Title: "And to all a good night..."
Author: Lesley B.


Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction written by the author for personal
pleasure and not for profit. The original story of Christy was written by
Catherine Marshall and is property of the LeSourd Family. The events of
this story take place 9 - 12 months after the end of the book, not the TV
series. Hope you enjoy!




"And to all a good night...."

Chapter One

Dr. Neil MacNeill was, as Creed Allan was fond of saying, hungry enough to
eat a horse and chase the rider. Chuckling to himself at the thought, he
realized that as much as he needed a decent meal, what he needed more was a
full night of uninterrupted sleep. But with temperatures dropping and the
people of the cove lacking in warm clothing, it looked like another season
of fighting pneumonia and treating frostbite. Neil sighed in the cold night
air and steered his horse towards home. 

He could cheerfully throttle old Angus MacIsaac for leaving his
children alone this time of year. His youngest, Sadie, woke up last night
and tossed another log into the open hearth. Trying to get warm, she huddled
as close to the fire as she could when a spark set her thin cotton nightgown
aflame. Her brothers had reacted quickly enough, dragging her out into the
snow to put out the fire, but her small body was now covered in deep burns
from the neck to her knees. By the time Neil had gotten to the cabin she was
in terrible pain and the wool blanket she was wrapped in had stuck to her
burns. Neil shuddered when he remembered her cries as he had carefully
unwrapped the terrified child and had applied salve to her body before
wrapping her in bandages. He would need to return often over the next few
weeks to ensure that she was recovering as best she could. 

"Damn you Angus", Neil muttered and quickly chastised himself for his
temper and language. Angus lost his wife Birdy to typhoid just a few months
back and was doing the best he could. The children were alone because he was
off hunting food and wouldn't be back for days. He's a good man Angus, just
overwhelmed. A feeling Neil knew well. Being the only doctor in these
mountains could be daunting. The people of Cutter Gap relied on him to birth
their children, mend their ill and treat their wounded. It was an
overwhelming task, but those around him knew that Dr. MacNeill thrived on
it. He would just thrive better after a good nights sleep.

Before he realized, horse and rider were climbing the steep bank which
led to his cabin. Despite his exhaustion he knew that some things couldn't
wait and Charlie eagerly dug into his bucket of oats as Neil brushed the
sweat off his companion.

"Ayyyeee boy", he stroked the side of his neck, showing how much he
loved the beast. His horse ate better than most families in the cove but he
earned every bite. He might not be the handsomest lad in these mountains,
but he was strong and dependable. Horse and rider were perfectly matched.

Approaching his cabin, every muscle screamed as he forced himself to
lift his feet and climb the stairs leading to his veranda. Your not as young
as you used to be old boy, he thought as he opened the door and entered the
dark room. The fire had long since gone out and his breath could be seen in
the air as he hung up his jacket and untied the his boot laces. With a few
grunts he freed himself and padded quietly over the cold floor, up the
stairs and to his bedroom. Moments later he was sliding under the covers and
giving in to the weariness that plagued him. But not before gently snuggling
up to the warm body of his wife.


Chapter Two 

After two months of marriage, Christy MacNeill should be used to waking
up in the strong arms of her husband. Yet, every morning she was surprised
that Neil was indeed with her; that the man she loves more than her own life
was by her side thrilled her to the depths of her soul. Her romantic
girlhood fantasies had included moments like this. But her imagination
couldn't prepare her for the real thing. 

"But I had never imagined snoring" she muttered as she slipped out
from under Neils arm and reached for the thick housecoat slung over the back
of a chair. Before she left the room she gazed lovingly at her sleeping
husband and wondered silently if the closepin she had used when tending to
Lundy Taylor could still be found at the Mission House. 
Chuckling and shaking in the cold morning air, Christy quietly
descended the stairs and began to set a fire which would chase the dampness
from the cabin. 

"I think this morning would be a good one to make French toast", she
said aloud. Yup, she sure was turning into an old married woman fast.
Talking to herself and puttering around the kitchen. The thought made her
smile. 

It wasn't long before the cabin was filled with the scent of fresh
brewed coffee and the smell drifted to the bedroom. Slowly, as if fighting
it with all his strength, the doctor began to rouse from his slumber and
smiled. If married life thrilled his wife, it was impossible to describe
how it made Dr. MacNeill feel. He had awakened alone in this old cabin,
spent so many lonely days and nights here, that the sounds and smells of
life downstairs made his heart sing. He quietly got out of bed and followed
the smells downstairs.

