TITLE:  "Follow Me Home 2: The Journey"  
Sequel to "Follow Me Home 1: Forks In the Road", which
can be read on the Fanfic site at
http://sfm.topcities.com/
Author: Rose Maureen
e-mail:   irish_rose71@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of
Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way
seeking profit or credit for her story. I am merely
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement
only. Any additions to the storyline were invented by
me.  
Acknowledgment:  I thank God for Catherine Marshall
and her story of "Christy", for it has meant a great
deal to me and others.  And I thank the LeSourd family
for their patience with those of us who refuse to find
"The End" to "Christy".  Special thanks to Paula, for
bouncing back ideas, and Sonja, who didn't get
frustrated with my changes. =)


Chapter 1

The first pale rays of dawn's light stole into
Christy's bedroom.  As the light grew brighter it
warmed her cheek as she lay in bed.  Christy stirred,
then awoke with a feeling of contentment deep in her
heart.  She opened her eyes to the sun streaming into
her room and smiled as she stretched, thankful that
God had granted her another day to live in the Cove
and serve His people.

Christy was content because things were finally
getting back to normal in Cutter Gap now that Alice
and Neil had returned from Atlanta following
Margaret's burial.  Dr. Ferrand had decided to remain
at the Cutter Gap mission for awhile.  Alice seemed to
be taking Margaret's death surprisingly well, but Dr.
Ferrand wanted to be near her as a support, just the
same.

"Ahh, Saturday," she sighed.

Christy rose from her bed and opened the doors onto
her balcony, feeling a pang of discontentment when she
suddenly thought of Neil.  She was saddened that Neil
had avoided her since his return to the Cove.  

Neil had gone immediately to his cabin after coming
back from Atlanta.  He had thrown himself into his
work, and Christy hadn't seen him, not even once.  She
had gone to his cabin a number of times to express her
condolences on Margaret's death.  Although she had
known he was there, for she had heard movement inside,
Neil hadn't once opened his door to her knocks or
calls.  She had tried to open the door, but Neil must
have barred it.  Once she had heard the sound of
shattering glass, but Neil had never spoken, nor given
any indication that he was aware of her presence.

Christy dressed quickly so that she could make the
long walk to the doctor's cabin and get back to the
mission before lunchtime.  On her way through the
kitchen she grabbed a cold biscuit to munch for her
breakfast as she walked.

As she made her way through the forest, Christy
considered Neil's strange behavior, his refusal to
open his door to her.  

*I know he was there.  Charlie was tied to the post. 
I heard him rustling around in his cabin.  Neil had to
have known it was me.  So why didn't he open the door,
or at least talk to me?*

Eventually she came into the clearing in front of
Neil's cabin and climbed the hill to his porch.

Christy wrongly assumed Neil's refusal to see her was
because he was so grieved by Margaret's death that he
couldn't speak with anyone about it, including her. 
But eventually he would be ready to talk.  She was
determined to be the true friend she knew God had
called her to be.  So here she was, at his cabin door,
trying once again to offer her support and concern
over the loss of his wife.

She raised her hand and knocked on his door.  "Neil?"

Inside the cabin, Neil paused on the other side of the
door.  A sweet and gentle voice questioned him from
outside. "Neil?"  He knew it was Christy, once again,
coming to talk to him.  And once again, he refused to
open the door of his cabin, or of his heart, to her. 
His fists clenched and twisted the shirt he held in
his hands.

The frustration built in Neil.  His decision had been
made on the train, days ago.  But how would he be able
to abide by his decision?  Somehow he had to do it. 
Somehow he had to put a stop to all this, for
Christy's sake.

"Please, Neil, don't shut me out.  I care for you. 
We're friends.  Please, let me just see that you're
okay.  Please..."

Tears welled up in Christy's eyes as she realized
that, once again, Neil would not allow her to comfort
him.

She began to turn away from the door when suddenly it
was pulled open.

Neil stood in the doorway with cold eyes upon her.  It
looked as if he hadn't slept in days.  His face was
stubbled, his hair disheveled, his eyes were bloodshot
and he smelled of moonshine.  His words came out in a
sneer, "Well, woman, what do you want?"

Christy gasped at his harsh tone, then recovered
herself enough to begin to ramble on as quickly as she
could, for she didn't know how long Neil would listen
to her.  

"Neil, I've been trying to talk to you for days. 
I...I want you to know how sorry I am about Margaret's
passing, that her loss has hurt you so.  Alice told me
of your last night together with Margaret, that you
were able to forgive each other and express love for
each other.  I am so happy that you and Margaret could
find peace in your relationship at the end.  It must
have brought you such comfort.  I am so sorry that you
are feeling your loss so greatly, so painfully.  If
there is anything that I can do, please Neil, let
me..."

"Oh.  So you presume to understand my feelings for my
dead wife, do you?  You've spoken to Alice Henderson
and now you think you've figured me out!  You don't
know anything, Miss Huddleston, and you don't know me
at all!"  The words were flung like stones, meant to
cause pain.

Neil retreated into the room and slammed the door in
Christy's face.  There.  He'd done it.  Neil knew that
his hurtful words would sever Christy's feelings for
him.  Saddened, he felt as if a part of him had just
died.

Tears that had been building in Christy's eyes during
Neil's tirade finally spilled down her cheeks. Christy
stumbled down the cabin steps and fled through the
woods to the mission house.

Chapter 2

  Neil was tired, but relieved to be heading back to the
  Cove.  The confrontation at his cabin with Christy had
  happened two weeks ago.  The very next day he had been
  called to Pebble Mountain for an emergency.  From
  there he had traveled to numerous other outlying
  communities, one medical condition after another
  keeping him from returning to Cutter Gap.

  The long ride back to the Cove was a time of
  soul-searching for Neil.  After much introspection, he
  came to understand that his earlier thoughts were
  false.  Having gotten back into the satisfying routine
  of his everyday life, Neil could be more objective
  over his relationship with Margaret.

  It had not been totally his fault that his marriage to
  Margaret had failed.  His own physical exhaustion
  combined with the stress of watching Margaret struggle
  through her last days of life had caused him to be in
  a state of mental confusion.

  Now he understood that it was not solely his inability
  to love Margaret that had caused their disastrous
  union.  They both had played a part in the collapse of
  their marriage.  Neil had made attempts for awhile,
  but when it was apparent that nothing he said or did
  would ever make Margaret happy, he had stopped trying
  to please her.  He had used his medical practice as a
  means to escape from her tirades.  After a while they
  had both just given up even trying to be civil to each
  other.  Things had gone from bad to worse, from
  irreparable to impossible.

  As he made his way back to Cutter Gap, Neil also came
  to recognize and regret the pain that he had inflicted
  upon Christy at their last meeting.  Why had he been
  so cruel?  Whenever he'd been with her, Christy had
  always shown him kindness.  Even in their many
  previous disagreements she had never attacked him,
  only challenged his point of view.  Neil was ashamed
  of his behavior towards her.  He knew he had hurt her
  deeply and hoped it wasn't too late to make amends.

  Tired out from the long ride, he finally reached his
  home.  After stabling Charlie, Neil made his way in
  the dark to his cabin and fell fully clothed into bed.
   As Neil began to drift off to sleep, he promised
  himself that he would apologize to Christy at the very
  first opportunity.

  Upon awakening in the morning, Neil decided to make
  the opportunity for the apology happen.  After a wash
  in the icy river, a change of clothes, and a shave,
  Neil tried to control his stubborn curls, but finally
  threw the comb aside.  "Blast it!  It'll just have to
  do!"

  Refreshed, Neil rode to the mission house.  He didn't
  relish the thought of admitting his mistake, but he
  was ready to swallow his Scottish pride and make
  amends to the young schoolteacher.

  He dismounted and wrapped the reins around the
  hitching post.  Taking the porch steps two at a time,
  Neil rapped on the door.  His stomach felt as if he'd
  swallowed stones for breakfast.  Although the morning
  was chilly, beads of perspiration broke out on his
  forehead.

  Alice opened the door and smiled at Neil.  She hadn't
  seen him since their return from Atlanta.

  "Neil, thee has returned from Pebble Mountain.  It is
  good to see thee.  I trust everything went well with
  thy patients there?"

  "Hello, Alice.  It's good to see you, as well.  Yes, I
  removed a number of bullets.  There was a case
  of...well, never mind that now."  Neil's words were a
  little tight and he looked nervous.  He cleared his
  throat.  "Is Christy about?  I need to speak with
  her."  Already struggling with his pride, Neil down
  looked at his feet.

