Title "About the Birds and the Bees" Part one Author: Beth S. Usual Disclaimer as follows: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Lesourd Family. We are in no way seeking to profit or credit from her story. We are continuing the story from our own amusement only . Summary. This piece of fanfiction takes place directly after the discussion in the book the Danish folk Schools. It is the first part of probably three sections. Part one "About the Birds and the Bees" Barely acknowledging the rest of the occupants at the table I abruptly excused myself.Taking my overcoat I through it over my shoulders not bothering to button it and escaped outside. The mountain air was crisp and invigorating. The last splashes of crimson left over from sunset were fading into the starry night and only the shadowy outlines of the mountain ranges could be seen. As usual, when my eyes rested on the mountain ranges and my lungs sucked in the fresh mountain air my spirits would rise. I felt restored my deflation turned to an indignant anger at how David had patronized me at the table. He had done this before. Why did it affect me so much this time I queried to myself? A ruggedly handsome redheaded face dominated my thoughts. I smiled with warmth at the recollection of his words as he defended me. What was it that he had said? "If I am an exception, its because of several men who felt as Christy does - they saw possibilities in some of us." Tonight at the table the Doctor, whom I was usually at odds with had been my champion and the man who was my suitor was my enemy. The strange thing was that ever since Ruby Mae's wedding I had been seeing possibilities in Dr MacNiell. Occasionally I caught a glimpse of his soul, one so very different to the know-it -all and quarrelsome exterior that I was more accustomed to. These glimpses so far were rare which only caused more confusion to me than clarification. I knew that my feelings towards him had moved from animosity but now where did I stand, somewhere between ambiguity and appreciation. While my thoughts meandered along in this way, I found myself at the steps of the schoolhouse. I mounted the stairs and let myself in. By this time the sun was gone and the schoolroom was dim and cold. Instinctively I felt my way down the rows of desks till I got to my own. I lit the lantern. It's soft ambient glow cast gay dancing shadows around the rooms. It was so cold now my fingers were beginning to freeze, I buttoned my hastily put on coat and sort my gloves. As I mechanically built a fire to establish some warmth. I allowed my thoughts to drift back to the doctor. Now I was thinking of the evening of Ruby Mae wedding, remembering how it felt to be in his strong arms being expertly twirled around, the exhilaration, the feeling of gay abandonment. I heard a footfall and the door creak. The sudden noise caused me to startle and I jumped making myself overbalance and I ended up sprawled across the floor. Looking up half expecting to see David, I instead beheld the very arm extended towards me that I had been daydreaming about. He was amused at my undignified state. I blushed violently like a naughty child caught red handedly steeling from her mother's newly baked cookies. "May I assist you Miss Huddleston, and let me apologize for so rudely interrupting you. What may I enquire were you thinking about, that caused me to surprise you so, Christy?" He asked with an amused twinkle in his eye. I reluctantly accepted his hand and with no effort he pulled me to my feet. We were standing close to each other and I found myself looking into his eyes my heart fluttered.I caught my breath. I realized I hadn't said a word and that we still were holding hands. I abruptly let go. He was looking at me expectantly, not letting me off the hook without an answer. " I was just thinking about Ruby Mae wedding," I blurted out without much thought. Again I felt myself blush as I thought of the implications of this statement "…about how things are done so differently here compared back to back in Asheville.' I continued realizing the more I said the more I was amusing the Doctor. Irritated that so often around him I was so transparent, and he so in control I broke my gaze and moved away from him. " You must mean the quaint custom of the Shivaree." The doctor suggested with an arch brow. " I thought that concept was revolting to you, surely you have not changed your mind." by this time the Doctor openly laughing at me. This hurt my pride especially when just a short time before I had almost allowed myself to imagine that the doctor was a knight in shining Armour defending me against David's taunts Angrily I turned away trying to think of a smart comeback reply while I busied myself with the fire. Again that muscular arm was extended towards me. "Here, let me do this for you" without waiting for a reply he expertly got the fire going. Soon the cracking wood and dancing fire had spread its warmth through the room. "I am not as helpless as you might think Dr MacNeill," I said ungraciously. " Helplessness never entered my head when thinking of you, Christy. Naïve maybe, but definitely not helpless." "What's so wrong with being Naïve" I found myself responding peevishly. "Nothing at all I assure you. Quite the contrary I find it very refreshing in a girl. Look I'm sorry if I am offending you for I've actually come to congratulate you." "What for " I asked dubiously so thrown was I by how his remarks jumped from teasing to compliments. "Because our great minds think alike." He quipped. "Well you certainly have a very intact self-esteem doctor. And I thank-you for the compliment. But as for our minds ever thinking alike surely this judgment discounts that yours is great in the first place." I jestered, glad that I could think of a clever reply The Doctor was not perturbed with my sarcasm but was in a surprisingly jovial mood. "Seriously though Christy I came to discuss the possibility of us working together on a project. It came to me while you were talking so enthusiastically about the Danish Folk Schools" Again I was thrown completely off balance at the twist our conversation was taking. He had all my attention now. Forgetting any resentment that may have previously been incurred, I asked him excitedly to tell me what he had in mind. He launched into the topic with vigor and passion and I was swept up with him. He started by saying how ever since our discussion in his cabin so many months ago about the death of Opal baby, he had been wrestling with trying to find a practical solution to the big problem of mountain superstition and ignorance. It surprised me that my words back then had any impression him "For sometime", he continued, " I have felt that the best way to change is at the grass roots level. By this I mean educating the younger members of the community. I envisage a small group of the newly wed girls of the community, forming an adult education class. Start simple, meet maybe once or twice a week. ". He ran off a list of four girls who were newly married, two who were already in the family way. Ruby Mae was one of the girls on the list. Two others were girls who had spent a few months in the school when I first started but had left to get married. The fourth was a girl from Cateleechie who had married a local man. He explained that all the girls had something in common; they had all had some education. Though very rudiment he conceded. He felt that they were all in the position to be re-educated out of cove superstition because the education process would have caused them to question the way things are done." “ What about Ruby Mae, she spent all that time with us and she went back to traditional young marriage. I have thought over and over again that I have failed with her.” “The trouble with you Christy is if you don’t see changes happen