New Woman In Town

"Chris!Chris!" yelled little Billy Travis. "It's a wagon train! It's a wagon train!"

Chris Larabee exited the saloon and looking over his shoulder saw at least a dozen wagon coming down the main street.

Right behind him Buck Wilmington said, "Well this should be good for business. I wonder if there are any ladies with them that are in need of my attention."

Vin Tanner overhearing this remark said, "Have you ever seen a woman you thought didn't need your attention?"

As the wagons came closer, the lead pulled to a stop and a lovely young woman jumped to the ground. She ran straight into the arms of Chris Larabee who swept her off her feet and spun her in a circle. Both were breathless when the hugging and spinning were finally over. The young woman kissed Chris firmly on the cheek and he returned the favor.

Everyone one of the seven were now on the sidewalk waiting to be intro- duced. Across the street Mary Travis witnessed this performance from the window of the newspaper office.

The young woman still had a strangle hold on Chris's neck and he finally sat her on her feet and broke the embrace.

"Eileen," he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Why," she answered, "I decided I wanted to live closer to you. And since it looks like you have chosen this town to settle in-well here I am! I have bought a house outside of town and brought everything from home to furnish it properly."

Josiah now stepped forward, "I am Josiah Sanchez, welcome to our humble town," he said, kissing her hand.

The other five recited their names like roll call. When Vin said his name the brash young woman stuck out her hand and said, "I am honored to know you, I am Eileen Larabee."

Vin recovered first and said, "How are you related to Chris?"

Chris having recovered from his own shock said, "Gentlemen may I present Eileen Larabee, my sister. Now if you will excuse us we have some talking to do."

Taking her by the elbow he guided Eileen to the restaurant where they both ordered coffee. To his horror he discovered that every one of the twelve wagons belonged to his sister, including eight horses following the train. A vein in his forehead began to thump painfully.

"Well," Eileen began innocently, "You don't expect me to live in frontier squalor do you? When you are ready to have a home again you can have any of Mother and Father things you would like, and you won't have to have them shipped because they will be right here!"

Chris could feel his temples throbbing. Worse yet he could see Mary Travis walking toward the cafe. Mary entered and came directly to their table. Chirs invited her to join them introducing the two women.

"Welcome," Mary said pleasantly. "It's always good to see a fresh face in town."

"RREEAALLY," Eileen replied in an unpleasant tone of voice? "Aren't you the newspaper writer and owner who once wrote that my brother made the streets of this town run red with blood? I'm an advocate of truth in journalism, I find sensationalism to be a terrible bore. Don't you?"

Chris had a full blown headache now and needed a shot of Red Eye and a beer chaser. Mary rose and walked to the door and Chris saw her return to her newspaper office.

Chris turned a stern look on his sister, "Is this how it's going to be?" he asked.

"That woman slandered my brother and until I read a retraction I don't intend to forget it," replied his sister.

"I thought after your husband was killed in the war you would remarry," Chris said.

"Being married to Charlie Hefflefinger was quite enough thank you. I am finished with widowhood and marriage is not an option," Eileen replied.

Chris groaned and said, "Well let's go and get you unpacked. I hope you brought Father's liquor cabinet with you."

"I did," Eileen replied good humor restored. "And you can keep it in your room."

"My room?" Chris said in horror.

"You don't want me to live all alone on the frontier do you?"

END

*

The Larabee House

Eileen Larabee stood in her front yard, hands on hips and surveyed her new property.

The teamsters who came with the wagon train had carried everything that need be into the house. Tomorrow they would begin rennovations that would make the big old house even more livable. How the town would react to the arrival of three Chinese servants should really be amusing. She had forgotten to tell her brother about them also. She smiled as she gave herself the fib. She knew exactly how much she could pile on Chris without snapping his temper. Her own temperament matched that of her brother. Bigger and better fights were to be had when they were children at home together. She turned her head toward the sound of gunfire. This little town certainly had its share of dustups and show downs.

Entering the house she saw her brother standing in his first floor bedrrom.

"I didn't know you were back," she said with a smile.

"I wanted to bring my things from the boarding house," he answered. "I came in through my private entrance after stabling my horse."

"We're having chicken pot pie for supper," she said. "I hope that will do for you. You weren't here to ask."

"Eileen, this won't work if you think you have to keep tabs on me every minute," he said sternly. He looked down at her trying to look stern but it gave way to a laugh.

"I don't feel a need to watch your every move," she replied tartly, "That's why your room has a private entrance. I was thinking, when the work is complete," Eileen began, "We'll have a big party and invite the entire town."

Chris allowed his smiled to broaden knowing she had made at least one enemy in the little town.

"Everyone?" he inquired "Are you sure everyone will accept?"

She looked toward the bed that had been his since childhood. She settled on the edge of a chair that had belonged to their parents.

"When you are ready, and only when you are ready," she said softly, "I have some other things to show you." Chris frowned at his sister until she continued. "Sarah wrote to Mother and Father often," she said. "She sent pictures Adam had drawn along with the letters. There are even a couple of photographs. I would never surprise you with them, tell me when you are ready to see them."

"Thank you for that," Chris said looking toward the kitchen. "What is Buck doing here?"

"Didn't I mention he's joining us for dinner?"

"You know you didn't. What else haven't you mentioned?"

"Well," she said walking toward the door,"Fu Yung and his wife and daughter are arriving tomorrow."

Buck gave his hostess a handful of flowers. His host offered him a drink. Buck was pleasantly surprised at the quality of liquor in the Larabee house. Buck considered asking Chris for permission to call on his sister. He wisely decided the sister made her own decisions and would be offended, and he was right.

They were enjoying the pot pie, the wine and casual dinner conversation. Buck realized Chris was giving his sister strange looks.

Over apple pie Chris gave in to his curiousity. "Who are the people who are arriving tomorrow?"

His sister gave a start of surprise that he would remember something so trivial. "Why our house staff of course," she replied. "More apple pie, Buck?"

Buck and Chris sat on the front porch drinking brandy and smoking fine cigars. Chris was unsure where they came from and was afraid to ask.

"Yes sir," Buck said,"I think the Larabee house is going to be an important addition to this town."

-

Guests and Gunslingers

Eileen Larabee was stepping out of her bedroom closet. She came face to face with her brother who was obviously looking for her.

"Should I ask why you were in your bedroom closet with the door closed and locked from the inside?" Chris asked in a resigned tone of voice.

"Just a quick trip to Tombstone," his sister replied in what she hoped was a casual tone. "I had made some dinner plans there for tomorrow night, and thought it better to cancel."

Chris sat carefully on the edge of her bed his head in his hands. "I thought we agreed you would travel like the rest of us, no more hocus pocus, no more time travel."

"I know you said that," his sister nodded."And I know I pretty much agreed, but it didn't seem fair to stand a person up for dinner when I could explain myself and all would be right."

"We are avoiding a name here," Chris said in a dangerous tone of voice. "It makes me wonder how twelve horses got here so quickly from Indiana. You know," he continued, "Without horses or the men being tired."

His sister smiled uneasily, "Chris, I have learned to use my power for good instead of evil," she said with a smile.

"You have been known to toe a very fine line between the two forces and I always seem to be in the middle."

"Think of it this way, if you hadn't been nosing around in my bedroom we would have no need for this conversation."

"Please," her brother pleaded, "Please be careful and discreet."

