Title:  Love Believeth All Things 
Author:  Barbara D.     deeiaemt@aol.com (please feel free to email me with 
your feedback!!)
Part/Chapter: Chapter 1
Summary:  This story begins at the series cliffhanger.  David has just 
proposed to Christy with Dr. MacNeill standing near by.
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  
Love Believeth All Things

*Summer 1913*

The mid-afternoon light reflected off the tiny stone that lay nestled in the 
soft blue box that Christy held cradled between her hands.  As a child she 
had dreamed of this day, the day her beloved would sweep her away and say, 
"Christy Huddleston, will you marry me?"  This was not the way it was 
supposed to happen!  She turned to look at David, how she loved him.  He was 
her friend, her confidante and a man of strong faith.  She held his eyes, his 
beautiful eyes filled with hope and dread, for only a moment before turning 
to the other man in her life, Dr. Neil MacNeill.  Over the whirl of her own 
thoughts she heard him ride Charlie at a breakneck speed into the school yard 
and pull up short at the site unfolding before him.  She didn't even have to 
look in his direction to know that he was there, but now she felt drawn to 
him.  The sun that glinted off the engagement ring also fell across his hair; 
it reminded her of a sunset, all ablaze with oranges and reds.  His eyes 
caught hers for a moment and she tried to read his thoughts, just as he had 
read hers on so many occasions.  What was it she saw in his eyes?  Did it 
matter?  Only moments before she had seen him embracing his wife, the roaring 
of the creek they stood beside was nothing compared to the roaring inside her 
head, as she realized what would never be.  She loved Neil, she was sure of 
it.  He was her protector, her shoulder to lean on.  She could not imagine 
what her life would be without him.  But did it matter that she loved him?  
He had a wife, a wife who had left him and hurt him, but a wife nonetheless.  

"Christy."  David moved closer to her and whispered her name.  Why did he 
have to show up now?  Why couldn't Neil MacNeill stop confusing his Christy?  
His Christy?  Would she ever be his?  "Please say yes."

Christy turned her attention from the man sitting stoically on his horse.  
David's eyes pleaded with her as he slowly took her hand.  "David, I would be 
honored to be your wife."

"Oh, Christy!"  David picked her up gently and swung her around, he planted 
her securely back on her feet and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.  "You 
have made me the happiest man alive."  David lifted the ring from its soft 
blue nest and slipped it over the third finger on her left hand.  "I love 
you, Christy Huddleston."


"I love you too, David."  Christy whispered.  The sudden movement from 
Charlie caused her to look again in Neil's direction as he galloped from the 
school and out of her life.  "I'm feeling kind of weak, from all the 
excitement.  I think I'd like to go rest for a bit.  Can you handle the 
children for the rest of the afternoon, David?"

"Of course, would you like me to walk with you?"  David stared at her 
intently.  He had not missed the look that crossed her face as the good 
doctor sped away from the mission school.  

"No, I'll be fine."  Christy turned from him and walked slowly to the mission 
house.  Even before she reached the solace of her room the tears began 
running down her cheeks.  What have I done?  Please, God, let Dr. MacNeill 
understand.  Please let him understand that I didn't want to hurt him.  
Please let me keep my promise to David and honor the love that you have given 
us for one another.  Her heart was so heavy that all she could do was 
collapse wearily onto her bed and let the tears roll down her cheeks until 
she finally fell into a restless sleep.

Title:  Love Endures All Things 
Author:  Barbara D.     Deeiaemt@aol.com Part/Chapter: Chapter 2
Summary:  Christy has accepted David's proposal.

Christy was awakened from her restless sleep by a knocking at her door.  
Lifting herself from her pillow she dried her tears.  "Come in."

"Miss Huddleston, how are you feeling?"  Alice Henderson opened the door and 
placed the tray that she was carrying on the bedside table.  "We missed you 
at supper.  I have brought thee some."

"Thank you, Miss Alice."  Even the rich smell of venison stew and fresh corn 
bread could not tempt Christy.  Only the smell of hot, sweet tea was able to 
arouse her senses.  Christy was surprised at how stiff she felt and how tired 
she was.  She poured herself a cup of the fragrant brew and sipped slowly.

"I would have an opportunity with thee."  Miss Alice gazed intently at the 
young girl that she had come to see as a daughter.  The news of her accepting 
David's proposal had been a shock, especially since Christy had taken to her 
room shortly after and had slept until long past sundown.  Despite everything 
that had happened, with Margaret's sudden reappearance, she knew that both 
Neil and Christy had feelings for each other.  Even if they were unwilling 
and unable to express them.   "I understand that thee has accepted David's 
proposal."

Christy subconsciously turned the ring that felt so heavy and awkward on her 
hand.  "Yes, Miss Alice, I have told David that I will marry him."  Christy 
attempted a weak smile.  She didn't know why she could not find the happiness 
that this moment should bring her.  "Are you happy for us?"

"My happiness is unimportant.  The question, Miss Christy, is art thou happy? 
 A soon-to-be bride generally does not take to her bed just minutes after her 
betrothal."  Miss Alice intently studied the young woman's reaction.  A 
mixture of weariness and uncertainty lay behind her eyes.  The eyes that were 
usually so bright and luminous now appeared dull and tired.  

"I am happy, Miss Alice, David is a wonderful man.  What more could I hope 
for?"  Christy heard irritation rising in her voice.  "He is a Godly man, 
kind and gentle.  He loves me so very much.  I am sure that we will be very 
happy together."  

"Thee does not need to sing David Grantland's praises to me, child."  Miss 
Alice reached for the pretty china teapot on the bedside and replenished the 
cup that Christy had been sipping from.  "David is indeed a man of God.  But 
is he the man that God intended for Christy Huddleston?"

"Miss Alice, I don't understand."  Christy sighed, her eyes focusing the 
night sky that was visible from her bedroom window.  

"I may be an old maid, Miss Huddleston.  But I am not blind to thy heart.  
Nor am I blind to the heart of Dr. MacNeill."  The older woman stared intently 
at the reaction that his name would bring from her.  She was rewarded when 
Christy's eyes met hers and the tears welled up in her blue eyes.  Christy 
had become what she had always hoped Margaret would have been to her.  She 
could not bear to see her make the same mistake that Margaret had made when 
she married a man who was not God's choice.

"What does Dr. MacNeill have to do with my decision to marry David?  Dr. MacNeill 
is a married man."  Christy was hurt and confused that Miss Alice had even 
ventured to bring up his name.  As much as Alice and Neil had been shocked to 
see Margaret return from the dead, Christy had been equally shocked and 
confused.  Her feelings for the doctor had gone from dislike to irritation to 
respect and finally to…what do I feel for Dr. MacNeill?  Does what I feel for 
him even matter?  He's not free…he has a wife.  A wife who happens to be ill 
and happens to be her mentor's daughter.  

"I am not asking thee to reconsider David's proposal.  Nor am I asking thee 
to consider Dr. MacNeill.  As you say, he is still a married man, regardless of 
the circumstances.  I only wish for thy happiness, Miss Huddleston.  I would 
pray with thee, for guidance and peace, if thee would like."  Miss Alice 
stared compassionately at her young charge.  She had promised her parents 
that she would take good care of their daughter.  She intended to keep that 
promise in helping her to seek God's will in her life, regardless of its 
outcome.

"Thank you."  Christy reached for the woman's hands, rough and warm, they had 
brought her comfort on so many occasions.  She had always valued her time in 
prayer with Miss Alice and her words of wisdom.  Despite her objections to 
the contrary, Christy did at times, place her on a pedestal, although Alice 
objected strenuously.    

"Heavenly Father, we thank thee for your love for us.  I thank thee for 
sending Christy here to our mission and for the love that she has for thy 
children.  Thy word tells us that love beareth all things and believeth all 
things.  Please give Christy thy peace and love and help her in the decisions 
that thee has placed before her.  In thy name we pray, amen."  Alice heard 
Christy's silent sobs and reached for her.  She held her as she cried and 
whispered her own fervent prayers to God.  The peace that only the Comforter 
can bring slipped into the room and embraced them both.

Long after Alice had left her room, Christy remained awake.  She stared at 
the moonlight shining softly in her window and down upon the diamond that she 
absently toyed with.  Imagining her life with David brought her great peace.  
The hours that they would spend working with the mountain families to 
continue bettering their lives was only part of it.  Thank you Lord, for the 
friendships that you have given me.  I know that I was sent her to receive 
even more than I have given.  Her mind drifted to the times she had spent 
with Fairlight, her best friend.  How close they had become and how happy she 
was that their friendship would continue to grow.  A smile touched her lips 
as she thought of her favorite member of the entire cove, baby Iris.  It had 
broken her heart to give that child away, but the joy on Iris' face in church 
last Sunday as Opal held her little daughter, bouncing her gently on her hip, 
only served to show her again that she had made the right decision.  She 
wasn't ready to marry David then, and the fear she felt knowing that little 
baby almost died because of her unwillingness to forgive Opal caused a tear 
to involuntarily slide down her cheek.  Christy turned on her side and wiped 
away the errant tear as she snuggled herself down under the covers and fell 
into a peaceful sleep.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 3
Summary:  Christy has agreed to marry David, despite her initial fears, 
praying with Miss Alice has brought her peace about her decision.

The morning sun filtered through Christy's windows and fell softly upon her 
face.  Yawning and stretching she slipped into her bed shoes and robe and 
stood watching the fire of sunrise light the mountains.  Opening her windows 
she breathed deep of the sweet air scented heavily with honeysuckle and 
leaned against her window frame enjoying a few moments of peace with God.  
The deep night's sleep had woken her not only to a sweet peace, but a joy at 
the prospect of becoming Mrs. Christy Grantland.  A sudden flurry of activity 
caught her eye as she saw Dr. MacNeill's horse dash up the path and pull to a 
stop in front of the mission.  Their eyes locked briefly, intensely, as he 
noticed her taking advantage of the morning view from her window.  She drew 
herself quickly back into the privacy of her room, her cheeks turning red at 
being caught in her nightclothes.  She dressed quickly in anticipation as to 
the doctor's early arrival at the mission.   She was just pulling on her 
shoes when Miss Alice knocked on her door.

"Miss Huddleston, may I come in."  Her voice was heavy with emotion.  Christy 
opened the door to find the tears coursing down the older woman's face.

"Miss Alice, what is it?  Is it Margaret?  I saw Dr. MacNeill ride up."  
Christy put her arms around her.  She had never seen her in so much pain.

Alice could only shake her head yes; the tears were flowing so steadily that 
words were choking her throat.  Asking no more questions, Christy slipped her 
tiny hand into her beloved friend's and followed her downstairs. 

 Dr. MacNeill was waiting there with Miss Alice's sorrel horse already 
saddled and ready to ride.  Alice lifted herself weakly into the saddle and 
helped Christy up behind her.  The three rode in silence at a break neck 
speed down the trail toward the doctor's cabin.  Christy knew that the ride 
took only moments but the questions spinning in her mind made it seem like an 
eternity.  As soon as the trio arrived Dr. MacNeill lifted Christy down from 
Alice's horse.  Alice tossed her reins to her son-in-law and hurried into the 
cabin, leaving Neil and Christy alone.

"Dr. MacNeill, why am I here?  What's happened?"  Christy was aware that his 
hands still held her gently around the waist and she took a deliberate step 
backwards.

"Didn't Miss Alice tell you?"  

"No, she just asked me to come with her."

The doctor ran his fingers through his hair, holding the ends in his work 
worn hand.  "After I came to the school to see you yesterday I was 
intercepted on my way back to my cabin.  I spent the night in Raven's Gap 
treating one of the McAdams boy's for a gunshot wound.  I got back here at 
first light.  I found Margaret lying on the living room floor.  She had 
broken into my laboratory and taken a mixture of several of the drugs that I 
had there.  She's dead, Christy."

Christy's blue eyes held the doctors for a long moment.  He took a step 
closer and put his hands on her shoulders.  What was she seeing there, in the 
depths of his eyes?  How come he can read my thoughts and I have no idea what 
he is thinking or feeling?  "I have to go to Miss Alice."  

"Go, Christy.  Do what you can for her.  I've laid her out upstairs."

Christy brushed past him and ran up the stairs.  He watched her go in and 
gently closes the door.  As he led the horses to his stable and unsaddled 
them, he could hear the sounds of Alice's cries from his loft.


Christy climbed the stairs with trepidation, taking deep breaths as she went. 
 She could see the spot by the fireplace where Margaret had died and smell 
the sickly sweet smell of vomit and the metallic smell of blood.  She thought 
of Dr. MacNeill in the early morning light cleaning up his wife and the 
evidence of her death before he went for Alice.  Christy's heart broke at the 
site of Margaret, lying so still in her mother's arms.  Alice was rocking her 
gently to and fro and humming a lullaby.  She slipped quietly down the 
stairs, allowing them their moments alone.  Glancing out the window she 
watched the doctor walking slowly back toward the house.  The weariness he 
felt was evident in the slump of his shoulders.  Christy busied herself by 
making a fresh pot of coffee and praying.  Unsure of where she would be most 
useful, she set some more water to boil and found a bucket, soap and scrub 
brush.  Even though Neil had taken great pains to leave little evidence of 
the blood and vomit he must have found her in, the smell was still strong.  
Christy felt the bile rising in the back of her throat as she knelt down and 
began scrubbing the floor around the fireplace.  The scent of the lye soap 
mingled with the sickly smell of death as she scrubbed.  While she worked she 
heard the sharp sound of an axe splitting wood at the back of the house.   
The coffee boiled and Christy laid aside her work.  She poured herself a cup 
of coffee and one for the doctor and stepped out of the cabin.  

"Neil, I've made some coffee."  

"Thank you, Miss Huddleston.  How's Alice?"  He took the cup from her hand 
and sipped heartily from it.  He had brought her here to be a comfort to Miss 
Alice, and yet she was also seeing to his needs.  Her strength never ceased 
to amaze him.  Neil stopped and gave himself a mental shake, the ring on 
Christy's left hand reminding him again that they were never to be more than 
friends.

"She's holding Margaret, rocking her and humming.  I thought it best to leave 
them for a little bit."  Christy cleared her throat, the scene in the cabin 
threatening to cause her tears to flow again.  "How are you?"

