When Johnny Met Lucy by Styzgal

(Or Several Mishaps Followed by a Tragedy)

Word count 10,329

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A back story for The Lion and the Lamb. No beta. No warnings, but it is assumed that the reader will have seen the episode, because I’ve only given brief details of what happened.

I’ve ignored the fact that Lucy said at one point that she’d known Johnny ‘for years’, because that just doesn’t fit in with anything!!

It was just Johnny’s luck. He got stuck with escorting Theresa into town to do some shopping for fabric. In Johnny’s mind the worst kind of shopping. It was time consuming, tedious and of no interest to him whatsoever.

He was not allowed to ride anywhere or do anything of any value, in his opinion, because of a very minor injury. A run in with a large and boisterous bull calf had left him with bruised ribs and a few other aches and pains. Nothing life-threatening or serious but enough for his fussing family to restrict his activities and give him the ‘light’ tasks, including chauffeuring his ‘sister’ here, there and everywhere. Johnny was not a happy bunny.

So it was that he bounced and jolted all the way into Spanish Wells with Theresa and silently thought he would’ve been better off with the much smoother ride of his compadre Barranca, rather than this damned rickety buckboard.

Theresa was oblivious to Johnny’s pissed off demeanour, as she looked forward to a couple of hours of choosing colours and patterns and chatting to her good friend who owned the fabric and haberdashery store. Apart from the occasional concerned glance at Johnny’s sharp intake of breath as he drove over a particularly deep rut, she was too excited to take much notice of his discomfort. For his part, Johnny didn’t have the heart to spoil Theresa’s obvious joy at being able to spend some time away from the endless domestic chores at the Lancer home. So, he buttoned his lip and hoped that he was saying yes and no in all the right places as Theresa chattered away beside him.

On entering Spanish Wells Johnny brought the buckboard to a halt as close as he could get to the store and asked Theresa how long she would need to make her purchases. She replied that she would need until midday (it was just coming up to 10) and then skipped off into the store without a backward glance.

Johnny decided to do some shopping of his own. The gunsmith had recently received a delivery and Johnny wanted to peruse the new stock. Just as Theresa could spend hours looking at bolts of fabric, he could spend hours getting the feel of a pistol or rifle.

An hour later, after a good bit of sales talk and trialling several weapons, Johnny had a very nicely balanced colt put aside. A deposit and a handshake sealed the deal.

To celebrate his bargaining skills Johnny decided a nice cold beer would be in order and headed over to the saloon. Entering in his usual cautious manner Johnny headed over to the bar, giving the new girl Sally a smile and a wink as he went. She returned the smile with a look that promised a bit of fun next time Johnny was in town.

Feeling refreshed and a lot happier with his lot Johnny returned to the store to collect Theresa. There was no sign of her, or anybody else, in the store so Johnny entered, jumping a little as the bell clanged over the door. Taking off his hat the youngest Lancer stood and fidgeted as he waited for someone to come and see who had caused the racket.

“Be with you in a moment,” said a female voice from very close by. Johnny looked around but still couldn’t see anyone to go with the voice. Just then a blond head popped up from behind the counter. A pretty pair of eyes in an equally pretty face looked over at the cowboy standing looking a bit out of place in the store.

“Oh hello. How can I help you? My name is Lucy Corrigan and I’m the proprietor and owner of this fine establishment,” the young woman said.

“Ah howdy ma’am. Did you know you have cobwebs in your hair?” Johnny replied.

“Really? Well, what do you know?” The woman named Lucy said, with a half-hearted swipe at the top of her head to dislodge any unwanted lodgers in the silken threads.

“So, what can I do for you sir? Are you here to buy some fabric for your sweetheart to make you another pink shirt? Or did you have a hankering for some new gingham curtains?”

“Er no ma’am, I’m here to . . .”

“Oh, come now, don’t be shy. It’s OK for a gentleman to buy gingham.”

Johnny was getting a little bit hot under the collar.

“It may well be ma’am but I’m here to pick up Theresa,” Johnny said quickly, before he could be interrupted again.

“Oh! Mr Lancer. How nice to finally meet you,” said Lucy. Johnny suddenly had the distinct impression that this young woman had already guessed exactly who he was and had been funning with him.

“You too ma’am but it’s Johnny. Mr Lancer is my ol’ . . . er father.”

Now the young lady looked a bit affronted when she said, “That wouldn’t do at all Mr Lancer, as we haven’t been properly introduced.”

It was with great relief that Johnny looked over the proprietor’s shoulder and saw Theresa approaching from the back of the store.

“Well here comes Theresa and she can ‘properly’ introduce us,” he said, with some amusement.

“Johnny, you’re here!” Said Theresa, stating the obvious.

“Uh huh,” was the laconic reply. Johnny leaned casually against the counter and started to enjoy himself. Spending time with two pretty, young women was suddenly a lot more attractive than punching cows and for the first time Johnny appreciated being on ‘light’ duties.

He and Lucy stood looking at Theresa with expectant expressions until Theresa said, “Oh, how remiss of me. Lucy this is Murdoch’s younger son Johnny. Johnny this is my dear friend Lucy Corrigan.”

At this Johnny stepped forward and took Lucy’s hand and brushed the back of it with his lips, “mucho gusto Senora,” he said, neatly questioning her marital status.

“Gracias,” said Lucy. Then with a flash of mischief in her eyes, “and that would be Senorita, Senor!”

“Lo siento. I beg your pardon,” said Johnny, although in Lucy’s opinion he didn’t look the least bit sorry.

“Pardon granted. Now, it’s nearly time for my lunch so did you find what you wanted Theresa?”

Theresa laughed and said, “Yes I did, so if you would like to put what I owe on the Lancer account we could all go and get something to eat.”

Things are looking up, thought Johnny. Pretty company and food!

Lucy did some quick calculations then wrapped the purchases.

In no time at all the trio were heading out to eat. Johnny suggested the hotel dining room, feeling it would be a much more ‘genteel’ place to dine for his female companions. However, the suggestion was rejected and both girls said they would much prefer the cantina.

Johnny was secretly delighted and escorted the ladies into Rosita’s, a place that was like a second home to him and where he was well known.

“Juanito! Where have you been? It’s been far too long!” Rosita scolded and wagged her finger in her favourite cowboy’s face.

