Finding Gold And Meeting A Judge

Summary; Ethan Cord has come to Colorado Springs on business. He has brought the children with him. They have been in Colorado Springs several days. Ethan has arranged to adopt them. This trip has been exciting for the children but not as much for Ethan. He has had to be more strict in the big city than on the ranch in Paradise.

Chapter 7: Final Day In Colorado Springs

Ethan and the children are meeting with Judge Henry

"Good Morning. I'm glad to see all of you again!' Judge Henry says helping the children out of the carriage. "Have you enjoyed your adventures in the big city?' he asks.

"Most of them, Sir." Ben and Joseph answer at the same time. They're thinking of the punishments they have received during their visit.

The Judge takes them into his office. "Well, Children, we have everything ready for you. Do you have any questions before we start?"

"Yes, sir, what are we going to do?" Asks Joseph

The Judge turns to Ethan in surprise. "They don't know?"

"I didn't tell them,the specifics only that we are making the adoption official and the news of their Pa. I wanted this event to be a surprise." Turning to the children, Ethan says "We came here this morning for all of us to sign the final adoption papers! You are going to legally be a family from this day forward."

The Judge motions the children to sit down. "Please sit children while your Uncle signs the documents. Mr. Cord, if you will, read and then sign the two documents I have here on the desk."

"These are some complicated terms, Judge. I don't follow most of this. Could you put it in people speak instead of Law speak?" Ethan asks after scanning the papers.

"I will be happy to do so. Both are stating that you, Ethan Cord of Paradise, Colorado being of sound mind and over the legal age of twenty one do agree to this adoption. We have the details of your family connection to the children, how they became wards of the state and how you became their guardian. The dates you became their guardian and now the date of the adoption."

Then after Ethan has signed his name to the adoption document, the Judge turns to the children. "Children, it's your turn to sign the papers. Claire, you are the eldest so you are first and we'll go by age. Please sign your whole name, Claire "

"Before I sign, may I ask you a question Sir? May I change my name?"

Hearing Judge Henry's surprised "Change your name? You don't wish to be called Claire?" and Ethan's "Sweetheart, it's such a beautiful name and your Mother wanted you to be called Claire." Claire nods.

"Yes sir, I like my first name and don't want to change it. I want to change my middle name from Elizabeth to Lucille. That was our Mama's name and I would like to honor her. Would that be all right?" she asks looking at her uncle and the Judge.

"That would be fine with me." Ethan tells her, stroking her hair.

"All right then, I will change the document to read "Claire Lucille" Judge Henry says smiling at her. He then asks "Does anyone else wish to change any part of their name?"

"No, sir." The boys all answer.

"Now, Miss. Claire Lucille, please sign right here." he says, pointing to the line under her name.

Joseph and Ben sign the papers while George watches closely. When it is his turn he carefully prints his first and middle names as he sticks his tongue between his teeth. When he gets to his last name he looks up at the Judge. "Judge Henry? Do I write my old name or new one for my last name? Claire taught me to spell Carroll but I don't know how to spell Cord yet. Someone can tell me how and I can write it, though."

"Just sign your name as George Carroll, son. You will have plenty of time to practice writing Cord." The judge responds with a smile for the boy.

After everyone is finished the Judge turns to Ethan with an announcement "Mr. Ethan Allen Cord, I would like to present to you, your children:

"Claire Lucille Carroll Cord, Joseph Adam Carroll Cord, Benjamin Ethan Carroll Cord and George Allen Carroll Cord." he intones solemnly. Then he says with a grin "Children, go greet your new Papa! He's your Pa now not just your uncle from this day forward. You are officially and legally his children."

The younger boys run to and grab Ethan hugging him as Claire and Joseph walk over to join the group hug. Ethan has to blink back the tears in his eyes as he hugs them back, thinking how much his sister would have loved this sight.

The Judge says "Mr. Cord and family?"

Ethan and the children look at him curiously. "I have arranged a special gift for you. It's not often that I handle an adoption as happy as this one is. I have arranged transportation and tickets to the Gold Theater performance tonight...

Ethan starts to speak "Judge, that's very nice of you but we don't... "

"Hush! You will let me finish! " The Judge says firmly.

Joseph and the boys giggle at the look on Ethan's face. Nobody ever tells Ethan to "Hush!"

The Judge continues "As I was saying I have arranged for all of you to attend the seven o'clock show at the theater. I have a relative who is performing in the show. She provided me with the tickets. They are good seats close enough for all of you to see and hear well. Now do me the pleasure of accepting my gift. It isn't often, I get to create a family with four children."

The children all turn to look at their uncle. "Please may we go?" Claire asks. "I miss the theater."

"I don't! It has been such a nice time being away from it. I don't want to go back." Joseph says sounding a bit bratty.

"Me either!'' Ben agrees.