"I always am," she replied huffily.

"Last night at supper Buck asked you if you had ever used a gun. You replied, yes I have an automatic with one in the chamber and fifteen in the clip. It's with me at all times. Thank God he wasn't really listening."

"He would have had no idea anyway," she said with more confidence than she was feeling.

"He had no idea what you were talking about, thank God," Chris agreed, relief showing in his voice but Chris was not put off that easily. "We are avoiding a name here," he said. "Who did you see in Tombstone? Was he disappointed when you canceled your evening with him?"

"Yes, he was disappointed, but I told him I moved here to be closer to you and he understood. His own family is not always as warm and welcoming. He is going to come here for a visit when he finishes some business in California."

Now minor annoyance became true panic. He jumped up and actually yelled. "Tell me you did not invite Johnny Ringo to come here!"

Eileen smiled sweetly and swept past him on her way to the kitchen, "And I know you will be the perfect host."

-

The New Arrival

Chris hitched Roundtop to the buggy and drove to the front of the house. His sister was standing impatiently on the front porch. Instead of waiting for his assistance, Eileen Larabee scrambled into the buggy and looked at her brother expectantly.

"The stage isn't due for twenty minutes and is almost always late," he told her.

"Not today," she replied. "They have had a very smooth trip and will arrive on time if not a couple of minutes early."

"I have asked you not to do that," Chris reminded referring to her ability to see and travel into the future.

"So harmless, just making sure the coach is on time," Eileen said sweetly. "You hate waiting around so it's really to your benefit that I took a little peek."

Chris sighed and gave up the fight. The buggy behind the spirited mare rooled smoothly over the dirt road and into town. Chris jumped down as Buck came out of the saloon.

"What are we doing?" he asked.

"We are waiting for the stage, I think it will be on time if not a few minutes early," Chris replied.

"What are you thinking about Pard?" Buck asked, "That stage is almost always late."

"Not today," his friend replied, "Do you want to bet a dollar?"

"You got yurself a bet," Buck stated tipping his hat to his friend's sister.

There was the sound of hoof beats and then stage burst into view. It was a full ten minutes early. Eileen tried to shoot a stern look at her brother but was too amused to bother.

"Keep your money," Chris told Buck. "Learn to trust me."

Buck was more than a little relieved. A dollar was an entire day's wages.

"I hope your visitor is as lovely as your sister," Buck said hopefully.

"Don't even hope," Chris said ruefully.

Three women were helped from the stage. They were followed by a tall handsome man. He wore a navy blue suit so dark it looked to be black and a snowy white shirt. The stage shot gun handed down his luggage and was given a coin for his trouble. Eileen Larabee ran straight into the arms of the newcomer and kissed him soundly on the cheek. Buck was speechless. The editor of the Clarion newspaper was watching from the window and withdrew in shock. Eileen turned to her brother and his friend.

"Chris, my Brother and his friend, Buck Wilmington. May I present Johnny Ringo?"

The three had a slow buggy ride back to the house with Chris and Eileen pointing out various landmarks. Fu Yung's wife had set the dining room table with china and silver that had been in the Larabee family for generations. John was shown to his room by Fu Yung who took over the unpacking.

The gunslinger joined Chris on the front porch for a quick drink before dinner. Already Chris was impressed with the man he had been prepared to dislike.

Dinner itself was filled with chatter from his sister about the school she was planning to build on the vacant lot beside the house.

Chris realized that Johnny Ringo was a gifted listener. He never interrupted. His gaze never left the face of the person speaking. He made intelligent observations and asked good solid questions. Later his sister was helping put the dining room and kitchen to rights. Chris again found himself on the front porch with Johnny Ringo. Each Had a brandy and a good cigar.

"You aren't what I expected," Chris blurted out.

Johnny threw his head back and left go a blast of honest laughter. "Did you expect me to come off the stage guns blazing, women passengers outraged and ready for a fight? If so I am sorry to disappoint you."

Chris shook his head thinking the man knew exactly what he was thinking. Again he revised his impression. Eileen joined them on the porch and they talked comfortably until bedtime.

Johnny opened his window to catch some of the night breeze. He was asleep when his head hit the pillow. It was hours later when he heard someone stirring in his room. He reached under the pillow beside him for his gun.

And Eileen Larabee was there.

-

Getting Ready for the Big Night

The men ate a hearty breakfast. Dressed in work clothes belonging to Chris, Johnny Ringo followed along. Most guests weren't asked to clean stables or muck out stalls. John Peters Ringo was from Indiana like the Larabees and never shirked a job. Chris had to smile to himself as they and the stable hands worked to put the huge barn to rights. John Ringo had a reputation as a dandy not a stable worker. More rearranging of opinion on Chris' part.

The work was strenuous and there was little time for talk. This suited John just fine. It gave him time to think about Eileen Larabee and the night they had just spent together.

He thought he would never love again. When the person he thought was the love of his life died during the war he thought that part of his life had died with her. But Eileen was different. He knew he loved her. He knew as soon as he took her into his arms that this was the woman in whose arms he wanted to die.

He was honest with himself. He knew a permanent relationship was not a consideration. He felt history closing in on him. He knew the time for men like himself was coming to a close. These thoughts brought a dull ache to his head that moved to his heart. Someone rang the bell for dinner around noon. The stable hands moved toward the tables laden with food in front of the bunkhouse. It was groaning with food and buckets of beer.

He and Chris walked to the front of the house where still another table was adorned with the makings of a fine dinner.

Chris said wryly, "I am thinking someone doesn't want us in the house."

John laughed and agreed.

Eileen was coming down the stairs with a bowl of potato salad in her hands. She suddenly froze and seemed to be listening intently. Chris nearly groaned aloud. John noticed, listened but couldn't hear anything out of order. Chirs could hear the blood coursing through his own veins. He could hear the blades of grass crashing together in the light summer breeze. He could hear his own breathing. He knew his sister was using her power to mind someone else's business.

As she walked toward the table Eileen said, "I thought I'd forgotten something."

Looking at the table laden with food John could not imagine what could have been left behind.

Nathan and Josiah came down the road from town and were invited to stay.

"It interests me how you show up when the work is done," Chris stated.

Josiah and Johnny got into a conversation about being brought up in families where strict obedience to religion was the order of the day. They had many experiences to compare and shared much laughter as they talked about the scrapes they had gotten into. Again Chris noticed that John Ringo had a minute for everyone. He valued their opinions. Listened to their fondest dreams which were related to the handsome man without hesitation.

When they finished their lunch and a bucket of beer Josiah and Nathan left for the short ride back into town.

Chris and John gathered clean clothing and walked to the bath house. Eileen could hear them singing an off key rendition of "Dixie" as they soaked in the tubs. She sat in a rocking chair on the front porch and turned her inner vision toward town.

In the Clarion newspaper office the daily edition was rolling off the press. On the front page was a scathing story about Johnny Ringo. It also questioned the good sense of the Larabees who invited him to their town.

Mary hung the papers to dry the ink. This done she put the pages together and went into the street to distribute the daily edition. Buck coming out of the saloon took the papers from her as he often did and gave them to people on the street. He had one left when he came running back to Mary.

"Here you go Mrs. Travis, one left for you."