"I've mourned Margaret before.  She died for me years ago."  Neil looked away 
from her as he spoke, down to the river that had taken his wife from him.

"She came back.  Just yesterday you were embracing her.  I thought, perhaps, 
you and Margaret had decided to try again to save your marriage."  Christy 
laid her hand across his arm.  

"Well, you thought wrong."  Christy was surprised at the angry tone his voice 
had taken.  "What you saw was Margaret embracing me.  I rejected her, 
Christy.  I turned my back on her when she told me…"  His voice dropped off 
suddenly and he stared intently into his coffee cup.

"When she told you?"  

"Never mind.  It's not important."  His voice softened as he stared at the 
small diamond resting on her left hand.  "I'm sure that Alice will be ready 
for some coffee by now.  I have more wood to split and arrangements to make." 
 

Christy rose slowly and watched him pick up his axe and return to the 
woodpile.  What did he want to tell me?  Oh Lord, I need your strength.  
Please give me the words to bring comfort to Miss Alice.  Be with us now, she 
will need her faith in you more than ever.  Christy set herself to her task 
and climbed the stairs before the tears threatened to spill down her cheeks 
again.  She knew that she could not mourn Margaret, a woman she had barely 
known, a woman who caused so much pain to those she loved.  But her very 
heart ached for her mother, and her husband.  Truth be told, it even ached 
for Margaret.  For all the love that she had thrown away, for the love of God 
that she had never known.



Part/Chapter: Chapter 4
Summary:  Margaret has committed suicide.

The day of the funeral had dawned rainy and gray.  Christy stood with the 
small gathering at the graveside with her hand holding tightly to Miss 
Alice's.  The rain had slackened to a drizzle and mingled with the tears that 
Alice continued to cry.  Christy had spent every moment possible with her 
friend, trying to bring her a measure of comfort.  David quietly read the 
23rd Psalm as Jeb Spencer began throwing shovels of dirt onto the plain 
wooden box that held Margaret's body.  After a short prayer, David took up a 
shovel and joined Jeb in his work while Fairlight and Christy led Alice away 
from the slowly filling hole.

"Miss Alice, you must eat something.  Come back to the mission, Fairlight has 
dinner keeping hot on the stove."  Christy laid her head gently against her 
mentor's shoulder.  "Please, you must eat something."

"Miz Christy's right.  I understand your sorrowin'.  But you gotta have 
sumthin' to eat, Miz Alice.  It won't do ya a lick o' good to come down 
sick."  Fairlight offered the older woman a faint smile.

"I thank thee, but I am not hungry.  I should like to lie down."  Miss Alice 
stepped away from her friends.  How could they possibly understand?  She 
appreciated their compassion, thanked God for it.  "If either of you sees Dr. 
MacNeill, will you please let him know that he was missed, today."

"Of course, Miss Alice."  Christy tried hard to understand what he must have 
been going through today, but she could not.  She felt only anger, anger that 
he wasn't here.  If not for Margaret, then he could have at least shown 
himself for Alice.  Fairlight reached down and took Christy's hand as they 
continued into the mission kitchen.  Ruby Mae had graciously placed the 
coffee on to boil before leaving for the Spencer cabin to spend the afternoon 
with Zady watching over the children.  The women poured themselves a cup and 
began dishing up the afternoon meal for David and Jeb.

"Miz Christy," Fairlight began while stirring up a fresh batch of corn 
muffins.  "Miz Alice, she be hurtin' sumthin awful about Neil not attendin' 
the buryin'."

"I don't understand it, myself.  I haven't seen him since the morning that 
Margaret died.  Have you heard from him?"  Christy tried to speak with 
nonchalance, but she kept her eyes cast down at the stew in front of her.

"No'um and I am mighty worried.  I get the feelin' he is moanin a broken 
heart.  Despite whats people are thinkin'."  Fairlight glanced out of the 
corner of her eyes at her dear friend.  It was common knowledge in the cove 
that Christy had accepted the preacher's proposal.

"Do you think that he still loved Margaret, and that's why he stayed away?"  
Neil MacNeill never made any sense to her.  That a person would love someone 
and not attend the funeral was just ludicrous.

"Do ya remember, last fall when I was havin' them night terrors about bad 
things a comin' to the cove?  I've been seeing this hear comin' too, for some 
time now.  I knowed that Mz. Margaret, she was comin' home.  And I knowed 
about you and the preacher, too.  The preacher did me a right good turn, 
helpin' me to understand the things I was seein' were a gift from God.  But 
seein don't make the understandin' any easier."  Fairlight's voice was calm, 
but inside her emotions were in turmoil.  There was more that she wanted to 
say, more she felt she needed to say, but she knew that now was not the time. 
 She breathed a silent prayer to God that she would be able to.

"Ladies," David stepped into the kitchen followed by Jeb after having washed 
up following their grim task.  He reached for coffee cups for them both and 
waited while Christy filled them with the rich, fragrant brew.  "How is Miss 
Alice, doing?"

"She's gone to her cabin to lie down.  I was going to give her a little while 
and then take down some tea and some supper.  Fairlight was kind enough to 
bring her rabbit stew."

"Jeb, you are a lucky man, Fairlight is one fine cook.  I hope that I can 
convince your Fairlight to give Christy the recipe for that stew.  I'd say 
the only man luckier than you in this whole cove is me, Christy is going to 
make one fine wife."  David reached across the table and rested his hand on 
Christy's arm.  "I'm hoping that we will be able to have a proper engagement 
party soon."

Jeb exchanged glances with Fairlight.  He saw the look in her eyes, he could 
read his heart as well as his own.  Fairlight had been worried ever since 
news reached her of Christy and David's engagement.  

"David, we have just buried Miss Alice's daughter, I don't think anybody is 
in the mood for parties."  Christy pulled her hand away; she was shocked that 
David could be so heartless as to talk about their happiness when so much 
sorrow was in the house.

"Miz Christy, I've been thinkin' on payin' a visit to Dr. MacNeill.  I was a 
wonderin' if you'd go with me after school tomorrow?"  Fairlight passed the 
cornbread around the table as she served the stew.  "Ifin' I know that man, 
and I do, he hasn't had hisself a decent meal in a couple a days.  I thought 
I'd take him some fried chickin and corn bread."  Fairlight did not miss the 
furious glance that David cast her.  He couldn't help but worry about the 
sudden turn of events.  He knew that Christy was his, promised by his ring 
that she wore, but he didn't want her spending any time around MacNeill.

"Actually, Fairlight, I thought that Christy and I would go for a picnic 
tomorrow after services.  I think that she needs some time away."  David 
looked intently at Christy, hoping she wouldn't refuse him.

"David, I can go with Fairlight and still have a picnic with you."  Christy 
did not miss David's slightly irritated tone, and she challenged his sudden 
desire to make decisions for her.

"All right.  If you think that is best.  Just let me know your plans.  I need 
to excuse myself, I still have a sermon to prepare."  David rose from the 
table and leaned down to kiss Christy's cheek.  As he neared her ear he 
whispered, "Remember Christy, you've made your choice."  And slipped quickly 
from the kitchen.  A stunned Christy watched him leave.

Part/Chapter: Chapter 5
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Christy is confused and angry that Dr. MacNeill did not attend 
Margaret's funeral.  Christy and Fairlight plan to pay him a visit.

After services Christy met Fairlight on the church steps and together they 
walked back towards the mission house and began preparing the noon meal they 
had planned on taking to Dr. MacNeill.  They walked in a comfortable silence, 
enjoying the shade of the trees and a slight breeze off the mountains.  

Christy was deep in thought about the last serious conversation she had 
enjoyed with Fairlight.  The questions that had originally troubled her now 
brought her a gentle peace of mind.  Who's your best friend?  Who makes your 
blood boil?  Christy was beginning to understand that the real answer to 
these questions was David.  She was sure of it.  

"Miz Christy,"  Fairlight's lilting voice was so quiet that Christy almost 
didn't hear her.  "I know that you told the preacher yes, but are ya really 
sure?  Sure down in your deepest heart so that ya are feelin' love all the 
way down to yer toes?  I'm not tryin' to intrude but ya just don't seem all 
that happy.  Not happy like ya usually are."

"Of course I'm sure, Fairlight.  What more could I ask for in a husband than 
David?"  Christy smiled wearily.  "I just don't understand why everybody 
keeps asking me if I'm sure?  David and I are a perfect match.  Like you 
said, He's my best friend…next to you of course.  It's just that so much has 
happened recently, it's a little hard to feel happy when Miss Alice is taking 
Margaret's death so hard."  

"I'm sorry, Miz Christy, I don't mean to be a questionin' your feelin's.  But 
more than anything I want you to be happy."  Fairlight laid a comforting hand 
on Christy's shoulder as Dr. MacNeill's cabin came into view. 

Christy hesitated as they climbed the steps to the cabin, she couldn't help 
but remember the horrible circumstances that had brought her here last time.  
Fairlight knocked on the door and a very tired looking Dr. MacNeill opened 
the door and stared in surprise to see Christy.  He chuckled to himself as 
Fairlight grabbed Christy's hand and slipped inside.  

"And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, ladies?"  Neil stepped 
backwards and closed the door behind the women.  

"We just thought that you probably ain't had a good meal in a coupla days.  
So we went ahead and brought ya some stew and hot cornbread."  Fairlight 
smiled brightly.  "I even threw in a jar of my Jeb's sourwood honey."

"Well, you know I never turn down your honey, Fairlight.  But I was down in 
Low Gap most of the night."  Dr. MacNeill crossed a sideways glance at the 
unusually quiet Christy.  

"All the more reason you should eat, Doctor."  Christy busied herself by 
placing the stew on the stove to warm and adding a log to the glowing embers 
inside the oven, she hated it when he stared at her like that.  It made her 
feel so..so..conspicuous.  

"Christy, I'm gonna head down to the spring and fetch back some fresh water.  
By the looks of you this mornin', Doctor, you could use a pot of coffee."  
Fairlight did not miss the pleading look in Christy's eyes.  She tossed her a 
smile and slipped out the front door.

"So, I hope all is well in Low Gap, Dr. MacNeill?"  Christy stirred at the 
stew, almost viciously, in an attempt to keep her hands busy and her eyes 
averted.

"Yes, Miss Huddleston.  Just a minor problem that needed my attention."  He 
stepped up closer to the stove, the tiny stone on her hand catching the 
sunlight as it filtered through the window.  "So, how soon before I call you, 
Mrs. Grantland?"

"David and I haven't set a date, with everything that has been going on."  
She kept her back to him, but he could feel his intense blue eyes staring at 
her.

"I would have thought you would be in a hurry to make your plans."  

"Oh, Miss Alice wanted me to give you a message.  She said to tell you that 
you were missed at your wife's funeral."  Christy spoke in a rush, eager to 
change the path that this conversation was taking.  

"I told ya before, Miss Huddleston, Margaret was dead to me, a very long time 
ago."  Neil turned away from her and walked toward the mantel.  He took down 
his pipe and began filling the bowl.

"Funeral's aren't for the dead, Doctor, they are for the living.  The least 
you could have done was shown up for Miss Alice."  Christy took the offensive 
and turned to face him.

"Miss Alice's problems with her daughter were of her own making."  His voice 
rose slightly at Christy's challenge.  "Besides, she had you there.  And 
David."

"But you are her son-in-law.  How dare you blame Miss Alice for everything 
that has happened."  

"I'm not blaming Alice Henderson for anything."  His voice continued to rise 
in pitch as he ran his hand through his disheveled hair.

"Well that's what it sounds like, Doctor.  Alice cares for you very much, she 
really wanted you to be there."  Christy folded her arms across her chest and 
jutted out her chin defiantly.  This is one time I am not backing down to 
this man!!

"What about you, Christy.  Do you care for me?"  Neil could have slapped 
himself the moment he spoke those words.  

"Of course, we're friends."  Christy dropped her arms to her sides, suddenly 
taken back by his question.  "I know you must be hurting after what Margaret 
did to you.  I want to understand and help, but you are making it rather 
difficult."

Neil took three rapid steps forward, so close to Christy that he could have 
touched her.  He looked down into her face, searching for something.  He did 
not expect the pity that he read in the depths of her eyes.  "You have no 
idea what that woman did to me, so don't try to pretend that you do!  You 
have no idea of what she took from me!  I don't want your pity, Miss 
Huddleston."

"I'm not pitying you, Doctor."  She did not step away as she should have but 
instead tilted her head upwards, taking his challenge.  "I am simply trying 
to be your friend.  But friends typically do not shout at one another!"  She 
turned on her heel and stalked towards the door just in time to run into a 
startled Fairlight coming back with a pail of water.  Without a word Christy 
stomped through the door and slammed it shut with all her might.

Christy was a ways down the trail when she heard Fairlight calling her.  "Miz 
Christy, I'm glad that I caught ya.  I'm sorry, I didn't mean for any of this 
to turn into an argument."

"It's not your fault, Fairlight.  It's just.."Christy swiped at the hot angry 
tears that were beginning to fall.  "It's just…he makes me so mad, there's 
times I could just slap his face!  It just makes me know how glad that I am 
to be marrying David.  I can't stand fighting like this."

Fairlight led Christy over to a log on the side of the trail, and put her arm 
around her, giving her a little shake.  "It's awlright, Miz. Christy."

"I tried to help him, I tried to understand why he didn't come to Margaret's 
funeral.  All it did was make him angry, he accused me of pitying him."  
Christy grabbed her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes, willing away the 
tears.

"Are ya, pitying him?"  

 "No, if anything I am furious with him.  He hurt Miss Alice so bad!"

"I guess you were right, the last time we spoke about Neil MacNeill you said 
that he was the one that made your blood boil."  Fairlight said with a gentle 
grin and a laugh in her voice.

"That is not always a good thing, Fairlight."  Christy smiled weakly and the 
women continued on the path back to the mission.



Part/Chapter: Chapter 6


Summary: Christy and Fairlight's visit to Dr. MacNeill's went, shall we say, 
poorly.


Christy went upstairs to the solace of her room at the mission house.  She 
smiled to herself as she rinsed away the remnant of tears.  She sat down at 
her dressing table and pulled down her hair, unbraided it and began brushing 
it to a brilliant shine.  I think I'll wear it down, that's how David likes 
it best.  She quickly pulled up the sides and tied them with a pretty bow.  
David was waiting downstairs with Prince and a picnic basket in hand.  After 
one last look in the mirror, Christy hurried downstairs.