Ethan says sternly "Boys!" Both boys know they had better not say another word about it.

Ethan tells the Judge "Sir, we would be happy to accept this generous gift."

Behind him Ben and Joseph sigh. Claire smiles happily.

"Very well then, I'll have a carriage outside the hotel at six thirty this evening. Children, it's been a pleasure getting to know you. I understand you will be leaving for Paradise in the morning so, I wish you a pleasant journey home." Judge Henry tells them.

"Thank you, sir" they all answer after a brief look from Ethan.

"Won't we see you again, Judge?" George asks lower lip trembling.

"Well now, what's with these tears George? Come here little one." Judge Henry says holding out his arms.

With George seated on his lap, he explains "Now George, doesn't your Papa have ranch work waiting to be done in Paradise?" At George's "Yes sir." he says "Well, I know he needs you and your brothers and sister to go home to help him remember what he needs to do. You do that for him don't you?"

"Umm no sir, not really. Papa isn't like me or Ben. He 'members things good. We sometimes forget to clean the coop or the fireplace."

"Well there you see, he needs you to help him with those chores and what about having someone to teach riding too? He needs that doesn't he? You said he taught everyone else to ride so far. You need to learn too. You just go home with your family and when you come to Colorado Springs again you can visit me. Now, your Pa is waiting to do something else today, so go to him."

Walking out to the carriage, Ethan asks the children "How would you like to go to the lake we saw on our way into town the first day? I've been told there are food vendors and a few other surprises. Would you like to go?"

"Yes sir." The children answer.

"Driver, please take us to Sparkling Blue Lake." Ethan requests as they climb into the carriage.

"Oh look! Ducks! Can we go see and maybe even feed them Uncle Ethan?" Ben asks as they walk along the boardwalk around the lake.

"Yes Ben. The bread we saved from the sandwiches is for you children to throw for the ducks. After watching the ducks eat and paddle in the water, Ben whispers to Joseph "You ask him this time. I asked to see the ducks so now you ask."

"Uncle Ethan? There's a sign back at the entrance that says there's a fortune teller booth and a world's strongest man booth here today. Could we go see them, please? There's even a half man half lady here. That would be fun to see too. Can we go please?"

"No Joseph. I don't want you children to be around the carnival workers. Don't ask again. I have told you my decision and we aren't going to that side of the lake." Ethan replies sternly.

"Yes sir." Joseph answers wondering why his new Pa sounds so stern.

"Let's keep walking children, there's a play area on ahead according to the last sign I saw. A few minutes later the children see a set of six swings with wooden seats, picnic tables, a round wooden disc that other kids are sitting on as it spins, a sandbox for really young children and even a shallow pool. Watching, the boys see children walking in the water seeming to try to capture something with their hands.

"What are those kids doing, Papa?" George asks pointing to the pool.

"It isn't polite to point, George. I don't know what is going on, would you like to walk over to see?"

"Yes sir."

"I want to swing Uncle Ethan. Can I get on one of those swings? I can swing myself."

"If Joseph or Claire will stay with you, you may swing. George? Wouldn't you like to swing?"

"Not right now, Papa. Maybe later after we look at the water."

"George is scared to swing and go to high places, Uncle Ethan. He's just a baby still!" Ben tells his new Pa.

"I AM NOT A BABY!" George answers, glaring at his brother.

"Boys! No arguing. Ben, you come with us and we'll see about swinging after you show me you can be more polite. You know I do not approve of name calling!"

"Papa, can we go sit on the spinning circle?" George asks having watched the others swing after they left the wading pool. Watching other kids try to catch minnows and now watching other kids swing is not much fun for him.

"Let's give your brothers and sister a few more minutes to enjoy themselves." Ethan answers as Joseph calls out "Come here George."

"What Joseph?" George asks as he stops in front of his brother in the first swing.

"Turn around and sit on my lap. I'll give you a ride on the swing."

"Don't go high, okay? Don't go high! Papa! Tell him not to swing high!" George calls as Joseph begins to swing.

"Be careful, Joseph. Don't frighten him." Ethan comments having walked closer to be able to grab George if he jumps off.

"See George, it's not so bad. It just moves back and forth and you don't have to go any higher than you want to go." Joseph tells his youngest brother after stopping the swing minutes later.

"Yes, it's not so bad. It's kind of fun. I want to try the spinning circle now. Will you come too, Joseph?"

"I'll come too, George. I want to spin!" Ben calls having listened to the conversation.

"Alright boys, you sit in the very middle and hold on to those bars. I'll get us going by running around the circle and pushing the bars. Then I'll get on and we'll have a ride." Joseph explains to his brothers.

"OOOHHHH, this is fun! Joseph, jump on now." Ben calls as he sees Joseph still running around the outside.