  Alice was quick to observe Neil's agitation, and
  wasn't quite sure how to phrase her next words.  "I'm
  so sorry, Neil," Alice spoke quietly, closely watching
  the doctor's face for his reaction to her words as she
  continued, "But Miss Huddleston is gone."

  "Gone!"  His head flew up and his eyes narrowed as
  they bored into Alice's.  "Just what are you saying,
  Alice?"

  Alice motioned for Neil to enter the mission, but he
  shook his head no.

  "What are you keeping from me, Alice?"  His voice was
  deep and firm.

  "Christy has moved back to Asheville.  She left very
  abruptly one day.  I believe it was two weeks ago now.
   I do not know why she departed so suddenly.  Christy
  said as she left that her visit was just going to be
  for a few weeks, but I feel a strange apprehension
  that she will not be returning to us," Alice finished
  sadly.

  "Asheville!  Alice, why would she have gone back to
  Asheville?  Why would she leave without talking to me
  first?"  Neil absentmindedly ran his fingers through
  his hair as he turned in frustration to face the
  surrounding mountains.

  "Neil, perhaps thee, more than any of us, should be
  able to answer that question...if thee is honest with
  thyself."  Alice smiled sadly.  She shivered in the
  cool morning air and, rubbing her arms to warm them,
  turned and stepped through the doorway back into the
  mission house.

  Neil pounded down the steps, mounted his horse, then
  yanked at the reins and kicked Charlie into a gallop.
  He rode wildly through the woods, back to his cabin.
  After rubbing down and feeding the spent horse, Neil
  slowly made his way to the edge of the river, to his
  "thinking" place.

  "Christy...gone!  And what did that blasted woman
  mean, that I should be able to  ‘answer my own
  question?' " Neil shouted to the river.

  Neil lowered himself to the bench by the river and let
  his eyes rove over the rippling water.  He watched
  crisp, colored leaves float past, then bent and put
  his head into his hands.  His heart felt a desperation
  that was devastating.

  Finally, Neil stood and stretched.  He didn't remember
  how long he had been sitting on the bench by the
  river, but the cold air had penetrated into his bones.
   He stiffly strode back up to his cabin, where he
  built a warm and welcoming fire.

  Reaching up to the mantle, Neil meant to retrieve his
  pipe but his hand brushed against the small carved
  wooden box and dislodged it from its position on the
  mantle.  Neil quickly caught it before it fell to the
  floor and held it for long moments, unopened, in his
  hands.  He replaced the box on the mantle, then
  grasped his pipe.  Taking his time to light it, he sat
  down in a comfortable chair before the fire.  He tried
  to relax, but found that he couldn't calm down. Neil
  sat forward in the chair and ran his hand through his
  tousled hair as he remembered his last meeting with
  Christy, two weeks ago.

  "Gone!"

  Neil jumped up and paced the room.

  "She loves me!  I know she loves me.  But I drove her
  away!  At the time I intended to drive her away from
  my heart, but I never meant to drive her away from
  Cutter Gap."

  Neil groaned aloud.  "This is all my doing!  I am a
  fool!  A stubborn, old fool!  I have hurt she who is
  most precious in the world to me!"

  Reaching the final point of desperation in his life,
  Neil fell to his knees, hands clasped, and sobbed,
  "Oh, God!  I understand now.  You offered me a most
  wonderful gift in Christy's love, and, in my
  stubbornness, I refused to treasure her.  Instead, I
  crushed her gift of love, and Yours as well.  I see
  now that all along You have been reaching out to me,
  not only through Christy's love, but also through Jeb
  and Fairlight, through Alice, Aunt Hattie, even
  through David Grantland.  I have been a stubborn fool.
   I tried to keep my heart safe by hiding it away from
  everyone, even from You.  I did not believe I was
  worthy of their love, of Your love.  But You love me
  nonetheless.  I cannot imagine why, but You do.  I
  accept You, Father, and Your love for me."

  Neil remained on his knees pouring out his heart to
  God.  "I believe that You have placed a love in my
  heart for Christy.  Oh, please, just one thing I ask
  of You.  Allow me to find her and convince her of my
  repentance.  She may never love me again after what I
  have done to her, but I cannot live another day
  without asking her forgiveness."

  Then, finally at peace, Neil MacNeill rose from his
  knees.

  He resolutely began preparations for a journey.  Once
  he'd finished his packing, Neil saddled Charlie and
  led the horse out of the shed.  He fastened his
  satchel to the back of the saddle then gripped the
  saddle horn, readying himself to mount.  He paused and
  turned his head to look up at his cabin.

  Neil looped Charlie's reins around the post, then
  bounded up the steps and through the doorway into his
  home.  He decided to take one last item with him.
  Retrieving the object, Neil closed the cabin door
  behind him, mounted his horse, and rode off into the
  forest.


Chapter 3

  It was afternoon when Neil rode up to the mission
  house for the second time that day.  He dismounted,
  careful to not disturb the satchel he had tied onto
  the back of his horse.  He went to the door,
  hesitated, then knocked.  Alice opened the door and
  beckoned for him to enter.

  "Thee has answered thy own question, I see."  She
  smiled at the man who she now, finally, looked upon as
  a son.

  Alice observed Neil carefully. *He looks different
  somehow...more confident.  He seems, somehow, at peace
  within himself.*

  "Alice.  I am such a fool!  I drove her away, but with
  God's help I can find her and somehow explain."

  Alice's eyes widened as she looked more closely at
  Neil when he spoke these words.

  "Neil, has thee..."

  "Alice.  I don't know how or why He would do so after
  all my shenanigans, but God has finally convinced me
  that He loves me!  How He would love a stubborn Scot
  as I, I do not know, but He does.  And with His help,
  I hope to convince Christy of my love for her!"  Neil
  grinned, then continued,  "I'm off this very night for
  El Pano, to catch tomorrow's train to Asheville.  I
  will not allow my foolishness to ruin a chance of
  happiness with Christy.  I have already stopped by Dan
  Scott's cabin.  He will take care of medical
  emergencies while I am away.  We both know that he is
  well capable of doing so."

  "Of course, Neil.  Dr. Ferrand is still here and he
  will help, as well.  I will ask him to remain until
  thy return.  Thee must go to Christy, and bring her
  back to us.  Wait here one moment, please."

  Alice went into the mission and returned with a small
  black book in her hands.  "Take this Bible, Neil.  I
  have kept if for thee, praying for an occasion such as
  this, for a very long time.  God will comfort thee and
  speak to thee through His Word."  Alice embraced Neil
  and held him close, then released him with a whispered
  prayer.  "Go with God's peace, Neil."

  With one last smile for Alice, Neil bounded down the
  steps, mounted, and kicked Charlie into a gallop.

  "Tomorrow night.  God willing, I shall see her
  tomorrow night."

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


Chapter 4

Neil nervously straightened his tie as he waited for
an answer to his knock at the door of the large
Asheville residence.  The stiff shirt collar irritated
his neck. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. 
His fingers tried to straighten the unruly curls. He
placed one fist into his pocket, then removed his hand
as he heard movement on the other side of the door.  

William Huddleston opened the door and was astonished
to see the doctor who had saved his life many months
ago.

"Dr. MacNeill!  Why, what a great surprise!  Come in,
please, out of the chill of the night air!"

"Thank you, William."  Neil stepped into the foyer. 
"It is good to see you so mobile.  Not using the cane
any more?"  Neil questioned his former patient as he
stepped into the Huddleston home.

"Not much.  Although I do have to resort to it now and
then when I am tired. It is wonderful to see you,
Doctor.  Can I offer you some dinner?  I was just
about to sit down."

"William, I would be truly honored to share your meal.
But please, may I first just have a few moments alone
with Christy?  The last time we spoke I was
inconsiderate and rude, and before I sit at your table
I believe I must make things right with your
daughter." Neil sighed as he exhaled.  His face
reddening, he pulled at the knot in his tie.  This was
going to be harder than he thought.

Surprise flashed over William's face, then was
replaced by an expression of concern.  "Neil, now you
really must come in and sit down.  I see that a talk
is in order."

Neil's brow furrowed in confusion.  Christy's father
led a puzzled Neil into a comfortable parlor, then he
motioned for Neil to sit down.

Neil ignored the chair.  "No, William, I just need
some time with Christy and..."

"Neil.  I don't know how else to tell you.  Christy is
not here." 

At that Neil looked crestfallen, then brightened
somewhat. 

"Oh, well, I could return if you would tell me when
she is expected back.  I should have thought ahead to
inquire when would be a good time to see her."  Neil
nervously ran one hand through his hair, then stopped
and formed a deep frown when he heard William's next
few words.