It was then Mary looked at the front page article. It welcomed John Ringo to their town. It mentioned a generous donation to the school fund the Larabees were raising. It also invited the entire town to a barn dance that very evening.

Mary stood rooted to the spot. This could not be. She hit Buck on the arm with the newspaper and ran toward her office. She looked at the type she had set to print the paper. Sure enough it welcomed John Ringo to town.

At the Larabee house Eileen Larabee was watching this with some amusement through her mind vision.

"So blondie, come to the party tonight. Bring your kid that you use so often to get my brother's attention. The best is yet to come."

-

Swing Your Partner

The afternoon of the Larabees party a wagon train rolled into town. The travelers were grateful and excited to be included in the huge party. The stores in town did a bustling business as the people from the train restocked and had their animals tended.

At the Larabee home Eileen had become something of a whirl wind. Mounds of food were awaiting the guests. All manner of meat was being barbecued. The house was set to order. Upstairs Casey and her Aunt were getting ready for the festivities. They had decided to stay with Eileen and Chris for the afternoon and night rather than travel back and forth to their own home. Eileen had found a lovely peach colored dress for Casey and soft flat shoes to wear instead of her usual boots. The shoes made her fell light footed and feminine. The dress was made for a princess with a scooped neckline with real lace edging.

A third woman was also preparing for the party. This guest came only through the insistent urging of Eileen Larabee. She had spent an good half hour in lemon verbana scented water and felt deliciously clean and fragrant. For Maria of Purgatory, all of these riches were new and she was grateful to Eileen Larabee for including her in the event. She would also be wearing a silk dress, white sprigged with green leaves and purple lilac. She was wearing green velvet dancing slippers. her hair washed and brushed until it glowed was arranged on top of her head.

Eileen could hear the band tuning up in the barn. Magically all of the little brown bags of sand holding candles were lit. There were lanterns strung through the trees. Chris still didn't know how they got there but he did have an idea. John Ringo was helping Chris and Ezra take chairs and sofas from the house to sit outside. The porch was crowded with rocking chairs and small side tables.

Ezra's Mother was expected. Chris had made Eileen absolutely promise she would never get into a card game with Ezra. Eileen gave her word and had every intention of keeping her deal with her brother. She didn't want to give him too much strain. He was getting a surprise tonight anyway. He didn't know Maria was there.

As often happens at parties, one minute the house was empty the next it was full of people. Women dropping off food they had brought in the kitchen. Children chased each other across the wide lawn. The band struck up a tune in the barn and then it was twilight and people were dancing. Everyone stopped to watch the huge round harvest moon come up.

Johnny Ringo danced with Mrs. Potter, just recently out of mourning, and had her laughing like a girl. Breathless they went to the drink table together. Mrs. Potter told him about her store and her husband who was killed. She also told him rather shyly that business had improved since she had begun ordering supplies for the little store. The handsome gunslinger assured the woman that her husband would be proud. He congratulated her on her insight and industry.

Chris came to them slyly, "Be careful, Mrs. Potter, he has some of that Southern charm after all; he's from Southern Indiana."

He looked toward the house as a strange woman came out and ascended the front steps. Strange yet there was something about her. He hurried toward the building to give Maria his arm. He had never seem her looking so beautiful. They began to dance the Harvest Moon Waltz gliding effortlessly over the flooring of the barn. He felt entranced. He knew who she was and how she survived in Purgatory. But tonight she was every inch the lady. And an exciting one for all of that. He tried to catch his sister eye but Eileen was dancing with Johnny Ringo and they were having a whispered conversation.

Casey and her Aunt came outside next. There Aunt looked regal and happy. Casey looked young, fresh and excited. JD couldn't believe his eyes when he saw her. Josiah took care of Aunt Nettie and Ezra offered his arm to Casey. He didn't ge the entire way to the barn before JD claimed his girlfriend.

Buck was talking to Mary Travis who also looked lovely in blue and Rain was there from the Indian village much to the delight of Nathan.

People from the wagon train kept introducing themselves. Finally they just gave up and danced and ate barbecue with everyone else. Their children mixed well with the children of the town.

Some of the men from the James ranch came. At first Chris and Buck exchanged looks over this but the men were so courteous and well behaved there was no complaint. They danced with every available woman. Stood and talked with the men and were within the first half hour a part of the party.

Buck finally got a dance with Inez and the two spun merrily around the floor in time to the lively music. Inez even laughed at some of Bucks more suggestive ideas. They ate barbecue and drank a beer together.

Eileen Larabee keep her mind vision open on watch for just one thing. She was afraid someone would get drunk and challenge Johnny Ringo but so far there were not signs of confrontation. By ten o'clock Chris Larabee had still not danced with Mary Travis. The lady was not above mentioning this to Josiah. Josiah found himself on the spot. He would not give away Maria's identity. He was a strong believer in second chances. Mary on the other hand was his friend.

"I have no answer for you," he stated.

"Thank you for listening," she replied as she again prepared to dance with Ezra.

People began to pack up around 10:00PM. children were carried to wagons and the wagon trains group angled their wagons closer to the house at the invitation of the Larabees. Their horses would get good grooming and feed in the Larabee stable once it was free of dancers. They were invited to breakfast at the Larabee home. Even the men from the James ranch took their leave politely and quietly.

Eileen stayed in her own bed that night thinking about the party. The house was full and it felt family-like and good. But soon she heard a stirring in her room. Johnny Ringo slipped between the sheets of her bed and took her into his arms.

It was not until the next morning when it was discovered the bank had been robbed during the party.

-

Farewells and the Bank Job

The town awoke to the news of the bank robbery. The new Bank Manager was in the old sheriffs office banging his fist on the desk and demanding action from the seven. He was demanding prompt action. He wanted Johnny Ringo arrested immediately. Chris narrowed his eyes at this demand. He knew John Ringo hadn't been away from the house at all yesterday. He had never been absent for even a moment. Cyrus Gleason demanded that the wagon train be detained and all of the wagons searched. As new Bank Manager he wanted no stone left unturned.

Vin Tanner doubted the money would be found in any of the wagons. He voiced this opinion only to be shouted down by the Bank employee. Vin saw no reason to delay the people in their journey. He had even hoped they would decide to stay in the area. Being accused of bank robbery did not make people feel welcome.

JD arose from the chair behind the desk and announced he would go to the telegram office. He wanted to see the outgoing and incoming telegrams from the past week.

Josiah decided to ride out to the James ranch and ask a few questions there. Nathan decided to go with him.

Ezra said he was sorry this happened the way it did. The party had been excellent for the town and this would certainly spoil the memory. Buck Wilmingon said he'd go over the telegrams with JD. After which they would ride to the Royal Ranch. None of the ranch hands from the Royal Ranch had attended the party and Buck found that interesting.

The stage burst into view and all of the men watched it coming down the Main Street. It stopped in front of the hotel. Maude Standish was one of the first people to get out.

"Dear God," said Ezra, "Am I to be spared nothing this morning?"

Chris said he wanted to go home and talk to Eileen. If the men thought this strange at the beginning of a bank robbery investigation no one said anything.

Eileen was sitting on a rocking chair on the front porch. Her brother took the chair beside her,his hat in his hand.

"The Bank Manager wants to blame Johnny," he stated flatly.

"I wish that were a surprise."

"He is also demanding the wagons all be checked before they are permitted to pull out."

"The money isn't in any of the wagons, you can let them go," his sister stated.