Johnny took his hat off and bowed dramatically over Rosita’s hand, then looked up through his lashes and tried to look contrite.

“Aw Rosie, you know the boss don’t allow me out during the week unless I’m on ranch business.”

Theresa saw her chance and jumped straight in. “He tangled with a little bitty calf and got himself banged up,” she said with glee, happy to make her ‘brother’ squirm a bit.

Rosita looked stricken and immediately fussed over Johnny and got him to his favourite corner table, while trying to assess what hurt and what she could do to make it better.

“I’ll get you some of my special chicken soup,” she declared.

“Noooo Rosie. I need somethin’ that’ll stick to my ribs,” said a hungry Johnny.

All three ladies laughed heartily at Johnny’s pouting expression.

“Don’t fret Juanito, I will get you your usual and something a little less spicey for the senoritas,” Rosita placated and left with a flourish.

“Gee thanks Theresa. Now I’ll never hear the last of it and the whole town will know that a ‘little bitty calf’ got the better of big bad Johnny Madrid!”

Suddenly realising what he’d said Johnny looked over at Lucy to see what her reaction would be to the admission he’d just inadvertently made.

Lucy looked demurely back at him and just smiled. Once again, he had the feeling that she knew exactly who and what he was or had been. She didn’t look the least bit bothered.

Seeing the look on Johnny’s face Lucy said, “Are you in pain Johnny? You look a little uncomfortable. Did that calf do you a serious mischief?”

Sighing Johnny replied, “No ma’am,” then mentally kicked himself for having such a big mouth.

Theresa was a perceptive young woman and sensed the reason for the change of mood in her ‘brother’.

“Sorry Johnny, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Johnny’s face lit with a sweet soft smile, “De nada honey. Let’s eat.”

The tension was broken and with perfect timing Rosita delivered their food. The conversation then flowed easily, and the three young people enjoyed their lunch.

---

Driving home Theresa was very happy. She managed to get everything she wanted in town and spent a lovely lunch with friends.

Suddenly she looked at Johnny and asked, “Johnny do you like Lucy?”

Looking a little puzzled Johnny replied, “Sure I do. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I was thinking that she’s a feisty, independent woman and she would be a good match for you.”

Johnny stared at Theresa in amazement. “T’resa I’ve only just this minute met her and I’m sure a ‘feisty independent woman’ wouldn’t be interested in an ex-gunhawk turned rancher.”

“But Johnny ….”

“No buts T’resa. And definitely no matchmaking. I choose my own female company, and I don’t need no little sister tryin’ to hook me up with a nice girl who deserves better than me.”

Theresa hesitated, then gave in, for now. “OK but don’t do yourself down like that Johnny. There are plenty of ‘nice girls’ in this town and others that would give anything to be seen on your arm.”

“Yeah, but for all the wrong reasons, honey. Let’s get home and let Murdoch see what you’ve got for all that Lancer money you spent,” Johnny chuckled.

With that he slapped the reins down on the horses’ rumps and did his best to get home before Theresa could come up with anymore hare-brained ideas.

---

Johnny didn’t make it back to town for a couple of weeks, by which time he was back to full fitness. This time he drove the wagon so that he could pick up supplies for the ranch. He also wanted to pick up his new pistol, itching to get some practice in with it.

Pulling up outside the general store Johnny jumped down,

He dropped off the list of supplies then hurried along to Lucy’s shop to fulfil his other errand.

On arriving at the haberdashery Johnny was relieved to see that Lucy was the only person on the premises. He greeted her with a cheery ‘good morning’.

Lucy smiled and said, “Well hello Johnny; have you changed your mind about the gingham curtains?”

“No Lucy, I have not. I’m here on an errand for Theresa and …..”

“Johnny Lancer!” Came the strident tones of the Widow Hargis before Johnny could finish.

“Have you taken up needlework? Hoping to join the quilting bee maybe?” She said with a wicked grin.

“No ma’am,” said Johnny, “As I was just saying I am on an errand for Theresa.” With that Johnny started to undo the shirt button closest to his pants.

Both Lucy and the feisty old lady’s gaze dropped to the button and the older lady squawked, “And that errand requires you to take your shirt off?”

Johnny sighed, “No ma’am,” then turned his body slightly away from the prying eyes of the two women. Reaching into the space in his shirt front he pulled out a small swatch of fabric. After rebuttoning his shirt, he turned back to the women and passed the little square of material to Lucy.

“T’resa wants some thread that matches this please.”

“Okay, I think I can sort that out.”

“Great, thanks, I’ll pick it up later.”

“I’m closing for the day soon I’m afraid,” said Lucy.

“Okay, no problem, T’resa said it wasn’t urgent, and I’ll be in town again soon.”

Then tipping his hat at the two ladies he sprinted out of the door, eager to get away from their conspiratorial smirks.  He just knew that their eyes were watching him as he turned his back on them.

Once Johnny had exited the shop and Lucy had enjoyed the view, she brought the piece of fabric to her nose and inhaled the scent of it.  She looked at the widow Hargis and they both shared a knowing look. 

---

As fate would have it Johnny volunteered for the next trip into town, this time for the mail and to do some banking business.

Stopping outside Lucy’s shop he tied Barranca to the hitching rail and seeing that the shop was empty he dashed in to pick up Theresa’s thread.

The goods were ready, and, on a whim, Johnny said he would be finished his business by lunchtime and invited Lucy to join him. She answered in the affirmative and Johnny said he would leave Barranca outside the shop and return later to pick Lucy up.

It was getting near to lunchtime and Lucy was beginning to wonder if Johnny had forgotten about their lunch date. She looked out of the window to see Ben, the boy who worked at the livery, unhitching Johnny’s horse and leading him away.

Lucy stepped out of the shop and called to Ben to ask why he was taking the horse.

“Johnny asked me to look after Barranca. He’s over at the Doc’s and he may be a while,” Ben said, proud to be entrusted with the horse and the news about Johnny’s whereabouts.

“Oh dear, is he OK?”

“I don’t rightly know Miss Lucy, I just heard that there was some sort of fracas and Johnny didn’t want Barranca left out here on his own for too long.”

“OK, thanks Ben,” said Lucy, as she quickly shut up shop and made her way over to Doctor Jenkins’ surgery.

On the way to the doctor Lucy passed Baldemero’s store. Mr Baldemero came running out of the store clutching a shirt.