Taking a leap, Joseph lands on the wooden disc and they spin until it begins to slow down.

"Joseph?" George whispers looking upset.

"Hmm? Are you alright, George?"

"Joseph, don't be mad, I couldn't help it. It just happened. I didn't mean to do it."

"Do WHAT, George. I'm not going to be mad, I promise. What is it you are talking about?"

"I wet my pants. I didn't even know I needed to go! I Pwomise I didn't do it on Pworpose. Is Papa going to spank me, do you think?" George whispers, now in tears.

"Shh, stop crying. I don't think he'll spank you at all. Come on, we have to go back where he and Claire are sitting. Let's go Ben and no teasing! You tease and I'll tell Uncle Ethan! He gave you a warning and if you are found to tease again, he'll punish you."

"I'm staying with George. I won't tease." Ben replies when George says "Not going, he'll be mad!"

Approaching his sister and Uncle, Joseph whispers to Ethan what has happened. "He's scared you are going to be mad and won't come. I told him you wouldn't be mad or spank him because it was an accident."

"Come, let's gather the boys and return to the hotel. We'll get washed and rest up for tonight. Don't worry, I'm not going to punish him or scold either." Ethan says after seeing the older children swap a worried look.

Late afternoon: Colorado Springs Hotel

Claire having helped Ben and George get dressed in their best clothes for the theater is checking her brother's clothes. All of the boys are dressed in their long black pants and white shirts with a black string bow tie. Ben and George have on their best shoes, while Joseph is wearing his boots.

"Joseph, I don't think you should wear boots to the theater." Claire says "You should be wearing your nice dress shoes."

"Well, I don't agree." Joseph tells her. "I don't even want to go to the theater anyway!" he says

"Joseph, quit being so stubborn. Go put on your dress shoes!" Claire tells him loudly.

"Claire, you're not my Mama so stop telling me what to do! I don't have to do what you say! Joseph shouts angrily

Ethan hearing the raised voices, comes out of his bedroom."What's going on out here?" Then seeing Claire's tearful look, he asks "What has you upset Claire?"

"Joseph! He's being stubborn and hateful. All I did was tell him to wear his dress shoes instead of boots and he told me " I wasn't his Mama and yelled he didn't have to do what I said."

Ethan looks at Joseph "Is this what happened? Did you yell at your sister?"

"Yes, sir." Joseph says looking angrily at Claire "Tattle-tale!" he thinks.

"Very well then, come with me." Ethan says. As he walks off towards his bedroom.

Once inside the room, Joseph says quickly, hoping to avoid any punishment, "Uncle Ethan, I know I shouldn't have yelled and I'll apologize to her. It's just that Claire made me mad. She's being so bossy! I'm not eight years old and I can pick out my own clothes!"

Ethan says "Yes, Joseph, you will apologize to your sister. You will not raise your voice to her again. Gentlemen do not shout at Ladies. They treat ladies respectfully. You know this, young man." Ethan scolds him.

"You children are going to behave as a young lady and gentlemen. Now, let's call Claire in and straighten out this argument." As he opens the bedroom door, he calls "Claire, come in here please."

"Yes Sir?" Claire asks just a little uneasy at the look on her Uncle's face.

"Claire, Joseph has something he wants to say to you."

Joseph just glares at his sister. "Now Joseph!" Ethan says giving him a warning look.

"Claire, I'm sorry I yelled at you. You just made me mad by being so bossy." Joseph says quickly feeling he had better speak up or he might get swatted.

"It's OK Joseph. You're right. I do try to boss you around sometimes. I'm sorry too!" Claire answers

Ethan says "Joseph?"

"Sir?" Joseph answers.

"Go put on your dress shoes. Boots are not appropriate for the theater, even in Colorado Springs!"

"Yes, Sir." Joseph says as he walks out of the room. "I wonder how he knew what we were arguing about. He must have really good ears. Of course he sides with Claire over me. He scolds me but not her. She gets her way and we boys don't!" Joseph thinks forgetting that Claire told Ethan what the problem was.

The Theater

As they arrive at the theater, Ethan reminds Ben and George of his expectations. "Ben, George, I expect both of you to be on your absolute best behavior tonight. We are here to watch a show, NOT to run, yell, climb, or play. I expect you to sit in your seats and quietly watch the show. As you know from watching your Mother, the actors and actresses can see and hear the audience. We will be appreciative of their performances and show our best manners during the show."

Seeing Joseph grinning at the boys being told what to do, Ethan tells him."Joseph, I expect you to follow the same rules as the younger boys. Do you all understand how you are to behave tonight?" He asks

"Yes, Sir." The younger boys answer as Joseph says "I understand, Uncle Ethan."

George looks at Joseph with a frown on his face. "Joseph, he's not "Uncle Ethan" anymore. He's Papa."