Christy didn't hear her husband approach, she was too caught up in her
own thoughts. Christmas was fast approaching and the children were preparing
for their first ever Christmas concert. The night before, while Neil was
out, she had spent hours writing the words to her favorite Christmas songs
over and over again so that each child would have their own copy. 

"Good morning", he said, as his arms slide around her small waist and
he placed a gentle kiss on her neck. 
"Good morning yourself", she replied, turning in his arms to give him a
real morning kiss. "I didn't hear you come in last night. I was so tired
that I slept like a rock and I swear my fingers are permanently disfigured I
wrote so much."
"Well now lass, we can't have that". He took her small hands in his
larger ones and brought them to his lips. "Did it ever occur to you to write
them on the board and let the children copy it themselves?"

Christy laughed, "I wanted them to have something that they could hold
onto, something to remember, not something that could be erased as easily as
a chalkboard. See?", she reached for two of the neatly folded papers, "I
tied them together with some of my hair ribbons and leather strips." she
replied, the ones with ribbons were for the girls, the more durable leather
was for the boys. "I just wish that we were going to be there for the concert"

"Now dear, we've been through this before. Your parents have their
hearts set on us spending Christmas in Asheville and I think it's a good
idea. They haven't seen you since the wedding and I'm sure your father and
mother want to see how their daughter is surviving married life." Neil stated. 

"I know, I know,...but the children put so much time and effort into
this concert. I would love to be there to see it." 

Both Neil and Christy knew she was speaking of one child in particular.
Mountie O'Teale was going to recite a small poem and no one was more scared
for her than her teacher. She had made incredible progress over the past
year and was beginning to blossom. Christy knew it pained the little girl as
much as it did her that she wouldn't be there to witness her achievement.
It was best to change the subject or she may decide to stay no matter what
her parents wanted.

"Personally", Christy exclaimed in a teasing fashion, "I don't think
Mother wants to check up on me as much as she wants to show off her new
Son-In-Law, THE DOCTOR, at the Christmas ball. It's the highlight of the
Asheville Society calender my dear, and YOU will be this years choice
offering on the gossip menu. After which I will hear nothing but how
handsome you are and how fortunate I was to discover such a prize in the
back woods."

"Or, you could hear whispers wondering why such a fine, well bred young
woman like yourself settled for an old hillbilly like me." Neil said in a
soft voice.

Neither would admit it to the other, but such concerns did weigh
heavily on their thoughts. But for opposite reasons. Neil was fearful that
returning to Asheville would remind Christy of all she had given up to live
in these mountains and to have taken a man like him for a husband. Christy
on the other hand was worried that Neil would find her friends back home to
be stuffy and boring. She had changed much since coming to Cutter Gap, and
she cringed at the thought of Neil enduring hours of her friends discussing
acquaintances he didn't know, the latest fashions and who was being courted
by whom. Her former life seemed so trivial compared to the life and death
situations Neil has faced all his life. 

"Now you hush Doctor." Christy reassured him, "I have it on the best
authority, my Father, that you will be welcomed with open arms. All my
relatives felt cheated by not seeing you before the wedding and this will
give you a chance to meet the people who shaped me into the fine, well bred
young woman who is proud to call you her husband". 

When words were not enough to convince him, Christy entwined her arms
around his neck and let her actions tell him how she felt.



Chapter Three 

Time passes quickly in the mountains, which is probably why everything
seems to move so slowly. Christy could hardly believe it had only been a
couple of years since her arrival and now she was seen as a member of the
community. So liked and respected, that everyone made a point to visit Dr.
and Mrs. MacNeill before they left for Asheville. With everyone dropping in
for tea and staying to chat, Christy had little time left for packing. Her
mind was constantly wandering to things that needed to be done before they
left the next morning. Neil too had been busy, making his rounds and seeing
to it that patients would be prepared for his month long absence. Christy
knew that Sadie MacIsaac, the young girl who had been so badly burned,
weighed heavily on his mind.

"We sure are going to miss you Teacher," said Zady Spencer loud enough
to wake Christy from her daydreaming and remind her that she was conducting
an English class. "Do you think that you and Doc could drop by the school
house tomorrow before you go to say goodbye?"

With the train not leaving until late in the afternoon, Christy and
Neil had planned a leisurely morning and would not be leaving for El Pano
until after dinner. Not wanting to disappoint the children, Christy assured
them that they would indeed visit before leaving. 

"Of course Zady, do you think I would leave before saying goodbye to
the most important people in the cove?", despite knowing she would be up all
night packing, Christy smiled at the girl and thought how much she was
beginning to resemble her mother. Dear Fairlight, how I wish you could see
her. She's growing up and would make you so proud. 