"Are you ready, Christy?"  David smiled at her.  He did not fail to notice 
that she had taken her hair down.  He loved it when her hair fell soft and 
wavy around her shoulders.

"David, where's Theo?"  Christy looked around for the stubborn mule she had 
finally grown used to riding.

"I figured we'd make better time if we just rode Prince."  David turned away 
and mounted the beautiful horse.  "Come on, you can ride behind me.  Prince 
won't care."

Christy stepped over to the porch stairs so that she could get her foot in 
the saddle.  She was glad that her mother had decided to send her a couple of 
riding skirts last month.  It was, to say the least, a challenge to ride a 
horse in her regular dresses.  David placed his warm hand gently in hers and 
boosted her up behind him.

"Hang on tight, Christy."  David smiled back at his fiancée as Christy 
wrapped her arms tighter about him.  "Are you ready?"  David balanced the 
picnic basket in front of him and held on to the reins with his free hand.

"I'm ready."  Christy smiled and leaned her head against David's back.  

They rode in silence a short ways up to a meadow that ran beside a small 
tributary of the river.  David climbed down and tied Prince tightly to a tree 
before helping Christy.

"I love the way your hair smells like roses and the way it shines in the 
afternoon light."  David lifted her gently from the saddle and held her close 
to him.  "I see that you wore it down, just the way I like it."

"I…" Christy stammered as David gently placed his hand on her chin and lifted 
her eyes to meet his.  

"Christy, I know we haven't had much time, lately."  David lowered his mouth 
and claimed her lips, gently.  He broke the sweet kiss after just a moment.  
"I love you, with all of my heart."  He pulled him into her again, kissing 
her more insistently and deeper than she had ever been kissed before.  This 
time it was Christy who broke the kiss.

"David."  Her breath caught in her throat and she stepped backwards out of 
his arms.  

"I know Christy, I just couldn't help myself.  You have no idea how happy you 
made me.  I've been saving some terrific news for just the right time."  
David took her hand and led her over to a shade tree where he spread out the 
blanket he had brought.  "Christy, I received a letter last week with some 
terrific news.  As you know my year here is almost up."

"Yes, David."  Christy wasn't sure that she liked where this conversation was 
going.

"And I am sure that with the circumstances, Dr. Ferrand would be happy to 
find a replacement for you."

"David, what are you talking about a replacement?  I love these children."

"I know, but this news is so good that it will change your mind."  David 
smile reminded her of a little boy on Christmas morning.  "A friend of mine 
from the seminary and I have been writing regularly to one another.  You 
remember me talking about Peter Adams?"  Christy nodded her head, she did 
remember.  "He says that he is ready to get away from the city, and we have 
discussed trading places.  He loves to hunt and fish, and is much more suited 
to this lifestyle than we are.  Anyway, I received a letter last week.  The 
church and Dr. Ferrand are more than willing to let him come here and I will 
take his position."

"David, I don't want to leave..."  Christy's thoughts were a jumble.

David placed his finger gently over Christy's mouth to stop her protests.  
"The best news is that the church is in Asheville.  Think of it Christy, 
you'll be going home!"  

"This is my home, David."  Christy pushed his fingers away from her lips.  "I 
thought you knew that."

"I have no intention of allowing our children to grow up in this God forsaken 
place, with these people.  What sort of values will they learn?"  David was 
confused and upset that Christy was not as happy as he expected her to be.

"Why do you think I left Asheville, David?  I was tired of the teas and 
receptions and all the gossip and backbiting.  Those are not the kind of 
values I want our children to learn."  

"You'd rather expose them to people like Bird's Eye Taylor and the terrible 
feuding, not to mention the disease that runs rampant?  Maybe you could get 
Bird's Eye to school them in the fine art of making moonshine?"  David glared 
at her incredulously.  

"No, I don't want them to learn to feuding and moon shining.  I want them to 
learn that friendship, real friendship, and hard work are more important than 
monetary gain."  Christy stood up and backed away from David.  How can he 
claim to love me and yet know so little about me?  

"Remember, Christy, a wife's place is at her husband's side.  I love you."  
David stepped toward her with pleading eyes.

"How can you say that you love me and then use a Bible verse to get your own 
way?"  Christy shot back angrily.

"I am not using the Bible to get my own way.  God is very specific on 
marriage and the wife's role in it.  You do good work here, think of how much 
good you can continue to do in Asheville?"  David stepped forward and put his 
hands on her shoulders, he lowered his head to claim her lips.

Christy pulled away.  "David, if you think that I have any intentions of 
returning to Asheville society, a life that I hated, then you don't know me 
at all."  Christy turned around and stalked away leaving a very stunned David 
gawking after her.  She hurried into the woods and back down the path toward 
the mission.  Her own thoughts whirling around inside her head making walking 
nearly impossible with the hot tears that coursed down her cheeks for the 
second time today.  She stumbled quickly along the trail so caught up in her 
own thoughts that she didn't see the horse in her path until she nearly 
collided with it.

"Whoa, Charlie."  Dr. MacNeill pulled up hard on the reins.  "And where are 
you off to in such a hurry, Miss Huddleston.  You haven't had a lover's spat, 
now have you?"  He smiled down at her from the saddle.

"Dr. MacNeill, I am in no mood to spar with you again today, so if you'll 
excuse me!"  Christy looked up at him with fire in her eyes.  

Neil was shocked by the anger in her voice.  He jumped gracefully off 
Charlie's back and down beside her.  He could see deep into her blue eyes, 
beyond the anger and into the hurt.  He took her gently by the shoulders.  
"Christy, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, Doctor.  Now if you will please let go of me…"  Christy tried to 
pull away but Neil only tightened his grip.  

"Christy, please?"  He looked down at her blue eyes, so furious and in so 
much pain.  "I can read your thoughts almost as well as my own.  Why are you 
out here alone?"

They were interrupted by the sound of Prince crashing through the trees and 
on to the trail just ahead of them.  David pulled his horse up sharp and 
glared at the scene before him.  "Well, I see you have everything in hand, 
here."  His voice was laden with sarcasm and venom.

"David, I…"  Christy looked over her shoulder, away that Dr. MacNeill's hands 
still rested gently on her shoulders.

"Don't explain, Christy.  I really don't want to hear it.  Margaret's little 
suicide has worked out nicely for you, hasn't it Doctor?  How long, Christy?  
How long were you going to play this little charade of yours?"  David 
continued scanning the tender scene with disgust.

"Look here, Grantland."  Neil stepped protectively between the large horse 
and Christy.  "I don't know what's happening here…"

"Save it, Doctor.  I'm sure that Christy will be more than happy to explain 
things to you."  David turned his horse around and rode off leaving a stunned 
Dr. MacNeill and a sobbing Christy.

"Christy."  Neil spoke her name quietly as he turned back to face her.  

"No, Neil."  Christy turned and fled down the path.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 7

Summary:  During their picnic David announced to Christy that he has accepted 
a position in Asheville and they will be moving there together once they are 
married.  Christy is, needless to say, not happy about this and a fight has 
ensued.  Christy runs down the trail and practically into Neil's horse, 
Charlie.  David makes some not so kind observations as Neil tries to 
determine why Christy is crying.


Christy ran with everything in her down the trail and away from Neil and 
David.  She could still hear Neil's voice, deep with concern, calling after 
her.  She didn't care.  In one week her entire world had crumbled around her 
and the man that she was engaged to marry had told her they were leaving the 
cove.  I won't do it, God.  I don't want to leave here.  I know what David 
said about a wife standing beside her husband is true, but leaving the cove 
can't possibly be your plan for me.  Christy arrived at the top of God's Fist 
and leaned wearily against a maple tree and closed her eyes.  Lord, I know 
that you are in all of this, even though I can't see you.  Help me to know 
where to go from here.  Help me to keep my promises to David.  Christy laid 
her head back against the rough bark and allowed her eyes to close and her 
tears slowly stopped as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.  

"Christy, are you here?"  The sound of Neil's voice caused her to stir in her 
sleep.

"I'm here, Doctor."  Christy turned to see him tethering Charlie to a near by 
tree.  "What is it?"

"Why so formal, love."  Neil knelt down next to her and lifted her gently 
into his arms.  He stared deep into her eyes and she gently brushed the lock 
of golden curl that had fallen across his forehead.  Christy was shocked by 
her own brazen behavior, but even more shocked when he tilted her chin to his 
and brought his full lips down to…

"Miz Christy.  Miz Christy."  Fairlight's voice, heavy with concern, caused 
Christy to stand up quickly banging her head on a low branch.  

"I'm here, Fairlight."  Christy looked around quickly while holding the sore 
spot on the top of her head that had encountered the branch.  I was dreaming, 
it was a dream.  She thought to herself and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

"Miz Christy, I was mighty worried about ya.  Doc stopped by the cabin on his 
way home.  He asked me to see if I could find ya."  Fairlight hugged her 
friend, speaking in a rush.

"Why would Dr. MacNeill send you to find me?"  Christy rubbed her head and 
asked confused.

"That's what I wanted to ask ya.  He seemed mighty worried over somethin'.  
He said that he ran into ya on the trail and that your was powerful upset."  
Fairlight took Christy's hand and they sat down to look out over the 
mountains.  "What's troublin' ya?"

"David and I had a terrible fight.  He made arrangements with a friend of his 
in Asheville to trade places.  David wants us to move back to Asheville."  
Christy hung her head as a fresh onslaught of tears poured down her checks.  
"After we argued I walked off, back down the trail.  I ran into Neil.  He 
realized how upset I was and he jumped off Charlie.  He was trying to find 
out what was wrong when David came down the trail.  He found Neil standing 
with his hands on my shoulders.  I guess he assumed the worst because he said 
some terrible things to us."

Fairlight held Christy close as she cried, she handed her a handkerchief and 
spoke to her softly as she rocked her.  "I've been frettin' over this, Miz 
Christy.  I've been havin' dreams about this for some time now and I've been 
seekin' God everyday if'n I was supposed to tell ya what I see'd.  But I 
never had peace until this afternoon when Neil came ridin' up to the cabin."

Christy picked her head up from Fairlight's shoulder.  "You've been having 
dreams about me?"

"Mostly you, and the preacher.  I dreamed of ya'll in Asheville in a fancy 
house.  You was wearin' a dress the like's of which I ain't never seen, it 
was so beautiful.  And ya was dancin' with David.  He was all smiles but I 
couldn't see your face at all.  Everythin' was so perfect and beautiful and I 
was findin' myself all caught up in the music.  Finally, near the end of my 
dream, David turned you around and I could see your face.  I ain't never seen 
a face so worn and sad.  All the life was right outta ya and your eyes were 
all red and streaked like from the cryin'.  I haven't seen anythin' else 
beyond that because Jeb always wakes me up and tells me that I was cryin' 
somethin' awful.  And I feel so sick inside I have to lay real still for a 
long time afterward to stop to rollin' in my stomach."  Fairlight pushed the 
errant curls of hair away from Christy's bangs.  

"Fairlight, I appreciate your concerns and I can't imagine a friend more dear 
to me than you are.  I know that you have had dreams before that seemed to 
come true and I'm not saying that I doubt you.  It's just that…"  Christy 
searched hard for the words to tell Fairlight that she wasn't sure she 
believed her.

"I've doubted these dreams myself many times.  I've even wondered if it was 
the devil hisself sneakin' into my head and mixin' things up.  I've spent an 
awful lot of time talkin' to God about them, 'specially this one.  But I got 
a peace about this one that can only come from Him."

"What do I do now?  I've made a promise to David."  Christy twirled the ring 
on her left hand, the symbol of that promise.

"Seems to me that David has got some part of the promisin' too.  My Jeb, 
we've been through a lot and have made a lot of hard choices.  We've always 
done our best to make those choices together, me, him and God.  Did David 
even give you a choice in this movin' he's plannin'?"  Fairlight looked at 
Christy, already knowing the answer to her question.

"No, he didn't."  Christy managed a weak smile and hugged Fairlight.  "Thank 
you, for telling me and for coming to look for me.  I really needed somebody."

The two women held hands as they walked down the trail as the summer sun 
began sinking towards the horizon.  They hugged and prayed together for 
wisdom and understanding and each headed for home.

Christy spent the rest of her short walk home praying about the confrontation 
that she knew was awaiting her.  A peace that could only come from the Holy 
Spirit slipped into the broken areas of her heart and spread like wild fire 
inside her.  She took one last deep breath to steal herself and stepped into 
the parlor.  David was waiting for her there, just as she knew he would be.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 8
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Christy has come to a new revelation about her relationship with 
David.

"David."  Christy spoke with renewed confidence.  "David, we need to talk."

"About what?"  David turned away from her and stared out the windows.  "You 
and Neil or you and me."  

"Dr. MacNeill and I are just friends."  Christy placed her hand upon his 
shoulder to comfort him and to help him understand.

"I saw you with him on the path.  He was holding you!"  David shot back 
accusingly as he pushed her hand off his shoulder.

"I almost ran into his horse.  He stopped to see if I was all right.  He saw 
that I was crying."  Christy stepped back at the anger that was reflected in 
his eyes.  Never had she seen him full of so much fury and it frightened her.

"You're mine, Christy.  MacNeill has no right…"

"I'm what?  Did you just say that I'm yours!"  Christy stopped him in mid 
sentence.  "Am I something that can be owned like a fine horse or a pretty 
mantel piece?  If you think that I am some prize to be won then you are sadly 
mistaken!"

"Christy, I didn't mean it that way."  David stepped closer to her; he could 
see that he had definitely chosen the wrong words.  

"Yes, David.  I believe you did."  Christy was seething now, her normally 
soft blue eyes alight with the fury she felt inside.  "I have no intention of 
going to Asheville with you.  I have no intention of spending my life playing 
the dutiful preacher's wife in Asheville's social circles."

"Christy, please."  David's heart fell deep into his chest as he realized 
what she was saying.

"I'm sorry, but I can't be the wife you want."  Christy slipped the ring that 
felt so heavy on her left hand and held it out to him.

