Chapter 8

Jelly finished putting the luggage into the buggy. Andrew MacPherson went to board it, but stopped when a voice rang out.

"Girls." All three MacPhersons turned to see Murdoch Lancer with his younger son standing beside him. Both men were dressed in their best, and Murdoch looked head to toe the Patron of the grand estancia. He gave Andrew MacPherson not even a glance while Johnny fixed the man with a glare that was pure Madrid. "Now the two of you would na be thinking of leaving without a proper farewell."

Elspeth immediately started toward Murdoch. Iona glanced over her shoulder at their father and then followed her sister.

"Of course, not Mister Lancer. We must thank you for your hospitality." Elspeth's voice filled with emotion. "Your hospitality and so very much more."

"No thanks needed, darlings. Friends are always welcomed at Lancer. You both are always welcome here." Murdoch's tone was one he often reserved for Teresa.

"I wish..." Iona's voice faltered. "Scott?"

"Wished to see you off too."

"But Murdoch has him following doctor's orders to the letter." Johnny's voice held a teasing edge.

"He'll be fine, child, you needn't worry. Accidents happen on a ranch." Murdoch's voice was firmly assuring. You're not to fret about it."

"Scott told me to tell you both that you have to keep riding. Says there are places you can, even in the city and around about. You've both done too well to give it up." Johnny's tone made it a soft order.

"We shan't, shall we, Elspeth?"

"No, we most definitely will be riding." She smiled at Johnny. "And we are going to learn to bake. We'll start with cookies."

"That so? You'll be all set to do some coddling then. When it's needed, of course." Johnny smiled with pleasure.

"Yes, or when friends come to visit." Elspeth exchanged a look with her sister, and then stepped closer to Murdoch. "All of Lancer has our gratitude." To the surprise of all, Elspeth placed her hands lightly against Murdoch's chest, rose onto her toes, and kissed his cheek. "Good-bye, Mr. Lancer." Then she turned swiftly and kissed Johnny's cheek. "Now, I can say I once kissed a famous pistolero."

Johnny chuckled. "That so?" His eyes widened as Iona kissed his other cheek.

"I couldn't let Elspeth be the only one to kiss a famous man." Iona laughed. "Tell Teresa to give Scott a kiss good-bye for me and one from Elspeth too."

"I will."

"We'd best go, Elspeth."

"Now, the two of you take care of each other." Murdoch sounded very paternal.

"Yes, sir."

"We will." Elspeth leaned closer and whispered to him. "And you take care of your two fine sons." Both girls walked swiftly to the buggy and minutes later Jelly started the MacPhersons on their journey home.

"Gonna have to change before I go back to the barbwire, thickets, and mud." Johnny tugged the tie from around his neck.

"Clean and on time but no need to dress for dinner, unless..."

Johnny rolled his eyes, shook his head, and replied with a snort. "No way, old man. I'll..."

"Get changed and back to work if you can remember what that is." Murdoch's smile softened his words, and they both headed into the house.

Johnny heard Scott call to him through the open bedroom door. He entered the room where Scott lay with his head, back, and knee supported by a dozen pillows.

"Headed back to work?"

"Some of us don't have any excuse to go from picnicking to lazing around."

"I'll have you know that Murdoch has a stack of paperwork with my name on it."

"Better you than me, brother."

"Did the MacPhersons leave without any more excitement?"

"We ignored the toad who had the sense not to utter a word and gave the girls a proper send-off." Johnny grinned. "Iona and Elspeth both sent you a kiss, but you'll have to wait for Teresa to deliver them. Of course, they won't be near as fine as the one you got last night."

"Last night! How do you know about last night?"

"Ain't many secrets around here, Boston; girls can't keep hardly none, but I didn't know for sure until you just told me." Scott sputtered; Johnny chuckled.

"Did either of the girls tell you the plan?"

"What plan?"

"The plan to meet the girls for lunch and riding whenever we are in their fair city."

"Are we planning to be in that fair city?"

"I assured Iona we could find a reason from time to time. I also have the name of the correct servant to contact with the message."

"I think, brother, we may have corrupted those girls." Johnny grinned proudly.

"I think we may congratulate ourselves on doing just that. To the proper degree, of course." Scott returned his brother's grin then grew serious. "Did you get Elspeth to do any translating?"

"Murdoch was right. It don't really matter what was said. MacPherson was lucky, though, that the old man never taught us any of his Scottish."

"That bad?"

"For Elspeth."

"And you?"

Johnny shrugged. "Heard a lot worse. Heard worse before I was ten. Got passed caring what his kind says long ago."

"Good."

"Murdoch did say he'd teach us his native tongue though. I'm thinking being, what was it, fluent in three languages might be something. Think the old man would start with some curses?"

"No."

"I don't either, but I can probably work him up to a few." Johnny's eyes danced. "I best be getting changed if I'm gonna stay in Murdoch's good books." Johnny rose and started toward the door.

"Just a minute, brother." Johnny turned back toward Scott. "There's a ten-dollar gold piece on my dresser." Johnny was near enough to the dresser to snatch up the coin.

"What are you needing money for?"

"To settle a bet."

"A bet? With...oh, but Murdoch never got to decide."

"Murdoch doesn't need to decide. I'm conceding. That money is yours."

Johnny cocked his head and studied his brother. "Why are you conceding? Both girls did real well."

"The bet was more about the better teacher not the better pupil. You taught Elspeth more than I taught Iona."

"Ya think so?"

"I know so." Both Scott's tone and eyes radiated assurance.

Johnny flipped the coin into the air, snatched it back, and slipped it into his pocket. "Fine. I'll be paying for all the drinks the next Saturday night we spend in town."

"And I shall let you."

"Boys." Both of Murdoch Lancer's sons turned their heads to see him standing in the doorway. Johnny's head turned back toward Scott before he rolled his eyes.

Scott managed to not roll his. "Sir?"

"There is a great deal to be done. Are you up to some paperwork, Scott?"

"Of course, sir."

"I'll bring it up to you then." Murdoch turned his gaze onto his younger son.

"I'll be changed and down to the stable right quick. Fencing or breaking?"

"Head out with Cip. He knows what needs doing."

"Okay... I mean, yes, sir..." Johnny hesitated slightly, "Pa." Johnny's words were dutiful, but his eyes danced impudently.

"Thank you, mo mhac."

Johnny asked for no translation but headed out the door whistling softly and unbuttoning his shirt.