Wolf in the Fold

By Marion

Rating: PG

The Ponderosa and the Cartwrights are not mine (except for Annie, of course) Thank you to Mr. Dortort for allowing me to play on the Ponderosa for a little while. This story is purely for entertainment and is not intended to infringe on the rights of anyone else involved with Bonanza and Ponderosa.

Thanks to Nancy and to Kierin for their beta read, I could not have written this story without their help!

Hoss, Annie and Joe rode into the yard after spending the afternoon at the Greene Ranch. Annie had wanted to see some of the vaqueros' wives for pepper seeds, Hoss had wanted to see Tess, and Joe had wanted to avoid work. Annie was surprised that her uncle had agreed to let them go, but decided not to question his largesse. She patted the pouch at her side. Hop Sing would be well pleased with the seeds she had acquired for the garden.

Adam strode out of the barn as they were heading into it. He frowned at Annie.

"I'm glad I'm not you right now."

Annie looked at him, puzzled. "Huh?"

"Pa's looking for you and he's angry."

Annie shook her head. "What did I do?"

Before Adam could answer, Uncle Ben's shout echoed off the barn.

"Anna Marie, come inside." In case she had any doubt of his urgency, he added, "Now!"

Adam sighed and held out one gloved hand. "Give me the reins. Don't keep him waiting - you're in enough trouble."

Annie handed her horse's reins to Adam and hurried toward the house, the whole time trying to figure out what she could possibly have done to cause so much trouble. She had finished all her chores, and she'd been respectful and she hadn't fought with her cousins - well not overly much anyway. Confused, she opened the front door in time to see Hop Sing hurry out the back door. Whatever the trouble was, it was bad enough to cause Hop Sing to make himself scarce.

Her uncle was leaning on the mantel, poking at the fire. When he heard the door close, he turned toward her and straightened up. He watched her as she quickly walked to stand in front of him.

"You wanted to speak with me, sir?" She added the sir as a precaution.

Uncle Ben glowered at his niece. "Anna, could you please explain something to me?"

"Yes, sir - I can try." Annie stood in front of her uncle, hands behind her back, warily looking up at him.

"Anna, today Adam went to town to settle our monthly bill at the Orowitz's store."

Annie's eyes went wide as she realized the trouble.

"I know the amount we owed because you record every receipt in the household books. I gave Adam that amount so that he might pay Mr. Orowitz." Uncle Ben crossed his arms and looked down at his niece. "Imagine my surprise when Adam came home and told me that the money I had given him was insufficient to pay the bill." He glared at Annie, who was busy studying the floor. "Look at me when I am speaking to you." He waited until she obeyed him. "Imagine my even greater surprise when the difference between the amount I gave Adam and the amount of the bill equaled an amount you had charged earlier this month. An amount NOT recorded in the household books."

Annie noticed the floor needed sweeping.

"Anna, I would like an explanation." Annie kept her head down. Exasperated, Uncle Ben reached under her chin and forced her head up. "Now."

"You said I could charge the fabric for a new dress." Annie's voice was barely over a whisper. She wanted to look away, but her uncle still had a tight grasp on her chin.

Uncle Ben pointed at her with his free hand. "I said a dress, young lady. You charged enough for five dresses!"

Annie squirmed. "Yes, sir. It's just, well, Mrs. Orowitz had just gotten in lots of pretty new fabric and I couldn't make up my mind."

"You bought it all?"

Now Annie was chewing on her lower lip. "Not quite all." She tried looking away but couldn't. "More than I should."

"When were you planning on telling me?" He let go of her chin and hooked his thumbs into his belt.

Annie paled at his gesture. "I thought I'd have enough saved to pay the bill. I didn't expect you to pay it until next week. That's the last of the month, when you usually pay it. But then I had to pay my part of the window that Joe and I broke. I don't have as much saved as I thought I would." She glanced up at him. "I'm sorry, Uncle Ben."

"You're sorry."

"Yes, sir." She glanced up at him again. He didn't seem to be impressed by her apology.

"What did you tell Mrs. Orowitz?"

"Sir?"

"You must have told her something when you charged the fabric? Did you tell her that I said you could?"

Annie nodded, miserable. She quickly realized her mistake when Uncle Ben leaned toward her impatiently. "Yes, sir, I said you said I could. Well, actually I told Mr. Orowitz. Mrs. Orowitz was waiting on another customer then."

"You deceived Mr. Orowitz. Furthermore, you deceived me because you did not record the receipt in the books."

Annie opened her mouth to protest but closed it when she realized that he was right. She hadn't told the whole truth, and she had always been taught that that was the same as telling a lie. "Yes, sir. I guess I did." She looked up at him, tears glittering in her eyes. "I truly didn't think of it like that, Uncle Ben. I didn't mean to deceive you. I am sorry."

Uncle Ben relaxed his stance a little. "And how do you propose to make this right?"

Annie was taken aback by the question. She had expected he'd escort her to her room and make it right in his own way. After all, deceit, disrespect and disobedience were the worst offenses in her uncle's book, as they had been for her father. She thought for a minute. "If I may, I'd like to go to town tomorrow to apologize to Mr. Orowitz. And I will apologize to Adam for putting him in an embarrassing position."

"I think that would be a good idea." He waited.

"I'll make a list of all the extra chores I can do to pay you back for the fabric. I'm sure Hop Sing will have some ideas, so I will ask him."

Uncle Ben nodded his agreement.

Annie shifted her weight nervously. "I guess I shouldn't be allowed to visit my friends until I have paid my debt."

"And?"

Oh, glory. What else did he expect? Annie was starting to think the tanning might have been easier when she blurted out. "I promise it will never happen again."

That seemed to satisfy her uncle for he nodded and told her he expected her list before supper.

Annie spent her time before chores creating the list, which her uncle approved before he sat to supper. Once everyone finished eating, Annie cleaned the supper dishes and then she reviewed some of the lessons she had been doing with Adam. After Annie and Adam had been forced to take shelter in a cave during a snowstorm, Uncle Ben had decided that Annie and Joe would not be allowed to go to town for school on a regular basis until the snows stopped. They had been studying at home under Adam's occasionally patient tutelage. Now that the snows had stopped and the spring thaws were here, Annie was excited at the thought of once again going to school every day. Uncle Ben had given her permission to see Mr. Taylor after she apologized to Mr. Orowitz, and she wanted to be able to show her teacher what she had been studying.

The small mantle clock struck 8:30 and Uncle Ben looked up from his book. "Annie, Joseph, time for bed."

Joe grumbled as he usually did, but Annie decided she'd best not press her luck. She kissed her uncle, wished her cousins good night and went to her room. She had changed into her nightgown, said her prayers and climbed into bed when she heard a soft knock on the door, followed by her uncle opening it. He never waited for her to invite him in; she had learned long ago that unless she was getting dressed, he expected to be admitted to her room without hesitation.

Uncle Ben dragged the chair over so he could sit beside the bed. "Say your prayers?"

"Yes, Uncle Ben." Annie sat up and pulled the blankets to her waist. "Thank you."

"For?"

Annie looked at her hands, then glanced up at him shyly. "Well, for not, well, you know, tanning me. I know that deceit makes you very angry."

Uncle Ben leaned forward in the chair and rested his arms on his thighs. "Yes, it does. And I will tell you, when Adam told me what you had done, I was angry enough to give you that tanning."

Annie grimaced. "Why didn't you? Not that I'm not grateful," she added quickly.

"You did the right thing today. You admitted you were wrong, and you kept your tone respectful. You apologized, and you accepted your punishment without complaint. In fact, you made the list of chores longer than I would have."

She smiled a little. "You didn't cross off anything."

Uncle Ben raised an eyebrow before he reached out to caress the side of Annie's face. "You are turning into quite the young lady. When you behave the way you did today, I can treat you as such."

He stood and bent down to kiss her.

"Good night, Uncle Ben."

"Good night, Annie."

The next morning, Uncle Ben, Annie and Hoss headed to town. Annie had her work to show Mr. Taylor, and she brought some of Adam's work as well. Adam was still studying with Mr. Taylor, getting ready for college, which he hoped to attend in the next year or two. Adam had promised Joe they would go fishing after chores, so he'd asked Annie to take his work to the teacher.

Annie enjoyed the ride into town. She put the reason for the trip from her mind and enjoyed the beauty around her. She loved springtime and the new life it fostered. The Ponderosa pines were, of course, green all year round, but Annie caught glimpses of the light green of new leaves on the oaks that grew with the pines. She saw the glint of sunlight on blue wings in the meadows and knew that the bluebirds were out and about, making nests and babies. A noise drew her attention heavenward and she saw a golden eagle - a thunderbird, Adam said the Indians had named it - swoop down and pluck something from the ground.

Spring had reached Eagle Station, too. But, in sharp contrast to the beauty of the ride from the ranch, the town was muddy. Dirt was everywhere, even on the sides of the buildings. Some shopkeepers, like the Orowitzs, tried sweeping their front porch as often as possible, but customers tracked the mud when they came up the steps. The town was crowded, too. The gold fever had hit hard, and while most people followed a more northerly trail, some emigrants made their way to Eagle Station.

Many of the emigrants had stopped farther back on the trail, caught in an early winter, not wishing to repeat the folly of the Donner Party. Now they were camped near Eagle Station, stocking up on supplies, waiting for word that the Sierras' passes were clear of snow. Most of the emigrants were men, traveling alone or in small groups. Some families did brave the trip, though, and Annie could see them, mothers scolding in unsuccessful attempts to keep children from the mud, fathers yelling for children to mind their mothers. The entire scene was chaotic, and it left Annie feeling unsettled.

Hoss left his father and Annie at the trading post while he took the wagon over to the livery. Uncle Ben put his hand behind Annie's back and guided her up the stairs. The store was crowded, and they had to look around before they could find Mr. Orowitz. He smiled as he noticed them.

"Annie, Ben, I thought I might see you this morning. How are you today?"

Annie could feel herself blushing. She glanced at her uncle, praying he wasn't going to mention the reason for their visit in front of the other customers. While she didn't mind apologizing to Mr. Orowitz, she didn't want everyone in Eagle Station to know what she had done. Considering Miss Jones was one of the other customers, Annie was convinced her misdeed would be part of the town gossip before lunchtime.

Annie watched as her uncle drew Mr. Orowitz to one side, away from everyone. She smiled back at Mrs. Orowitz, who was busy waiting on Miss Jones and then she pretended to look at books on a shelf. She didn't wait long; her uncle soon called her over.

Mr. Orowitz looked down at her kindly. "Anna, I think perhaps I have something to show you in the back room."

Annie looked up at her uncle and he nodded.

"I'll wait for you out here."

Mr. Orowitz gestured for Annie to go ahead and he followed her, closing the door quietly behind them.

"Your uncle tells me you have something you wish to say?"

Annie took a deep breath and nodded. She apologized while Mr. Orowitz looked on with a grave face. When she had finished, he smiled slightly.

"Very well, Anna, I accept your apology."

She looked up in surprise. "Just like that?"

He smiled again, more broadly this time. "Just like that. I am not your uncle, it is not for me to punish you."

"Yes, sir." Annie looked down at her feet, feeling shy, but anxious for Mr. Orowitz to know the whole truth. "He has punished me, you know. I have to repay him by doing extra chores and I can't visit my friends 'til he's paid back. And, I'm not allowed to put anything on his account anymore unless he writes a note giving his permission."

"Then I think that is enough, don't you? I forgive you, and we shall say no more about it." He turned to open the door, stopped himself and turned back. "But I think no candy today." He winked, and she smiled at him.

"Yes, sir, that's fair."

Annie hurried over to her uncle, received permission to go see Mr. Taylor and was almost out the door before Mrs. Orowitz stopped her.

"Annie, you are going to see Mr. Taylor?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Mrs. Orowitz handed Annie a thin letter. "This came in yesterday's mail, right after he left the store. Could you please give it to him?"

"Yes, ma'am, I'd be happy to." Annie glanced at the letter, which was addressed in beautiful copperplate writing.

"Annie?" Uncle Ben called to her from the counter. "We don't have much time. Please be back here in half an hour."

"Yes, Uncle Ben." Annie rolled her eyes as soon as she had her back to him. He had told her that at least five times before they got to town. As if she didn't know how to hurry!

As it turned out, Annie didn't spend much time at Mr. Taylor's. He was so distracted by the arrival of the letter that she barely had time to give him Adam's work before he shooed her out the door, saying he hoped to see her in school Monday.

Annie was lost in thought about her teacher's odd behavior and was not paying attention to where she was going until she bumped into someone.

"Hey, little missy. Ain't you a pretty thing?"

Startled, Annie looked up. Two men stood before her blocking the sidewalk and leering at her. Annie took a step back and glanced around. Ever since she had been kidnapped the summer before, she had developed a fear of strange men. Unfortunately, no one else was around.

"Excuse me, sirs, but my uncle is expecting me." Annie tried to step around the men, but the taller man stood in front of her. She wrinkled her nose as she caught whiff of him. Obviously appearances were not deceiving, and neither man had bathed in living memory. Nor, judging by the scruffy beards, had they shaved recently. They both reeked of alcohol.

"Hey, little missy, we're just trying to be friendly. Don’t you like friendly men?"

Annie took a deep breath, trying to quell her fears. "Please let me pass." She stood straight and confident, but she wanted to cry.

The second man reached out and touched her hair. Annie instinctively flinched from his touch and tried to slap his hand away. He grabbed her arm.

"We're new to these parts and we'd just like y'all to be friendly."

"Please sir, let me pass. My uncle will be very angry if I am late meeting him."

"He don't sound too friendly neither. Maybe…"

"Maybe you should listen to the young lady and let her pass, sir."

Annie turned in relief at the voice. She was surprised to see Jack Wolf standing behind her.

"Are you this little lady's uncle? Y'all oughta teach her better manners, sir." The shorter man grabbed her arm again.

"I am not." Jack Wolf rested his hand on his gun. "But I assure you, if her uncle sees you touching her, he will be teaching better manners to you. Now unhand the girl and leave her be."

The two men looked from Jack Wolf's face to his gun, half drawn, and beat a hasty retreat. Annie glanced up shyly at her rescuer, who was sliding his weapon back into his belt.

"Thank you, Mr. Wolf."

He tipped his hat. "You're welcome, Miss Cartwright. Now, shall I escort you to your uncle?" Mr. Wolf held out his arm for Annie. She hesitated, then smiled as she rested her hand lightly on his elbow.

"That would be very kind, sir. My uncle and cousin should be at the trading post by now."

As they walked across the street, taking care to avoid the spring mud, Annie kept glancing at Mr. Wolf when she thought he wouldn't notice. She realized she had never been so close to him before. He wasn't as tall as she expected and his goatee wasn't quite as well trimmed as she thought it would be. Still, he was a nice looking man. He had a pleasant scent to him too. Annie noticed things like that, though she didn't know why. Mr. Wolf had a mix of rose water and cigar, with a hint of whiskey. He was a gentleman, too. When they reached the sidewalk, Mr. Wolf walked along the edge to protect Annie from being splashed as wagons rolled by.

"That is a fashionable dress, Miss Cartwright. Is it new?"

Annie preened. "Thank you, sir. Yes, I just finished it."

"Talented and beautiful. A dangerous combination."

Annie didn't know what to say. She was sure Jack Wolf was flirting with her, and while she knew what her uncle would say – or do – she had to admit, she rather enjoyed it.

Mr. Wolf didn't seem to notice her silence. "Yes, the shade is most becoming; it highlights the color of your eyes." Annie had never noticed before what a charming accent Mr. Wolf had.

Annie could feel her neck warming and she wondered if her face was bright red. Her eyes were simply plain brown, like her hair. She didn't think there was anything special about the color. She glanced up at Mr. Wolf from the corners of her eyes.

"So, tell me, Mr. Wolf, do you often rescue young ladies from danger?"

"Actually, I do believe this is the first time. I am more generally cast as the villain, at least in your uncle's eyes." Mr. Wolf winked at her.

Again Annie didn't know what to say. Her uncle did not like Mr. Wolf, she knew that much. She didn't really understand why though. He seemed like a perfectly nice gentleman. She was aware, however, of the townspeoples' stares as she walked down the sidewalk.

"So, Miss Cartwright, how will Ben react when he sees you on my arm?"

Annie laughed. "I expect he will have some words to say. With any luck, we'll be able to speak first!" Annie's hand flew to her mouth. "I'm sorry, sir, that was disrespectful of me."

"On the contrary, I am pleased to finally see a Cartwright with sass."

Annie laughed again. "You don't know my cousins very well, do you, Mr. Wolf?"

"Please, call me Jack, Annie. And while Joe does seem to have spunk, the older two seem to me to do as Papa Cartwright tells them."

Annie stopped suddenly and turned toward him, pulling herself up to her full height. "I think I would prefer that you call me Miss Cartwright, and I shall continue to call you Mr. Wolf. As to my cousins, they are respectful to my uncle and would not contradict him in front of others. What happens in the privacy of our home is our affair."