David turned his back on her and paced about the room for a moment before 
returning to her.  "It's MacNeill, isn't it?  Your using Asheville as a 
reason to break off our engagement so that you can run into his arms.  Now 
that Margaret is dead you can go after your precious doctor.  I have news for 
you, Christy Huddleston, you are every bit as cold and malicious as Margaret 
was."

"This has nothing to do with Dr. MacNeill, why can't you see that?  In the 
past week you have tried to make every decision for me.  I'm surprised you're 
not telling me what to wear and what to think.  I can't be that kind of wife 
to you!!"  Christy was yelling as loud as she possibly could, she had 
completely lost control of her temper.  She was so taken aback and hurt that 
David would compare her so closely to Margaret that she threw his ring at him 
and ran up the stairs.

David leaned his head against the mantle and breathed heavily.  He had 
intended on begging Christy's forgiveness but the outcome of his intentions 
laid at his feet in the form of her engagement ring.  He was startled by the 
sound of a throat clearing behind him.

"David."  Miss Alice stepped up behind him and laid a gentle hand on his 
shoulder.  "I could not help but overhear thy conversation with Christy.  I 
hope thee will forgive me and allow me to pray with thee."

David straightened himself to his full height and turned to face her.  "Well, 
then.  I guess you know what Neil and Christy have been doing today as well."

"I'm sorry, David, but I do not understand."  Alice could see the hatefulness 
emanating from David's piercing stare.

"Christy has broken our engagement so she can chase after your son-in-law who 
has only been widowed for a week now!"  David was shocked by the bitterness 
in his words but he was not about to retract them now.

"I'm sure that thee is mistaken, David."  

"I'm not, and I won't stay here and watch it happen.  I have accepted a 
position in Asheville beginning the first of October.  I will be leaving 
first thing tomorrow morning to visit my family and I won't be coming back.  
My replacement will be here in two weeks, Dr. Ferrand has all the details."  
David picked up Christy's ring and jammed it angrily into his pocket.

"David, please.  Don't leave like this."  Alice began to follow after him.  
Her heart was aching for him.  She knew that he had lied about Neil and 
Christy spending the day together, she had spoken to Neil shortly after he 
left the Spencer cabin.  What she didn't know was why.

"It's over, Alice.  And since you can accept this as my resignation, you are 
not my superior anymore."  With those words David stormed out of the mission 
house and into his bunkhouse to begin packing.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 9
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  Passages 
indicated with asterisks are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Summary:  David and Christy have had a fight and Christy has broken their 
engagement.

Christy awoke the next morning with a heavy heart.  After her fight with 
David she had spent the rest of the evening in her room.  She had tried, in 
vain, to pray; but the words just wouldn't come.  She had finally settled 
herself on her bed and opened her heart to God.  She had cried out for his 
love and forgiveness for her anger with David.  She had cried out for his 
love and warmth to embrace her, just like her loving father would.  Christy 
was not disappointed when she could almost feel the arms of her loving 
heavenly Father wrap around her as she fell into the most peaceful sleep she 
had since Margaret's funeral.  Christy prayed for understanding and patience 
for David as she stepped out of her bedroom and down the stairs for 
breakfast.  The clatter of pots and pans drew Christy to the kitchen where 
Alice was cooking breakfast.

"Good morning, Miss Alice."  Christy smiled hesitantly.  "I'm sorry I slept 
so late, can I help you with breakfast?"

"I thank thee, child.  But I am nearly done."  Miss Alice placed her arm 
lovingly around Christy's shoulder.  "I am concerned for thee.  I could not 
help but overhearing the conversation that thee had with David."

Christy laughed gently, in spite of her sadness.  "Miss Alice, I would hardly 
call that yelling match a conversation.  Have you seen David this morning?  I 
would like to speak with him about last night."

Miss Alice led Christy gently over to the table and brought her a steaming 
cup of coffee before joining her.  "Why is it, does thee think, that hard 
news always seem to be easier to swallow with hot coffee?"

"David's already gone, isn't he?"  Christy felt the tears rising in her eyes 
again as she stared at the dark brew in front of her.

"I spoke with David shortly after thy argument.  He was very angry and I 
encouraged him to pray with me.  He informed me that he was leaving on the 
first train to see his family in Boston."  Miss Alice sipped heavily from the 
cup in front of her.  "This morning I knocked on his bunkhouse door to call 
him for breakfast.  I wanted a word with him before you joined us.  He was 
gone, Christy.  He left a letter for thee, on his dresser."

"Oh, Miss Alice.  I don't know what to do or what to say."  Christy leaned 
her head in her hands as she spoke.  "David told me yesterday that we would 
be leaving Cutter Gap and moving back to Asheville.  I told him that I didn't 
want to leave.  That was the cause of this entire argument but I don't know 
how to fix it, especially now that David is gone."

"Christy, I don't believe that Asheville was the entire cause of David's 
anger.  He told me to ask you about Dr. MacNeill and what the two of you were 
doing yesterday."  Alice raised her hand to silence the words of protest on 
Christy's lips.  "I know that thee was not with the doctor yesterday, because 
I spoke with him at length shortly after he left the Spencer cabin.  He asked 
me to check on you when I returned to the mission.  What I don't understand 
is what David meant."

"After David and I argued in the meadow, I went storming off down the path 
and nearly collided with Dr. MacNeill's horse.  He made a remark about a 
"lover's quarrel.  When he saw that I had been crying he came over to me and 
laid his hands on my shoulders, to see that I was all right.  That is how 
David found us."  Christy hung her head and the anger and jealousy that had 
raged in David's eyes.  Tears ran freely down her cheeks and into her cooling 
coffee cup and splattering the table.  "David assumed the worst.  I went 
walking with Fairlight and when I returned to the mission David said that I 
was just like…"

"Just like who, child?"  Miss Alice probed gently as though she held 
Christy's very heart in her hands.

"Miss Alice, I can't…I can't tell you this.  It's not right."  Christy knew 
that Alice was still shaken by her beloved daughter's death.  To hear that 
David had compared Christy to Margaret would add salt to her already open 
wounds.

"Just like Margaret?"  Alice handed Christy her handkerchief and placed her 
hand on Christy's shoulder.  "Is that what he said to thee."

Christy could only nod her head yes.  The memory of those hateful words 
seemed to soak into her very soul.  I could never be like Margaret.  I could 
never cause so much pain to those that I love.  Or have I already?  Am I 
really as David says.

"Oh, Christy.  Thee must know that David's words were spoken in anger.  He 
did not mean them and thee should not take them to thy heart."  Alice spoke 
in a rush; aware of the anguish that David's words had caused Christy.  

"I am trying very hard not to, very hard.  But I have hurt him, terribly."  
Christy swiped at the tears on her face.

Alice stood up from the table and gathered her Bible from the table in the 
parlor.  She returned to Christy's side and held her hand gently as she 
turned the worn pages.  "Christy.  I would like to share something with thee; 
I hope it will not be a stumbling block to thee.  "First Corinthians, chapter 
13 tells us what Christian love is.  In verse 5 it also makes sure that we 
understand what love is not."  Alice leaned her head over the Bible and read 
verbatim the verses she knew in her heart. *"Love doth not behave itself 
unseemly, seeketh not it's own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.*  
This chapter goes on to tell us that we see through a glass darkly.  We must 
trust in the Heavenly Father to make things clear to us in his time.  Forgive 
me for saying so, but David's behavior towards thee was a perfect example of 
verse 5."

"I understand that, Miss Alice.  David made a mistake and spoke in anger but 
that doesn't change the fact that I feel…I feel…"  Christy debated within 
herself how to finish her sentence.  She decided on completely honesty.  
"After I threw David's engagement ring at him I felt peace.  Utter peace.  I 
was hurt and angry but a part of me felt like running into the yard and 
turning cartwheels.  I feel so ashamed."

"Thee accepted David's proposal rather suddenly.  Didst thee seek God in the 
matter before answering?"

"It just seemed so logical and so right.  It never occurred to me that David 
was not God's perfect plan for my life."  Christy heard a gentle laughter 
from her mentor and friend.  She was appalled that Miss Alice could be 
laughing at her.

"Oh, child.  I am not laughing at thee."  Alice read her thoughts and turned 
Christy's face to meet her eyes.  "Since when does God's plans for us follow 
what we see as a logical path?  Proverbs 12:15 tells us that *the way of a 
fool is right in his own eyes.*  Thee is not a fool Christy Huddleston.  Wait 
on God's logic and don't depend on your own.  He has great things for thee."  
With that Miss Alice stood from the table and laid her hand aside Christy's 
cheek.  "Seek faith."

"Thank you, Miss Alice."  Christy turned to wash her tear stained face at the 
pump before crossing the yard to begin the day.



Part/Chapter: Chapter 10
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  Passages 
indicated with asterisks are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Summary:  Miss Alice and Christy have had a meaningful conversation about 
David.

Christy stood on the schoolhouse porch and breathed in the sweet smell of 
honeysuckle.  In the morning light the schoolhouse was awash with shadows and 
she could see her students coming in the distance.  Although her heart was 
still heavy the beauty of this late summer morning lifted her spirits.  
Christy breathed a quiet prayer to God, thanking him for the beauty and it's 
soothing effects on her soul.

"Mornin' Miz Christy."  Ruby Mae's pleasant voice bounced joyfully off the 
walls in the schoolhouse.  

"Good Morning, Ruby Mae."  Christy couldn't help but smile at her friend's 
exuberance.  "How was your weekend at the Spencer's?"  

"I just had the best time, it shorely was a jollification of a time!"  

Christy smiled as Ruby Mae took her seat as the other students began filling 
the seats.  She was glad that Ruby Mae had enjoyed her time with the 
Spencer's.  More importantly, she was glad that Ruby Mae wasn't around to 
hear the horrible argument her and David had.  

"Good morning."  Christy looked lovingly at each of her students.  Their 
bright smiles lifted her heart.  How could I even consider leaving these 
wonderful children?  

"Good mornin', Miz Christy."  All of her students spoke in unison.  

The students began their day as usual.  The roll was called, the Pledge of 
Allegiance said and Rob Allen read the daily Bible verse with Sam Houston 
leading the class in a morning prayer.  Christy opened her eyes and began the 
day's lessons.  The children were extremely attentive, despite the warm 
weather and the day progressed smoothly until after the lunch recess.  
Christy was just about to call the children back to their places when she saw 
Dr. MacNeill approaching the schoolhouse.

"Good afternoon, Dr. MacNeill."  Christy stood up quickly from her vantage 
point on the steps.  "To what do we owe your visit this afternoon?"

"Miss Huddleston, don't you remember asking me if I would be available to 
teach a science class today?"  Dr. MacNeill smiled at her, his blue eyes 
reflecting a hint of laughter.  

"Of course, Dr. MacNeill.  I'm sorry it must have completely slipped my 
mind."  Christy shook her self mentally, finally remembering the arrangements 
with the doctor that had been made almost a month ago.

"If this is an inconvenient time, Miss Huddleston, we can make arrangements 
for another day."  Neil couldn't help but look at the schoolteacher's left 
hand; he noticed that the diamond that had been there yesterday was no longer 
present.  He also noticed there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.  He longed 
to ask her about it.  He longed to comfort her.  He longed to tell her he was 
sorry, or more correctly, that he wasn't sorry.  Neil, you old fool, if she 
felt about you in a romantic way she wouldn't have accepted the preacher's 
proposal to begin with.  Stop thinking about yourself and think about how 
much Christy must be hurting!!

"No, Doctor.  I appreciate your time; I know that we are hard to fit into 
your schedule.  Today would be fine."  Christy turned and walked up the aisle 
of the school to make room for him at her desk.  As she looked down at her 
lesson plan she could see, written in her own neat script "Dr. MacNeill - 1 
pm."  She flushed at her mistake and her forgetfulness.  "What will you be 
teaching us today?"

"Well, I thought perhaps a class on First Aid would be in order.  Just simple 
things like splinting a broken bone and stopping bleeding.  I have, of late, 
seen some very nasty fractures that may have been made worse by moving the 
person without some sort of splint."  Dr. MacNeill smiled slightly at 
Christy's nose wrinkling in reaction to the mention of injured people.  She 
had held up well at little Burl's surgery, but it was obvious to him that 
nursing abilities were not her strongest asset.  

"I think that would be a wonderful idea, Doctor."  Christy recovered her 
composure.  The memories of the injuries she had seen in her short time in 
the cove still haunted her dreams.  

"Thank you, Miss Huddleston."  Dr. MacNeill was always surprised by her 
enthusiasm and strength.  He loved these children, had brought many of them 
into the world, he hated to admit that he loved teaching them as well.  He 
had fought with Christy when she asked him to come and teach.  After his 
first couple of lectures he always looked forward to her requests for his 
presence in the classroom.  It was fun to spend time with the children in a 
way that didn't involve illness or injury. The children made him feel good.  
Christy's appreciation and compliments on his lectures made him feel good.  
More importantly, Christy's smile from the back of the classroom where she 
stood while he taught warmed him and made him soar.

"I'll go get the children while you set up."  Christy puzzled at the look in 
his eyes.  Their last two meetings had been anything but cordial.  After 
Margaret's funeral they had been at each other's throats.  Now he was being 
not only polite but pleasant as well.  

The children ran joyfully into the classroom at the anticipation of an 
afternoon spent under Dr. MacNeill's tutoring.  Christy watched in awe as he 
described and demonstrated how to recognize a possible broken bone and how to 
apply a splint.  The children took turns with the limited equipment available 
bandaging one another.  Mountie O'Teale smiled and her eyes shone with 
delight as he congratulated her on the splint that she applied to his arm.  
As he continued his lecture about stopping bleeding the time seemed to fly 
and the children completely missed their afternoon recess.  

"Miss Huddleston."  Dr. MacNeill's voice snapped her out of the trance she 
had slipped into you.

"Yes, Doctor?"

"It's 3:30, would you like to dismiss the children?"  Neil smiled at her; he 
chuckled to himself about her ability to slip away.  He wondered where her 
mind had been.

"I'm sorry, of course.  Children, don't forget to practice your new spelling 
words tonight.  We will be taking a quiz over them on Wednesday.  Have a good 
day and be careful going home."  At her words the children leaped from their 
seats and ran for home.