“Ah, Lucy, I guess you heard about Johnny, and you are going to check on him. Por favor, would you give this to him? He said holding out the shirt. “It is not his usual style, but I would like him to have it.”

Feeling a bit puzzled as to why Mr Baldemero would give Johnny a shirt (and particularly one which she was pretty sure he wouldn’t be seen dead in) she agreed to the request.

On entering the doctor’s waiting room, she was greeted by the doctor hurrying through to his storeroom.

“Hello Lucy,” said the doctor, “he’s in the exam room. Perhaps you’d like to put your head round the door and distract him for a minute while I get a couple of things.”

Wondering how the doctor knew that Lucy was enquiring after Johnny, she nevertheless decided to do as he suggested and walked through to see if she could help.

Looking through the slightly ajar door Lucy could see Johnny sitting on the examination table, looking none too pleased. He was swinging his legs, tapping his fingers on his thighs and generally looking as if he would rather be anywhere else than where he was.

Sensing that he was being watched, Johnny looked up and smiled at his visitor.

“Hey Lucy! Sorry I got delayed but I was going to come straight over and take you to lunch once the old saw bones has finished with me.”

Sam Jenkins chose that moment to re-enter the room.

“The ‘old saw bones’ still has to stitch his head up and check that he isn’t any more addled than usual,” said Sam, sounding rather put out. “It might take a while. Perhaps he could visit you for a nice, sweet cup of tea after he’s finished here so that he can rest up a bit before riding home.”

“Of course, Doctor Sam, but first I just have to give Johnny this gift from Mr Baldemero,” said Lucy, producing the shirt from behind her back.

Johnny’s eyes fell to the garment held in Lucy’s hand and his jaw dropped.

“It’s plaid,” said Johnny, speaking in hushed tones.

“Yes, but it does have some red in it,” said Lucy, trying to hide her smile.

The doctor put his two cents’ worth in. “It’s better than parading through town in the shirt you are wearing.”

“But Sam, it’s pl . . . .”

“Plaid, yes I think we’ve established that,” said Sam, starting to lose patience with his patient.

“I think it’ll be better for your father’s nerves if you turn up at home in a plaid shirt rather than one splattered in your blood,” Sam concluded.

Johnny sighed. He knew he wasn’t going to win this battle.

“Okay, but I’ll have to have Ben bring my jacket over from the livery so’s I can at least cover it up a bit.”

“I’m sure we can arrange that,” said Sam in his best bedside manner voice.

“I’ll pop in and tell Ben on my way back to the shop, once I’ve got a bite to eat. I’ll have that sweet tea ready for you when you’re done here,” said Lucy while backing out of the door.

“Better make that a stiff whiskey,” mumbled the patient under his breath.

---

Scott Lancer rode into town mentally preparing himself for the next disaster that had befallen his younger, rather reckless, brother. Word had gotten back to him that something had happened in town, and he quickly made his way there to try and sort the matter out before the same word reached Murdoch’s ears.

Mr Baldemero saw Scott riding in, and he called out to tell him that Johnny was at Lucy’s shop. Scott held up his hand in acknowledgement.

As Scott rode past the livery young Ben stuck his head out and shouted out that he had Barranca in his care. Once again, he waved, wondering at the friendship and loyalty that his younger brother inspired in the townsfolk.

Scott entered Lucy’s shop and saw that the owner was busying herself tidying an already very tidy shelf of bolts of fabric.

“Good afternoon, ma’am,” Scott said politely. He strode over to the young woman and held out his hand.

“I’m Scott Lancer. I believe you have my slightly damaged brother in your custody.” He said smoothly, while taking her hand to complete the introduction.

Before Lucy could respond there was the sound of muffled curses as a Johnny-sized person tried unsuccessfully to wrestle with the curtain that separated the back of the shop from the front. Finally free of the offending material Johnny emerged into the light of day, looking as if he’d just woken up. His hair was mussed and in one large patch over his left ear, spikey with what appeared to be blood. He cocked his hip and leaned against the counter and plastered a look on his face that quite clearly said don’t say a word.

“Ah, little brother, I was just introducing myself to the rather lovely . . . . . Sweet Jesus Johnny, are they holding a contest today for the ugliest shirt in town? If so, you are going to win hands down,” said Scott, trying very hard not to laugh at his brother’s rebellious expression.

“Very funny Scott,” said Johnny, without even a hint of amusement.

Scott thought it was hilarious but didn’t want to rile Johnny any further.

“So, what happened?” Scott asked his brother.

Lucy had already heard the story, so she pretended to busy herself around the shop.

“Weellll,” started Johnny, “there was this tonto stacking shelves in Baldemero’s shop. He was up on a rickety ladder, and he was none too bright. He over-stretched and the ladder started to teeter. As he tried to stop himself from falling onto me, he dropped the two tins of beans he had in his hands and one of them fell onto my head. Said tonto then nearly had a conniption fit as he obviously thought I was going to shoot him. He then fainted dead away when he saw the blood pouring from the dent in my head caused by the bean tin. Doc stitched me up, Ben took care of Barranca and Lucy gave me sweet tea.”

Here Johnny stopped his narrative and looked at his brother daring him to say something smart.

Scott, barely containing himself, said, “sooo, I can just see the headline, Bemused Bystander Brained By Beans In Baldemero’s.”

Johnny gave his brother a disgusted look as a very unladylike snort was heard coming from Lucy’s direction.

“As my keeper is obviously here to make sure I make it home without suffering any further damage, I will take my leave, senorita,” said Johnny with a brief bow.

At this Scott piped up, “I was just going to invite Miss Corrigan to Lancer for Sunday lunch.”

“That’s strange; you look like my brother Scott, but you sound just like my little sister T’resa,” said the younger Lancer, with some annoyance.

“Well, that’s probably because the invitation came from her. She forgot to mention it to you before you left for town.”

“Uh huh,” said Johnny, looking unconvinced.

“I’d love to,” said Lucy, happy to be the cause of a little bit of brotherly friction.

“That’s settled then,” said Scott smugly. Turning to the door he raised his hat and wished Lucy a good day.

Johnny looked daggers at his brother’s back but managed to school his features before turning back to Lucy and thanking her for the tea and a place to prepare for his ride home.

