Fourth of July Picnic

July 9th, 1869

The scene is: The town of Maddock has decided to host a July 4th Picnic Auction, wherein each of the eligible ladies of the town (excepting the grumpies who didn't participate) made a picnic basket which was held up for auction in the barn; the proceeds were to benefit the town's schoolhouse, in buying supplies for the children. Susie was a rumor NPC turned PC for the event.



Note from Allard's player:

Well, here 'tis. The Log of the Century: the Fourth of July Picnic. In true Maddock style, the ambiance varies from hilarious to ominous... And many thanks to Susie's player, whoever you are. This was truly priceless, and Kath, you are a certifiable genius.

Poses of the evening, courtesy of Ylsa:

Susie glances at Allard and sighs audibly.

Allard was just glancing away from Ylsa, and happens to catch Susie's look. He bestows on her a truly handsome smile. Well well well.

Hearing Susie's sigh, Ylsa follows the young woman's gaze to Allard. She glances hurriedly back at Susie, features blank.

Susie raises her hand. "Mine first!"

Ylsa studies Susie blankly. He'd eat you alive, little girl.

Allard grins to himself. Doth the little gurl desire to be a woman, perchance?

Framingham grins. "Very well." He looks over the baskets for a moment and then picks up Susie's. "What is the opening bid for this basket?"

Framingham glances around. "Do I hear two bits?"

Allard speaks up. "One dollar."

Ylsa shakes her head. Eaten alive. And likely the girl won't even have the sense to enjoy it.

--------------------------

July 9 1869

It is evening.

Old Barn

You are surrounded by the sounds of music and laughter as you step into the room. This once run-down barn has been cleverly transformed into a delightful place to hold a dance. The stalls and animal pens have been torn down to clear the hard-packed dirt floor for dancing for the adults and games for the children. The men in town have even taken time off of their work to build a small platform against the far wall for the band. The vast room has been decorated with colorful paper streamers and decorations obviously created by the children of Maddock. The decorations sway and bounce festively in the cool night breeze that chases newcomers into the barn.

Contents: Benjamin, Miguel, Ylsa, Daria, Framingham, Elizabeth's Basket, Susie's Basket, Elizabeth, Susie, Garrett, Podium

Garrett says "But there is still more work to be done... much more. I hope you all will stand behind me and our local lawmen as we work to weed out the undesirable elements of Maddock and make this town a safe place for anyone to live."

Elizabeth shifts slightly in her seat, not daring to look around.

Miguel grins brightly up at Garrett, being one of the 'undesirable elements'.

Allard walks in the back with Rhia on his arm; he drops it to pull a cigar out of an inner jacket pocket, and lights it slowly.

Garrett says "And on that note, I'd like to turn this meeting over to Judge Framingham so we can all eat."

Rhia has arrived.

Ylsa elbows Miguel.

Garrett smiles. "Judge."

Miguel grins down at Ylsa, then resumes paying attention.

Susie clearly doesn't recognize Daria as one of the saloon girls. She says, "I'm Susie Winters. What's your name?"

Garrett steps down from the podium and into the front row.

Rhia smiles about the room shyly.

Garrett double takes at Rhia... File that for later, someone you haven't welcomed to Maddock.

Daria smiles back at Susie, rather shyly. "Daria Cherenkov," she whispers.

Framingham nods to Garrett, "Thank you, Mayor." He looks over the crowd. "Do we have any more baskets for auction? If so, could you bring them up here to the front."

Miguel returns Rhia's smile, notes Allard's presence by her, then looks back up to the front.

Daria stands slowly, clutching her basket.

Garrett cocks a brow. Daria? This ought to be interesting.

Allard smokes disinterestedly. Food. And women. Let's get to the good stuff.

Miguel tilts his head down and speaks quietly to Ylsa, in questioning tones. What's this all about?

Susie nods encouragingly to her new friend. "You can put it right beside mine," she whispers loudly.

Reardon has arrived.

Ylsa hasn't a clue. New to her. Hush and watch.

Daria brings her basket up to the front and shoves it behind, somewhere, and rushes back to her seat, red as a beet.

Allard isn't as disinterested as he lets on, actually. He stares over at the back of Ylsa's head.

Ylsa watches Daria. She leans over to Miguel and mutters a comment, in spanish, to him.

Lefty skips in whistling.

Rhia looks about the room confusedly, She mutters to Allard.

Lefty interrupts his whistling to nod. "Howdy, folks."

Allard shrugs and grins at Rhia. "Watch."

Zorobabel has arrived.

Miguel nods to Ylsa, politely noting Daria. He glances around the room and catches Allard's regard on Ylsa. Quirks an eyebrow and turns back to watch again.

Framingham nods to the assembled group. "Do you all know the rules of how the auction works? Basically, many of the young ladies of Maddock have prepared picnic lunches."

Several older ladies, watching the newcomers, titter and whisper to one another, pointing to Zorobabel and Lefty. Those two. Heard they did limericks, oh yes!

Tucker saunters in from the back door.

Allard looks over and grins at Tucker. "Evening, Will. Glad you could make it."

Zorobabel nods to the ladies.

Reardon glances around, looking for someone in particular. From his expression, it is quite clear he doesn't find them.

Framingham pauses and continues, "The baskets will be auctioned off one at a time to raise money for the school.

Wilona runs in, carring a large basket. She composes herself at the door, looking about and trying to catch her breath.

Daria twists her hands in her lap nervously. This was a terrible idea. The worst.

Tucker smiles at Allard, he speaks quietly, "I didna even know about it till abour a half an hour ago.. Guess I should learn to work less."

Rhia smiles weakly to Wilona.

Ylsa speaks to Miguel, translating for him. LIke he can't speak English himself or something. Might be a clue on who learned their second language first, of the pair.

Allard laughs under his breath, and pulls a cigar out of his jacket pocket and offers it to Tucker. "Smoke?"

Framingham says "The trick is -- if a man buys the basket, he gets to eat picnic lunch with the young lady who prepared it."

Wilona smiles to Rhia, ignoring the glares of Irma Potts as she moves closer to the podium.

Maggie wanders in and edges along the back wall, deciding where to sit.