"Thank you, doctor."  Christy said as she gathered up materials from the 
desks.  "I can see how your lessons in First Aid will definitely benefit the 
children and their families."

Dr. MacNeill leaned himself against her desk and pulled his pipe out of his 
bag.  He slowly and meticulously filled the bowl and put a match to it.  
"Christy, I'm not very good at…"

"That's not true, Dr. MacNeill."  Christy contradicted, stopping him in 
mid-sentence.  "You are a wonderful teacher and the children really enjoy 
your classes."

"No, Christy.  That's not what I'm talking about."  Neil's words stopped her 
short.  "I'm not very good at apologizing, but I think I owe you one."  
Christy stared at him silently as he stepped to join her behind his desk.  He 
sat his pipe gently on the edge while he continued.  "When you and Fairlight 
came to my cabin, you were the last person that I expected to see.  You were 
right, we are friends, and I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"You were hurting."  Christy looked into his face; she could see that his 
professional manner of only moments ago had dissolved into the Neil that she 
so enjoyed spending time with.  

"Yes, I was hurting, but not for the reasons you might expect.  That's not 
important.  What is important is that I hurt you."  Neil placed his hand 
gently on her shoulder.  "Then yesterday, when I found you on the trail I 
hurt you again.  It was foolish of me.  I know that David was angry, seeing 
us together.  I would like to speak with him."

"You can't speak to David."  Christy looked at the wall, as though she could 
see straight through it and out to the empty bunkhouse.  "He left this 
morning on a train to Boston."

"When is he coming back?"  Neil thought about Christy's empty ring finger.  

"He's not coming back, Neil.  We had a huge fight."  Christy pushed back the 
tears that threatened to fall.

"This is over me, isn't it?"  Neil stepped away from her and paced the 
platform.  I was so foolish.  I've ruined everything for her because of my 
feelings toward her, feelings that I had no right to have.  Christy 
Huddleston has never been anything but kind to you and now this has happened.

"It's not because of you, although David was angry about yesterday.  David 
wanted to move back to Asheville, he accepted a position there.  If it's 
anybody's fault it's mine.  I was selfish, I told him I didn't want to leave 
Cutter Gap."  Christy gathered her things from the table, this conversation 
was going much farther than she had intended.  She wiped angrily at the tears 
that had started to slip down her cheeks.  "I have to go, they are expecting 
me at the mission."

"Christy."  Neil caught up to her in the aisle and laid a hand on her 
shoulder to stop her.  "I haven't been a very good friend, lately, but I hope 
that what you said at my cabin still hold's true.  I value our friendship and 
I would hate to lose it.  I am very sorry that you are hurting over David. 
And forgive me, but I am glad that you are staying.  You really are making a 
difference here."

Christy was moved to fresh tears by his kind words.  "Thank you, Neil, and 
yes, we are still friends."  

Neil stood on the porch of the schoolhouse and watched her hurry across the 
yard to the mission house.  She turned for just a moment before going inside, 
even from a distance he could see her smile and it warmed him.  He raised his 
hand to her before mounting on Charlie and riding for his cabin.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 11
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Neil and Christy have spent some quality time together in the 
schoolhouse.

Christy couldn't help but smile as she entered the mission house.  Despite 
the sadness that she felt over David, she couldn't help but be happy that her 
and Dr. MacNeill had enjoyed an argument free conversation.  Christy took her 
books and satchel up to her room and settled herself on her bed.  The letter 
that Miss Alice had given her from David had weighed heavy on her mind; the 
hateful things that he had said to her still hurt her deeply.  Christy wasn't 
sure that she wanted to know what was in the letter.  She held it in front of 
her and turned it over and over in her hands.  Lord, I'm not ready to deal 
with what's in this letter.  

"Miz Christy, supper's ready iffen your hungry?"  Ruby Mae knocked gently at 
her door before opening it.  News traveled across the cove faster than 
lightening across the cove, and Ruby Mae knew that David was gone.  "That 
there letter from the preacher?  I'm powerful sorry about the preacher 
leavin' ya and all."

Christy smiled ruefully and whispered a silent 'thank you' to God before 
laying the letter aside on her bedside table.  "Yes, Ruby Mae, it is.  So 
what did you make us for supper tonight?"  Christy took this as an 
opportunity to wait until a more peaceful and private time to read David's 
letter.  She loved Ruby Mae, but she really didn't care to share this with 
the young girl.

"I made us a chickin', a right good one too."

Christy listened half-heartedly to the young girls speech about the supper 
preparations.  Gathered around the table with Miss Alice and Ruby Mae it was 
hard not to notice that David's chair was empty.  Christy was thankful 
tonight for Ruby Mae's incessant chatter, it kept her from having to put 
together a sentence.  Immediately after supper dishes were finished she 
returned to her room to take up her unread letter.  She grabbed a shawl and 
slipped out to her favorite spot by the pond.  It was already growing dark, 
but the moon had risen full spreading it's light over the mountains.  She ran 
her hand across David's neat script on the envelope; took a deep breath and 
opened the letter.

Dear Christy,

By the time you read this letter I will be on my way to Boston.  I realize 
now that no matter how much I love you, you will never return those feelings. 
 Some day, when you grow up, perhaps you will realize what you lost.  You 
allowed your desire for another man to come between the marriage that God 
ordained for us.  I fear that this will cause you to have nothing but sorrow 
in your life.  I always thought you to be a Godly woman, but I know that I 
was wrong in my thinking.  I know that right now you are thinking that I am 
being spiteful and hateful, but I am only telling you what you need to hear.  
Your unwillingness to turn away from sin and seek God in the matter of moving 
to Asheville is a heavy burden on my heart, as is your rejection of our 
promise to one another.  I will pray for you as you grow and mature.

Sincerely,

David


Christy sat stunned by the revelations in this letter.  David's words were so 
cruel and untrue.  How was it possible that this was the same David that only 
a few days ago was holding her hand and whispering his love for her in her 
ears?  With a combination of hurt and anger Christy crumpled the letter to 
her chest and cried, rocking herself on the old log she sat on.  The sound of 
a twig snapping behind her caused her start, her heart lurching into her 
throat.

"Christy, it's Neil."  Neil stepped out of the shadows to show himself.  He 
could see by the pale look on her face that he had startled her.  

"Spying on me, Doctor?"  Christy took a deep breath to steady her nerves.  
She hadn't quite forgotten the terror that Jarvis Tatum had caused her.

"No, I was just coming by to talk to Miss Alice and I saw you sitting out 
here."  Neil moved over to sit beside her.  "And, I heard you crying.  Why 
were you crying, Christy?"

Christy was in no mood to discuss the letter or her feelings.  She remained 
quiet as the doctor leaned in closer to her.  She pulled the letter back 
under her shawl.  "It's nothing, Dr. MacNeill.  I am fine, really."

"Christy, please don't think that I am prying.  I just can't bear to see you 
cry.  I know that David hurt you, believe me, I would love nothing more than 
to get my hands around his skinny little neck."  Neil felt her stiffen on the 
log beside him at his suggestion of violence.  He decided to change his 
tactics; threatening bodily harm to David was not the way to help Christy.  
"Please, Christy, we are friends, you can talk to me."

"Yes, Doctor, we are friends.  But there are certain feelings that even 
friends can't share."  Her voice trembled and broke, how she wanted to spill 
her heart and soul to him!  

"I don't see why not.  But I won't pressure you."  He handed her his 
handkerchief while he fought for control.  He wanted so much to take her in 
his arms and rock her against him that it was almost a physical pain.  "Can I 
walk you back to the mission?  I still need to see Miss Alice and I don't 
want to leave you out here alone.  It has gotten rather dark."  Standing up, 
he offered her his hand.

Christy looked around her, stunned at the darkness that had fallen.  The 
brightness of the moon was hidden under a cloud and she shivered 
unconsciously.  "Thank you, Doctor."  Christy put her hand into his and he 
helped her into a standing position.  She was surprised at how stiff her legs 
had become and she wondered again just how long she had been sitting there.  
She swayed slightly with the effort; this did not go unnoticed and Neil place 
a steadying arm on her shoulder.

"Are you all right?"  Neil gazed down into her eyes, which she held averted 
from his gaze.

"I'm fine, Doctor, just a little stiff.  I guess I have been sitting here 
longer than I thought."  She released his hand and stepped back slightly.

"Let's get you back to the house, I can feel the chill in the air."  Neil 
guided her gently towards the mission, making small talk.  "It feels like it 
will be an early fall."

"Yes, it's hard to believe that the harvest break is only 2 weeks away."  
Christy smiled to herself and whispered a silent prayer thanking God for the 
meaningless small talk.  It made her feel better, more normal and helped her 
to push away the ugliness of David's letter.

"How long will school be out for?"  Neil could sense the change in Christy's 
mood that their light banter was creating.  Her strength and perseverance 
never ceased to amaze him.  Although he was still intently curious about her 
tears, he knew that she would tell him in time.

"Six weeks.  I think that should be enough time for the crops to be harvested 
and the garden produce canned.  I will be checking on the families to see if 
they need more time.  We have all winter for school.  It is more difficult 
for the children to travel, but the families need every pair of hands to get 
the harvest in."  

"I don't think that it will take six weeks, but I know that the families 
appreciate the idea that you are arranging the school schedule around their 
needs."  Neil smiled down at her; she had learned so much in her time here.

"Well, the mission is throwing a harvest party when all of the work is done, 
and I'd like the children to have some time with their families.  Life can't 
be all work and school.  I have promised to come and help Opal with the 
garden harvest and the canning."

"You're going to be helping Opal?  How did you ever get her to agree to 
that?"  The surprise registered in his voice.  "You know as well as I do 
these people don't like to be beholdin'."

"Oh, no, I told it was me that would be beholding to her.  In Asheville we 
never learned to can produce.  If we needed green beans we went to the market 
to buy them.  I just told her how much I wanted to learn to do it and if 
she'd be willing to teach me I'd appreciate it."  Christy smiled brightly 
remembering her conversation with Opal McHone.  With the boys busy with their 
father in the fields, Opal would be on her own to harvest and can the garden. 
 Opal was pleased to know that she would be able to pay Christy back for all 
that she had done for her.  "Then when Opal and I were done with her garden, 
I could easily come back to the mission and help Miss Alice with ours."

"Miss Huddleston, you amaze me."  Neil laughed heartily throwing his head 
back slightly.  He could imagine in his head Christy's pleas to Opal to teach 
her to can produce.  

"How so, Doctor?"  Christy had been pleased that God had given her the answer 
that would allow her to help Opal with all of the work she had in front of 
her.  She was a little disappointed that Neil would laugh at her.

"I have known Opal McHone since we were children.  If she thought for one 
minute that this canning lesson was your way of helping her, she'd have 
turned you down.  Of course, I don't know how anybody could resist your 
enthusiasm and eagerness to learn."

"Then you're not laughing at me."  Christy stopped and turned to look at him.

"No, not at all.  As you know, I was very skeptical when you first came here. 
 These people don't take to outsiders.  But I have seen the good that you 
have tried to do since you arrived, and in many cases you have succeeded.  
Opal's garden is just further evidence of that."  He turned to face her and 
his heart stopped for just a moment at the contentment in her blue eyes.  He 
was slightly disappointed to see that they had arrived at the mission house 
steps.  He felt that he could go on talking to her like this all night.  
"Well, here we are and I really need to have that talk with Miss Alice, so I 
will let you go."

"Thanks for walking me back, and for making me feel better."  Christy added 
shyly.

"My pleasure, Miss Huddleston."  Dr. MacNeill held the door for her and 
allowed her to enter first.  Miss Alice was sitting at the kitchen table 
drinking tea and reading her Bible when they entered.  "Miss Alice, if you 
have a few moments, I would like to speak with you."

"Of course, Neil."  Miss Alice looked up quickly, slightly startled to see 
Neil at the mission and wanted to speak to her.  "Would you like a cup of 
coffee?"

"Yes, Miss Alice.  A cup of coffee would be wonderful."  

Christy took this as her cue to leave and followed the stairs to her bedroom. 
 Neil watched her go, still concerned for her.  Christy obviously felt some 
better, but he wished that she would really open up and tell him everything.  
He meant it when he told her he couldn't stand to see her crying.  He 
surmised correctly that her tears had something to do with the letter she had 
stuffed into her pocket.  Neil took a deep breath and joined Alice at the 
table.  He stared blankly at the cup, trying to prepare himself for their 
conversation and the possible outcomes.  He didn't even know where to begin.

"Now, Neil."  Alice laid her hand gently on his, sensing his apprehension.  
Only moments before she had been praying for Neil, that she would somehow be 
able to ease the sorrow and anger that he must have over Margaret's death.  
She mused silently to her self at the power that God has to move mountains.  
Perhaps, Neil MacNeill was one of those mountains.  "What can I do for thee?"


Part/Chapter: Chapter 12
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  David's letter has hurt Christy desperately.  Alice and Neil are in 
the kitchen talking.


"Alice, I don't know exactly where to begin."  Neil stared into his coffee 
cup and ran his fingers through his hair.  "Christy said something the other 
day, about the funeral."

"Thee was missed, Neil."

"Yes, and I wanted to apologize to you, for that."  Neil wasn't a man used to 
asking for anyone's pardon and it showed in the tenseness of his body and his 
words.

"Apology accepted."  Alice looked closely at him, trying to determine what it 
was that Christy said that brought Neil to her like this.  "But as we have 
discussed in the past, Margaret left thee years ago.  I can understand the 
pain that thee must have endured, finding her the way thee did.  But I have 
the feeling this is about more than Margaret."  

"Aye, it is.  I am concerned for Miss Huddleston."  Neil and Alice had 
disagreed in the past about Christy, and the feelings that Alice had accused 
him of having for the young teacher.  He wasn't sure he should continue the 
path this conversation was taking.

"What is thy concern for Christy?"  Alice smiled slightly at his rather 
formal use of her name.  Their relationship had caused her a great deal of 
pain, initially.  So much pain that she had been unable to take it to God, 
but time and the Holy Spirit had eased her sense of loss.  

"Only a few short days ago she was engaged to marry the preacher.  Suddenly 
all that has changed and I am worried about her health as a result."  Neil 
decided that it was best to take a professional path, questioning her health, 
mentally and physically.