"Neil.  I am sorry to have to tell you this.  Christy
and her mother, well, they are both gone, and will be
gone for quite a while."  William spoke the next words
slowly, "You see, they have traveled to England."


Chapter 5

At those words Neil dropped into the chair. 
"England?"   His question was barely spoken aloud.

"Neil, please.  I will explain.  But first, come in to
some dinner.  You look exhausted.  You could use some
nourishment.  Come.  I will tell you everything after
dinner."

William led a stunned Neil to the dining room, where
an older woman served them steaming plates of stew
with fresh, soft bread.

William smiled at the woman. "Thank you, Eliza.  This
looks delicious.  I will be sure to tell Mrs.
Huddleston that it was your good cooking that fattened
me up while she was away!"

"Oh...yes, thank you, ma'am."  Neil looked somewhat
distracted, but managed to give the woman a weak
smile.

The cook beamed and retired to the kitchen.

William turned to Neil and could see that the doctor
was still dazed.

"Come, Neil, let's thank the good Lord for this food. 
We will eat something, and then later on I will
explain."

Heads bowed, William prayed the blessing while Neil
silently questioned his newly found faith, "God, I
truly sensed a leading from You to come here, and that
if I did so, everything would work out.  Christy not
only isn't here, she isn't even reachable.  What am I
to do now?"

William ate, all the while glancing up to observe the
younger man pick at his food.  The doctor had such a
bewildered and lost look on his rugged face.  Once
Neil had eaten a few bites, he dropped his fork onto
his plate.

"I cannot eat any more, William.  I'm sorry.  It's
just...I am so..." Neil couldn't continue as his head
dropped into his hands, elbows on either side of his
plate.

William's heart went out to the doctor.  "Alright
then.  If we're finished, you and I are going to sit
down in my library with a brandy and a bright fire to
warm us.  Come now, Neil."

He led the young doctor to the comfortable room. 
William built up the fire and the two sat down
opposite each other in plush leather chairs.

"Now, my boy, you and I are going to have ourselves a
‘heart-to-heart', as Christy's mother would say."

Neil looked at the father of the woman who seemed lost
to him now, the woman whose face he couldn't get out
of his mind or heart.

"A ‘heart-to-heart'.  Yes, that is just what I need
right now, William," Neil spoke sadly.

To William's great surprise, tears welled up in the
younger man's blue eyes.  And then, late into the
night, Neil bared his heart and soul to Christy's
father.

Chapter 6

"Oh, darling!  Do look at this dress!  It's just the
color for you!"  Julia turned to her daughter to
encourage her to consider the gown displayed in the
shop window.  "That deep blue is the very shade of
your eyes in evening light!"

Christy dutifully looked through the display window at
the evening dress.  It was a pretty gown.  And the
simple, elegant style suited her taste.  Christy knew
that her mother was doing everything she could think
of to bring the life back into her daughter.  She
should try harder for her mother.  It was just so
difficult.  She purposefully put a smile on her face
and agreed to try on the gown, to her mother's great
joy.  They went into the dress shop. 

They had been in London for only a week.  London! 
Christy had never imagined she would ever be here.  As
she was donning the gown, Christy allowed her thoughts
to stray back to those weeks past...

[flashback]

When she arrived unexpectedly at her home in
Asheville, Christy immediately collapsed in tears in
her mother's arms.  It took all of two days for her to
compose herself to the point that she could explain to
them only that, no, she would not be returning to
Cutter Gap.  Ever.  While this remark should have
brought great joy to her mother, the older woman was
grieved that her daughter was obviously in great
emotional distress.

Late into the third night of Christy's return, William
and Julia privately discussed their beloved daughter's
alarming withdrawal from life.  She would not eat, and
could not sleep.  It seemed she could only look into
the distance and shed silent tears.  She refused to
confide in her parents the reason for her desolation.

The concerned parents were at a loss as to what to do
for Christy.  They knew her grief must have been
brought about by some occurrence in Cutter Gap.  What
would have caused Christy to flee from her beloved
mountain children at the mission, back to her
childhood home?

Julia suggested they telephone Alice Henderson. 
"Maybe she is aware of what happened to cause Christy
to grieve so."

"No, my love.  We cannot breach Christy's confidence
that way.  When she is ready to confide in us, she
will do so.  Meanwhile, we must think of a distraction
for Christy, something to occupy her thoughts so that
she can recover from whatever disappointment has
happened."

Then William suggested that a change a scenery and
location might help Christy overcome her misery.

Julia considered the idea.  "Yes!  A trip is just the
thing!  Christy used to want to travel abroad.  But
will she ever agree to go?  I think not, William."

"I will give her no choice.  Let me talk to her
alone."

The next morning, William approached his daughter with
the idea that she should take this trip for her
mother's sake.  He explained that Julia was showing
signs if distress over Christy's withdrawal.

"My dearest Christy, I cannot begin to understand what
has caused you such pain.  But this is all taking its
toll on your dear mother.  I fear for her health if
you do not make some attempt to overcome your sorrow
and depression.  For her sake, I ask you to accompany
her on a trip.  You could both do with a change of
scenery. Please, Girly, go...for your mother's sake."

[end flashback]

So here they were, in England.  Was it only a month
ago that she was in her beloved Cutter Gap, listening
to the children's recitations, laughing in the kitchen
with Ruby Mae, marveling over a beautiful pastel
sunset with Miss Alice?  And now, after weeks of
traveling by train and boat,  she was in England. 
Trying on dresses, of all things.

"It's just lovely on you, darling!"  Julia's
exclamation broke into Christy's thoughts.  The loving
mother was thrilled that Christy was beginning to show
signs of her old self.  "Let's buy it.  It already
fits you perfectly!  It was made for you, dear!  And
of course you'll need some dancing slippers, matching
gloves, and..."  

Christy trailed her mother throughout the dress shop,
collecting all the items Julia selected.  As they left
the dress shop after their purchase of the gown and
some other items, Christy smiled at her mother. 
"Thank you, Mother, for doing all for this for me. 
You really have been wonderful.  I am sorry to have
caused you so much worry."

"Oh, Christy!  I am just delighted to be here with
you! I've missed you so much while you've been away at
the mission.  I've missed sharing time together, and
shopping with you!  And I am so very glad to see you
smile!  Please, Darling!  What else can I do to bring
you happiness?  We can do anything!  We can go
anywhere you'd like to go!  Just name it!" 

Julia saw a flicker of interest on Christy's face. 

"Ah-ha!  There is something!  I can see it in your
eyes.  Please, Christy.  What would you like to do? 
Where would you like to go?"

Christy looked thoughtfully into her mother's face and
asked in a quiet voice, "Well, there is a place I'd
like to see.  Mother, if you're very sure it would be
alright, I would like to travel somewhere..."

Chapter 7

Christy stepped down from the train then reached up to
take her mother's hand and help her down.  Although
the parts of the city of Edinburgh they had ridden
through on the train looked just like any other large
city, Christy was still happily anticipating their
stay in Scotland.  

Christy's enthusiasm for being in Scotland wasn't
contagious to Julia Huddleston.  She preferred the
hustle bustle of London, with its shopping, museums,
restaurants, and social opportunities.  But, more than
anything else, she was a loving mother who was willing
to do anything to bring the life back into her
daughter.

As they walked towards the lobby of the large train
station, Julia's eyes casually looked over her to
daughter.  Christy's face was pink with excitement. 
*Maybe this was a good idea after all.*

"Julia!  Julia, dear!"  The Huddleston women looked to
their right.  Christy saw a woman, about her mother's
age, dressed very stylishly.  The woman's hair was
just beginning to gray, but Christy admired it's light
red color.  She hurried to meet the two travelers.  
A young man, in his mid-twenties, accompanied the
woman.  *That must be Ian.*  He was a medium-height
man with neatly trimmed, reddish-golden hair a few
shades lighter than his mother's, and a pleasant
expression upon his face.

"Kathleen!  Oh, dear me!  After all these years!" 
Julia embraced the woman and they began to speak
excitedly, forgetting the two others.  

The young man introduced himself to Christy.  "You
must be Christy Huddleston.  I am Ian Donegan."

Christy smiled as he held her hand in his.  "Mr.
Donegan." 

"Oh, please.  You must call me Ian.  And that, as you
might have deduced, is my mother, Kathleen.  I'm very
pleased to meet you, Miss Huddleston, and happy to
have you and your mother come for a visit.  My mother
has been speaking of nothing but you and your mother's
coming since your visit was arranged.  She is quite
delirious to see your mother after all these years. 
Regrettably, my father, was unable to postpone a
client's trail date, but he is looking forward to
seeing your mother again, as well as meeting you, at
dinner tonight."  He looked into her eyes and grinned
as he took Christy's arm to guide her behind their
mothers.

