, have a cup of coffee and I’ll fix your bacon and eggs.”

He had just poured himself a second cup when Bronwen joined him.  “I thought you were sleeping,” he said after kissing her.

“I was but I woke up and remembered this is the day you leave for Cloncurry so I wanted to see you off.  I’ll go back to bed after you leave,” she said with a yawn. 

Nell smiled when she came in with Adam’s breakfast and saw Bronwen.  “I thought you might be gettin’ up to see Mr. Cartwright off.  “I’ll start your egg and your toast.”

“And my tea,” Bronwen called to her. In a few minutes Nell returned with Bronwen’s breakfast and the two of them ate in a companionable silence.  They had just finished when the doorbell rang announcing the arrival of the other three Cartwrights.

“Here we are,” Ben said jovially.  “You’ve come to see us off, Bronwen?”

“Yes,” she said with a smile.  “If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll bring Beth down so she can see you off as well.”  She returned a few minutes later with a sleeping Beth in her arms.

“Aw, Sweet Pea,” said Hoss softly “you get prettier every day jest like I said you would.”  Ben held out his arms and Bronwen gently put Beth in them.  She made a funny little face and whimpered, but she stayed asleep.

“Good-bye, Precious.  Grandpa is going to miss you,” and he leaned over and dropped a butterfly kiss on Beth’s head before starting to hand her back to Bronwen. 

She shook her head saying, “Give her to Adam.  I’d like to speak with you and Hoss for a moment before you go.  In private,” she added.  Adam and Ben each lifted an eyebrow at her request and she almost giggled to see them do it simultaneously.  Hoss and Joe just look puzzled.  “It will give you a chance to say a proper good bye to Joe,” she said firmly to Adam.  “We’ll just go in the library.”

“Yes, my dear?” Ben asked after she closed the library doors behind them.

“Adam hasn’t said anything to you about having malaria, has he?”

“No, he shore ain’t!” Hoss said emphatically while Ben’s brow furrowed with concern.

“He and my brother Rhys both contracted it back in October.”

“He looks healthy now,” Ben said slowly.

“Oh, he is.  I didn’t mean to worry you.  I’m so sorry.  The only reason I bring it up is that my father told us that he could have a recurrence.  He told me I must always have quinine on hand and showed me how much to give Adam.”

“I see,” Ben said thoughtfully.  “And you want to tell us and give us quinine to take with us?”

“That’s right.  He must have the quinine to bring down his fever or it could kill him,” and she couldn’t stop her voice from catching in a sob.

“We’ll look after him for ya, Bronwen.  Don’t you worry none,” Hoss said gently.  “You jest tell us how much and how often to dose him.”

“And tell us the symptoms,” Ben added.

She nodded and said, “The attacks always start with a headache, nausea and chills.  Then comes the fever and that’s when you dose him with quinine.  After the fever breaks, he’ll be very weak and need to sleep.  He’ll feel all right for the next two days, but on the third day, it all starts up again.”

“How long does the disease take to run its course?” Ben asked trying not to let Bronwen see how worried he was.

“The first time it lasted for four weeks,” and she saw the worry on both their faces at her words.  “Tad seemed to think the recurrences probably wouldn’t be that severe.”  She smiled faintly.  “Nothing may happen; I just needed to make sure someone would be there to care for him.”

“And we’re very grateful.  I may have a talk with my eldest about keeping his family in the dark,” Ben said with a frown.

“I’m sure he just didn’t want to worry you.  He was almost recovered when we got the letter saying you were coming here, so there was no way to reach you.”  She looked at Ben anxiously, not wanting to cause any discord between her husband and his father.

“Come on, Pa,” Hoss added, putting his arm around his father’s shoulders.  “You know how Adam is; he wouldn’t want to worry us and he was fine by the time we got here.  I expect Bronwen took real good care of him.”

“We actually had a nurse to help care for him as well,” she added.  “Adam is not a good patient,” she said emphatically.

“No, he shore ain’t and that’s a fact,” Hoss guffawed and even Ben smiled.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Hop Sing because Adam says he can manage all of you.”

“That he can.  I’m sure he’ll be willing to give you advice on how to manage Adam when he’s sick.  He isn’t very often, but when he is, it’s bad.”

Just then they heard a knock on the door and Adam’s voice asking if they were ready.

“In just a moment, cariad,” she called. She gave the bottle of quinine to Ben and hurriedly instructed him and Hoss on the dosage.  Even so Adam was frowning a little in annoyance when they emerged.  She ignored his frown and stood on tiptoe so he didn’t have to bend over as far to kiss her.  It was a long, intimate kiss and the other three men felt uncomfortable witnessing it.  “Take care of yourself, cariad,” she whispered when they broke apart. 

“And you take care of yourself and Beth,” he said softly, brushing his fingertips over her cheeks in a caress. “We should be back in about six weeks, and when I come home, we’ll celebrate,” He grinned at her blush.  (He wasn’t sure if he could still make her blush, and enjoyed the sight.)

After they left, Bronwen turned to Joe, who was holding Beth.  “Joe, I don’t want to seem like a bad hostess, but I’m really tired.  Would you mind if I took a nap and left you to your own devices?”

He smiled at her disarmingly.  “Not at all.  Adam told me the doctor said you needed plenty of rest.  Beth is asleep, too.  Maybe this afternoon we could play checkers, or cribbage?”

“That sounds like fun,” she replied with a smile, taking the sleeping baby from him.

Joe decided he would go for a walk and explore the neighborhood.  Paddington was an attractive suburb and the weather was just perfect.  He strolled along, tipping his hat to matrons and young ladies feeling very dapper in his lounge suit of charcoal-gray broadcloth and black bowler.  Australian women, he decided, were very attractive.  He returned in time for dinner, which was lamb chops with a green salad and several vegetables.  He wasn’t fond of lamb but remembered Adam had written that New South Wales was sheep country so he imagined he’d be eating a lot of it this week.

After dinner he and Bronwen played cribbage.  Joe discovered she was an expert player.  “Do you beat Adam?” he asked curiously after she trounced him.

“Sometimes,” she answered with a smug smile.  “He usually beats me at chess though.  He’s been teaching me to play the guitar since we don’t have a piano.  Would you like to do some singing after supper?”

“Sure,” he replied with a slow grin.  “I guess I’d better warn you that Adam is the singer in our family, so don’t be expectin’ me to be as good as him.”

“We’ll have fun,” she said with a smile and he noted how expressive her features were.  Maybe she wasn’t beautiful, but as he spent more time with her, he began to understand why his brother found her so appealing   “You know, Joe,” she continued, “I was hoping you could tell me about Adam when he was a boy?”

“He was pretty much grown up by the time I really knew him,” Joe said.  “I guess he told you he went away to college when I was five and I didn’t see him again until I was nine.”

She nodded. “But he wrote you, didn’t he?”

“Sure, but even though I got the letters, in some ways he just didn’t seem real to me.  Do ya understand?” he queried, his face puckered in a frown, but to his relief she nodded slowly. “I’m kinda embarrassed to admit it, but I guess I was mad at him for goin’ away and even madder that he was enjoyin’ himself.”

“I think that’s perfectly natural,” she told him with a little smile.  “After all, you were very young, too young to understand why he went.”

“Oh, age didn’t have that much to do with it,” he said with a wry grin.  “I still don’t understand how he could rather be thousands of miles away in a school instead of workin’ on the ranch with his family.  I know Adam doesn’t like hunting strays but he’s a good horsebreaker, good with horses in general.  I prefer them to cattle myself.  But even huntin’ strays is better than readin’ schoolbooks and listenin’ to some teacher droning on and on about poetry.” He shook his head at the enigma of his oldest brother.

Bronwen tried to stifle her grin but he saw the twinkle in her eyes.  “Adam hasn’t really talked to me about his college days, but I know he still corresponds with at least one of his old college mates,” she said.

“Yeah, his friend Thomas.  He also kept in touch with his roommate, Aaron, and Aaron even came to visit us once, but he was killed in the war; Adam took that real hard.  He thought about goin’ back east and fightin’ himself.  Took a lot of persuading on Pa’s part to talk him out of it.” 

Joe’s handsome face twisted into a grimace.  “Adam and me almost had our own civil war.”  He saw the surprise on her face and paused before continuing.  “Did Adam tell you that we’re half brothers?”  Bronwen nodded slowly so he continued.  “His mother was from New England—Boston—but my mother was from New Orleans.  It seemed to me that the South had a right to fight to protect the sovereign rights of each state.  States’ rights are guaranteed in our constitution.  Adam tried to tell me the war was more about human rights than States’ rights, but I refused to see it.  Course, part of the reason I refused was that I was in love with a girl whose father was the Confederacy’s staunchest supporter in Virginia City.  I guess I can be about as hardheaded as Adam so it wasn’t until we learned that the father of the girl I loved was willing to use any means to bring Nevada into the Confederacy that I was finally willing to listen to Adam.”  He paused and then said earnestly, “I don’t want you to think I supported slavery. Adam knew I didn’t; I just wouldn’t let myself see that the South was fighting to protect its right to maintain a way of life based on the enslavement of an entire race.”

“I understand, Joe,” she replied very seriously.  “Slavery is a terrible thing, but so is war.  I’m sorry it took one to end the other and that so many young men had to lose their lives.”

Wanting to lighten the mood, he said, “When Adam first came back from college, we butted heads a lot.  I was jealous of all the attention he got from Pa and Hoss.  It seemed to me everything revolved around this stranger who’d come to live with us.”  He smiled as he remembered.  “First thing, Pa decided to buy him a new horse.  And I’d been pesterin’ him for months to let me exchange my pony for a horse!  I was so mad I could’ve spit tacks.”  She raised her eyebrows at this Americanism but nodded for Joe to continue. “And Pa didn’t want to get Adam just any old horse.  No, we went across the Sierras to a ranch outside Placerville where a man had blooded breeding stock.  Pa bought Adam a mount that was seven-eighths Thoroughbred—a beautiful animal.  And there I was still ridin’ a little mustang pony.”

“Oh dear,” Bronwen said, trying unsuccessfully to hide her smile.

“Then, the next thing he does is talk Pa into buildin’ a new house.  I’d spent the first nine years of my life in our cabin; I was born there and my mother had lived there.  I didn’t want to move, except Adam bribed me by tellin’ me I’d have a room of my own.”  He grinned broadly.  “’Course, I enjoyed it when he and Pa were at loggerheads.  See, Adam came back from college with all these newfangled ideas he wanted to try, but Pa was satisfied with doin’ things the way he always had.  Adam would get so frustrated tryin’ to persuade Pa to his way of thinking. They had some real shouting matches.  Then he’d drive Pa crazy by goin’ off for moonlight rides or takin’ a book with him and readin’ while he was ridin’.”  Bronwen giggled at that and Joe joined her. 

“He finally succeeded in winning me over.  He told me a long time later that it was poetic justice because he’d treated my mother the same way when she and Pa were first married and she had used patience and love to win him over.”  He paused and said thoughtfully, “Ya know, Adam and I always think of ourselves as opposites, but Hoss says we’re more alike than we realize.”

“I think Hoss is very wise,” Bronwen said quietly but he saw the laughter in her eyes.

“Maybe,” he conceded.  “When I was growin’ up, I always seemed to be in one scrape or another, and it was usually Adam that pulled me out.  Me and Hoss.  Sometimes though he’d leave us to stew in our own juice and laugh at us.  My oldest brother can be downright infuriating at times.”

“Yes, I’ve discovered that for myself,” she said with a smile.  “Although in fairness, he’d probably say the same about me.”

“You mean, you and Adam have arguments?  You just seem so happy.”

“We are, but that doesn’t mean we always agree about everything. The hardest thing for me to deal with is the way he holds everything inside when he’s upset.”

“Yeah,” Joe said reflectively.  “That’s hard for all of us to deal with.  Pa says that’s the way he’s always been though ever since he was a little boy.  Pa’s pretty good at gettin’ Adam to open up, just keeps wearin’ away at him.  You’ll get the hang of it, don’t worry.”

“I know I shall.  Although I prefer more direct means.”  Joe raised his eyebrows at that but she shook her head.  “Sorry, Joe, my methods wouldn’t work for anyone else.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Adam explained to Ben and Hoss that they would be traveling inland through Bathurst and Dubbo and then veering north from there.  As they were loading their supplies, Hoss paused and wrinkled his forehead in puzzlement.  “What’s that, Adam?” he inquired, pointing to a large tin can Adam was putting in a bag attached to his saddle.

“It’s a billy.  We’ll be using it to fix tea,” Adam replied with a sly grin.

“Tea,” Hoss said wrinkling his nose. 

“Aussies aren’t coffee drinkers, Hoss.  Once I move to Cloncurry, I’ll be drinking tea every day.  You’ll get used to it, younger brother,” he said with a wide grin, slapping Hoss on the back.  “Now that we’ve got our mounts and our tucker, I think it’s time to be on our way.”

“What in tarnation is tucker?” Hoss asked and Ben, too, looked at his firstborn in puzzlement.

“It’s what the Aussies call grub. This is a tucker-bag,” he said pointing.  “A bedroll is called a swag.”  He dimpled at their bemused expressions.  “I’m just trying to learn some Aussie expressions since I’m living here.”

“That makes sense I reckon, but do ya have to use them with us?” Hoss asked plaintively.

“Everyone we meet is going to talk that way; I figure it will help you to understand them, and to be understood.  Besides, I don’t know that many of their expressions yet.”

“Don’t know why they can’t talk like normal folks,” Hoss muttered as he mounted his horse.

“And by normal, I presume you mean Americans,” Adam stated, his lip curled in a sneer.

“Dadburnit, Adam!  No, I guess we’re no more normal than anyone else,” Hoss said with a sigh and Adam reached over and patted him on the shoulder.

“I shouldn’t be that hard on you.  It’s hard not to think the way you were brought up to talk or to act is superior to every other way.  If the truth be told, I struggle with it myself sometimes.  Bronwen is quick to let me know when I start acting superior.”

Hoss grinned broadly at that.  “Yeah, I bet she does take you down a peg.  I shore like her, Adam.  She’s really nice, and well, I always sorta wanted a little sister and now I finally got me one.”

“Glad to hear it, buddy.  Of course, providing you with a sister wasn’t my main reason for marrying Bronwen.”

“Shoot,” Hoss chuckled, “I could see that the way you kissed her good-bye,” and he grinned broadly when his normally unflappable brother actually blushed.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, Bronwen,” Joe said on their last evening together.  “I have to admit when Adam first wrote that he was marrying you and settling in Australia, I wasn’t too happy.  Oh, not that he was marrying you,” he added quickly, his cheeks turning a little pink, “but just that he wasn’t comin’ home.”

“I would have gone with him to Nevada, Joe,” she said quietly, “but he never asked me to.”

“I know,” he replied slowly.  “That’s what he wrote.  Pa, Hoss, even Hop Sing, all said it showed how much he loved you ‘cause he put your happiness first.  I guess,” and she was surprised when he dropped his eyes and his cheeks grew redder, “I guess I was jealous because Adam loved you more. I didn’t understand that verse in Genesis; do you know the one I mean?”

“’Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh’,” she quoted softly. 

“Yeah.  I realize now that’s the way it’s meant to be,” he said with a shy smile.

“Yes, it is,” she agreed gravely.  “Adam means more to me than my family, as much as I love them.  And now we have Beth and I hope we’ll have other children.  Someday, Joe, I pray you will find a woman you can love as much as Adam loves me, and she’ll love you as much as I love Adam.”

“I hope so, too.  If I can find a woman half as nice as you, I’ll be a lucky man.”  Impulsively, he bent down and dropped a quick kiss on her forehead.  “And I’m sure gonna miss this little lady,” he added, giving Beth his finger to grasp.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

The three Cartwrights made camp the first night in the bush.  “Hoss, if you look up in the trees, you’ll see one of my favorite Australian animals,” Adam said quietly.  “Look up there.”