Mr. Wolf covered his smile with his hand. "I see the famous Cartwright temper and loyalty is not limited to Ben's branch of the family." He winked at Annie again. "I did not mean to offend, Miss Cartwright. I actually have great respect for your uncle, although I would ask that you not repeat that." He offered his arm to her.

Annie relaxed and smiled slightly as she rested her hand lightly on his elbow again. She tilted her head and glanced at Jack. "I keep no secrets from my uncle, sir. And we shall soon see his reaction to me on your arm. There he is now."

Uncle Ben's reaction was about what Annie had expected. His eyes widened as he realized with whom she was walking, then narrowed as he watched the pair cross the street. He hurried to meet them at the bottom of the steps to Orowitz's store.

"What's going on? Annie?" He grabbed Annie and pulled her away from Mr. Wolf.

"Uncle Ben..."

Uncle Ben raised his hand toward Annie, his pointed finger effectively silencing her. "Jack? What's going on here? I thought I told you…"

Mr. Wolf rolled his eyes. "Your niece had a bit of trouble a ways back with a couple of drunks. I was merely helping her." He turned toward Annie and tipped his hat to her as he bowed. "Miss Cartwright, I enjoyed our conversation."

Annie curtseyed slightly. "As did I, Mr. Wolf. Thank you."

"Until next time, then." Mr. Wolf turned to Uncle Ben. "Good day, Ben." He turned on his heel and headed to his hotel.

"Uncle Ben, he was just being help…"

Uncle Ben looked at her, tight-lipped. "Get on the wagon. Now. Before I put you there."

Annie opened her mouth, decided she was in enough trouble, and climbed into the wagon without saying a word.

Hoss looked back at her and shook his head sadly. "Dang, trouble just keeps finding you, don't it?"

Annie shrugged as though to ask, "What did I do?"

Hoss rolled his eyes and turned around.

Uncle Ben and Hoss spent the trip home talking about chores that needed doing. Annie sat in the back, consumed by misery, ignoring the beauty around her. She was concerned about what Uncle Ben would say when they got home for she had no doubt that he would say something about her walk with Mr. Wolf.

Sure enough, when they reached the house, Uncle Ben grabbed Annie's elbow and steered her indoors, leaving Hoss to unload the wagon.

Once inside Annie's room, Uncle Ben closed the door. He turned to her, eyes narrowed, one hand on his hip, the other extended like a pistol in her direction.

"After what happened yesterday, you dare to behave that way? You will not correct me in front of Jack Wolf again! Do you understand? " He punctuated each syllable with a jab of his finger in her direction.

Annie fought the urge to mimic his pose, and she stood straight, hands folded demurely in front of her. "No, sir, I don't understand. I didn't say anything to you. I was merely trying to explain what happened." Annie tried to keep what she hoped was a deferential tone. She knew if he even thought she was being disrespectful, she'd be in worse trouble.

Uncle Ben sat in her chair and waved his arm at her. "By all means, explain then." He leaned back and crossed his arms.

Annie started to sit on her bed before she realized he hadn't asked her to. She stood, hands respectfully behind her, and began her story.

"I left Mr. Taylor's cabin and I was hurrying to meet you at the store. I was walking down Second Street when two men stopped me. They were…" Annie paused while thinking of the word she wanted. "They were disreputable and I believe they had been drinking. They would not let me pass, despite my repeated requests. Mr. Wolf came upon me and told the men to leave." Annie decided to leave out the part about Mr. Wolf almost pulling out his gun. "He wanted to make sure I reached you unharmed and so he escorted me to you."

"That does not explain why you were being so friendly to Jack Wolf. I watched the two of you laughing together." Uncle Ben's tone was clipped.

Annie could feel her jaw tighten, and she took a deep breath to quell her growing anger. Voicing it would only get her in trouble.

"Uncle Ben, with all due respect, I was not being too friendly to Mr. Wolf or with anyone else. Last night you told me you wanted me to act like a young lady." Annie was losing her battle to keep her temper under control. Her voice got louder. She threw her back head defiantly. "I was acting like a young lady, or so I thought! It would have been rude and disrespectful to not speak to him when he spoke to me first, and I, for one, genuinely appreciated his assistance."

Annie took another deep breath. She could see that Uncle Ben's temper was rising to match her own, and if she didn't calm down, she knew where she'd end up. She lowered her voice. "Uncle Ben, please don't be angry with me. I didn't do anything wrong. Please don't be angry with Mr. Wolf, either. He was doing me, and you, a favor. If you need to be angry with someone, be angry with the two drunks who accosted me on the street." Annie wiped at her eyes. "Those men frightened me," she finished softly.

Uncle Ben leaned toward Annie, looking her over anxiously.

"Did they hurt you?"

"No, sir."

He turned her around and satisfied that she was all right, rubbed his face with his hand. "I think, Annie, that I do not want you walking around Eagle Station unescorted anymore."

Annie almost stamped her feet. "Uncle Ben, that's not fair. I didn't do anything wrong!"

"I'm not punishing you, Annie. I know you did nothing wrong. But Eagle Station is changing, and with this gold fever, we're attracting undesirable elements. Men like Jack don't help."

"Uncle Ben, why do you dislike Mr. Wolf so much?" She could see him stirring. "I mean, I know what he does, and what goes on in the hotel, but…"

"How do you know that?" Uncle Ben's tone was sharp.

Annie rolled her eyes. "Uncle Ben, I'm not a child."

"If you are not a child, then do not roll your eyes at me. If you understand what goes on in the hotel, then you understand why I dislike him."

Annie thought that Adam and Hoss rolled their eyes a lot, and he didn't treat them like children. But she didn't say that. "Honestly? No, sir. You disagree with what he does. I've seen you disagree with other people before – you disagree with Mrs. Greene about Mexicans - and not have the same antipathy toward them."

Uncle Ben slapped his thighs with his gloves. "Jack Wolf is an unprincipled, arrogant son…man who makes money off other people's weaknesses. He uses people, especially women, for his own gain."

Uncle Ben stood abruptly. "I have chores and so do you." With that, he stalked out of Annie's room and left the house.

Sunday morning dawned too early for Annie, but she held her tongue when Uncle Ben knocked on her door to wake her. She pulled on her Sunday dress and an apron and stopped to brush her hair.

The latest Godey's Lady's Book was on her dresser, and she sighed as she looked at the dress she wanted. Long, with a two-tiered skirt, a tight-fitting bodice and sleeves that were almost off the shoulders, it was the newest fashion, or rather it had been the newest fashion four months ago, when the Godey's had been published. Mrs. Devlin had told Annie that the dress wasn't appropriate for a fourteen-year-old girl and Uncle Ben had only frowned when he saw the picture. I bet Jack Wolf would like that dress. The thought came to Annie's head unbidden, and she almost laughed out loud. It was a good thing Uncle Ben couldn't read her mind. She shrugged. He couldn't take her to task for her thoughts. Some day soon she would wear whatever she wanted. And all her dresses would be silk!

For now, though, her uncle told her what to wear, and her dresses were cotton or wool. She jumped at the sound of pounding on her door. Uncle Ben, no doubt, checking that she was awake.

"I'll be right out. I'm getting dressed!"

She hurried out and helped Hop Sing with breakfast. Hoss had already hitched the team to the wagon, and after breakfast Uncle Ben, Annie and Joe went to church in the wagon, while Hoss and Adam rode their horses. Joe grumbled, as he did every Sunday, that it wasn't fair that his brothers got to go on horseback but he had to ride in the wagon. A look from his father silenced him, as it did every Sunday.

The Sunday services were still conducted in the town hall, where the dances and town meetings were also held. The minister was trying to raise funds to build a new church, but money was scarce.

Annie was sitting next to her uncle on the wagon seat, and so could see the look on his face when he noticed Jack Wolf talking with the minister. Uncle Ben looked as though he couldn't believe his eyes and Annie almost giggled at her uncle's open mouth.

She quickly stifled the giggle when Uncle Ben glanced down at her. He shrugged and smiled. "Well, you have to admit, Mr. Wolf's never been to church before." He stopped the horses and climbed off the wagon. He helped Annie down as Joe scrambled out the back, and then he shooed the two cousins off to Sunday school.

Annie and Joe managed to get through Sunday school without incident. Even Kier and Tex behaved themselves. Annie thought that was nothing less than a miracle as Miss Jones was in rare form that morning. She insisted on teaching the children a song. Miss Jones was one of those people who had managed to convince herself that she had a beautiful singing voice. Annie thought she'd heard tomcats sing better than Miss Jones.

After Miss Jones dismissed them, the children hurried from the small room to join their families in the church.

Annie was surprised to find Jack Wolf seated on the bench behind her uncle. Uncle Ben was talking with Hoss; Adam was visiting with Ro, but he hurried to rejoin his family when he saw the Sunday school students entered the room. The family sat in the same order every Sunday, Adam first, then Annie, Uncle Ben, Joe and Hoss. Annie knew her uncle liked to keep her and Joe where he could reach them. As she folded her hands on her lap, she felt someone touch her shoulder. Annie turned in surprise as Jack Wolf leaned toward her.

"Good morning, Miss Cartwright. Is that another new dress on this beautiful morning?"

She hadn't had time to say more than good morning when her uncle tapped her leg. She smiled at Jack, who winked in return and then she turned to face the minister. She could sense Uncle Ben's eyes on her, but she didn't dare look at him. The man was merely being polite, she thought. Uncle Ben was quite irrational sometimes.

She paid careful attention to the minister, certain that her uncle would call on her to recite the lesson and the sermon that day. She was right. He hurried her out of church before Jack could speak to her again and helped her onto the wagon. Adam was going to lunch at the Johnsons', so it was only Hoss, Joe and Annie riding home with Uncle Ben.

Fortunately Annie was able to answer all her uncle's questions regarding the service and as a result had her afternoon free, as long as she didn't leave the ranch. She rode to the lake to read in solitude. She finished it in time to go home to help Hop Sing with supper.

Adam arrived home as Annie was setting the table, so the entire family sat to supper. Hop Sing had cooked a ham with potatoes and the last of the yams.

Hoss sniffed as he sat down. "Do I smell apple pie?"

Annie bobbed her head. "It should be finished baking when we're ready for dessert." She passed the platter of ham to Adam, who took a piece and passed it to his father.

"Pa, did the minister say why Mr. Wolf was at church today?" Adam took the yams from Hoss and spooned some onto his plate.

Uncle Ben nodded. "Jack wanted to donate money to build the church." He reached over to whack Adam on the back when his son choked on his milk.

Adam waved his hands to get his father to stop. "Mr. Wolf… is donating…to the church drive?" He paused to catch his breath.

Annie leaned forward. "And why is that so hard to believe?"

Adam laughed sarcastically. "Well, Mr. Wolf isn't exactly known for his religious devotion."

"Just because he doesn't…"

Uncle Ben touched her hand to silence her. "The minister won't accept the money."

Annie was shocked. "Why on earth not?"

Her uncle frowned at Annie. "Because Jack's money is earned through sin and the minister has his principles. He's not going to let Jack give money to ease his conscience, or whatever it is Jack's trying to do." He leaned toward Joe to put some yams on his son's plate.

Annie wisely kept her mouth shut. She thought her uncle was being unreasonable, but after yesterday, she knew she'd be pressing her luck if she said anything. The supper conversation quickly changed to the upcoming week and the work that needed doing.

Monday morning was Annie and Joe's first day back at school in almost three months. They patiently listened to Uncle Ben remind them to behave themselves and they made sure they were on time. Annie was excited to be back, Joe was resigned to his fate.

The first thing that Annie noticed when she walked into the school was a set of shelves on one wall, with boxes stacked neatly in front of them. Mr. Taylor smiled broadly as she walked into the little schoolroom.

"Annie, I'm so glad you are here today. No Joseph?"

"I'm glad to be here, too, sir. Joe's here. He's merely delaying the inevitable." She laughed; Mr. Taylor was well aware of Joe's opinion of school and did not hold it against the boy.

"Well, I'm glad you came in early. As you can see, we have some new books to begin a school library. Mr. Wolf brought these to me last Friday. I neglected to mention them to you."

Annie dropped her schoolbooks at her desk and hurried over to the boxes. "New books? How new?"

"Calm down. I believe they are all published in the past three or four years." He leaned over her shoulder as she opened the first box. "According to Mr. Wolf there are twenty books in these boxes." He grinned at the excitement on Annie's face. "I only had time to put up the shelves on Saturday evening. Perhaps you would like to be the one to take the books from the boxes and arrange them on the shelves?"

Annie thought she'd died and gone to heaven. Twenty new books and she would be the first one to touch them. "Yes, sir, I'd like that very much. May I start now?"

He nodded. "Why not arrange them alphabetically by author? And make a list of the books as well. Use your best handwriting, please. And in payment for your services, you may be the very first person to borrow a book from the library."

"Yes, sir!"

Annie spent the next hour unpacking and arranging the library. New books were a treasure, and she looked each one over before placing it on the shelf. Mr. Taylor had to stop her from reading every volume as she removed it from the boxes. She was thrilled to find that several were written by women and chose one of these to be her first selection.

"Which did you choose, Annie?"

Annie held up a volume as she approached the teacher's desk. "Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I've never read a book written by a woman before."

Mr. Taylor looked over the tops of his glasses. "The Bronte sisters are excellent writers. I haven't read that particular book, but I am sure you will enjoy it."

Annie signed Mr. Taylor's check-out list and turned to go to her seat.

"Annie?" He beckoned her back to his desk.

"Yes, sir."

"I don't want to see the book out when you're supposed to be doing schoolwork." His voice was teasing, and she knew he wasn't worried.

"Oh, no, sir." Her answer was solemn, but her eyes were laughing.

"Thank you for your help."

Annie grinned. "You're welcome, Mr. Taylor."

Annie ate lunch with her two friends, Beth and Kate. Kate's family had recently moved to a ranch near Eagle Station and she, Annie and Beth had quickly become friends. Kate was funny. She wasn't like any girl Annie knew, although Annie had to admit she didn't know many girls her own age. Kate liked cattle. Well, Annie wasn't sure if Kate liked them, exactly, but she knew more about them than Annie did. Admittedly, that wasn't saying a lot. Still, Annie had decided she needed to take an interest in cattle, considering she owned a ranch, even if her uncle controlled it, but she didn't want her uncle or cousins to know. There was already too much talk about cows at the supper table as it was! Kate had been very helpful answering Annie's questions.

Joe, Tex and Kier were being so foolish that Annie wondered if the moon was full. Concetta used to say when the children started acting strangely that the moon must be full, and Joe, Tex and Kier were sure acting strangely! Annie couldn't figure it out, but she was annoyed. Wait 'til she got Joe alone! The three boys made faces at one other, pretended to punch each other, raced each other and generally acted more childish than usual. Every once in a while, they would look to see if any of the girls was noticing. The girls, for their part, ignored the boys.

Mr. Taylor rang the bell signaling the end of recess and the students lined up to go inside and take their seats. Most of the students studied their readers while Mr. Taylor listened to small groups of students recite the lessons from the morning.

Annie was out of the readers, so she started Jane Eyre. That was one of the reasons she loved Mr. Taylor. He let her choose a book and when it was her turn to recite, she and he would talk about what she had read.

She hadn't gotten further than the third page when she heard a noise. She looked over at Beth, her seatmate, but Beth was dutifully reading her Eclectic Reader. She glanced to her left, and a hand waved a piece of paper near her. She put her hand down, ready to grab it when trouser legs appeared and then Mr. Taylor reached down and grabbed the note.

"Kate, perhaps you would like to read this note to the entire class?" Mr. Taylor sounded displeased.

Annie glanced out of the corner of her eyes. Kate was bright red and frantically shaking her head.

"Perhaps I should read the note to the class then?"

"No, sir, please don't." Kate's voice was barely a whisper.

Mr. Taylor frowned at her as he ripped the note into small pieces. "Very well, then, Kate. You may do lines. 'I shall pay attention to my studies and I will not disrupt others by distracting them with furtive messages.' Two hundred and fifty times, please."

Annie watched Kate slide from her seat and walk slowly to the board. Annie sympathized with Kate; she had been at the board writing lines more times than she could count.

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident, and at the end of the day, Annie and Beth played hopscotch while they waited for Kate to be done washing the chalkboards. She looked so dejected when she came down the steps that they hurried over to her.

Kate sighed dramatically. "I have a letter for my father."

Beth's mouth formed a little O in sympathy. Annie shook her head.

"Your pa doesn't seem so bad. He won't spank you for passing notes, will he?" Annie reached out to pat Kate on the back, hoping to cheer her up.

Kate shrugged. "I don't know. He was angry this morning because I yelled at him."

Now Beth shook her head. "You yelled at your father? I would not have enjoyed my ride to school if I had yelled at Papa."