Tucker looks at the cigar in Allard's hand. He shrugs and takes it. He doesn't smoke, least not usually. But what the heck.

Framingham grins, "So this is your chance, men. If there's a lady you've been dying to spend time with, this is your chance.

Miguel grins, even as Ylsa translates the judge's words. He looks around again, now noting the young women who are looking like wrecks in the audience.

Wilona sets her basket down with the others then steps back.

Mildred, sitting by Irma, raises her rickety shrike-like voice in a hiss about /those/ clothes that Miss Jenkins is wearing!

Wilona sets down the large basket.

[Wilona]

The woman before you is petite, at just under 5'3". Her features are small, narrow hazel green eyes beneath thin brows, small pouting lips and prominent cheekbones. Her complexion is smooth, slightly tanned and appears younger then the 31 years she has seen. Tiny wrinkles surround her eyes, becoming more apparent when she flashes her friendly smile, which is often. In spite of her fragile appearance, her voice has a strong steady inflection, a deep husky voice which she never permits to be heard raised in anger. She is dressed in a dress of mahogany red, the fitted bodice easily revealing that beneath she wears no corset. The neckline scoops low, baring her shoulders and is accentuated by a trim of forest green ribbon. Her auburn red curls are swept upwards and pinned with a setting of tiny green emeralds. Wisps of fallen curls trail around her exposed shoulders, framing her small face. The dress falls just shy of her ankles, revealing her stockings and small leather slippers. As she walks, you can hear the quiet rustle of the petticoats beneath.

Susie glances at Allard and sighs audibly.

Framingham says "Well, are we ready?"

Allard was just glancing away from Ylsa, and happens to catch Susie's look. He bestows on her a truly handsome smile. Well well well.

Hearing Susie's sigh, Ylsa follows the young woman's gaze to Allard. She glances hurriedly back at Susie, features blank.

Tucker remembers the last social function this town had. Ended in the murder of the mayor. Probably because he wasn't there. He scans the room for Quintans, just in case.

Framingham says "Well, who wants to have her basket go first?"

Daria shrinks down lower in her seat. Not Daria.

Maggie finds a seat and watches, hands folded.

Wilona steps back from the stage area, feebly trying to primp her hair into some type of style. She apparently looks like she just awoke from a nap. She smiles towards Garrett and then looks around the room, the object of her gaze unknown.

Miguel glances over to Maggie. No basket?

Garrett remembers the last social function this town had. Ended in the murder of the mayor. He remembers something else that happened that night and scans the room for Quintans... just in case.

Elizabeth shrinks down in her seat. Not hers.

Maggie smiles at Miguel and shrugs.

Susie raises her hand. "Mine first!"

Ylsa studies Susie blankly. He'd eat you alive, little girl.

Reardon tucks his hands into the pocket of his slacks, his smile growing more relaxed.

Garrett turns to look at the voice... Hm... nice girl...

Allard grins to himself. Doth the little gurl desire to be a woman, perchance?

Framingham grins. "Very well." He looks over the baskets for a moment and then picks up Susie's. "What is the opening bid for this basket?"

Wilona glances at the woman, then the basket. She scowls, she really should not have come.

Framingham glances around. "Do I hear two bits?"

Allard speaks up. "One dollar."

Lefty makes an exaggerated gesture of searching his pockets and collecting coins. His eyebrows hint that he's been pleased with the fruits of his search.

Ylsa shakes her head. Eaten alive. And likely the girl won't even have the sense to enjoy it.

Maggie blinks and looks over at Allard.

Susie looks up in delight.

Garrett spins at the bid. Allard? Oh Lord no. Anything but that. "One and a Quarter."

Rhia glances up at Allard.

Tucker looks at Allard, then back to the crowd. He plays with the cigar in his hands.

Frank slips in quietly from the street.

Framingham looks in surprise at Garrett. "I have $1.25. Do I hear $1.50?"

Allard laughs under his breath. "Two dollars." For charity, you know.

Elizabeth has to look, she can't help herself. She frowns slightly.

Garrett looks at Tucker, no. No help there... Maybe Reardon? Garrett gapes.

Lefty squints at Allard, then a quicker glance at Tuck, before offering "Nine bits"

Ylsa shifts in her chair, looking again toward the door. Why did she agree to come here? To work on her ulcers?

Framingham nods. "We have $2.25. Do I hear $2.50?"

Lefty scratches at his beard, attempting to smooth it into something a bit more presentable.

Allard glares at Lefty. Shut the hell up. "Three dollars."

Garrett mumbles under his breath. "Who *is* this girl?" Garrett looks curiously at Susie.

Susie's eyes open wide. This is beyond her wildest dreams.

Miguel watches, completely amused. With long practice, he ignore's Ylsa's being upset.

Rhia mutters to Allard, "... offering..."

Lefty looks smilingly at Allard and opens his mouth. He stops and after another long moment closes it without another word.

Tucker attempts to appear as casual as possible as he dips a hand into a pocket in his trousers.

Framingham says "I hear $3.00? Do I hear $3.25?"

Reardon shifts slightly on his feet. Richard Allard. He'd planned.. hell.. he glances at another woman in the hall, then reaches into his pocket at well.

Allard grins a little. He's going to make little Susie's Dreams Come True. He grins down at Rhia. "Her lunch, of course." Roight.

Framingham says "I have $3.00 going once..."

Daria looks wide eyed at Allard, then at Susie, and shakes her head. Allard scares her to death..

Ylsa shakes her head, once more and closes her eyes.

Garrett looks aghast, wondering if he even *has* three dollars on him...

Rhia looks a bit skeptical of that. Tucker puts a hand over his face and shakes his head.

Allard is feeling _much_ better, all of a sudden.

Reardon mumbles, "Three and two bits.." Karl has arrived.

Garrett looks skyward, missing Karl's entrance. Bless you, John Reardon.

Ylsa sits near the back with Miguel. All cozy-like.

Framingham nods, "Three-twenty-five."

Wilona looks shocked, Reardon's bidding for that chit's basket?

Allard knew there was a reason he hated Reardon. He glares at him a minute, smile still on his lips. "Three fifty."

Ylsa slumps slightly in her chair, leaning on Miguel. Can we go now? Please?