Hoss and Ben both looked up and smiled at what they saw.  “That’s the cutest little bear I ever saw,” Hoss said with a big smile.

“It’s a koala bear, isn’t it?” Ben asked.

“They’re not really bears though.  They’re marsupials,” Adam replied.

“Mar what?” Hoss asked.

“Marsupials.  We have some back home.”

“We do?”

“Sure.  Opossums are marsupials.  It means they carry their young in a pouch.”

“Well, these koalas are lots cuter than possums,” Hoss said firmly.  “Wonder if I could catch a couple and take them back to the Ponderosa?”

“Sorry, buddy, but it wouldn’t work.  Koalas live on the leaves of gum trees and there is a real shortage of those on the Ponderosa.”

“Well, you got plenty of gum trees here.  Maybe we could get one as a pet for Beth,” Hoss said hopefully.

“They’re wild animals, Hoss.  No matter how cute they look, they wouldn’t be suitable pets.  Besides, when we move to Cloncurry, we’re going to have a dog.  They’ve bred a terrier here that is great for killing vermin and snakes.  They also make good pets.  Now come on, let’s fix supper.  I’ll make us some damper; Rhys showed me how.”

“Damper,” Hoss said suspiciously.  “What’s that?”

“It’s bread that you cook in an open fire.  It’s easy to make; all I need is flour, water and salt.”  Hoss watched with interest as Adam kneaded the ingredients together; however, interest changed to alarm when he saw his older brother put the ball of dough into the fire and let it blacken.

“Gol dang, Adam!  You don’t expect Pa an’ me to eat that charred mess!”

“Damper is delicious, Hoss.  Give it a try,” but Hoss scowled and shook his head.  “Well, you’ll try it won’t you, Pa?”

“I’ll try it, son,” Ben said hesitantly for the bread looked far from appetizing.

When the damper was done, Adam removed it from the fire.  It was sooty and Ben was beginning to regret his promise to try it.  However, when he did try it, he found inside it was very soft and delicious.  “Try it, Hoss,” he urged.  “It really is delicious.”

Hoss had his face all scrunched up but it as he ate his first bite it changed to a huge grin.  “Dadburnit, it is good!  I don’t understand how somethin’ that looks that awful can taste so delicious.”
 

The three of them were awakened from a sound sleep by a loud raucous laugh that filled the air.  “What in the Sam Hill was that?” Ben demanded jumping to his feet.

“Sounds like Joe done followed us,” Hoss chortled.

“It’s a Kookaburra,” Adam said chuckling at his father’s expression.  “Rhys tells me that they are a type of kingfisher.  Like the terriers I was telling you about Kookaburras help get rid of snakes.  We might as well get up because I doubt we’re going to get any more sleep.”
 

Mid-afternoon the next day Hoss got his first glimpse of some kangaroos napping the shade.  “They’re smaller than I thought they’d be,” he said a little disappointed. 

“Those are actually wallabies; they’re the smallest type of kangaroo, I believe.  Don’t worry.  I expect we’ll see a mob of red kangaroos.  Now, a male red kangaroo, called a boomer, is taller than Bronwen.  Rhys says they can be up to 5’9” tall.”

“I wanna see me one of them,” Hoss said enthusiastically while Ben and Adam shared a smile.

“The first time Rhys and I traveled to Cloncurry, we saw a mob hopping along at a speed our horses couldn’t match.  It was something to see,” Adam said reminiscently. 
 

As they traveled northwest to Cloncurry the temperature continued to rise.  “I see you weren’t exaggerating, son, when you said your problem was going to be keeping your house cool enough,” Ben commented, wiping his face with his neckerchief.

“This is midsummer; it wasn’t this hot the other two times I’ve been there,” Adam replied, taking a swig from his canteen.

“Gol dang, Adam, I shore hope not,” Hoss said reaching for his own canteen. “It feels like we’ll be barbecued before we get to Cloncurry.
 

They reached Cloncurry about an hour before sunset.  Rhys was still at the mine, but Matilda saw them as they approached the house and came running to greet them with her little dog running at her heels.

“Matilda,” Adam said, removing his Stetson, “I’d like you to meet my father, Ben Cartwright, and my brother, Hoss.  This is my sister-in-law, Matilda Davies.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you,” Ben said in his most courtly voice and Hoss said shyly, “Happy to make your acquaintance, Miz Davies.”

“Oh, please call me Matilda.  After all we’re family.”  She turned to the little dog, who was barking excitedly.  “Quiet, Pip!”  The dog paid her no mind and continued to bark.  “Oh dear. He minds Rhys but he never minds me.”  She scooped up the dog and then said, “Bronwen never wrote me that you’d grown a beard, Adam.”

“I only decided to grow it about a week before we left.  She hasn’t actually seen yet.” He scratched his face.  “I really need to trim it.” 

“I’m sorry,” Matilda said quickly, “I know you must be anxious to wash up before supper.”  She smiled happily at them.  “I am so eager to hear to hear about little Beth.”

“And we’re eager to talk about her,” Ben said with a smile.  “Beth is my first grandchild and I’d say she is the prettiest little girl I’ve ever seen.”

“You aren’t getting an argument from me,” Adam said with a grin and Hoss added, “Me neither.”

Well, let me show you to your rooms,” she said briskly.  She turned to Ben and Hoss and said proudly, “Adam designed our house, and it’s lovely.”

She led them down a hallway and showed them three spacious rooms with large open windows.  However, even with the windows wide open the rooms were stifling.  She said apologetically, “It does cool off at night.  I think we’ll be more comfortable if we sit on the verandah.  Go ahead and wash up and then join me for some nice cold lemonade.”

When Rhys got home he found the four of them (and Pip) sitting on the verandah sipping lemonade and talking comfortably.  “Good to see you, Adam,” he said extending his hand.  “Quiet, Pip,” he said firmly to the little terrier, who promptly quieted.

“Good to see you, too, partner.  Rhys, I’d like you to meet my father and my brother.  Pa, Hoss, this is Bronwen’s brother, Rhys.”

“You bear a strong resemblance to your father,” Ben said with a warm smile as he shook Rhys’s hand.  “I’m happy to meet you.”

“Thanks.  If you hadn’t introduced Hoss as your brother, Adam, I would never have guessed you were related,” Rhys stated as he shook hands with Hoss, eyeing the big man with his bright blue eyes and sandy hair.

“Well, me and Adam are half brothers and we take after our mothers’ families,” Hoss said with a small self-deprecating smile.

“That explains it.  So, Hoss, did you get to see some roos?  Adam wrote that you were looking forward to seeing some.”

Hoss grinned widely.  “Yeah.  We saw a—mob did you call ‘em, Adam?—hoppin’ along.  Strangest sight I ever seen.  And yesterday I saw one of them emus.  That was the biggest bird I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“Hoss was stalking the emu, and then the emu started to chase Hoss,” Adam chuckled.  “You should have seen the look on his face.”

“Well, dadburnit, Adam, that emu coulda pecked me to death,” Hoss protested.  Then his countenance brightened again and he added, “We saw some of them dingoes, too.”

“And we’ve heard Kookaburras,” Ben added dryly.

“Yeah, they remind me a lot of our youngest brother’s laugh,” Hoss commented with his gap-toothed grin.

“That’s what Adam said.  Sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet him.”

“They’ve been telling me about little Beth,” Matilda interjected happily.

“Tad and Mam are certainly besotted with her,” Rhys said with an answering smile.  ‘I’m looking forward to making her acquaintance.”  He spoke more seriously to Adam.  “The work on your house is coming along and we’ve finished digging the well and the pipe to the kitchen and bathhouse is in the process of being installed.”  He grinned at his wife.  “And now Matilda wants water piped into our kitchen and bathhouse as well.”
 

They spent a pleasant evening and the next morning Ben and Hoss accompanied Adam and Rhys to the mine.  Ben was impressed with what he saw and listened carefully to Adam and Rhys when they explained how they could use the money Cartwright Enterprises invested to buy more modern and efficient equipment.  Hoss had little interest in mining but he trusted his older brother’s judgement and his father’s.  Just as they were leaving, Rhys said, “By the way, Adam, Bert Greene’s bitch just had another litter a couple of weeks ago.  You might want to take a look and pick one out.”

“Thanks, Rhys.  I’ll do just that,” Adam replied.

“So you gettin a dog like Pip?” Hoss asked as they rode back to town.

“Yeah, but I don’t think I have to worry about Bronwen spoiling ours the way Matilda has spoiled Pip.  Bronwen has Beth to spoil.  I want to ask Bert Greene if he could housebreak the puppy for us because Bronwen’s right.  Trying to housebreak a pup and take care of Beth is just too much.”  They rode along in a comfortable silence until Adam spoke up.  “I’m afraid Cloncurry isn’t much of a town yet, but the success of our mine and the Great Australian Mine guarantees that it will grow.” 

“It will be a big adjustment for Bronwen, son.  She’s a city girl,” Ben said pensively.

“So was Marie, but she adjusted,” Adam replied quietly.  “I know Bronwen will as well,” and Ben slowly nodded his agreement.

The three of them took a look at the litter of puppies and with a little prompting from Hoss, Adam chose the runt of the litter, a little blue and tan female.

“What are you going to name her?” asked the Greene’s son, Ned, who’d shown them the puppies.

“Hmm, she’s a pretty little girl so I think I’ll name her Belle,” Adam replied.  He paused and then said to Ned, “I have a proposition for you.  I’ll be moving my wife and our baby girl here around the end of April or beginning of May. If you can housebreak Belle and train her to come when she’s called, then I’ll pay you ten pounds.  Do we have a deal?”

“Too right,” Ned answered grinning from ear to ear.  “Belle will be the best trained dog you ever saw, Mr. Cartwright.”

“Then we’ll shake on it,” Adam said smiling at the boy and holding out his hand.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

The second day of their journey back to Sydney, Adam had a blinding headache, but he put it down to the heat.  Ben and Hoss both noticed him pinching the bridge of his nose and massaging his temples that evening but said nothing—only exchanged significant glances.  A couple of hours after they turned in, Ben was awakened by the sound of Adam retching.  He knelt beside him and supported him as he emptied the contents of his stomach and continued to retch until all he could bring up was a sour slime.  Ben felt Adam shaking with cold and thanked God Bronwen had told them how to treat his illness.

“Bronwen told us about your malaria, son, and she sent the quinine with us,” he said quietly as he helped Adam back into his bedroll.  “You’ll be fine.”

Adam’s teeth were chattering so badly that he couldn’t speak, so he nodded to show that he understood.  Ben moved his bedroll so he could lie next to Adam and help to warm him with his body heat.  In spite of his best efforts he dozed off, waking shortly before dawn because he could feel the heat radiating from Adam’s body like a furnace.  He quickly prepared the dose of quinine as Bronwen had directed and gave it to Adam, who was tossing and turning in his delirium.

By the time Hoss woke, the quinine was working and Adam was sweating profusely as the fever broke.  Midmorning he opened his eyes to see his father and brother sitting next to him, sipping tea.

“How are ya feelin’, Adam?” Hoss asked his concern evident on his open countenance.

“Weak and soaking wet,” Adam answered with what they could both see was an effort.

“Yeah, I never seen ya sweat so much,” Hoss said with a smile “You can borrow my bedroll to wrap yourself in and we’ll hang your wet things to dry.  Bronwen told us ya’d need to sleep once the fever broke.”

“Since you never saw fit to mention your malaria, I am thankful that your wife is more intelligent,” Ben added caustically.

Adam closed his eyes and sighed. “Yeah, I guess as time passed without a recurrence I just decided it wasn’t going to happen.  I’m lucky Bronwen didn’t take Tad’s advice so lightly.”

“Yeah, older brother, you sure are lucky to have a wife that loves you so much.  And we promised her we’d take care of you and make sure you came home safe to her.”

They saw Adam’s cheeks redden as he asked weakly, “Could you help me undress?”

He slept for hours and Ben and Hoss took turns staying with him while the other did some exploring.  Hoss was pleased to discover some koalas in the bush about a quarter of a mile from their camp, which also was the home of some Kookaburras.  He smiled to himself as he thought how much the bird’s laugh reminded him of his younger brother’s.  Ben, on the other hand, spotted a dingo feasting on a koala it had caught on the ground.  He hadn’t heard dingoes would attack humans, but he decided he and Hoss would take turns standing watch that night.

He and Hoss were relieved to see Adam was stronger when he awoke late that afternoon.  “I’ll be able to travel tomorrow,” he assured them.

“Now, son—” Ben began but Adam cut him off.

“Pa, I feel fine the days between attacks.  I want to get home to Bronwen and Beth and I don’t want Bronwen worrying about why we’re delayed.”

Ben wanted to protest, but could see the logic in Adam’s reasoning and reluctantly acquiesced.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

After Joe had sailed back to the States, Bronwen was allowed to begin her daily walks.  She would dress Beth in a little gown, booties and a pretty bonnet, then place her in her wicker baby carriage and off they would go.  Bronwen found Dr. Browne was correct and the first few days she tired very easily.  She tried to walk a little longer each day until by the fifth week Adam was gone she would walk for an hour or hour and a half each day.   She was amazed at how fast Beth was growing and filling out.  By this time her mother only came over twice a week to see how she and Beth were doing, but Bronwen and Nell were managing very well, even with the increase in laundry that had to be dealt with.  When they were downstairs cooking or cleaning they simply moved Beth’s cradle into the room with them so they could keep an eye on her.

One day toward the end of the seventh week Adam and his family had been gone, Bronwen was in the middle of changing Beth when someone could be heard knocking on the door.   Nell came back from answering the door with an anxious expression.  “It’s a telegram for you, ma’am” she said worriedly.

“Let me see,” Bronwen said snatching it from her hand and reading it.

Will be in Sydney tomorrow night. Stop
Counting minutes until can celebrate end of six weeks. Stop.
Love you. Stop
Adam

Her cheeks were pink as she turned to Nell with a smile.  “Mr. Cartwright will be home tomorrow.  I want to prepare a very special supper.  He likes my shrimp with garlic butter and for dessert we’ll have Crème Brûlé.  Oh, and I want to use my best lace tablecloth.”  Nell nodded with a smile.  Bronwen’s expression became businesslike.  “Now, I’ll put Beth down for a nap and while she’s sleeping, we need to scrub and polish the floors and beat the rugs.”

“Just as you say, ma’am,” Nell replied, her face wreathed in a smile.

They worked hard all afternoon scrubbing and polishing.  Luckily Beth slept most of the time so the two women could work together.  That evening after a light supper, they polished the silver until they could see their reflections.

Bronwen woke at dawn to make the Crème Brûlé so it could be chilling in the icebox.  When it was finished, Nell said sternly, “Ma’am, you go take a nap.  You don’t want to be exhausted when Mr. Cartwright gets here.  I’ll do the dusting downstairs, and then while you take a bath, I’ll dust in your bedroom and put clean sheets on the bed for you.  And let me take care of supper.  I have a feeling it will probably be a late one anyway.”

“Nell, you’re wonderful,” Bronwen said smiling warmly.  “Let me check on Beth and then I’ll take your advice.”

After her nap, she changed Beth and then went to the bathhouse for a long soak, and she washed her hair.  She left it loose so it would dry and dutifully ate the lamb and vegetable stew Nell had heated up from the previous day for her dinner.  Then she went upstairs and fed Beth and made sure she was dry.  When that was accomplished, she began to get ready for Adam’s arrival.  Her hair was just a little damp so she brushed it and with Nell’s help braided it into several plaits, which were pinned up and then allowed to cascade to her shoulders.

“Very elegant, ma’am,” Nell said admiringly.

“I think he’ll like it better than the chignon I usually wear,” Bronwen replied happily.