"Oh, Neil.  Don't be so high and mighty with me.  I do not believe for a 
moment that your concern for Christy and David's broken engagement has 
anything to do with Christy's physical well-being."  Miss Alice laughed 
gently and laid her hand on Neil's and gave it a gentle squeeze.  "I have 
known for sometime that you have special feelings for her."

Neil choked slightly on the coffee that he was trying to swallow.  This is 
not the direction that this conversation was supposed to have gone.  What in 
the world do you think you are doing discussing personal feelings with your 
dead wife's mother!  "Alice, that is not my intention here.  I care for 
Christy; I am willing to admit that.  The last time we had a conversation 
about her, I told you that I would be honest if you were.  Will you be 
honest?"

Alice remembered her anger when she first began to recognize Neil's growing 
relationship with Christy.  At that time, Christy reminded her so much of 
Margaret that she knew Neil must see the same things in her.  Now Alice knew 
that Christy was not truly like Margaret at all.  Margaret thought only of 
herself, without a care in the world to the lot of another's life.  She had 
seen Christy work selflessly at her side, and David's and Neil's, until the 
exhaustion threatened to disable her.  Yet she always seemed to reach into a 
special reserve that only God could have given her and persevere until she 
was no longer needed.  "Yes, Neil.  I am ready to be honest with thee about 
Christy.  The conversation that we had such a long time ago has weighed heavy 
on my heart.  I was angry, angry that thee could forget my daughter so 
easily.  Angry that when you were with Miss Huddleston, all memory of her and 
her tragic death was swept from thy mind.  Then when my Margaret came back to 
Cutter Gap, I saw you bury your feelings for Christy deep inside you.  Yet, 
no matter how hard thee tried, they always seemed to surface.  When she left 
again, I could no longer be angry with you, for it was not thee who had 
abandoned Margaret.  I can see that now, and now that Margaret is truly gone, 
it is time for thee to get on with thy life."  Alice dabbed at her eyes as 
thoughts of Margaret caused tears to well up in them.  "Now that I have been 
honest, I believe it is thy turn."

Neil was taken aback by her complete and total honesty.  He knew that she 
would be honest, but he did not expect her to be so open with him.  He wasn't 
sure what to say or where to begin.  How much is too much?  How far is too 
far?  Does my honesty with Alice matter?  Christy would never look twice at a 
man who rejects everything she believes about God and he could not change his 
mind about religion just to please her.  "I love her, Alice."  The words were 
out before he knew he had spoken them.

"I know that, Neil.  I have seen thy heart in regards to Christy. God 
revealed it to me and has helped me to understand that."  Alice smiled at 
him.  "So what are thy plans now?"

"She accepted the proposal of the preacher."  Neil knew that Christy and 
David had argued, but that didn't mean that she didn't love him.

"Christy has since broken that engagement.  She has cried over it, yes, but I 
don't believe that her heart has been broken."  

"It doesn't matter.  I don't believe in God, Alice.  You know that, Christy 
knows that.  And I won't pretend to believe just to court her.  It would be a 
lie, it would base our entire relationship on a lie just like mine and 
Margaret's marriage."  Neil stood up and paced around the room.  

"Neil, thee has told me before that your parents were Godly people.  Why is 
it that you have rejected their teachings and chosen your own way?"  Alice 
worried that she was pushing too far.  She knew that God had plans for Neil 
MacNeill and she knew that plan included the God he had rejected.

"How can I believe in a God when I see so much death and hatred?  I go to a 
cabin to treat a sick child only to arrive after the child has died.  If I 
had only been sooner in arriving I might have prevented the death.  The 
parents only look at me with sad eyes, thank me for coming, and say that it 
was 'God's will' that took their baby.  How can God's will include the 
needless death of a child?  I don't understand that Alice, and I never will!" 
 Neil was irate and pacing.  He stopped and put his hands on the table.  "I 
do not believe in a God that would allow his faithful to suffer!  Look at 
you, how you have suffered your daughter's death.  Do you believe that is 
God's will?"

"No, Dr. MacNeill, I don't believe that was God's will for my daughter, or 
for me, or for you, for that matter.  What I do believe is that God had a 
plan, one that Margaret rejected.  It was her choice to accept or reject and 
she has paid for her choices in her life.  I cannot bear the responsibility 
for my daughter's life anymore than thee can.  You tried to be a good husband 
to her, and I acknowledge that fact.  You should not and cannot use Margaret, 
your parent's death, the death of children, or any other tragedy that has 
befallen thee to reject your Creator.  It is thy choice to push away the love 
that has been offered you by the Father and not the circumstances.  God 
allows us to live in joy despite our circumstances, not because of them."

Neil was halted and taken aback by the strength of her words.  He had seen 
Alice Henderson endure hardship and tragedy and move on.  But she didn't just 
move on, she lived on…she lived in joy and peace and happiness.  He had seen 
it in Christy too, after the scarlet fever epidemic.  He was sure that she 
would collapse under the strain, but she never did.  She stood on the 
schoolhouse steps and thanked God for the lives he had spared and for his 
guidance.  It seemed to Neil that if God were truly involved the scarlet 
fever would have never come.  But it did come, and it wreaked havoc and 
sorrow, and it killed Creed Allen.  That boy was dead!  The same boy that he 
saw fishing in the creek not five hours ago had died in the scarlet fever 
epidemic that was months ago.  Neil had tried to rationalize that it was his 
medicine, but he knew of no medicine that could restart a child's still, dead 
heart.

Alice could sense his trepidation, his questions.  They were written all over 
his face.  She prayed that God would help him to voice them, help him to 
reach out to God, the only one that could truly show him what love was.  
Without him reaching out for God he would never be able to reach out to 
Christy.  Alice knew that Christy loved Neil, even though she wasn't ready to 
admit it.  Alice also knew that any relationship was doomed without the hand 
of God in it.

"Thank you, Alice.  You've given me food for thought.  I have to be going 
now."  Neil set down his cup and made a hasty retreat for the door.  "Tell 
Christy, that I am sorry about her and David."

"Neil, I thought you were being honest."  Miss Alice smiled at him, a 
teasingly motherly smile.  Usually when she and Neil were speaking of God it 
ended up in an all out war of words.  This time he was truly thinking about 
what she said, not just throwing it aside.

"All right, tell her that I am sorry David hurt her."  Neil returned her 
smile.  It was a warm, friendly smile, one he did not usually receive from 
his Quaker ex mother-in-law.  It warmed him inside and made him feel more at 
peace than he had been in a long time.  


Part/Chapter: Chapter 13
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Neil and Alice have had a meaningful chat about God.  


Christmas Eve, 1913

Christmas had come to Cutter Gap in a whirl of snowflakes that painted the 
ground a dazzling white.  Christy gazed out her bedroom window and sighed in 
a breath of deep contentment.  The past months had been wonderful.  The 
harvest was a wonderful success that left the families of the Gap with enough 
money and food to see them through until spring.  The preacher assigned to 
replace David, Peter Adams, was getting along famously here.  Everybody 
seemed to take to the tall, stocky man with a plethora of blond hair that 
stood out from his head at different angles and rich brown eyes filled with 
compassion.  He had begun hunting with many of the men; even Neil and him had 
spent some time at his favorite fishing spot.  As Christy braided her long 
brown hair into a single braid behind her back she mentally listed all of the 
things she needed to do before tonight's 'jollification.'

"Good morning, Miss Alice."  Christy greeted her friend warmly as she poured 
herself a cup of coffee.  "Can I help you with breakfast?"

"Good day, child.  I would love to have thy company, if not thy assistance."  
Miss Alice smiled briskly at her young friend.  Christy had grown and matured 
so much in the past few months.  

Christy took up the skillet and began preparing scrambled eggs.  She was 
cracking several eggs into a platter when the rugged face of Neil MacNeill 
watching the process intently startled her.  "Doctor, you about scared the 
life right out of me!"

"Good thing I'm a doctor then, isn't it Miss Huddleston."  He flashed her a 
playful smile and reached into the edge of the platter.  "I seem to remember 
saying that I prefer my eggshells later."

"Yes, you did, Doctor.  I will be sure to take note of it."  Christy flushed 
as she remembered the 'burnt chicken incident', as they had taken to calling 
it.

"What can we do for thee this fine morning, Neil."  Miss Alice handed him a 
steaming cup of coffee and he gladly accepted it.

"Pete asked me to come by and help dress out the turkeys we shot yesterday 
for you ladies to cook."  Neil's gaze fell intently on Christy as she mixed 
the scrambled eggs.  "He seems to think that some one in this house doesn't 
do well at the site of blood.  Do you know who that would be, Miss 
Huddleston."

"Why, no.  I don't know who that would be."  She elbowed him gently.  
"Perhaps, it's Ruby Mae?"

"Ruby Mae?  Have you ever seen that girl skin a possum?  She can strip it 
down to the bare meat faster than anybody I've ever seen."  Neil turned to 
head toward the bunkhouse to find the preacher, laughing all the way.

"Doctor MacNeill is certainly in a Christmas mood this morning."  Christy 
laughed to Miss Alice as she scooped the eggs onto a serving platter.  She 
and Alice finished the breakfast preparations and called the men into 
breakfast.  Joining them this morning, aside from Neil, was Dan Scott, who 
had also come to help dress the turkeys and prepare the mission.

"Miss Alice, Miss Christy.  It sure is good to see you this morning."  Dan 
pulled out Alice's chair for her in a gentlemanly fashion while Neil did the 
same for Christy.  

"And it is good to see thee, Dan.  It has been too long.  Let us ask, in our 
blessing this morning, that no one will have need of doctor!"  

"Miss Alice, to that idea I will give a hearty 'amen.'  Neil smiled and 
settled his gaze on the teacher.  "I was hoping that I would find someone who 
would accompany me to the festivities this evening."

Christy didn't have time to answer as Pete began their breakfast blessing.  
Christy glanced over her plate at Neil, hoping to catch his eye.  To her 
surprise, his head was bowed and his eyes were closed.  When the prayer was 
over, she was even more surprised to hear a gentle 'amen' in the deep brogue 
that could only belong to him.

"So, Miss Huddleston, will you?"  Neil asked her again between his eggs and 
coffee.

"Will I what, Doctor?"  Christy wasn't sure what Neil was up to.  Surely it 
would be something interesting, knowing him.  In October he made a grand 
entrance into the mission house on a Saturday afternoon and 'kidnapped' her.  
He complained that she had been working too hard and needed a day off.  They 
spent the day hunting for colorful leaves and fall wildflowers.

"Allow me to escort you to the festivities this evening."  Neil's voice 
sounded calm, but inside he was a storm of emotions.  The last few months had 
been wonderful!  He loved spending time with her; they took long walks and 
talked.  Occasionally they went fishing.  Not only did he love her with all 
his heart, she was quickly becoming his best friend.  With the addition of 
Pete to the mission, he found himself being drawn here.  Pete and him were 
becoming fast friends.  He enjoyed their time together in the manly pursuits 
of hunting and fishing.  Although, if truth were to be told, he really 
preferred Christy as a fishing partner, she was much nicer to look at.  They 
had occasionally discussed God and religion, but it never felt to Neil like a 
sermon.  Neil was quickly deciding that he liked the preacher much more than 
he ever liked David.

"Yes, Doctor MacNeill.  I would be pleased to attend tonight's festivities 
with you."  Christy flashed him her best smile.  Her and Neil had grown so 
close.  They talked about everything together and she had even gone on some 
of his more minor calls with him.  She enjoyed their quite rides through the 
mountains and spending time with some of the younger children in the Gap.  
There was always some chore that she could help the mother's with, and it 
helped her to really get to know the families, not just the children.

"Terrific."  Neil said with a smile.  "I will see you this evening then."  
With that Neil joined the men out back of the shed to prepare the turkeys for 
this evening's feast.

Miss Alice cast a knowing look between the young couple.  Neil's willingness 
to participate in this morning's blessing, even with a simple 'amen', did not 
go unnoticed to her.  She whispered an extra prayer that this Christmas they 
would celebrate not only Christ's birth, but Neil's as well.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 14
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Neil has invited Christy to the jollification for Christmas Eve.


Much to Christy's delight she had received her Christmas packages from her 
parents yesterday.  He mother had sent a lovely, and completely impractical, 
light blue satin dress with lace at the throat and wrists.  Christy had 
originally viewed the fancy garment with distain, didn't her mother realize 
the hardships these people faced.  Her mood had lightened after reading the 
note her mother included, "Dearest Christy, surely Cutter Gap can't be all 
work and no play."  Well, her mother was certainly right about that and 
Christy was excited at the prospect of a new dress for this evening.  Christy 
decided to wear her hair down, her loose curls lying gracefully over her 
shoulders; she tied it back with a royal blue ribbon.  Christy decided that 
she would push away her slight twinge of guilt at having so fine a dress when 
other's would come in rags and have a good time tonight.  Christy took one 
last look in the mirror and hurried down stairs to help with the final 
preparations.

"Lorda mercy, Miz Christy.  If that ain't the purdiest dress I ever seen!"  
Ruby Mae watched in awe as the satin skirts swished around her ankles while 
she descended the staircase.

"Thank you, Ruby Mae."  

"The Doc, he'll be bodacious thrilled to be a dancin' with ya tonight."  Ruby 
Mae continued to gush as her hands smoothed the imagined wrinkles in her own 
well-worn dress.

"Ruby Mae, we are about the same size.  Would you like to wear one of my 
dresses tonight."  Christy wanted to share her bounty with the young girl.  
Christy had come to view Ruby Mae as a little sister.

"Really, Miz Christy, I couldn't do that, I wouldn't wanna be beholdin'."  

Christy came down the stairs and grasped Ruby Mae's hands.  "Ruby Mae, we are 
friends, and friends can help each other and not be beholding, right?"

"I reckon they can."  Ruby Mae hesitated, she so desperately wanted to wear a 
beautiful dress and catch the eye of Rob Allen.  

"I can even do up your hair for you, won't that be fun?"  Christy was pleased 
that Ida had taught Ruby Mae that a bath wouldn't kill you.  Ruby Mae had 
taken to regular baths and combing her hair nicely, but it was still a wild 
mass of red flames.