over night then you only see failure. You have lost sight of the little victories. You saw that in Mountie remember. Maybe you have been around Ruby Mae so much that you have forgotten what she was nearly a year ago.” He said this almost affectionately. “Now I have known that little chatterbox all her life. From the moment she entered this world red and screaming, I don’t think her mouth has been shut for a moment. Believe me, the change in Ruby Mae is astounding. The fact that she still takes good care of personal hygiene and grooming since leaving the mission is no small miracle .It hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Did you know that several of the other girls that I have mention earlier look up to Ruby Mae and are trying to imitated her? They are her peers you see and at that age as you have probably already figured they pay more attention to their peers than their elders. That is why you would be the perfect teacher for this class opposed to Miss Alice.” “ “ There are other ways that she has changed, like her creative approach to cooking.” We both had to laugh at this, having been at different occasions the guinea pigs for her experiments with possum. “Despite being fixated on possum, she at least tries different and nutritious ingredients. I even heard from Uncle Bogg that Ruby Mae has started a vegetable garden with at least six different vegetables and that next summer Ruby Mae is planning to sell some of her leftover seedlings.” I was astounded by this and wanted to know how she had learnt all these things. “Well she learnt to make an effort with her appearance from you Miss Huddleston I believe” he said looking at me appreciatory. I again found myself caught in his gaze. I felt self-conscious under his intense scrutiny, was he teasing now or was he genuinely complimenting me? I could not tell. “I think Ida can take credit for her nutritious cooking experiments, although I am not sure Ida herself would care to take on this dubious honor.” Dr Macneill continued with a mischievous grin “ Ida would also be responsible for her knowledge of gardening and sewing.” My thoughts went to Ida and I felt a bit ashamed. I had always thought of Ida a hindrance to many of my goals for the mission. Now I was finding out, that it was quite the contrary, she having played such an important unheralded role in Ruby Mae’s education. What amazed me more that the person who had noticed this more than anyone was Dr MacNeill, who wasn’t even of the mission? Again I found myself looking at this man in a new light. I felt humbled. “What sort of topics would you cover in the classes”, I asked him with interest. “Part of the group would simply be a vehicle to encourage their on going education that you have already started so well” he said smiling at me. “Other topics could include: health issues in pregnancy, good nutrition, some details on what happens during childbirth. breastfeeding baby care and family planning…..” “Family planning I broke in “ with shock, “surely this is none of our business surely we should not be interfering with something that God has ordained…” ‘God has ordained what exactly Miss Huddleston. .” He interrupted tersely “It’s just that I thought that whether a woman has a child or not should be a thing of God. I just think that it is unethical of us to interfere with this area. Surely life and death is a sacred thing,” I stammered trying set forth my argument in a straightforward non-emotional way still taken aback by such unexpected passionate response. “You surprise me Miss Huddleston if you believe that your God has ordained that women should die before they are forty because they are worn out by bearing over 10 children and living a life of constant misery worrying about whether the children that they do have will live past their first year because of lack of food and disease. I see women here all the time in the cove who get by on 5 hours sleep a night who have no leisure. How can these women have improve lots when they have no choices? You jump to conclusions when I talk about family planning I mean entirely natural methods of spacing children. You probably don’t realize that breastfeeding a baby for over 12 month reduces fertility rate not to mention some different times during the month women are more fertile than others.” His vehenomously reply surprised and intimidated me, not to mention the topic completely embarrassed me. To lighten the situation I found myself blurting out “ You amaze me Doctor, since when have you been the Patron Saint for the cove women.” My attempt at humor I knew almost straight away was callous and hurtful. Oh how I wished I could’ve taken it back. But the strength of the Doctor reaction startled me he flew into a rage the fiery look in his eyes scared me. “Since I watched my mother die too young after a care worn life. Since I have seen too many of my female peers die due to complications of having too many children too soon. Since…..”, his voice broke and he struggled to continue, “Since I watched my own wife lead an aimless life. Because she had no profession and no religion she saw getting married and having children the only thing she could do. She died doing it and made us both miserable in the process.” He added bitterly. Before I could reply he picked up his saddlebags and abruptly left the room. I sat stunned for several moment shocked at his words and the obvious scars that he so cleverly hid. I rushed to the door in order to catch him to beg his apology but I was just in time to hear Charlie’s gallop out of the mission yard. I sank to the floor where I was I put my head in my hands and cried. Cried for hurting him. Cried because I felt so ashamed and could not face the thought that the doctor was somewhere thinking ill of me. Cried because with shame I had offhandedly treated the Doctor’s ideas with similar contempt as David had treated mine earlier in the evening. In my despair I turned to God and after confessing a peace came to me with a resolution to put things right in the morning. Feeling more composed now I dried my eyes, put the fire out and took the lamp to guide my way back to the mission house. I lay awake late in the night pondering how I could make it up to Doctor MacNeill. Surprised at how much his opinion of me mattered. Part 2 It was well after eight o'clock when I finally surfaced after a restless nights sleep. Ida Grantland considered sleeping late a capital offence, so not wanting to incur her wrath further I hastily dressed and made my way downstairs. I slipped quietly into the dining room in hope of grabbing some corn bread and to miss Ida altogether. Just when I thought I was safe I saw her looming in the doorway tightlipped and militarily erect making no secret of her disapproval at the time. She launched into a tirade of how the hot breakfast was over David and Miss Alice having been and gone a whole hour ago. Feeling already vunerable over my argument with the Doctor the night before I didn't want to sample a piece of verbal sparing with Ida. Apologizing profusely I explained that I was feeling unwell and was planning to skip breakfast and would be happy with some plain cornbread. I spotted the cornbread on the table out the corner of my eye. Before she could respond I grabbed the corn bread and made my way out the side door I was greeted again by a glorious golden autumn day. The air was so brisk that I dashed back inside to grab my warm wrap and gloves. I was noticing nearly daily that the weather was getting cooler as the autumn gave way to winter. There were fewer leaves on the trees now and their sparseness contributed to my melancholic mood. I knew that I could not procrastinate, so braced myself and boldly made my way to the Doctor's Cabin with the task of reconciliation at hand. Hardly aware of my surroundings I contemplated what