"You know this for sure," Chris quizzed.

Eileen glanced at him and nodded, "I checked every one of them."

"What am I supposed to tell people?" Chris asked. "That you took your mind vision on a little trip through all of their personal belongings?"

JD and Buck got down from their horses in front of the house and approached the two on the porch.

"The telegrams are clean, not a hint of anything out of order."

Johnny Ringo then joined them in their discussion. "Am I your number one suspect?"

It was JD who spoke up, "No you are not, but I admit we checked you out."

Johnny Ringo just nodded in sad understanding.

"Cyrus Gleason, the Bank Manager tried to pin it on you, but it didn't work."

"Cyrus Gleason" Johnny repeated the name,"I know that name from somewhere."

At the Royal Ranch the men were honestly surprised, then insulted at being questioned. Josiah and Nathan rode back toward town with none of their questions answered.

In the saloon Maude was sitting at a table looking for a game. She was amazed at the news of the bank robbery. She insisted it had to be an inside job. Ezra arrived and joined them at Maude's table but Vin wanted to hear more of Maude's opinion.

"Was the safe opened using explosives?" Maude inquired. "How did they get into the bank itself?"

Vin got up from the table and said, "Let's go talk to Chris."

They all mounted and rode to join the others on the porch of the Larabee Home.

By this time Eileen Larabee had located the stolen money and was trying to get her brother away from the group without being too obvious. They all looked up to see Maude Standish coming toward them in a buggy driven by Mary Travis. The two women rushed on to the porch.

"I was just having the most delightful conversation with Mrs Travis when she mentioned the name of your new Bank Manager", Maude said sweetly. "Am I correct in that Cyrus Gleason has taken a position in the bank in this town?"

Ezra rolled his eyes,"Mother, get to it."

"You are such an ungrateful child," Maude said tartly. "You men should look through your wanted posters. That very scoundrel is wanted in Missouri for dipping his hand into the cookie jar at a bank he managed in Jefferson City."

Chris glanced at his sister who blinked twice and returned his look. Chris knowing their childhood signal rose to his feet. "Time for another chat with Mr. Gleason."

Everyone took their leave except Johnny Ringo and Eileen Larabee. They sat rocking quietly and drinking lemonade. Johnny looked at Eileen very tenderly and said in a low voice, "This is how it would always be you know. I would always be blamed first. Not to mention the gunslingers who would come looking for me for no good reason."

Eileen who knew his thoughts turned to him and took his hand in hers. "I will always love you. I will look for Johnny Ringo in every man I meet. Know that when you leave you are taking part of my heart with you."

"I never thought I would love again. You have been a complete surprise, your family, the town. Everyone so accepting, I hate to leave it, I do."

"I will never forget you. Maybe one day you will ride this way again."

"I am on my way to Texas first thing in the morning, and I can't make you promises."

"We will have one more night together," Eileen said firmly."Don't let's waste it."

-

Say Good-bye

The heat that July was making everyone testy. Chris Larabee sat at the kitchen table eating breakfast. He was expecting another scorcher of a day. His sister, Elieen was at the cookstove and had been quiet in a sad sort of way for well over a week. Chris was almost afraid to ask what was wrong. She put coffee beside his plate and offered more bread. Eileen baked fresh bread every morning in the way their Mother had.

"Are you going to make me suffer your silence for another week or are you going to tell me what is going on?"

Gazing through the kitchen window Eileen could see Mary Travis coming toward the house. "Here comes the town crier," she said resignedly. "I think you are about to find out."

Chris rose and looked to see Mary Travis now opening their gate. The news must be important to give Mary the nerve to show up here without an invitation.

"Be nice," he said flatly.

"Hello Mary," Eileen said, opening the door for their guest. "Have a cup of coffee."

Without waiting for a reply Eileen poured a steaming cup for Mary and moved the cream and sugar within her reach,

"I am afraid I have some bad news," she said earnestly."I hate to be the one to tell you this but I thought it better than to just let you read it in today's edition."

Chris did not glance at his sister who was standing stoically beside the table. Whatever the news was he knew Eileen was well aware of it.

"Tell us," Chris said trying to encourage Mary to talk before Eileen tired of her and said something terrible.

"It's about Johnny Ringo," she began. "I know you were friendly with him so this is very hard."

"Go on," Chris demanded.

"It came over the telegraph that Johnny Ringo was found dead in Galeyville."

Eileen put her hand on the cameo broach at the neck of her dress. Her face turned a little pale. Chris knew darned well she was not surprised. Mary went on to tell what was supposed to be the nature of John's death. She grew more excited as she spoke thinking of the afternoon edition and how this news would be received by the town. Mary finally got up from the table to take her leave. Eileen thanked her for coming to tell them the news. She reached to touch Eileen's arm but the look in Eileen Larabee's eyes made her withdraw her hand without making contact. Standing behind his sister Chris put his hands on her shoulders as soon as Mary was out the door and out of ear shot.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he inquired.

"I wanted some time alone with it," his sister replied.

"Can't you be friendlier to Mary?" he asked.

"No, she's too smart. How would I be able to hide the vision and time travel on a permanent basis?"

"I can understand that."

"I had hoped to have John's child, but as it happens, I am not pregnant."

Chris gave her the look that said he was getting to much information.

"I just didn't realize the last time he left it really was good-bye."

-

Kissing Cousins

Eileen Larabee was sitting on the front porch swing. To the outward eye the young woman was sewing. Indeed the needle was fairly flying in and out of the fabric stretched across hoops. Her mind however was somewhere else.

The towns people had been so kind about the death of Johnny Ringo. The Saturday after it was announced people came to the house carrying food and bringing heartfelt condolences.

Eileen was impressed that the people in this small town had taken Johnny for the way they knew him. They did not judge him by things they had heard and not seen for themselves. More than one person had declared they knew the real Johnny Ringo and would never forget him.

But now a real problem was brewing. One that could take Chris away and possibly get him killed.

She brought herself back as the front gate opened and closed. Her tall handsome brother was walking toward the porch. She could understand why women fell in love with him before he opened his mouth. She knew one other man like this and that was their brother Jasper. And Jasper was part of the problem. It wasn't of his making but it was going to be a problem.

Her brother sat on a rocking chair and looked at her with concern.

"How are you today?" He smiled at her knowing the death of Johnny Ringo had given her a bad shock.

"We have a problem," she began as her brother groaned. She continued as if he hadn't made a noise. "Jasper is in jail and is going to be hung if we don't do something quickly."

Chris felt shock waves going over his body. He and his younger brother looked so much alike people took them for twins. Even in the Indiana town where they grew up people sometimes forgot the Larabee brothers were not twins.

"Jasper had some wander lust to deal with after the war," Chris stated. "I was hoping he wouldn't have any trouble."

"The war was hard enough on him."

"He is being held in your name in a little town called Sweet Springs, Missouri. The owner of a plantation and horse farm is making the charges stick. The owner's wife is being especially vile. It's the Withrow Plantation."

"Hold on here," her brother interrupted, "I know Todd Withrow. I worked for him when I was first moving west from Indiana. The Withrows are a wonderful family."

"Todd Withrow has married. His blushing bride is none other than his first cousin-Elenore Gainesbourgh, also known as Ella Gaines. She thinks she has you under lock and key and ready to be hung."