"Then, come on.  Let's go."  Christy pulled the girl up the stairs before she 
even had time to protest.  Twenty minutes later, Ruby Mae appeared in the 
parlor wearing a pale green shirtwaist and hunter green skirt.  Her hair had 
been braided and pulled up with green hair ribbons running through it.  Both 
Alice and Pete stopped and stared at the transformed young girl.

"Ruby Mae, how lovely thee looks tonight."  Miss Alice exclaimed and gave a 
knowing smile to Christy.

"Thank ya kindly, Miz Alice.  It were all Miz Christy's doin'!  I didn't even 
feel this fine when Miz Ida dressed me all purty for Juliet."  Ruby Mae 
beamed at the attention.

"Ruby Mae, you'll save a dance for this old preacher, won't you?"  Peter said 
with a twinkle in his eyes.

"No'sir, I'm afraid that I'se be savin' all my dancin' for one boy."  Ruby 
Mae practically danced off the landing to watch out the window for Rob.  

"Well, then, I have to say I am disappointed.  What about you Miss 
Huddleston, your looking lovely tonight yourself."  Peter teased with Christy.

"Oh, Preachr', I wouldn't be countin' on no dances with Miz Christy either.  
She gonna be powerful busy dancin' with the Doc!"  Ruby Mae giggled nervously.

"Ruby Mae, Doctor MacNeill and I are just friends, you know that."  Christy 
reproached the young girl in her best teacher voice.

Thankfully, at that moment the guests began to arrive.  The Spencer's were 
the first to arrive, carrying two of Fairlight's best sweet potato pies and a 
jar of honey.  The Allen's followed next with pans of corn bread and Rob 
slipped away to join Ruby Mae in conversation by the Christmas tree.  
Finally, it seemed the whole cove was there, except Dr. MacNeill.  Christy 
stood waiting at the window hoping to catch a glimpse of his horse riding 
into the yard.

"Waiting for me?"  Neil slipped up behind her and whispered in her ear.



"No, not at all.  I was waiting for Saint Nicholas, himself."  Christy teased 
back.  "How is it you always manage to sneak up on me?"

"As I've said before, these eyes are trained for observation.  What better 
ways to take note of the lovely new dress your wearing that just happens to 
be a perfect match for your eyes."  Neil smiled down at her and took her hand.

"Thank you, Neil."  Christy was pleased he had noticed the new dress.  
"You're looking rather handsome yourself."  He had obviously taken special 
pains with his appearance tonight as well.  Not only was he wearing his best 
suit but he had gone to the trouble of wearing a tie as well.

"I understand that Fairlight has brought her sweet potato pies tonight."  
Neil again smiled a beautiful smile that always seemed to stop Christy's 
heart for a moment.

"She did, and I know just where they are hiding."  Christy laughed, feeling 
joyous and relaxed.

"Shall we find them, or do I have to beg?"

After the residents and guests of the mission house had eaten their fill, Jeb 
tuned up his fiddle and announced the first dance.  John Spencer joined in 
with his harmonica and the jollification had officially begun.  Neil and 
Christy had danced several dances when the sweet strains of "Down in the 
Valley" began.  Neil pulled Christy closer to him as they waltzed ever so 
slowly.  

"I have always loved this song."  Neil said to softly to Christy as he 
whirled her gently in the circle with the other dancers.  As Christy and Neil 
neared the fireplace mantle, the fiddle stopped.  The other dancers turned 
toward Christy and Neil, expectantly.  During the dancing a piece of 
Mistletoe had been hung up above the mantle.

"Oh, Miz Christy.  You and Doc's done been stopped under the mistletoe."  
Ruby Mae squealed with delight.

Neil gazed deep into Christy's eyes.  He could see the nervousness and 
embarrassment there, but he also saw something else.  Was it willingness?  
"It is tradition, lass."  His statement was more of a question.

"Did you know this was coming?"  Christy could help but wonder what his 
kisses would be like.  She was shocked that this thought would even cross her 
mind.

"I did." He smiled at her. 

Neil pulled her even closer to him and he leaned his head down toward hers.  
Christy felt her heart leap in her chest and roll over as he face neared 
hers.  Neil looked once more in her eyes, unspoken promises rolled in his 
head.  Very carefully he placed his lips against her cheek and held them 
there for only a moment before pulling away.  

"Ah, Doc.  That twern't no kinda kiss."  Tom McHone called out above the 
noise.

"Aye, Tom, but it will have to do."  The fiddle started again and Neil 
couldn't help but smile at the look of confusion on Christy's face.  "It will 
have to do…for now."  He whispered quietly in her ear before pulling her back 
into the waltz.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 15
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Christy and Neil had a very good time at the Christmas party…even 
though she is still perplexed that Neil didn't kiss her under the mistletoe.


March 1914

Spring had come to Cutter Gap in a whirl of fresh snow and crocus flowers.  
The snows had melted away from all but the highest peaks and the ice had 
loosened its hold on the river, allowing it to run free and easy.  Christy 
also felt that she had been set free of the winter's icy grasp and watch with 
childish joy as each new flower lifted it's petal's to the warmth offered by 
the spring sun.  School was out, again, for the families to begin preparing 
their fields for seeding.  Usually Christy was saddened by the school breaks, 
but this time she was overjoyed by the break.  There were so many things she 
needed to accomplish before her weeklong trip to Asheville to visit her 
family.  Her first order of business, she declared to herself while she tied 
a kerchief over her single braid, was to give the school a proper cleaning.  
Armed with buckets and brushes and soap and mop, she strode out to the 
schoolhouse like a warrior ready to do battle.  She giggled to herself, 
imagining sword in hand as she wiped out the evil scourge of the cobweb.  The 
morning fairly flew by her as she hummed her favorite tunes and practiced the 
one's that Aunt Hattie had been teaching her.  As she mopped the floor she 
couldn't help but remember her and Neil dancing together on Christmas Eve.  
What a wonderful time she had been blessed with.  She waltzed with the mop 
across the floor humming "Down in the Valley" remembering the gentle embrace 
he held her in, the soft, ticklish words he whispered in her ear and his 
warm, manly scent of horse, tobacco and saddle soap.  So completely lost in 
her daydream was she; that she didn't hear the creaking of the porch steps.  

Neil watched in rapt fascination at her impromptu waltz across the 
schoolhouse floor.  He smiled to himself as he recognized the tune she 
hummed.  Lord how I love her.  I would give anything…  He stopped suddenly, 
was he praying, did he know how to pray, and did he have the right?  Neil 
smiled to himself, praying didn't seem so bad; actually, it felt very, very 
good.  He felt warmth spread across him and he was comforted by it.  Is this 
what Christy felt when she talked to God?  What was it his mother used to say 
to him about his desire to take care of people? "God knows the desires of 
your heart."  Was it pure chance those doctor's had found his cabin and chose 
him to guide them on their hunting trip?  Could it be there was something or 
someone in control of his life?  Well, God, I'm not sure I believe that you 
are up there, but if you are I don't have the right to ask for anything.  But 
if it's true, and you know the desire of my heart?  Neil paused in his 
prayer, shocked at the flood of peace and comfort that came from seemingly 
nowhere, he felt something tiny and wonderful, like a crocus bulb pushing 
it's way through the soil, open up in the most secret place of his heart.  He 
quickly slipped around the corner of the door and leaned his back against the 
wall.  His breath caught in his throat at the shear power and love he felt 
course through his body.  He looked up into the sky, half afraid of a 
lightening bolt coursing through the sky down to strike him dead and half 
afraid that he would see an angel standing near him.  He shook his head at 
the weight of the experience, so heavy that he felt he might buckle his knees 
and fall to the ground and so light that he felt he could take wing.  A tear 
rolled slowly down his cheek and he didn't move to stop it.  God, maybe 
Christy is right, maybe you are there.  If you are real and if you are 
involved in my life; show me.  I may be wrong to ask you to prove your 
existence, but I don't know any other way.

Christy stepped outside to empty her mop bucket and ran right into the chest 
of Dr. MacNeill.  Startled, she lost her balance managing the heavy bucket.  
He wrapped his arms around her to steady her, locking her in a gentle embrace.

"Neil!  What are you doing lurking around out here?"  Surprising herself she 
didn't immediately pull away, somehow she felt like she belonged here.

Neil bent down and took the heavy bucket from her, he slipped his hand into 
hers and led her to the side of the schoolyard and emptied the soapy, dirty 
water.  "I was just stopping by to see if you might join me for a walk on 
this beautiful spring day."

"My goodness, what brought on your cheery mood today!"  Christy smiled at 
him, teasing him.  The usually brooding doctor had actually been in a very 
good mood for months.

"In the spring a young man's fancy turns to…"  He paused as he quoted the 
often spoken saying.

"Yes, Doctor?"  Christy smiled up at him questioningly.  

"In the spring a young man's fancy turns to fried chicken, Miss Huddleston."  
Neil smiled down at her, his eyes displaying that a meal was the last thing 
on his mind.  "I was hoping that a walk might tempt you to ask me to stay for 
dinner."

"Well, of course."  Christy felt somewhat disappointed but she wasn't sure 
why.  Or maybe she did?  Maybe she wanted his words to reflect what her eyes 
did?  "You are always welcome to dinner."

"To dinner, Miss Huddleston?"  Neil questioned her playfully and stepped 
towards her.  A million scenes were playing across his mind, each with a 
different outcome.  Do I dare?  Neil leaned in closer, his face only inches 
from hers.  He looked into her eyes and saw no resistance.  The desires of my 
heart, he whispered to himself.  

"Doc MacNeill, Doc MacNeill!"  Christy stepped back and Neil let loose of her 
hand as John Spencer came running down the trail as though his life depended 
on it.  

"What is it, John?"  Neil ran to meet him and placed a steady hand on John's 
shoulder.  

"It's Zady."  He was breathing hard doing his best to speak calmly, his chest 
aching from the exertion.  "Bad accident…at the cabin."

"I'll saddle Prince and take John back home."  Christy ran down and grabbed 
John's hand and they ran to the barn.  Neil grabbed Charlie's reins and 
mounted the horse in a leap and raced down the trail toward the Spencer cabin.

Christy and John ran into the barn and began saddling Prince.  The doctor 
safely on the trail, John crumbled at Christy's feet and began to weep.  

"John, come one, I need you to mount up."  Christy shook him slightly and 
hugged him fiercely.  

"Miz Christy, Zady…she's all mangled.  She's dyin', Miz Christy."  John wept 
against her shoulder and trembled as they both whispered prayers to God.

  


Part/Chapter: Chapter 16
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Neil and Christy have been called to the Spencer cabin for an 
accident involving Zady.

Jeb Spencer, pacing nervously on the porch, met Neil at the door; Neil 
noticed immediately the tears that were running down his cheeks.  "How bad is 
it, Jeb?"  

"We's been clearin' our land out in the back lot, tryin' to get some extra 
crop space.  A boulder dislodged and…."  He couldn't go on, he sank onto the 
porch steps, and his body unable to bear the scene his mind was replaying.

Neil made his way into the cabin.  He immediately noticed the pots of water 
set to boil on the stove.  Fairlight was obviously thinking ahead.  In a 
moment he stood at Zady's bedside.  His stomach lurched in protest at the 
horribly deformed body of the little girl.  The bones in her right leg had 
been broken in several places and stuck out at odd angles, piercing the 
tender skin.  It will have to come off; I can't fix that, the doctor thought 
silently to himself.  Her left leg was only slightly less damaged, but 
salvageable.  He lifted up her shirt, noticing the swelling and rigidity of 
her abdomen.  "Fairlight, I need you to lay a fresh sheet out on the table.  
Is that water boiling for me?"  He spoke as he took her vital signs.  
Thankfully the young girl was unconscious and not in any pain, he thought to 
himself, if there is anything in this situation to be thankful for.

"Yes."  Was Fairlight's only response as she moved quickly to do his bidding. 
 

Christy arrived with John, just as the doctor was setting his instruments to 
boil.  She rushed into the cabin, saw the flurry of activity and began 
rolling up her own sleeves.

"How bad?"  She questioned shortly as she began washing her hands.

"I'm gonna need your help, Christy, it's very bad."  Neil cast a sideways 
glance at her hoping she could do this.

Christy continued preparing Zady for the surgery.  Her first look at the 
young girl now a tangle of broken bones and torn flesh almost sent her 
running for the outhouse.  Stealing herself to the task ahead she whispered a 
prayer and continued.

The pair worked quickly while the rest of the family waited on the front 
porch.  Entering her abdomen smoothly and quickly he was shocked she was 
still breathing.  There was so much blood and so much damage.  Her spleen had 
ruptured; the broken ribs had lacerated her liver.  Zady's lower bowel had 
been torn in to and spread it's disease carrying contents throughout the rest 
of her abdomen.  Christy and Neil were silent as they worked.  Despite 
Christy's terror, she felt a presence in the room, following her instinct she 
handed Neil instruments that he didn't even ask for; and somehow, every 
instrument was exactly what he needed.  In two hours he had stopped the 
bleeding and cleaned her abdominal cavity.  He then began the arduous task of 
removing her right leg.  He didn't bother with the left leg, it was a clean 
break to the lower leg, and he could set it when she was stronger.  Christy 
cleaned up in silence, while Neil monitored his patient, now tucked gently in 
her own bed.  Christy went out onto the porch, to join the Spencer's.  She 
held Fairlight's hand and waited for Neil to return with news.  The family 
bowed their heads together, praying, that somehow God would spare their 
daughter.  They prayed even more for strength if the Almighty chose not to.

"Jeb, Fairlight."  Neil stepped out onto the porch and lit his pipe.  His 
mind was turmoil and his heart was weeping.  "You may go in and sit with her 
now.  She is still alive, I don't know how.  I've done all that I can."

"She's in God's hands, Doc.  We thank ya' for doin' your best."  Jeb laid his 
hand on Neil's shoulders.  He reached down and took his wife's hands in his 
own and led her and the children to begin the deathwatch.

"She won't make it, Christy."  Neil whispered to her when they were alone.

"I know, Neil.  Somehow I know."  Christy laid her head against his shoulder 
but she did not weep.  The presence she had felt through the surgery was 
still real and tangible around her.

"You were remarkable."  He spoke distantly as he puffed on his pipe.  "How 
did you know to pass me the right instruments without me even speaking to 
you?"  His curiosity was over flowing, he had never seen anyone more capable, 
except Alice.