She took off her blue gingham morning dress and looked at herself critically in the full-length mirror.  All those walks certainly had helped, but could she get into any of her old dresses? She found her corset, which she hadn’t worn since her pregnancy had begun to show.  She laced it as tightly as she could and then tried on the violet and white dress she’d worn for her birthday the previous year.  She couldn’t quite button the polonaise so she commanded Nell, “I need you to pull the corset tighter—pull it as tight as you can.”

“I don’t think this is such a good idea, ma’am,” Nell began.

“Well, I do!” Bronwen snapped.  “Pull it tighter.”

“Now, I can’t pull it any tighter without cuttin’ you in two,” Nell replied firmly after she’d struggled to tighten the corset.

Bronwen tried the polonaise again and turned to Nell, her face shining with joy.  “Look, it fits!”

“But can you breathe?” Nell inquired caustically.  “I think that’s more important to Mr. Cartwright.” 

“Never you mind,” Bronwen retorted crossly.  “You just make sure supper is ready for us.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Nell said shaking her head as she left.  Bronwen applied a little coralline salve to her lips and a little of her lily-of-the valley scented cologne.  Then she went in the nursery and gazed at her sleeping daughter.  “Won’t your tad be surprised to see you’ve grown some hair?” and she very gently ran her fingertips over the black fuzz.  “Now, I want you to be a good girl, Beth, and sleep for the next few hours.  Mama fed you and there’s no reason for you to be hungry.”  She tiptoed out of the room and quietly shut the door, and then went to wait in the library.

She tried to read the book she’d started earlier in the week—Anthony Trollope’s Harry Heathcoat of Gangoil: A Tale of Australian Bush Life—but just couldn’t focus.  Then she heard Adam’s voice calling, “Bronwen!  Sweetheart, I’m home!” and she ran to meet him.
 

The moment he saw her running toward him in the dress he remembered so well, he felt his body’s immediate response.  He dropped his bedroll and tucker-bag and ran to her, picking her up so he could kiss her.  She responded with passionate abandon then suddenly went limp in his arms.  “Nell!” he shouted frantically, carrying Bronwen to the settee in the drawing room.  Nell came hurrying in from the kitchen and saw his white, terrified face and Bronwen’s limp body in his arms.

“I told her she shouldn’t wear her corset that tight,” Nell said shaking her head.  “Lay her down and then unbutton her polonaise so you can loosen it.  I’ll get the smelling salts.”

Adam felt as though his heart had stopped beating until he saw Bronwen’s eyes flutter open.  “Whatever possessed you to tie your corset so tight you couldn’t breathe!” he exploded, his worry coming out as anger.

Her eyes filled with tears as she sobbed out, “I only wanted to look pretty for you.  I knew you liked this dress, but I couldn’t wear it unless the corset was that tight.  I’ve walked and walked every day so I’d get my figure back but I’m still fat!”  She turned away from him then and covered her face with her hands as she cried even harder.

Very gently he pulled her hands away from her face and turned it so he could gaze into her eyes.  “Bronwen Davies Cartwright, do you think I am so shallow that I won’t love you if you aren’t as slender as the day I met you?”

She dropped her eyes and whispered, “No.”

He sat beside her and lifted her onto his lap.  “I am going to sing a song to you.  I know you know it, but I want you to listen with your heart to the words because they’re as true for me as they were for the man who wrote them.”  Gazing deeply into her eyes he sang:

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms
Which I gaze on so fondly today
Were to change by tomorrow and fleet in my arms
Like fairy gifts fading away.
Thou wouldst still be adored as this moment thou art
Let thy loveliness fade as it will
And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart
Would entwine itself verdantly still. 

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own
And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear
That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known
To which time will but make thee more dear.
No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets
But as truly loves on to the close
As the sunflower turns to her God when he sets
The same look which she turned when he rose. 

She saw the love shining in his eyes and threw her arms around him and cried tears of joy.  After a moment he turned her face to his and captured her mouth and kissed her as he had longed to do all the weeks they had been separated.

“Adam, Nell might come back,” she said tearing her mouth away from his.  He didn’t bother to reply but simply captured her mouth again in a kiss, while standing up and carrying her upstairs to their bedroom.
 

Afterward he held her close and gently caressed her breasts.  “I’m delighted you’ve gotten rounder in some places,” he whispered.  Just then the sound of Beth’s crying filtered in through the closed door and Bronwen’s body reacted as it always did.  “Damn!” Adam swore softly but with real feeling while Bronwen smothered a soft giggle.  She got up and, after putting on her spectacles and lace-trimmed drawers, went through the door connecting their room with the nursery.  He pulled the sheet up to his waist and waited for her.

She returned carrying Beth, who had already fastened on a breast and was sucking lustily.  She sat cross-legged beside him on the bed and he put one arm around her shoulders.  “You’re a little piglet, aren’t you, Beth?” he crooned.  “Not interested in your papa at all, are you?”  Then his eyes widened.  “She’s growing hair!”  He gently stroked the dark fuzz with his forefinger.  “And you’ve filled out, haven’t you?”

“She has a double-chin now,” Bronwen said with a fond smile.

“That reminds me,” he said with a grin.  “I’m sure Pa and Hoss will be here for breakfast tomorrow.  Hoss wanted to come tonight but Pa finally got through to him that he would most definitely be de trop.”

She smiled and agreed.  “Definitely de trop.”  She changed Beth to the other breast and then asked, “So what did your family think of the outback?”

He grinned.  “Hoss wanted a pet koala so badly.  He was all for catching a pair and taking them back to the Ponderosa.  I had to explain that they couldn’t live without gum trees.  He and Pa were both impressed with their first sight of a mob of kangaroos hopping at high speed.  Hoss tried to get close to an emu but it startled him when the bird started coming for him.”  He paused for a moment and said gravely, “I discovered what I’d heard about the summer heat in Queensland was no exaggeration.  It’s every bit as hot as the deserts back home.  Even with all the windows, I know we’ll be spending a lot of time on the verandah.  At least it cools off at night.

“Our house is coming along nicely.  Rhys and Matilda send their love by the way.  I think she’s a bit lonely and I know she’s looking forward to our moving in.  She’s so attached to their little dog.  I think she and Rhys had their first argument over Pip.  She wanted him to stay inside so he wouldn’t risk encountering any snakes and of course that’s one of the reasons Rhys bought him.  Matilda changed her mind after Pip killed his first snake and treated him as a hero.  I’m afraid that dog is going to be in for a rude awakening when their first baby arrives.”

“Is she with child?” Bronwen asked eagerly.

“They didn’t say anything to me about it.  I think most couples are married a few months before it happens.”

“Yes,” she agreed with a frown.  “I could see some of the women at church mentally calculating the length of time between our wedding and Beth’s birth.”

“Old biddies,” he said sourly.  “Let them count.  It was nine months and four days.”

She looked at him with wide eyes.  “It’s sounds as though you’ve been doing some calculating as well.”

To her surprise, he actually reddened.  “Not for the same reason. I was just wondering if I could have impregnated you on our wedding night.”

“What did you deduce?” she said unable to hide her glee at his discomfort.

“It’s certainly a possibility.  I’m glad the doctor said you won’t conceive if you’re nursing.”

“You said you wanted three children.”

“I do want three or four, but I’d prefer a couple of years between them.  Besides, it can’t be good for your health if you get pregnant again too quickly.

“I suppose not.  So,” and she looked at him through her lashes.  “The trip was totally uneventful?”

He leaned against the headboard and sighed.  “I know you’ll hear about it from Pa and Hoss.  I’m glad you gave them the quinine and told them how to treat me.”

“You had a recurrence?” she said anxiously.

He nodded.  “On the way home.  It wasn’t nearly as bad as the first time, and we traveled on the days between attacks.  I haven’t had any for five days so I’m sure it’s over.  I am glad you remembered the quinine though.  I guess I didn’t take Tad’s warning seriously enough.”

“I knew you didn’t.  That’s why I didn’t say anything to you, just to Pa and Hoss.”  She looked down at Beth then.  “She’s finished.  Would you like to burp her/”

“Sure,” he said holding out his arms. 

“Wait until I get a rag,” she warned.  She hurried back from the nursery to find Adam talking softly to his daughter.  She draped the rag over his shoulder and then he held Beth and patted her back gently until she burped loudly. 

“That wasn’t very ladylike, Princess, but I’ll bet you feel better, don’t you,” he said holding her so they were face to face.  “She smiled at me,” he said excitedly, smiling back so his dimple showed.

“Her first smile,” Bronwen said resting her head on his shoulder as they watched Beth grinning toothlessly at them and waving her arms.

“You keep playing with Beth while I get dressed,” she said.  “If you put her on her back, she can turn over now,” she added proudly, “and I only have to feed her one time during the night.”  She changed subjects saying, “Nell and I have fixed a very special supper for tonight so I was planning on us dressing up.”

“No corset,” he said firmly, looking up at her. 

“Yes, my lord and master,” she retorted, sticking out her tongue and causing him to chuckle.  He talked softly to Beth and watched Bronwen slip on her lilac silk undervest and then her best silk stockings and lace-trimmed garters.  He found watching her dress almost as stimulating as watching her undress.  As she began putting on her layers of petticoats, he got up to put Beth back in her cradle since she had drifted off to sleep.

“Do I have time to take a bath before supper?” he asked when he came back.

“If you hurry.  I’ll have to redo my hair since you unpinned it,” and he grinned unrepentantly before grabbing a clean pair of drawers, a shirt and trousers.

“I’d rather you left it down,” he said over his shoulder, showing his dimple.

“And I’d rather you trimmed your beard,” she called after him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Joe arrived in Virginia City by train from San Francisco and found Bronc Evans and Roy Coffee waiting to greet him at the station.

“Good to see you, Joe,” Bronc drawled.  He was a tall man with craggy features, aged prematurely by years of exposure to the elements. 

“Bronc told me Adam’s wife had a little baby girl and that your father and Hoss decided to stay in Australia a few more weeks?” Roy queried after shaking Joe’s hand.

“That’s right.  The newest member of the Cartwright family is named Elizabeth, but we’re calling her Beth for short.  She sure is cute, too,” Joe answered with a big fatuous grin, which caused the other two men to exchange humorous glances.  “Pa and Hoss wanted to see where Adam and his family are gonna be living, and Hoss wanted to see one of those kangaroos,” Joe continued, “so they decided to stay a little longer.”

“That sounds like Hoss,” Roy said with a chuckle and all three men shared a smile. “Say,” Roy said suddenly, “you mean Adam and his family are movin’?”

“Yeah.  He and his brother-in-law have a mine in what they call the outback.  His brother-in-law is already living out there and Adam and Bronwen will be moving when Beth’s a little older.  I knew Pa really wanted to see it and wanted to spend more time with Adam and his family so I volunteered to sail home by myself.”

“What did you think of your sister-in-law?” Roy asked.

“She’s different than I expected.  I guess I thought she’d be real serious like Adam, but she’s not at all.  She makes Adam happy though.”  Joe grinned and shook his head.  “You should see Adam the doting father.  Hard to believe he’s my serious, undemonstrative older brother.  He’ll hold his little girl and talk baby talk and make funny faces; he’s worse than Hoss, and Pa’s not much better.  That little baby has the three of them wrapped around her tiny finger.”

“Not you, huh?” Bronc asked skeptically.

“Of course me, too,” Joe laughed.  “Good seein’ ya, Roy, but Bronc and I need to get back to the ranch.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Ben and Hoss found both Adam and Bronwen waiting for them in the dining room the next morning.  Both men thought Bronwen looked lovely in her morning dress of dark green brilliante and could see she was nearly as slender now as she’d been in her wedding photograph.  They also observed with a grin that Adam’s scruffy beard had been neatly trimmed.  Best of all, Adam was holding Beth in his arms so they immediately made a beeline for her.

“May I, son?” Ben asked holding out his arms.

“Sure, Grandpa,” Adam replied with a grin at his father and younger brother, who were both cooing to the baby and making faces.  ‘I thought Bronwen and I might at least rate a good-morning.”

“Sorry, Bronwen,” Ben said his cheeks reddening.  “Forgive my bad manners.  It’s lovely to see you again and looking so well.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry, too,” Hoss added his entire face scarlet.  “It’s jest that I’ve been wantin’ to see Sweet Pea here since we got back in town last night, but Adam said you’d both be too busy ?” He trailed off realizing what he was saying and seeing Bronwen’s cheeks turn pink his face became even more fiery.

Adam took pity on them both and said with a smirk, “We’ll let you or Pa hold her while we eat breakfast, if you can manage to eat with one hand.”

“I can manage,” Ben replied firmly to Hoss’s disappointment.
 

After breakfast Ben let Hoss have his turn holding Beth while Bronwen regaled the three men with all the new things Beth could do now.  Then they told her about their trip.

“I was so thankful that you’d warned us about Adam’s malaria and gave us the quinine to treat it,” Ben said warmly, taking her hand in his.

She smiled faintly.  “He confessed that he’d had a recurrence, but only because he knew you would tell me,” she stated looking at Adam under her lashes.

“I was an idiot to disregard Tad’s warnings.  Now, are you all satisfied,” Adam said crossly.

“I’m satisfied,” she replied with a roguish grin, “What about you two?”

“Oh, I’m satisfied,” Hoss said with a devilish grin of his own.  “It ain’t often older brother admits he’s human enough to make a mistake like the rest of us,” and he ducked to avoid Adam’s playful swipe.

“Boys,” Ben said but the twinkle in his eye belied his stern tone and Bronwen appreciated seeing the interaction among the three.

“I trust Joseph is on his way back to the Ponderosa,” Ben said more seriously.

“Yes.  We had a lovely visit.  He’s a very charming young man and a confirmed flirt,” she replied with a smile.  “It’s a good thing he couldn’t stay longer or he’d have broken the heart of every unmarried girl in Sydney.”  She laughed softly.  “He even tried to flirt with Nell until she threatened to box his ears.”  They all laughed at the mental picture that conjured up.

Since this was their last day before sailing for home, Ben and Hoss spent it with Adam and his family.  They went with Bronwen when she took Beth for a walk while Adam stayed at home to catch up on his correspondence.  That evening after supper, Adam got out the guitar he’d purchased and they sang songs until it was time for Ben and Hoss to return to their hotel. 

As they all stood on the quay the next morning, Adam embraced his father and brother warmly while Ben and Hoss both let the tears fall down their faces unashamedly.  Bronwen was so tiny Hoss was almost afraid to hug her but she handed Beth to Adam and stood on tiptoe, holding out her arms for a hug.  While he was hugging her, she planted a kiss on his cheek causing him to blush with pleasure.  Then Ben enfolded her in a gentle hug.  “Take good care of my son and my granddaughter,” he said in a broken voice.

“I will, Pa,” she replied softly her voice ending in a sob.

“Precious,” Ben said taking Beth from Adam and stroking her soft cheek with one finger, “your mama and papa promised to bring you to the Ponderosa for a visit after your first birthday, and I want you to remind them if they forget.”  Beth smiled at him and waved her arms.

“That’s right, Sweet Pea,” Hoss added, bending down and dropping a butterfly kiss on her forehead.  “You make sure they bring you for a visit.  I can hardly wait to show you off.”

“Excuse me,” Adam stated with a raised eyebrow, “but I’m the one who’ll be showing her off, younger brother.”

“Aw, Adam, you know what I mean,” Hoss retorted sheepishly.

It was time to board so Bronwen took Beth allowing Ben and Hoss to grab Adam for one last hug before hurrying up the gangplank.  Adam and Bronwen waved from the quay until they could no longer make out their figures.  She looked up at him under her lashes and saw his eyes were suspiciously bright so she moved closer and rested her head on his shoulder.  For just a moment he stiffened but then she felt him relax and put his arm about her shoulders, hugging her gently.  Beth began to gurgle and with a smile they headed back to Paddington.
 