had taken place the night before. It was so important that I put right this wrong. Last night had been the first attempt on Doctor MacNeill's part to forge some sort of partnership with the mission. The significance of this was not lost on me. I had prayed earlier in my association with the doctor that he would take more interest in the mission. I could see now that God in his perfect timing had been working on the Doctor's heart prodding him into action. I had put the request aside when the answer didn't come exactly how I expected. Last evening my answer came but I was so caught up with my own hurt pride and hang-ups that I had missed an important "God" opportunity. My rather unfortunate "patron saint" comment I realized now was to change a subject, which I could not bear to talk about especially with the Doctor. Any thing to do with sex and procreation in Asheville was dressed up and hidden with euphemisms. My family and society in general were so uptight about such matters, that as a result I was too. No wonder the Doctor, who was so worldly wise found my reaction to these matters so funny and infuriating. I recalled our conversation at Ruby Mae's wedding with humiliation. What were his patronizing words, "All right let Papa explain". Problem was neither my papa nor mama did properly explain, so here I was a long way from home where even the children I taught new more about sex than .I. No wonder I felt way out of my depth By now I had arrived at the overgrown path that lead to the Doctor's cabin, with my heart in my throat I gingerly climbed the weather worn steps and braced myself as I knocked heavily on the door. No answer, I tried again. Still no answer. Just as I was about to give up I caught sight of the Doctors figure down by the river. He was at his favorite leisure time activity fly-fishing. Knowing that the Doctor had such little time to himself my first inclination was to leave him in peace. No! I had to face him now while I had the courage and not too much water had passed under the bridge. I made my way down the steps and followed the path that meandered its way down to the embankment to the river. The river was crystal clear and babbled on oblivious to its spectators. As my boots crushed the stones beneath them, the doctor became aware of my presence. He looked up at me and smiled sheepishly "So glad you came by Christy, I was planning to drop by the mission later today to offer you an apology for my behavior last night.I guess it was the fiery Scot coming out in me." " You are apologising to me?", I said completely thrown by his genial mood. Almost crossly I found myself blurting out, " I've been up all night worrying about how to make it up to you and…" " You mean you lost sleep over me Christy, I am flattered, but not worth the…" the Doctor interrupted flashing me a disarming smile I felt my temper rising, this conversation was not going at all like I expected and again I felt myself becoming flustered. I held my hand up as a gesture to stop him from continuing. "Doctor MacNeill " I said decisively "If you can't hear me out without teasing, I will leave and will never attempt to apologies to you again." I must have looked comical standing there with my hands on my hips like a proper school marm. But the Doctor did not let on; instead he simply looked at me meekly and put his finger to his lip as if to seal the pact. "I just wanted to say that I am really sorry for making fun of something that was obviously very important to you. I am so flattered that you have asked me to help and I am really interested. I want you to know that what I said about you being a patron saint and all was just to divert us from talking about……, you know ?……" "About what , Christy?", the doctor asked genuinely confused. "O.k, About the Birds and the Bees. I just find this so embarrassing to talk about especially with you. It's true what you said last night, I am naïve even worse I am just plain ignorant. If you can't take me seriously how is a class of adolescent girls going to be able to." "Come now Christy, lighten up. I do take you seriously I wouldn't have asked you to help me in this project if I didn't think you were up to the task. I'm sorry if you feel humiliated by me it was not intended that way. Teasing is just my way of getting around some of my own inadequacies." "What inadequacies?" I asked dubiously not sure that he was being serious.. "O.K. then I have a confession. Is it not possible that my teasing is just a cover-up because I have forgotten how to speak with a smart fashionable city lass such as yourself?" I looked at him uncertainly but saw that he was serious. He was obviously embarrassed by his confession, so didn't give me time to respond. "You have missed a vital point about the Danish Schools Christy and that is this. The adult education model is supposed to be a dynamic situation. Therefore, students learn from teacher and teacher learns from students. It's when we can acknowledge that we have still more to learn that we can still grow. It's when we think we know it all we become rigid and narrow minded." I looked at the doctor with new respect. For the first time I wasn't suspicious of him. This gave me the encouragement to ask him a burning question I had. "Tell me Doctor, I ventured, from what you were saying last night it sounded like you thought that marriage and childbearing was a bad choice for a woman to make" "My, Christy you are one to jump to conclusions" he shook his head in mock resignation "Actually I am generally in favour of the state of matrimony and parenthood. All I was pointing out yesterday was that very few cove women have a choice. Of course it isn't just a cove problem; poverty, ignorance and too many mouths to feed make women oppressed all over the world. You may not believe it but sometime in your lifetime women will get the vote. I believe there will be a day when women will have the choice about when and how many children they can have. I believe one day that women will be able to choose any occupation they want. One day, but not today! But there is something that we can do in our own little part of the world. Are you with me in this Christy" he held out his hand to shake our agreement. I took his hand and shook it. Sealing more than just a bargain but a friendship. "Now that it is settled when would like your second lesson on the birds and the bees" "Why I haven't even had my first Doctor," I quipped. " I should have thought that Ruby Mae's wedding would suffice as you first, or wasn't that clear enough for you" he was laughing merrily. I joined him for I no longer was being laughed at bur being laughed with. Part 3 Summary of previous chapter; Christy goes to Neil's cabin and apologises. They make a pact to work together on adult education classes for newly wed girls in the cove. My contact with Doctor MacNeill since our tete tete down at the river had been limited due to outbreak of dysentery in Low Gap and his subsequent absence. I impatiently awaited his return, keen to take the next step towards establishing the class. About a week later, Miss Alice came looking for me and asked me to come to her cabin as she had something to discuss with me. Curiously I followed her. To my surprise we were not alone. Stretched out before the a roaring fire was Dr MacNeill his long framed resting comfortably back in the Miss Alice's cosy seat in one hand he held coffee in a tall mug in the other he had his tobacco pouch dangling lazily. His clothes were unkempt and his hair, more unruly than usual. I guessed that he had come straight to the mission from Low Gap. This was not surprising, as he and Miss Alice had become interdependent over the years by shear necessity. If the doctor was gone from Cutter gap for long periods the only person with medical experience for miles was Miss Alice. Dr