Miguel is having much too much fun. He slides an arm back around Ylsa, but keeps watching, no intention of leaving.

Tucker feels an evil presence enter the room. The hairs on the back of his neck rise. Ohoh...

Framingham glances at Allard in surprise. Well, it's for a good cause. "$3.50."

Karl steps in, brushing miniscule dirt from his vest before pausing to looks about the room.

Daria looks at Susie. Who does she want to win?

Lefty chuckles at something.

Maggie glances back at Mr. Quintain with a faint frown.

Framingham says "Three-fifty going once..."

Reardon's right eye narrows, slightly. His gaze flickers to Wilona, and he catches her look. Suddenly his resolve is gone, and he drops his gaze to the ground briefly. "Three seventy-five."

Allard smiles brightly at Framingham. Good cause, of course it's a good cause! Who better to make little Susie a woman? "Five dollars."

Garrett gapes even wider. This is insane.

Susie's eyes are open wide and she seems unable to speak. All these important men bidding...on her basket?

Ylsa hears the same voice outbid Allard twice now. She raises her head to study Reardon. Noble.

Karl sees Reardon bidding the basket, he's late he doesn't know who's basket it up for bids, but it must be Wilona's. Damn. He shouts out, "Five fifty!"

Tucker gapes at Allard, catching that look in his eyes. Ohoh.. it seems to become a mantra.

Garrett pales.

Framingham blinks in amazement, but keeps his composure and says, "$5.50."

Garrett . o O (Who *IS* this girl???)

Benjamin looks from one man to the other. He hopes they aren't all this expensive, or he's going to miss a meal.

Zorobabel gapes at the bidding. (The people of this town must have _profitable_ jobs.)

Allard turns to see Karl at the door, and sees his eyes on Wilona. Well now, this is just perfect, isn't it? He shuts up, abruptly. Karl getting screwed is worth Allard not getting screwed.

Reardon's attention shoots to Karl Quintan, then back to Allard, then to Wilona, and finally to Tucker, and Garrett in turn. He lifts a shoulder faintly. What can he do. "Six?"

Ylsa snaps a look over at Karl. She recognizes immediately what's going on in his head and *grins*. She turns back too quickly, so he doesn't see her expression.

Karl quickly counters, "Six and a quarter." Wilona is worth any price.

Allard sighs deeply, making sure to look longingly at Wilona. Wilona, my love, I have lost you to another...

Susie very nearly swoons...The Karl Quintan is bidding on *her* basket?

Lefty quirks at the new meaning behind "losing your lunch"

Wilona is trying to look unobtrusive, she has no idea what Karl is up to.

Framingham clears his throat. "$6.25? Do I hear 6.50?"

Garrett switches his stare of complete disbelief to Karl now. Who *IS* Susie Winters?

Karl steps further into the room, watching Reardon. Allard may have backed down, but he's not sure if the ex-husband has and by god he will.

Daria wows at Susie. Six dollars!

Reardon scowls. Damnit! The knocks his hat off his head with a movement of his hand, fingers smoothing over his hair. He hasn't caught the misunderstanding, and he'll be damned if Karl Quintan gets a _child's_ basket. "Seven," he fairly spits.

Rhia looks really confused, She mutters to Allard, "T-this... lunch?" Allard sighs dejectedly and leans against the doorjamb to smoke his cigar, looking pathetically downcast.

Susie has her fingers in her mouth and is bouncing up and down on her chair she is so excited.

Benjamin mumbles as he watches the bidding. Being careful not to look like he's bidding.

Wilona would elbow Reardon if she was close enough, the only reason why she made a damn basket.....

Tucker shoves the cigar in his mouth, gnawing upon the end of it like there is no tomorrow. He doesn't want to see Karl win at -anything.

Garrett just gazes in abject horror, mumbling "We could build a college at this rate..."

Allard looks sideways at Rhia and just grins, carefully hiding it with his cigar.

Ylsa whispers in softest Spanish to Miguel.

Karl scowls, good thing he rather expected this. He pulls out a gold eagle coin and hold it up, "Ten dollars."

Garrett says "T.. t... t... ten?"

Framingham says "Te...Ten dollar?" The judge says in amazement. He catches himself quickly and says, "Do I hear $10.50?""

Rhia coughs softly.

Tucker gapes, the cigar barely held in his mouth.

Miguel glances around, first to Susie, then to Reardon, then Allard, then Karl Quintan. His face is a study of neutrality, until he turns back to Ylsa. Then that grin flashes. Oh yes. He understands. Good thing he didn't cut that Allard's throat.

Framingham clears his throat. "Ten dollars...going once."

Karl looks to Wilona, his victory eminent.

Daria shrinks lower in her seat. Hope she doesn't have to match that..

Reardon stares hard at Karl, for a long time, then curses under his breath. He shakes his head. He can't do it. He gives Susie an apologetic glance.

Framingham says "Ten dollars...going twice!"

Zorobabel studies the bidders, thinking it appears these men could be bidding...or they could be shooting at each other...

Garrett wows. Maybe Karl really does care about something... How nice of him to do all this just for the school...

Framingham smiles triumphantly and bangs down his gavel. "Sold to Mr. Quintan for Ten dollars!"

Allard sighs, in all honesty a little disappointed. Well, little Susie will wait for him, he expects.

Rhia looks at Karl. She mutters to Allard, "... is he?"

Karl strolls towards Wilona now, wearing a champion's smile.

Allard shrugs at Rhia a little. "Businessman."

Susie jumps up. "Oh thank you, Mr. Quintan!" she shouts with all the school-girl enthusiasm she can muster.

Ylsa grins. It's not the most pretty sight.

Daria looks over her shoulder to eye Karl curiously. She's never seen him before.

Susie says "It's the best lunch I ever made! I promise!"

Reardon shakes his head.

Karl stops, turning to the sound of the shrilling you woman, he looks at Susie like she's insane, "I beg your pardon?"

Garrett stands. "Yes, Maddock thanks you for your generous donation, Mr. Quintan." He's seen everything now. "Enjoy your lunch..."

Tucker looks from Karl to Wilona, then back again. Wait a minute.. Oh. Tucker is a little slow. Now, he grins widely. He brushes his fingers against the brim of his hat.