Classes soon ended for the day and Christy packed her things, bundled
up against the cold and began the walk home. As she passed the Mission house
a voice called to her.

"Mrs. MacNeill, thee has not forgotten that we are to share a meal
together this evening I hope."

It was Ms. Alice Henderson asking the question and Christy bowed her
head in shame. Yes, she had forgotten that her and Neil were to have supper
with David and Ms. Alice. The plans had been made weeks ago and had been
quickly forgotten in her attempt to prepare for the Christmas concert. 

"I see thee had other plans for the evening," Ms. Alice smiled. She
could cut you to the quick, or raise you to the stars, with a glance or
word, but it was easy to see that she was teasing.

"I am so sorry Ms. Alice, I had completely forgotten." Christy admitted.

"Do not apologize because thee has much on your mind I know. The
children have talked of nothing else but this concert and I must admit that
I am looking forward to it with the same enthusiasm. However, I see that thy
husband did not forget that we dine together."

Christy turned to see Neil riding towards them and laughed. "You know
him well enough to realize that the promise of a hot meal does not escape
his memory. No matter how many other things are on his mind."

Seeing the two women laugh Neil figured he must be the topic of
conversation. His former Mother-In-Law had not always been his favorite
person, but over the past few years they had created a bond founded on
mutual respect and love. 

"Hello ladies, I hope I am not late for supper again"

This seemed to only cause the women to laugh harder and Neil wondered
why his actions were so amusing. He just shrugged it off, some things,
especially women, could not be explained by anyone. Particularly a man, no
matter how well educated. 

"Christy and I were just discussing how lovely it was that you both
would be able to join us for supper this evening. Since we will be unable to
share the joy of Christmas together, this evening will be very special. I
had Jeb Spencer salt some pork for us and tonight we share this treat with
you." 

In truth, Ms. Alice had been looking forward to this meal not only
because of the company, but because it would provide a break from eating
Ruby Mae's possum surprises. Ruby Mae had stayed on at the Mission after her
marriage to cook for the minister and herself. She and Will needed the money
to support their family. Alice took it as an opportunity to continue Ruby
Mae's education and to help the girl-bride become a woman. Unfortunately,
cooking did not appear to be her forte. 

Christy always marveled at how Ms. Alice could turn a simple meal
shared with friends into a moment to be savored in memory for years to
come. She would miss spending a quiet Christmas in the company of her friend
and the solitude of the mountains. In truth, Christy wished that she and
Neil would be able to remain here and celebrate this time together, alone.
Not surrounded by her large family and the sights and sounds of Asheville.
Knowing she was thinking selfishly, Christy tried to warm herself to the
idea of returning home. After all, she did miss her parents and her brother
George. Rumor has it that he has been spending time with a certain young
lady who Mother had spoken highly of. Christy was a bit anxious to find out
for herself. 

It was a very content, and well fed, Doctor and his wife who left the
mission hours later to ride back to their cabin. Snow had begun to gently
fall and the night had taken on a magical quality. Encircled in the
protective arms of her lover, Christy was able to relax and let Charlie and
Neil guide them safely home. It was quite romantic Christy thought. 

"Your not falling asleep are you?", Neil whispered so as not to wake
her if she had been.

"No, but part of me wishes I were. I'll be up for most of the night
packing and the children want us to drop by the school tomorrow morning,
bright and early, to say goodbye." Christy could not keep the exasperation
out of her voice. "Oh Neil, you should have seen them. Today we had another
rehearsal for the concert and I think that half the class should consider a
life in theater. They are such hams! Today, while Lizzy Holcome was trying
to recite her poem Sam Houston decided he could do it better than his sister
and began to shout the poem so loud that he drowned her out. I guess she was
keeping him up at night practicing and he knew it word for word. Lizzy got
so upset she began to cry! I finally settled her down and we were just about
begin the nativity play when Creed announced to the class that Scalawag
would make the perfect baby Jesus. He had the whole class convinced! I
finally persuaded him that the doll Miss Ida had loaned us would be better
when Zacharias told Creed that God would be angry that he suggested a racoon
could be his son. Creed was so upset I thought HE was going to start to cry.
It took me a good half hour to convince him that God wouldn't be upset and
that he would be honored to have such a specially fine 'coon in the play but
NOT as baby Jesus.

Christy felt her husband shaking and said accusingly, "Are you laughing
at us Dr. MacNeill?" 
Trying to sound angry was hard to do when one was fighting laughter themselves. 