MacNeill always checked in on her to be updated on any medical crisis or developments that might have happened in his absence. I also think the guaranteed wholesome meal and warm fire were an incentive to stay longer. Seeing me enter he straightened up slightly and threw me a disarming smile. Miss Alice had gone to the other side of the room to organize me a cup of coffee. "So nice to see you Christy," he said familiarly " did you miss me and our somewhat interesting conversations" Surprised and amused by his greeting I returned his smile but moved the conversation to safer ground. "You look so tired Dr MacNeill, your absence has been missed by all of us at the mission. I hope things at Low Gap weren't to serious". Miss Alice again in earshot of the conversation assented her agreement to my inquiry. She handed me a cup of steaming coffee it's aroma so pleasing to my senses, I thanked her with a smile. "Some children were badly affected by the dysentery. They came from two main families who share the same water supply. I thought I was going to lose the youngest, a 2 year old, but he managed to pull through in the eleventh hour. It's not the end though, the youngens' that suffered are now very weak and will be susceptible to any other illness going round. I have told them over and over that they cannot allow their children to defecated wherever they please and especially not in the water.'" His voiced had become raised in frustration "They let them run around without nappies on and they do their business wherever they feel like. Then their drinking water and water used in food preparation is taken from the same supply. " He added angrily. He let his gaze rest on me and must of saw my nose wrinkled in disgust, for he threw his head back and laughed a deep rumbling laugh. Uncertain about what had caused this outbreak I joined in his contagious mirth. Then it occurred to me that he was again laughing at me recalling my same response when describing the O'Teel Cabin, so many months ago now. How things had changed in my relationship with Dr MacNeill I mused that I felt comfortable with him laughing at me no longer feeling offended. "Sorry, Miss Huddleston, too much detail, Miss Alice doesn't suffer as you do of a delicate stomach." He said with eyes twinkling at me. "True, Neil. We medical people must watch our uncouth talk in front of those not accustomed to it." Miss Alice added a bit puzzled by our outburst, "But what you say is a continuing problem, one that I believe led to the death of those two youngens down at Cateclechie last month. But on a more positive note, from what you were just telling me about your ideas for the adult education classes for our young wives, we may be able to start making a step towards putting right some of these wrongs." Miss Alice was surprising open minded about the whole idea, even to the point of teaching natural family planning. Probably more than anything Miss Alice was delighted that Dr MacNeill was so enthusiastic about a program that would involve the mission's participation. When Dr MacNeill emphasized the need to teach the facts of life in that bold way of his, Miss Alice did not flinch. It was later while I pondered her reaction that I understood her openness. Her youth and innocence had been taken away because the Quaker circle, while trying to protect their youth had brought them up in ignorance. The result in Miss Alice's case had been devastating Doctor MacNeill very diplomatically brought up the little problem of my own lack of knowledge. Seeing me blush crimson I caught Miss Alice pass a sly wink to the Doctor out of the cornor of my eye. "Perhaps, Miss Huddleston and I may have some of our own adult Education Classes. Neil, somehow I do not see it appropriate that you be taking on that task", Relief spread through me. Miss Alice had observed my reaction and smiled at me knowingly. I wouldn't have been surprised if the doctor had already related some of the content of our previous conversations and her offer was a bid to save me from anymore embarrassing conversations with the bantering doctor. Though somewhat repentant, Dr MacNeill had that twinkle in his eye that told me that he wasn't quite finished with me. Miss Alice as perceptive as ever had picked this up. I flung him a smug, "I am safe now" smile. He simply winked at me. The Doctor then became serious expressing that he was anxious for the meetings to start. He explained how he was becoming very concerned with one of the girls from the group. Her name was Ella Teague. She had moved to Cutter Gap from Cateleechie after marrying Aunt Polly Teague's grandson, Len Teague who resided on the outskirts of her land. Ella had only turned 16 and was soon to have a baby. I gathered from the date of her predicted confinement that this was the reason for the hasty wedding in the first place. Len, only 20 himself had brought Ella to his sparse cabin and left her there alone for long periods. It seems that Len was not quite ready for the state of matrimony and had been bullied into it in order "to make an honest girl" of Ella. Hence Len had not changed many of his bachelor ways spending long periods away hunting, fishing and drinking moonshine with his cohorts. Dr MacNeill had grave concerns for her mental health and described her as in a state of severe melancholy, believing that meeting with other girls and forging a support network may lift her spirits and help her to face her pending motherhood. Again I saw myself catching a glimpse of this intuitive and compassionate man that was Dr MacNeill. "How horrible for poor Ella "I exclaimed appalled at her situation. "Why does her mother not support her, during this time, surely she could go back and await her confinement in Cateleechie." The Doctor shook his head, "Her mother died " he said casting me an ironic grimace "giving birth to her tenth child, actually " he said with emphasis on the word "tenth". I knew he was recalling our unfortunate dialogue of several weeks ago. I looked away not wanting to be reminded of my naïve comments. He continued on to forge his point, "The older children such as Ella stayed with their father while the younger were farmed out to relations. Ella grew up pretty wild which is why, I guess she has found herself in this situation, not having a mothers guidance." Again he emphasized the word "mother". "I take your point Doctor" I said tersely finding myself growing irritable at his tenacity and know-it-all attitude. "But what I want to know is what are we going to do for Ella now." At this comment Dr MacNeill backed down sheepishly The rest of the discussion centered on practical issues relating to logistics. Dr MacNeill finally acknowledging his exhaustion retired to his cabin. This left Miss Alice and I talking into the small hours about the Birds and the Bees. Part 4 It was arranged that I would meet with the girls two times a week in the afternoons. In order not to stir up too much suspicion it was decided to call the group "Young Homemakers". I had to smile at this, me instruct girls on the arts of homemaking. How my friends from Asheville would have laughed. I knew some of the old-timers of the cove were having some fun at my expense for the same reason. As word spread around I found myself the target of much advice-giving. "You tell those girls …..", and "Make sure you mention……."were a constant embellishing all my conversations with any cove women above the age of thirty. . Some of the advice given was the exact superstition that we were trying to educate out of this generation of girls. Other advice was valuable commonsense wisdom that I would never of thought of. I accepted both types graciously, discarding the ridiculous and filing the rest away in my memory. The problem of relieving me from my classroom responsibilities had some very creative solutions. David