Chris thought he was going to jump out of his skin. "Judge Travis is in town, I'll ask him to send a telegram to Missouri and at least hold off the hanging." Chris was running out of the yard before his sister could say another word.

"Ella dear," thought Eileen, "You will face the wrath of my brother. But it is nothing compared to what I will put you through first."

In her bedroom suite at Withrow Plantation, Ella Gaines Withrow was redoing her hair for dinner. As she brushed she noticed more hair than usual on her brush. Turning her head she saw a bald spot the size of a two cent piece.

-

All's Fair

Chris Larabee left home so quickly he forgot to take his horse. He was striding toward town as fast as his legs could take him. He was fuming every step of the way. His sister Eileen was giving him messages through mental telepathy. He hated it when she did that.

"Chris, you tell the Judge I had a letter from a friend in Missouri who told me Jasper had been arrested."

"The Judge will want to know where you got your information."

"Also Jasper is fine. I have given him word that help is on the way. He is accused of taking three horses from the Withrow Plantation. I have located the animals and Todd Withrow will have them back this afternoon."

Chris felt himself calming just a little. Looking in the windows of the newspaper office, Chris did not see the Judge. He found him sitting in the saloon talking to Buck Wilmington. Both looked up expectantly when he came storming through the doors. Chris sat down and began to tell his story. Both men sat up a little straighter when Ella Gaines name was mentioned. The Judge left immediately for the telegraph office.

Buck looked at his friends who looked ready to chew nails. "Well, pard," Buck said, "We have almost have her. Will there be a trial here or in Missouri?"

"I don't know," Chris answered suddenly exhausted. "I wish Hank Connelly were still alive. I wish he were right here to share this day with me."

Buck leaned back in his chair and smiled. "Now there is a statement I thought I'd never hear you make."

Chris smiled ruefully. "Things change, life keeps on going."

Josiah came over to their table. "How is your sister doing? I have thought of her often since Johnny Ringo died. He was an interesting man, and I'm glad I got a chance to know him."

Chris and Buck brought Josiah up to date on the latest news. Josiah nodded his head and looked at Chris with a question in his eyes. "Do you think Ella will hang?"

Before Chris could answer the Judge rejoined the group. "As it happens, the horses were found this afternoon and your brother has been released. From what I understand he is headed here."

Buck threw back his head and laughed. "Three Larabees in one town? I don't know if the gentle folks of this village are ready for it." But Judge Travis remained serious.

"I am going to Missouri right away. I will be meeting the circuit judge there and we will then publish a warrant for the arrest of Ella Gaines. I am afraid if she hears we have found her she will bolt."

******

Meanwhile at Withrow Plantation, Elenore Withrow was cutting flowers for her dinner table centerpiece. She carried a half round basket over one arm as she chose the finest blooms for her table. Elizabeth Withrow walked beside her chatting and helping find suitable blooms. They disturbed a flock of doves which took immediately to the Spring sky. One of them dropped his load (blueish white from eating early foxgrapes) and it landed partly on Ellas cheek the rest dripping down onto her blouse. Ella screamed in outrage dropping her basket of flowers ran toward the house.

Chris Larabee walking home from the saloon was given this picture via his sister's mind vision. He had to smile inwardly knowing Ella was a stickler for cleanliness. Arriving home he found his sister where he'd left her on the front porch swing. He tried to give her a look of consternation but couldn't supress a smile.

Dinner that night was a lively affair. The Larabees were joined by Ezra and Nathan. Chris still had a haunted look in his eyes that Eileen had not seen for a long time. The men went outside to have cigars and brandy.

At Withrow Plantation in Missouri a fine meal was presented to the Mayor of Sweet Springs and his wife. Servants offered their employers wild duck and smoked ham and a variety of vegetables. Wine glasses were not permitted to be empty. Only young Elizabeth was restricted to one glass and she almost never finshed that before becoming drowsy.

It happened just before dessert was served. Everyone was relaxed and praising the meal. The hostess shifted slightly in her chair. She placed a delicate hand to her bosom. Then seemingly unable to help herself she left out a drawn out burp worthy of any sailor on shore leave. The noise seemed to go on forever.

Ella, red faced, rose from her chair and excused herself from the table saying she was unwell. Her shocked guests rose as she hurried from the room. After some time her husband and little Elizabeth came to her suite to find Ella now free of corset and stays sitting in her bed staring into space. She assured them she was feeling much better and just needed some rest.

It was about one hour later that Ella decided to use the privy before trying to go to sleep. It was dark and she carried a candle to the outhouse. The privy had two holes and was constructed of brick and wood. The place for sitting was wooden. The hole beneath it nearly twelve feet deep. She loathed the smell in the little building but there was no alternative.

She pulled up her wrapper and nightgown and settled herself on one of the holes. The next thing she remembered hearing was the sound of cracking wood.She grabbed a crossbar on the wooden hall with one hand and one behind her with the other hand as the wooden seat benath her fell into the hole.

She screamed for Todd and bent her legs over the remaining front of the seat. Her bottom and most of the weight of her body was going downward. She didn't know how long she could hold on. She screamed again.

Elizabeth got there first. "Todd! Todd", she screamed running toward the barn! "Ella is falling down the privy."

Ella both wanted Elizabeth to find her brother and at the same time wished she wasn't so loud about her predicament.

She could hear the footfall of running men. Todd jerked open the door and grabbed her by the front of her wrapper pulled her free of the ruined seat. She was shaking in horror but unhurt as her husband held her in his arms. Her legs were too weak to hold her. As he carried her back to the house it happened. Todd and Elizabeth began to laugh. Gale upon gale of loud honest laughter.

Todd sat her on her feet in time to get his face slapped. She knew better than to hit Elizabeth. She ran upstairs for the second time that night to change her clothing.

Eileen Larabee and both brothers watched this incident. Jasper had stopped for the night at a little inn after finding $20.00 in his pocket. Eileen turned to Chris. "You are still down."

Chris said, "Just don't hurt her. I have been thinking that her hanging won't bring Sarah and Adam back to me. I do want her punished and I think if she were in a prison for the rest of her life it might be better than hanging. You, by the way told me you would use your powers for good instead of evil."

Eileen looked at her brother and smiled slowly, drawing out her next words, "It is good, big brother, it's real good."

-

Coming Home Eileen

Jasper Larabee had been riding for several days. Mostly he just listened to his sister and brother's voices in his head. He was exhausted from his trip to jail and the uneasy flirtation with a hangman's noose he had just experienced. He knew that he would turn a corner and when his sister deemed the time to be right he'd be moving toward home.

Even knowing this it came as a shock when it happened. To see the old house in the distance. It looked as much like their parents home as Eileen dared to make it. He felt bleary eyed and tired. Chris reached up to help him down and Eileen was hugging them both. Chris led him around the side of the house toward the bathhouse. His big brother was laughing and nearly crying at the same time. Jasper settled into the tub of water. He rested his head against the rim of the tub.

"Just tell me one thing," he asked Chris, "How in the name of all that's Holy did you get mixed up with that witch?"

"I have never been sorrier for any acquaintance in my life." Chris hung his head and told his brother of his relationship with Ella. The crazy days before meeting Sarah when he was a young wild and woolly man.

He told his brother of Sarah and their life together. They talked about the week Jasper stayed with them when Adam was two years old. He told Jasper of Sarah and Adam's death and the role Ella played in the story that unravelled so slowly.