*Ian is quite the charmer!*  Christy returned his
smile. *And his brogue is so pleasant.*

"Thank you for the warm welcome, Ian.  And you must
call me Christy."  He smiled as he tucked her hand in
his arm.  Christy liked the way his green eyes smiled
as well.

Ian guided the three ladies to a small cafe in the
train station and seated them at a table.  "You ladies
sit and have some refreshment while I collect your
baggage.  I will load the automobile, then return for
you.  I won't be long."  He leaned down to kiss his
mother's cheek, smiled at Christy and her mother, then
left.

"Oh, Julia!  You cannot imagine how thrilled I was to
hear from you.  And this is your Christy.  My dear,
you are beautiful!  I hope you know we will keep you
very busy indeed while you're here.  Ian has made many
plans, and you two will have such an enjoyable visit
together."  Kathleen and Julia exchanged a long,
meaningful look.

"You know, dear Julia, we always wrote that if you or
William came to England that you were to notify us and
we would have you for a visit, as you welcomed us into
your home in Asheville so many years ago.  I never
allowed myself to hope you could actually come.  But
this is wonderful, and it is perfect timing!  We have
our annual ball planned for three weeks hence, and you
really must stay for it.  Christy, you will love it, I
assure you!  So many young people attend, and of
course Ian will escort you, Christy, as our guest of
honor!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Donegan.  You are very kind, but you
mustn't trouble yourself over us.  We...I would be
happy just seeing some of Scotland.  I've been wanting
to see your country for quite a while now."

The waiter served the ladies steaming cups of tea with
little finger sandwiches and cookies.  Once he left,
Julia observed her daughter and mused over her
statement. "Christy, I never knew you has such an
interest in Scotland.  I always knew you wanted to
visit London and Paris to attend the art museums, but
Scotland?  Oh, Kathleen, that must have sounded
terrible.  Not that we didn't want to come to see you,
dear.  I just never knew that Christy had an desire to
see Scotland."

Christy took a sip of tea then set her teacup down on
the saucer.  "Well, Mother, you are correct in my
desire to see the art museums of London and Paris. 
Recently I have developed an interest in Scotland."  

Turning to their hostess, Christy explained, "You see,
I teach children who are of Scottish descent.  I
thought it would be wonderful for me to see some of
Scotland.  Then when...if...I return to them I can
give them a first-hand description of the land of
their heritage."

Julia's thoughts were swirling as she watched her
daughter carefully.  *Christy, dear, you might fool
Kathleen, and you might even fool yourself, but you do
not fool me.  There is something more to this, my
daughter.  I hope I eventually find out what this is
all about.*

Christy, unaware of her mother's scrutiny, continued,
"Tell me, Mrs. Donegan, are the Scottish Highlands
located near Edinburgh?"

"The Highlands!  Child!  They are positively barren
and wild!  No, they are far northwest from Edinburgh. 
But why ever would you want to go there?  We have
wonderful museums and restaurants here in the city. 
We are becoming quite cosmopolitan, compared to what
we used to be years and years ago.  And there is a
level of ‘society' that is quite enjoyable. My dear
girl, the Highlands?  No.  You really don't want to go
there."  Kathleen Donegan smiled at Christy and
continued.  "Anyway, we have so many activities
planned I don't believe you even would have time to go
to the Highlands!  Ah, I see Ian coming.  Are you
finished, Julia?  Christy?  Fine.  Let us go home,
then."


Chapter 8

True to Kathleen's word, Christy and Ian did have a
full schedule of activities.  Ian was on break before
his final term of law school and had plenty of time to
devote to Christy.  During the day they rode horses on
the large Donegan estate just outside of Edinburgh. 
Sometimes the cook had packed a picnic lunch for them.
At other times they rode into the small village nearby
to lunch at a pub there.  Every evening they attended
musicals or plays in the heart of the city, followed
by late dinners at fancy restaurants.  Some evenings
Christy's mother and Ian's parents joined them, but
most of the time the young couple was alone.

Christy had never done this much socializing, even in
Asheville.  She enjoyed the different outings, but it
all seemed so unsatisfying to her.  Her time spent in
Cutter Gap had taught quite a bit to Christy
Huddleston.  The many new acquaintances that she made
among Ian's circle of friends couldn't compare to the
relationship she had with two of the most down-home
but wonderful women she'd ever met, Fairlight and
Opal.

Ian Donegan was becoming a good friend.  They laughed
together over their mothers' obvious attempts at
matchmaking.  Maybe at another time, had her life been
different, Christy might have considered him as a
suitor.  But she knew that she could never stay in
Scotland.  She wasn't sure just where she should go. 
Perhaps she would return to Asheville and continue her
own schooling at the college, or find a school where
she would be allowed to teach without a degree.  She
knew where she couldn't go...Cutter Gap.  

One night over a private dinner Ian admitted to her a
special interest that he had in a young lady she had
met, Megan McGuire.

"My parents like her, but I think they were hoping I
would marry someone from a higher social standing. 
And what about you, Christy?  Is there a special
someone in your life?  A man you've left behind in
America, perhaps?"

Christy blushed as she raked her mind for an
appropriate answer.  "No...no one."  She looked into
Ian's kind, trustworthy eyes and suddenly found
herself telling him, "Well, there was someone.  It
didn't work out."  She looked down at her hands
twisting the linen napkin.

Ian placed his hand over hers to calm their fidgeting,
saying, "I knew I saw a sadness in your eyes, Christy.
This man, it's really over between the two of you?"

She nodded, her eyes filling with tears.  "Yes, it's
over.  That's why we're here.  Mother is trying to
cheer me up."

"Well, then, Miss Christy Huddleston, I had better do
a much better job than I'm doing now, as I have
brought you to tears!"

She appreciated his attempt to lighten the mood, and
appreciated even more the kindness and understanding
she read in his eyes.  In such a short time, they had
become dear friends.

The next day Christy and Ian had an excursion planned.
He had arranged for some of his friends, young men and
women from his university, to join them on a road trip
to the beach.  It was too cold for bathing in the
water, but it was sunny enough for a nice picnic. 
Christy was looking forward to the day.

Ian introduced her to his friends who had gathered at
his house, then motioned towards a dark-haired young
man to his left. 

"Christy, you haven't had an opportunity yet to meet
my cousin, Devon Donegan.  Devon, Miss Christy
Huddleston from North Carolina."

Christy turned to Devon, ready to give him a warm
greeting.  The smile on her face froze when she looked
into his eyes.  They were the coldest eyes she had
ever seen.  Cold and blank, yet somehow at the same
time full of unknown depths.  She felt a chill go down
her spine when Devon took her hand in his and raised
it to his moist lips.  

"I am charmed, Miss Huddleston.  Ian mentioned you to
me, but his description of you pales in the presence
of your pure beauty."  Somehow, his slight emphasis on
the word "pure" made her feel even more uncomfortable.

Christy was held by the piercing look in his pale blue
eyes, and pulled her hand away.  She had to squelch
her impulse to rub the back of her hand on her skirt. 
She took a step back from Devon, whose knowing smile
indicated that he was aware of her discomfort.  She
felt like a trembling rabbit being sized up by a
ravenous snake.

Ian suggested they all pile into the cars that were
parked in the curved drive.  Devon was about to
request of Christy that she ride with him in his
little two-seated auto.  His eyes blazed when she
rushed towards Ian and another young couple.

"Ian, I would like to ride with you.  Alright?" 
Christy sent a pleading look to Ian, who glanced past
her shoulder at his cousin, Devon.  Looking back into
Christy's face, Ian smiled and said, "Why, of course
you shall, Christy!"

They were all finally in their cars and ready to leave
when Devon called to his cousin, "Ian, I believe I
must bow out of the festivities today.  I have
forgotten I have a previous appointment that I really
must keep.  Miss Huddleston, another time perhaps?"

Christy shuddered inwardly and her only reply was a
small, courteous smile.  He was repulsive!  As Devon
drove away, Ian turned to her and asked quietly, "Is
everything all right, Christy?"

"Fine, Ian.  Everything's fine...now."

Later that evening after a full day at the beach,
Christy was getting ready for bed with her mother
watching from the chair in the corner.  Julia
chattered away.  

"I am delighted that you and Ian are getting on. He is
a charming man from a wonderful family.  Really,
Christy, you should think of staying here in Edinburgh
awhile.  Kathleen assures me that Ian would be
thrilled if you would do so.  He's never seemed
happier, according to Kathleen and Robert.  I can tell
by the way he looks at you that he is very taken with
you, dear.  He..."