Since they were due to move the first week in April, the next couple of weeks they were busy packing up all their belongings and arranging for them to be shipped to Cloncurry.  Adam decided his family would travel by ship from Sydney to Townsville in Queensland, and then they would travel the approximately 500 miles to Cloncurry overland.  Dr. and Mrs. Davies came to see them off and Bronwen couldn’t hold back her tears, knowing it would be months, or even years, before she saw her parents again.  Even Nell felt a wrench at leaving behind the city where she’d lived her entire life to go off and live in the harsh conditions of the outback and had second thoughts about her decision to accompany the Cartwrights. 

Travel by ship at least allowed Bronwen some privacy to nurse Beth but the three Cartwrights and Nell shared accommodations since ships from Sydney to Townsville weren’t really designed for passengers.  It was hardly the ideal situation to care for a three-month-old infant, but they managed.  Townsville was a beehive of activity since gold had been discovered nearby a few years earlier and cattle and sheep from the surrounding countryside were also driven there.  Adam booked two rooms at a hotel where the women could rest while he made arrangements for their journey to Cloncurry.  He purchased a four-seated surrey with isinglass curtains, a pair of sturdy horses and supplies for when they would have to camp out although he was hoping most of the time there would be a town where they could stay.  The first day they traveled as far as the little town of Mingela, where a kind family allowed the women to sleep in the spare room while Adam slept in the barn.  The next day they were able to travel as far as the boomtown of Charters Towers, where gold had been discovered earlier.

“I’m not sure I didn’t prefer the Matthew’s spare bedroom,” Bronwen said quietly to Nell as she tried to quiet a fretful Beth while Adam made arrangements to stable the horses for the night.

“It was a sight cleaner than this hotel room.  I’m glad Mr. Cartwright suggested that we bring sheets and blankets with us because I doubt these have been changed in months,” Nell stated as she stripped the bed in the room Adam and Bronwen would share before doing the same to her own.

When they gathered in the hotel’s tiny restaurant for supper, both women noticed Adam looked very grave.  “I’m afraid we’ll have to camp out for the next three or four nights.  The next settlement is Hughenden, and it will take us at least three days to travel there.  The good news is that Hughenden is nearly halfway to Cloncurry.”  He saw their worried looks and said with a wry smile, “Try to look on it as an adventure.  I’ve cooked over an open fire plenty of times on cattle drives and Rhys taught me how to make tea in a billy and how to make damper.  I won’t tell you that sleeping on hard ground in a bedroll, or swag as they say here, is enjoyable, but if you’re tired enough you can do it.”

“What about Beth?” Bronwen asked worriedly.

“We’ll put our bedrolls in a circle and Beth’s cradle in the center.  She’ll be fine.”

“Are there any wild animals?” Nell queried nervously.

“The only predators I know of are dingoes, and they wouldn’t attack us.  Besides, I have my Colt .45.  We’ll be fine”
 

He set up camp the first night in a small grove taking care of the horses first.  The more he was around Walers the more he liked the breed.  One of the cattle stations near Cloncurry also bred horses and he intended to buy a mount.  He had really missed Sport when he was on his travels, but he hoped he could find a mount here that suited him as well.  He noted that Bronwen was very skittish around the horses.  Riding was apparently not going to be a pastime they shared.

Once the horses had been cared for, Adam began to build a campfire and then to prepare a meal as the two women looked on helplessly.  “I’m afraid this isn’t the best tasting food, but it fills up your belly,” he said quirking his lips in a little smile.  “Nell, I’m going to teach you how to make tea in a billy so you can do it tomorrow morning and I’ll take care of making the damper. Now, your job, sweetheart, is taking care of Beth.  Nell and I will handle the food.”

After they ate, Adam took Beth so he could spend some time with her.  She giggled and cooed, laughed and squealed at him to his enormous delight.  “Beth, if Papa sits you on his bedroll beside him, can you sit on your own?’

“Adam, I’m not sure—“

“I won’t let her fall over; I just want to see if she can sit yet,” he said reassuringly.  Sure enough, for a few minutes Beth sat up all by herself, smiling at her family.  “You are growing up so fast, Princess,” Adam said as he looked proudly at his daughter.  Her black hair was growing thicker and it was going to be straight like her mother’s, much to Bronwen’s disappointment for she’d hoped Beth would inherit Adam’s curls.  Although Beth’s eyes were huge and wide-spaced like her mother’s, the color was already changing to a dark hazel like her father’s.

“Why don’t we sing?”  Adam suggested.  “I remember that as Pa and I traveled west we often did, and I know the perfect song for pioneers like us.  I’ll sing a verse, and then you two sing the chorus; it’s easy to learn.”

The two women nodded, and holding Beth on his lap Adam sang:

Did you ever hear tell of Sweet Betsy from Pike,
Who crossed the wide mountains with her lover Ike,
Two yoke of cattle, a large yeller dog,
A tall Shanghai rooster, and a one-spotted hog. 

Smiling, the two women joined him on the chorus while Beth giggled and squealed.
Singing too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay.

“Second verse,” Adam said with a big smile.

The Shanghai ran off, and the cattle all died,
That morning the last piece of bacon was fried.
Ike got discouraged, Betsy got mad,
The dog drooped his tail and looked wonderfully sad. 
Singing too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay.

“Last verse,” Adam said smiling even more broadly:

They suddenly stopped on a very high hill,
With wonder looked down upon old Placerville.
Ike said to Betsy, as he cast his eyes down,
"Sweet Betsy, my darling, we've got to Hangtown."
Singing too-ra-li-oo-ra-li-oo-ra-li-ay.

“Oh, Adam, there’s not really a place called Hangtown, surely,” Bronwen protested though her laughter.

“Surely there is except it was renamed Placerville.  We used to drive our cattle across the Sierras to Hangtown when I was a boy.”

“How about a sad song now, sir?” Nell asked tentatively.

“All right.  How’s this?  And he soulfully sang the ballad Lily of the West.  Nell had tears in her eyes by the time he sang the last verse.  “I take it that was sad enough?” he asked as Nell wiped her eyes.

“It was lovely,” she sniffed and Bronwen smiled. 

“I’m glad you liked it.  Now, I want to get an early start, so I suggest we all follow Beth’s example and turn in.”  He put his sleeping daughter in her cradle and laid down in his bedroll.
 

The ground was so hard Bronwen was sure she wouldn’t sleep a wink all night, so she was surprised to feel Adam shaking her shoulder saying, “Come on, sleepyhead.  Rise and shine.  Our breakfast is almost ready and Beth wants hers,” and Bronwen became aware of Beth fussing in the background.”

“I, uh,?” 

“Just pick a tree,” he said with a wide grin gesturing broadly.

Their journey was uneventful and the women enjoyed seeing koalas and kangaroos every bit as much as Hoss had.  The first time Beth heard a Kookaburra it frightened her, but as she heard more, she began to enjoy the birds’ raucous laugh.  Each evening around the campfire Adam would sing the same songs he’d sung on cattle drives or on the way west with Ben, and the women would join in if they knew the song.  On the fourth night they reached the little town of Hughenden, which wasn’t much more than a trading post.  However, there was a public house that rented rooms and served food.  The food wasn’t particularly tasty, but after four days of trail food they weren’t picky.  Just as they had in Charters Towers they stripped the bedclothes and used their own sheets and blankets.  They only planned on staying one night, but it began raining around midnight and rained steadily all the next day, so they were forced to stay in their rooms.  Tempers began to fray by late afternoon and the baby seemed to catch the mood of the adults and was cranky as well.  Beth finally fell asleep and Adam asked Nell to watch her in her room.

“I hope you didn’t ask Nell to take the baby for the reason I suspect,” Bronwen said sharply. “With Nell right next door ?

“I, for one, am bored with sitting here watching the rain pour down in sheets.  Besides, we may as well take advantage of the fact we have a bed and some privacy.”

“Adam, I just don’t feel very loving at the moment.  I’m sorry,” she said firmly.

“If you come over here, I can change that,” he said with a challenging glint in his eye.

“You think so, do you?” she replied with a slow smile, her mood changing in spite of herself.

“I know so.  Now, come here,” he commanded.

He played her body as skillfully as he played his guitar.  Afterward they lay facing each other, relaxed and contented.  “You look so smug,” she said softly, smiling at him as her fingertips slowly played with the hair on his chest.

“Maybe, but you are looking pretty smug yourself, Mrs. Cartwright,” he drawled, gently squeezing her deliciously rounded buttocks, and she pretended to scowl.  “Adam Cartwright, you are insufferable!”

“So I’ve been told; it’s part of my charm.  Ow!” he yelped as she tugged on a couple of chest hairs.  “So you want to play rough do you, you little vixen?” and he began to tickle her, causing her to shriek with laughter.

Suddenly they heard a knock on the wall and Nell’s anxious voice.  “Is everything all right?”

Bronwen dissolved into uncontrolled giggles but Adam managed to say calmly, “Everything’s fine, Nell.  Why don’t you give us another half an hour and then you can bring Beth back over here.”
 

The rain finally stopped sometime during the night and in the morning the sun was shining so they set off around midmorning.  The road was a quagmire and several times the women had to get out of the surrey so Adam could get it unstuck.  They only traveled half the distance he had hoped, but were lucky enough to find a cattle station and the owners gave them permission to sleep in the barn where it was dry.   By the next day the road had dried and they made better time, but they still had to camp out two more nights before they reached the little town of Julia Creek, which like Hughenden wasn’t much more than a trading post.  However, Bronwen and Nell were so happy to sleep in a bed rather than on the hard ground they didn’t care that they had to share the bed in the public house’s only room while Adam slept in his bedroll on the floor.

As they were eating supper Bronwen asked tentatively, “Adam, is Cloncurry bigger than this town?”

“Truthfully, not much,” he answered carefully. “It’s growing steadily though.  I don’t think it will ever be a city like Sydney or Melbourne though.  If it is connected to Sydney by rail, it would make this trip much quicker but I have no idea when or even if that would happen.  Right now we ship our ore by camel of all things.”

“How much longer before we reach Cloncurry?” Nell asked and Adam heard the anxiety in her tone and saw it in her eyes. 

“We’ll probably have two more nights of camping out, and then we’ll be in Cloncurry.  I hope we don’t have to ask Rhys and Matilda to put us up long, but I really don’t know when our belongings will arrive.  Actually, Nell, you could stay there now because I had a local cabinet-maker make your bed so it’s probably there at the house.  But I doubt you’d want to be alone in an empty house.”

“I don’t much fancy the idea,” Nell said honestly.

“Rhys and Matilda have plenty of room so you’ll be staying there with us,” Bronwen said firmly.

Late in the afternoon two days later they approached a group of buildings not much larger than Julia Creek, and both women looked at Adam.  He nodded with a half smile.  “This is Cloncurry.  We’ll go to Rhys and Matilda’s first and leave Beth there.  Then I’ll take you over to see our house.”

Matilda was sitting on the verandah watching for them as she had every afternoon for the last week.  She ran to meet them, her face wreathed in smiles while Pip ran at her heels yapping loudly.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you,” she cried hugging first Bronwen and then Adam.  “We didn’t know for sure when you’d rock up.”  Adam raised an eyebrow but deduced rock up must mean arrive.  “And this is Beth.  Oh, she is just precious!  I’m your Auntie Matilda, Beth,” she cooed.  She looked up at Bronwen.  “May I hold her?”

“Of course,” Bronwen said handing Beth to her while Pip continued to yap making Beth whimper.

“Quiet, Pip,” Adam said firmly and the dog stopped barking.

“He minds Rhys and Adam, but he won’t mind me,” Matilda said with a self-deprecating smile.  “Rhys says I’m not firm enough with him.”

“He’s right,” Adam replied in a gentle but serious voice.  “Actually, Matilda, I was hoping you could look after Beth while I show Bronwen and Nell our house.”

“I’d love to look after her.  Just show me where her things are so I can change her if she needs it,” Matilda said happily.
 

 As they approached, Bronwen saw the two-story frame house was painted white with green and white striped awnings over the windows and surrounded by a white picket fence.  There were two small palm trees in the front yard.

 “Nell, would you mind waiting on the verandah while I show Mrs. Cartwright a few of the rooms?” Adam asked when they approached the house.

“Of course not, sir,” Nell said seating herself in one of the wicker chairs on the verandah.  Adam scooped Bronwen up in his arms then and carried her over the threshold of their house, causing her to blush prettily.

“The house in Paddington was temporary; this is our real home,” he said softly before bending down to gently kiss her lips.  Then he sat her on her feet saying, “Let me show you the house so we can decide where to put the furniture when it arrives.”  He led her to the door to the right of the entry saying, “This is the drawing room.”  She saw with delight that it was a large airy room with French doors opening onto the verandah and a large window facing the front yard. The walls were painted white while the trim was painted dark green, which went perfectly with their green and white furniture. The lace curtains she had purchased had already been hung.

“I think I’d like to arrange the furniture in this room the same way we had it in Paddington,” she decided.  “Where’s the dining room?”

“It’s across the hall,” he answered taking her hand and leading her there.

This room was painted a pale apricot and like the drawing room it had French doors opening onto the verandah and a large window overlooking the front yard.  The velvet drapes were a rich shade of amber that reminded Bronwen of Adam’s eyes in the sunlight.

“I’ll show you and Nell the kitchen together,” Adam suggested, “but let’s take a look at the library before we go upstairs.”  He was basking in the happiness so plainly reflected on his wife’s face.

She saw the library here was a little smaller than the one in their rented house.  It was paneled in bunya pine and there were deep, built-in bookshelves on two walls and large casement windows with window seats in the other two.  One looked out on the backyard where she could see some fruit trees had been planted. “This will be a cozy, comfortable room,” she said with a smile.  “I imagine you’ll want your drafting table near a window?”

“Yes and my desk.  Then we can decide how to arrange the armchairs and where to put the game table.  Now, are you ready to see the upstairs?”

“Lead on, McDuff,” she intentionally misquoted and smiling they headed up the backstairs.

“These first three are spare rooms for right now,” he said when they reached the second floor, “and they are all just painted white.  The exception is the one that will be Beth’s, and it’s next to our bedroom.”

“Let’s look at Beth’s room and then ours,” she suggested with a smile and so they hurried down the hall.

“This will be Beth’s room when she’s old enough to leave the nursery,” he said opening a door to reveal a room papered in a design of pink roses on a cream-colored background.  There were pink chintz curtains around the large windows and the room also contained a rocking chair and canopy bed made of Queensland maple.  The bed’s canopy was made of the same pink chintz as the curtains while the coverlet was cream-colored.

“Oh, Adam,” Bronwen breathed and he said quickly, “I hope I wasn’t too high-handed ordering the furniture without consulting you.  Once we picked out the wallpaper, I decided to go ahead and furnish the room so I spoke with a local cabinet-maker and we worked out the details.  He made the wicker furniture for the verandah and I’m very pleased with his work.”

“You may have been a little high-handed, but since the results are so lovely, I’m not going to complain,” she said with a smile.  “Now I’d like to see our room.”

He opened the door to a spacious room that had large casement windows with window seats on two walls and French doors opening onto the upstairs verandah.  They had been able to find the same wallpaper that was used on their old bedroom, and the trim was painted dark green to match.  “Adam, it’s lovely.  I didn’t really understand from the blueprints how lovely it would be.”  She flung her arms around him and stood on tiptoe as he bent over so they could kiss.  The she noted a door painted dark green and asked if that was their dressing room.

“It will be eventually, but right now it’s the nursery.”  The words were no sooner out of his mouth than she ran to fling open the door revealing a small cozy room painted cream with lavender chintz curtains.

“Now I expect you and Nell would like to see the kitchen and the bathhouse,” he said with a big grin.

“Of course. Nell’s room is downstairs?””