"I wouldn't dream of it Mrs. MacNeill."



Chapter Four 

Much to her dismay, Christy had been right. She had been up most of
the night packing and ensuring everything was ready for Ms. Alice to teach
in her absence. The children were as ready as they would ever be for the
concert on Christmas Eve, but Christy wanted her lesson plans to be specific
enough that Ms. Henderson wouldn't have any trouble. As well, at Neil's
insistence, she had given him a much needed haircut. Personally, she liked
his hair long and had regretted cutting his curly locks. But he was worried
about making a good impression on the "in-laws". He wanted to look the part
of a respectable country Doctor returning with his bride to her home. Half
the night was gone before she had even climbed into bed. What was left of it
she had spent thinking and mentally double checking. Trying desperately to
remember if anything had been forgotten. 

"Don't worry love. Alice Henderson is the most resourceful woman I know
and if anything does go wrong, or if you have forgotten anything, which I'm
sure you haven't, she will be able to deal with it." Neil tried to reassure
his wife as he lifted her off Charlie's back and gently set her on her feet
at the base of the school steps. "Life would go on in these mountains if you
and I were never to set foot here again."

"You are quite right Dr. MacNeill," said Ms. Alice as she spoke from the
door of the schoolhouse. "God would ensure that thee is correct. But do not
forget that life is more joyous here when you and Mrs. MacNeill are here to
share it with us."

"Good morning Alice, I hope the students are behaving themselves and not
giving the substitute teacher any problems." Christy said with a grin.
"Not in the smallest way Christy," Alice said, "In fact, they have been
like little angels since I 
arrived." Christy was sure she saw a twinkle in Ms. Alice's eyes when she spoke.

As Christy climbed the steps into the one room schoolhouse she again
felt sad at the thought of leaving the children only four days before
Christmas. Her place was here, in this beautiful country with it's rough,
tough speaking people. 

"Good morning," said David, she hadn't noticed him at first. He was
standing with his back to the closed door, but quickly turned to open it so
she could enter. "I think the children are anxious to see you." 

"Thank you David," she replied when she walked through. What she saw
took the very breath from her body.

The beauty of the mountains had been magically reproduced inside the
school. Pine boughs were draped all over the room, on the desks and even
hung from the ceiling. It made you feel like you were standing in a forest,
surrounded by trees. Sprigs of holy berries were woven though the boughs to
add a splash of color. At the front of the room, where her desk usually
stood, were branches laid over wooden posts. A manger perhaps? And where the
chalk board should reside stood a large tree decorated as simply, but as
beautifully, as any she had seen in her life. Paper chains and cranberries
that had been strung together and hung better than any store bought garland
ever could. Popcorn balls, acorns dusted with flour to appear white and what
looked to be different shaped gingerbread figures were hanging from the
branches. 

"We didn't want you to miss our concert Teacher. We thought you should
be the first to see it.", Lizette said loudly.

"That's right," seconded Creed Allen, "It just wouldn't be right. Now
you just sit down right here and we'll show you how good we got at it."

Moved beyond speech Christy allowed herself to be guided to the front
pew. Ms. Alice smiled as took her seat. Christy couldn't stop grinning.

"All right children, lets begin." said David

The concert that followed would be reproduced on different stages, in
different towns and countries, all over the world. It was, in fact, no
different than the concerts Christy had participated in herself as a young
girl. But what made this so special was the children involved. These were
her children. Every song they sang, every poem they read, every prayer they
gave was special because of who they were and how sincerely they voiced them. 

Because she knew them so well, Christy tensed when she saw Zady Spencer
enter dressed as Mary and take her place in the makeshift manger. In her
arms was a small bundle, wrapped as carefully as a small child would be. It
wasn't until she saw the porcelain face of the doll that she finally sighed
in relief. Hearing her husband chuckle, Christy shot him a dirty look. She
should never have doubted them.

Never had she enjoyed a Christmas concert as much as she did this. Not
in Asheville, where mothers worked for weeks to prepare costumes,
decorations and dresses, had she ever seen something so lovely. But when
little Mountie stood and walked to the front of the pews Christy felt her
chest tighten and her heart begin to pound. In a clear voice, be it a bit
wobbly, Mountie recited her short, simple poem. It wasn't Shakespear, it
wasn't a classic, just a simple verse dedicated to God and the joys of
Christmas. But to Christy's ears, it was as magical and moving as any of the
best sermons she had ever heard. 

Watching his wife wipe away hear tears, Neil whispered "Merry Christmas"
in her ear.

The End (or perhaps The Middle)