"Well, he was in a good mood this morning until I yelled at him, so he hollered and gave me some extra chores this afternoon. He won't be too happy when he sees this letter from the teacher, though. At least Mr. Taylor didn't read my note to you out loud."

Annie laughed. "What did it say, anyway?"

"I was just asking if you knew why your cousin and his friends were acting so strangely at recess." Kate glanced up at the sun. "I'd better go. I don't want to be late on top of everything."

Kate waved to her friends, and Annie watched her hurry to the horses. Annie didn't want to be late either, so she said good-bye to Beth and went to help Joe saddle their horses.

She and Joe raced home, being careful to slow down before they reached sight of the house. Annie rushed through her barn chores as quickly as she dared in hopes of having a few minutes of reading time before helping Hop Sing. She would explode if she didn't have a chance to read another chapter before supper!

When Hop Sing called her, Annie had only managed to read the one chapter. She almost didn’t hear him; he had to stand next to her to get her attention. After a resigned sigh, she marked her page and carefully placed the book on the mantle – knowing from experience what her uncle would do if he caught her reading instead of working. Annie didn’t want to lose this book for even a day.

Annie chopped vegetables and set the table, but her mind wasn't on her work. She was thinking about the wonderful library Jack had donated. She would start with Jane Eyre, and then she thought she might read Sense and Sensibility. Or maybe that Melville book, or maybe The Scarlet Letter. That looked good. Glory, she was going to have to pace herself, or she'd have the whole set of books read in a month!

Annie wasn't paying attention as she sat down for supper, and so almost put her chair on Hoss's foot. She quickly apologized and passed the savory stew to her uncle.

"So, Annie, new book must be very good. You do not hear when I call you two times."

"Yeah, it is Hop Sing. But I'm only two chapters into it. I'm going to read more after supper." Annie could sense her uncle looking at her, and she glanced at him. "I did all my chores, Uncle Ben, and I'll get my homework done before I read."

Uncle Ben laughed as he ladled out more stew. "I wasn't worried, Annie. I was wondering where you got the new book."

Annie swallowed a spoonful of stew. "School. Mr. Taylor says Mr. Wolf donated twenty books to the school, to start a library. I don't know…"

"Return it." Uncle Ben glowered at Annie.

Annie's eyes went wide, and she glanced at Joe, who shrugged. "What?"

"Return the book. I won't have you beholden to the likes of Jack Wolf." Uncle Ben looked at his dish. She stared at him, confused.

"Uncle Ben, he gave them to the school, not to me. I took it from the school library."

Uncle Ben's jaw ground to the left; he spoke through clenched teeth. "Then return it to the school library. Don't argue with me."

Annie started to slam down her spoon, but stopped herself in time. "Uncle Ben, you're not being reasonable. I don't understand."

"Do we need to continue this discussion in the barn?" His voice had dropped almost to a whisper.

Annie could feel her cousins watching her, but she couldn't stop herself. The tears started to form in her eyes. She didn't understand what had happened. Five minutes ago she was excited by the prospect of new books, and now everything seemed to crumble in front of her.

"No, sir." Annie's voice was barely a whisper, and she could feel the tears dripping off her nose. She angrily brushed them away.

"And stop that crying." Uncle Ben attacked his stew with a ferocity that startled everyone. He watched as Annie picked at her supper. "If you've finished eating, start the dishes. You have homework to do."

"Yes, sir." Annie noticed Adam giving her a sympathetic glance as she stood. She could tell he was as puzzled by his father's behavior as she was. Then again, Adam had probably been planning to visit the library as soon as he could get into town.

Annie didn't say a word to anyone while she did the dishes. Uncle Ben finished his coffee and headed out to the barn, muttering about some work he needed to do.

He had no sooner closed the door than Annie hurried over to Adam, still sitting at the table with his brothers. He was drinking his coffee.

"Adam?"

Adam shrugged. "I don't know, Annie. I'm as confused as you are. I mean, Pa has his principles, but I don't understand how this fits in." He rose from his chair. "Don’t worry. I'll go speak with him." He downed the last of his coffee and strode out the door.

Annie returned to the dishes with renewed optimism. She had every faith in Adam's ability to make things right.

Her hope was dashed when Adam came back inside within ten minutes. She looked at him, but he merely shook his head.

"He wouldn't even talk about it, Annie." Adam picked up the Alta California and sat by the fireplace to read the paper. He glanced back at his cousin. "I'll try again tomorrow. But, Annie, don't get caught disobeying him. He's in a bad mood right now."

Annie slumped in the chair next to Joe, who was doing his homework. "I won't, Adam. Thanks for trying."

She finished her homework and stacked her books on the table by the door. The longed for Jane Eyre was on top, but Annie didn't even glance at it. Uncle Ben still hadn't come inside, but that was as well. She didn't really want to talk to him anyway.

"Good night, Adam, Hoss, Joe. Good night, Hop Sing."

Annie had no sooner settled under the covers than she heard Uncle Ben come in from the barn. He asked where Annie was, and Adam answered that she had gone to bed. A quick rap and the door slowly opening told her that her uncle had come to say good night. She closed her eyes tight and pretended to sleep. She felt guilty about her pretense, especially when Uncle Ben leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead, but she really didn't want to talk to him.

She lay awake until long after the noises in the other room had stopped. She couldn't understand her uncle's almost irrational hatred of Jack Wolf. Sure, she knew what Jack did, but those women were adults, they weren't forced to work for him. He wasn't a slave trader. And he was trying to do some good for the community. Wasn't Uncle Ben always talking about neighbors helping neighbors?

She was awakened the next morning by sounds from the main room. Certain it was Hop Sing starting breakfast, she jumped from bed, got dressed and hurried out to help him.

Uncle Ben turned from the fire he had been coaxing to life in the fireplace. He smiled to see Annie up and dressed so early.

"Good morning, Annie."

"Good morning, sir." Even Annie was surprised by the cold formality in her voice.

Uncle Ben's face fell, and he put down the poker. Rubbing the back of his neck, he beckoned her with his free hand. When she was standing in front of him, he reached out and touched her hair.

"Annie, we need to talk about last night."

Annie shook her head as she looked at her feet. "No, sir, I understand that you want me to return the book."

"But you don't understand why." He lifted her chin gently so she had to look at him.

"That doesn't matter." She glanced away. "May I be excused? I need to start breakfast."

Uncle Ben sighed and excused her. She hadn't gone far when he called to her. She turned back to face him.

"Annie, I'm going to ride to the school with you and talk to Mr. Taylor."

Annie's eyes went wide, and her shoulders sagged. "I said I would return the book, Uncle Ben. You don't trust me?"

Uncle Ben winced. "No, Annie, that's not it at all. I know you'll obey me. I want to talk to Mr. Taylor about the books."

Joe and Uncle Ben talked the entire way to town, or rather Joe talked and Uncle Ben listened. Annie rode behind them, lost in her miserable mood. When they reached the school, Uncle Ben asked Joe to tend the horses while he and Annie went to speak to Mr. Taylor.

The teacher was grading papers at his desk, but he looked up at the sound of Annie and her uncle entering the school. He stood and pulled off his glasses when he saw Uncle Ben.

"Good morning, Ben. This is a pleasant surprise. Good morning, Annie." He came around his desk to greet them.

"Good morning, John." Uncle Ben smiled as he approached the desk.

Annie didn't say anything but shuffled in front of Mr. Taylor. "I have to return the book." She held it straight in front of her, not even glancing at the books on the shelf behind his desk.

Mr. Taylor's eyebrows rose. "I can't believe you finished it already!"

Annie's lip trembled. "No, sir."

Uncle Ben stepped forward as Mr. Taylor took the book. "I told Annie to return it, John. I won't be beholden to Jack Wolf."

The teacher tilted his head to one side as he glanced at Annie's forlorn face. "I'm sorry, Ben. I don't understand."

Uncle Ben pointed to the books. "Annie told me Jack Wolf donated the books. I refuse to allow me or mine to benefit from that man's ill-gotten gains. You know what he is, John."

Mr. Taylor nodded slowly. "Yes, yes I do, and I think I understand what you're saying. But Ben, you need to understand that my first priority must be to educate these children. I can't afford to turn away any gift that will help me. Most of these children don't even have books in their home. This library gives them an opportunity they wouldn't have otherwise."

"That may be, John, but we have books at home. I don't want Annie reading these." He waved his gloves toward the shelves.

Mr. Taylor sighed. Annie was watching him, hoping that somehow her teacher could get her uncle to change his mind. Her hopes were dashed when Mr. Taylor took the book from her.

"I may not agree with you, Ben, but I will, of course, respect your wishes."

"That's all I ask." With that, Uncle Ben shook the teacher's hand, leaned down to kiss Annie and left.

Annie worked quietly through the morning, but had no interest in the schoolwork. She kept thinking about the books, sitting out of her reach. Mr. Taylor would keep his word and not let her read them, even if Annie had been inclined to disobey her uncle, which she was not.

Mr. Taylor dismissed the class for lunch, and Annie got into line with her friends. She was surprised to hear the teacher call her back.

She waited patiently in front of his desk until all the students had left the building. Mr. Taylor walked around the desk and beckoned Annie to sit with him in the front row.

"Annie, I'd like to talk to you about the books."

Annie was tired of talking about the books that she couldn't have. In fact, if she had been at home, her uncle would have rightly said that she was sulking. "Mr. Taylor, I'd rather not, if that's all right."

He shook his head. "No, it's not all right. I think we need to discuss this." He tapped her on her knee. "And please look at me, not the floor, when we are talking."

She looked from the tops of her eyes, her face still downcast. "I'm not allowed to read them. What else is there to discuss?"

The teacher spoke sternly. "Annie, I do not wish to discuss your tone." His voice softened. "Do you understand why your uncle has forbidden you to read the books?"

Annie nodded. "I guess. He doesn't want me to have anything to do with Jack Wolf." She shifted in her seat. "Mr. Taylor, I don't understand something, though. He doesn't agree with Jack Wolf about what Mr. Wolf does, and so I'm not allowed to talk to Mr. Wolf, or to read the books he donated. But my uncle doesn't agree with you about accepting the books, but he still lets me talk to you."

The teacher thought for a minute, as though considering his answer. "Annie, many times reasonable men disagree with each other, but they are able to maintain their respect for each other. I understand and respect your uncle's opinion, even if I don't agree with it, as I hope he understands and respects my opinion. But the disagreement he has with Jack Wolf is so basic that there is no common ground for mutual respect. I can't imagine Mr. Wolf could do anything to raise him up in your uncle's eyes. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Now it was Annie's turn to think. "Yes, sir, I suppose I do. But does that mean you have respect for Jack Wolf? I mean, you took the books from him."

"You're right, I did. But I have a different responsibility to you and your fellow students than your uncle has. My chief responsibility is to educate the students, and I have so few resources available to do that that I can't afford to reject any gifts. Your uncle's responsibility is to raise you in accordance with his principles and he can't afford to reject those for a few books. Does that make sense?"

Annie shrugged. "I guess. I have to think on it."

Mr. Taylor nodded. "All right, Annie, but I hope you'll come back to me if you have any questions. Better yet, you should talk to your uncle." The teacher rose. "You are excused to lunch."

The next few days were strained ones for Annie. She spent her time at school trying to not look at the books, and her time at home being polite and respectful, but nothing more, to her uncle. She never once mentioned the books or Jack Wolf, but neither was far from her mind. Saturday morning found Uncle Ben, Annie and Adam in town. Uncle Ben and Adam headed over to the livery, hoping that Daniel could fix a broken wagon wheel.

Annie ran ahead to Orowitz's store. As she dutifully handed Hop Sing’s list to Mrs. Orowitz, Jack Wolf tipped his hat.

"Good morning, Miss Cartwright."

She smiled at him. "Good morning, Mr. Wolf. How are you this morning?"

But before Jack could answer, Mr. Orowitz beckoned Annie to him.

"Ah, Annie. I have that candy you like."

Annie oooed in excitement then sighed. "Maybe next time, Mr. Orowitz. I'm, ah, without allowance right now." She looked wistfully at the candy, then turned to look at the new sewing notions.

A minute later, she saw Jack Wolf out of the corner of her eye. She turned to him and he held out his hand holding a sack of her favorite candy.

"Sweets for the sweet, Miss Cartwright."

Annie hesitated. She glanced furtively around her. After all, Uncle Ben didn't have to know she had the candy. But, he usually found these things out…

She peeked up at Jack and reached out to take the bag. "That's very kind, Mr. Wolf. Thank you. You shouldn't have."

"No, he shouldn't." A gloved hand took the bag from her and shoved it back into Jack Wolf's coat pocket.

"Anna, wait outside for me."

A quick glance at her uncle and Annie nodded. "Yes, sir."

She hurried outside and stood by the door of the store. She could hear every word Uncle Ben said.

"Jack, you stay away from my niece." She didn't have to see her uncle to know how he looked. She was sure he was standing rigidly straight; his head tilted back slightly, his gloved hand pointing with every syllable.

"Ben, I am only trying to be friendly. She's a sweet young thing."

Annie could hear a flurry of movement in the store, and Mr. Orowitz's voice telling her uncle to remain calm. Visions of her uncle trying to hit Jack Wolf danced before her.

Uncle Ben's voice didn't sound at all calm. "And I want her to stay that way. I'm warning you for the last time. If I see you talking to her again, I'll…"

Jack's voice took on a hard edge. "Careful, Ben. I would hate to prefer assault charges against a fellow council member."

"Don't you threaten me!"

"Seems to me you're the one doin' the threatenin', Ben. I can't help it if the young lady enjoys my company."

Annie was confused. She didn't enjoy Jack's company, exactly, she was simply being polite. What was it about Jack Wolf that made her uncle so irrational?

"You stay away from her." Annie could almost see her uncle's clenched jaw.

Annie jumped back as she heard someone striding toward the door. Her uncle stormed onto the porch, grabbed Annie's arm and half-dragged her to the livery.

Adam looked up in surprise at his father's abrupt entrance.

"Hey, Pa. Mr. Larsen thinks the wheel will take another few days."

"Adam, you take the wagon and get the supplies. Annie and I will be riding Beauty. Tell Hop Sing we might not be home for lunch."

Adam didn't have a chance to respond before Uncle Ben, Annie in tow, headed toward the horse. He grabbed Annie and practically threw her onto Beauty's back and then mounted behind her. He urged the horse into a canter and didn't slow down until they were well out of town.

Neither Annie nor Uncle Ben spoke for a long time. When they reached a secluded spot far from the main road, he stopped and dismounted. He helped Annie down and looped Beauty's reins lightly over a branch.

Annie looked up at her uncle defiantly. At this point, she had nothing to lose.

"Uncle Ben, if you're going to tan me, I'd just as soon you did it in the barn so I don't have to sit on a saddle afterwards."

Uncle Ben folded his arms and looked down at her, his eyes narrowed. "I hadn't intended to tan you, but the next time you speak to me in that tone, you may be sure that is exactly what I will do." He gestured toward a fallen log. "Sit."

She did as she was told, gathering her skirts around her legs.

Uncle Ben paced back and forth for a minute. He stopped in front of her. "You need to understand something about Jack Wolf."

Annie fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Uncle Ben, I understand you don't like him. I understand your principles…"

Uncle Ben looked at her sadly. "No, Annie, I don't think you understand at all."

Annie shrank back, chastened.

"I think you have some schoolgirl notion that he is a gallant, misunderstood man, but he isn't." Uncle Ben pointed in the direction of Eagle Station. "He's an unethical thief who makes his money from someone else's misery. What he does to those women who work for him is a sin!" He stopped his pacing and stood in front of her.

She looked up at him, her fists resting on her thighs. "They signed the contract, Uncle Ben. What they do is no different than what husbands and wives do."

Uncle Ben sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Annie, what a husband and a wife do is an act of love. What the men who pay for those women, those girls, do is not at all the same thing. Those men are no better than animals."

Annie was shocked that her uncle would be so blunt, but he wasn't done.

"Those girls have to go with whomever pays for their time, and they have to do whatever the man wants them to do." He looked away from Annie. "Those men care nothing for a woman's pleasure, only for their own, and all too often that pleasure is gained from the woman's pain. But Jack doesn't care about that, once he has his money."

Uncle Ben walked toward the bush where Beauty was tied, rubbing his right hand in his left palm. When he faced Annie his eyes were paler than she had ever seen them. "Then, when the girl gets too old to attract a man, or she's too diseased, Jack will cast her aside and get a new girl to take her place." He held his arms wide from his sides. "Then what is the woman to do?" His face hardened with anger. "You can believe she doesn't have much money. Jack is charging her for her bed, the very bed on which she makes her money." He pointed his finger at Annie and held it as steady as a rifle. "Jack's charging her for food and for clothing, and he takes a percentage off the top." He waved his hand in the direction of town. "What will that girl do then, Annie? Is there a man who will marry her? Can she find a respectable job?"

Annie thought for a minute. She understood what her uncle was saying, even if she was shocked that he was saying it to her, but there was something she had to ask. "How do you know so much about it, Uncle Ben?" Her tone was soft, not insolent.