Ethan smiles at this while Joseph answers "George, I'm not going to call him Papa. You can though if you want to."

Ethan speaks up before George can argue further. "All right boys, we can discuss this later. It's time we went in and found our seats."

Entering the main theater, Claire says "This theater is just gorgeous! It's so much nicer and bigger than some Mama performed in. Just look at those curtains up on the stage. I'm sure they're made of velvet! Look at the seats! They have gold trim around the velvet. This is all very elegant!"

Joseph says "Claire can you stop describing everything and just let us sit down?"

"All right, Joseph." She says laughing.

Ethan leads them into the row of seats they are assigned, "Joseph, Claire, you sit here, I'll sit in the middle and Ben and George will be on my other side. I think they need to sit closest to the aisle." Just as they all settle into the soft seats, the show begins.

After about twenty minutes of watching people sing and dance, the younger boys begin to squirm and whisper to each other. Ethan leans over and tells them firmly "Boys, be still and be quiet!"

Ben and George get still but they continue to whisper to each other. Their "whispering" is loud enough to cause people to look over at them.

Ben whispers to George, "Looks like these people don't know how to sing. All of Mama's songs were so much prettier than these."

George answers "Yeah, and the clothes they have on are so funny looking."

Ethan leans over and says quietly to Claire and Joseph "We'll be back in a few minutes. Behave please."

George suddenly finds himself lifted off his seat as Ethan has picked him up and is holding him with one arm. Lifting Ben to his feet with his other arm and holding Ben's hand tightly, he says quietly "Follow me, Ben."

Ben,feeling a little uncertain about this quick exit, follows his uncle and brother out to the main lobby. Ethan leads him over to a group of couches by the wall. Ben swallows nervously as he looks at his uncle. He can see Ethan has that stern look on his face. As Ethan stands George down next to Ben and then sits on the couch with both boys standing in front of him, he says sternly "Boys, did you follow the rules we talked about for being in the theater?" Both boys shake their heads. They are much too anxious of what might happen next, to talk.

"Ben, George, I want to hear an answer. Did you follow the rules in the theater?" he asks again.

"No, sir we didn't. The show is boring though!" Ben answers as George whispers "No, sir."

"Well boys, listen well. You are both to go back in and sit quietly for the rest of the show. No talking unless it's an emergency and then you whisper to me. An emergency is you need the water closet or you feel sick. If you misbehave again, you and I will be sitting out in the carriage for the rest of the show. Then when we get back to the hotel, I will turn you over my knee and wallop your bare backside! Now, consider this your last warning, is this understood?"

Ben and George both say "Yes, sir."

Ethan takes the boys by the hand and leads them back to their seats. When they arrive, Act two is just beginning. The curtain rises to show a woman on a balcony. She begins to sing "Beautiful dreamer, Wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee…..

Ethan hears Claire gasp and looks over at her. She has tears running down her face. Leaning over to her, he asks quietly "Claire? What is it?"

Claire, trying not to sob out loud, is crying harder. Ethan looks at Joseph for an answer and sees he also has tears running down his face. Both of his older children are now sobbing quietly.

Ethan turns to check Ben and George. As soon as he looks at Ben, Ben whispers to him "That's Mama's favorite song! She sang it to close out every show!" his eyes filling with tears.

Ethan picks up Ben, takes George by the hand and then ushers Joseph and Claire into the aisle.

"Let's go to the carriage, children." He says quietly.

At the carriage Ethan tells the driver "Colorado Springs Hotel, Please"

As they ride, he tries to get Joseph and Claire to calm down. The two youngest are in tears too from seeing their older brother and sister so upset. Ethan has one on each side of him trying to comfort them with hugs. "Shh, it's alright boys. Your brother and sister are just sad. They will be alright soon, stop crying."

Not having any luck with the younger two, Ethan says "Claire, sweetheart? Joseph? Please calm down. I know you are upset but, you are going to be sick if you don't stop crying so hard."

Claire sobs "That was Mama's song! Oh, I miss her."

"Yes, sweetheart, I know." Ethan says softly.

Joseph says as he wipes tears from his face "I could see her singing it! It wasn't that lady when I looked up there, it was Mama."

George hearing this says "That lady was NOT Mama. Mama was prettier than her. Boy, Joseph you sure are mixed up tonight. You think Papa is our uncle and that lady is our Mama!" he finishes shaking his head sadly.

Ben starts to giggle and even Joseph has to laugh at this as Claire begins to smile.

As they enjoy the rest of the evening carriage ride to the hotel, Ethan thinks to himself "I'll be glad to leave this city tomorrow. It's going to be good to get back to the ranch! This has been a very difficult trip!"

** March 2016, I've rewritten this story adding in a few scenes and editing some mistakes. If you read this, please review. This chapter has been lengthened. :-) ***