Lucy smiled sweetly and, despite feeling somewhat coerced by T’resa, Johnny started to look forward to Sunday.

---

At 5 o’clock on Saturday afternoon Johnny breezed into the great room, bringing with him the smell of soap and clean clothes. His hair was still damp, and he had obviously just bathed and changed from his work gear.

“Any problems, son?” Asked Murdoch. “I thought you’d be done way before now.”

“Awwww Murdoch. Those cows today were just plain dumb and ornery. Everything we did took twice as long as it should’ve. They hid, they got stuck, they walked at a snail’s pace and generally were a pain in the rear end.”

“And how does that behaviour differ from any other given day, when working with dumb cows?” Asked Scott, who was standing by the drinks cabinet looking calm and collected, unlike his slightly frazzled sibling.

“Probably not at all, brother. Except today everybody in that work crew wanted to get back, get clean, get fed and look at something more pleasing than the ass end of a cow,” replied Johnny with a big sigh. Having made his point, he leaned back into the comfort of the cushions and closed his eyes.

Scott walked over to his brother and gently touched a bruise on his face.

“And what about this? Also, the result of dumb cows?”

Another big sigh from Johnny preceded his explanation. “Two of the guys were pushing and shoving and finger-pointing while discussing a certain saloon gal and who she favoured more, and why. Me and Cip got between them, and my face got in the way of an elbow. The fact that one of them had, accidentally, hit the boss’s son plus a few well-chosen words from that same son soon cooled them down.”

“And may I ask what those words were?” Scott felt compelled to ask.

“I just told them that saloon gals in general judge men by the size of their wallet, and not the size of what these two fools were arguing about.”

Scott chuckled. “Very diplomatic Johnny.”

“Diplomatic or not, it sure shut them up!”

“Well, that was one way to deal with the problem Johnny, but let’s not have any more talk about the size of wallets, or anything else for that matter, in case the ladies of the house hear you,” said Murdoch, using his ‘I’m in charge’ tone.

“We’re safe, ain’t we? I mean, T’resa’s in town until tomorrow when she’s bringing back Lucy for lunch, huh?”

Murdoch was about to answer when the two ladies in question crept quietly into the room, both wearing similar wicked grins and putting index fingers to lips to request silence.

Lucy then produced a long white feather from behind her back and tiptoed over to Johnny, who still had his eyes closed.

Murdoch watched the scene unfold, as Lucy proceeded to tickle the end of Johnny’s nose with the feather and had a slight feeling of unease. When that slight feeling coalesced into a sudden knowledge of what was about to happen, he jumped up to say something.

Unfortunately, what he said was drowned out by a loud achoooo from his unsuspecting younger son. This was followed by yet another achooooo, then another.

Johnny looked up and saw the offending feather, then jumped up, gesticulating wildly, and shouted, “las plumas, achoooo! Las plumas me hacen estornudar, achoooo!”

Keeping calm Murdoch said, “yes son, I know feathers make you sneeze. It’s an aversion you’ve had since you were a baby. Maria will know what to do.” And with that he handed Johnny a clean handkerchief and led him through to the kitchen.

Scott, Theresa and Lucy all looked at each other with a mixture of guilt, mirth and concern. This wasn’t the outcome any of them had expected from an innocent prank.

Murdoch walked back into the great room and announced quietly, “he’ll be OK. Once the source of the irritation is removed the symptoms soon settle down. Don’t be concerned.”

“When did you first notice this reaction to feathers, Murdoch?” Asked Scott, trying to decide whether he would tease his very secretive brother about this latest tidbit of information.

“When he first started to walk and explore the yard, he discovered the chickens and decided he wanted to collect as many feathers as possible. Unfortunately, every time he went on a feather hunt, he came back with an attack of horrendous sneezing. So, we had to ban him from the chickens and any other feathery creatures that he took a fancy to. He eventually came to realise that it was for his own good and from then on, he gave feathers a wide berth. I imagine he’s more tolerant of them these days as I haven’t noticed any recent attacks, however, sticking one nearly up his nose would undoubtedly test that tolerance,” Murdoch concluded with a glance towards the guilty parties.

Everybody in the room remained silent while they thought about a pint-sized Johnny collecting chicken feathers.

A couple of minutes later Johnny walked back into the room, with slightly red rimmed eyes and a bit of a sniff, but otherwise none the worse for wear. He clapped his hands enthusiastically and declared, “Well, I don’t know why you gals are here and not in town, but who wants to come out to the barn and see the pretty new foal that was born just this morning?”

“Oh Johnny, I’m so sorry about the feather . . .” said Lucy.

“Now, none of that. You weren’t to know. Come on, let’s go see.”

And with that he took both girls by the hand and led them outside to the barn, all the while telling them what to expect from the ‘new baby and her mama’.

“Don’t go rolling in the muck John, or Maria won’t let you sit at the dinner table,” Murdoch shouted after the group of youngsters.

All three laughed and Johnny replied, “yes pa.”

Murdoch and Scott looked at each other and grinned.

“Irrepressible,” they said in unison.

There was a brief pause as both men thought about the many facets of their brother and son.

Murdoch looked at Scott and quite seriously asked, “Do you detect any romantic spark between those two?”

Scott thought hard for a couple of minutes, then replied, “I think Johnny feels that he’s not good enough for Lucy. He’s said as much to Theresa apparently. But I also think that Lucy is not one to jump into anything quickly, even though she’s not immune to my little brother’s charms. Mainly I think that for now they are both just enjoying themselves, rather like adolescents. No strings, no commitments and no pressure. And, as far as Johnny is concerned, I think that’s a good thing. Our dear Theresa would like there to be more to it, but I think that both Johnny and Lucy are happy with the way things are for now.”

Murdoch smiled. “Thank you, son. As always, I trust your opinions, particularly when it comes to your brother.”

“You don’t want there to be any romantic spark for now?” Asked Scott, with a knowing smile.

“I just want Johnny’s life to be as simple and carefree as possible for the time being. I fear he missed out on that when he was a child because he had to grow up far too quickly. Maybe it’s being selfish, but I’m enjoying these glimpses of my adolescent boy.”

Scott nodded in agreement.

---

Thirty minutes later the three young people returned, just in time for dinner.