Uncle Ben knelt in front of her. "I was a sailor, Annie. Sailors see a lot of unseemly things. "

She looked at him, questioning.

"I have never been with one of those women, if that's what you're wondering." He took his hands in hers and looked her in the eye. "And neither had your father. But it wasn't for lack of opportunity, Annie. I had plenty of chances, but I knew better than to treat a woman that way." He reached out to touch her face. "Annie, I am trying to protect you. I wish you didn't know about a man like Jack Wolf, but you do, and I need to make sure he doesn't hurt you."

"But he's just being polite, Uncle Ben."

Uncle Ben shook his head slowly. "Men like Jack Wolf are never 'just being polite,' Annie. When they behave that way, they want something. I simply haven't figured out what Jack's up to."

Annie wasn't convinced. "But Uncle Ben, what do I do if he speaks to me? I can't be rude to an adult."

"Annie, you may be polite, but I do not want you to go out of your way to speak to him, nor do I want you to say more than 'good day' or 'excuse me.' I certainly do not want you to accept gifts from him. Do you understand?"

Annie shrugged. "I'm not sure I do, Uncle Ben. But I won't disobey you."

Uncle Ben smiled slightly and stood up, holding out his hand to help her up. "That's all I ask, Annie. C'mon, let's go home."

Annie didn't see Jack Wolf in church the next morning, nor did she see him the next few days. She thought about what her uncle had said, and she tried to match it with what little she knew of Jack. Mostly she concentrated on her schoolwork as a distraction from everything else.

Wednesday morning started out fine. She had a little trouble with the mathematics problems Mr. Taylor had set, but she was able to work them out with his help.

Annie's troubles started after lunch. All the students tramped in from recess, a little cold and happy to be in by the stove. Mr. Taylor rapped on his desk with his ruler and everyone sat straight and quiet. Annie smiled. Even Kier and Tex had learned to pay attention to Mr. Taylor. Of course, that lesson had taken a while to sink in. But, they sat quietly and respectfully waiting to hear what the teacher had to say.

"Students, I have an announcement." Annie looked at her teacher; he had a strange expression on his face, almost like Joe did when he 'fessed up to doing something dumb. Sheepish, Adam had called the look. "There will be no school for the rest of the week." A frown from the teacher quickly squelched the few cheers. Then he tugged at his collar and his face turned a little red. "There will be no school because my betrothed is arriving on the stage tomorrow morning and I must be there to greet her. We will be wed on Saturday. There will be school on Monday, so I expect you all to make good use of your time off."

After that he started teaching, but Annie wasn't able to concentrate. She couldn't believe the news. He had never told her that he was getting married. Annie shrugged. Mr. Taylor didn't have to tell her things like that. What would Mr. Taylor's future bride be like? No doubt she was a lady, considering she was coming from back east. Annie had no idea how long she had been daydreaming, but she jumped with a start when Mr. Taylor's ruler slammed against the desk in front of her.

"Anna Cartwright!" She felt herself blushing as she looked up at him. He simply pointed to the board. Sighing, she shuffled over to the board. She had been there so many times that she knew what to do. Lines. She hated writing lines. Grimacing, she picked up the chalk. Standing on her tiptoes she reached up and started writing. "I shall endeavor to remain attentive in class; I shall not allow my mind to wander." She glanced over her shoulder; Mr. Taylor was standing behind her.

"Five hundred times, remember."

"Yes, sir." Annie knew she was the teacher's favorite, but that didn't save her from punishment. He had told her last time that if he caught her daydreaming again, she would have to write her lines five hundred times instead of the usual two hundred and fifty times. She was embarrassed to have to stand in front of the school for her punishment; after all, she was one of the big girls, not a little child. Still, that was better than a note home.

The day went from bad to worse when Uncle Ben stopped by unexpectedly to ride home with Annie and Joe. Annie hadn't quite finished her lines when school was dismissed, so she was still at work when her uncle stepped into the small schoolroom.

"Problems, John?" Annie stole a quick look at her uncle. He was frowning at her and she could feel herself flush. She wondered if she had worn out his patience.

"Annie decided to spend time staring out the window this afternoon." Mr. Taylor tapped her on her shoulder. "I think you're done here. Please go outside while I talk to your uncle."

"Yes, sir." Annie stopped at her desk to pick up her books and headed to the door, not even glancing at her uncle. Mr. Taylor's voice stopped her, but she didn't turn around.

"Anna, I do not wish to speak to your back." Blushing at his reprimand, Annie turned and looked at her teacher. "Annie, remember, you need to complete this afternoon's assignments as well as your homework before next Monday."

"Yes, sir." She grabbed her coat and lunch pail and headed outside to wait with Joe.

The ride home was quiet. Annie wasn't going to say anything first, and Uncle Ben didn't say much of anything. Finally, after the three of them had taken care of their horses, Uncle Ben turned to Joe.

"Please go inside, Joseph. Annie and I will be in shortly."

Joe shot her a look of pure sympathy; he knew what kind of talk happened in the barn. So did Annie, and she felt tears welling in her eyes. Surely Uncle Ben wasn't going to tan her for daydreaming! Then again, maybe he would. She seemed to get into trouble every time she turned around lately. She buried her head in Sadie's mane until she heard Uncle Ben calling her.

She stood in front of him but didn't look up. She was so miserable that she wanted to crawl into a pile of hay and hide from the world.

"Annie?" Her uncle tapped under her chin to force her head up. "Annie, what's wrong?" He looked puzzled.

Annie sniffed and looked at him, but she didn't say anything. Suddenly he smiled a little.

"Annie, you don't think I'm going to tan you for what happened at school do you?"

She sniffed again and shrugged. "I don't know. I guess."

He drew her into a hug. " I'm not happy, of course, but I wouldn't tan you for daydreaming."

Annie relaxed. "Then you won't punish me?"

He leaned his head back and regarded her from under his hat brim. "I didn't say that. Seeing as you enjoy looking out windows, I think you can spend tomorrow doing that very thing." She looked confused. "And you can be washing them as you look out."

Annie sighed. She hated washing windows. Still, considering the alternative, windows seemed like a good deal.

Annie tilted her head. "Uncle Ben? Why did you want to talk to me out here, then?"

Uncle Ben smiled. "Mr. Taylor has asked if Miss Terry, his betrothed, can stay here until the wedding. The boardinghouse is full, and obviously he would not want her to stay at Jack's hotel."

Annie nodded, but she still wasn't sure what he wanted to talk to her about.

"I'd like you to make sure she's comfortable while she's here. She'll be sleeping in my room, and I will bunk with the boys." He laughed at her smirk. "They'll survive. It's only a few days. Now, I will go into town to pick up Miss Terry tomorrow afternoon. I'd like you to get the room ready when I leave." He stopped smiling and pointed at her, his voice stern. "That's in addition to washing windows, young lady. If you are going to spend your school time daydreaming, I shall have to rethink whether or not you should attend."

Annie spent most of suppertime wondering if her uncle's threat was an idle one. She knew that she had finished the regular curriculum and that Mr. Taylor was giving her special work. Glancing up at Uncle Ben she realized that the comment was his way of telling her that if she did not appreciate the special effort that both he and Mr. Taylor were making, he would take away the privilege. She resolved to pay better attention.

Her cousins' reactions to the news that their father would be sleeping in the bunkroom with them was about what she thought it would be. Joe couldn't keep the crestfallen look off his face. Hoss murmured an insincere "That's fine, Pa" and Adam merely sighed. She wondered not for the first time what went on in there every night.

Uncle Ben and Adam left early the next afternoon to meet the stage. Annie was wiping the last window when they arrived home, and she quickly hurried inside to wash her hands and comb her hair before she met her teacher's betrothed.

She came from her room as the door to the house opened, and a rather plain woman entered, followed by Mr. Taylor and Uncle Ben. The woman's eyes lit up when she saw Annie.

"You must be Annie! I am Amelia Terry, and I am delighted to meet you." She hurried to Annie, hand outstretched. Annie was a little taken aback; Miss Terry wasn't at all the Eastern lady that Annie had been expecting. She smiled and took the woman's hand in her own.

"Yes ma'am, I'm Annie. I'm pleased to meet you, too. Welcome to the Ponderosa." Annie looked more closely at Miss Terry. She was a tall woman, with black hair swept back into a bun. Her travel dress was burgundy wool, dusty from the stage. She wore glasses, and her fingers were smudged with ink.

Miss Terry let go of Annie's hand and turned back to Mr. Taylor. "John, where's my little satchel?"

Annie was wide-eyed as she saw Mr. Taylor grin and lift his hand to show that he had the bag. Miss Terry gestured impatiently, and the teacher set it on the table. Miss Terry hurried over, opened the clasp, and rummaged about for a minute. She pulled out a small package and turned to Annie triumphantly.

"Annie, I have heard so much about you from John, er, Mr. Taylor's letters. I knew you would enjoy this." She held out the package to Annie, who glanced quickly at her uncle. At his almost imperceptible nod, she took the package and opened it eagerly.

She gasped when she saw the title of the book and impulsively she threw herself into Miss Terry's arms. "Oh, thank you, Miss Terry. I've wanted to read Jane Eyre desperately."

Miss Terry smiled down at the girl. "Annie, why don't you call me Lia?"

Uncle Ben cleared his throat, but before he could say anything, Annie answered. "No ma'am. That wouldn't be right."

Adam came in with Miss Terry's carpetbag, which he took right into his father's room. When he came back out, he looked at Mr. Taylor.

"Joe is taking care of your horse, Mr. Taylor. Pa, Hoss and I will finish the barn chores. We'll have them done before supper."

"Thank you, Adam." Uncle Ben smiled at his guests. "Miss Terry…"

"Lia, please."

Uncle Ben bowed slightly. "Lia, then. Would you care for a rest before supper?"

Miss Terry glanced at Mr. Taylor. "Actually, Mr. Cartwright…"

"Ben."

She smiled. "Actually, Ben, I was hoping for a bit of a walk, to stretch my legs after the long stage ride."

Mr. Taylor smiled shyly back at her. "I can show you around the area, if you would like." He held out his arm, and she slipped her hand through. They headed outside.

Annie almost giggled to see her teacher actually blushing. She never thought he would behave like that, but he was obviously smitten. She glanced at her uncle, who had his hand over his mouth. He winked at her.

"Annie, I think Hop Sing needs help with supper."

She giggled again. "Yes, sir."

Supper was a lively meal. Miss Terry had spent the winter near Sacramento, with Mr. Taylor's brother. The family had escaped the horrendous flood that had destroyed much of the Sacramento waterfront. Everyone listened attentively, drawn in by Miss Terry's descriptions of the flood.

"The flood expanded almost a mile from the banks of the Sacramento River. Ben, John tells me you are friends with Mr. Sutter. Fortunately, he had the sense to build on higher ground, so he survived unscathed. However, many citizens drowned in their beds. The hospital was inundated, and the sick were left on their own until a boat came to rescue them. There was a man, called only 'the Dutchman' who took gold in payment for ferrying the dead to their burials. They say he was drowned due to the weight of his gold." Miss Terry nodded solemnly at Annie and Joe. "Those who would live by greed will die by it."

Annie thought back to her trip through Sacramento when Uncle Ben brought her to the Ponderosa. They had stayed a night with Mr. Sutter and she remembered him as being very kind to her. She was glad to hear he was safe.

"I am very glad this is the first I heard of that flood," Mr. Taylor avowed. "I would have been beside myself with worry for you."

"But I am safe, and I am here, so we have no need of worry!" She smiled brightly at Mr. Taylor and reached out to cover his hand with hers. "Your family is well; your brother was a wise man and built far enough from the river that he should be in no future danger. He told me that he had heard the Indian tribes would leave the area during the rainy season. I shall never understand why white people disparage the wisdom of a people who have survived for untold ages upon this land."

Annie thought Miss Terry sounded a lot like Uncle Ben, so she wasn't surprised when her uncle concurred with Miss Terry. Then again, Papa was like that, too. He couldn't understand how people would speak badly of the Mexicans who had lived in California for hundreds of years before the Americans came.

Miss Terry also spoke about the politics swirling in Sacramento, where there was talk of California becoming a state.

"That is all people seem to discuss these days. Will California become a state, should it become a state? Of course the Constitution was passed last fall, and the new governor was installed in December. "

Adam leaned forward. "We're only now getting that news. The papers don't make it over the Sierras during winter."

Miss Terry snapped her fingers in Adam's direction. "That reminds me. I have several editions of the Alta California for you in my trunk at John's house, Adam. He has told me how you enjoy reading the papers. The news isn't quite current, but, as you say, the papers can't make it over the mountains during winter. It may still be news to you."

Adam's face lit up, and he murmured his thanks.

Annie almost laughed. Adam looked forward to getting newspapers the way she looked forward to getting the Godey's Ladies books. He read each issue at least twice.

"Had you heard that delegates from California have gone to Washington, DC to present the California constitution to the Congress? Mr. Fremont was one of the delegates, and Mr. Gwin, Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Wright were the other three."

Uncle Ben looked up from his dish. "I'm very glad to know that California will enter as a free state."

Annie watched Miss Terry shift in her seat. "Yes, Ben, but as long as the government forces the return of runaway slaves, can any state truly claim to be a free state? That Dred Scott case a few years ago was bad enough, but now I've heard that the politicians in Washington are considering an act of Congress which would require the return of fugitive slaves, and would make it illegal to harbor such runaways."

Annie remembered all the discussions her father and his friends had had about slavery. She knew one of the reasons her father had moved to California was that he did not want her to live in a state in which slavery was allowed.

"Papa was afraid that slavery would destroy the country." Annie didn't realize she had spoken until everyone turned to her. Normally, when guests were at the table, she would not speak until she had been spoken too, and she glanced furtively at her uncle to see his reaction.

He nodded gravely. "I'm afraid my brother might have been right. We've seen that happen here in Eagle Station, with our friend Samuel. Bounty hunters came after him, and most of the town resisted. One man went along with them, however, and Samuel was almost captured."

Adam shook his head. "Well, Pa, never let it be said that Jack Wolf would turn down an opportunity to make money off someone else's misery."

Annie was shocked at what Adam had said. Could it be that Jack believed in slavery? She was lost in her thoughts and paid no more attention to the conversation until finally Mr. Taylor pushed back from the table.

"Hop Sing, another excellent meal." He turned to Miss Terry. "Do you see, Lia, I have been well fed here, thanks to Hop Sing."

Miss Terry laughed. "Hop Sing, I hope he has not been here overly much. I'm afraid my cooking does not compare to yours."

Hop Sing smiled shyly and bowed his head. "Teacher is always honored guest."

Mr. Taylor bowed slightly in return. "Thank you, Hop Sing. But now I must be going back to town, while I can see by the moon. Ben, thank you for coming into town today. You saved me the rental of a wagon."

"My pleasure, John. We'll see you tomorrow for supper, then?"

"Indeed." He turned to his betrothed. "Walk me to the porch?"

Mr. Taylor helped Miss Terry from her chair, and Annie was surprised to see her uncle standing behind her own chair. She rose gracefully, and as the door closed softly behind the happy couple, Annie hurried to help Hop Sing with the dishes.

Adam turned to Hoss. "So, brother, shall we finish the barn chores?" They headed toward the door but were stopped by Uncle Ben's hand on Adam's arm.

"I thought you finished them before supper."

"Not quite done, Pa. We had some problems with the reins. They were all tangled up."

Annie saw Uncle Ben turn to Joe and she hoped for her cousin's sake that he hadn't left them in a pile, but Hoss cleared his throat.

"It was me, Pa. I was in a hurry and didn't take the time to hang them right."

Uncle Ben shook his head. "Well, you boys wait a few minutes anyway."

Annie knew why Uncle Ben wanted them to wait, and Adam nodded understanding but Hoss looked confused.

"How come, Pa? I'd like to…" Revelation dawned, and he smiled as he nodded. "Sure, thing Pa."

Miss Terry came back into the house a few minutes later, and Adam and Hoss hurried out to finish their chores.

When all the evening chores were done, the family settled in front of the fireplace with their guest. Miss Terry sat beside Annie on the sofa; Adam and Uncle Ben took their customary chairs, while Hoss and Joe pulled up chairs by the small checkers table that Adam had made for them.

Adam accepted the small glass of brandy that his father handed him.

"Tell me, Miss Terry…"

"Lia, please, Adam."

Without even a glance at his father, Adam smiled. "Lia, then. Tell me, how did you come west? You must not have come by the Overland Trail, or you would not have had to winter in Sacramento."

"No, I sailed from New York to Panama, went across the Isthmus and then sailed to San Francisco. From there I took a steamboat to Sacramento, where I stayed with John's brother for the winter."

Annie was amazed. She had never heard of a woman traveling alone before, and Miss Terry had gone halfway across the world by herself. Annie had vague recollections of her trip west with Papa; Miss Terry must really love Mr. Taylor to journey that distance to be with him in a tiny town in Utah.