volunteered to take the older boys and teach them carpentry and general maintainance skills. To my surprise Ida was more than happy to take some of the older girls for classes in cooking and nutrition. Ida Grantland was such a mystery to me. Around her I always felt I was stepping on eggshells, yet slowly I had begun to see her through God's eyes. Though I doubted that she would ever be a kindred spirit I made a mental note to try harder to see her as God did. Probably the best outcome of my deployment was the decision for Fairlight to take over the care of the younger children. Fairlight who had made huge progress in her reading and writing was the perfect choice for an Infant's teacher. Of course, she was absolutely thrilled. The small wage that was to be paid to her would also be an invaluable supplement to the Spencer's meager winter income. I thanked God that through one blessing so many more blessings overflowed. Meanwhile the educating of Christy Huddleston began. I had expected to feel the same embarrassment that I had felt in discussing such issues with Miss Alice as I had with Dr MacNeill. To my delight it was quite the contrary. Miss Alice, who relished in her role as cove midwife, taught in such a down to earth and matter of fact way I soon lost all embarrassment. Soon I found myself absolutely fascinated about the whole process of feotal development from conception to the perfectly formed human being that emerged nine months later. There was nothing embarrassing about the whole process of pregnancy and birth when Miss Alice explained it. It was simply a healthy and normal process that most women experienced in their lifetime. I wondered what all the fuss was about. I asked many questions and soon found confidence in my own ability to impart the necessary knowledge. Funnily enough I was even able to question Dr MacNeill about some issues I had when Miss Alice was away at Low Gap. "Dr MacNeill" I questioned him while he was in the process of restocking the medicine impress, " I was wondering if you could clarify something for me." "Why sure Christy. What was it that you wanted to know?" "Well, if a woman has to be have a fully open cervix before she can birth her baby, how do you know for sure that she is ready" The Doctor looked at me with bewilderment, almost dropping the pill container that he was decanting. While he fumbled with the container I noticed that his face was flushed dark crimson. Could the good doctor actually be embarrassed by my directness I mused with delight. "Umm now that's a good question Christy, but perhaps one that Alice would best explain" procrastinated the Doctor. "Doctor" I giggled, "You're not embarrassed by a wee question about the birds and the bees now are you?" "Of course not" he replied defensively as he looked around the room uncomfortably. He was caught in a reverse case of de ja vu. Giving in graciously he laughed at himself. "Aye you're a sharp one now lass, and I take my hat off to you. You could no longer be described as naïve, that's for sure." "But I hope that I am still refreshing", I said demurely "Well you are at that, you certainly have a way of keeping me on my toes", he looked at me with an arch brow. He then went on to give me full description on internal examinations of the cervix. Surprised at my harden approach to matters of the birds and the bees. Story: Title "About the Birds and the Bees" Part five Author : Beth S. Usual Disclaimer as follows: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Lesourd Family. We are in no way seeking to profit or credit from her story. We are continuing the story from our own amusement only . Two weeks had past since the discussion with Dr MacNeill and Miss Alice in her cabin. How much had happened since then. Equipped with my new knowledge and enthusiasm insurmountable, I found myself on the path towards Ella Teague's cabin with an entourage of chattering maidens. In one hand I had a basket heavy laden with linen to make a layette for Ella's baby. This was going to be a point of delicacy. Dr MacNeill had warned us due to Ella's depression and the general Teague poverty very little had been prepared for the baby. Each other girl carried various items provided by Ida to sit on and to eat. Miss Alice and I had decided that while I was conducting my first class that I would set the girls to sewing a basic layette for Ella. The problem of mountain pride would be a big hurdle to overcome. For sometime I pondered this problem and came up with the following solution. I would put it to the girls that part of the function of the group was that we would pledge to help each other out in times of need. Therefore though the girls were assisting Ella now to get her layette ready, the time would come when Ella would need to help. In addition to this I would point out that though the mission was supplying the linen their payment was their labour. I hoped that this would solve the problem of accepting charity. Miss Alice also had a project with her quilting group. The older women had agreed magnanimously to start a new tradition to quilt a quilt to for every first-born baby of the cove. The Len Teague cabin was situated about one mile southwest of the Allen's mill on an overused and unproductive piece of land. The walk there on this crisp autumn afternoon was delightful. I listened with amused affection at Ruby Mae's verbose chattering. Ruby Mae was in her element simply being in company. Gushing with romantic tales of her Will, her stories I knew were embellished by her imagination. From the current tale she was telling I could imagine that mild awkward Will would be mortified. I made a note to give her an object lesson on discretion and appropriateness of conversations at some stage in the near future. Meanwhile Sarah Menker listened in wide-eye envy to her companion's tales. Sarah had spent only a month in my class before she left abruptly to marry at the age of 17. She was a simple homely girl with straight brown hair, which she had attempted to pile up on her head, with little success as it fell lankly and messily about her face. Her calico shirtwaist bulged at the seams in attempt to cover her growing abdomen. I made a mental note to discuss with Miss Alice the need for maternity clothes. She was the tallest of the group but the weight of her already rounding abdomen had led her to slouch. I noticed that when she overcame some of her hesitancy towards me she had a beautiful smile. Embeth Stevens lagged behind a bit, listening politely to Ruby Mae chatter but the far of look in her eyes told me that she wasn't in the least bit interested in what Ruby Mae had to say. She was so restless and distracted by all that surrounded her. Flitting backwards and forwards touching the texture of the trees picking up the fallen leaves and allowing them to crunch in her hand, listening to the call of the birds. She noticed me surveying her .Her intelligent eyes met mine and she flashed me an impish smile. I smiled back at her; I knew I had found a kindred spirit. Embeth was a niece of Fairlight Spencer, the daughter of an older widowed sister. Embeth had married at eighteen to her second cousin, Ben a hard working lad from Lyleton. They had lived in Lyleton where Ben ran a farm for an elderly spinster. They had recently come back to the cove to settle. Embeth, to help her aging mother in domestic matters and Ben to manage the fairly prosperous family farm. Embeth too had been in my classes for the first six weeks of my teaching at the Gap. I remembered her to be clever and she had a good grasp of the English language. I recalled how disappointed I was when she stopped after class to say that today would be her last day. Now that I had Embeth's attention I expressed some my thoughts aloud to her. "It's so good to see that you are back to stay, Embeth" I ventured "I missed you from my class. When you left earlier this year. How have you spent your time?" "I missed your classes to Miz Christy, more than I can say." She spoke eagerly. "I never did give up my learnin ya know. Miz Thomas who my Ben worked for was kind to lend me as many books from her library as I wanted. Sure goin to miss those books." I was delighted to hear that she had been reading and educating herself. I assured her that she could borrow any books from the school library and my own personal collection. The rest of the walk went quickly as Embeth and I eagerly discussed books that we had enjoyed. I suggested a few that I thought that Embeth might enjoy one of my favorites Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The Teague cabin was a stark one-room affair that was gray with weathering. Even after months in the Cove I still could not get use the sights and smells of neglect and poverty. I had however learnt to hide my feelings. I steeled myself and knocked hard against the flimsy door. A thin, almost wild looking heavily pregnant girl answered the door. She looked at me in a desperate manner. Her eyes darted over my expensive attire appraising me, but she would not meeting my gaze. Again I felt self-conscious of my wealth and privilege. Looking quickly behind Ella I knew from the smells and the dimness of the sparse cabin that this would be no place to hold our first class. Quickly I gathered my wits and addressed Ella gently, "Hello I am Christy, and you must be Ella. I hope you were expecting us Miss Alice told me that our visit would be O.K." Still not meeting my friendly gaze she hesitantly nodded her head. A rush of compassion filled my heart for this poor scared girl. "Ella, because it's such a nice day I hope you won't be offended if I suggest that we sit under that tree over there". I pointed to a glorious oak. The tree was covered in richly coloured autumn leaves and the ground was littered with a soft bed of fallen leaves. Breathing a secret thank-you for the good foresight of Miss Ida in suggesting I take a blanket and some afternoon refreshments. I suggested to the other three girls that they might like to set things out and get comfortable. Meanwhile I lingered back in order to try and put Ella at ease. I took her hand in mine and squeezed it, she left hers limp in my grasp, and I could see her form stiffen. I forged on. "Ella, I know you do not know me and may even be a bit suspicious of me. I want you to know that I just want to be your friend and to support you as you enter motherhood. Please give me a chance, please give the girls a chance." At last she raised her eyes to mine they were moist with unshed tears. She gave me a slight nod of assent. She still had not said a word to me. But in that moment I had felt a slight thaw towards me and I thanked God for it. It wasn't long before we all settled comfortably under the tree, all accept Ella who could not get comfortable in any position in this late stage of pregnancy. Out of the corner of my eye I saw what I thought was a grimace of pain cross her face. I could not tell. The next little while was spent setting forth my proposal of the cooperative effort of sewing layettes and anything else that might crop up. To my surprise the girls were very excited about the proposal and rapidly unpacked the spotlessly white linen, flannel and toweling that was in the basket. The chatter and planning of the layette took the emphasis off Ella. Ella looked overwhelmed as if she was going to cry. I smiled encouragingly at her but made an effort not to draw attention to her ever aware of what a tightrope I walked in order to gain this love- starved girl's trust. Her timidness was almost a blessing as she was not able to refuse the help of the girls. I knew from my quick glance in the door of the cabin that Ella was in no position to refuse our assistance. In no time the girls including Ella had taken up a pattern and some material and their hands trained from infancy moved deftly across the material. With the girl's hands and eyes occupied I felt less awkward as I started my first discussion. Today I had decided to talk about the process of labour, from the very beginning to the birth of the baby. To my surprised the girls didn't get embarrassed but listened with interest occasionally looking up from their work. The only one to ask questions was Embeth who was like a wet sponge ready to soak up any information given to her. "Lordy" exclaimed Ruby Mae as I discussed how the cervix needed to stretch to be ten finger lengths long before the baby could be born. " I betcha only a man could have thought up sucha crazy thing, something so big comin out of something so small. If 'in it wasn't the doin of the Lord I would say it was nigh impossible." Ella flinched at this observation. There it was again that grimace of pain. Her body tensed and she shut her eyes. But a second glance saw her back to her work as if nothing had happened. Time past quickly and I had said all that I needed to say. We sat informally enjoying the persimmon cordial and apple pie supplied so kindly by Ida. Slowly from necessity the group began to break up. Embeth and Sarah left first being needed at home for chores. Ruby Mae loitered keen to accompany me back to the mission; apparently Miss Ida had copied her out a new recipe. Only Ella remained under the tree sitting in an uncomfortable position. Then I saw it again that look of pain, but this time it was accompanied by a groan as she squeezed her eyes shut in concentration. "Ella, Are you alright!" I exclaimed. Looking to see that Ruby Mae who was out of earshot she replied in a barely perceptible whisper. "Miz Christy, I think it is my time." First I looked at her blankly then I realized what she meant. Her baby was coming. Her labour had begun. "Are you sure, Ella? How do you know?" "Well it's all happening like you said" "For how long Ella, has it all been happening" I asked trying to calm the rising panic, I was feeling inside. "Since the morning, them pains have been a'comin but dull like. Now they be strong and comin real close like. That last'un took me breath away. I'm scared Miz Christy promise ye won't leave me. Ye be knowin so much about the birthin and all. Please promise me ye will stay." She looked at me with such intensity and was so vulnerable that I could only draw her into my arms and promise her hearts desire. With all my effort I composed myself, helping Ella to her feet I suggested that she go and rest in the cabin and promised that I would join her shortly. Calling Ruby Mae over I asked her to hurry to the mission and get Miss Alice urgently. Ruby Mae saw the panic in my eyes and responded in her loud verbose way "Gee Miz Christy are ye forgetting that Miz Alice been gone to Cateleechie these four days, not due back to the Sabbath." It was true. For the first time ever I found myself cursing Miss Alice's sense of timing. How could she leave me at a time of such need? Dr MacNeill, of course I must get Dr MacNeill, relief spread through my body never before had this man's name sounded like music to my lips. Coolly and Calmly I said to Ruby Mae. "Ella thinks her baby is coming. Go and get Dr MacNeill Ruby Mae and do it as quick as you can" "Yes Mam" She took off as fast as her legs could carry her. Slowly and desperately I made my way back to the woman- child who saw me as her saviour. I started to pray and pray real hard. Stupidly I thought I should have asked Ruby Mae to also send for Fairlight. Now my only lifeline was gone. I hoped for once that Ruby Mae would tell everyone she knew that Ella Teague was having her baby. In the meantime I went back to the cabin with Ella to wait. Story: Title "About the Birds and the Bees" Part 6 Usual Disclaimer as follows: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Lesourd