Maria was just laying out the cutlery on the table and Johnny shouted out to her, “hey mamacita! Loookee! I didn’t let these gals roll in the dirt, and we’ve all washed our hands.” At this all three held up their hands for inspection.

Maria rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath about ‘foolish boys’ but couldn’t hide the smile that her favourite nino’s behaviour had caused.

Murdoch walked up to Johnny and pulled a piece of hay from his hair and grinned. “Let’s all sit down before Maria loses her patience and decides to give our dinner to the hogs.”

Dinner went smoothly with Scott mostly leading the conversation, allowing his brother to concentrate on more important things, such as eating. Ranch business was discussed of course, but not to the point where Lucy felt excluded. She proved able to hold her own when asked her opinion.

As the meal was winding down the topic of conversation inevitably turned to Lucy’s background and Scott asked what business her parents were in.

Lucy smiled and said, “mom and dad owned a small cattle ranch. Nowhere near as big as Lancer of course, but they made a reasonable living.”

“Do you get to see them at all?” Asked Scott.

Lucy’s face fell a little as she answered, “No, they both died in an influenza outbreak five years ago.”

“I’m so sorry,” Scott said sincerely, “that must’ve been very difficult for you. Do you have siblings?”

Again, Lucy looked downcast. “No, mama had a hard time with my birth and couldn’t carry another baby to full term. So, there’s just me and I was too young and inexperienced to take on the ranch after they died.”

“However, you’re now a successful businesswoman in your own right,” said Scott in an upbeat voice, hoping to turn the conversation to happier topics.

“Yes, I was already working in the haberdashery store with Mrs Benson when mom and dad passed away. She was kind enough to allow me to lodge with her until she retired, at which time I was able to buy her out with the money raised from the sale of the ranch.”

At this point Murdoch interjected, “I believe you also took care of Mrs Benson when she became too frail to live on her own up until she passed.”

“It seemed little repayment for all the kindness she had showed me, at a time when I most needed it,” Lucy said with another sad look.

Murdoch nodded. “Very commendable Lucy.”

An uncomfortable silence followed as everybody thought about Lucy’s sad recent history and wondered how she retained such a positive outlook.

“Hey,” said Johnny, making everybody jump slightly, “did you think up a new name for that sweet little filly yet?”

Lucy’s face brightened. “I have a couple of ideas. May I see her again so that I can make a final suggestion?”

Johnny’s smile blossomed slowly. “Sure honey. Let’s go right away and strike while the iron’s hot.”

He turned to Theresa and raised his eyebrows to ask if she also wanted to revisit the barn. A slight shake of her head was the answer, but she took the shawl that was hung over the back of her chair and passed it to her ‘brother’.

“Take this in case it’s chilly out there.” Again, Johnny’s smile confirmed his thanks, and not just for the loan of the shawl.

As the two walked out to the barn Johnny was seen to put the shawl around Lucy’s shoulders and lean down and say something in her ear. Lucy’s expression said that he had said the right thing.

Theresa looked smugly at Murdoch and Scott.

“Whether Johnny wants it, or even knows it, I think those two are becoming good friends,” she said.

“Very astute, young lady,” said Murdoch, “however, don’t feel tempted to try and push your brother where Lucy is concerned.”

“Of course not,” said Theresa, looking hurt at the very suggestion.

---

Out in the barn Lucy looked over the top of the stall, watching the mare and her foal. Johnny sat on a hay bale, watching Lucy watching the mare and foal.

Lucy turned and looked at Johnny. “I don’t really have any ideas for names for the filly, I’m afraid I told a little white lie.”

“Oh?” Said Johnny, waiting and giving her the time and space that he felt that she needed to explain further.

“No. I just needed to get away from the pitying eyes of your well-meaning family. I was feeling overwhelmed by all the talk of my parents,” said Lucy, unsure why she was revealing this, but feeling that she was safe to do so with this man.

“Awww Lucy, that wasn’t pity; that was understanding. Everybody in that room has lost a parent or a wife or a child and they all know what you must’ve gone through, and are probably still going through, because you lost both parents at the same time. I didn’t see pity; I saw admiration for somebody who has been through a hard time and survived. They see a strong gal who neither wants nor needs their pity.”

“Sometimes I don’t feel strong,” Lucy admitted with a slight hitch to her voice.

Johnny stood and put his hand on Lucy’s back, offering her the comfort of his touch, rather than saying anything further.

She looked up into his earnest face with unshed tears in her eyes.

“Oh boy, your eyes sure do look pretty when you’re sad,” he said, hoping to bring a smile to Lucy’s face.

It worked, but it was a sad smile. “And how about when I’m happy?” She asked.

She witnessed that slow smile that signalled she’d asked exactly the right question. “When you’re happy your eyes aren’t just pretty, they’re beautiful.”

Johnny then took a chance and offered Lucy the comfort of his arms. She eagerly took that comfort and stepped into his embrace, placing her own arms around his waist.

She could feel the heat of his skin through his shirt and could smell the soap that he used. As she laid her head against his chest the little triangle of hairs at the neck of his shirt tickled the side of her face. She leaned against Johnny, feeling the hard muscles of his chest and thighs. She knew that this was Johnny’s way of offering her the strength that she felt she lacked.

Lucy lifted her face to Johnny and her expression was open and inviting. Again, the young Lancer took a chance and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

“So,” Johnny said out of nowhere, breaking the spell of the moment, “what was your mama’s name?”

Lucy looked a bit surprised but answered anyway, “Isobel.”

“Ooookay, so what do you think of Bella for the filly’s name?”

Once again tears threatened, but she held them back and with a brilliant smile said, “I think that’s a wonderful idea Johnny.”

“Then it’s settled. Do you think you can go back inside now and face those monsters and their pitying looks?”

Lucy laughed at this, realising how she’d misjudged the Lancer family.

“Definitely.”

---

Back in the great room Murdoch and Scott were reading and Theresa was working on some embroidery. They all looked up as the young couple walked back in via the French doors.

Something was different, they could all tell. Something had transpired between the two people. They both looked happy and at ease. So, whatever it was, it was good.

“So, what name did you decide on?” Asked Theresa, before anybody could get a word in, and reminding everybody of the purpose of the visit out to the barn.

“Bella,” said Lucy and Johnny in unison, then looked at each other and laughed. Yes, something had happened while choosing names for the foal. Theresa’s heart leaped at the possibilities this conjured up.