Adam nodded. "You must be very brave to come across the Isthmus of Panama."

Miss Terry's peal of laughter startled Annie. The woman smiled at Adam. "Truth be told, Adam, I was too cowardly to come by the Overland Trail. I thought I was taking the easy way."

Annie noticed that both Hoss and Joe had stopped paying attention to their checkers and were watching Miss Terry intently.

Miss Terry glanced down at Annie, and took the girl's hand. "It was an experience I shall never forget." She grinned ruefully. "And one I hope to never repeat!"

She picked up her cup of tea and leaned back on the sofa. "As I said, I sailed from New York to Panama. It was the first time I had sailed, and I was worried I might take ill, but I had no troubles. In fact, I grew quite bored after the first day of sailing."

Annie glanced at her uncle to see what he thought of Miss Terry's boredom, but he only nodded in understanding.

"We arrived in Chagres, which is on the east coast of Panama. I suppose the charitable would call it a city, but it really was a collection of huts. I secured accommodations in the Chagres Astor House, which sounds quite grand, but which is only a canvas shanty. The accommodations were very primitive and gentlemen and ladies were forced to share rooms." Lia winked at Annie. "My mother would be scandalized if she knew!" She shrugged. "But, there was nothing to be done, and I felt perfectly safe."

She paused for a sip of tea and glanced at Joe. "The monkeys howled all night, and I grew to detest them. Not enough, however, to eat the baked monkey that was served to me the next morning for breakfast."

Annie grimaced, but Joe's grin split his face. He and Hoss had given up any pretense of playing checkers and were leaning so far forward that Annie was afraid they would fall from their chairs.

"Our trip across the Isthmus was limited to native transport. Some people chose to ride small steamboats, but I took one look at the boats and refused to get on. I was convinced they would blow up! I chose instead to ride in one of the dugout canoes that the natives paddle. There were three gentlemen in my party, and no other women.

"The jungle was so dense that we had to travel by river for days. At night, I slept in our canoe. I refused to step out of it unless I absolutely had to. All around us we could hear monkeys, and sometimes we could see them scampering in the trees. And the birds! Annie, you simply would not believe the colors of the birds. Scarlet and hyacinth, brilliant greens. They flew amongst the trees and occasionally darted about our heads, hoping, no doubt, for some scrap or morsel from our meals.

"We saw more than one alligator swimming in the river, which is why I would not get out of the canoe unless I had no choice." Miss Terry reached out and grasped Annie's hand. "On the afternoon of the first day, one of the gentlemen in my party pulled out a revolver and shot a snake from the tree near us. The snake was nine feet long if it was an inch, and it was as big around as Hoss's upper arm. He skinned it, and announced he would save it as a trophy!"

Annie giggled as she saw her cousin feel his arm. He grinned sheepishly when he realized everyone was watching him.

"It took us two days to make the trip to Gorgona, a city in the interior. The heat was unbelievable. One of the gentlemen traveling with me said it was one hundred degrees. The air was so heavy, I thought I could reach out and grab some in my hand."

Annie noticed that even Adam had been drawn into Miss Terry's story. Once again she saw Uncle Ben nodding his head, as though he had once traveled this way. She thought she might ask him sometime.

"Little did I know, however, that the most difficult part of the journey lay before me. While in Gorgona, I spoke with some people who had traveled the trail, and they recommended I purchase trousers and boys' boots. I was shocked, but the more I thought on it, the more sense it made, and I did so. I was very glad I did, although again, my mother would be scandalized should she ever learn this."

Annie looked over at her uncle to see his reaction to trousers. He caught her glance and wagged his finger at her, smiling the whole time.

"We rented mules for the remaining journey to Panama City, and we traveled along ravines on ledges scarcely wide enough for our beasts. I tell you, crossing the Sierras was a picnic compared to that ride. I was terrified of falling the entire time, and I was not the only one. One of the gentlemen in the party almost refused to go any farther until I pointed out that the return journey offered as much treachery as we faced going forward.

"You may be sure I was thrilled when the old city of Panama came into view, with its wonderful glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. I remained in Panama City long enough to secure passage on a steamer heading to California. I consider myself most fortunate to have secured that passage. The lure of gold is amazing, and thousands seem to be waiting for their chance to reach California's shores.

"But my adventure wasn't over. I went to the docks in Panama City to catch my steamer, only to discover there were no docks. I was expected to take a rowboat out to the steamer, only the rowboats were not on shore. Suddenly, without warning, I was grabbed from behind and swung into the arms of a native man. He carried me out to the rowboat and placed me none too gently into a rowboat. Another native carried my luggage, and dumped it beside me. The rest of the trip to Sacramento was positively dull compared to my high adventure!"

The family was spellbound, and no one spoke for several minutes. Finally Hoss broke the silence. "So, Miss Terry, what do you think of Eagle Station? It's gonna seem mighty tame compared to what you just went through."

"Hoss, please call me Lia." She appeared to hide a smile when she saw Hoss look to his father, who only raised an eyebrow.

Hoss shrugged. "Uh, yes, ma'am, Miss Lia."

"Well, Hoss, I have to say, Eagle Station was about what I expected. John is a good correspondent, and he has described the town down to the last character."

Adam leaned forward. "And Lia has already met one of our characters!"

Miss Terry nodded. "Yes, well, Jack Wolf is about what I expected."

Annie scowled at Adam. "Mr. Wolf's not as bad as everyone makes him out to be."

Miss Terry leaned to one side and looked at Annie thoughtfully. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then turned to look at Uncle Ben, who was glaring at Annie. She nodded slightly and turned back to Annie.

"I have found that people are often not what they appear to be." Miss Terry turned toward Hoss. "I think I'll like it here in Eagle Station, Hoss. Certainly the surrounding country is beautiful. That reminds me. John tells me you are the man who knows the most about the wildlife and plants in the area. I'm hoping you'll take me on a tour of the area sometime."

Hoss blushed. "Aw, I'd be happy to, Miss Lia."

Joe squirmed in his seat. "Did John, I mean, Mr. Taylor say anything about me, Miss Terry?"

Miss Terry grinned wickedly. "Oh, yes, Joe. Mr. Taylor has written quite a bit about you. I've heard that you have an excellent imagination!"

She looked around the room. "In fact, I felt that I knew each of you long before I came to Eagle Station. I would like to thank you again for allowing me to share your home." She rose gracefully. "But I think it's time I retired. It's been a long day."

The four Cartwright men rose, Joe needing only a kick in reminder from Hoss. Uncle Ben spoke for the family when he told Miss Terry she was welcome in their home.

"If there is anything you need, please let Annie know, Lia."

"I will, thank you." She closed the bedroom door behind her.

Uncle Ben turned to his two youngest. "I think it's time for you two to go to bed as well. C'mon, Joe, I'll tuck you in first."

Joe rolled his eyes. "Pa, I don't need tucking in!"

Uncle Ben nodded sadly. "I guess my baby has grown up." He turned away, then pivoted quickly and lunged at Joe. He grabbed the boy, and tossed him over his shoulder. "Then I shall throw you in instead!" He ran into the bunkroom and Annie, Hoss and Adam could hear Joe giggling.

Annie grimaced. "I'd better hurry up before he decides to throw me into bed, too! Good night, Adam. Good night, Hoss." She kissed each of her cousins on the cheek and went to her room.

She changed to her nightgown, and said her prayers. She crawled into bed as her uncle knocked and came into her room.

Uncle Ben stood beside Annie's bed. "Annie, Mrs. Devlin has invited some of the ladies in the area to a quilting bee to welcome Miss Terry to town."

Annie's face brightened, then quickly fell. He was about to tell her she couldn’t go because she was still being punished. "Well, I'm sure she'll enjoy that, Uncle Ben."

He smiled down at her. "And I'm sure you will, too."

"I can go?"

"When I started to suggest to Mrs. Devlin that you were not allowed to go visiting, she informed me that you had better be at her house tomorrow with everyone else. She told me if you had been in trouble, it was undoubtedly because you had been cooped up in the house with a bunch of foolish men for the winter."

Annie clapped her hands in glee. "Thank you!"

Uncle Ben laughed at her enthusiasm. "You're welcome."

Annie grinned with excitement as her uncle looked at her sternly. "I hope I don't have reason to regret this."

Her head bobbed quickly. "No sir, you won't. I promise."

Uncle Ben leaned over to kiss Annie good night.

"Uncle Ben, may I ask you something?"

"Is it a quick something or a sitting something?" He reached for the chair behind him as she nodded.

"A sitting something." She hesitated. "I don't mean to sound like I am arguing with you, because I'm not. I'm just curious about something."

He leaned back and smiled. "All right, then. About what are you curious?"

"When Mr. Taylor left, and Miss Terry went outside with him, you didn't seem to mind. When Adam takes Ro to a dance, he is allowed to be alone with her. But if I did that with a boy, you said you'd take a strop to me." She looked at him, trying to discern how he felt about the question. "I'm not disagreeing with your rules, I'm only trying to understand the difference."

Uncle Ben ran his fingers through his hair and regarded her for a minute. "Well, first, I'm not Miss Terry's father, I have no right to tell her what to do or not do. Plus Mr. Taylor and Miss Terry are my age." He pursed his lips as he considered how to continue. "As for Adam and Ro, well, Adam's an adult as well, and I trust him to behave as a gentleman."

Annie's head shot up. "You don't trust me?"

Uncle Ben winced. "Yes, yes I do. I know you know right from wrong, but I also remember what it was like to be fourteen, Annie." He blushed slightly. "Your head knows what's right, but the rest of you doesn't." He reached out to touch Annie's hand. "Annie, this is important. I won't accept anything less than complete obedience."

"Don't worry, Uncle Ben. I won't disobey you." She sighed. "Besides, it's not like I have any boy I can sneak out with anyway."

Uncle Ben reached out to caress her cheek. "Don't worry, honey. Mitch'll come around."

"I don't care a fig if he does!" Annie grimaced. "I'm sorry, Uncle Ben. I didn't mean to sound disrespectful. I guess maybe I do care."

Uncle Ben winked as he stood. "Not to worry, Annie, your secret is safe with me."

Annie laid awake thinking about what Adam had said about Jack. Papa had always taught her that slavery was a sin, and he was convinced it would someday destroy the nation. She simply couldn't believe that Jack would try to return a fugitive slave to his master, but Adam wouldn't lie. And yet, Jack was so kind to her, even if Uncle Ben was unreasonable about her speaking with Jack.

Annie's thoughts drifted to Miss Terry. Annie had never before met such a woman and Annie had a feeling that she would enjoy spending time with Miss Terry. She was glad that Mr. Taylor was getting married, but then she worried that he would stop teaching. Teachers didn't make a salary large enough to support a family. Her yawn nearly split her jaw. She guessed it was none of her business how Mr. Taylor supported his family, but she loved him as her teacher.

She awoke the next morning to the clattering of pots. She leaped from her bed, not wanting her uncle to find any fault with her that would cause him to change his mind about the quilting bee. She dressed faster than she had in a long time and headed into the main room to help Hop Sing with breakfast.

Adam volunteered to drive Annie and Miss Terry to the Devlins' farm after breakfast. Annie saw Uncle Ben smile, and she knew he had figured out why Adam was so eager to be helpful. Undoubtedly Adam was hoping Ro would be at the quilting bee as well.

Adam pulled the team to a stop in front of the Devlins' porch. He leaped down from the wagon, helped Miss Terry down and then turned to Annie. She started to take her cousin's hand but stopped. Mitch was coming from the barn. She hadn't seen him since he had taken Mabel Stone to the dance, and that had been a few months past. She wasn't sure she wanted to see him now.

As Adam helped her down, he whispered in her ear. "You'll be fine, say hello. Be polite." He winked.

She smiled back. "Thanks." Adam gave her hand a squeeze and then reached back for the basket.

Mitch hurried over to the wagon. "Hi, Annie, I've missed seeing you lately."

"Mabel give you the mitten, then?" Annie's smile was frosty.

Mitch faltered. "Uh, no. Her family moved on. Besides, I didn't really like her, I…"

"Excuse me, Mitch. I believe Miss Terry and Adam are waiting for me. Good day."

Annie hurried up the steps to where Miss Terry and Adam were indeed waiting for her. She joined them as Mrs. Devlin opened the door.

"Annie, it's been a long time. I've missed you." Annie wasn't sure if it was her imagination or not, but it seemed like Mrs. Devlin gave her son a disapproving look.

"Yes, ma'am, I've missed you, too. It's been a long winter." Annie turned to Miss Terry. "Mrs. Devlin, may I introduce Miss Amelia Terry. Miss Terry, this is Mrs. Martha Devlin."

"Miss Terry, welcome to Eagle Station."

"Please, call me Lia, Mrs. Devlin. Thank you so much for inviting me. I look forward to meeting the ladies."

"Please call me Martha." Mrs. Devlin leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially. "And the ladies are looking forward to meeting you."

"Looking forward to checking her teeth, you mean." Annie barely heard Adam's muttering, but apparently he was loud enough for Mrs. Devlin for she shook her finger at Adam.

"Don't you go giving Miss Terry the wrong idea about the womenfolk in Eagle Station, young man. We are here to welcome her into our community."

"Yes, ma'am."

Annie didn't know what was funnier, Adam's contrite expression or his peering anxiously over Mrs. Devlin's shoulder. Mrs. Devlin gave him a little push.

"She's not here yet. Now I am sure your father has work waiting for you and he would not appreciate knowing that you are skulking about hoping for a glimpse of your sweetheart."

Annie giggled as Adam turned bright pink. He tipped his hat to the ladies and handed Annie the basket of food. As he walked down the stairs, he turned. "I'll come back for you before evening chores."

Mrs. Devlin shooed her guests into the cabin. Annie was surprised at the number of women gathered, and she was happy to see Beth and Tess at the table. At least she wouldn't be the only girl present. She wondered where Kate was. Then again, her family lived on the other side of Eagle Station. It would have been close to a three-hour ride for them.

After everyone arrived, Mrs. Devlin began the introductions, pointing around the table as she spoke. "Miss Amelia Terry, may I introduce Miss Abigail Jones, Mrs. Ruth Orowitz, Mrs. Margaret Greene and her daughter Tess, Mrs. Marta Swenson and her daughter Beth, Mrs. Johnson and her daughter, Ro."

Annie leaned toward Miss Terry. "Ro's the one Adam was lookin' for." A baby's cry drew Annie's attention back to the table. She exclaimed in delight when Mrs. Swenson picked up a small bundle from the basket at her feet.

"Is that Birgitta? Oh, may I see her?" She hurried to Mrs. Swenson's side.

"Yah, you have not seen my Gitta yet, have you, Anna?" Mrs. Swenson had given birth a scant three weeks earlier.

"No, ma'am. Beth's told me about her, of course." Annie bent down to look at the baby. "Look how tiny she is."

"Anna, you would like to hold Gitta, yah?"

"Oh, yes, ma'am! Except, I have never held a baby before. I'm afraid I would drop her."

Mrs. Swenson shifted the newborn over her shoulder as she stood. "You sit in the chair by the fire, there. I will show you."

Annie settled into the rocking chair, and Mrs. Swenson lowered Gitta into Annie's arms.

"Now, she has eaten and she must burp."

Annie giggled. "When I do that at the table, Uncle Ben scowls."

Mrs. Swenson smiled. "Yah, but you are not a baby." She placed a small towel on Annie's shoulder. "She ate only a short time ago and sometimes the baby spits back up what she has eaten. You want to keep your dress clean."

Annie started to wonder if she wanted to hold the baby at all, but when Mrs. Swenson helped her put the baby on her shoulder, and Gitta snuggled against Annie, Annie sighed contentedly. Mrs. Swenson made sure that Annie was holding Gitta properly, and then went to help Mrs. Devlin bring out tea and cakes.

Annie patted Gitta softly on her back as Mrs. Swenson had showed her. She buried her nose in the baby's head; she'd had no idea that babies smelled so good. Without thinking, she began to rock the chair slowly. She sang quietly.

Go to sleep, go to sleep

Go to sleep, you little baby

When you wake, get some cake

and ride them pretty little horses

Black and bay, sorrel and gray

Whole heap of little horses

Black and gray, sorrel and bay

Whole heap of little horses

Little old horse, little old cow

Rambling around the old hay mound

Little old horse he took a chill

Darned if you don't said the old cow too

Go to sleep, go to sleep

Go to sleep you little baby

Black and bay, sorrel and gray

Whole heap of little horses

Go to sleep, go to sleep

Go to sleep you little baby

Black and bay, sorrel and gray

Whole heap of little horses

When Annie stopped singing, she realized the baby was asleep. She looked up from Gitta, to find that all the women were watching her.

Mrs. Greene set down her teacup. "What a lovely song, Annie."

Annie smiled wistfully. "Papa taught it to me. He said Mama used to sing it to me every night."