Family. We are in no way seeking to profit or credit from her story. We are continuing the story from our own amusement only. Returning to the dingy one-room dwelling I was confronted by a restless Ella. Her face pinched in pain and her eyes haunted with fear. She paced back and forth muttering under her breath. Then as a pain built up in her body she clutched the back of the chair swaying rhythmically and breathing short shallow breathes. She continued in this way until the pained lulled. Then the pacing would begin again and the muttering. For several minutes I stood silently taking measure of the situation. Hysteria rose in me and I wanted to laugh out loud at the thought of me an "Asheville lady" alone with a labouring girl who actually thought I was a midwife. I calmed myself by slowing my breathing and taking deep breathes of the fresh evening air. This seemed to quell the tension that had worked its way into a tight ball in my gut and cleared my mind. While Ella was my chief concern I knew that before it got too dark I must make some basic preparation. Boil water! Good idea! Whenever I heard of references to babies it was always associated with the order to boil water. To boil water one must have a fire. To build a fire one must have a light to see. Working methodically through this list I found that I had regained my composure. The fire warmed the cold cabin and I knew that this would make Ella more comfortable. I had been very enthusiastic about the water. I laughed out loud at What Dr MacNiells response would be when he saw that every cooking utensil was full of water. I thought ironically I wouldn't mind being teased by the doctor if only he were here. Oh how I wish he were here! Ella appeared to be totally self-absorbed unaware of my presence. I listen carefully to what she was muttering. I was surprised and saddened by what I heard. Over and over again she repeated, "I'm sorry God! Please don't let me die. I'm sorry God! I'm sorry God", It occurred to me that Ella thought that God was punishing her because she was in such pain. I recalled the conversation with Miss Alice about how hard she struggled to overcome the highlander's attitude to God. To them he was a harsh judging God. Here was Ella in a time of great need believing that the very being that could help her was the source of her anguish. I waited to the next contraction came and went and then firmly placing my hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look in my eyes I said gently "Ella, God is not punishing you, all women suffer pain like this during childbirth. God has not singled you out. God loves you ever so much and his greatest desire at the moment is to give you strength to bear this pain." "Me Pa he says that I bad and that God wall make my birth' in hard. Len don't love me Why should God" was her whimpered reply. "Oh but he does Ella" Again a contraction gripped her this time I prayed out loud. "Dear God, give Ella strength to get through this contraction." In addition to praying I found by rubbing the small of her back through contractions gave some good pain relief. This routine set the pattern for the next several hours; praying through contractions while simultaneously rubbing her back. While there was a lull between contacts I spent my time praying for Doctor MacNeill to arrive. The smooth repetitious nature of this phase of labour now changed. The contractions became tumultuous with very little resting space between them. The stoic Ella became irrational and hollered in a terrified manner. "I am going to die, " I am dying" She climbed on the bed and curled up in a ball. Another contraction followed, she screamed all the way through, after it subsided her body began to shake and she looked like she would vomit. Grabbing a dish I held it out her. My sensitive stomach turned over. Again I pulled myself together. I recalled from the facts that Miss Alice had told me that the period before the pushing part of labour was typically associated with irrational behaviour as well as shakes and vomiting. I again gathered Ella in my arms placing the bowl in a safe place and started whispering reassuring words to her Silently praying to God to bring calm to the situation and more importantly Dr MacNeill. The next contraction started to build up before Ella had a chance to lose control I said firmly to her "Now Ella, breathe in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out." Obeying implicitly Ella again gained a measure of control. We continued in this vein for about an hour. Then just as we were beginning to get our act together with this phase of the labour the course of labour changed yet again Ella exclaimed, "Miz Christy, Can I push I need to push." Without waiting for a reply Ella let out an expulsive push. I watched helplessly. I could see a small amount of downy hair. Still no Dr MacNeill. To my relief the head slipped away as the pain ceased. The sweat was pouring off me. But still I offered gentle words of encouragement in a false confidence to Ella who now trusted me intrinsically. And all the time in my mind I pleaded with God to send Doctor MacNeill. Please come, Please come I chanted as if the sheer will of my conscience could bring him to me. Another push and more hair another push and more hair until there was no more receding. I knew what this meant; the technical term was called crowning. At that moment I didn't care one hoot what the technical term was I just wanted Doctor MacNeill there to make it all right. Gingerly I allowed my hands to touch the moist soft hair of the forth coming head instinctively I supported the skin stretching to accommodate the head. Then it happened, I felt his strong arms around me, encircling my whole frame my shoulders pressed up against his chest. Before I could protest his strong hands with the blonde red hairs on top covered my small ones completely enveloping them Startled and confused by his sudden appearance I fell back heavily against him. He did not move I tried to pull my hands away but his entrapped mine. He understood my tension and murmured in my ear the warmth of his breath tickled my ears "Trust me Christy, Ella expects you to deliver this baby, she trusts you. I will be with you every step of the way." Having no alternative, I allowed myself to rest lightly against his chest surprised at how well I fitted there and how secure it felt. In the distance I could hear Doctor MacNeill telling Ella what was happening, gently and simply. A loud expulsive groan escaped from Ella drew me suddenly out of this pleasant reverie. With this push the head was born. It took me so much by surprise that I again leaned heavily against Dr MacNeill. He noticed my alarm and again reassured me "T'is normal Christy, the baby is perfectly safe, we will see the baby's head restitute and with the next contraction the body will be born." He gently explained all this to Ella who didn't seemed to care what happened, she just wanted it over. Taking my hands in his he showed me how to gently grip the head while assisting the body to be born, True to word with the next contraction with his hands over mind grasping the baby's head we gently helped the baby slip into the world as it let out a lusty, protesting cry. Dr MacNeill finally releasing my grip expertly dealt with the baby, clamping the cord and waiting for the afterbirth. I stood in a euphoric silence, watching as Ella shed those first maternal tears of gratitude for the safe arrival of this perfect baby. I new that I had a huge grin on my face, yet tears coursed down my cheeks. My reverie was broken when I realized that Dr was trying to address me. "Christy do ye think you can manage to get the baby warmly wrapped while I finish delivering the afterbirth. I nodded and gathered the warm linen wraps that I had draped in front of the fire. Clumsily I took