“Yes and across the hall is the guest bedroom.  Don’t worry.  I spoke with Nell about what type of furniture she’d like and what color she preferred for her room and her curtains.  I think she’ll be as pleased as you are.”
 

Nell was actually overcome when she saw the good-sized bedroom opening onto the verandah, its walls painted pale blue and with blue and white gingham curtains.  Adam had asked the cabinet-maker to construct a low-post bed, chest of drawers and wardrobe of simple, clean lines using Queensland maple. He was pleased at the way Nell lovingly ran her hands along the bed’s headboard.   “It’s just beautiful, sir.  Too grand for a maid.”

“Nonsense,” he said firmly.  “I designed this room with you in mind.  Now, let me show you ladies the kitchen.”

The kitchen walls were painted white and there were red and white gingham curtains at the windows. “This is the most modern cook-stove I could buy,” he said proudly.  “We have water piped into the kitchen and the bathhouse.”

“You remembered to put in all the shelves and drawers we asked for,” Bronwen said delightedly.  “Look, Nell,” she said pulling a drawer out, “this deep drawer is perfect for towels and tea towels and this one for tablecloths and napkins.”

“And you remembered the shallow ones for the silverware and cutlery,” Nell added smiling her satisfaction.

“Do you want to see the bathhouse?” he asked and they eagerly followed him through the door connecting it with the kitchen.  “Ah, I see the bathtub has already been delivered,” and he gazed admiringly at the cast iron claw foot tub with one end raised higher—perfect for leaning back and soaking.  He had ordered the largest tub they had—five feet, ten and three-quarters inches—and teased Bronwen that she mustn’t fall asleep soaking or she might drown.  “The water is piped in here and then this small stove is for heating it and keeping the room warm when the weather is cold.  And I had these shelves built to store bath towels and put pegs on the wall to hang your clothes.  I had those small windows put up so high as a way of allowing cross ventilation but preventing anyone from looking into the room.”

“It’s so beautiful.  I can hardly wait until our furniture arrives,” Bronwen said excitedly. 

“I hope it will arrive within the week. I think we’d better head back to Rhys’s house now.” They were walking toward the Davies’ house when they heard the sound of someone running and saw a boy somewhere between eleven and twelve running toward them.

“G’day, mates!” he called when he was in earshot.  “I thought I saw someone.”

“Bronwen, Nell, this is our neighbor, Ned Greene.  Ned is training our dog for us.  How’s she doing, Ned?”

“She’s housebroken, Mr. Cartwright.  Hasn’t had an accident in two weeks.  Do you want me to bring her over?”

“No, we can’t move in until our furniture arrives, but I’d like for Mrs. Cartwright to have a chance to meet Belle.  Be a good idea if you met her as well, Nell.  It won’t take long.”

The women agreed and they all followed Ned.  Mrs. Greene was resting on her veranda as they approached.  “You remember Mr. Cartwright don’t you, Mama?” Ned said and his mother nodded.  “Mrs. Green, allow me to introduce my wife and Mrs. Godwin,” Adam said with a friendly smile.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Cartwright, Mrs. Godwin.  Please won’t you sit down and have some tea?”

“That would be very nice,” Bronwen said and nervously Nell nodded her agreement.

“Mr. Cartwright wanted the ladies to meet Belle.  They can’t take her just yet.”

“Our furniture hasn’t arrived,” Adam inserted smoothly, “so we’re staying with Mr. and Mrs. Davies in the meantime.”

“Ned has worked hard training your dog and I think you’ll be pleased.  I’ll go get the tea,” and Mrs. Greene stood and went inside.

Ned came back in a few minutes with a little blue-and-tan terrier walking at his side.  “Sit, Belle,” he said firmly and the puppy sat.  He walked onto the verandah and stood by Adam before calling, “Come, Belle.’  The puppy ran up the steps barking happily.  As she approached him, Adam said firmly, “Sit, Belle.”  The dog did so cocking her head at him.  “Good dog,” he said with a smile.  He slowly put his hand down so Belle could sniff it and then petted her, watching her tail wag.  “Now you try, sweetheart.”

“Come, Belle,” Bronwen said trying to use the same firm voice as Adam and Ned had.  Belle hesitated for a moment and then walked over sitting on command.  Bronwen also allowed Belle to sniff her hand before petting her, and when those dark almond eyes gazed into hers it was love at first sight.  The process was repeated with Nell and Belle obediently obeyed each command. 

“Ned, you’ve done such an outstanding job that I am paying you fifteen pounds instead of ten,” Adam stated with a smile.  Ned’s grin stretched from ear to ear as he accepted the money.  Just then Mrs. Greene walked over carrying a tray with a teapot, cups, saucers and a plate of bread and butter.

“Mama!  Mr. Cartwright’s paid me fifteen pounds for training Belle!  See!”

“I’m sure that is more than generous, Mr. Cartwright,” Mrs. Greene said with a smile.

“Not at all.  Ned has done an excellent job.  Since we have a baby to care for we wouldn’t have had time to train Belle as well.”

“Mrs. Davies mentioned you have a little daughter.”

“We left Beth with my sister-in-law while we looked at our house,” Bronwen explained.

“It’s a lovely house.  I believe you designed it?” Mrs. Greene said to Adam and he nodded.  “Did you have a difficult journey here from Sydney?”

“No, not difficult, but Mrs. Godwin and I had never camped out before.  I must confess, I’d just as soon not do it again.  I’m so looking forward to moving into our own house.”

“And will you be staying with the Cartwrights, Mrs. Godwin?”

“Uh, yes,” Nell replied nervously.

“Nell works for us,” Adam stated.

“I see,” Mrs. Green said and it was clear she was not happy about entertaining a servant.  The Cartwrights and Nell finished their tea quickly and thanked Mrs. Greene for her hospitality and patted Belle before leaving.

“You should have introduced me as your maid, sir,” Nell lamented.  “Now she feels she’s been tricked into treating a servant as a lady.”

“Being a maid is your job; it’s not who you are,” Bronwen replied emphatically.  Then she smiled wryly.  “Somehow I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of the Greenes socially though.

“Mr. Greene isn’t the snob his wife is,” Adam said gently.  “He wouldn’t be in business long if he were; he owns the local public house.  However, I don’t imagine we’d be seeing that much of the Greenes socially anyway.”
 

They could hear Beth’s wailing before they even opened the front door of the Davies’ house.  Matilda rushed toward them with their screaming daughter.  “I think she must be hungry,” she said apologetically as she handed Beth to Bronwen.  “Here, I’ll take you to your room.”
 

When Rhys returned that evening Bronwen and Nell were describing their journey to Matilda while Adam held Beth and played with her bare toes so she giggled and squealed happily.  Pip was the first to notice Rhys’s arrival and began barking a greeting.  Bronwen ran to her brother and flung her arms around him.  “Rhys bach, it’s so good to see you,” she exclaimed.

“And it’s good to see you, Bronwen fach,” he replied hugging her back.  “Quiet, Pip,” he commanded.  “Hello, Adam,” he said extending his hand.  “And this beautiful little girl must be Beth.  May I hold her?”  With a smile Adam handed her to Rhys.

“Beth, your tad has been telling me lies about you.  He said you were bald but you have a fine head of hair.”

“Oh, it grew in very fast,” Bronwen stated.  “She’s growing up so quickly.  She can even sit on her own for a little now.”

“A most remarkable little girl, I can see,” Rhys said smiling at the baby.  “I hope soon you’ll have a cousin to play with,” and he failed to notice the pain in his wife’s eyes at those words, for after six months of marriage she still showed no signs that she had conceived.
 

The next morning Adam dressed in a cream-colored work shirt and a pair of the new waist overalls from Levi Strauss & Co in San Francisco that Joe had bought for him, telling him how comfortable and durable they were.  He took the surrey and drove to the station where he’d heard the owner bred horses.  When he got there, he saw a woman hanging laundry to dry while a baby a few months older than Beth sat beside the laundry basket chewing on a teething ring.  The woman heard him drive up, and picking up the baby walked toward him.

“G’day, mate,” she said with a friendly smile.  “May I help you?”

“I hope so,” he replied with an answering smile.  “First, let me introduce myself.  My name is Adam Cartwright.”

“Janet Dawson,” the woman replied.  “This is my son, Kit.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Dawson.  The reason I’m here,” Adam stated, “is that I heard Mr. Dawson might be able to sell me a mount.”

“We’ve a couple of geldings for sale,” Mrs. Dawson agreed.  “But you’ll need to talk with my husband.  He’ll be back for dinner.  I can fix you some tea if you’d care to wait.”

“I could help you hang the laundry,” he suggested.

“No,” she said rather flustered.  “You’re a guest.”

“I’d feel guilty sitting on the verandah watching you work.  You can get it done quicker if I help.”

“But it’s women’s work,” she protested.

“Work’s work,” he replied.  “But don’t tell my wife about it or she’ll expect me to help her with the laundry,” he added with a wink.

“All right,” she said, turning a little pink. 

They finished quickly and while she made tea he played peek-a-boo with Kit.  “I see you’re good with children,” she commented as she poured the tea, giving Kit a ginger biscuit to chew on.

“I’m learning,” Adam replied.  “Our little girl, Beth, is a few months younger than Kit.  She’s not teething yet.”

“For which you can count your blessings.  Teething babies are fractious,” Mrs. Dawson said.  “Well, the poor dears are in pain so you can’t blame them.”  She stopped and said thoughtfully, “Say, are you the Cartwright of that new mine, Cartwright and Davies?”

“That’s right.  My family and I just arrived yesterday from Sydney.  Our furniture hasn’t gotten here yet so we’re staying with my partner, who’s also my wife’s brother.”

“But I can tell you’re from farther away than Sydney,” Mrs. Dawson said with a teasing smile.

“State of Nevada in the United States,” he answered with a slight smile.  “Since I married an Australian girl, I decided to settle here.”

They continued to chat comfortably while Kit chewed and drooled, smearing sticky ginger biscuit all over his face, until Mr. Dawson rode up.

“Peter,” Mrs. Dawson said, “this is Adam Cartwright and he’s looking for a horse.”

“Saddle horse?” Dawson asked.  “I see you’ve got a couple of nice carriage horses.”

“That’s right,” Adam agreed, extending his hand.

“Tell you what, mate,” Dawson said shaking Adam’s hand firmly, “why don’t you have dinner with us, and then I’ll show you the geldings I have for sale afterward.”

Adam nodded his acceptance and after an excellent meal, the two men strolled out to the paddock.  Adam saw three geldings: a dark bay, a dun and a blood bay.  He was drawn immediately to the blood bay. The other two geldings were under fifteen hands high, closer to fourteen, but the blood bay was over fifteen.

Watching Adam with the horses, Dawson commented laconically, “I see you know horses.”

“My kid brother is the real expert in the family, but I know good horseflesh when I see it.  I grew up on a ranch, uh, station, in Nevada.  Until I settled here in Australia I was a cowboy—what you call a jackaroo.”

Dawson nodded and then said thoughtfully, “Most prefer the smaller horses, but I think you’d do better with the blood bay.  He’s a bit temperamental though.”

“I prefer a challenge,” Adam answered with a slow smile, patting the horse’s neck.  “I’d like to put him through his paces.”

“Surely.  I expect you didn’t bring your tack all the way from the States?” Dawson queried with a hint of a smile on his weather-beaten face.  Adam shook his head ruefully.  “I’ve got some spare tack I can sell you if you decide to buy one of these.”
 

As they shook hands on the deal, Dawson said diffidently, “I know this is some years in the future, but thought you might want to know I breed ponies as well.  Welsh Mountain ponies.  They’re sweet-tempered and small, only a little over twelve hands.  Perfect for small children.”

“That’s good to know,” Adam said dimpling.  “In a few years I’ll want a mount for my daughter.”

“Thought you might,” Dawson said with a slow smile.  “I got the idea of breeding them because I knew I’d want a mount for Kit.”

Adam tied his new mount behind the surrey.  “I’ll have to think of the right name for you, boy, after we’ve gotten to know each other better.  Got a little treat for you,” and he fished a sugar cube out of his shirt pocket and placed it on his palm.
 

Bronwen was playing with Beth on the verandah and saw Adam drive by.  “Look, Beth!  It’s your papa.  Let’s wave to him.”  She took the baby’s hand and waved it while she waved her own and was gratified when she saw Adam wave back as he drove the horses to their stable.  She decided to take Beth and join him.  He was currying his new mount when she arrived and looked up with a smile.

“Hello.  Did you bring Beth to see Papa’s new horse?”

“He’s big, isn’t he?” Bronwen observed from a distance.

“He’s about the same size as Sport.”

“Is Sport the horse Joe told me your father got you when you first came back from college?”

“That’s right.  I think Joe was jealous because he wanted a horse, but there was no way Pa was giving a nine-year-old a horse.”  He paused and said sadly, “Sport’s a beautiful animal but he’s getting old so I’d be needing a new mount anyway even if I were back home—I mean the Ponderosa.”

She smiled.  “It’s going to take time for us to think of this as home.”  She paused and changing the subject said, “Even if he’s big, he’s beautiful.  He wouldn’t bite me if I petted him?”

“No.  He’s friendly.”

“You hold Beth,” she said, handing her to Adam as she stepped closer.  Nervously, she reached out her hand and tentatively patted the gelding’s neck.  Then she took Beth back asking, “Will you be much longer?”

“No.  Why don’t you show Beth her new home?”

“That’s just what I planned on doing,” she answered with a smile.  “Then we can walk back together.”
 

Adam woke up at dawn the next morning and managed to get out of bed and dressed without waking Bronwen.  He headed to the stable and after feeding and watering the horses, he turned the carriage horses out into the paddock and saddled the blood bay.  He discovered the gelding could run like the wind and as they headed back to the paddock, he patted his neck and said conversationally, “Well, boy, I think I have the perfect name for you.  I’m going to call you Zephyr.”  The gelding snorted and tossed his head causing Adam to chuckle.  “I’ll take that as a yes.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

It was a week before their belongings arrived, but the Cartwright household quickly settled into the new house and Bronwen and Nell reestablished the household routine they’d followed in Paddington. Things were going well at the mine, but that meant more work for both Adam and Rhys.  Adam had agreed to handle the bookkeeping, but found he was doing that work at home in the evening because there simply wasn’t time during the workday.
 

He pinched the bridge of his nose as he slowly walked up the stairs to their bedroom.  This was at least the third or fourth night in a row he’d worked late and he was beginning to feel it.  He was also feeling guilty because he’d spent so little time lately with Bronwen and Beth.  He turned down his lamp before opening the bedroom door so he wouldn’t wake Bronwen. As he undressed in the dim light he looked at her sleeping form.  He could see her cheeks were wet, and her eyes and nose were red and swollen.  He sat down on the bed beside her and gently shook her shoulder.  “Bronwen, sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

She opened her eyes slowly, squinting as she tried to bring his face into focus.  Then she dropped her gaze and replied softly, “There’s nothing wrong.”

“If there were nothing wrong, then you wouldn’t be crying yourself to sleep,” he admonished mildly.

“I’m surprised you even noticed,’ she retorted bitterly.  “You’ve worked late every night for the past week coming to bed after I'd fallen asleep.  Oh, I forgot.  You did wake me up twice but both times as soon as you were finished, you just rolled over and went to sleep.”

“I’ve been shutting you out again, haven’t I?” he asked slowly and she nodded, a single tear trickling down her cheek. 

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, so very sorry,” he murmured contritely, gently wiping away the tear.

“It’s not just you.  I’m lonely, cariad.  I miss Mam and Tad and Emily and my other friends.  I don’t know anyone here except Matilda so I have no one to talk with all day except her and Nell.”

“So you’re miserable here?” he asked with a mixture of guilt and sadness.