Maggie rolls her eyes slightly at Susie.

Allard looks at Karl's face. This is truly priceless. Lovely. Like the Venus de Milo, this is a timeless work of art, what Allard hath wrought..

Garrett looks at Karl, a little accusingly. "You just bought Susie's lunch, Mr. Quintan. For $10."

Framingham picks up Susie's basket and hands offers it to Karl. "Thank you, Mr. Quintan. I'm sure that everyone in Maddock is a grateful for your generosity as little Susie Winters is."

Ylsa can't imagine any dessert that could possibly top this.

Wilona realizes now what Karl was doing, it take all her muster not to laugh out loud.

Garrett still doesn't get it. He's just too weirded out.

Daria, looking at Karl, catches sight of Frank and her eyes widen in recognition.

Reardon doesn't get it either. He's just boggled that this girl could be so excited about Karl having bought her and her lunch. What she doesn't know, eh?

Karl's expression falters, he did bloody hell what? Decorum, Quintan. Decorum. He manages a smile to Framingham, accepting the basket, "I heard she was a lovely cook." He offers a fatherly smile to Susie.

Framingham looks genuinely impressed by Quintan's kindness -- he was too busy running the auction to catch the interplay in the audience.

Garrett just wows. Maybe I've been selling him a little short...

Miguel chuckles. Being Miguel, he decides he should start the applause at this generosity of Karl Quintan.

Karl offer's Susie his arm, prepared to lead her to the back of the barn.

Susie blushes madly and takes the offered arm. "Thank you!" she giggles.

Ylsa looks sidelong at Miguel as he claps. She just shakes her head and joins in, telling herself she's clapping for the show's directors, really. Not Karl Quintan.

Allard gives Susie his most intent look as they approach his spot by the door. Wait for me, Susie my love..

Some of the Ladies Auxillary Circle follow on Miguel's que, clapping loudly. Mr. Karl Quintan, such a humanitarian.

Garrett claps automatically. Never thought he'd see the day...

Framingham claps also from his spot on the podium.

Tucker grins back and forth, elbowing Allard in the ribs. He is really glad he came. Wasn't sure why he was here before, but seeing this.. makes his life all worth while.

Karl leads Susie towards the back, sending a dark scowl towards Reardon, this is all his fault.

Zorobabel joins the applause. (Yessir, that fellow seemed to be a real nice guy.)

Allard grins back at Tucker. Is Allard a genius or _what_? He managed that, half-maggoted, even.

Miguel grins down at Ylsa and murmurs to her. See? This isn't so bad. Need to get out more, Ylsa.

Lefty takes the break in the action to sneak over to the other baskets, trying to get a peek.

Framingham picks up the next basket -- Daria. "How much do I have hear for Miss Cherenkov's basket?"

Karl offers people a warm smile as he passes, grinding his teeth against the incessant chatter of the grateful Susie.

Garrett sits back down and watches.

Benjamin raises his hand. "Fifty cents."

Daria shrinks down even lower in her seat. Think invisible thoughts..

Garrett looks surprised again. Benjamin? Well, this makes some sense...

Reardon holds Karl's gaze awhile, then folds his arms across his chest, and turns his attention forward. He still doesn't get it.

One of the men who entered with Karl laughs loudly and shouts out, "Depends what comes with the lunch, your honor! Is there a blanket in that basket?"

Ylsa tries to catch Karl's eye with her finest -you got got and I saw it, Quintan- grin. She forgets she sits so nearby the Mexican stranger, and forgets that Karl might note the fact and relay it to Christopher.

Daria turns beet red, but acts like she's deaf. No reaction at all.

Garrett stands and spins on the perpetrator of that last comment. "There will be none of that while there are young ladies present!"

Zorobabel turns to stare at the man who yelled.

Garrett stares daggers at the ranch-hand.

Allard looks at Ylsa, trying to catch her eye. He likes that nasty smile of hers.

Tucker glowers at one of Karl's men. He takes a step forward, yanking the cigar out of his mouth. "One dollar." He isn't about to put up with that.

Lefty gazes at Daria pensively while stroking his whiskers again.

The whole crowd of ranchhands stare back blankly at the Mayor then burst out into laughter, a few of them mimicking the authorative tone.

Miguel has turned his attention back to the front of the room. He notes Benjamin.

Benjamin says "One twenty-five."

A few miners let their grumbling get too loud and one of the Ladies Auxiliary has to shush them up.

Daria swallows hard. She's counting in Polish, then Russian, then Yiddish, as high as she can go. Just don't listen to those men in back.

Framingham says quickly, to cover further comments from the audience, "Do I hear $1.50?"

Garrett turns and sits back down, let them laugh.

Tatiana has arrived.

Ylsa meets Allard's eye for a brief moment. Her features are suffused with healthy color again and she flashes white teeth over to Allard, before giving up on Karl and turning back to watch the front.

Tatiana enters from outside, looking about the room. Oh my, a native celebration of some such. She looks divinely pleased.

Allard nods to himself, inexplicably warmed by that smile. Much better.

Framingham says "$1.25 going once..."

Miguel notes Tatiana's entrance and winks. Then looks forward.

Tucker places Allard's cigar back in his mouth. He crosses his eyes and stares at the tip. He probably should light it here one of these days.

Lefty says "6 bits!" Lefty sighs and blushes slightly.

Darque has arrived.

Daria ventures a peek over her shoulder at Lefty. Ewwww, she _hates_ beards. Oh well.

Lefty counts his coins and in a quieter voice says, "I meant ten" Listening to the bids, Ylsa glances over to Daria from time to time.

She'd put Miguel up to bidding, too, but she figures Daria's figure that was some sort of pity-ploy.

Framingham nods at Lefty. "$1.50. Do I hear $1.75?"

Benjamin says "Two dollars."

Lefty scratches his head, thinking furiously. In a worried question he offers, "or is that twelve. No. Carry the one..." He finally shrugs.

Darque steps in moment or two behind Tatiana.

Daria lets out a small sigh of relief. She'd had this terrible fear that *no one* would bid on her basket.

Benjamin turns to see who else is bidding.

