Disclaimers in part one, under 18 shame shame, go tell your parents. 

Thanks to Don Landhill for all his help and editing. :) Feed back is always welcome. 
 
 

Later, at supper time, Jenny comes in with Adam from doing the chores, and while washing up she looks hopefully for a pillow before sitting down; but Ben's gruff "Just have a seat, Jennifer." let's her know that he is still a bit put out with her. 

"Yes sir", she whispers, and eases into the seat to his left. Ben is at the head of the table and Adam at the foot; next to Jenny is Hoss, while Joe and Jamey (Jenny's youngest older brothers) sit on the other side, 

Supper seems to be more of a punishment than the spankings were. Dish after dish is brought out, as Hop Sing serves several of Jenny's least favorite foods. 

Jenny watches in dismay as Ben slaps her hand when she tries to serve her self then piles her plate with large slices of liver and onions, mashed potatoes and liver gravy, squash and buttered turnips (which are especially repulsive to her), and a large pile of greens. She tries to choke down as much as she can; pouting a bit as she eats. "I want you to eat EVERY BITE." Ben says sternly, 

"Yes, Pa." Jenny says and tries to eat, mixing as much with the small dab of mashed potatoes as she can, to hide the taste -- trying not to further anger her father. 

After the fourth time a gagging noise comes from Jenny, Ben starts to rise, his hands going to his belt buckle, his gray eyes dark. 

Adam speaks up, saying "Pa", then nothing more. Ben looks at his eldest, and for a moment two pair of eyes lock in silent communication. 

Ben loosens his belt a notch, then sits back down bellowing "Hop sing!" The small Chinese cook comes out of the kitchen. "Yes, Mr. Cartwright?" 

Ben takes Jenny's plate, and hands it to Hop Sing, "Bring a fresh plate please." he says. 

Jenny looks gratefully at her pa and wipes away the tears that had formed in her eyes, whispering " Thank you, Pa." Ben hrumnps and finishes his supper. 

After supper Jamey and Jenny use the table to do their homework. (One of the advantages of a one-room school is that homework can easily be brought home by a sibling). Jenny has trouble sitting comfortably. There is be a long, sore week ahead, she thinks. 
 

to be continued in part 4