Christy cringed.  Her mother wasn't trying to obscure,
by any means.  Christy took a deep, nervous breath and
looked at Julia.

"Mother, I met a young married couple today...friends
of Ian's...who are traveling to the Highlands the day
after tomorrow.  They will be staying there for three
days.  It is a full day's trip to travel there, and
they assured me there are many places to board in the
little village they are going to visit.  It's just a
little way into the mountains.  When I expressed my
interest in the Highlands, they offered me a ride
there and back.  I told them I would accept their
offer."

"Christy!  No!"


Chapter 9

Two men, a middle-aged, gray-haired gentleman and a
red-headed, rugged-looking, younger man, made their
way by cab to a London hotel.  Neil looked out the
window, but his mind wasn't on the passing view.  He
was envisioning a sweet face with rosy cheeks, deep
blue eyes, a little, upturned nose that he loved to
watch wrinkle.  His heart rate accelerated as he
anticipated seeing Christy again after their many
weeks of being apart.  

*I'll see her soon!  I'll be so happy to see her I
won't even mind swallowing my pride and asking
Christy's forgiveness.  Blast it!  I'll swallow all of
London as well if it means my finally being able to be
with Christy again!*

William's words intruded upon Neil's thoughts.  "I
know this is where they are staying.  I made the
reservations myself, and Julia's letters were posted
from here.  It won't be long, my boy, until we see our
girls again!"  William's excitement was almost as
great as Neil's.  Once Neil had unburdened himself to
Christy's father a few weeks ago, William finally
understood the cause of Christy's depression.  He
couldn't wait to see his daughter's face when he
brought these two young people together again!

The cab stopped in front of an imposing hotel. 
William paid the driver while Neil retrieved their
luggage from the back, only to have it taken from his
hands by uniformed attendants.  They made their way up
the steps through the elegant entrance.  In the lobby,
lush plants topped tables that were positioned next to
velvet upholstered sofas and chairs.  Their footsteps
on the polished marble floor echoed in the grand
rotunda.   Although Neil had traveled a bit, he had
never seen such opulence.

William noticed Neil's observance of their
surroundings.  "I know.  It's somewhat elaborate for
my tastes, too.  But Julia enjoys this.  Actually,
Christy is more like me.  I'm certain she feels a bit
out of place here, as well."

The two approached the desk clerk and William
inquired, "Good afternoon, sir.  I am William
Huddleston, and this is my companion, Dr. MacNeill.  I
would like a room for the doctor, and I would
appreciate your telling me the suite number for my
wife, Mrs. Julia Huddleston, and my daughter.

The clerk politely replied, "I am so sorry sir, but
Mrs. and Miss Huddleston checked out some days ago. 
Actually, I do believe it has been almost two weeks
now since their departure.  They are gone."

"Gone!"  Neil's loud exclamation echoed in the
spacious lobby. 

*Christy!  Not again!*  He'd journeyed halfway across
the world, his excitement growing with each mile
traveled.  He already felt as if he would explode in
joy at the impending sight of Christy.  Now he felt as
if he would explode with frustration.

The clerk nervously eyed the younger man, who was
obviously agitated.  "Mrs. Huddleston did leave a
forwarding address where any messages could be
dispatched.  Let me see.  Yes, here it is.  I'll write
it down for you."  The clerk handed a folded piece of
crisp, white paper to William.

William thanked the man and, noticing Neil's mounting
frustration, quickly ushered him outside before his
Scottish temper got the best of him.

William rushed to calm the doctor.  "Now, Neil.  This
isn't so bad.  At least Julia left a forwarding
address and we know where they are.  They have most
likely just moved to a different hotel."  He opened
the note to silently read the address.  Neil's stomach
knotted when he saw a disbelieving frown form on the
older man's face.  William slowly looked up from the
note into Neil's widening eyes.

"What is it, William?  Where is Christy?"  Neil's
annoyance was building and he demanded an answer.

"They have moved on to stay with acquaintances of
ours, Robert and Kathleen Donegan.  Neil...Julia and
Christy have left England."

"Left England!"  Neil couldn't believe his ears!  Neil
turned his back to William.  His hands flew to his
head, grasping handfuls of hair in frustration.  He
took a deep breath and tried to compose himself.

Under his breath, Neil groaned, "Christy!  Why can't
you stay put in one place until I can reach you?"

Turning around to face William, Neil's eyes were
serious, his voice was low and steady.  "All right,
William. Where is she?"

William looked at his traveling companion for long
silent moments.  The two men had journeyed so far, all
the way from Asheville to London, in order to meet up
with Christy and her mother.  Now William feared this
further disappointment might break the younger man's
spirit.

"William!"

"Julia and Christy have gone to Edinburgh, Scotland. 
I'm so sorry, Neil!  I don't know why Julia would ever
have left London.  Scotland!  This is terrible!"

"Scotland!"  Neil laughed out loud.  "This is
wonderful!"  

Mr. Huddleston believed Neil had finally cracked under
all the pressure.

Then, seeing William's puzzled face, Neil continued. 
"William, let me explain.  Christy traveled to England
to flee from me.  Now she has gone to Scotland to
search for me!"

"Neil, I think all this has finally taken it's toll on
your state of mind.  Christy didn't go to Scotland to
find you.  She knew that she had just left you in
Cutter Gap."

As they stood outside the hotel, William still looked
confused, so Neil continued his explanation.  "Shortly
after we met I had an opportunity to tell Christy my
story, that as a young lad some doctors sponsored me
to attend school in Scotland.  It was there that I
pursued my ambition of becoming a doctor.  She
understood how I found my true self in Scotland, by
learning something of my Highland ancestors and by
coming to know and treasure my Scottish heritage. 
William, she has gone to Scotland to be close to me in
the only way she can!"

Neil couldn't contain his joy and let loose with a
loud Cutter Gap "holler", which drew a few odd looks
from the proper English gentlemen and women passing on
the street.  He turned to William and took the older
man's arm.  "Come, friend, we must continue our
journey.  We travel to Scotland to catch up with
Christy and her mother!"

"And Christy had better stay put until I reach her
this time,"  Neil added under his breath.

Chapter 10

"Christy, why couldn't we have just stayed in
Edinburgh?  That was a properly refined city, even
though it is in Scotland.  These Scottish Highlands
seem so uncivilized."  

Christy's mother voiced her concern.  She glanced out
the window of the rooming house at the surrounding
peaks and shivered.  Moving her chair closer to the
fire she frowned.

"I don't understand why we couldn't have continued our
visit at the Donegans' estate back in Edinburgh.  They
were so cordial to extend the invitation to stay there
for the remainder of the season."  Julia relaxed
against the tall back of the plush chair.   "And I
think their son, Ian, was very attentive towards you. 
He is an attractive young man, don't you think?"

"Mother, Ian was very nice, and I do consider him a
new friend.  But please believe me when I say that I
am not interested in any ‘attachments' at this time. 
And I did promise you that we would return to Ian's
home in time for their ball next week."  Christy moved
to the large window and looked out upon the
surrounding peaks.

She continued, "But about the Highlands, I just don't
know how to explain it.  Something drew me to these
mountains.  Now that I'm here I feel a contentment
that I haven't known for months."

Christy's eyes misted as she thought of the other
summits that were so dear to her heart.  "Did you know
that Nei...a friend once told me how the Great Smokies
resemble the Highlands, and that is why so many
Scottish immigrants settled there?  The families of
Cutter Gap are a proud and noble people, and poverty
has not diminished their pride in their Scottish
heritage."

The younger woman turned to see her mother nodding off
to sleep in the cozy chair. She smiled and reached for
a warm woolen throw to carefully cover Julia.  
Confident that her mother was dozing comfortably,
Christy turned to take her coat down from the rack. 
She went through the doorway into the hall of the
rooming house, then stepped outside into the crisp
air.  

Christy was so glad that she had come to the Scottish
Highlands.  Her heart swelled as she gazed out over
the peaks.  *Funny, since leaving Cutter Gap, this is
the first place that I've felt truly at ease.  Even in
Asheville I seemed unsettled.  These mountains seem so
familiar, so much like the ridges of the Cove.  So
much seems familiar here in Scotland...the blue eyes,
the red hair, the brogue.* 

She loved the Highlands, but Julia hated them. 
Christy still couldn't believe that her mother had
accompanied her on this little journey.  Christy had
been prepared to make the trip alone and leave her
mother at the Donegan home, in fact, would have
preferred it.  But Julia wouldn't hear of it.  Christy
could still hear her mother's outburst.  "Allow my
daughter to go off into the wilds alone? 
Unchaperoned?  Never, Christy!"