Framingham smiles at the bailiff, "Two dollars! Do I hear $2.25?"

Framingham says "Two Dollar, going once!"

Tatiana turns, waving to her husband, even though he is right behind her. She is positively beaming, such excitement.

The LAC (Ladies Auxillary Circle) notes this turn of events and there is much pointing and whispering at Daria. Isn't she the new 'girl' at the Saloon? Isn't she a *****? OhhhH! *gasp* Whisper. Gasp.

Framingham says "Two Dollars, going twice!"

Garrett shakes his head, impressed. Two dollars is a lot of money for lunch. There are some really decent folk in Maddock, no doubt.

Darque chuckles quietly, and steps up close behind Tatiana to murmur over the auction.

Karl takes Susie and her basket outside, might as well make the best of it.

Tucker eyes Daque, recognizing him from the Quintan Ranch. He has yet to grow very aquianted with this fellow.. or what he wants with his most hated enemy.

Framingham grins and bangs the gavel. "Sold for Two dollars to Bailiff Benjamin Culver!"

Wilona applauds!

Garrett smiles and applauds.

Daria looks almost pretty, when she looks pleased. She smiles a little at Benjamin.

Ylsa applauds as well.

Susie follows Quintan out.

Maggie grins, and claps a few times.

Tucker looks back to the crowd, putting his hands together automatically.

Reardon applauds politely.

Miguel gets elbowed again. He applauds.

Zorobabel claps quietly.

Tatiana taps her finger tips together, a quiet little applause though she's not really sure what she's applauding.

Benjamin reddens slightly. And walks up to pay the judge and get the basket. Seeing Daria smile, he smiles back at her.

A couple of the Ladies Auxilliary follow Susie out dutifully.

Framingham applauds as well and lifts up Daria's basket to give to Benjamin.

Allard can't be bothered to clap. He's plotting his Next Move.

Daria stands uncertainly at her seat.

Benjamin takes the basket and walks over to Daria.

Ylsa looks back towards the door. Can we go /now/?

Framingham looks at the two remaining baskets. "Well, I have Miss D'Antier's basket and Miss Jenkins' basket left. Which one shall I auction first?

Daria steps out in the aisle, looking over to catch Ylsa's eye. Isn't this nice? Like a real lady, and everything!

Wilona has now taken to noticing Ylsa, she immediately searches nearby for Christopher, hmmm.

Ylsa sits right by a Mexican stranger who has his arm draped over her shoulders. She grins at Daria. Good going.

Allard eyes Elizabeth. Hmm. She's a mite stuffy for his taste..

Elizabeth shrinks down even more into her chair.

Benjamin awkwardly offers his arm to Daria, trying not to hit her with the basket, which is unfortunately in the same hand. not that he has a choice.

Tucker looks past the crowd to the front of the room. He hasn't taken much notice of these events so far.

Daria grins happily, and walks out the door. She should have known her charm was irresistible. She's a professional, isn't she? And they don't call it Cherenkov radiation for nothing. It's that dazzling smile..

Daria has left.

Allard takes another deep lungful of smoke. He goes back to watching Ylsa.

Benjamin has left.

Framingham picks up Elizabeth's basket.

Lefty mutters something to the miner next to him. The scruffy miner gives a bark of laughter a mutter back.

Ylsa is really ready to go. Has been. For years now. Now. However, Miguel appears to be completely and utterly unaware of her presence, except for that arm.

Garrett smiles at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth bites her bottom lip. Hard.

Framingham says "Do I hear two bits for Miss D'Antier's basket?"

Rhia shifts uncomfortably.

Miguel is, indeed, not paying Ylsa any mind. He's watching the ladies in the LAC, and trying to pick out the women whose baskets are being auctioned. Occasionally he'll glance over toward Maggie.

A clean but older looking farmer that most folks would recognize as Hanley speaks up, "Two bits."

Garrett scowls. "Two bits? I think one dollar would be better, your honor." HE smiles. "So, one dollar."

Allard grins down at Rhia. Poor gurl, subjected to the crudities and hillbillyisms of American down-home life.. He offers her his cigar, thoughtfully. "Wanna puff? Get rid of your headache right off.."

Elizabeth's cheeks darken, but she manages a slight smile.

Framingham smiles. "One dollar from Mayor Garrett. Do I hear $1.50?"

Rhia glares at Allard. She mutters to Allard, "... brain?... smoke." Tucker sucks upon the cigar in his mouth, tilting his head. He runs a finger under his collar and straightens his tie. He remembers Miss Elizabeth's tea. One of the few tipes he actually enjoyed drinking such. He speaks up, "One fifty."

Allard just shrugs at Rhia's reply, and takes the puff himself.

Hanley frowns, he needs a new wife for his youngins but a two bucks, really. He speaks up all the same, "2.00"

Lefty responds to a nudge from another miner by glaring at him. Finally he offers with a grim expression, "Three dollars." He doesn't seem pleased by it.

Garrett glances at Tucker. Sheesh, can I pay attention to *anyone* without threatening you. "$3.25."

Framingham nods and smiles, "$3.25. Do I hear $3.50?"

Lefty turns his glare at Garrett. He shakes the stern expression off himself and starts to relax.

Allard doesn't miss Garrett's look at Tucker. This is going so nicely!

Rhia slips her hand off of Allard's arm, and looks at the door.

Elizabeth's eyebrows rise, without her notice. When she _does_ notice, her cheeks and throat darken even farther.

Framingham looks around. "We still have $3.25 for the Mayor...going once..."

Tucker shifts a bit under Garrett's gaze. The butt of his cigar is definately looking mangled now. He takes it out and spits away a few strings of tobacco.

Framingham says "Going twice..."

Miguel stretches his legs under the chair in front of him. He watches Elizabeth and her blushing. He's enjoying himself. A grand time, really.

Too pricey for Hanley's blood.

Allard sighs at the remains of Tucker's cigar. Hillbillies haven't discovered fire yet?

Frank slips back out during a lull in the bidding. Frank has left.

Framingham nods. "Sold to Mayor Garrett. Congratulations!" He bangs the gavel.

Zorobabel applauds politely.

Miguel applauds, grinning.