“Good choice,” said Murdoch, guessing how this name had been decided upon. “Now that that’s been sorted out to everybody’s satisfaction, I think I’ll be off to my bed. I have a new book that I want to get started on. You young folks feel free to stay up a while longer but remember it’s church in the morning before we take Lucy home.”

Goodnights were heard from the four remaining people.

Scott went to the drinks cart and offered everyone a glass of their choice. Johnny had his usual tequila, and the two girls requested a small sherry. Scott took a brandy for himself and handed round the drinks.

“Did you get done what you needed to do with Lucy this afternoon Theresa?” Asked Scott, as always adept at getting conversation started.

“I certainly did,” answered Theresa. To prove her point she reached behind her chair and pulled out part of a dress that she and Lucy had been working on.

“I just couldn’t get the bodice to fit me correctly and I needed Lucy’s expertise to help me get it right. Now that it’s done, I can work on attaching the skirt.”

“You were nearly there Theresa,” said Lucy, “it’s just easier to adjust a garment to a body when that body isn’t your own.”

Theresa laughed, “That’s very true.”

Both Lancer brothers pretended to be interested in dressmaking and tried not to think about the body that would be encased in the fitting bodice. Thoughts such as that would get them killed, or worse, by Murdoch.

“That’s why Lucy came over earlier than planned this afternoon then?” Asked Johnny.

“Yes. I didn’t want her to be slaving over my sewing problem after dinner. That wouldn’t be very relaxing for her. Scott was going into town anyway, so he was able to pick her up as soon as she closed the shop.”

“Good ol’ Boston, huh?” Said Johnny, with a strange look in his eyes. What he was thinking, was that while he was punching stupid cows and stopping stupid cowhands punching each other his sneaky brother was transporting pretty girls around. Somebody got the bum deal there, and he knew exactly who it was!

“Well, you know me brother, always happy to help a pretty girl in her hour of need,” said Scott, rubbing it in only a little bit.

“Uh huh,” was Johnny’s unenthusiastic reply. He delicately touched the bruise under his left eye and tried to look hard done by.

The two girls giggled at Scott’s smug expression and Johnny’s pout.

“How about I beat you at a game of chess then Johnny and we let these lovely ladies have a chance to chat?” Asked Scott, while crossing the room to get out the board.

“Ok, but don’t count your chickens too soon brother,” said Johnny, rising to the challenge. “Despite the many hardships I’ve suffered today, I’m feeling in a winning mood.”

“I don’t know what sort of chess game you’re used to brother, but there’s no chickens in the game that I usually play,” said Scott with a wicked grin.

“Ho, ho, ho,” was Johnny’s reply. “Very droll.”

Soon the girls were enjoying girl talk and the brothers were deeply engrossed in a competitive chess game. The rest of the evening passed pleasantly and quickly.

---

The next morning dawned bright and sunny and after a hearty and noisy breakfast everybody was ready to set off for church.

“Will you be making your usual visit to the mission while we’re at the service Johnny?” Asked Murdoch of his younger son.

“Yessir, and I’ll see you in time to escort Lucy home after lunch,” answered Johnny with a meaningful look at his brother. Today was going to be his day for transporting pretty girls around town, not Scott’s.

“OK son.”

Murdoch knew that Johnny preferred to attend the Catholic service at the mission and help the padre keep the children of the orphanage entertained afterwards. Maria made sure that Johnny took along food for the hungry kids every week, thereby continuing the tradition of Lancer supporting the local community.

Johnny took Barranca and rode alongside the buggy until they reached the town, where he peeled off towards the mission. Taking the food bags from his father he waved his hand and shouted out adios.

Scott caught Lucy watching Johnny ride away and saw admiration in her eyes at the sight of the horse and man moving in such harmony. As always, he felt a slight stab of jealousy for his brother’s natural grace. But it was short-lived. His grace may have been God given, but how he had employed it to further his skills was entirely due to hard work; his prowess with both gun and horse included.

“He cuts a bit of a dash, doesn’t he?” He said to Lucy.

Lucy looked a little embarrassed at being caught staring but smiled and nodded. “Yes, he does.”

Later, after the service and lunch at the hotel, the Lancers returned to the buggy for the journey home.

Sure enough, as he promised, Johnny arrived just in time to walk Lucy to her door.

Lucy said goodbye and thanked everyone, then took Johnny’s arm as he walked her the short distance to her home.

Once there Lucy asked her escort to come in for some refreshment.

“As long as it isn’t that awful sweet tea again,” Johnny laughed.

As Lucy unlocked the door Johnny said, “Are you sure you want to be seen entering your house with the likes of me and no chaperone?”

“I don’t much care what the busy bodies of the town think Johnny and I don’t think my virtue is in any danger from you.”

“Now you’re gonna make me feel all deflated. I thought I had a bit of a reputation with the ladies.”

“You do, but I make up my own mind and form my own opinions about such things,” said Lucy as she opened the door and let Johnny. “And I trust you.”

Well, what could he say to that?

A quiet “thank you” was all he could muster at that moment.

“Take a seat and I’ll put some coffee on.”

As Lucy rattled around in the kitchen Johnny looked round the sitting room. It was nicely furnished and was decorated with examples of the occupant’s handicraft skills. It was homely but not cluttered. There were also some things that looked to have come from Lucy’s ranch. A painting of an unassuming ranch house and a very impressive carved wooden bull took pride of place over and on the mantel.

Johnny took a seat in a chair by the fireplace as Lucy entered carrying a tray with a coffee pot and two cups. The coffee was already poured, and she passed one of the cups to her guest.

Putting the cup to his lips Johnny could smell a strong whiff of alcohol. He paused and looked at Lucy.

“Daddy’s best Irish whiskey, he swore that nothing improved a cup of coffee quite like it,” said the hostess with a smile.

“Well, I like your daddy’s style,” said Johnny, taking a good swig and noticing that the coffee also had sugar in it.

“Irish coffee also has to have sugar,” she said before he could ask.

Nodding his approval Johnny relaxed back into the comfortable chair and directed a piercing look at Lucy.

“I feel a question coming on,” she said.

“What do you know about me Lucy?”

“Do you think I’m an innocent who came down with the last shower of rain?”

“Don’t answer a question with a question, you know what I’m asking,” said Johnny with exasperation.