So her mother had escorted her, and Christy had spent
most of her time trying to appease Julia.  She longed
to spend hours walking the trails that wound through
the beautiful Highlands, but instead Christy could
only do so when she could grasp snippets of time while
her mother rested.  But her moments alone, wandering
the hilly paths, brought Christy so much pleasure and
peace.

Christy made her way up a narrow path into the
mountains that called to her.  She drank in the sight
of the majestic view.  Although her heart swelled,
tears formed in her eyes.  She settled down onto a
large smooth rock and quieted her spirit.

"Oh, Father God.  You do know how to renew my spirit
by leading me to such a sight as these mountains. 
Please bless all those I love on the distant peaks in
Cutter Gap.  Bless Miss Alice and her work at the
mission.  Bless David.  Continue to minister to his
heart and lead him to a place of peace.  If it be Your
will, Father, bring into his life a woman with whom he
can finally share the loving relationship he desires. 
He is so deserving of a woman who can stand with him
in his life and in his ministry.  Be with all the dear
children, and with their families.  And, Father, be
with Neil..."

Christy's voice broke and her blue eyes spilled their
tears, which she quickly wiped away.  Then she
continued her prayer, "Father, bless Neil with your
gift of comfort in his time of grief.  He must have
loved Margaret so very much, to have been so
devastated at her passing.  I was helpless to comfort
him when I was back in the Cove, and I am even more
helpless now that I am so far away from him.  Heal his
heart that is so broken, Lord.  And more than anything
else, draw him to You.  Bathe him, Father, in Your
great love."

Christy had hoped that her journey to Scotland would
have brought healing to the devastation she had felt
at hearing the last hurtful words Neil had spoken to
her.  But she was still a wounded heart.  Her thoughts
of Neil continued.

*He didn't mean to hurt me.  I don't think he meant to
hurt me.  He was just so much in pain over his loss of
Margaret.  Margaret.  What Margaret was never able to
accomplish in her life with Neil, she accomplished by
her death.  Neil will be forever tied to his wife by
his devotion to her memory.  If my own presence in the
Cove brings only pain to Neil, then I am determined...
I will never return  to Cutter Gap.  I would do
anything to lessen his pain.  I only wish that,
somehow, I could see his face one last time.  But I 
will never inflict the pain of another meeting between
us on Neil.  Never.*

Christy had made the decision never to return to
Cutter Gap.  She was unsettled with the fact that she
had not been able to come up with another plan for her
future.

"Soon, Father, it will be time for me to return home. 
I don't know where I belong.  I don't know what I
should do.  I don't even know if I should remain in
Asheville.  Help me to see Your will for my life. 
Please give me a sign of what You want me to do.  And
please, God, bless me with Your peace."

Christy remained on the rock for a few more minutes,
then she rose and slowly made her way back to the
rooming house where her mother awaited her. 


Chapter 11

"Darling, you are lovely!  You won't have a moment to
rest between dances tonight.  The young men will be so
enamored with you!"  Julia looked from her bedroom
into the portion of the suite where Christy sat at a
dressing table, putting the finishing touches on her
upswept curls.  Flashing a smile at her daughter's
reflection in the gilded mirror, Julia turned to go
back into her own room to finish her preparations for
the Donegan's ball.

Julia was thrilled and relieved to be back in
‘civilization' and hoped that tonight Christy would
respond to the attention of some eligible, well-to-do,
young man.  It was all well and good for Christy to
have had her little adventure in that God-forsaken
Tennessee wilderness, but she was relieved that
Christy seemed to be through with those mountain
people.  She shuddered to think that her daughter
might have married the young preacher and remained in
Cutter Gap.  Worse yet, Julia would have been appalled
if Christy had married that backwoods country doctor. 
Oh, she was grateful that Dr. MacNeill had helped her
husband recover from his stoke.  But being grateful
was a far cry from handing over her daughter to him. 
It was better to have Christy back in suitable
society, where she could meet some handsome, wealthy
young man.  Even to have Christy marry someone from
England or Scotland, so far away from Asheville, was
preferable than to have her closer to home, but stuck
in the horrible poverty of the Cove.

Unaware of her mother's hopes for her, Christy coaxed
a stray curl back into place and turned from side to
side to survey her reflection in the mirror.  In the
last few months she had lost weight, and her eyes,
always large for her delicate features, now looked
huge.  The deep azure of her gown made them appear
even bluer.

She sighed.  Christy hoped her mother would give up
the ‘matchmaking' talk.  She had become friends with
Ian Donegan, and liked most of his chums.  But she
shivered when she thought of his cousin, Devon. 
Something about that man... something about his eyes. 
Christy did not trust him.  He seemed cordial, but
whenever Christy would glance his way she would find
his cool, ice blue eyes upon her.  She shuddered at
the memory.

*I will have a wonderful time,* Christy told herself. 
*I will not think of Devon, or of any man tonight.*  
She stood and began to turn away from the mirror, then
stopped in mid-stride as a sudden vision flashed into
her mind, that of a rugged, tanned face with a sun-
streaked red curl falling over his forehead.  She
slowly lowered herself to the seat, a small smile
playing at her lips. Yes, there was still one man
whose face would intrude in her thoughts and in her
dreams.  Try as she might, Christy couldn't forget
that face, or the feelings that came upon her with his
memory.  At moments like this when Christy was honest
with herself, she knew that she didn't ever want to
forget his face, his smile, his intense gaze, his
touch...his touch.  Christy's lifted her left hand to
rest softly against the side of her face as she
remembered Neil's gentle caress.  Twice, the back of
his fingers had softly stroked her cheek.  "Neil..."
His name was a whisper on her lips and in her heart.

"Christy!  Dear, are you ready?"  Julia's entreaty
interrupted the moment of memory.

"Yes, Mother, I'm coming." Christy's fingers lightly
touched her cheek once more, then she dropped her
hands from her face to pick up her gloves and purse,
and resolutely made her way to her mother's bedroom.

Chapter 12

Christy smiled into Ian's face as they waltzed across
the ballroom floor.

"You look beautiful tonight, Christy.  I am a lucky
chap to hold you in my arms."  Ian smiled at Christy.

"Yes, you are a lucky chap," Christy teased.  "All
your friends have besieged me for dances.  I haven't
sat out a one, and my feet are hurtin' somethin'
awful!"

Ian grinned at her words.  He loved it when Christy
lapsed into the dialect of the mountain people.  Every
so often she would forget and a particular saying or
phrase would slip out into her speech.  Ian believed
she wasn't even aware of it.  That's what made it so
charming.   She had spent hours telling him stories of
her life in the Cove, and of the people who lived
there.  It all sounded so primitive, yet inviting in
an honest and simple kind of way.

The music ended and Ian led Christy off the dance
floor.  Ian noticed his mother motioning to him. 
"Christy, would you excuse me?  My mother has spotted
me, and must be in need of my help with something."

"Oh, I'll be glad to take a rest.  Go help your
mother."  Christy was about to make her way to a row
of chairs set against the wall when she felt a firm
grasp on her arm.  She was forcefully turned around to
face Devon.

"I've been waiting all night for a dance, Miss
Huddleston.  One would believe that you have been
purposely avoiding me."  Devon's ice blue eyes bored
into Christy's.  

He propelled her to the dance floor before she had a
chance to react.  Taking her hand in his and placing
his other at the small of her back, Devon began to
dance.  Christy could barely follow his steps, she was
so upset at being in his arms.

Devon tightened his arm around her waist and pulled
her body firmly against his own.  Christy's cheeks
flamed.  Devon was holding her closer than was
acceptable in society.  When Christy tried to distance
herself from his arms, they tightened about her all
the more.  

"Devon, please," Christy whispered her plea.  Devon's
eyes narrowed as a grim smile played across his face.

"You are enchanting, Miss Huddleston.  I find I just
cannot help myself.  I look into your deep, blue eyes,
and I am mesmerized."  One hand tightening on her
back, Devon continued to press her body against his
own, while he lifted his other hand, still holding
hers, to her face.  One of his fingers traced a soft
line down her cheek, then down her bare neck.  His
cool blue eyes were locked on Christy's as she began
to struggle against his embrace.

Ian immediately appeared at his cousin's side. 
"That's enough, Devon!"  Ian's voice was low so that
only Devon and Christy could hear, but it was
determined.  In a louder voice Ian announced, "I do
believe I'll cut in, Cousin.  You don't mind, do you?"
 Ian took her hand into his own and his firm gaze told
Devon to give over Christy.