“I’m lonely,” she repeated.  “It would help if we could spend time together the way we used to do.  I know your work is important, but I hoped Beth and I were more important to you.”

“You are,” he replied earnestly.  “I promised to cherish you and I realize I’ve been doing a poor job of it, but that will change. I’ll talk with Rhys and maybe we can hire a bookkeeper.  In the meantime, I’ll figure out some way to spend more time with you and Beth.”  He lightly caressed her cheek with his fingertips.  “I’ve missed being with you, too,” he added softly.

“I don’t have any time to read during the day.  Maybe we could pick one of your books and you could read it aloud.  I could listen and work on darning your socks.  You’re very hard on socks, you know,” and she smiled at him faintly.

“I’d like that,” and he kissed her gently before getting into the bed beside her.  The next morning he woke her up just before dawn so they could make love and afterward they cuddled together.

“This is much better,” she purred as he held her close, resting his chin on her head.

“I’m afraid I can’t promise I’ll never roll over and go to sleep again,” he answered dryly.

“That’s all right,” she replied sweetly.  “I can’t promise I’ll never fall asleep while you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Bronwen,” he said choking on his laughter.  “I can guarantee that’s not going to happen,” he added before kissing her passionately.   He was late getting started on his barn chores that morning.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

A few mornings later as he was walking from the stable to the house he heard the sound of screaming coming from the backyard where Bronwen had recently begun raising a flock of chicks purchased from Janet Dawson.  He ran as fast as he could and saw Bronwen and Nell screaming with horrified faces as they watched Belle killing a snake.

“Good girl, Belle,” he said softly after the snake was dead, petting her as he tried to determine if she’d been bitten. 

The women were white-faced with terror but Bronwen asked in a shaky voice, “Is Belle all right?”

“I think so, but it’s hard to tell.  If the snake did bite her, then her thick fur should have protected her. Why don’t you take Belle inside and keep an eye on her and I’ll dispose of the snake.”

“I’ll make us a cup of tea, ma’am,” Nell said in a voice that wasn’t quite steady.

“Thanks, Nell,” Bronwen replied gratefully, sinking into a chair at the kitchen table.  Adam entered the kitchen a few minutes later and washed his hands before asking, “Is Beth up yet?”

“Oh, I forgot to check,” Bronwen replied starting to get up but he put a hand on her shoulder and pushed her down.

“That’s all right.  I’ll go check on her.”  He left with Belle trotting at his heels.  When he returned a few minutes later with Beth he saw the women seemed to have calmed down.

“The snake was interested in the chicks. Belle did what she was bred to do.”

“I’ve just never seen anything killed before and it frightened me,” Bronwen admitted.

“I grew up hunting and trapping animals for food, so I guess I’ve become inured to it.”  Wanting to lighten the mood he said teasingly, “Something tells me that I won’t be eating chicken for Sunday dinner.”

“I bought the chicks so we’d have eggs,” Bronwen said with a stricken face. 

“You are definitely a city girl,” he replied with a grin.  “You can’t get attached to an animal you’re going to eat.  Calves and piglets are adorable, but I still like steak and bacon.  Fleecy little lambs make delicious lamb chops.”   He laughed harder when Bronwen stuck her tongue out at him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Bronwen was becoming frustrated.  No matter how far she walked each day, her body refused to grow slender.  In fact, her waist seemed to be growing thicker.  She was tired all the time.  It was ironic really that while Beth needed less sleep now she seemed to need more.  She was also concerned that even though it was now six months since Beth’s birth, she still had not resumed menstruating.

“Nell,” she said after they had washed and dried the breakfast dishes.  “Look after Beth for me, please.  I’ve an errand to run.”

She took a bath and left the house dressed in an outfit that was one of Adam’s favorites: a navy blue delaine skirt, red silk zouave jacket and a red pill-box hat trimmed with tiny beads.  An hour later she returned, somewhat dazed.  “Are you all right, ma’am?” Nell asked anxiously

“What?  I mean, I’m fine.  I expect Beth is hungry so I’ll just take her upstairs.  After I nurse her, I’m going to lie down.”
 

Bronwen was very quiet the rest of the afternoon.  Placing Beth in her walker so they could keep an eye on her, she and Nell dusted and polished the furniture and floors but without any of their usual conversation. Before Adam came home, she fed Beth and then changed into a gown of pale blue muslin that she knew he particularly liked to see her wear.  She greeted him with a kiss as she always did, but then she hardly said a word during their meal together.  After he ate the last bite of the sponge cake she’d baked for dessert, he put down his fork and wiped his mouth before setting his napkin down.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he asked in a firm, no-nonsense voice.

“Nothing’s wrong.  I just received some news today that surprised me.”

“What sort of news?” he asked carefully.

“I went to see Dr. Brooke this morning—“

He interrupted her.  “Are you ill?” he demanded and she heard the anxiety in his voice.

“No,” she said with a faint smile.  “I’m not ill; I was afraid I might be, but that isn’t it at all.”

“Bronwen,” he growled.

“I’m sorry,” she said with a little smile.  “I found out the reason I’ve been feeling so tired, the reason that in spite off all the walking I’ve been doing I don’t grow any thinner is that I’m going to have another child.”  She could have laughed aloud at the astonished look on his face.

“But Dr. Browne said if you were nursing Beth then you wouldn’t get pregnant!”

“That’s what I told Dr. Brooke.  He said that was just an old wives tale.  Obviously, he is correct,” and she smiled ruefully.  “We do want more children; we’re just getting them sooner than we expected.”

“When is the baby due?” Adam asked numbly.

“Right around the first week of December the doctor thinks.”

“But Beth won’t even be a year old then,” he protested.

“I am aware of that. Cariad, we seem to be as fertile as a pair of rabbits.”  She looked at him anxiously.  “You’re not too upset are you?”

“I’m not upset,” he said reassuringly.  “I’m just worried about you.”

“I’m perfectly healthy, and it’s not as if I’m the first woman to get pregnant so soon after giving birth.  I confess I would have preferred that I hadn’t conceived again until after Beth was a year old, but that’s not the way it turned out.  It’s a good thing Beth sleeps in a crib now because we’ll need the cradle for the new baby.”

“I suppose we may as well break the news to Rhys and Matilda at dinner on Sunday?”

“Yes.  It won’t be a secret much longer.  I’m starting to show much earlier this time.  Dr. Brooke says most women do.
 

Adam and Bronwen could tell Matilda was bursting with some news the minute they saw her Sunday.  As soon as they all gathered around the dining table she said excitedly, “We have some wonderful news to share with you.”  She paused just long enough to catch her breath before saying excitedly, “We’re having a baby!  Dr. Brooke says it’s due at the end of February.”

“That’s wonderful!” Bronwen exclaimed in delight while Adam added, “Congratulations to you both.”

“As a matter of fact, Adam and I have some news to share as well,” Bronwen added diffidently. “I just learned that I am with child again.”

“So soon?" Matilda blurted out then blushed scarlet.

“Yes.  Actually, I’m further along than you are.  Our baby is due in early December.”

Adam cleared his throat before adding self-consciously, “The news came as a surprise.  Our doctor in Paddington had told us that Bronwen wouldn’t get pregnant if she was nursing Beth.”  He turned to Rhys.  “After dinner, I’d like to talk with you in private if that’s all right?”

“Of course.  Something tells me that our presence won’t be missed,” Rhys replied with a small grin at the two women, who were already discussing babies.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

“I come like a Greek bearing a gift,” Paul Martin said as Ben opened the door to the ranch house.  “Will Cass knew I was coming here for dinner so he asked me to bring this letter from Adam.”

“Oh, good,” Ben said taking the proffered envelope.  “This is the first we’ve had since we returned.  He’d warned us he probably wouldn’t have a chance to write until they were settled in their new house.”

“Can we read it now?” Hoss asked hopefully.

“Hop Sing,” Ben called and Hop Sing walked in saying, “Dinner ready.  Dr. Martin here.  You need to eat.”

“Dr. Martin brought a letter from Adam.  Do you think dinner could wait until I read it aloud?”

Hop Sing smiled at the news.  “It can wait.”

Ben sat in his favorite leather armchair while Joe and Hoss sat on the settee and Dr. Martin sat in the blue velvet armchair that had been Adam’s favorite. Hop Sing stood expectantly behind Ben.

July—, 1875

Dear Family,

I have some good news and some bad news.  I’ll give you the bad news first because it’s actually related to the good news.  The bad news is that we won’t be sailing for America this coming spring after all. ? 

Ben held up his hand to stop the complaints and questions.

The good news is that the reason we aren’t coming is our second child is due around the first week of December.

“They’re having another baby!” Joe squeaked.  “But Beth won’t even be a year old!”

“Joseph,” Ben said firmly and Joe subsided.

We had hoped to have more children, but not this soon.  I’m worried about Bronwen’s health although she tells me the doctor here says she is perfectly healthy.  He just wants her to make sure she gets plenty of rest.  I am taking steps to prevent her from getting pregnant again too soon after this child is born.  I’ve spoken with Rhys and he knows where to purchase French letters in Sydney.  He is going to be traveling there in October and he will purchase some for me then and arrange to have them shipped here on a regular basis.

“French letters?” Hoss asked, bewilderment plainly stamped on his features.

“French letters are a contraceptive device; they’re designed to prevent a man from impregnating a woman,” Paul began to explain.

“I don’t think you need to go into the details, Paul,” Ben interjected quickly as Hoss’s face turned beet-red while Joe’s expression was entirely too smug for Ben’s peace of mind.

“It’s an intelligent decision on Adam’s part,” Paul said quietly.  “I’ve seen how too many pregnancies too close together can ruin a woman’s health.” 

Joe couldn’t stop himself from snickering although he sobered up quickly when Ben glared at him before saying, “I’d like to finish the letter.
. 
We’re settling in nicely.  Naturally we both miss our families, which reminds me.  Bronwen asked me to remind Joe that he promised to write her but she hasn’t heard from him yet. ?

“I’ll write her tonight,” Joe mumbled.  “I just forgot.”

I warned her that he is a rather indifferent correspondent, but she really would like to hear from you, Joe.  Aside from missing Tad and Mam, what Bronwen misses most is attending church.  Cloncurry doesn’t have one yet, but she and I and Nell and Rhys and Matilda gather at our house on Sunday mornings.  We pray, read from the Bible and sing hymns just like we used to do before we had a church to attend.

My city girl has started keeping livestock.  We bought a flock of chicks from one of the stations (ranches) near Cloncurry and a milk cow.  (We share the milk with Rhys and Matilda, who are expecting their first child in February.)  I built a hen house for Bronwen and Mrs. Dawson explained to her how to raise chickens and how to churn butter.  (Mrs. Dawson is around Bronwen’s age and has a little boy, Kit, who’s a few months older than Beth.)  Dawson breeds horses and I bought myself a new mount from him.  Zephyr is a blood bay and his temperament reminds me a little of Sport’s.  Dawson also breeds Welsh Mountain ponies and in a few years I’ll be buying one for Beth.  I haven’t spoken to Bronwen about that yet; figure I might as well cross that bridge when Beth is actually old enough to ride.  Bronwen has no interest in learning to ride, but she has asked me to teach her to drive. 

I see I’ve neglected to mention the newest member of our family, Belle.  Thanks to Ned Greene’s excellent work training her, she is much better behaved than Pip.  Bronwen and Nell know to speak to her firmly so she obeys them.  We were very careful introducing her to Beth but I think Belle regards Beth as hers.  Beth is now crawling, and Belle runs alongside her barking encouragement.  You wouldn’t believe how much Beth has grown since you saw her last.  She has plenty of black hair, just like her mother’s, and her eyes are now hazel like mine.  Besides crawling, she is making lots of sounds so we know she’s trying to talk.  She recognizes Bronwen and me and she holds her arms up when she wants us to pick her up.  Yesterday, Bronwen saw her pulling herself up to stand by holding on to the settee.  I haven’t had a chance to see her do that yet.  She loves to play peek-a-boo with me.  Bronwen and I just marvel at how she grows and develops.  You were right, Pa.  Being a father is nothing like being an older brother.

I guess I’d better close.  I promise that in spring of ’77 the four of us will definitely be coming for a visit.

Affectionately yours,
Adam

“I shore wish I could see Beth,” Hoss said sadly.  “It’s hard to picture her big enough to crawl.”

“There’s something else in the envelope,” Ben said excitedly.  “It’s a drawing of Beth,” he exclaimed in delight.  “No, there are three!”  He held up the drawings, one of a sleeping Beth, one of her sitting on the floor with Belle beside her and one of her sitting on Adam’s lap.

“She’s grown so much,” Joe said wistfully while Hoss added enthusiastically, “Ain’t she just the cutest little thing, Doc?”

“She appears to be a fine healthy baby,” Paul said with a smile.  “It looks like Adam is a devoted father,” he added as he gazed at the third drawing. 

“Yeah,” Joe concurred.  “Wonder if he’ll be as strict with Beth as he used to be with me.”

“Probably won’t need to be,” Hoss commented.  “’Little girls aren’t as ornery as little boys.”

“I don’t know about that,” Paul said with a chuckle.

“She’ll be two years old the next time I can see her,” Ben said plaintively looking at the drawing of the sleeping Beth.

“Yes, but she’ll be walking and talking then,” Paul reminded him, “and you’ll be able to really play with her.” 

“Dadburnit, we need to be shopping for a Christmas gift for Beth and a birthday present so they get there on time,” Hoss exclaimed.

“I don’t know what a little girl would like,” Joe groaned.

Hop Sing had been gazing at the drawings and suddenly spoke up.  “Ask Missy McKaren and Missy Lightly.”

“Good idea, Hop Sing,” Ben said happily.  “Virginia and Ann both have daughters so they would know the right gift to give Beth.”

“What about the new baby?” Hoss asked.  “We don’t even know if it’ll be a boy or a girl.”

“All babies like rattles,” Paul suggested.  “And you can never have too many clothes since they dirty them so often.  Mrs. Chenowyth is a seamstress and she could use the employment.”

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Ben said.  “I’ll go into town tomorrow and speak to her about sewing some clothes and bonnets for the new baby.”
 

The next morning when Joe and Hoss were working on their barn chores, Joe said with a grin, “Would you ever have guessed older brother was such a stud?”

“Hush up, Joe,” Hoss barked, his face turning a deep magenta.  “It ain’t seemly to talk that way about Adam and Bronwen.”

Joe had the grace to look shamefaced at that.  “Yeah, you’re right,” he muttered.  His countenance brightened almost immediately.  “Say, maybe this time it’ll be a boy.  If it is, I’m putting my money on Adam, Jr. as his name.”

“That’s where my money’d be,” Hoss agreed.  “I remember how ol’ Adam looked after Beth was born, and if Bronwen wants to name the baby after Adam, then that’s what he’ll be named.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

July turned into August and the weather began growing warmer although it was still a little chilly at night. Belle was a fierce huntress and kept the yard free of snakes and other vermin.  Adam kept his promise and even if he had to bring some work home, he always spent at least an hour with Bronwen and Beth.  One evening while he was playing This Little Piggy, she startled him by suddenly saying very distinctly, “Da-da.”

“That’s right, Princess.  I’m your da-da.  Say it again so mama can hear,” he said excitedly while Bronwen put her mending down and walked over and sat on the arm of Adam’s chair.

“Da-da.  Da-da,” Beth said smiling at them both.  He kissed her cheek and then she kissed his.  Giving hugs and kisses was something she’d just begun doing.

“Can you say ma-ma,” Bronwen said encouragingly, to which Beth replied, “Da-da,” and reached over to kiss her.

Bronwen turned to Adam, who was smiling smugly.  “Don’t be a Figjam.  She doesn’t know that da-da is you.”

“Don’t you listen to mama, Princess. She’s jealous.  You know that I’m your da-da.”  He pulled up her dress and blew on her stomach, which she loved and she began to shriek with laughter.