Mrs. Swenson took the baby from Annie. "And now you have shared it, so your mama's songs will continue. And someday you will sing it to your own babies and your mama will smile upon you."

Annie brushed away a tear as she stood and hurried over to the table. Beth gave Annie's hand a squeeze as she settled into the chair next to her friend. Ro, on Annie's other side, patted her back.

Soon the ladies were working on Miss Terry's new quilt. They were amazed at her story of travel across the Isthmus of Panama, although Annie noted that Miss Terry did not mention sharing a room with gentlemen or wearing trousers. Glancing at the prim Miss Jones, Annie decided that was probably for the best. Miss Terry's story prompted the other women to reminisce about their own travels across oceans and continents.

Mrs. Orowitz and Mrs. Swenson bickered good naturedly about who had traveled the most miles to come to Eagle Station. Mrs. Orowitz, of course, maintained that Poland was farther away from Mrs. Swenson's native Sweden. Finally they both agreed that the boat trip was as bad as the trip across the Overland Trail.

"And yet," Mrs. Swenson commented, "I am glad we are here. In Sweden, there was nothing for us. No land, no food, no future for our children. Here we have land for ourselves and now I have many good friends. I am glad my husband agreed when I said we should come."

Annie was startled when Mrs. Greene shook her head in disagreement.

"Well, I didn't want to come west. I was quite happy to stay in Ohio, with my mother and my sisters." All the women nodded their appreciation of that sentiment. "But Luther insisted that the West would be a great opportunity for us, for Tess, so what could I do?" Mrs. Greene sighed heavily. "There are days I wish I had held my ground and stayed back east. It's his dream I'm living, not mine."

Tess reached to the side and covered her mother's hand with her own.

Mrs. Greene brightened. "I thought we'd live in San Francisco, but here we are. Nothing to be done for it now, except to make the best of it. At least now there are more people in Eagle Station, more women." She returned to her sewing with renewed vigor.

Annie was surprised to hear Mrs. Greene speak like that. She had always assumed Mrs. Greene enjoyed her life running the ranch.

Tess shook her head. "Well, Ma, I have to say, I like it in the West. If we were still in Ohio, I would have to go to finishing school, and act lady-like all the time. I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself the way I do here." She smiled coyly. "Besides, there are a lot more young men out here, and not many young ladies. Don't you agree, Ro?"

Annie almost scowled at Tess. She hadn't quite forgiven her friend for the other girl's callous treatment of Hoss. Tess would pay attention to Hoss when it suited her, then go walking with other boys if she wanted. Hoss didn't act too bothered by it, but Annie was fiercely protective of her sweet cousin, and she knew that he was hurt by Tess' actions, even if he wouldn't admit it.

Ro laughed. "I suppose, Tess. I have no complaints about being here." She grimaced. "The Trail, on the other hand - I don't ever remember working so hard as we did on the Trail. Do you remember, Ma?"

Mrs. Johnson laughed. "It was only last year, Ro. I'm not so old that I forget things that fast." Her expression turned somber. "I would like to put it out of my memory, that's for certain." She stuck her needle in the fabric and sat back.

"I'm a farmer's daughter, no stranger to hard work, but that trail took its toll on me. A daughter and those two boys of mine to keep together while my husband would be out scouting ahead or hunting. And the death…I thank God every night that we all made it safely."

A soft amen was heard around the table. Annie glanced quickly at Mrs. Orowitz, but her face was impassive. Annie was sure that the talk of the Trail must bring back memories of the two children Mrs. Orowitz had buried on the way to Eagle Station.

Ro looked at her mother. "I remember that small boy two wagons ahead of us, that day."

Mrs. Johnson shook her head sadly. "Only two years old. The sister was supposed to be minding him. She turned her head for a minute and he tumbled from the back of the wagon. There was no time for the wagon behind to stop." She shuddered. "That family turned back. I often wonder what happened to them."

"What about the day the Indians drove off most of the cattle? You and I had to drive the wagon while Pa and the boys went to round up the animals."

Ro's mother snorted. "We did more than drive the wagon. We had to hitch the oxen, drive for what seemed like hours. We stopped at nooning, and you had to clean out the axles. The dust was so thick every day, if we didn't clean out the axles, they would have stopped turning. You watered the animals while I made dinner, then we started over again. Your Pa and your brothers didn't catch up with us until late that night. You and I had to struggle with that tent, do you recall that? The wind was awful that day. And the whole time, I was sure the Indians had gotten them and here I was with a daughter hundreds of miles from any kin."

Ro glanced at her hands absently. "If I never have to clean another axle again, I will be happy. I thought I would never get the grease off my hands." She bent over to bite off her thread. "Fortunately those brothers of mine clean the axles now, although the axles don't get anywhere near as dusty as they did on the Trail."

Annie thought back to her own experiences on the Trail. She didn't remember the work and hard times that these women were discussing, but she could still picture her father, trudging beside the oxen, day after day. She remembered how short tempered he could be, and how she learned quickly to obey, or face unpleasant consequences.

Ro continued her story. "We had some good times on the wagon train, though, Ma. Remember the dances? Or how about the day the Indian women came to the fort while we were there? We had never seen such a sight and for once you didn't scold me for staring!"

Mrs. Johnson laughed out loud. "Well, you have to admit, they were the most outlandish things we had ever seen! That was the first time we saw Indian women." She poured herself another cup of tea. "We had seen Indian men many times before, of course. They often came to camp to trade meat. I declare, I have sewed more shirts for Indian men than I have for my own family. But those women! They were from the Mojave tribe, I think that is what it was called." Ro nodded her agreement and Mrs. Johnson continued. "One of the soldiers told me it was the fashion of those women to brand their chins and arms by piercing the skin and putting charcoal in the wounds. I simply could not take my eyes from them."

Ro nodded. "And then when Tex and Kier decided they would tattoo themselves that way! I told them they would get infected and die."

Mrs. Johnson looked at her daughter sharply. "I didn't know those two tried that." She shook her head.

"Well, Ma, I told them if they didn't get an infection and die, then once Pa got his hands on them, they would wish they had gotten infected and died. They cleaned up quickly after that."

"Boys." Annie thought Mrs. Devlin sounded disgusted when she said the word. Of course, Annie was still upset with one of Mrs. Devlin's boys, so she could understand the woman's distress.

Mrs. Devlin stood and stretched her back before settling back down in her chair. "Well, it was my husband's idea to come west, I'll say that, but he would not have come if I had objected. How could I object when I saw it was his heart's true desire? And, too, there was no good land in New York for our sons. No, I think we made the right decision coming west. Mind, it was no picnic getting here." She smiled broadly. "But we're here to celebrate a happy time, not to remember sad ones!"

Annie was glad that Mrs. Devlin changed the topic. She had noticed Mrs. Orowitz growing sad over the discussion and Annie hated to see that sweet lady upset.

Mrs. Greene laughed. "That's right. Now Lia, Mr. Taylor has not been able to tell us anything about your nuptials. He said you would be married Saturday evening and that is all."

Mrs. Orowitz shook her head. "That is so like a man. The town was already planning to have a dance that night, so we thought to turn it into a wedding party for you. If you want, of course."

Annie saw that Miss Terry was about to speak, but Mrs. Devlin jumped in. "Now, don't you worry none about food. I was plannin' to bring some dried fruit pies and some stew."

"And I'll bring a coupla chicken pies," Mrs. Johnson added quickly. "And Annie, you reckon you and Hop Sing could bring some dishes?"

All the women chimed in with the food they would bring to the wedding party. Annie could see that Miss Terry was overwhelmed.

"Thank you all. I don't know what to say."

Mrs. Greene nodded. "Thank you is enough. We've all seen so much sorrow and hardship here that we take every chance to celebrate someone's good fortune and happiness."

The afternoon went by quickly, and soon the sewing was almost finished. Mrs. Johnson looked over the ladies' handiwork to Miss Terry. "Well, Lia. This quilt should keep you good and warm during our Sierra winters. Believe me, you'll want all the warmth you can get!"

Mrs. Swenson looked at Miss Terry from the corner of her eyes while she finished a stitch. "This good quilt will not keep you as warm as your good husband, I think. There is nothing like a man to keep your feet warm at night."

The other married women laughed at Mrs. Swenson's comments but Miss Jones' eyes went wide and she tsked.

"Mrs. Swenson, have a care. There are unmarried ladies here, and children. This talk is not seemly. Miss Terry will think the stories of the uncivilized West are true."

Miss Terry looked up from her stitching. "On the contrary, Miss Jones, I think myself lucky to be with such women as these and I will think that I won't miss my sisters as much."

Mrs. Johnson glanced at Ro and then at Miss Jones. "I, for one, would rather that my daughter, and the other girls at this table, learn from me and these good women that they can expect love and affection from their husbands and that their marriage bed is not something to dread."

Mrs. Devlin nodded her agreement. "Just as my sons are learning from my husband that they must love, respect and honor their wives. I don't want them thinkin' they have to go to a place like Jack Wolf's."

Mrs. Johnson shuddered. "I wish we could close that place up. If I ever catch my boys even peeking in a window…and now he has those new girls. Poor things."

Annie tilted her head as she looked at Mrs. Johnson. "Why poor, ma'am?"

Mrs. Devlin stared at Annie a minute and then nodded as though in understanding. Annie felt that Mrs. Devlin could see right through her as the older woman answered her.

"What those girls have to do isn't natural."

"But they signed a…"

Mrs. Devlin laughed mirthlessly. "Annie, girls like that sign a contract because they got no other choice. They have to eat; they have to live. They don't want to do it. I can't imagine anyone wantin' to live like that. Men like Jack Wolf are just taking advantage of another's misfortune."

Mrs. Orowitz nodded solemnly. "I remember the day the first girls came to town. Dressed in their gaudy clothes, stepping off the stage. The younger girl stopped as though she suddenly realized what would happen and she told Adam she didn't want to go. Adam wished to help her, but he had no choice. She had already signed a contract with Mr. Wolf. The girl was hysterical. It broke my heart to see her cry."

Annie stared at Mrs. Orowitz. Adam had never told her this. Suddenly his disparaging comments about Jack made more sense.

"And now Wolf has that poor child. There must be something we can do." Mrs. Johnson almost slammed the scissors to the table.

Mrs. Greene looked up. "What child? I hadn't heard."

Mrs. Orowitz looked up from her sewing. "Jack has a new girl, and she is only fourteen."

Annie's stomach flip-flopped as she listened to the conversation. They must have it wrong. But Mrs. Orowitz kept talking.

"The poor thing. Her parents died on the Trail and Jack Wolf gave her older brother money for the girl."

Miss Jones' eyes went wide. "But that's slavery!"

Mrs. Orowitz shrugged. "How do we stop it, though?"

Miss Jones grimaced. "He should be shut down."

"Unfortunately, what he is doing is not illegal." Mrs. Greene leaned over to take the scissors that Mrs. Johnson had put down.

"Perhaps you should vote him off the Council." All eyes turned to Miss Terry. "Adam told me that Mr. Wolf was elected to the Council and that he uses his power as a Council member to arrange things to suit himself."

Miss Jones looked at Miss Terry with contempt. "Women cannot vote, Miss Terry."

Miss Terry seemed confused as she turned to Mrs. Greene. "I'm sorry, I was given to understand that you and another woman are on the Council."

Mrs. Greene nodded. "Shelby and I are property owners. The charter gives all property owners the right to vote. Unfortunately, we are the only female property owners in the township."

Now Mrs. Swenson smiled. "But our husbands vote. And who is to say we do not influence our husbands?"

The conversation turned to ways to shut Jack down, but Annie stopped listening. She couldn't understand why Jack would be like that. Mrs. Orowitz must have it wrong. Sure, the girl was working for Jack, but probably only keeping house and doing chores. He couldn't possibly expect her to work for him like the other girls did. That must be it.

"Annie, are you all right?" Ro tapped Annie on the shoulder.

Annie jumped. "Yes, I'm fine. Are we done?"

"Yes. Mr. Orowitz is here for Mrs. Orowitz and Abigail."

Annie looked up. Sure enough, Mrs. Orowitz and Miss Jones were gathering their sewing baskets and their dishes. She smiled at Ro and leaned close so only the older girl could hear her.

"Adam will be here as soon as Miss Jones leaves. I'm willing to bet he's waiting just over the rise so he doesn't have to see her. I know he's been anxious to see you, though. I'll help Miss Terry gather up our things and I'll be out in a minute."

Annie smiled as Ro colored slightly. She liked Ro, a lot. Ro was always kind to her and didn't treat her like a little girl, the way some of the other women who were interested in Adam did. Annie glanced at Miss Jones. The Sunday school teacher kept pestering after her oldest cousin, and he did nothing to encourage Miss Jones. No, Ro was the one for Adam.

Annie and Miss Terry helped Mrs. Devlin and Mrs. Johnson clean up. Annie could see Adam and Ro on the porch, Adam leaning against one post, Ro against the other. She must have been telling a good story, because Adam kept laughing. Annie sighed. When Adam talked to a girl, he acted like she was the most important person. She wished someone would treat her that way.

Adam and Ro turned to talk to someone that Annie couldn’t see from the window. Then she smiled slightly as Mitch stepped into view with his oldest brother Pete. She realized that she missed talking with Mitch. He always seemed to understand how she was feeling. She sighed again. Nothing to be done now. He had tried to talk to her and she had been rude.

Annie whirled about when someone tapped her shoulder. Miss Terry held the folded up quilt in one arm, the empty food basket in the other.

"Annie, I think Adam's waited long enough for us." Miss Terry winked at Annie, who laughed.

"Yes, well, I hate to see him suffer, Miss Terry. I guess we'd best go rescue him from Ro's clutches." Annie picked up the sewing basket and thanked Mrs. Devlin. By the time Annie reached the porch, Mitch was gone and she couldn't talk to him.

Adam took the baskets from Miss Terry and Annie and placed them carefully in the wagon. As he helped Miss Terry onto the wagon seat, Annie turned to Pete.

"Pete?"

"Yeah, Annie?"

Annie looked at her feet before looking at Pete from the tops of her eyes. "Tell Mitch I said 'see you later,' okay?"

Pete grinned. "Sure, Annie. We'll be at the dance tomorrow night. Maybe you could talk to him then."

Annie smiled shyly. "I think I'd like that, Pete. Thanks." Annie turned and took Adam's hand as he helped her into the back of the wagon.

Annie road home in silence, only half listening to Miss Terry and Adam discuss the local politics, California statehood and books. She thought about Mitch, but then her thoughts drifted to the ladies' conversations about Jack Wolf. The more she thought, the more she realized they didn't understand him like she did.

Annie arrived home in a merry mood. She hurried through her afternoon chores and even managed to find time to tell Joe the story about Kier and Tex trying to tattoo themselves. Mr. Taylor arrived for supper, and everyone spent the meal discussing the plans the ladies had made for the wedding and the dance.

Miss Terry had brought several bottles of French wine with her from California, one of which she presented to Uncle Ben as a thank you gift for his hospitality. Annie and Joe giggled as he made a great show of opening the bottle.

"Lia, this is a generous gift you have brought me. Marie loved French wines, and insisted that we bring several bottles with us on the Trail. We packed them carefully, but still two of the bottles broke. One bottle was drunk on the Trail by those who did not appreciate it, " and Uncle Ben paused as he looked significantly at Adam and Hoss, who had the grace to blush, "and that left only two, which Marie and I saved for special occasions." He sniffed the cork and winked at his sons. "Marie would tell me I'm doing this wrong, no doubt."

Uncle Ben quickly poured full glasses for the adults and half glasses for Annie and Joe. Annie smiled to herself when she saw Hoss puff up as his father handed him a full glass.

Uncle Ben raised his glass as everyone stood. "To John and Lia – may their years together be long and happy and may they continue to share our table in friendship."

Everyone toasted the happy couple and sat down. Annie sipped her wine slowly, as her father had taught her to do several years ago. He used to water it down, however, and she wasn't sure she liked the undiluted wine. She wasn't going to admit that in front of her cousins.

After the supper dishes were washed, the family gathered once again around the fireplace. Uncle Ben brought out his fiddle, Adam took up his guitar, and Annie retrieved the penny whistle her Uncle Pat had left the previous summer. She had practiced all winter, although this was the first she had played it in front of people outside the family.

When Annie and Adam had been trapped in a cave during a snowstorm, they had sung songs to pass the time. They knew many of the same songs, which they had learned from their fathers. Since that time, they had played and sung together every few days, sometimes accompanied by Uncle Ben, sometimes only the two of them. Both agreed that their favorite song was The Squid Jigging Ground, which Uncle Ben had told them he and Annie's father had learned from their great-Uncle John. Annie's father had taught her many of the songs he had learned in Ireland, or from Annie's mother, and she in turn taught them to Adam. Uncle Ben had also taught them many of the songs he had learned from his sailor days, including several hornpipes and jigs.