"I can't imagine Todd Withrow actually married her," Chris stated."

Jasper looked at him slightly amused, "As it happens he didn't." Chris nodded for him to continue. "They are holding a man in the jail in Missouri, apparently a person in Ella's employ. He has pretended to be a doctor."

"Tall thin fellow?" Chris interrupted.

"Yes, well he also pretended to be a travelling preacher for Ella. "He married Todd and Ella. In fact Ella alllowed him to marry several people in that community, all of whom have found, including Todd, that they are not married at all. Todd is actually rejoicing."

"I bet he is," Chris said flatly. "Todd is a great person and certainly deserved better than he got."

"I understand there is a young lady in the neighborhood who is ready to forgive if not forget."

"Where is Ella now?" Chris asked cautiously.

"No worries, she is under lock and key at Withrow," Jasper answered.

Chris felt a shiver go down his spine and his eyes widened. "That is not good enough," he exclaimed.

Jasper looked at him in shock as Chris ran out the door. Almost immediately the door opened and Chris's head came around the edge of the door. "Get dressed,we have to take a ride. Through time."

Jasper groaned and did as he was told. He walked into the kitchen and sat down to the dinner Eileen had prepared for them. Chris came from his bedroom completely dressed in black. He was too wound up to eat.

Their horses were being brought to the front of the house, packed for the ride ahead of them. The stableman hitched them and returned to the barn. Eileen stood in the kitchen with her arms folded across her chest. "What exactly do you think you are going to achieve?"

*******

Eileen allowed them to ride for over a day before moving them forward to a pleasant grove of trees outside Sweet Spring, Missouri.

The two men couldn't help but grin at each other as they rode into town. One of the first people to greet them was Judge Travis.

"I am glad to see you two," he said after being introduced to Jasper. "I will need some help in transporting the prisoner back to Eagle Bend for trial."

"We'll be here for you," Chris replied, "Count on it."

All three turned at the sound of a horse coming full gallopp down the street. Todd Withrow drew to a stop near the three men. He shook hands with all three apologizing to Jasper once more for having him arrested.

Todd looked at his old friend Chris Larabee. "And you Chris, what can I ever say to you for all Ella has done? I feel ashamed in your presence."

Chris merely shook his head knowing Todd his old friend and employer knew he held no grudge against him.

Todd swallowed and blurted out, "Ella is missing. She wasn't in her room when Elizabeth and I took her dinner to her at noon."

All three men jumped on horses. They rode toward the plantation keeping watch beside the road for tracks or movement.

"There are no horses missing from the stables," Todd stated.

They rode across the driveway at Withrow Plantation and a stable hand took their horses. In the mind's of Chris and Jasper a voice was whispering, "She's under the old slave quarters, the entry hole is hidden by a lilac bush. She and Elizabeth hid there during the slave uprising."

Chris stood in his stirrups and said, "I remember Elizabeth telling me once how she and Ella hid under the old slave quarters during the uprising. It can't help to check there now."

And that is how Ella Gaines, dressed to travel, satchel in hand,came to be dragged through the mud by her ankles by the man she loved most in the world.

-

Return to Eagle Bend

Ella thought she was in hell when she saw the look on Chris Larabee's face. The other person was there too, Jasper, looking enough like his brother to be his twin. And Todd with Elizabeth in the background. Her mind was whirling. Her clothing was covered with mud. One stocking was torn from being dragged so unceremoniously from beneath the slave cabin.

Chris was being careful not to touch her again. He was afraid he would wring her neck. Elizabeth had her hands to her mouth in horror.

Ella wrenched herself free from the sheriff's hold and tried to slap Elizabeth. She was sure Elizabeth had told where to find her. She was grabbed by not too gentle hands and half dragged, half carried to an enclosed carriage. She was handcuffed to the carriage door. Her ankles were bound in chains. A woman she had met years before stepped from the darkness. At first she thought she was seeing Sarah Larabee but she soon recognized Eileen Larabee. She was horrified and panting from her first thought just as Eileen knew she would be.

"I will ride in the carriage with Miss Gaines," Eileen volunteered. Eileen turned a look on Ella so vile that Ella actually cringed. "I think a woman should be along for the journey to Eagle Bend."

Judge Travis nodded and agreed. "It's a long trip are you ready for it?"

Eileen looked at him with calm sweetness, "I have been ready for it for years."

Noting the quick change from vile looks to sweetness, Ella thought of her own mood swings. And now she was truly horrified.

Chris and Jasper took their sister by the upper arm and pulled her aside. Before they opened their mouths Eileen stated, "If she is riding with men she could made terrible accusations and there are people who would believe her."

Jasper spoke next,"Do not hurt her."

Eileen turned to her brothers with a smile so sweet it sent a shiver down their spines. "I won't lay a hand on her, I promise." She then hurriedly climbed into the coach and took the seat across from Ella.

Eileen focused her gaze on Ella. A tiny tight smile was on her lips. Ella tried to stare her down but the woman held her gaze. The woman didn't blink! Ella finally turned her head toward the window.

Ella was coated with mud from head to toe. Eileen stayed with her thoughts and was appalled to learn that Ella still had not given up on Chris. With Chris in mind, Ella began to shake dried mud from her clothing. The dirt was going everywhere. Some of it landed on Eileen's dress and shoes. The floor of the coach was soon covered with mud flakes and dust. Ella didn't care who else or what else she dirtied. Finally satisified Ella leaned her head against the wall of the coach and tried to nap.

When she awakened forty-five minutes later all of the mud was back on her clothing, shoes and skin. There was none on the floor of the coach and none on the woman across from her. Ella jerked around into several positions trying to get every view of herself and her clothing. She was hampered by the shackles on her ankles and the chain cuffing her hand to the door of the coach.

She looked at Eileen who was still looking at her with her tight little smile. She looked at her fellow passenger, "The dirt is back!"

"Pardon me?" Eileen asked.

"I cleaned this filth from my body and clothing and now it is back!"

"When did you do this?" Eileen asked in a patient tone of voice.

"Before I went to sleep," Ella fairly screamed.

"First let me explain to you that I didn't go deaf during your nap," said Eileen sternly. "Secondly, when you were doing this cleaning, where was I?"

"You were right there, you watched me clean myself the entire time!"

"Miss Gaines," Eileen said gently, "I would remember that."

The little group pulled into a way station for the night. The innkeeper gave them a supper of vegetable soup and hot bread. When the serving woman brought them more bread, Ella suddenly spoke up. "Could I possibly get a bath?"

One of Eileen's delicately arched eyebrows rose in question. "You realize, do you not, that you are not on holiday?"

Judge Travis spoke next, "Let her have a bath, just stay with her."

Ella smiled coyly and said, "Chris can stay with me while I have my bath, it won't be the first time."

Before Chris could answer his sister spoke coldly, "I and I alone with be with you while you bathe."

"I am sure you are looking forward to it," Ella said wryly.

"You bet I am," Eileen answered. "I am most anxious to see if you are capable of being clean."

Jasper sitting beside his sister gave her a nudge. He and Chris exchanged a look, both wondering if Ella would survive her bath.

Ella her bath complete and wearing one of Eileen's night gowns, demanded to speak with Chris.