In the midst of their laughter Nell walked in hesitantly.  “Excuse me, but Mr. Davies is here to see you; I’m afraid it’s not good news from the looks of him.”

 “Would you take Beth upstairs and put her to bed please,” Bronwen said in a strained voice.  “We’ll go talk to Rhys.”  Beth began to cry but Nell took her up the backstairs while Bronwen and Adam hurried to the front of the house.

Rhys was white-faced and his eyes were red and puffy.  “Let me get you a brandy,” Adam said firmly while Bronwen hugged him silently.  They walked into the drawing room and Adam handed him the brandy, which he drank automatically as he sat in one of the green velvet armchairs.

“Has something happened to Matilda,” Bronwen asked gently, fearing the worst, as she perched on the chair’s arm while Adam stood just in front of Rhys.

“She’s lost the baby,” Rhys said numbly and the tears began to well up in his eyes.  “Such a tiny baby, no longer than my finger.”

“Oh, Rhys bach,” Bronwen sobbed enfolding him in her arms while he wept disconsolately.

“I’m so sorry, Rhys,” Adam said quietly.  “How is Matilda?”

“She’s distraught,” Rhys managed to reply in a shaky voice.  “She wanted the baby so much.”

“Do you want me to go to her?” Bronwen asked.

“No, not right now,” Rhys said hurriedly and dropped his eyes.

“I understand,” Bronwen said sadly.  “It would be too painful to see me now.”

“I knew you’d understand,” Rhys said, still unable to meet her eyes.

“If there is anything we can do for you both ?” Adam began but his voice trailed off.

“I need to be with her right now.  If you could take over at the mine—”

“Of course.  You just take care of Matilda,” and Adam squeezed Rhys’s shoulder comfortingly.

Rhys left then, not wanting to leave Matilda alone any longer than he had to.  As soon as he had gone, Bronwen threw her arms around Adam and began to cry.  He held her gently, wishing he had more comfort to give—to her and to the grieving parents.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Rhys returned to work after a week but it was October before Matilda could bring herself to visit her in-laws.  The moment she saw Bronwen, now in her seventh month, she couldn’t hold back her tears. 

“I think we should go back home,” Rhys said gently, placing his hand on his wife’s arm, but she shook it off.

“No,” she said in a shaky voice.  “Forgive me, Bronwen.  I am happy that you and your baby are well; it’s just ?”

“I understand,” Bronwen told her.

“Where’s Beth?” Matilda asked.  “I was hoping to see her.” 

“Are you sure, cariad?” Rhys asked apprehensively

“Yes, I’m sure.  I know she must have grown so much since I saw her last.”

“She has,” Bronwen said with a tentative smile.  “If we hold onto her hands, then she can walk and she can drink milk from her Christening mug.”

“She’s even talking a little,” Adam added.  “Bronwen is mama and I’m daddy and she can say bye-bye.  Her favorite word though is No.”  He was pleased to see Matilda smile wanly at that.

“I’ll go get her,” Bronwen said and she left the room with Belle trotting at her heels.

“The weather certainly has gotten warmer, hasn’t it?” Rhys said in an attempt to make conversation.

“Yes,” Adam agreed, doing his part to fill the strained silence.  “I bought a thermometer, Matilda, and put it on the side of the house.  It was 95 degrees yesterday.”

“Ah,” she replied mildly.  “I knew it was quite warm.  Of course, you haven’t been here when it’s really hot.  Just wait until December; it’s unbearable.”

“I’m afraid she’s right, Adam.  It’s going to get much hotter,” Rhys commented.

Just then Bronwen walked in the room carrying Beth.  “Daddy!” she squealed and wriggled to be put down.  She crawled to Adam as quickly as she could and then grabbing hold of his outstretched hands she pulled herself to a standing position. 

“She’s so beautiful,” Matilda said.  “Would you come see me, Beth,” she asked holding out her arms.  Beth shrank back against Adam’s leg, popping her thumb in her mouth as she clutched his hand tightly with her free hand.

“I’m sorry, Matilda.  She’s rather shy with anyone but us and Nell,” Adam said gently. 

“Janet says it’s a phase babies go through,” Bronwen added.

“Janet?” Matilda asked

“Janet Dawson.  I bought my chickens from her, remember?  She has a little boy four months older than Beth and she’s been helpful when I’ve had questions.  She and Kit have driven in for a visit a few times,” Bronwen said in a rush, regretting that she’d ever mentioned Janet.  They were becoming friends, but Matilda had no other friends in Cloncurry except for her.  Maybe she should invite Matilda over the next time Janet came to visit; they might become friends, too.

Adam sensed the tension as well, so he said cheerfully, “Beth, shall we show Uncle Rhys and Aunt Matilda how you can walk?”  He stood up, keeping hold of Beth’s hands, and began walking about the room with her.

“Aren’t you the clever girl,” Rhys said with a grin.

Adam walked with Beth until he reached the settee where Rhys and Matilda were sitting.  “Now, if Uncle Rhys moves over, we can sit by Aunt Matilda,” Adam said, winking at Matilda.  He scooped Beth up in his arms and sat between Rhys and Matilda.  Beth looked at Matilda with her huge hazel eyes, putting her thumb back in her mouth.  “Let’s show Aunt Matilda how well you can ride, shall we, Princess?”  Adam put her on his knee and holding her in a firm grip he began to jiggle his knee.  She began to giggle and wave her arms in excitement.

“Oh, you’ve worn this horsy out, I’m afraid,” Adam finally said.  “Now, would you give Aunt Matilda a kiss?” and he mentally crossed his fingers that Beth wouldn’t balk at the request.  Beth looked at Matilda for a long moment, and then she reached out her arms and Matilda leaned over so Beth could kiss her cheek.

“Thank you, Beth,” she said in an unsteady voice.  “Could I give you a kiss?”  Beth nodded so Matilda kissed her gently.  Beth then said, “Mama,” and wriggled to let Adam know she wanted down.

The Davies didn’t stay much longer and when they left, Beth enthusiastically waved bye-bye.

“It breaks my heart to see her so sad,” Bronwen said to Adam, leaning her head on his shoulder while he put his arm around her.

“I can only imagine the pain she and Rhys must be feeling.  I know how I would feel if anything were to happen to this baby,” and he spread his hand over her belly.

“I’m glad you got Beth to kiss her.  I could tell it meant a lot to her.”

“Yes.  I’m afraid it’s going to be difficult for her when this baby is born though.”

“I was thinking of inviting her over the next time Janet and Kit come for a visit.”

“Be careful, Bronwen.  She’s very fragile right now,” he warned.

“Perhaps you’re right.  But it doesn’t seem very healthy to me for her to spend her days alone except for Pip.”

“You have a point.  Just don’t push her, all right?”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

Matilda did accept Bronwen’s invitation to tea when Janet and Kit came for a visit.  Janet was a sensitive woman and Bronwen had told her how hard Matilda was taking her loss, so she made an extra effort to be friendly.  Gradually, Matilda relaxed and she even began to enjoy herself.   Janet usually drove into town twice a month and the three women began to visit regularly on those occasions.  Matilda enjoyed playing with Kit and Beth, but the other two women noticed that she avoided looking at Bronwen’s increasingly pregnant figure. 
 

The first week in November, Bronwen began planning a birthday dinner for Adam.  “We’ll have an early dinner so the Dawsons will have time to drive home before dark.  I’m glad your birthday is in the spring when the days are growing longer.”

“Which seems very strange to me since up until last year it the days had always been growing shorter and colder.  This will definitely be the warmest birthday I’ve ever celebrated.”  He stopped and frowned at her.  “Sweetheart, I want a small dinner party.  The six of us are plenty when the hostess is eight months pregnant.”

“Nell is doing the actual cooking; I’m just supervising while sitting down.  We’ll have Beef Wellington for the main course and I’m still planning the others.  The pièce de résistance will be the three-layer chocolate birthday cake.  I’m going to give you a birthday to remember.”

“You don’t need to throw a dinner party for that,” he said, arching his eyebrows suggestively.

“I’m eight months pregnant.  Remember?”

“Only too well.  I also remember I have six weeks of abstinence to look forward to afterward.”  He looked so disgruntled that she couldn’t help laughing.  “Oh, you think it’s funny do you?” he said frowning.

“Oh, look at that scowl.  I’m quaking in my boots,” she teased.  When he moved toward her with a glint in his eye she knew too well, she gasped, “Adam, you wouldn’t tickle the mother of your unborn child, would you?”

“What do you think?” he replied, pulling them both onto the bed
 

The morning of his birthday, the thermometer read 95 degrees, the sky was overcast and the humidity was unbearable.   Beth was cutting a tooth and her crying had kept her parents awake most of the night.

“It’s not too late to call off the dinner party,” Adam said as he yawned and scratched his chest.  “It looks like rain and the Dawsons won’t be coming if it does.”

“You’re such a pessimist,” she retorted.  “Nell and I have worked hard on all the arrangements and I’m not calling the party off.  If the Dawsons can’t come, then I’ll understand.”

“All right, but I suggest you bake the cake this morning while it’s relatively cool, and plan on our eating on the verandah.  Unless of course it’s raining and we’ll have to dine in the sweltering heat of the dining room.”

“You certainly are becoming grumpy in your old age,” she replied with a smirk.  Just then Beth let out a fretful wail.

“You, my darling, will pay for that remark later,” he said as he went to comfort Beth, and he pinched her posterior, hard, as he left.

The deluge began while they were eating breakfast on the verandah.

“Wain!” Beth said excitedly. 

“That’s right, Princess,” Adam said ruefully.  “It’s raining again.  Well, at least it’s not a cold rain like I usually get on my birthday. I hope you’re not too disappointed that your dinner party has shrunk to four.”

“No,” she replied with a sigh.  “I certainly can’t expect the Dawsons to drive here in this downpour.”

The rain continued to pour all morning and all afternoon.  The only bright side Bronwen could find was that the temperature cooled off to 90 degrees.  Of course since they were using the oven and the stove, the temperature inside the house was closer to 100 degrees.  Poor Beth was running a low-grade fever and suffering from diarrhea because she was teething and demanded a great deal of Bronwen’s attention.  Nell did her best, but cooking fancy meals was not her strong point.  The cake turned out well but the same could not be said for some of the fancy sauces Bronwen wanted to serve with the side dishes.  Bronwen was hot and sweaty by the time the rain finally stopped shortly before Adam was due home. She wanted to take a bath, but getting in and out of the tub was beyond her.  She had to make do with standing in the old wooden washtub. When the rain stopped the temperature soared and the house was so hot that she wondered why she’d bothered. 

Adam took one look at her tired, drawn countenance and bit back the remark he was going to make.  Instead he said in a conciliatory tone, “I really like that shade of blue on you, sweetheart.  You look lovely.”

“Hah!  I look like a whale and we both know it.”  Then she asked anxiously, “Rhys and Matilda are still coming aren’t they?”

“He said they were,” he replied leaning down and kissing her.  “Don’t worry.  I know it will be a lovely evening.  I prefer spending my birthday with family.”

She smiled wanly.  “You’d better go take your bath so you’ll be dressed with Rhys and Matilda arrive.”

“Just let me say hello to Beth and I will.”  He kissed her one more time before heading upstairs.

He was soaking in the tepid water when he heard the door open.  He turned around to see Bronwen, her eyes enormous in her white strained face.  “Adam,” she said and he heard the edge of panic in her tone, “you’ve got to go for Dr. Brooke.  My water broke and that means the baby is coming.”

He stood so quickly that water sloshed over the side of the tub and she handed him a towel.  “The baby’s not due for two weeks!” he said anxiously as he dried himself as quickly as he could.

“You and I know that, but apparently the baby does not.  I’m going upstairs.  Please hurry, cariad.”

Adam hastily put on his good dress coat and trousers and thin-soled boots because those were the clothes he’d brought downstairs to change into.  He hurriedly saddled Zephyr and galloped to Dr. Brooke’s house.

“God, let him be home,” he prayed fervently as he knocked on the door.  To his great relief the doctor answered the door himself.

He took in Adam’s formal attire with raised eyebrows but only said, “Mr. Cartwright?”

“My wife said her water broke—“ Adam began, but the doctor cut him off.

“I’ll be right there.  Did she saw how close her contractions were?”  Adam shook his head.  “Well, you go back to your wife and I should be there in a few minutes.”

Rhys and Matilda were walking up to the verandah when they saw Adam gallop up.  “I’m afraid something has happened,” Matilda said fearfully.

“We’ll wait here and find out,” Rhys said calmly.

Adam looked pale and haggard when he approached.  “There won’t be a dinner party.  Bronwen’s water broke and she’s in labor.  I just went for Dr. Brooke.”  He saw their anxious faces and said brokenly, “Oh God, it’s too early.  What if something happens to Bronwen?”

“You mustn’t assume the worst, brawd,” Rhys said with gentle firmness.

“I’m going to stay with her until the doctor gets here,” Adam said fiercely.

“That’s fine, but you’ve got to pull yourself together; don’t let her see you like this,” Rhys said firmly.

“You’re right,” Adam said, breathing deeply and squaring his shoulders.  He strode into the house and up the stairs

“Should we stay?” Matilda asked timidly.

“I want to stay with Adam,” her husband replied.  “I know this is difficult for you, cariad, so if you’d rather go home ?”

“It will be just a difficult at home, and Adam does need us,” she replied sounding more decided.  “Beth!” she exclaimed.  “We were going to keep her at our house when the baby came.”

“That’s right.  Let’s talk to Adam first though,” Rhys said.  “Ah, here’s the doctor.

Adam agreed that Matilda should take Beth to her house, but she cried and clung to Adam so they decided Matilda would take her after she’d fallen asleep.  The three adults and the little child sat on the verandah, the adults trying to disguise their fear from the baby.  Adam held her and rocked her while Rhys sang Bar Hyd Y Nos, the Welsh lullaby his mother had sung to her children and that he knew Bronwen would sing to Beth.  Beth was fighting sleep as hard as she could, so Adam sang “Hush Little Baby,” and she finally fell asleep.  Fortunately, she was a sound sleeper and didn’t awaken as Adam transferred her from his arms to Matilda’s.

“God, I wish I could be up there,” Adam groaned as Matilda’s figure slowly grew smaller.

“There’s nothing you could do, Adam bach,” Rhys said putting his arm comfortingly across Adam’s shoulders.  “Bronwen is strong and she’s been through this once before.  The baby is only two weeks early.  I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

“I’m scared, Rhys,” Adam replied, turning a tortured face to his brother-in-law.  “You were invited here to celebrate the anniversary of my birth, but it’s also the anniversary of my mother’s death.  What if the same thing happens again?” and he broke down, shocking Rhys who’d viewed his brother-in-law as an imperturbable, rational man always in control of his emotions.  He had no comforting words and could only hope that his presence offered Adam some solace.

When Adam regained a measure of control Rhys said, “We need to eat something because we could have a long night ahead of us.  Let’s go and see what we can find.”  Adam let himself be led into the kitchen.  They found the forgotten Beef Wellington and the other dishes Nell and Bronwen had prepared and Rhys watched to make sure Adam ate and forced himself to eat as well.

As the sun set, the temperature went down a little, but the rain began again, pouring down in sheets.  Adam paced the length of the verandah until he was exhausted and sank into the wicker chair by Rhys.  Finally, they heard footsteps approaching and Adam leaped to his feet and ran toward the door.

Both men saw with enormous relief that Nell was smiling.  “Your wife and your new daughter are both fine, Mr. Cartwright.”

“Thank God!” Adam breathed, tears filling his eyes.  He ran past Nell and up the stairs taking them two at a time.  She and Rhys shared a smile.

“I guess I’d better head home,” he said but Nell said, “No, he’ll bring the baby down so you can see her.”  Rhys nodded and sat back down.
 