"You won't believe me."  Christy lifted her head and shook it slightly.  
"There was a presence in the room, it seemed to guide my hands, and yours."

"I believe you, Christy."  He did believe her.  He had felt something too.  
Something remarkable; but it didn't change the fact that Zady was going to 
die.

"Neil, Christy.  Zady's awake."  John stepped out onto the porch and the pair 
dashed to her side.  Much to Neil's dismay her vital signs were stabilizing, 
though still not good.

"Mama."  Zady spoke in a whisper.

"I'm here child, I'm here."  Fairlight smothered her daughter's hair away 
from her face.

"Have you ever seen an angel?"  Zady questioned, a sweet light in her eyes 
that spread to her face.

"No child, I haven't."  Fairlight looked at the Doctor, questions looming in 
her eyes.

"I hurt, mama, so bad.  But I see an angel."  Zady's voice was excited, 
despite the hoarseness of it.

"What does the angel want, love?"  Tears streamed down Fairlight's cheeks.

"He wants me to take his hand, he's so purty and light."  Zady was staring at 
something unseen.  "I hurt mama."

"You go on, child."  Fairlight spoke in a whisper, tears running down her 
face, coating her collar.  "Take his hand."

"I love you and Daddy and the others.  But I hurt mama, I don't wanna hurt no 
more."  Zady's words were sad but her countenance glowed.

"Take his hand, child…we love you too.  Go on, you won't hurt anymore."  Jeb 
laid his hand over his wife and daughters.

"No, Zady."  Neil stepped up beside her, his voice a whisper.  Christy caught 
him by the arm.  Tears flowed down her face.

"Let her, Neil.  It's the presence, it was an angel."  Christy whispered in 
his ear.

"It's time, Neil."  Fairlight smiled at him, a smile filled with love and joy.

Zady reached out her hand to the wall that to her did not exist.  "Mama, 
Daddy.  I don't hurt no more."  Zady cried out with joy in her face and her 
breathing stopped.

Neil stepped forward prepared to do what ever he could to stop this, to bring 
her back.  He was restrained about the shoulders by Jeb gentle hands on him.  
 "She's be gone, Neil."  A strange happiness emanated from him.  "Thank God 
that she could see her angel coming to take my Zady on ta heaven.  She ain't 
sufferin' no more."

Neil was in disbelief at the joy in the room.  He tore himself from them and 
out into the path.  He ran blindly into the woods until he was exhausted.  He 
fell to his knees and raised his fist to heaven.  "How dare you!  How dare 
you!  Is this punishment!  Is this your way of showing me you are real!!"  
Only hours ago he had begun to believe in Christy's God, that his love and 
gentleness could be real.  Now he believed that there was a God.  A harsh and 
uncaring creature bent on the destruction of those who believed in him most.  
"I reject you.  I will spend the rest of my life fighting you, fighting the 
death you bring.  Strike me down, great almighty!"  He spoke with sarcasm.  
"Strike me down and show me the power that you supposedly wield over us!"  
Neil curled up into a ball and cried.  He had true faith that God would 
answer this prayer.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 17
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Zady Spencer has died as a result of a boulder sliding down a hill 
and landing on her.


Jeb and John spent the rest of the day working on a coffin for their beloved 
Zady while Christy and Fairlight prepared the body.  Despite the moroseness 
of the situation and the tragedy that had occurred, the diligent work was 
lightened with joy.  Joy that Zady was out of pain, joy that she had seen the 
angel come for her and joy that everyone in the room knew the angel was 
there.  Christy lovingly braided Zady's long dark hair and tied the end with 
her own hair ribbon while Fairlight washed and dressed her and put her in her 
best dress wrapped in one of Fairlight's beautiful quilts.  

"I can't thank ya enough, Miz Christy, for bein' here to holp me with this."  
Fairlight hugged her friend closely as they looked at the empty shell that 
was the oldest Spencer girl.  

"It's my pleasure, Fairlight.  I can't tell you how sorry I am that this has 
happened."  Christy brushed away a few errant tears.

"I'm sorrowin' a heap at the loss of my daughter.  She was a joy and comfort 
to me, to be assured.  But I'se also happy, happy that the Lord saw fit for 
me to tell her I loved her one more time and that he sent his angel to gather 
my baby."  There was a joy in Fairlight's eyes and softness in her voice like 
none that Christy had ever seen before.  It brought her comfort and it 
brought her peace.  


Neil returned to his cabin and threw his saddlebags on the table.  He had 
grabbed a jug of moonshine and pulled out the cork, throwing it violently 
into the fireplace.  He allowed all of the pain and anguish of the day to be 
pushed away from his heart and mind as the sweet brew filled his stomach and 
made his body feel warm.  Thankful for the peace the illegal liquor brought 
him, he continued to empty the jug until the room became blurry around him 
and he had swallowed the last drop.  Staggering his way up the stairs he laid 
down on his bed pulled the coverlet over him and sank into grateful oblivion. 
 He didn't want to think, he didn't want to feel and he didn't want to 
remember.

"Doc MacNeill, Doc MacNeill" he could hear his voice being called over and 
over.  "Ya gotta wake up and talk ta me, Doc."

"Zady, what is it child."  Neil turned slightly in his bed, he was surprised 
that he hadn't heard the door open and close, she must have entered so 
softly.  Now, fully awake, he sat up on the bed and stared at her.  His mind 
recollecting the events of the day, he shook his clouded brain.  "Zady?  It 
can't be?"

"It is Doc, it's me all right."  Zady stepped closer to him so he could see 
her in the light that shone through his window.  "I'se be needin' to talk to 
ya."

Neil trembled visibly.  He didn't believe in spirits of the dead returning, 
he didn't believe in the stories of the haints that were rumored to roam the 
cove.  "What is it, child?"

"You be sorrowin' somethin' terrible over my dyin' and all, and I didn't want 
you to be sad.  I'se come to tell ya that God heard your prayin' about the 
desires of your heart and he wants them ta come true."  Zady smiled at him 
and a glow seemed to come from all around her.  "He also heard ya prayin' all 
angry like about my dyin' and that it were some kinda punishment, but it 
ain't true.  He loves ya somethin' powerful, Doc."

His trembling had become panic and Neil pulled himself into a tight ball at 
the head of the bed.  "The moonshine, he whispered to himself, it has to be 
the moonshine.  Zady is dead, she couldn't possibly be hear or know what I 
said to God."

"Naw, Doc.  It ain't the moonshine you drank."  Zady laughed at him sweetly.  
"God knows all your thoughts, and he said that I could come to ya to tell ya."

"Tell me what, Zady."  Neil was curious, surely this had to be the moonshine, 
he'd have to ask Bird's Eye what he put in that batch.

"That God, he loves ya, loves ya so much.  He has plans for you, and for Miz 
Christy, but I can't tell ya none o' them.  And that ya shouldn't be 
sorrowin' about my death.  I'm glad to be in heaven, I wouldn't come back for 
nuthin'.  This here place is a far site more beautiful than even the cove.  
So don't ya be sorrowin' none for me.  Ya promise?"

"Yes, Zady.  I promise."  Neil looked at her, she seemed so real, so flesh 
and bone, but the last time he had seen Zady her body had been broken and he 
had removed her leg.  

Neil sat up in bed so fast that he banged his head on the headboard, clearing 
some of the mush that his brain had become.  It was a dream, just a dream he 
sighed to himself, shaking.  He lay awake wondering.


Fairlight heard her daughter's gentle call and sat up in bed immediately.  
"I'm here Zady."  

"Mama!  I came here to tell ya that ya have gotta go see Doc, he's a sorrow' 
somethin' awful about my passin'."  Zady spoke with urgency.

"I will child, first thing in the mornin'."  Fairlight was accustomed to 
having visions, and she listened intently to her daughter that had died only 
hours earlier.

"No mama, now!"  Zady was adamant.  "I been there, he will need to talk to 
ya."  Zady spoke with wisdom beyond what she had in her earthly life.  "And 
mama, I can't wait for you to see what heaven is like, this here place is a 
far site more beautiful than even the cove."

Fairlight sat up in bed; she smiled joyously at the vision that she believed 
God had seen fit to give her.  She jumped out of bed, dressed and walked 
toward the doctor's cabin even though the sun was just beginning to rise.



"Doc MacNeill, it's me, Fairlight."  Fairlight pounded on the door.  A very 
stunned Neil opened it and stared at her.

"Fairlight, is everything all right?"  

"Yes, it is.  My Zady, she come to me in my dreams just now."  Fairlight 
spoke hesitantly awaiting her friend's reaction.  "She said that you'd be 
needin' to see me."

"Fairlight, I'm sorry, I don't believe in dreams."  Neil squirmed where he 
stood and averted his eyes.  Was it possible that Zady was not a dream?  No, 
it had to be a dream, brought on by the sadness of her death.

"Ya need to be believin' in this dream, Neil MacNeill!"  Fairlight was stern 
in the sweet motherly way that Neil so enjoyed about her and their 
friendship.  "Just like ya need to be believin' in my Zady's angel."

"Fairlight."  He spoke hesitantly, he knew that she place great store by her 
dreams and he didn't want to hurt her.  There was a perfectly logical and 
scientific explanation for what Zady saw, but how would he explain it.  "When 
a person dies, the brain is deprived of oxygen."  He paused to see that she 
understood him.  "That causes people to see things that aren't there.  Do you 
see what I am saying?"  

"All I can see is that you are wantin' to use your book larnin' to push aside 
the gift that the Almighty done see fit to give us."  Fairlight's words were 
harsh, but the gentle touch of her hands on his told him that she wanted him 
to believe, to trust in God, and to understand things with his heart.

"The gift, Fairlight?  How can you believe that God cares for you and your 
family and then allows a boulder to roll down a hillside and crush your 
daughter?"  Neil was becoming furious and he paced trying to keep his anger 
inside.

"I don't know why God see'd fit to take Zady.  But I don't reckon that the 
knowin'  the why and where for would make the grievin' any less hard."  
Fairlight stepped in front of his pacing to stop him in his tracks.  "But the 
angel comin' to take my Zady, and her bein' awake when it happened.  Then my 
baby a comin' ta me tonight.  That be the gift, Neil!"  

Her hands on his upper arms shook him gently.  Neil was shocked to see the 
sweet glow that seemed to radiate from her very soul.  His eyes seemed to be 
turned inside his own heart, there was no light there, only dark and cold and 
barren.  Neil was moved to tears of his own, only where hers seemed to 
reflect her peace, his were a mirror of the darkness he harbored.  "How can 
you be so happy?  How can you know that Zady wasn't just a dream?  She seemed 
so happy and her body was whole and she seemed to glow from within, just like 
you are now.  How can you be so sure?"

"Neil, how do you be knowin' what Zady looked like in my dream?"  Fairlight 
was taken aback.

Neil knew that he had said to much, that now he would have to tell her the 
truth about Zady's visit.  Maybe Fairlight could answer his questions.  "I 
had a dream about Zady too.  She told me not to be sad and that..."  Neil 
paused and was almost knocked over with surprise when Fairlight finished with 
him.  "This here place is a far site more beautiful than even the cove."  

Doctor MacNeill and Fairlight stared at one another in silence.  A million 
questions raced around in his head and he could feel his heart being squeezed 
with desire to know what had happened to him tonight.  

Fairlight could see the confusion in his eyes and almost read the whirl of 
thoughts.  She prayed silently to God to open his heart to the hearin'…Lord, 
I knows that you be the one answer to all a his questions.  Please let me 
have tha words.

Neil could feel the warmth and peace attempting to enter his heart and mind.  
Is she praying for me, God?  She must be, because this is how I felt when I 
tried to pray.  He remembered the prayer that he had spoken in anger to her 
God, the God… Strike me down and show me the power that you supposedly wield 
over us!  He knew somehow, that God would answer that prayer, but this is not 
what he expected.  He had to admit that he had been struck down, not with the 
anger that God should have used against him, but with the gentle spirit of 
Fairlight.  It wasn't the anger and vengeance that Neil had expected to see, 
but love that seemed to come from heaven.  Unconditional, all consuming and 
all forgiving love that Fairlight's eyes were reflecting to him.  Somehow he 
understood that this love did not come from her at all.  Is this the power 
that you intend to show me as an answer to my prayer?  I don't deserve it; I 
should be dead where I stand.  Please help me to believe, God.  Neil's prayer 
slipped into his soul and up to the loving Father, he could feel the despair 
and self hatred begin to release, somehow, someway.  So wondrous was the 
feeling that the prayer left his heart and became real on his lips.  "Please, 
God, help me to believe!  Fairlight, show me how to believe!"  Neil slipped 
to his knees in front of the fireplace and Fairlight knelt beside him, 
thanking God that both of their prayers were being answered.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 18
Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Summary:  Neil and Fairlight have both had dreams of Zady.  Fairlight is in 
Neil's cabin and they are talking about God.

Fairlight and Neil spent the rest of the night praying and talking in turn.  
Fairlight could see the changes in his physical appearance reflecting his 
heart.  The deep lines on his face seemed to soften and his eyes began to 
radiate the inner warmth that could only come from the love of God.

"Fairlight, I believe now and I accept Christ into my life, but I still have 
a question."  Neil asked her pensively.  "The people in these mountains 
believe in a harsh God who punishes them for their wrong doings.  My parents, 
your family, Christy and Alice believe in a loving Father.  How can he be 
both?"

"Neil, I remember your daddy, he was a real good man.  If you was hungry and 
ya asked him for somethin' ta eat, he gave it to ya.  Now what ya may have 
been a hopin' for butterscotch candy but what he give to ya was bread and 
cheese.  The bread and cheese were better for ya.  God, he be the same as a 
good daddy, he gives us what we need and what is good fer us."  Fairlight 
stood up and began making some coffee as she continued.  "I don't know why 
God see'd fit to take my Zady, but the Bible says that we see through a glass 
darkly.  I asked Miz Christy about the meanin' of that.  She said that it's 
kinda like my starry lookout.  When it gets dirty I can't see the sky so 
clear.  I gotta go clean it up to see better.  I reckon the workin's of God 
are the same way.  We gotta ask God to make things more clear like for us and 
ta realize that things that happen are for my good.  Ta do that