“I know the story of how you grew up, where you grew up and why you didn’t grow up at Lancer, if that’s what you’re asking.” Lucy answered.

“And how about Madrid?”

“I know what you did for a living Johnny, but I also know that you’ve left that life behind and you’re now a rancher.”

“It isn’t that simple. My reputation and my former occupation attract trouble, and I don’t want you getting caught up in that trouble.”

“So, where does that leave us? Can’t we just take this one step at a time and see where it takes us? We’re enjoying each other’s company, aren’t we?”

Johnny sighed. His attempts to head this girl off at the pass just weren’t working, and if he was honest with himself, he was happy about that.

“Yes, we can and yes, we are,” he said with a smile. “So, can I interest you in dinner on Friday? Pick you up at 7.”

Lucy had to laugh at the speed with which Johnny seemed to switch from trying everything he could to dissuade her from wanting to spend time with him, to asking her out on a ‘date’.

“Yes, you can,” she said simply.

“Good. Now I gotta go or Murdoch will tan my hide for being late for supper or spending too much time behind closed doors with you or any one of a hundred other ‘infractions’ that he can think up.”

“Something tells me you’re a little scared of your father,” Lucy said with a mischievous smile.

“Too darn right I am! And with good reason!!” Said Johnny whilst getting to his feet and heading for the door.

Lucy also stood and went to let her guest out. Before she could open the door, she was captured in Johnny’s embrace and received a rather less chaste kiss than the one in the barn. She returned it enthusiastically.

“Bye. See you Friday,” was Johnny’s parting comment before he hurried down the street to pick up his waiting horse.

Lucy could hardly wait.

---

Johnny caught up with his family just as they were passing under the arch at Lancer.

A couple of hands came out to take care of the horses and, unusually, Johnny decided not to care for his own horse and handed over his reins. Thus, the whole family walked into the great room together.

Theresa disappeared to take over from Maria in the kitchen, allowing the faithful cook and housekeeper to go home to her own family.

The three Lancer men sat down to relax with a drink.

Johnny felt the eyes of his father scrutinising him and waited to hear what he had to say.

Murdoch also waited, hoping his younger son would offer up some details of his afternoon without him having to ask. After a few silent moments the Lancer patriarch knew that wasn’t going to happen and prepared to get blood out of a stone.

“So, son. Did you get Lucy back home safely?” Murdoch said, trying to get the conversation started.

“Yessir.” Was Johnny’s very short reply.

Murdoch sighed. As usual, Johnny was not going to make it easy for him.

“Well, you obviously did more than just walk her to her door, or you would’ve been home sooner.”

Now it was Johnny’s turn to sigh. Other people’s nosiness always got his dander up, even when it was his father’s.

“We drank Irish coffee and talked a bit, that’s all,” said Johnny a little waspishly, making it clear that he didn’t want to elucidate further.

Murdoch took a moment to get his thoughts together.

“John, as your father, I feel I have to ask what your intentions are where Lucy is concerned.”

“Whoa, old man. Intentions? That’s a loaded question, isn’t it?” Replied Johnny, feeling his ire growing and trying not to let it get the better of him.

“I think it’s a fair question son,” said Murdoch, trying to be reasonable and pushing just a little.

“I’m sure you do!”

As father and son started to wind themselves up to a full-scale argument, Scott decided to intervene.

“OK both of you, before we get to pistols at dawn, can I just ask one question of you both which will require a one-word answer?”

Both combatants nodded warily.

“Murdoch, are you in any way implying that Johnny’s conduct with Lucy has been anything but that of a gentleman?” Was Scott’s first question to his father.

“No . . . but.”

“Ah ah, one-word answer, remember? And Johnny, are you seeing the young lady again?”

“Yes,” said Johnny, quite happy to stick to his brother’s rules.

Scott looked quite pleased with himself. “Splendid. I think that’s all we need to know. Now can we stop the posturing and move on?”

Letting go of his rising anger, Johnny nodded and smiled at his brother.

Murdoch felt somewhat defeated in the face of Scott’s logic and decided not to risk any further friction.

“Yes son. As always, we can depend on your calm cool approach. Even though I think your methodology somewhat favours your brother’s standpoint, rather than mine.”

Johnny muttered under his breath about certain people having to have the last word, which earned him a stern look from his father and a bark of laughter from his sibling. Peace reigned again in the Lancer household.

Just then Theresa returned to the great room and announced that dinner was a couple of hours away.

Totally oblivious to the previous conversation, Theresa blurted out, “so when are you seeing Lucy again Johnny?”

With a cool look at Murdoch, Johnny said, “Friday. I’m taking her to dinner.”

“Great!” Said Theresa, not understanding the incredulous look on her guardian’s face or the laughter coming from Scott.

“There’s a lot to be said for the direct approach sir,” Scott said to his father.

“Obviously.” Said Murdoch.

---

On Friday afternoon Johnny rode into town with fresh clothes in his saddlebags and enough time to get a bath and a shave at the barber’s shop. He told his family that he would be staying in town, and he booked a hotel room. That way he didn’t have to worry about getting home late, or more to the point he didn’t have to worry about his family worrying about him getting home late. Considering other people when making plans was a relatively new concept to him but he was getting better at it.

Johnny picked up Lucy promptly at seven and together they walked along to the hotel dining room.

On arrival the manager spotted the couple and hurried over to greet them.

“Good evening, Mr Lancer, Miss Corrigan. Your table is ready.”

With this he led the two young people over to one of the newly installed booths at the rear of the dining room. He wished the couple ‘bon appetit’ and hurried off to greet the next new arrivals.

Waiting on the table was a bottle of wine in an ice bucket and a waiter came over to open it and pour a glass for Johnny. Once he was sure that the wine met with Johnny’s approval he poured Lucy a glass. He then left two menus on the table, saying that he would return for their order shortly.

Johnny and Lucy both picked up their glasses and chinked them together in a silent toast.

Lucy smiled and said, “This is lovely Johnny. Thank you for making these arrangements. You’re making me feel very spoilt.”

Johnny looked a little embarrassed and said, “Well, I’ve been taking lessons from Scott. You know he has so much of that Boston charm, if he could bottle it and sell it, he’d be a wealthy man.”

Lucy’s smile grew wider. “I don’t think you need to borrow any of your brother’s charm. You’ve got plenty of your own.”

