The next day, Murdoch avoided Johnny. When the young man came down for breakfast, his father had already left for the day, leaving the day's orders with Scott. When Johnny arrived that evening for supper, Theresa informed them, while avoiding Johnny's eyes, that Murdoch was dining with friends and would not be back until late. Johnny sighed at that statement, wanting to have the chance to talk to his father and explain things. Their relationship had gotten better over the past five years – they had both learned to listen more to each other, rather than simply yell. And rather than the 'expected' affection because they were father and son, real affection – love – had developed. Johnny would come to his father to discuss things and Murdoch would ask him for advice and they would both listen to what the other had to say. Johnny had even stopped, for the most part, calling him the derisive 'Old Man' instead usually saying 'Murdoch' or with increasing frequency 'Pa'; and Murdoch, in kind, had started calling him 'son' with greater frequency, an appellation which unexpectedly filled Johnny with happiness. But Johnny did not know how to react to this avoidance. He was certain of his decision to marry Polly, but he had not wanted to alienate his father, and he was starting to get angry at the man for his reaction.
At supper, Theresa told him she had made up two bedrooms with a connecting door near where her room was. Both rooms were larger than his, and provided a bit more privacy than the second floor near Scott and Murdoch. Johnny thanked her and said he would move his things the next morning, and then returned to picking at his dinner.
***** L ***** L *****
Johnny got up the next morning, happy at the thought that Polly would be arriving, but anxious as to what his family's, and more specifically Murdoch's, reception would be. He went down to breakfast and noticed again that his father was absent. Maria brought him a plate of bacon and eggs, and patted his shoulder, smiling and saying "a big day today". He smiled back at the woman, happy that she seemed to be accepting his news, remembering how she had hugged him the day before when he had come into the kitchen to grab a cookie before supper. She had seemed excited about a wife and a young girl in the house.
Just as he started to eat, Scott came in. Johnny looked at him, chewing, and Scott smiled and said "today's the big day". Johnny nodded, smiling back, uncertain what else Scott was going to say. Scott continued "Murdoch said for you to just continue getting ready today …".
Johnny looked down at his plate "he plannin' on avoidin' me forever? Maybe it'll be best if we all stay in town."
"Johnny," Scott started, apparently wanting to explain their father's behaviour "He doesn't know what to think …"
Johnny interrupted him "I know what … happened … was a surprise, Scott. I was just as surprised as all of ya … but it just … felt … was … right, ya know?"
"No Johnny, I don't know," Scott replied, smiling gently, "And I have to admit that I am surprised by it myself … but that I also envy you feeling that way. Anyway," Scott continued, "I'm looking forward to seeing Polly again, getting to know her better, and meeting Martha. From what you have said, she seems like a sweet little girl. I have to admit, I'm not used to how things are done here – in Boston, children are raised by nannies, and, well 'seen but not heard' – but here, they are involved in everything. It will be nice to have that … interaction … with a child."
Johnny thought about what Scott said, and how different what he was saying from the way he was raised. "Well Scott", Johnny replied, "Sounds sorta lonely, livin' like that. I … have to say when I was a kid I was definitely 'seen and heard'" and he laughed, trying to break the somber mood that had fallen over the two of them.
Scott started to laugh as well. "I know we have talked a bit about this before, but I guess that is one of the things that would have been different if we had been raised here … " and they both laughed again, remembering past conversations about the things they might have gotten into as children, and Murdoch's probable reaction.
"Anyway," Scott started again "I'm going to go start my day – I'll see all of you at dinner tonight. I know Theresa has something special planned." He turned to go, and then suddenly turned back to face his brother, "And Johnny – congratulations. I really am happy for you."
"Thanks Scott" Johnny said to his brother's retreating figure, "That means a lot to me."
Theresa came into the room as Johnny was finishing eating. "Johnny, when you're done, do you want to move your stuff to the new rooms? And make sure everything is alright?"
"Sure, queirda" he replied "Although I'm sure it's fine." He ate his last bite and looked at her "Theresa, I just want to say thank you for all the effort you're puttin' into things." Thinking for a moment about Peter and everything that she had been through, he continued "This probly ain't easy for you, but I really appreciate it".
Theresa smiled at him "Come on, Johnny, let's go see the rooms and move your things, so you can go get them and bring them to Lancer. What time are you leavin'?.
Johnny got up from the table and followed Theresa out of the kitchen and to the bedrooms that she had gotten ready. "'Bout eleven, I figure. That'll give me some time if the stage is early … don't want'em to arrive and me not be there."
Theresa nodded her head, opening the door to a room he had not entered before. He saw a big bedroom, with a pleasant cover on the bed and pictures on the wall, two dressers against the side and a vanity with a chair in the corner. He noticed a connecting door and went through it and found a fresh, brightly coloured cover on the bed, a small desk with a chair and a dresser with a mirror above. He also saw a doll's house on a table in the corner and looked questioningly at Theresa.
"It was mine", she said, "Daddy and Murdoch made it for me years ago. I found it in the attic when Maria and I went to get some things for the rooms and thought Martha might like it."
Johnny smiled at her thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Theresa, I imagine she will. She has some dolls already, a bunch of books and … a tea set …" he smiled, thinking of playing tea with the girl, wondering if they would do that again, "And other things, but I don't 'member ever seein' a doll house."
"Johnny" Theresa started, "I just wanted you to know that I am happy for you … happy about this … even though it is a big surprise for all of us … " Johnny smiled, happy that at least two of his family seemed to be accepting of his decision. "And … try not to worry about Murdoch …" she continued "He'll come around … at least he's not yellin'" she finished, smiling half-heartedly.
Johnny looked at his feet "I think I would prefer the yellin'" he said, "At least then I would know what he was thinkin'".
Theresa looked at him, concern written all over her face. "He'll come around, Johnny," she repeated, "Just give him some time". And with that prophecy, she turned to leave the room, calling over her shoulder "Let me know if you need anything else".
Johnny looked around the room, smiling at the thought of Martha in the room, setting up her dolls, playing with the doll house, reading books ... he shook his head and went to get this things and set up the room a bit before Polly arrived.