Mindful that Ian's loud request had drawn attention to
the threesome, Devon stepped aside to allow Ian to
take Christy in his arms, bowed to her, and strode
away, fuming.  Ian and Christy finished the dance,
then he led her to a set of chairs at the far side of
the ballroom.

"I apologize for my cousin's behavior.  Devon has been
spoiled since he was born.  He's my own flesh and
blood, but his behavior is abhorring."

"Ian, please.  You needn't apologize for him.  I'd
just like to rest here a few moments.  But I do notice
a pretty, young blonde who is watching you from across
the room,"  Christy hinted to Ian.  

Ian turned to look the direction Christy had
indicated.  He smiled.  "Ah yes, Miss Megan McGuire. 
I think she's just now arrived.  Christy, do you mind
if I ask her for a dance?  Will you be alright alone?"
 Christy assured Ian she would be fine.

Christy dropped into a chair, exhausted from hours of
dancing.  Dear Ian!  Thank God that Ian had rescued
her from the arms of his cousin, Devon.  She took a
few deep, calming breaths.  *That Devon had better
keep his distance from now on, or I shall slap his
despicable face!  I'll haul off and whack him just
like Ruby Mae would!*

Christy wiggled her sore toes inside her dancing
slippers.  Oh, what she wouldn't give to be with
Fairlight right now, laughingly cooling their bare
feet in the refreshingly cold mountain stream.

Christy rested as she watched the dancers, then
observed a stirring on the opposite side of the
expansive ballroom.  Although she couldn't see through
the crowd, Christy noticed that voices across the room
stilled as the ringing from heavy, purposeful
footsteps could be heard coming from the hall outside
the doorway.

Chapter 13

William hurried to try to keep up with the young
doctor, but was hopelessly left behind when Neil took
the stairs up to the ballroom three at a time. 

*She's here!*  Neil thought. *After all this time and
travel I am finally about to see her again.*

He strode down the long hallway and into the ballroom,
his heavy steps echoing in the room, then paused to
look around.  Neil stood out in the crowd, as he was
dressed in boots and a brown, woolen coat rather than
the polished shoes and black formal jackets the other
men wore.  Oblivious to the stares confronting him,
Neil only had eyes to search for one person.  As his
gaze traveled the room, Neil's heart plummeted.  He
didn't see her.  There were so many people milling
around.  How would he ever find her in this crowd?

"Christy!  Christy Huddleston!"  A deep brogue of a
voice boomed across the spacious ballroom.

The music came to a stop at the interruption.  Couples
who were dancing paused and looked around quizzically.
 

Julia heard someone call her daughter's name, turned
and blushed crimson when she spotted the country
doctor from Tennessee.  Immediately, William was at
her side with a supporting arm around her waist.  Her
confused eyes turned towards her husband.  "William? 
You're here in Scotland?  With the doctor?  Oh!" 
Weakened by her dread of what was to come about next,
she swayed and leaned against her husband.  Then Julia
turned back to watch the spectacle unfold.

Christy's eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat
when she heard someone call her name. *That voice!  It
couldn't be!  No.  Everyone here in Scotland speaks
like him.  But it sounds so much like Neil's voice.*

Christy stood.  As if in a dream, she made her way
across the dance floor towards the door on the
opposite side.  The crowd of people seemed to part as
she was drawn towards the direction of the voice.

Suddenly, Neil spotted a petite woman, a vision in a
deep blue dress, across the ballroom and a grin spread
across his face.  "Christy!"

Christy saw the tall figure across the room and heard
his last word.  "Neil?"  she breathed.  "NEIL!"

She picked up the hem of her gown and ran across the
ballroom.  Neil went forward to meet her and swept
Christy into his strong arms.  He held her tightly,
right against his heart.  His arms clasped around her,
Christy clutched his lapels and buried her face in his
chest.  Her tears stained his light blue shirt as she
breathed in his masculine scent.

"Thank You, God."  Neil whispered into Christy's hair.

They stood in the embrace, oblivious of the others in
the room.  Christy had her eyes squeezed tightly shut,
her face still buried against his broad chest.  She
was whimpering little words that Neil could barely
make out.  "Oh, it's a dream.  It must be a dream. 
But if it is, I don't want to look.  What if I look
and he's not really here?  Oh, God, please, I could
not bear his not being here!"

Neil's heart ached at hearing Christy's words.  The
cruel things he had said to her months ago at his
cabin had reduced Christy to this quivering, flustered
woman in his arms.

Her face was still buried against his chest, and Neil
had to lean close to hear what she said.  Neil met
each of her whispers with a reassuring murmur of his
own.

"This is a dream."

"No, ‘tis really I."

"He cannot be here.   He's in Cutter Gap."

"I am here in Scotland, holding you in my arms."

"Oh! I cannot believe this!"

"'Tis true.  Believe it, lass."

Neil felt Christy's body trembling in his embrace. 
Understanding her heightened emotions, he leaned close
and crooned tender words softly into her ear, his
hands very gently stroking her back.  "Shh.  Lass,
'tis all right.  Christy, love.  Shh.  I'm right here.
 I won't leave you.  You've no reason to doubt that.
Hush now."  

Neil's words finally calmed Christy's ragged emotions.
 She quieted, but still kept her face pressed against
his chest.

"Look at me, Christy."

"Oh, I dare not look."

"Look at me, sweet."

Christy took a deep breath, then tilted her head just
a bit so that she could peek up at Neil.  He had such
an intent look on his face.  Blue eyes drowned in blue
eyes.  Then Christy reached up to touch him, to assure
herself that he was truly there.  Her fingers brushed
back his curls, then trailed down the side of his
face, along his jaw.

Neil grasped her hand in his and leaned down to place
a soft kiss on Christy's palm.  Then he closed her
hand into a fist and clasped it to his chest.  

As the two were caught up in each other's arms, a
sneering voice commented to the young woman next to
him, "What is he?  Some woodsman?  My God, she's
making a complete fool of herself, falling into his
arms.  How disgusting!"

The woman replied, "Oh, shut-up, Devon.  Take a look
around the room.  There's not a woman here who isn't
swooning, and wishing she were Christy at this very
moment!"

Devon's eyes surveyed the room's female occupants. 
*My god, she's right!*


Chapter 14

The orchestra began to play again, although with the
past few minutes' drama, no one was dancing. 

Neil continued to drink in the sight of Christy's
beauty, and gently wiped her tears with the pad of his
thumb.  He knew he had much to say to her, but now was
the time for reassurance and an opportunity for
Christy to compose herself, not for his explanations.

"Are you all right now, Christy?"

She nodded, still not completely believing this was
really happening.  Then he backed a few steps away
from her.  Christy was puzzled.  She frowned and
reached to pull him back.  Then she broke into a
little smile when Neil bowed to her and asked, "May I
have the pleasure of this dance, ma'am?"

Wiping the last tear away with her fingertips, Christy
replied, "But of course, Dr. MacNeill."  Neil placed
one hand lightly on her back, and cradled her other
hand in his larger one.  The two began a slow twirl
over the polished wood floor, oblivious to the other
occupants of the room.  Christy relaxed in his arms
and Neil led her around the dance floor.

Meanwhile, Julia had recovered enough from her shock
to turn with a panicked, pleading look to her husband.
 William spoke in a low voice, "I know it's not what
you would prefer for Christy, my dear, but look at
them.  Our daughter is alive again!  Neil did that for
her.  Can you see their shining eyes?  How can we deny
them their happiness together?"

Julia's gaze traveled to observe the dancing couple. 
She saw Christy's glowing expression of joy, something
that had been absent from her face the past few
months.  *Maybe William is right.  Christy is
jubilant, that is apparent.  And the doctor is looking
at my daughter like...why, just like William looks at
me!*

She turned back to her husband and, smiling, nodded
slowly.  At this, William surprised his wife by
slipping his arm around her waist and leading her onto
the dance floor.  

"William, do you think you should?  Your leg..."

"Don't worry, Julia.  We'll take it slow.  I wouldn't
miss this for the world, my dear."  Soon other couples
joined them.

At one point during the dance Neil saw Christy's face
blanche as she spotted something or someone behind
him.  She gasped slightly, and he felt a shudder go
through her body.  Casually continuing their dance,
Neil turned them around so that he could see just what
had alarmed her.  Over Christy's shoulder, Neil
watched a surly-looking young man swagger towards them
with the obvious intent to cut in on Neil's dance with
Christy.  The doctor sized up the advancing figure. It
only took a few seconds for Neil to realize the man
was a cad.