the baby from Doctors steady confident grasp the baby cried in protest. This baby is a clever one he knows what an amateur at this I was. Awkwardly I wrapped the little boy's body. After giving the small creature a welcoming hug I handed him over to his mother. Ella hesitantly took him from me her withdrawn haunted look was transformed into an exuberance that I could never have imagined possible; there were moist tears in her eyes. "I thankee Miz Christy I thankee I do believe that the good lord does truly love me. For if' in he dain't He wouln'ee hav trusted me with'in this babe" Spontaneously I climbed onto the bed and hugged her "You are the best mother for this baby. It's true Ella God gave him to you because he already had that figured out. I noted from the cornor of the eye the doctor watch this scene with great interest he was standing back a bit tidying up. Our eyes met and he held my gaze. I could not comprehend that unfathomable look but hoped that he could read the gratitude and respect that was written in mine and in my heart. He came up to me closely draping his arm over my shoulder in a familiar manner, "You are one brave woman," he said quietly in my ear " I have no other choice than to graduate you with honours from The Cove School of The Birds and the Bees". "No thank-you Doctor" I grinned, "I think I will stick with Teaching" I however made no effort to move away from him but snuggled in closer feeling his deep rumbling laugh vibrate through my being. Part seven Author : Beth S. Usual Disclaimer as follows: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Lesourd Family. We are in no way seeking to profit or credit from her story. We are continuing the story from our own amusement only . In the last section Christy delivers Ella's Baby. Doctor MacNeill turning up in the nick of time. I woke up and for a moment I rubbed my eyes confused to where I was. Slowly out of my blurry confusion I recalled hazy images of babies birthing, big freckled hands and feelings of warmth and strength. A smile spread across my face as I opened my eyes. "Saw you smile in your sleep Christy? Were you dreaming of me?" It was the deep roguish voice of the Doctor. I was shocked back to my senses and looked at him in mortification as my faced flushed a deep red. I didn't reply straight away as I stretched an aching neck. I must have fallen asleep while leaning over the end of Ella's bed. As I did so a blanket fell from my back. The doctor must have placed it there. I smiled to myself at the thought. "Actually Doctor I was dreaming of the baby. Sorry to disappoint you" I quipped not telling a complete untruth "How are they doing, How long have I slept" The doctor put his finger to his lip as he whispered, " They are both well and sleeping. You have been asleep for about an hour an a half," "You should be at home. I don't think I have ever seen you so tired. Why don't you go? I can care for Ella here. Surely the men will find Len soon." I suggested in genuine concern. "No lass, I wanted to stay. I planned to stay until dawn then take you back to the mission. If Len hasn't arrived by then I will send Fairlight or one of the other cove woman to stay with Ella," he said decisively I went to object but he stopped me with a hand gesture. I knew him well enough now to know that he was more stubborn that even I. I got up and stretched then pulled a seat up and joined the Doctor by the fire. We sat in silence for several moments. I made an effort to start a conversation as it appeared that the Doctor had know intention of doing so himself. I commented on how amazing birth is and how it must be one of the favorite parts of his practice. "Actually Christy, I rarely get to see such a normal birth. Most of the cove women are still very against men at birth. That's why it was so important for you to do the handling in that delivery. Len would be quite angry if he thought that I had touched his woman unnecessarily. It's a godsend having Alice here as she can deal with many complications. Sometimes I will stand behind a curtain and tell her what to do. Quite often I am called in too late. To find that either the mother or the baby or both have died before I could help. Yes Christy, birth is amazing but mostly it brings to me only painful memories" There was a pause in our conversation and the Doctor had a pained far away look in his eyes "You are thinking of Margaret's birth and your son aren't you" I pressed not sure that I should be touching such a sacred subject. He looked at me startled for a minute that he was such an open book. His answer was a simple nod. Stepping out in faith I asked Neil hesitantly "What was he like" He didn't answer straight away but his brow furrowed as if he was looking for the right words to say, obviously being so unaccustomed to sharing something so private. He had commenced smoking his pipe and for a while I thought that he wasn't going to acknowledge my question at all. The in a deep far away tone he started" He wasn't much to look at all. He was skinny, scrawny and red. His eyes were still fused like a new kitten. But he was my son and it was the most amazing thing to be holding him. I knew that he was going to die from the first and for that reason I felt that I had to stop everything and get to know him. His mother had fallen into unconsciousness, I knew that she would not live either, but Alice was with her. So I wrapped him in some warm flannel and held him my lap as we sat by the fire and talked." His voice trailed off and it was like he was back in that time. I noticed that this was characteristic of the Doctor when he told stories he seemed to be actually there. Compassion welled up in for this man and tears spilled from my eyes as I urged the doctor on "What did you tell him Neil" He looked at me as if surprised that I was there; coming out his revelry he hesitating for only a moment then went on. "Well I told him all sorts of things I can't recall exactly, I told him about where we lived and how I had planned to show him where the deer drink at the river, where the best arrow heads could be found, not to be afraid of Charlie and how to fish. I told him not be scared to go to the next place because his granny was waiting for him and would take good care of him. I told him how much I loved him had wanted him and hoped for him. Soon after, he died. I took a gown off one of Margaret's china dolls and dressed him in it. I buried him down by the river . I still talk to him sometimes when I fish". A tear rolled down his cheek. Instinctively I reached out and wiped it away. His hand reached up and grasped mine. He looked hauntingly, piercingly into my eyes and said, "I have never shared that with anyone, and it was so long ago yet not a day goes by that I don't think of him." "Neil", I said gently still holding his hand "I am so sorry that you have suffered so. Thank you for telling me. You know that anything you tell me in confidence is safe with me" "I know that Lass, and I thank you for it." He said softly. Then as if embarrassed by his disclosure he put back on his armour and returned to usual bantering way. Looking towards the fire he said wickedly, "Do you think now that the birth is over you can spare me a wee bit of water for a cup of coffee" Following his gaze I remembered my zealous effort of boiling water. I looked at the various pots, pans and earthenware bubbling happily around the fire and laughed. So there we sat in a quite companionable silence sipping coffee as I pondered to myself about the birds and the bees and how life was transformed by it in both happy and sad ways. I knew one thing for sure that I would never be the same again after witnessing the miracle of birth. I silently prayed that Neil would one day allow the only One who could truly comfort him into his heart. The Author of Life. The End!