Bronwen was holding the baby and smiling at her when he burst into the room, but she looked up and smiled a glowing smile.  “Do you want to hold your new daughter?”

“She’s so tiny,” he said softly as he held her.  “Your Uncle Joe will be happy since you have a fine head of hair.”

“Oh, I don’t think she’s much smaller than Beth was,” Bronwen added, leaning back against the pillows.  “Maybe a bit because she’s early.”

“Since my work here is done, I’d like to go home to my dinner.  I’ll be by tomorrow to check on both of you,” Dr. Brooke said, smiling at the new parents.  “I’ll see myself out.”

“You said you’d give me a birthday to remember, and you certainly did,” Adam said as he sat on the bed grinning from ear to ear.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 
 

November 15, 1875

Dear Family,

Miranda Inger Cartwright was born a little after 11 p.m. yesterday.  The best birthday present I will ever receive.  She and her mother are both doing well, and both are sleeping now.  Beth is fascinated by the baby and has added “baby” to her vocabulary along with “daddy”, “mama” and “bye-bye”.  Miranda is a little smaller than her sister was but Dr. Brooke assured us that it’s nothing to worry about.  In contrast to her sister, Miranda has lots of dark hair and her eyes look more like mine.  It’s too early to be sure, but I think Miranda is going to look like Mother.

Bronwen had an easier time with her labor and it lasted six hours instead of eleven.  She has been teasing me that I suffered more than she did.  If you count mental anguish, I think maybe I did.  When I look at Miranda’s little face, I know it was all worth it.

Affectionately yours,
Adam

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 
 

November 15, 1875

Dear Tad and Mam,

Your wyres, Miranda Inger, arrived around 11 p.m. on November 14—a birthday present for her daddy. Miranda was my choice and Inger is for her Uncle Hoss’s mother, whom Adam loved dearly.  I was only in labor six hours with Miranda, which was nice for me and for Adam.  Rhys told me how the poor man suffered while I was in labor.  Miranda is smaller than Beth was, but Dr. Brooke says she is perfectly healthy.  She has a head full of dark hair; Joe will be so pleased.  Adam thinks she is going to resemble his mother.  I hope that is true.

It amazes me that I can already see differences in my daughters’ temperaments.  Miranda is easily awakened whereas I often felt Beth could sleep through an earthquake.  I have to coax Miranda to nurse enough, and that was never the case with Beth.  Adam used to call her a little piglet.  So far Beth is delighted with her chwaer.  I remember you warned me that she may experience some jealousy and to be careful not to make more of a fuss over Miranda than her.  We did learn the hard way that we shouldn’t have let her watch me nurse the baby.  Even though I weaned her two months ago, she is now giving poor Adam a hard time about eating her pap.  Apparently she views my breasts as her property.

Rhys has seen the new baby, but not Matilda.  I’m a little worried about her.  She seemed to be doing so much better.  She’s delighted to care for Beth while Adam is at work, but she avoids Miranda.  Adam reminds me that she must learn to deal with her grief herself, but I can’t help wishing there were something I could do, for Rhys’s sake as well as hers. 

I miss you both so much.  I’m truly not unhappy, but I do regret that living here in Cloncurry means Adam and I are both separated from our families.  I hope as the girls grow older travel to Sydney will improve so they can at least see more of their Tad-cu and Mam-gu.  I only wish they would be able to see their Grandpa, Uncle Hoss and Uncle Joe more than once every few years but that isn’t to be.  Miranda is telling me she is either hungry or dirty so I must close.

Your loving merch,
Bronwen

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

If Adam had found Christmas in Sydney difficult adjust to, the Christmas season in Cloncurry was even more difficult.  There were many rainy days but the hardest thing to which he had to adjust was the temperature.  Most days reached 100 degrees and a few reached 105.  The closer it grew to Christmas the hotter it became.  Bronwen and Nell suffered from the heat more than he did because they’d lived in a temperate climate all their lives.  They were so enervated by the heat that keeping the house immaculate and caring for two young children was almost too much for them.  Floors were not scrubbed as regularly as they had been because there was twice as much laundry to do.  Beth was now walking, which meant she had to be watched constantly.  That, in turn, meant that sometimes the rooms were only dusted every other day and meals were very simple.  Adam noticed but wisely remained silent since he could see the two women struggling to cope with the heat and the babies.  He tried to help when he was home by watching Beth, who was becoming quite a “daddy’s girl”.

In spite of everything, Bronwen invited Rhys and Matilda to share Christmas dinner with them.  “I won’t plan anything fancy, cariad, I promise,” she said as they got ready for bed one night.  “Just a nice ham, a couple of side dishes and plum pudding.  Matilda is bringing the mince pies.”

“I don’t want you and Nell exhausting yourselves,” he said giving her shoulders an affectionate squeeze.  “Are you ready for me to brush your hair?”  He had taken over the task after Miranda’s birth and he enjoyed it.

The next day was Christmas Eve and he came home early so he could help her decorate the gum tree branch that served as a Christmas tree while the girls were sleeping.  When they finished, they put the gifts under it.

“I can’t believe your family sent one to “The Baby”.  I wonder what they could have gotten?  In fact, I’m dying of curiosity as to what they got Beth since they don’t have much experience buying gifts for little girls.”

“We Cartwrights are a resourceful lot.  They may surprise you,” he replied with a smug grin.

After a light supper, they brought the girls into the drawing room.  Beth’s eyes were as round as saucers when she saw the Christmas tree and she toddled over as fast as she could.

No, no, don’t touch, Princess,” Adam said firmly as she reached for one of the ornaments.  “Just look.”  Her face got the mulish look he and Bronwen were coming to recognize so he frowned a little at her and she immediately looked penitent.  “This is Christmas Eve, Princess, so you get to open one present under the Christmas tree and then Daddy will read you a poem.  Let’s open your gift from Mama and Daddy and then we’ll open Miranda’s gift from Grandpa, Uncle Hoss and Uncle Joe.” 

He picked up the two gifts and then said, “Do you want to carry yours?”  She nodded so he put hers in her hand and then sat in the armchair opposite Bronwen and the baby and put Beth on his lap.  He helped her open her gift and his heart swelled with joy as he saw the look on her face when the wrapping revealed a rag doll with black yarn hair.  The doll’s eyes, nose and mouth were embroidered and she was dressed in a white pinafore, a red calico frock and red flannel stockings.

“Baby!” Beth cried and clutched the doll tightly.

“That’s right, precious,” Bronwen said with a smile.  “Now you have a baby, too.”

“Daddy wants to see what Miranda got.  Do you want to help?”  Beth was too enthralled with her “baby” to pay attention so he unwrapped the gift.  “I told you we’re resourceful,” he said dimpling.  “Look.”  He held up four beautiful little smocked gowns.  One was cream-colored with yellow smocking, one was yellow with blue smocking and the other two were white with red and green smocking.  Then he pulled out a baby rattle.

“The gowns are lovely.  Did Hop Sing make them, do you think?” she asked.

“He mends clothes and sews on buttons, but I’ve never seen him sew anything like these.  Oh, wait.  There’s a note in the package.”  He read it quickly and said, “There’s miner’s widow in Virginia City who’s a seamstress and they paid her to sew the gowns.  If I know Pa he probably paid a little extra to help her out.  But they are beautiful, aren’t they?”  He sat the clothes on the floor beside the chair and turned Beth so she was facing him.  “Now Daddy is going to tell you a story about St. Nicholas.”  Even though he knew she didn’t understand him, she still watched him with her enormous hazel eyes, holding her baby tightly.

When he finished the poem, he was silent and Bronwen looked up and seeing the pensive expression on his face asked, “What is it?”

He looked at his oldest, sitting on his lap in her nightgown clutching her rag doll in one hand while she sucked the thumb on the other and fought to keep her eyes open.  Then he glanced over at Bronwen and the baby, who was nursing contentedly.  “Oh, I was just thinking how last Christmas we were talking about how wonderful it would be because there would be three of us this year and instead there are four.”

“It is more wonderful than I could have imagined.  God has truly blessed us,” Bronwen replied softly.

“Yes, He has,” Adam agreed, looking at the three women in his life tenderly.  “I wish my brothers could know this kind of joy and contentment.”

“I’m sure they will,” she said earnestly.  Then with a puckish grin she added, “Of course, I don’t think Joe is ready to confine himself to one woman just yet.”  Her mood shifted again and she said musingly, “I do wish Hoss could find someone.  He has so much love to give a woman and he’d be almost as good a father as you are,” and he smiled slightly at that.  She lifted Miranda to her shoulder to burp her and Adam felt Beth sag limply against him having lost the battle to stay awake

“I think our two little angels are ready for bed,” he said very softly and she nodded. 

She put Miranda in her cradle in their room and then watched him tuck Beth in.  As they stood hand in hand watching their firstborn, the voices of carolers wafted in through the open window.
 

The next morning they carried the girls into the drawing room; Bronwen sat in one of the green velvet armchairs with Miranda while Adam sat Beth, who was clutching her rag doll, on the settee before going to get two packages.  “Beth, you have a Christmas present from Tad-cu and Mam-gu and another from Grandpa, Uncle Hoss and Uncle Joe.  Which one should we open first?  Let’s try this one,” and he picked up the one from the Davies.  He tore through the paper revealing a cloth book.  “Your very first book.  See the pretty pictures?”  She looked at the first two pages but then she patted the other package.  “You want to see what’s in your other gift, don’t you?”  He ripped open the package revealing a little toy rabbit made of red velvet with embroidered eyes, nose and mouth.  Beth’s eyes grew enormous and she grabbed the rabbit with both hands.

“Looks like dolly has been supplanted,” Adam commented sardonically.  However, when he started to move the doll Beth said, “No!” very emphatically and clutched it with one hand and the rabbit with the other.

“All right, Princess, you play with them both while I give Mama her gift” He picked up a large flat box from under the Christmas tree and walked over to Bronwen saying, “Let’s trade.”  He put the gift on her lap and carefully took the sleeping Miranda.  “I told Mam what I wanted to give you and she bought them for me in Sydney,” he said as Bronwen opened the box revealing several silk undervests in various colors, several pairs of cambric drawers lavishly trimmed in lace and a new negligee of violet silk.

“Thank you, cariad,” she said and he bent down so they could kiss. 

“There’s a gift for both of us from your parents and another from my family.  Let’s open those next,” he suggested.  “Then I’ll open the very large gift with my name on it.”

“All right.  Give me Miranda and you may open them.”

He opened the gift from his in-laws first.  “Ah, The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins,” he exclaimed holding up the book.  “We can start this as soon as we finish Trollope’s Australia and New Zealand.  Now let’s see what my family got us.”  He chuckled as he tore away the paper.  “It seems our families know us well.  Look, Roughing It by Mark Twain.  Here’s a note from Pa.  He says I’ll particularly enjoy chapters 21 through 54 where he writes about his stay in Nevada.”

“I’d like to read that,” Bronwen exclaimed in delight.  “Let’s read Roughing It first and then The Moonstone.  Right now, though, I want you to open your gift.  Just as Mam helped you with my gift, Joe and Hoss helped me with yours,” she said trying unsuccessfully to hide her smile of anticipation.

Adam was actually speechless as he unwrapped the paper from the wooden crate and then pried apart the slats, exposing his old tack.

“I was going to have them order you all new tack, but Hoss thought your old would mean more to you,” she said, growing a little nervous at his stillness.

“Hoss was right,” he replied in an unsteady voice and she watched his face slowly light up.  “It’s like having a little bit of the Ponderosa here with me.” 

Nell stuck her head in the doorway then.  “Breakfast is ready whenever you are.”

“We’ll be there is just a moment,” Adam said and then added with a smile, “Merry Christmas, Nell.”

She smiled back.  “Merry Christmas to all of you.”

“There’s still one gift under the Christmas tree,” Adam remarked.

“I know. It’s from Rhys and Matilda for Beth.  Matilda made her a pretty frock of red tarlatan with green smocking, but I’ll dress her in that just before they come over. Let me go put Miranda down and I’ll be right there.”

“All right, Beth,” Adam said after they were alone.  “Let’s leave your toys here while we eat breakfast,” and he gently tugged at the doll and rabbit.

“No!” Beth replied tightening her hold and sticking out her lower lip.

“Beth,” Adam said with a little frown.  “Daddy said to leave your toys here.”  Her chin and lower lip began to quiver but she let go of her toys.  “That’s Daddy’s good girl.  Now, let’s go see what Nell has made for breakfast.  You wanna a piggyback ride?”

“Yes,” she replied with a giggle so he swung her up on his shoulders and holding tightly onto her legs he ran across the hall to the dining room.
 

After they finished breakfast Adam asked a little hesitantly, “Would you mind if I took Zephyr for a quick ride?”

Bronwen smiled.  “Not at all.  I expected that’s what you’d want to do.”

“It’s going to be another scorcher today so I’d like to ride now while it’s relatively cool.  I’ll be back in plenty of time for Christmas dinner.”  He kissed Bronwen and started out the room when Beth called, “Daddy!”

“Daddy forgot to kiss you bye-bye, didn’t he?”  He lifted her out of her highchair and swung her up in the air to squeals of joy and then kissed each cheek.
 

When he returned from his ride, he saw Rhys walking over.  “Merry Christmas,” he called.  “Boy, Bronwen’s gonna have my hide; I promised I’d be back from my ride before you and Matilda came over for dinner.  Where is Matilda?”

“We aren’t coming, Adam.  Seeing all of you, especially Miranda, it’s just too much for Matilda.  For me, too,” he ended in an unsteady voice.

“We understand,” Adam said softly, squeezing Rhys’s shoulder gently.  “If you change your minds, you know you’re welcome.”  He paused and then said quietly, “Bronwen will want to see you.  Can you wait just a moment?”  Rhys nodded so Adam ran inside and upstairs to Beth’s room where Bronwen was watching her play with her new toys.

He explained the situation and she ran down to speak with her brother so he sat in the rocking chair and Beth came over held up her arms.  He picked her up and rubbed his cheek against her silky hair as she snuggled contentedly in his arms.  “I’m so happy, Beth, and it frightens me,” he murmured.  “Every time I’ve been this happy, tragedy has struck.”

Bronwen found them together and she sat beside the rocking chair and leaned her head against his knee.  After a few moments she said quietly, “I really thought Matilda was getting over her grief.”

“Grief’s not something you get over,” he replied gently.  “You learn to live with it.  I still grieve for Inger and Marie and I grieve that I never had a chance to know the woman who bore me except through the stories my father and grandfather told me.  I think that’s the grief Matilda and Rhys feel—grief for what might have been.”
 

That afternoon the thermometer read 112 degrees so they ate Christmas dinner on their verandah while the girls napped.  When they finished eating, Adam said softly, “Come here,” and sat her on his lap.  She rested her head on his shoulder and he slipped his arm about her waist.  They sat in companionable silence for a time and then she turned her head to look at him.

“That’s a beautiful smile,” she said softly.  “What are you thinking?”

“Remember the poem, ‘My true-love hath my heart?’”  She nodded so he continued.  “I was just thinking that we need to revise it.  Now that we are parents the poem should read ‘My true-loves have my heart,’ for we don’t totally own each other’s heart now.  Beth and Miranda each own a part.”

“Yes,” she whispered.  “And our love is stronger because of our love for them.”

He smiled a little half smile.  “It would surprise my family, who think of me as level-headed, never letting my heart rule my head, but I realize I had a romanticized view of what love between a man and woman should be.  Now I understand love is made up of ordinary moments: playing peek-a-boo with Beth, watching you nurse Miranda, reading to you as you darn my socks and sew the buttons back on my shirts, giving each other backrubs.  All those things are what love truly is, and I am so blessed to have found them with you.”

“We’re both blessed,” she replied gently and together they watched the sun set, painting the sky in streaks of fiery orange.