Title: "Larabee's Lady"

Author: Michelle Heath

Rating: MA for adult language and situations

Summary: Mary's best friend causes Chris to re-think his future.

Date Written: September 12, 2010

Disclaimer: Chris Larabee, Vin Tanner, J.D. Dunne, Buck Wilmington, Josiah Sanchez, Ezra Standish, Nathan Jackson, Casey Wells, Mary Travis, Nettie Wells, Inez, and The Magnificent Seven are the property of TM CBS, The Mirisch Group, MGM and Triology Entertainment. Other characters, i.e., Catherine Stewart, Jonathan Stewart, Eloise Stewart, Miles Kettering, etc. are the sole property of the author. The author makes no profit from this work of fan fiction and no copyright infringement is intended.

CHAPTER ONE

(Brilliant rays of golden sunlight shine down from a canvas of cerulean blue sky and fluffy white clouds on the town of Four Corners as the townspeople go about their morning activities. Sitting in front of the Sheriff's Office with his booted feet propped up on the wooden railing, Chris Larabee, the leader of the seven men who protect the town and its citizens, lazily moves his watchful gaze around the town's main street looking for any sign of trouble. For the past several weeks now, the town has been relatively quiet and Chris is hoping that things stay that way. Walking out of the Sheriff's Office, Vin Tanner pulls up a chair next to the one in which Chris is sitting and hands Chris a cup of coffee.)

Chris: "Thanks."

Vin: "Welcome. Looks like another quiet day."

Chris: "That it does."

Vin: "You say that like you don't really believe it."

Chris: "Well, now, it ain't that I don't appreciate the peace and quiet, but it's been my experience that if something seems too good to be true . . ."

Vin: "It probably is too good to be true."

Chris: "Yeah, and it's been too quiet around here for too long."

Vin: "That might be about to change. Here comes Buck and he's lookin' mighty pleased about somethin'."

(Sure enough, Buck Wilmington is ambling up the sidewalk with a grin on his face as wide as the state of Texas. Reaching Chris and Vin, Buck leans against the rail post, tips his hat back on his head, and hooks his thumbs into his jeans.)

Buck: "Mornin'! Beautiful day ain't it?"

Vin: "Ellen Sue Baker get back from St. Louis, Buck?"

Buck: "Now what does Ellen Sue Baker have to do with anything?"

Vin: "You surely are in a good mood this morning. Thought it might be because Ellen Sue was back in town."

Buck: "Can't a man show his appreciation for a beautiful day?"

Vin: "When you have an . . . 'appreciation' for anything, Buck, there's usually a woman involved."

Buck: "I'll have you know that I'm just thankful for this beautiful day the Lord has made." (At the dubious looks he receives from both Chris and Vin, Buck gets a bit defensive.) "Well, it's the God's honest truth."

(Before either Chris or Vin can comment, Ezra Standish strolls over from the Saloon to join them, and offers his own opinion of the state of things in Four Corners.)

Ezra: "Are you gentlemen finding the serenity our little town has been enjoying of late relaxing, or are you, as am I, sensing that this lovely respite is merely the 'calm before the storm'?"

Vin: "Has been awful quiet around here lately. Makes a man wonder . . ."

Buck: "Now why can't you all just be grateful that all we've had to do lately is drink, play cards, and enjoy the company of the fine women in this town?"

Chris: "'Cause, Buck, it don't pay to get too comfortable. 'Specially in a town like this one.

(Josiah Sanchez and Nathan Jackson, having walked over from the church to join the group, have overheard Chris' remark as they stop in the street in front of the Sheriff's Office.)

Josiah: "Chris' right, Buck. We need to stay on our toes; never know when Satan's gonna send some mischief our way."

Buck: "If that don't beat all. . . Even the Preacher's lookin' for trouble."

Josiah: "Didn't say I was lookin' for trouble, Buck. Just lookin' to make sure there ain't any."

Nathan: "Too late."

(The others follow Nathan's line of sight and see Mary Travis, Editor of The Clarion and Judge Orrin Travis' daughter-in-law, headed their way with a blinding smile on her face and enthusiasm in her step. A few paces behind Mary are J.D. Dunne and Casey Wells. Both of the younger people look mighty excited about something. The trio reaches the group in front of the Sheriff's Office, and Mary greets the men.)

Mary: "Good morning, Gentlemen. Lovely day, isn't it!"

Chris: "Mary. (The others politely acknowledge Mary's presence.)

Ezra: "You're looking exceptionally lovely this morning, Mary. Very . . . 'animated'."

Mary: "Well I have reason to be, Ezra. My best friend and her parents are arriving today from back East. They'll be here on the noon stage."

(The information that another woman is coming to town immediately captures Buck's attention and he stands a little straighter.)

Buck: "Your best friend, Mary? Well, what's her name?"

Mary: (casting Buck an uncertain look) "Her name is Catherine Stewart. She and I grew up together. Her father is Jonathan Stewart; a United States Senator from Virginia."

(This news causes a moment of uncertainty to cross Buck's face, but he is undeterred in his quest for information about Catherine Stewart.)

Buck: "I'm guessing your friend's not married."

Mary: "No, Buck, Catherine's not married. . . I don't think she's exactly your type."

Buck: "Not my type? What's that supposed to mean?"

Mary: "Let's just say Catherine's a little more 'down to Earth' than the women you're usually attracted to, Buck."

Buck: "'Down to Earth?'"

Mary: "Catherine isn't the typical 'Southern Belle'."

(Before Buck can respond to Mary's comment, the noon stage pulls into town and stops close to the Hotel. Mary leaves the group to hurry over to the stage and greet her friends. The others follow her at a more leisurely pace reaching the stage as a handsome older gentleman steps out and hands his attractive wife down.)

Mary: "Senator, Mrs. Stewart! How wonderful to see you both again!"

Sen. Stewart: "Mary! You look more beautiful every time I see you! How are you?"

Mary: "I'm well, Senator, thank you. Mrs. Stewart, you look wonderful!"

Mrs. Stewart: "As do you, my dear! Living out here certainly seems to agree with you."

Mary: "You say that as if you're disappointed."

Mrs. Stewart: "To be honest, I was hoping you were, shall we say, less than pleased out here. It would make it easier to convince Catherine to return to Virginia with us if you were."

Mary: "Where is Catherine?"

(A strong and clear but definitely feminine voice rings out from the interior of the coach.)

Catherine: "I'm right here, Mary, and if Mother would get out of the way, I'd join you."

(Somewhat reluctantly, Mrs. Stewart takes her husband's hand and steps down from the coach. Moments later, Catherine Stewart fills the door of the coach and stunned silence reigns.)