Mr. Taylor and Miss Terry clapped when the three Cartwrights finished entertaining. Miss Terry had tried to get Joe and Hoss to dance with her, but both had steadfastly refused, which earned each of them a glare from their father. Annie smirked. Uncle Ben did not abide disrespect to ladies, as he frequently reminded his sons. She expected her two cousins would hear another reminder when they were all in the bunkroom.

Finally Mr. Taylor announced it was time for him to leave. Miss Terry walked him to the porch as Uncle Ben told Annie and Joe it was time for bed. Annie was so tired after her day that she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Hop Sing woke her early the next morning. They had a lot of work to do before breakfast; he wanted Annie to start making the bread they would take to the wedding party that night. Hop Sing would be spending the day in town, supervising the roasting of a pig in the big pit behind the town hall. While he hurried to get breakfast on the table, Annie mixed and kneaded the bread.

Normally she enjoyed working the dough because it gave her time to stand and think. This morning, however, she had to listen to Hop Sing's hurried instructions.

"Do not forget, pies must go into oven after lunch. Lunch is stew, already cooking, and one loaf of bread. Rest of bread is for tonight."

"Yes, Hop Sing." Annie rolled the bread dough into a ball.

"Pot pies are in oven now. I will take out before I leave. You must remember to bring tonight."

"Yes, Hop Sing." Annie bit back a sigh. He had told her all this while they had been getting supper ready the night before.

"Beans are in back of oven. They stay, all day. Do not take out until just before leaving."

"Yes, Hop Sing." Annie pushed the dough ball with the heel of her left hand to flatten it.

"Miss Terry dress is hanging on door. Remember to press; do not let iron get too hot or will burn."

"Yes, Hop Sing." Now Annie rolled the dough back into a ball.

"Table cloths also require pressing. Do not burn!"

Annie lost her patience and thumped the dough onto the table as she exploded angrily. "Hop Sing, you've told me all this at least twice!"

A soft throat-clearing made Annie spin around only to find her uncle standing, hands on hips, frowning. She grimaced and turned back to Hop Sing.

"I'm sorry for losing my temper, Hop Sing. Don’t worry, I won't forget anything you told me."

He smiled at her slightly and patted her back. "I know. You are good girl."

Annie rolled her eyes. Sometimes she thought Hop Sing did things like that to tease her. She set the bread on a board near the oven so it would rise in the warm air, then took off her apron and hurried to the table to join her family.

After the blessing, Uncle Ben looked at Miss Terry.

"Lia, the boys and I will be away this morning, we have to take Hop Sing to town and then we need to do some chores in the pastures. We'll be home at lunchtime."

"That's fine, Ben. Annie and I will be busy getting ready for tonight."

Annie nodded. "We'll be fine alone, Uncle Ben."

"Good." Uncle Ben smiled as he turned to his sons. "Boys, hurry up. Hop Sing needs to be in town soon. Adam, Joseph, if you've finished eating, please go hitch the team. Hoss, you do not need another serving of pancakes! We need to get going."

Hoss put the platter down and, with a guilty glance at his father, grabbed three pancakes as he hurried from the table. Joe wiped the milk from his face as Adam downed the last of his coffee. Both brothers hurried after Hoss.

Uncle Ben winked at Hop Sing and then drained his coffee cup. He excused himself and followed his sons out the door.

Hop Sing gathered two baskets of food and cooking utensils and took one last look around the kitchen area. He frowned and turned to Annie.

"Do not forget vegetable casserole."

"Yes, Hop Sing." Annie breathed a sigh of relief as Hop Sing closed the door behind him. She turned to Miss Terry, who was smiling.

"Honestly, I thought I would scream if he gave me one more instruction!" Annie started to clear the dishes. "Except if I screamed at Hop Sing, I would have to answer to Uncle Ben. So, it's a good thing they left!"

Miss Terry stood to help Annie with the dishes. "You two seem to have an interesting friendship."

"Hop Sing and I?" Annie paused. "Yes, ma'am, I guess we do. I've learned a lot from him. Some folks don't understand why I should do what a Chinaman tells me, but we don't treat him differently because he's Chinese. He's a part of the family."

"Your uncle is a remarkable man, Annie. There are not many men who would teach their children to believe that."

Annie paused by the sink. "I think it's something about being a Cartwright. My father taught me the same thing."

"Yes, I've heard a lot about the Cartwrights from Mr. Taylor. I hear they are quite stubborn, too."

Annie placed the plates in the sink. "The men are, yes, ma'am."

"But not the women?" Miss Terry picked up a cloth and started to wash the dishes.

Annie laughed. "Well, I'm the first female born into the Cartwright family for at least four generations and I've been called stubborn once or twice." She glanced at Miss Terry. "You don't need to do those, Miss Terry. I'll wash the dishes."

"I heard the list of things Hop Sing gave you. Let me do the dishes. I don't mind, really."

Annie nodded and began kneading the dough for its second rise. She kept kneading as she looked up.

"Are you excited, Miss Terry?"

Miss Terry smiled. "Yes, I'm very excited about tonight. I've waited fifteen years for it to come."

Annie stopped kneading and stared at the woman. "Ma'am? Fifteen years?"

Miss Terry stared out the window, her hands resting in the basin of water. She turned back to the dishes. "Yes. I met John, er, Mr. Taylor, when I was a few years older than you. I lived in Connecticut, along the coast. Mr. Taylor was a foremast hand on a whaler out of Stonington, the town in which I lived. We met in the market, and I think it was love at first sight."

"Then why wait so long? I mean no disrespect, ma'am." Annie shaped the loaves and placed them back on the board as she listened to Miss Terry.

"John went on a three-year voyage. When he left, we had an understanding that when he returned I would be old enough to marry, and he would stop sailing. But before he could return, my great-uncle died, leaving my great-aunt to live alone. My parents couldn't bring her into their house, because I have seven brothers and sisters and the house was very small. So, being the oldest, I was dispatched to live with my great-aunt, to take care of her. Then, when John came back, he had earned nothing on the voyage; all his wages had gone to pay his keep on the ship. So, he sailed on a merchant ship for several years, hoping to earn enough money so he could stop sailing.

"Well, he did earn money, but my great-aunt was still alive. John and I talked of marriage, and of living with my great-aunt, but neither of us wanted to begin our marriage that way. He apprenticed himself to an attorney for a few years, and we considered our future together. We decided to leave Connecticut and head west, where we could buy land. Meanwhile, my sisters married, one by one, so there was no one to stay with my aunt. Five years ago, we decided John would go ahead and make our way for us, and that we would be married when she died.

"She passed away last year. She left me enough money to make my way here, with some left over to buy land. I sold almost everything I had and here I am."

Annie sighed. "And you waited all those years."

Miss Terry finished washing the dishes and wiped her hands dry. "Annie, when you truly love, years mean nothing."

Annie didn't want to talk about love. She covered the bread dough with a cloth and picked up the knife to begin chopping vegetables.

"Now what are you doing, Annie?"

Annie looked up from her work. "Chopping vegetables to bake. I'll put them in the oven with the pies, which I'll put in after the breads are cooked." She paused. "You know, Hop Sing told me to wait until after lunch to put the pies in, but I think he forgot about the breads. I'd best put the pies in now. We can't have you late for your wedding, not after fifteen years of waiting!"

Annie hurried to the icehouse to fetch the pies Hop Sing had placed in there before leaving. She quickly got them into the oven and returned to her chopping.

"Please don't let me forget those pies. Hop Sing would have my hide if I let them burn!"

Miss Terry picked up a knife to chop onions. "I won't forget. I am very touched by the work you are doing for me."

Annie blushed. "And Mr. Taylor, too."

Miss Terry hid a smile. "Of course. You're very fond of him, aren't you?"

"Yes, ma'am. He's a very good teacher. I only wish he could convince Uncle Ben to let me read those books."

"What books?"

Annie sighed deeply. "Jack, er, Mr. Wolf donated books to the school, to start a library. I brought one home, but as soon as my uncle found out who donated it, he made me return the book. Sometimes I just don't understand." Annie's eyes went wide. "I didn't mean that to sound disrespectful."

"Your secret is safe with me." Miss Terry paused in her slicing. "You say Mr. Taylor accepted books from Mr. Wolf?"

"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Taylor told Uncle Ben that he respected Uncle Ben's principles but he did not feel that he had a choice. He said his first priority was to educate his students, and he did not have the luxury of rejecting gifts simply because he didn't like the donor."

Miss Terry frowned. "John said that, did he?"

Annie was anxious to change the subject. "Miss Terry, may I ask you something?" When Miss Terry nodded, Annie continued. "How come you know so much about us? We didn't know anything about you."

Miss Terry grinned. "John and I kept journals. When the books were full, we would send them to each other. He wrote pages and pages about the Cartwrights. He's quite taken by all of you."

Annie giggled. "I can't imagine we were very interesting reading."

"On the contrary, Annie. The more I heard about you and your family, the more I looked forward to my move to Eagle Station."

"Well, we're glad to have you, Miss Terry." Annie pointed toward the cutting board in front of the older woman. "Are you done with the onions?"

Annie layered a large buttered dish with carrots, onions, squash and potatoes and then sprinkled brown sugar on top. She placed the dish in the oven, and turned back to see Miss Terry watching her.

"That looks like a tasty dish."

"If you like carrots it is. We're starting to run low on vegetables. These are the ones that made it through the winter. I can't wait for the beans in the garden to be ready, but that won't be for months. You get sick of carrots after a while."

"I know. We have the same problem in New England."

"My father was from New England, from Massachusetts. Uncle Ben, too, of course."

"Yes, John told me they were both sailors."

"Yes, ma'am. Same as my Uncle John. He's the oldest brother, then Uncle Ben, and then Papa. What else did Mr. Taylor tell you about us?"

"Oh, he wrote a great deal about the people of Eagle Station. It was funny, when I met some of the people, I felt as though I knew them already. Like Mrs. Orowitz and Mrs. Greene. And Mr. Wolf."

Annie could feel Miss Terry watching her closely and she felt herself get flush, but she said nothing.

"Annie, perhaps I am presuming too much here, but what is it you see in Mr. Wolf?"

"Nothing, ma'am." Annie used her knife to push the vegetable scraps into a bowl.

"Annie, please don't start our friendship like this. Every time his name is mentioned, you either defend him or you blush furiously. Surely you know you should stay clear of him."

Annie made a great show of scrubbing the work area clean. She wouldn't look at Miss Terry and she wouldn't answer her.

"Annie, men like that are without scruples. They don’t care who they hurt, they only think of themselves."

Annie rubbed at a spot in the wood.

"All they think of is money and power. They may be handsome on the outside, but they are ugly people."

Annie looked up. "I have to go see if my dress needs pressing. Excuse me." She threw the rag down and walked quickly to her room. Annie could hear Miss Terry's heels click on the floor as she headed out the front door and onto the porch.

Annie threw herself on her bed. Why did people think that she liked Jack? Why did they think he was so bad?

She had been in her room for only a few minutes when she heard a horse ride into the yard. She could hear Miss Terry mutter, "speak of the devil and he'll come calling."

Curious, Annie stood next to the window and peered out. She couldn't see who had arrived but she recognized the voice that called out.

"Hello, Miss Terry." Annie couldn't believe Jack Wolf would show up at exactly that time. She thought it must be fate, so that Miss Terry would learn what Jack was really like, not what Mr. Taylor and her uncle said he was like.

Annie could see Miss Terry's back as the woman stood on the porch, facing Jack, who was out of Annie's sight. Annie could hear Jack's voice as clearly as Miss Terry's.

"Mr. Wolf, this is a surprise." Miss Terry didn't sound happy to see Jack.

"A pleasant one, I hope." Annie could almost hear the bow in Jack's tone.

Miss Terry was silent a moment. "Mr. Cartwright is not here."

"I know. I saw Ben and the boys in town. I thought I would just check to make sure Annie was all right." Annie was confused. Why wouldn't she be all right?

"Your concern for her safety is touching. Would that your concern extended to all fourteen-year-old girls." Annie's eyes widened as she realized what Miss Terry was saying.

Jack stepped into Annie's view. He was standing on the top step now, near Miss Terry. Annie thought he looked angry.

"I'm not sure what you mean, Lia."

"Miss Terry, please, and I think you do."

"Louisa chose to help her family. I am glad that I was able to give her that opportunity. Surely I should be commended for my concern for the poor orphans."

Annie half smiled. Jack was merely helping a family in distress. She knew he wasn't bad.

Miss Terry stomped her foot. "And what of your concern for that child? How does it help her to be used by you, as those other poor unfortunate wretches are used by you?"

Annie wasn't sure what surprised her more, that Miss Terry would speak like that to a man or that Jack didn't deny that Louisa worked for him exactly as the other girls did. She could see him hold out his hands beseechingly. "Please, Miss Terry, I was hoping we could be friends."

Miss Terry threw back her head. "You hope in vain, sir. And what is your interest in Annie Cartwright? From what I've seen of her uncle, you are taking your life in your hands by speaking with her, and he will be home soon."

Jack grinned mirthlessly, and Annie was struck by the coldness of his expression.

"I have no interest in that little girl. I am a model citizen, offering to help orphans, donating to the church fund, giving books to the school."

Annie felt her knees go weak, and she slumped onto her bed, no longer straining to look out the window. She could hear Miss Terry answer Jack.

"I am not so easily deceived, Mr. Wolf. I see that you are pretending to be helpful in hopes that people will not notice that you have a child working in your bordello. I am glad to say that the women of Eagle Station have noticed, Mr. Wolf, and you will be stopped."

Annie heard, rather than saw, Jack step onto the porch. "I do not care for threats, Miss Terry. You should be concerned for yourself."

"You forget yourself, Mr. Wolf. I think it is time for you to leave, before Mr. Cartwright returns and finds you here. Good day." Annie heard Miss Terry walk across the porch, and then the click of the door as she opened and closed it, followed closely by the sound of a horse leaving the yard.

Annie sat on her bed, unable to move. Had he lied to her? When Jack said he liked her dresses, had that been a lie? Had he only been pretending to like her, to enjoy her company? A little girl? Was that what he truly thought of her?

Annie thought about all the things that her uncle had said, that Adam had said, things that seemed to make more sense now. Certainly Jack didn't seem to care for the women who worked for him. He sure didn't deny that Louisa was working for him as those other girls did. Could it be that her uncle was right, that Jack only used those women to further himself?

If Uncle Ben was right about that, was he right when he said that men like Jack are polite only when they want something? But what could Jack want from her?

Annie felt nauseous. Jack was trying to deflect attention from the fact that he had bought a fourteen-year-old girl to work in his hotel. He knew people would be outraged, so he tried to buy public opinion by donating books to the school and money for the church building fund. He knew Uncle Ben would find a way to fight him and so Jack was using Annie to keep her uncle distracted. That's all she was to him, a pawn. All those nice things he said, the candy he tried to give her. It was all a ruse.

She didn't know how long she sat there, but she didn't move until she heard Uncle Ben and her cousins ride into the yard.

She jumped from bed, splashed water on her puffy, red eyes and hurried into the main room to take the pies from the oven. Miss Terry looked up from her ironing and frowned when she saw Annie, but any question she might have asked was interrupted when Adam and Hoss opened the front door.

"Hey, Annie! We're starving. What's for lunch?" Hoss threw his hat on the table by the door.

Annie glanced at the stove. "Stew. How long until everyone else comes in?"

Adam hung his gun belt on the hook. "Pa's helping Little Joe with the horses, they'll be right in."

Annie hurried over to the stove and ladled the stew into a serving bowl. She placed that on the table, then picked up a loaf of bread and a pitcher of water and set those out as well. Not fancy, but it would have to do.

Uncle Ben and Adam spent the meal discussing the repairs that needed to be made to the fencing in the west pasture. Annie almost smiled at Joe and Hoss, who were trying to look small while the two men discussed who would actually do the repairs. When she finished eating, she began to clear the table and clean up the kitchen area. She still had a fair amount of baking to do that afternoon.

The entire time she was washing the dishes, she thought about what she had overheard. How could she have been so stupid? She watched Uncle Ben talking with Adam. She had been so unpleasant to her uncle the last few weeks and suddenly she felt overwhelmed with the need to set things straight between them.

Annie finished wiping the dishes and stacked them neatly. She glanced over at her uncle, sitting at the table, drinking his coffee with Adam and Miss Terry. She took in a deep breath, gathered her courage and walked determinedly toward him.

"Uncle Ben?" Her voice sounded tentative, even to her. He turned, an eyebrow raised in question.

"Uncle Ben, may I speak with you?" Her eyes flicked around the room. "Privately?"

Her uncle turned to Adam, who shrugged. Uncle Ben gently put down his cup and stood. "Of course, Annie. Let's go outside." He followed her out the door and to the corral.

Annie and her uncle stood in silence for a few moments. Annie wiped her hands nervously on her apron, took another deep breath and looked up.

"Uncle Ben, I…um…I sort of disobeyed you today."

She stepped back involuntarily as he moved closer and folded his arms across his chest.