“Hey, I’m not fishing for compliments, you know,” Johnny said laughing, and feeling even more embarrassed. “And while we’re on the subject of compliments, you’re looking very lovely tonight, if I may say so.”

“You may. Thank you. Now let’s see what the chef’s special is for tonight,” said Lucy, “I’m starving!”

And that, right there, was what Johnny loved about this girl. She said what she felt and didn’t beat about the bush or put on any airs and graces. You knew exactly where you were with her.

“Me too,” he enthused, picking up a menu and passing one to her.

---

The meal was delicious, and they were allowed to take their time and enjoy the evening to the full.

As the evening ended, and as it was getting late, Lucy commented that Johnny was going to have a long ride home in the dark and asked if he needed a bed for the night.

Johnny’s eyebrows raised as he wondered whether this girl was rather forward, or rather naïve.

At Johnny’s look Lucy explained further, “I’m not suggesting anything improper of course. I have a spare room on the ground floor of the shop, below my living quarters.”

“Well, I thank you for the offer, ma’am, but that arrangement would involve playing with fire in all sorts of ways. Besides which I already have a hotel room booked and have some ranch business to attend to tomorrow morning. Once that business is sorted out, we could have lunch if you’re free.”

“Oh, I usually work through until early afternoon on a Saturday, depending on how busy I am. Could we have dinner again?”

“Awww, no, sorry,” said Johnny. “I’m meeting some of the guys for a beer and probably some tomfoolery in the evening.”

“OK, not a problem,” said Lucy, “I can prepare a snack for you at home, if that’s alright with you.”

“Sure, and thanks for understanding,” said Johnny, relieved that Lucy hadn’t got bent out of shape about him having a boys’ night out. A possessive girl was the last thing he needed.

The evening was quite balmy and the walk back to Lucy’s was pleasant. After making sure that Lucy was inside her door safely Johnny stole a quick kiss and bade her goodnight, not giving her any opportunity to invite him in

---

The next day and its consequences would stay in Johnny’s memory for the rest of his life.

He arrived at Lucy’s shop at three sharp and Lucy let him in through the back door.

The next couple of hours were spent talking, laughing and making fun of the stupid antics of the guys that Johnny was to meet up with. Johnny explained their dumb games and Lucy jokingly questioned whether he would survive until their next planned meeting. It was so easy for them both to tease each other. And when it was time to go, the passionate kisses they shared held the promise of more to come.

Johnny would kick himself later for his decision to spend time with his brainless buddies instead of with a pretty girl who seemed to understand him and his need to keep things light-hearted. He would regret the choice that set him on the path to meet up with Gabe and his blasted sheep. The choice that would end in Lucy’s death just two weeks later.

Lucy proved time and again that she did indeed make up her own mind about the important things in life. She supported Johnny’s promise of help for Gabe, even though she was a ‘cattleman’s daughter’. She declared that it was ‘great’ that Johnny was ‘standing up against the whole town’ and asked to be included in his next trip out to help with the lambing.

How could he have known that Lucy would instantly find Gabe’s peace-loving approach to life so attractive? That she would fall in love with his refusal to fight and his insistence on turning the other cheek, even when it resulted in him getting belted on both cheeks. That she would bond with him while helping the ewes to bring their babies into the world.

He couldn’t, but he should have.

Even though Lucy had shown signs of being more experienced with men than she first appeared, Johnny had courted her slowly and tried to protect her from the bad things in his past. She had fallen hard and fast for Gabe, who made her his woman in a way that Johnny was trying to delay, and who brought his own personal brand of danger to her. A man of peace who, nevertheless, got her killed.

Johnny found he couldn’t fault her for following her heart and he grieved the loss of her young life, even though she had rejected him in favour of another.

Murdoch, Jelly and even the men who had done Porter’s bidding helped clear up the mess that one man’s hate had created. Johnny shamed some of them into becoming sheepmen for a short while.

Gabe had left with barely a backward glance, taking his own grief with him. Johnny wanted to pound him into the ground for what had happened to Lucy but knew it wouldn’t be what she would’ve wanted.

---

Murdoch made sure that Gabe left Lancer land and returned to the hacienda. As he rode into the yard he spied Scott approaching. Both men handed off their mounts then walked into the house together.

Without giving Scott a chance to ask questions Murdoch yelled out to his younger son.

“Johnny, where the devil are you?” He bellowed.

Scott winced and looked up towards the ceiling, expecting loose pieces to fall onto his head.

Murdoch sighed and drew in a breath to yell again when a hand appeared above the winged chair near the fireplace and a soft voice was heard.

“Over here Old Man, and there ain’t nothin’ wrong with my ears.”

The frustrated father wasn’t sure whether to be angry at the insolence or amused. He rolled his eyes and huffed. Scott had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing.

Both men stomped over to stand beside the chair where Johnny was sitting, hidden from their view.

Johnny sat looking totally relaxed. “Hey Scott. You’re back. You missed all the fun.” The last sentence was spoken with bitterness.

Scott put his hand briefly on his brother’s shoulder and said with feeling, “I know, I’m sorry Johnny – about everything. I heard what happened to Lucy while I was in town. The situation should never have gotten out of hand like that.”

Johnny nodded with a sad smile.

The smell of strong coffee and the unmistakable aroma of strong liquor wafted up to register with Murdoch.

“A bit early isn’t it son? The sun’s not over the yardarm yet.”

Johnny looked up at his father with a slightly puzzled expression, started to question the meaning of the phrase, then thought better of it.

“Well, I thought I would raise a toast to Lucy with a drink of her daddy’s favourite coffee. The time felt right. I don’t think it tastes as good as when she made it, but it’ll do.”

Murdoch nodded. “I understand son and I don’t blame you. Now my daddy would say that mixing a decent scotch with anything other than a splash of water is tantamount to sacrilege.”

“Yeah, well, this here is Irish whiskey, so you don’t have to worry about squandering your precious Taliskers.” Said Johnny, with a mischievous expression.

Murdoch smiled and laid his hand on his younger son’s head in a brief show of affection.

“So. Can you spare a cup of this Irish brew for your old man and your brother?”

“Sure,” said Johnny.

Peace of mind about Lucy’s death would be a long time coming, but this invitation to talk it over with his family would start the healing process.

The End
April 2025

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