Garrett smiles. "Thank you, your honor." He stands and walks to the podium.

Framingham lifts up Elizabeth's basket and offers it to the Mayor.

Ylsa joins in, clapping quietly. How about now? Can we go now? Miguel's still ignoring her.



Tatiana again applauds, before turning to Darque and muttering softly to him.

Maggie claps, grinning.

Allard smiles to himself. Poor Shultz. Dead and _definitely_ forgotten.

Garrett takes the basket and peeks inside, smiling. "Oooh, and thank *you* Miss D'Antier."

Garrett offers the woman his right arm, basket in his left.

Tatiana mutters to Darque, "... to... utterly... bidding... the..."

Elizabeth smiles, and rises to her feet. All the better to get out of here, fast. "My pleasure, no?" She takes the offered arm.

Framingham smiles and reaches down for the last basket.

Wilona swallows hard, licking her lower lip. Unconsciously she glances at Tucker a moment.

Ylsa twists. Really want to go now, Miguel. Now. She mutters to the man in Spanish, her voice lilting in the language.

Darque shakes his head, hands resting on Tatiana's shoulders, an almost possessive gesture.

Allard perks up, all attention again.

Framingham says "Before I auction this last basket, I just wanted to thank you all for your continued generosity today. The school children of Maddock will thank you as well, I am sure."

Garrett leads Elizabeth out of the Barn, eagerly followed by two members of the ever diligant Ladies Auxilliary.

Reardon straightens up.

Garrett has left.

Miguel slips his arm from around Ylsa's shoulder and squeezes her knee briefly. I know you're there. I want to be here. Deal with it, OK? He clasps his hands and watches.

Framingham says "Do I have an opening bid for Wilona Jenkins' basket?"

Elizabeth has left.

Tucker shifts on his feet. You should go Tucker, go on.. Mosey right out that door. Yoo hoo. Tucker, I am talking to you.. Lift those feet and quit looking at Wilona. He tries his hardest to concentrate upon his cigar.

Allard grins at Garrett as they walk past, then returns to staring at Ylsa. Without looking away, he intones, "One dollar."

Ylsa looks forward again. Wilona? This might be interesting.

Wilona pales. Richard Allard?

Ylsa catches Allard's look before she looks forward, and looks back at him, with a blank look he might recognize all too well.

Reardon doesn't wait for the prompt. "One fifty."

Framingham glances around. "Do I hear an opening bid?"

Allard suppresses a grin, still looking at Ylsa. She should know what he's doing.

Framingham says "$1.50. Do I hear $1.75?"

Wilona inhales sharply, instantly agreeing this was a mistake.

If she knows what Allard's up to, it's doesn't show. Nothing shows. Ylsa has long perfected her blank look. She'd be a scary poker player if she played often.

Lefty gives an elbow to his neighbor and frowns.

Allard, on the other hand, loves poker. He's a master. "Two dollars."

Tucker stares at Wilona. He blinks several times. She is wearing.. oh dear. He fidgets so bad, he draws stares from some of the nearby townsfolk. He pales, then blushes. Those clips do look nice on her, always have. He spits out a few more tobacco leaves.

Framingham says "Two dollars. Do I hear $2.25?"

Lefty fumbles with his pouch and attempts to roll a cigarette. After a few moments he puts it all away in failure.

Miguel notices at some point that Ylsa is not looking forward, but backwards. He turns, then follows her look to Allard. He looks at Allard too; the man is quite an enigma. Another glance at Ylsa. He'll have this story. Then Miguel turns back to watch the judge.

Wilona looks at Reardon. _Do Something_.

Reardon sets his expression. "Three."

Framingham nods. "Three. Do I hear $3.25?"

Allard grins wider. "Four." No way is he going to be outbid on this one.

Reardon can outbid you, Allard, make no mistake. "Ten." Top that.

Ylsa leans an arm across Miguel, while she stares at Allard. Fascinated.

Allard starts laughing, hard, but silently. "Twenty."

Wilona relaxes, then tenses again when she sees how persistent Allard intends to be. But blinks a few times when the bidding goes up exponentially.

Framingham looks in surprise at Allard, wondering about his motives, then stares from Reardon back to Allard in open-mouthed shock as the bidding goes higher.

Allard sticks that cigar butt back in his mouth, still laughing. Wouldn't have missed this for _worlds_..

Lefty manages to spill his tobacco as his finger spasm reflexively.

Tucker glances back and forth between Allard and Reardon. He takes a step closer to the door. Common feet.. just another few steps to go. He runs a hand under his collar, hoping to release some of the steam from under his jacket.

Framingham says "Twenty dollars...do I hear $21.00?"

Reardon glances sidelong at Allard. "Twenty-five."

Allard reaches out his hand to Tucker's arm. Don't you go anywhere. "Thirty."

With Tucker's movement, Ylsa notices the man and his discomfiture. When Allard reaches for the Marshal, Ylsa rises, ignoring Miguel's question and sidling around him to edge over to Tucker and Allard.

Wilona's glance now falls to Tucker, standing with the man who is trying to buy her basket. She frowns slightly, uncomfortable as some of the LAC just gape at her.

Tatiana has left.

Framingham lets the gavel drop slowly to the podium. He has never seen so much money tossed around so casually in his entire life. "Thirty Dollars."

Rhia coughs again. She mutters to Allard, "... lunch?!"

Miguel asks Ylsa a question and is ignored. He leans back to let the woman by.

Framingham says "Do I...do I hear $31.00?"

Reardon's set expression draws down into a frown. "Thirty-five."

The ranchhands titter amongst themselves, these men must be expecting one hell of a meal...or something.

Maggie, wearing a stunned expression, has switched from calculating the bid in weeks' wages to months'.

Framingham swallows and nods. "Thirty-Five...dollars..."

Allard coughs, trying to catch his breath. He mutters to Rhia, "Not just... It's..."

Tucker stares at Allard's arm on his, then up to the man's face. His eyes dart to Reardon's, then Wilona's, then Ylsa's. He looks a bit like he belongs in one of his own cells.

Lefty looks dazed. "Dollars or bits? Are they as poor with adding as I am?"

Rhia glances up at him. She mutters to Allard.