"Judge Travis has advised Chris against talking to you during this journey. I suggest," Eileen continued, "That you get into bed and try to get some rest."

Ella decided to obey. She climbed into bed and made herself comfortable between the covers. The last thing she noticed before closing her eyes was Eileen sitting across the room in a rocking chair. Ella was swirling into darkness. She couldn't climb out of the heavy sleep. She saw a woman running across a grassy field, a little boy followed her. It was Sarah Larabee! The handsome man swept them both into his arms. He declared his love for them. Ella could not escape, she could not make herself awaken.

The woman was in the little cabin now. The man approached her from behind and enfolded her in his strong arms. Then they were smiling at the sleeping boy. Chris bent down and kissed Adam.

Ella dreamed this over and over again in the course of the night. Then she saw them enter their bedroom. She saw their bare shoulders above the quilts as Chris took Sarah in his arms and swore to love her forever. Ella could not make them see her. She could not make them stop. Sarah pulled Chris' head toward hers in a kiss that seemed to go on forever. It was the kiss of two people who belonged to each other. And always would.

-

The Class of 1965

The Larabees were safely home.

Jasper and Chris were in the bath house getting settled in huge tubs of water. Both were exhausted and for once were not talking. Judge Travis was visiting with his grandson and daughter-in-law. He was happy to be at the end of the long journey. Mary and Billy were both delighted to see him.

Eileen Larabee was in her own bedroom. Freshly bathed and in another set of clothing she was getting prepared for another trip. The Chinese servants were preparing dinner and looking forward to having the family home together. The house was sparkling clean as the servants had cleaned it top to bottom in the absence of their employers.

The ranch hands were either going about their jobs or getting ready for supper. Everything was in order at the Larabee House.

Chris suddenly began talking to his brother. "It was my fault you know. In the long run Sarah and Adam died because of me."

He brother gazed at him in concern, "Don't think that way. You gave up Ella when you started seeing Sarah."

"I wasn't even seeing Sarah when I gave up Ella. I knew the minute I was introduced that Sarah was the woman I'd always been looking for. I just can't believe I ever got involved with a woman like Ella. Even when I was a ranch hand on the Withrow Plantation she came after me. I avoided her there and I should have kept on avoiding her."

"What made you stop?" his brother inquired.

"Buck and I were in Dodge and she showed up there. Buck said she looked like walking trouble and he was right. I thought I was something special to her if she followed me to Kansas. When we left Kansas she followed us again. She would do and talk about things no other woman would ever even think of let alone say out loud."

"Yes we got a sampling of that during the trip from Missouri," his brother replied.

"The day I met Sarah it was over with Ella. She could sense that I had another interest. It was eerie how she knew. She was enraged and left on the next stage. I thought I'd never hear from her again."

The brothers dressed and went into the dining room. Their sister was there and was telling the servants something in Chinese. She smiled at Jasper and Chris and said, "I am going out for a while this evening. I shouldn't be gone more than three hours."

Chris gazed into her too innocent eyes. "Where are you going?"

"A class for midwives is graduating from a little town in Pennsylvania and I promised someone I would be there."

Both brothers looked at her sternly.

"Maria never returned to Purgatory after our party. She has been in the future learning Mother and Baby care and midwifery. She graduates tonight."

Chris turned to his brother, "Maria was doing what she had to do to survive in Purgatory. She is actually a very good person with a big heart."

"Well, she is now well educated, has no accent, wears glasses to correct her vision and is anxious to come home."

******

In Eagle Bend, a group of cowhands were tearing up the town as they let off steam. The Sheriff decided to lock Ella in a room at a boarding house. There were only four cells and these were rough men. On the second floor of the boarding house Ella would be safe and secure.

In Pennsylvania, the Larabees were standing with the new graduate. Maria was glowing with excitement and achievement. It was so good to see the Larabees again! Chris could not take his eyes from her. She was the same good hearted woman but now she had a new confidence he could not define. She had an underlying sweetness that reminded him of Sarah.

The time travelers came back and redressed and were sitting on the front porch drinking lemonade. Buck, Nathan and Vin came riding to the house.

Vin spoke first, "Ella has escaped from the custody of the Eagle Bend Sheriff."

Buck said, "Saddle up, Pard, we can't let her get far."

Nathan said, "She stole a horse belonging to someone in the jail."

Chris newly returned from 1965 said, "I'm worn out. We'll catch her," he said looking at Maria, "Next time."

-

Ride With the Wind

Ella leaped on the first horse she saw and headed North. She rode all day and as evening fell she found herself approaching a small town. Going into the bank she had the cashier give her a bank note which she wrote for an impressive amount against her own acount.
She checked into the nearest hotel until the wire was received from the bank in Philadelphia confirming the check.

The local dressmaker outfitted her in riding gear and was surprised to receive a handsome trip from the ragged lady who had first appeared in her store.

Next Ella bought food and supplies for her journey. The poor stolen horse was traded for a good stallion who looked solid enough to make a long trip. She wasted no time knowing the telegraph wires could turn against her in a heartbeat.

She got onto the newly purchased animal and rode swiftly from the town. Little did she know that not too far behind her Eileen Larabee was allowing her to escape.

Eileen watched as Ella make her purchases and got some rest. Eileen had plans for Ella. Plans that would be far more painful than finding oneself at the end of a rope. Eileen worried a bit that the plans might border on evil but everytime she looked at Chris, whose broken heart was covered with a sheet of thick ice, she became more determined.

Chris at one point asked about her plan then decided he didn't want to hear it.

**********

Ella crossed the border and was in Canada before she actually knew it. The trip had been long and tedious. She was careful in the towns where she stopped for supplies and rest. She, of course never used her own name. Her rest was often disturbed by dreams of Sarah and Adam Larabee.

The weather turned colder as she continued North. Snow began to fall making the trail she was following disappear. She hoped for a small inn or even a cabin to put up for the night.

The big horse began to slip on the icy trail. He regained his balance only to slip again, throwing Ella and running off without her. Her right leg had snapped with the fall. The pain was unbearable. The trees were twirling in circles. Ella gave herself up to painless darkness.

-

Weddings and Marriages

Casey and JD had at long last decided to be married. Casey's Aunt had passed away leaving the homestead to her niece. JD was uncomfortable about Casey being there alone. Of course that wasn't the only reason he had for wanting to get married. He knew he would never find another girl like Casey. For her part Casey was becoming more woman like and leaving the tomboy behind. She spent as much time as possible with Eileen Larabee and Maria, learning as much as they could teach with the attention of a sponge.

Josiah and some of the Larabee hands had the church in order and what better way for a grand opening than a wedding? It seemed everyone in town was involved in the ceremony in one way or another. The excitement gave the little town a heady feeling of good things to come.

Maria had become the most beloved midwife in the area. Gone was the Mexican accent and sexy clothing. In their place was an articulate young woman with a fixation about being clean. She and Nathan spent much time together and she passed some of her knowledge on to him. But it was Chris who often got up with her when a farmer or rancher came knocking on their door in the night. It was Chris who sat at many kitchen tables while Maria brought a new life into the world.

Chris spoke more easily now and he helped many new fathers as they waited to welcome their child.

In Maria Chris found a woman who was easy going and had a warmth of soul that reminded him of Sarah. It fascinated him that a person who reminded him of his wife gave him no pain in the memory.