*Oh, no you don't, you blackguard!*  Neil gave the man
his best menacing scowl, promising trouble if the man
continued his approach.  Devon paused.  He could read
the fiery look in Neil's eyes as plainly as if words
had been written there.  He read of the thrashing he
would receive from the wild-haired mountain man if he
continued on his course.  It only took the one glaring
look from Neil, and Devon quickly backed away.

Neil whispered, "He's gone now, Christy.  I won't let
him touch you, lass."

Neil leaned back from his partner so that he could
look into her shining blue eyes.   Their steps slowed
to a stop, right in the middle of the dance floor.

Christy felt herself being drawn into his gaze. 
Slowly, their faces moved closer to each other.  Her
eyes lowered to Neil's approaching mouth, and
Christy's lips parted ever so slightly.  Her heart
pounded inside her chest.  Neil's arm tightened around
her waist as he felt Christy sway.  At the moment
their lips were about to meet Neil heard a discreet
cough from behind Christy.  He raised just his eyes to
peer over Christy's shoulder and observed her parents
dancing.  Neil met William's eyes and saw the older
man give a small nod towards the others in the room
who were still watching the young couple.  Neil
sighed, raised his head away from Christy's face and
nodded slightly.  He looked back at Christy and
smiled.  Her eyes had closed and she was still poised
for the expected kiss.  He leaned in close to her ear.
 His breath tickled her cheek as he whispered, "Later,
lass.  And that's a promise."

Christy's eyes flew open and her face reddened when
she realized she was in a romantic embrace in front of
all the guests gathered in the ballroom.  She was
about to pull away from his arms and flee in
embarrassment when Neil's hand slowly stroked her back
and he repeated, "Later, lass.  Yes?"

Just the thought of what he was speaking about made
Christy's blush deepen.  She looked down in
embarrassment and Neil was captivated by the way her
long lashes lay on the soft, rosy cheeks.  

"Christy?"

"Yes."  The single word was a both a promise and a
sigh.



Chapter 15

Once the ball had ended and the guests had departed,
the elder Huddlestons retired to their bedroom.  Each
one had so much to tell the other of all the
happenings of the previous weeks.  Mr. and Mrs.
Donegan had graciously offered a room to the
Huddleston's friend, Dr. MacNeill.  

Neil and Christy were strolling alone in the moonlit
garden, her hand tucked in the crook of his arm.

Neil paused.  He wasn't sure how to phrase his
question.  "Christy, is the son, Ian...that is, are
you and he..."

"Ian is a good friend.  He did so much to help me
through a dark time.  I'd love to return to Scotland
when he marries Megan."

Neil breathed a quiet sigh of relief.  "And that other
one, the man that frightened you.  Did he hurt you,
Christy?  If he did, I'd be delighted to thrash him
from now ‘til dawn if you'd like!"

"Oh, Neil!  Devon is a snake, but I don't think it's
necessary for you to stick up for me.  I've been able
to force him to keep his distance.  He was coming to
cut into our dance, you know, but he must have changed
his mind when he saw I was determined to keep dancing
with you."

Neil smiled as he remembered his own part in
dissuading Devon's obvious intentions at the ball. 
"Yes, that must have been what discouraged him, lass."

They continued their walk until Neil stopped and
motioned for Christy to sit upon a garden bench.  She
pulled her wrap tighter as she looked up into his
eyes, shining even in the darkness.  He removed his
woolen coat and draped it gently over her shoulders. 
Neil's body heat had warmed the coat, and Christy
relaxed into its coziness as she slipped her arms into
the sleeves.  She burrowed her hands into the coat's
deep pockets and felt a silky strip of fabric in her
left hand.  Pulling the end of the scrap out of the
pocket, Christy was surprised to see the blue hair
ribbon that Neil had tugged lose from her hair one
day, many months past.  She looked up into his eyes.

Neil, embarrassed to be caught with the token and not
knowing quite what to say, smiled sheepishly and
shrugged his broad shoulders.  Christy smiled up at
his reddening face as she stuffed the ribbon back into
the pocket.

Usually a confident man, Neil suddenly seemed
ill-at-ease.  He cleared his throat and then began,
"Christy, I don't know how to tell you how sorry I am
for my behavior those last few days you were in the
Cove.  I hurt you, intentionally, and there is no
excuse ever for my doing that.  I apologize, and I ask
your forgiveness for my cruel words."  Neil paused to
see if Christy understood his sorrow at the pain he
had caused her.

"You were grieving for Margaret.  Many times things
are said in sorrow that are regretted later.  Of
course I forgive you, Neil.  I would forgive you
anything."  Her trusting eyes spoke volumes.

Neil's brow furrowed, confused.  "Grief and sorrow for
Margaret?  I wasn't grieving Margaret."  He continued
his explanation.  "‘Tis true, Margaret and I had made
our peace before she died, and for that I am grateful.
 But I had no feelings left for Margaret.  I wasn't
suffocating in my sorrow.  No, Christy.  I had decided
that I did not have the qualities to love a woman
properly.  I had convinced myself that a relationship
with any woman would end just as mine with Margaret
had ended, in bitterness and animosity.  So I made a
decision.  I resolved to spare you years of
unhappiness by destroying our relationship before it
had a chance to really begin.  That was why I spoke so
cruelly.  I could think of no other way to spare you
the pain I believed I would bring to your life.  That
was the legacy which I had been left after years of
Margaret's hostility."

"Neil..."  Christy's heart ached for the obvious
erosion of Neil's belief in himself that had been
caused by Margaret's bitter barbs.

"No, let me finish, Christy.  I would like to believe
that I could love a woman...you...as is deserved.  But
now I truly know that I cannot love you, or anyone
else, on my own."

Christy's heart, which had begun to hope, again
plunged with despair.

Neil continued, "I also realize that with God's help,
I believe that I can love completely." 

Christy's eyes widened at the last words.  Had she
heard correctly?  Neil had become a believer?

Neil reached down to take her small hand into his
larger one, threading their fingers together.

"Christy."  Her name was spoken like a prayer from
Neil's lips.  Looking directly into her blue eyes,
Neil's voice was low.  "You always knew His love, and
showed it to me in every smile and in every word you
spoke.  Now I know it as well."

Tears formed in Christy's eyes as her heart soared
with the thought that Neil had finally accepted God's
love into his life.  "Oh, thank God!"  

"Aye."  He grinned at her with the softest look in his
eyes.

Christy stood and lifted a delicate hand to touch
Neil's face, to brush an errant curly lock back from
his forehead.  This dear man had actually followed her
across the world.

"Neil, you followed me all the way to Scotland."

Neil chuckled.  "And quite a journey it was!  It's a
good thing you stayed put here, so I could catch up to
you."

"Well, actually, mother and I did make another side
trip...to the Highlands."  Christy's voice softened at
the memory of the mountains.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?"  Neil was speaking
of the Highlands but thinking of her deep blue eyes.  

"You followed me so far, Neil.  How did you know that
I needed you?"  Her expression was gentle and
questioning.

Neil looked aside, thinking for a moment, then his
eyes returned to her sweet face.

"I didn't know.  I only knew that ‘I' needed ‘you'."

She reached out to encircle his waist with her arms. 
His arms cradling her body, Neil held her close.  For
long minutes they stood in the peaceful embrace. 
Content, Christy cuddled against Neil. 

"Neil?"  Christy breathed.

"Yes, lass?"  Neil responded, leaning back so that he
could gaze down into her face.  He thought he saw a
twinkle of humor in her eyes.

"Earlier, when we were dancing, you said, ‘Later.' 
Can ‘later' be ‘now' ?"  A coy smile touched her lips
just moments before his mouth claimed hers.

Neil's impassioned lips moved over hers.  Christy had
been kissed before by other men, but it had never felt
like this.  Her heart melted, she was so moved at the
depth of emotion expressed in Neil's kiss.  She was
overwhelmed with the feelings that flowed over her.  

After what seemed like both seconds and an eternity
later, the two parted from the kiss.

"Mmm," Christy sighed as she smiled, her eyes still
closed.  

Neil chuckled.  "Was that acceptable, Christy?"

Her eyes flew open and she blushed as she thought of
her tell-tale sigh, then playfully slapped at Neil's
arm.  He wrapped his arms tighter around her.  Christy
snuggled against his chest.

"Oh!"  Her voice was full of joy.  "Neil!  Until just
now I didn't know now what God wanted me to do with
the rest of my life."

"And what's that, lass?"

"Well, you followed me all the way here to Scotland. 
Now will you please take me home?"

"Home, Christy?  To Asheville?"

"No, Neil.  I want to go home...to Cutter Gap."


The End!