Allard is so consumed by hilarity he can't hardly stand up straight any more. "Fifty dollars." He leans against the doorjamb weakly, wiping at his eyes.

Ylsa reaches for Tucker's other arm. "I want to go. Will you take me?" The question is directed to Tucker, but she stares solidly at Allard as she speaks it.

Allard tightens his grip on Tucker's arm, and he looks at him intently a moment. Trust me, will you?

Framingham whispers, "Fifty Dollars..."

Rhia gapes openly, She mutters to Allard, "A-are you..."

Reardon scowls now, and he turns full attention on Allard. He's not about to be outbid by you, Richard Allard. Not for Wilona. If Tucker were bidding, he'd back out. For you, he will not. "Fifty-five."

Miguel looks back towards the door. Ylsa attracts trouble. He knows this. He half-rises, prepared for a hasty exit if need be.

Lefty mutters a completion to Rhia's question. "Mad and rich"

Tucker stares at Ylsa blankly, then back at Allard. A strange flush comes over WIlliam Tucker at this moment. Certainly one he can't explain. He turns upon his heel and tosses his cigar on the ground, "75 dollars! And so help me God, the man who says one more bid, will spend his lunch, courtesy of the Maddock County Jail!" He stares around with a strange look in his eye, suddenly he blushes even a deeper red.

Wilona's color completely pales as Tucker speaks up. Dear god, he did it.

Ylsa blinks and releases Tucker's arm, standing back.

Allard just completely loses it, and falls against the wall, laughing so hard he almost passes out. Oh, God, will he ever be able to breathe again?

Maggie gawks at Tucker.

A roar in the crowd goes up as the ladies begin to mutter amongst themselves, oh my!

Framingham stares at Tucker like he has lost his mind. "Seventy-Five Dollars going once.."

Reardon's jaw falls open as well.

Rhia coughs again, She mutters to Allard, "... you..."

Ylsa considers kicking Allard. That man can bring her to outright fury faster than most. She glances at Rhia and shakes her head, turning to leave. This is enough.

Framingham says "Seventy-Five Dollars...going Twice..."

Ylsa has left.

Allard just grins at Rhia, and wipes at his eyes again.

Outer Limits of Maddock Contents: Ylsa, Tatiana, Elizabeth, Garrett, Benjamin, Daria, Susie, Karl, Torquil, Captain

Ylsa stalks out and leans against the wall, arms crossed. She looks furious.

Allard runs after Ylsa. "Wait, stop, you!"

Karl looks up as first Ylsa and then Allard arrive.

Allard is still really amused, but he's trying hard to Control.

Garrett glances up, putting down a jar of tea.

Elizabeth blinks at the people storming out.

Ylsa isn't going anywhere; then again, she wasn't expecting to be pursued. She just favors Allard with a dark glare.

Allard could just kiss Ylsa, he's so tickled. "Come back in here for a moment, won't you?"

Benjamin looks up at the activity, then returns his attention to Daria. He takes the bottle, drinks a little, and hands it back. Then polishes off several more pastries.

Daria blinks over at Allard and Ylsa, then shrugs and takes a swig from the bottle herself. Eating in silence, mostly. What to say?

Susie glances up and sees Allard. She blushes instantly, but quickly turns back to Karl.

Ylsa looks over and realizes this scene is interrupting the picnicers. For their sakes--theirs--she'll go in. Not without hissing to Allard, "What's that all about, Rick?"

Allard just grips her by the elbow, purely out of habit, you understand, and propells her back inside, still grinning.

Old Barn Contents: Cat, Darque, The kitten, Wilona's Lunch Basket, Maggie, Wilona, Zorobabel, Lefty, Reardon, Rhia, Miguel, Framingham, Podium Ylsa has arrived.

Allard waves a hand at the judge. "Is the bidding over?" he calls out. He's got Ylsa by the elbow.

Ylsa could spit nails. She's being dragged back in by Allard, by the elbow.

Miguel growls, dropping his hand to his belt. There's a long knife there, in addition to Miguel's guns. He prods a large ranch-hand impatiently. "Excuse me, mister."

Framingham still seems hesitant to slam down the gavel. He looks over the room and then back at Tucker.

Lefty returns with his mouth actively chewing on something.

Wilona is holding her breath, she glances at Reardon then to Tucker.

Reardon glances at Tucker, trying to see whether he was serious about that jail threat. He did say he'd back down for Tucker, didn't he? Damn it all anyway. He takes his hat off, glances again at Wilona, and turns for the door. You win, Will.

Allard is really pleased by this turn of events. Pleased as punch. He grins round at everyone.

Tucker isn't exactly sure what just happened. He just stands there, his face altering from beet red, to deathly pale. There is no reason to this, he just came to keep the peace.. that was all.

Framingham draws in a deep breath and finally bangs the gavel. "Sold to Marshal William Tucker for $75.00!"

Ylsa scowls at Allard, hissing, "Why do you drag me back in here, Rick? Let -go-!"

Framingham mutters under his breath. "May God help you, Will."

Allard would clap enthusiastically, for the first time all evening, but he's not risking letting go of Ylsa's elbow. "I have something to add, Judge," he calls out.

Zorobabel claps loudly "Damn, that bidding was somethin' to behold!"

Framingham picks up Wilona's basket and offers it to Tucker. He pauses and looks up at Allard. "Oh?"

Wilona exhales. Oh dear. The fact that she burnt her food while taking a longer then expected nap now occurs to her and she turns from pale to white. She can't let Tucker eat her food!

Reardon has left.

Allard is damn lucky that Ylsa has managed to lose every knife she owns, and that her brother can't get past that bumbling ranch-hand. She's ready to scrape Allard's eyes out with floor-tiles, if need by. "Let - go-!"

Wilona closes the distance to the podium, attempting to take her basket before Will does, she'll carry it, really.

Tucker winces as that gavel slaps down. He takes his hat off his head and wrings it in his hands. He smiles, shading his expressions, "Whelp.. I a... figured that the law in this town... should be the first to... er.. encourage education." Nice speech, pretty speech. His hand positively shakes as he reaches out for the basket.