"Annie, you either obey me, or you disobey me. There is no sort of."

Annie wished she hadn't started the conversation that way. Uncle Ben had little tolerance for disobedience, and now she was going to have to work to get his attention on what she really needed to discuss. Her gaze dropped to her shoes before she realized she'd best be as respectful as she could be. She straightened, put her hands behind her back and looked him in the eye.

"Yes, sir. Well, then, I disobeyed you today because I eavesdropped on Miss Terry and Mr. Wolf, and I can't even say I'm sorry I did it because I am glad I did." She grimaced at his frown. His eyes had narrowed and that vein on his forehead was throbbing. She wasn't making this any better. She held her hands out in entreaty. "Please, sir, I'd like to explain."

Uncle Ben leaned against the fence, one hand resting on the top rail, the other on his belt. "I think that would be a good idea, yes."

At times like this, when she had to look up to hold her uncle's gaze, Annie was struck by how big her uncle was. Sometimes his size intimidated her, especially when she was in trouble, but there were times, like now, when she took comfort from his size, knowing that he would always protect her, that he would always love her, no matter what. She nodded.

"You always tell us that honesty is important, and that above all a person must be honest with herself. I thought I had been honest, but as I listened to Miss Terry speak with Mr. Wolf, I realized I hadn't been at all honest, with myself, or with you." Annie could feel a slow flush creep up from her neck. She turned away from her uncle, hoping to regain her composure and didn't turn back until she heard him stir.

"You were right when you said I was only looking at the surface of the man; that I couldn't get past his handsome looks and smooth manner. I didn't believe you or Adam when you said he was no good." Annie shifted her weight from foot to foot. "But he was always nice to me, and I thought you…"

Uncle Ben smiled slightly. "You thought I was being unreasonable and overprotective." He reached out and pulled Annie close to him.

She buried her face in his chest, and nodded. "Yes, sir. Uncle Ben, I'm so sorry."

He stroked her back until her sobbing subsided. "You heard about Jack's new girl?"

Annie pulled away and looked up. "You always know what's wrong with me. How do you always know?"

Uncle Ben winked. "I just do. You'd be wise to remember that."

She smiled slightly. "No, I mean it. How did you know?"

"Ro noticed you seemed upset yesterday after Mrs. Johnson brought up the subject. She told Adam, Adam told me. You went to sleep before I could speak with you last night."

Annie shook her head and turned back to the corral. "I convinced myself that everyone had it wrong, that the girl was only going to work for Mr. Wolf, not, well, you know, work for Mr. Wolf." She cast a sideways glance at her uncle. "I guess you're going to say you told me so."

Uncle Ben moved closer so he could put his arm around her shoulder. "No. I would never say that. But what did you hear today that made you change your mind?"

She looked at her feet. "You'll think I'm only a silly girl."

"No, never silly. Annie, look at me." He lifted her face gently toward him. "You aren't the first person to get taken in by Jack Wolf. He fooled Adam and Hoss when he first came to Eagle Station. He used them, as he used you, to get at me."

"Why?"

"Because he knew I'd fight him every chance I got. He thought he could get to me through my children. But he didn't count on one thing."

"What was that?" Annie sniffed.

"My children are smarter than he is, and they can see through him." Uncle Ben smiled as he gently brushed away Annie's tears.

She looked down. "I didn't."

"Yes, you did. It took a little while but you know now. I want to know what you overheard."

Annie found herself telling her uncle everything - how Mr. Wolf had not denied that Louisa was working for him, how he thought Annie was a little girl. She even told him that Mr. Wolf had said how much he respected her uncle.

"So now you know what kind of man he is."

Annie nodded miserably. "But you knew what he was right from the beginning, didn't you?"

Uncle Ben pursed his lips. "Annie, I'm a lot older than you are. I learned through experience that people aren't always what they seem." He reached out to touch her cheek. "I wish I could protect you, and Adam, Hoss and Joe from people like Jack Wolf, but sometimes I have to let you learn from your own experiences." He sat on his heels so he could look her directly in the eye. "I have to let you make mistakes sometimes, while I'm here to help you through them - because I won't always be here to protect you."

Annie still felt stupid, and she turned from him and stared at the horses.

He stood and leaned on the fence next to her. "When I was fifteen, I was a cabin boy for Captain Stoddard. You know that. Well, I don't know what your father told you about the Captain, but the Captain was a very strict man with a heavy hand and a quick temper."

Annie smiled. Her father had told her that more than once.

"One time we were in port in Africa." Uncle Ben's gaze took on a far away look. "We were on the docks, and the Captain took exception to something I did. He gave me such a dressing down! I was mortified that he did it in public, when other seamen and captains were around." Uncle Ben glanced at Annie and gave a little shrug.

Annie turned to him. She always had trouble picturing her uncle receiving, rather than giving, a lecture. She had had the same problem with her father.

"One of the other captains heard Captain Stoddard and after the Captain left, this captain came over to me. He was very nice and sympathetic and over the next few days, he became even friendlier. Captain Stoddard noticed this, and I could tell he was displeased, but he didn't say anything. Finally, this other captain told me he needed a new cabin boy and he thought I would be ideal." Uncle Ben shook his head. "I actually packed up my things and headed over to his ship. I got there in time to see them loading the cargo."

When Uncle Ben didn't continue, she asked, "What happened?"

He looked down at her for a long minute before turning back to look at the horses. "The cargo was able to walk on board on its own; the ship was a slaver. I was stunned. I didn't know what to do. I was too ashamed to go back to The Wanderer, and so I stood, staring. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Captain Stoddard."

Uncle Ben smiled at his memories. "All he said was 'C'mon lad, let's go home.' We got back to The Wanderer, I stowed my things and then we talked. He knew all along what that captain was and when I asked why he didn't tell me, he said that I needed to learn what kind of men there were in the world, and that I needed to understand what could happen if I took people at their appearance." Uncle Ben chuckled. "Looking back, I suspect he would have hog-tied me and carried me back to The Wanderer before he let me on that slaver."

Annie didn't say anything; she simply wrapped her arms around her uncle and let him hold her close for a few minutes. Finally she pulled away and looked up at Uncle Ben.

"Am I in trouble for eavesdropping?"

He smiled. "I'm not going to punish you, if that's what you're asking." He leaned back against the fence. "Annie, I think this is one time when it was the best thing that you could have done. Jack would not have shown his true colors if he had known you were listening; he would have only shown the face he wanted you to see." He ruffled her hair. "I am going to require that you apologize to Miss Terry, however."

Annie nodded. "Yes, sir, I was going to do that anyway."

"C'mon, then." He draped an arm over her shoulder and guided her back to the house. He stopped on the porch. "Wait here."

Uncle Ben opened the door and called inside. "Lia, would you please join us?"

He stood behind Annie as she apologized to Miss Terry. Miss Terry nodded while Annie spoke, but she said nothing until Annie had finished.

"Annie, I accept your apology, and I thank you for telling me that you heard my conversation."

Miss Terry looked nervous as she glanced behind Annie. Annie felt her uncle squeeze her shoulder gently, and she turned to look at him.

"Annie, would you go inside please? I'd like to speak to Miss Terry."

"Yes, sir." Annie nodded and hurried to obey.

The porch window was open and Annie had half a mind to stand near it so she could hear her uncle and Miss Terry talking. That would be pressing her luck. Annie didn't want her uncle to decide that she should stay home from the evening's festivities, and that might be the least of his punishments if he caught her eavesdropping twice in one day. Annie caught sight of Adam, still sitting at the table, and walked to him.

"Adam?"

He looked up from his book and raised an eyebrow inquiringly.

Annie took a deep breath. "Adam, I was wrong about Jack Wolf. I overheard him talking to Miss Terry today, and, well, I guess I understand better what he's really like." She exhaled loudly.

Joe and Hoss stopped their checkers game and stared at their cousin, surprised. Adam was taken aback as well. He smiled and nodded.

"Yes, well, Hoss and I learned the hard way, too. He had us fooled." Adam grinned ruefully. "We even worked for him, before we understood what he was really like."

She smiled shyly and leaned to give him a kiss on the cheek. She straightened as Uncle Ben and Miss Terry came inside.

Uncle Ben's grin turned to a mock frown. "Don't you boys have chores to do? We have a wedding to attend this evening, and I, for one, do not want to be late because a lot of lazy boys sat around playing games or reading books when there was work to be done!"

Annie giggled at her cousins' reactions. All three jumped from their chairs and hurried to the door, giving their father a wide berth as they scurried to grab their hats. Unfortunately for Hoss, he wasn't quite far enough from his father to avoid the smack that Uncle Ben landed on Hoss's backside.

"I'm going, Pa, I'm going." Hoss ran out the door, pausing only to close it gently behind him.

Uncle Ben turned to Annie and Miss Terry. "Well, I'd better get out there and join them. Are you ladies ready for this afternoon?"

"Not quite, Uncle Ben. We'll be ready on time, though. I'll have bath water ready for you."

Uncle Ben frowned. "Are you telling me that I am going to need to bathe?"

Annie wasn't intimidated, and she frowned back at him. "Well, I like the smell of horses, but I'm not sure about the other guests…"

Uncle Ben grinned as he sketched a quick bow. "Very well. But you have to tell Joe…" He headed out the door.

Annie scowled. "He leaves me all the dirty work." She turned at Miss Terry's laugh. "Is something funny?"

"Did you mean that when you said 'dirty' work?" Miss Terry looked over her shoulder at Annie as she took the iron from the stovetop.

Annie groaned. "No." Then she giggled. "If Adam had said it, he would have meant it as a pun. He likes puns."

"Does he? I'll have to remember that."

Annie put the dough in the oven. "Do yourself a favor, Miss Terry. Don’t get him started. He can go on for days!"

"Really? That must be absolutely pun-ishing."

Annie threw a disgusted look over her shoulder.

"That's the last of the food I'm supposed to cook for Hop Sing. I need to iron the tablecloths. Is your dress all set?"

Miss Terry nodded and gestured toward the wool dress she had worn the first day she'd met the Cartwrights.

"You're wearing that?" Annie looked puzzled.

Miss Terry shrugged. "I only have a few dresses and that's the best of them."

"I would have thought you would have a lot of fancy dresses, coming from the East."

The older woman laughed. "Annie, you forget, I came over the Isthmus of Panama in a canoe and on a mule. I didn't carry a lot of luggage, you may be sure of that! I was never one for dresses anyway. I would much rather spend my money on books."

Annie headed wordlessly into her room, and rummaged in her cedar chest, returning a moment later with a lace tablecloth, which she placed on the table. She hurried over to the sideboard and took an embroidered cloth from one of the drawers.

"I just need to iron these and then, I hope, we'll be done getting ready." She shook out the embroidered cloth and placed it on the board.

"These are lovely. Wherever did you get them?"

"This one was Tante Marie's. She embroidered it herself when she was my age. Uncle Ben told me that. The lace one was my mother's. She brought it with her from Ireland. It's one of the few things of hers that I have."

"Are you sure you want me to use them?"

Annie nodded. "Everyone tells me that Mama and Tante Marie loved parties. I think they would want us to use the tablecloths." She bent over the board, sprinkling water on the cloth as she ironed out the wrinkles. Miss Terry packed the cooked food into baskets and boxes.

Annie looked at the tablecloths she was ironing and her mind wandered to the women who had owned them. She wondered what they would have thought of Jack Wolf. Her uncle and cousins had talked so much of Tante Marie's strong beliefs about the treatment of women that Annie knew Tante Marie would have disliked Mr. Wolf as much as Uncle Ben did.

As she touched the delicate Irish lace, Annie knew in a blaze of certainty what her mother would have thought of the man. Annie thought back to a conversation she had had with her Uncle Pat the previous summer. Uncle Pat, Mama's brother, had spent a long time telling Annie about her mother, and he had spoken of the English landlord's son, who had behaved improperly toward Annie's mother, Kathleen. The son had told Kathleen that he would take care of her family if only she would take care of him. Uncle Pat hadn't needed to explain what the man had meant by that.

Uncle Pat had told Annie that his sister rejected the man's offer but remained polite so that he could not accuse her of disrespect. Every time she had seen him, she had inquired for his health, and that of his family, and no one but Uncle Pat had known anything was amiss. Uncle Pat had told Annie that her mother had acted like a real lady, by holding her head up to that despicable man.

Annie decided she would behave the way her mother had behaved. She would be a lady and hold her head up. If Mr. Wolf spoke to her, she would be polite, but nothing more. She glanced at Miss Terry and felt her anger ebbing away. Annie nodded resolutely. Miss Terry had done her a favor.

The afternoon passed quickly. Uncle Ben, Adam, Hoss and Joe bathed in the tub behind the house, and then Hoss loaded the wagon while Adam saddled the horses. Only Miss Terry and Annie would ride with Uncle Ben in the wagon. Joe was thrilled at being able to ride into town with his brothers; it almost made up for having to take a bath, or so he said.

The wedding itself was simple. Miss Terry had asked Annie to stand beside her as she made her vows, and Uncle Ben stood beside Mr. Taylor. Annie wasn't sure what to expect; she had only been to one other wedding, and that had been for one of the vaqueros on her father's ranch. That Catholic service had been very different than the brief vows Miss Terry and Mr. Taylor exchanged. The ceremony was soon over, and everyone sat to eat the feast the ladies of Eagle Station had prepared.

Just before the ceremony, Mr. Taylor had asked Annie if she would, as a favor to him, say the blessing before everyone began eating. When she protested that she was too young, and that her uncle would be the better choice, Mr. Taylor had explained that he wanted her because she had been so welcoming to Miss Terry, and because she was his best student. After she agreed, she worried that she would not do justice to his confidence in her.

As Annie took her place next to her teacher, she touched her mother's tablecloth. She smiled slightly as she realized what she would say. Annie took a deep breath, looked at Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and spoke softly. "This tablecloth was first used at my parents' wedding. My father once told me that on that day, my mother's brother Seamus stood and offered this blessing.

When everyone had finished eating, the women cleared the dishes and the men moved the tables so they could dance. Mr. Taylor led his bride to the floor and Annie watched from the side as the bride and groom danced alone. She sighed. As the dance ended, she felt a hand lightly touch her sleeve. She turned to see Jack Wolf standing beside her. He tipped his hat.

"That was a charming blessing, Miss Cartwright. You look lovely this evening."

Annie nodded slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Wolf." She turned back to the dance floor.

"May I have this dance, Miss Cartwright?"

She turned once again to look at him. Didn't he realize what her uncle would do if he saw Annie dancing with Jack Wolf? Then again, maybe that was part of the man's plan. She started to politely decline, and then, as she looked past Mr. Wolf, she smiled coyly. "Thank you, Mr. Wolf, but this dance is taken." She reached out and took her uncle's arm.

Jack frowned. "Perhaps the next one, then."

She smiled sweetly. "I'm afraid all my dances are taken, Mr. Wolf."

Uncle Ben led her to the dance floor and smiled at her as they danced. "You handled that nicely, Annie. I'm proud of you."

Annie blushed. "Thank you, Uncle Ben. I don't feel too proud, though. I feel silly."

He squeezed her hand but said nothing. When they finished the dance, he glanced over her shoulder. "I wonder what that's about?"

Annie followed his gaze. She saw Mrs. Taylor talking to Mr. Wolf, who looked agitated as Mrs. Taylor held out an envelope. Mr. Wolf stared at it briefly, snatched it from her hand and turned on his heel. He stalked out the door. Mrs. Taylor turned, saw Annie and Uncle Ben watching her and hurried over to them.

"Annie, you may read those books now."

Annie was confused. "Ma'am?"

"The books in the school library. I have given Mr. Wolf his money back and informed him that the school would no longer accept gifts from him." She turned and walked to her husband.

Annie looked at her uncle, who had an odd expression on his face. He shrugged. Annie watched Mr. and Mrs. Taylor speak to some of the guests. She couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Mr. Taylor; his new wife was a very determined woman.

Uncle Ben tweaked Annie's braid and gestured toward the musicians. "I have to go play now."

"All right, Uncle Ben. Maybe I can get Adam away from Ro for one dance."

Her uncle smiled. "I don't know. Maybe there's another young man who would like to dance with you." He paused. "Hello, Mitch. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Annie almost jumped. She turned to see Mitch standing behind her. He looked bashful.

"Uh, yes, sir. Um, hello, Annie."

Uncle Ben squeezed Annie's shoulder and then picked up his fiddle. Annie stared at her hands.

"Um, you sure look pretty today, Annie."

Annie felt her face flush. "Thank you, Mitch." She glanced up at him shyly. "Mitch, about the other day, I'm sorry I was rude to you."

He shook his head. "No, it was my fault. I shouldn'ta ever gone with Mabel. You had a right to be angry. I've missed you, Annie."

She smiled. "I've missed you, too, Mitch."

Annie took Mitch's hand as he led her onto the dance floor. As they started to dance, she glanced toward the musicians and saw her uncle nod and wink. She looked back at Mitch and smiled.