Maria and Chris spent much time talking as they drove the carriage from the house in town to various ranches or homesteads. Chris came to look forward to going on calls with his friend.

When they drove home late one afternoon and found a dozen women around quilting frames in the front yard, Chris waited to feel a jab of pain. Sarah loved to have all the neighbors to their ranch for quilting bees, bt the pain didn't come. Just a fond memory of the woman who had been the love of his life.

-

Ella in Canada

Ella was covered with snow when he found her. Actually he found her horse first and knew a rider was somewhere in the area. Big, burly, bearlike Marc Dubois was a trapper who lived a solitary life in the Canadian wilds. Even his French was rusty because he had so few chances to talk at all. He had a comfortable two room cabin wherein he was completely independent of the outside world. Finding Ella, he secured her across her horse and took her home with him. He set her leg with wooden splints and forced warm broth into her mouth. When Ella came fully awake she was so horrified at the male sight before her that she couldn't scream. She tried to leave the bed but one strong hand pushed her down and the giant shook his head in a negative way. Trying again failed. The man found strips of cloth and tied one of her hands to the bed. She was tired and in too much pain to give it a third try. By the time the leg had healed she had been there six months and was three months pregnant. Her French came in handy although he spoke a dialect that was not taught in the convent school Ella had attended.

She learned more about cooking and planting a garden than she ever dreamed she would know. She was forced to learn to clean pelts and prepare them for market. She did laundry and as the child grew inside her, she found she almost never thought of Chris Larabee.

Ella found herself more and more eager to please the big man who had saved her life. She tended the garden and did everything she could think of to make him happy. When their child was born he insisted on naming her Nicole. Ella stayed in bed for four days and then he insisted she get up and help with the work. Even this she did not resist.

Nicole was a bright eyed happy baby who looked so much like her father that Ella may not have been part of her formation at all. She was her daddy's little girl. He often took her to the river where, sitting on a huge rock Marc would sing softly to her in French.

Ella considered this to be her life now. She had explained to Marc that she had money for improvements in their lives. He understood but was not impressed with the things she bought when they journeyed to the nearest town.

Marc had taken the baby to the river and Ella was working in the garden. It was hot work and her back ached but she continued knowing they would need the food that she would put up for the winter.

Placing the hoe she was using against the recently erected fence, she walked toward the cabin. She went to the dry sink and drank a dipper of water. Turning she realized she was not alone. Eileen Larabee was sitting at the table gazing at her in the unblinking way Ella remembered so well.

"Hello Ella," Eileen said softly, "How have you been?"

Ella thought for a moment she was going to lose control of her bowels. "What do you want?" she demanded furiously.

Eileen smiled her sweetest smile, "don't play with me Ella, you know what I want and you know where we are going."

"You can't take me from my husband and baby," Ella begged.

Eileen raised one eyebrow and replied, "hurts doesn't it?"

"You will never get me out of this cabin," Ella shouted half enraged half horrified. "My husband will kill you."

"That's where you are wrong."

Oddly Ella felt herself growing sleepy. When she awakened she was Leavenworth Prison in Kansas.

Eileen Larabee was back home, she had a wedding to attend and a million things to do.

-

Here Come the Brides

Chris Larabee watched as his sister came walking out of the barn. She walked slowly and gracefully toward the house. The men on the front porch rose as she came up the stairs. The entire Seven were there including Judge Travis and Maria. Had she not been watching Ella get settled at Leavenworth Prison she would have easily noticed a bit of excitement in the group.

Chris drew her into the house and said, "Maria has agreed to marry me."

Eileen needed a moment to bring her mind back into the present. Jasper suddenly came downstairs and joined them.

"Did he tell you his news?" their brother demanded.

Eileen felt a rush of pleasure and grinned with happiness. "When is this event to take place?"

"Right now, we were just trying to figure out where you had gone." Those on the porch now came into the house and went to the parlour.

Eileen quickly came up with two bouquets, one for Maria and one for herself. Jasper stood as best man for his brother. Judge Travis and Josiah performed the ceremony and looking proud and content Chris Larabee kissed his new Bride.

JD looking happy and nervous said, "Well, you beat me down the aisle but not by much."

Chris shook hands with him and said, "Well your big day is tomorrow and it's going to be remembered forever."

Maria looking radiant, accepted kisses as the men left for home and hotels. The broad gold wedding band gleamed on her finger, tears of joy sparkled in her eyes.

The four Larabees sat in the parlour as the servants cleaned and brought the kitchen and porch to rights.

Jasper spoke first, "I can't believe I am actually going to be a Veterinarian. I leave for school in four days."

Chris turned his head barely hearing him so busy was he looking at his bride. "You'll practice here won't you?" he asked.

"Yes I am looking forward to coming back, this is home now." He stood up and stretched, "I am going to get some rest, big day tomorrow."

Eileen also got to her feet and walked toward her room. "Goodnight all, I'll try not to wake you in the morning."

But Chris and Maria gazing into each other's eyes didn't hear either of them.

********

It was no surprise when JD asked Buck Wilmington to be his Best Man. Mentor and student were as close as brothers.

It was a surprise when Casey asked Ezra Standish to give her away but Casey could easily think back over the years and remember Ezra giving her Aunt Nettie three hundred dollars when their homestead was in danger of foreclosure. She knew Vin had spurred Ezra to make his generous offering but she also knew Vin would not be comfortable in such a pubic position. In fact, she and Vin had discussed this very thing.

As for Ezra himself, not only was he touched by the offer. It was another step closer to feeling truly at home in the town. Acceptance sometimes avoided Ezra and he felt grateful to Casey for including him.

That Casey chose Mary Travis as Matron of Honor surprised no one. Mary had known Casey from childhood to tomboy to young woman. Annie and Hiram's two daughters were flower girls and little Billy Travis was ring bearer. Three seamstresses worked for more than two months at the Larabee house preparing all of the gowns.

A photographer had been hired from Tombstone to record the event.

The church finished at last, was decorated with flowers and ribbons by a young woman Eileen had brought from St Louis. An organist and new organ arrived from New Haven, Connecticut. Both were an amazement to the towns people.

Maude Standish arrived and invited herself to the ceremony and reception. When she tried to get a card game going at the reception, Eileen took her aside and whispered something in her ear that made Maude turn bright red with annoyance. Chris Larabee, his arm around his new wife watched with shining joy in Casey's face as she became Mrs. JD Dunne. He waited for a stab of pain that did not come and looking down at Maria's face saw radiant joy there also.

The reception went on past dusk. Sometimes Eileen slipped off alone to simply observe the happiness of those gathered at her home for such a happy celebration. At one point she saw a rider approach. Vin walked to the gate to meet him. Mary looked beautiful in dark lavender organza over satin. She noticed Vin speaking with a new arrival. The newpaper woman inside her could not resist walking over to hear the conversation.

The rider was invited in by Chris Larabee to take refreshments and rest but he accepted only a piece of cake and some water saying he had to be off. It was almost dusk now and people were beginning to fade off toward home. Vin walked over Chris who was speaking with his sister.

"There's a wagon train coming in," he stated. "They are hoping to make it here before dark. Eastbound train from a settlement that didn't work out."

Chris looked at him for a second before asking, "Are they people we know?"

Vin answered, "Some of them. Reckon I'll ride out to meet them."

Chris nodded, and smiled, "Reckon you will."

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