Allard grins at Framingham. "If you can talk Ylsa here into eating lunch with me _anywhere_, I'll donate fifty dollars to the fund, myself. Seeing as how I got outbid twice, you understand."

Lefty gives Allard a look of sad comisseration. "We so pity you in that"

Framingham hands Tucker the basket, his full attention now on Allard. "She has a husband, Mr. Allard," he says simply.

Allard shakes his head, blandly. "Tell him, Ylsa."

Ylsa isn't the sort whose mouth drops open. However... The look she turns on Allard, with the entire town looking on. Oh she's ready to kill. Just murder. In a bad bad way. She swallows, staring at Allard, but speaking loud enough for Framingham to hear. "Miguel Mendez is my brother."

Miguel stops struggling. He's just watching now. Watching Allard.

Allard shrugs, smiling. "There you have it, Judge. She's a free woman. Aren't you, Ylsa." He turns his smile on her.

Lefty wishes he could see Greg's face when he learns of it.

Framingham looks confused. "I don't understand. He told me that he..."

Tucker stares daggers into Richard Allard. It was his fault. If he had not turned this whole event into a travesty, this would not have happened. He lets Wilona take the basket, afraid to even look at her.

Ylsa snaps, slightly louder than her other admission. "I am with Chris."

Maggie winces. Allard snorts, still amused. "Sure doesn't look like it right now."

Wilona takes the basket and a place at Tucker's side. Silent. She waits for him to step out intending to follow.

Framingham looks over at Miguel. "Is this true, sir?"

Flash and fury. If looks could kill...Ylsa stares at Allard. "I am with Chris."

Miguel nods, tagging Fram with a grin. "Brother. Yes."

Tucker finally places his hat back on his head, smoothing out the brim.

He casts a brief glance at Wilona, then heads out the door. Tucker has left.

Allard shrugs carelessly, and drops the elbow.

Wilona follows behind, since he hardly waited. Wilona has left.

Framingham narrows his eyes at Miguel, "I do not appreciate being lied to sir...twice."

A visible shiver runs through Ylsa; not fear. She still stares at Allard.

Framingham says "Which was the lie, what you told me before...or what you are telling me now?"

Miguel nods to Framingham and half-grins. "That is something I've noticed that many of you do not like. I think that your mayor Garrett has begun the Maddock Montana chapter of the 'I hate Miguel Mendez' club. Maybe you go talk to him?" He cocks an eyebrow. "I am Ylsa's brother. Half-brother, if you really want to know."

Framingham says "Then why the lies? Why didn't you just say that?"

Allard looks at Framingham, still bland. This ought to be interesting.

Miguel regards Framingham. "Because I looked for a pair of horsethieves. And if I am related to one of them, then maybe I get hung as well, for what they did. But when I find out that they are not hated, but the people want to protect her, I think it will get to her faster if soeone tells her that her 'estranged husband' looks for her, than her 'half- brother'. If they want to protect her, sir, then they will get that message to her faster."

Rhia sighs softly, and slips towards the door. Shoulda never come in the first place girlie, this isn't the place for you, never is. Just get out now, while you can.

Miguel half-grins again, with a shrug, "But I use my real name, so Ylsa knows, when she hears the message."

Ylsa steps back and leans against the wall. Somewhat heavily.

Allard is just letting this flow now, and he's got his amusement (mostly) under control by now.

Miguel is still standing, regarding Framingham with attention.

Lefty gazes hungrily towards the refreshment stand, contemplating another raid.

Framingham shakes his head and steps down from the podium. "Whatever," he grumbles. "I hope your sister hasn't heard some of the scandalous things you said about her."

Miguel grins at Framingham and chuckles. "But if I am a liar, then it doesn't matter, right?" He sobers, slightly and nods, realizing the words, however not losing his humor.

Framingham just shakes his head and reaches down for his hat.

Ylsa shuts her eyes and pretends she is not here. She's just another shadow against the wall.

Allard could probably have liked Miguel.. if there had been no Ylsa. He grins at Miguel. Another liar. How refreshing.

Miguel is off the hook. He continues over to where Ylsa stands pretending she is not here, and where Allard stands. He glances at Allard, but turns to study Ylsa more intently, speaking to her in Spanish.

Framingham walks over to Maggie and smiles. "How are you doing, Miss...Miss Benington?"

Allard hates that. Maybe he should have taken Spanish instead of French..

Maggie smiles up at Framingham, then grins. "Very well, thank you..." She climbs to her feet.

Ylsa does not open her eyes. She responds in monosyllables.

Amoung the words she speaks is definately discernable: "Christopher Quintan." Ylsa just looks tired.

Framingham says "Are you going to go outside and watch the Fourth of July bonfire?"

Allard is getting annoyed by this Ylsa. He wants the hellfire Ylsa, the one with the rages and the vicious sense of humor. Not this defeated quiet thing.

Lefty wanders toward the exit. He stands in the door for a while before taking a seat near the door.

Maggie blinks, then nods. "I hadn't realized there was one...yes."

Miguel's eyes narrow and he growls out in English, perhaps for Allard's benifit. "Where the hell is this Christopher Quintan, then, Ylsa?"

Ylsa just leaves. She's had it.

Allard's eyes snap to Miguel. Maybe he _does_ like Miguel. Damn good question. He looks at Ylsa for her answer.

Framingham says "Well, we always had them back east...so I assume there will be one here. It's traditional."

Maggie grins. "Are you going?"

Miguel watches her leave and grinds his teeth. He turns back to Allard. Perhaps an answer is there?

Framingham nods. "I can walk you outside, if you'd like." (*I assume Mrs. Fram is outside already with the ladies auxiliary.)

Allard is just as annoyed. "I don't know what's the matter with her," he mutters, frustrated.

Maggie smiles and nods. "Thank you."

Framingham puts on his hat and starts toward the door.

Miguel runs his hand through his hair, after taking his hat off. "She do this alot, Mister Allard?" He almost expects an affirmative.

Maggie follows the judge, with a quick nervous glance back into the room.

Allard shrugs. "Do which?" he asks in perplexed annoyance.

Framingham has left. Maggie has left.

Zorobabel stands, dusts himself off and heads for the door, satisfied with the entertainment.

The log I have ended here...