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 we just gotta 
trust him."

"How do I learn to trust?"  Neil remembered his mother reading about the dark 
glass, Fairlight's words were very clear to him but how one learned to trust 
in something he couldn't see.

"I remember when your pa taught ya and me to fish in the river.  Ya had to 
walk out there with him and ya didn't want to fall down and get sweeped away. 
 So he stood behind ya and held tight to ya shoulder while you cast out.  Ya 
weren't worried about fallin' and just fished.  God is like a really good pa, 
he ain't gonna let ya fall and by trustin' in him ya can just fish!"

Neil remembered that day and how afraid he had been.  He had just learned to 
swim and wasn't very good at it.  In his mind's eye he could see them, 
standing in the current, his father's hand on his shoulder as he guided the 
fly across the water.  His mind turned to Christy, how he had done the same 
with her.  He could see the trust in her eyes as he held her back against him 
and showed her the joys of fishing.  There was no way he would have let her 
slip or fall.  He was always ready in case she needed his help.  He wasn't 
just taking care of her because she was there, but because he loved her.  His 
heart filled with the knowledge that the power that God wields is in his 
absolute love, not in punishment.  Neil felt tears slip down his cheeks 
again.  "Thank you, Fairlight.  I think that I am beginning to understand.  
Just yesterday I was so angry at God, I yelled and cursed him."

"I think it's fine and fittin' to tell God when ya are angry and what is 
botherin' ya.  He knows what's in yer heart anyhow, so by tellin' him he can 
really help ya.  I was just tellin' him last night how much I'se hurtin' how 
angry I was that the rains we done had caused that boulder to slip loose and 
that it just didn't seem fair that he'd take my Zady."  Fairlight remembered 
her pleas to God to take away the hurt and anger.  "But I remembered that God 
had some plannin' goin' on that I didn't know nuthin' about.  That the 
understandin' couldn't make the sorrowin' any easier.  I just had to see that 
somethin' good comes even outta somethin' terrible."

"I'm sorry, Fairlight, but I can't see the good in Zady's death."  Neil still 
struggled, his scientific mind fighting with what was a tragedy and where the 
good could be found.

"Now don't be takin' this the wrong way, but I'se seein' some good already."  
Fairlight poured him a cup of coffee and touched his hand.  "You comin' to 
see the love of God and the savin' that Jesus has givin' ya is a heap of joy!"

Neil was taken a back for a moment.  What was she saying?  Did God take Zady 
just so he would find God?  "You don't think.."

"No, Neil.  God didn't take my Zady to make you see the truth.  I've had my 
dreams about you comin' to the fold and I've had me dreams about the good 
God's got planned for ya."  Fairlight's heart was full as she thought about 
them.  "God knows about the desires of your heart, he's a lovin' father that 
wants only good for ya."

Neil and Fairlight were both interrupted by a knock at the door.  Opening the 
door he found Christy, tears running down her face and shivering slightly in 
the chill of the early spring morning.  He ushered her in beside the fire, 
fear clutching his heart and sat her down on a chair and wrapped a blanket 
around her.  "Christy, please tell me what's wrong."  He rubbed her arms 
trying to warm her.

"I'm okay, just cold."  Christy unclenched her chattering teeth.  She was so 
excited to get to Neil's cabin that she hadn't thought to grab a warmer wrap. 
 She looked in Fairlight's eyes and saw the look of peace and joy.  
Fairlight's presence here in the cabin only confirmed her feelings that she 
had to come immediately.  Fairlight handed her a cup of coffee and she warmed 
her hands on it before taking a sip.

"What in the blue blazes are you doing running around without a proper coat." 
 His words were soft, his eyes smiled at her and she could see the 
transformation that had occurred despite his worry over her health.

"I was praying this morning and reading my Bible like I always do when I 
first get up."  Christy explained in a rush with the enthusiasm in her voice 
that always made Neil smile.  "You came on my heart so hard and I felt that I 
needed to be with you, right now.  That I needed to talk to you this very 
minute.  I was so excited that I guess I forgot how cold the mountain 
mornings are."

Fairlight smiled and slipped out the door.  She knew that Neil had many 
things to tell Christy and didn't want to be in the way.  Her prayers were 
lifted up to God as she walked home and she danced down the path in the 
woods, her body unable to contain the joy in her heart.  As she turned in a 
circle on the path she lifted her hands to God and cried out loud to the tree 
tops and to the heavens, "Thank ya for the joy, thank ya for letting me see 
the good!  Thank ya for your lovin' me and fer showin' Neil yer love fer him. 
 Mostly, thank ya for the lovin' that Christy and Neil are havin' for 
eachother!!"  With a giggle and a skip she bounced as if on air all the way 
home.  She was seeing the knowing that God had given her played out before 
her eyes.  The words of the twenty-third Psalm ran through her head and her 
heart, for truly her cup was overflowing.  


Once Christy was warmer Neil sat on the hearth and took her hand gently.  He 
stared into her eyes; they were so full of love and concern.  He told her 
about the amazing events of the morning, how Zady had come to him in a dream 
and how Fairlight had seen the same dream.  He told her how he had knelt down 
and released his heart and soul to God and of the peace and comfort he felt.  
That he was trying to learn to trust God and how he truly and wholly 
believed.  "Then, while Fairlight and I were talking I started thinking about 
you.  No sooner did I wish that you were here; you walked through the door.  
When you said that you were praying and just had to come, I knew.  I suddenly 
understood so much.  I knew that God had sent you here just because I wanted 
to tell you and see you."  He was speaking in a rush not thinking about the 
words but just about the feelings.  "Fairlight said that God knew the desires 
of my heart and then the person that I love most in the world was standing at 
my door."  Neil stopped suddenly, in his joy he realized that he had perhaps 
opened more of his heart than he had intended.  Surely he should not have 
said that he loved her, he chastised himself, he waited looked down and 
intently studied his boots waiting for her to reject or accept his statement. 
 The silence was maddening to him and it seemed to last forever.  Suddenly he 
was nearly knocked over by her leap from the chair as she wrapped her arms 
around his shoulders and cried against his chest.

"Oh, Neil.  I have prayed and prayed that you would find God.  God does know 
the desire of the heart, he has just answered two of mine in a single 
sentence."  She revealed in the feeling of his arm laying protectively about 
her shoulders.

Neil wasn't sure how to take this.  Did she think that his statement of love 
was about friendship?  Were her only prayers regarding him about his 
salvation? There were too many unanswered questions for him not to ask the 
most important one, he pulled away from her slightly and lifted her chin so 
he could see her eyes.  "What were your desires?"

"That you would find God in your heart and believe in him."  Christy brushed 
the lock of hair away that had fallen against his forehead.  "And that you 
might possibly love me as much as I love you.  Did you really mean it when 
you said that I was the person you loved most in the world?"

Once again Neil felt tears spilling from his eyes.  He felt his heart swell 
and burst with all of the love inside of him.  "Yes, Christy.  I love you, 
I've loved you since I first met you."  He brushed his lips across her 
forehead as he spoke.  "I want you to be…"  He wanted to say wife, but 
somehow he just didn't feel that it was time.  "I want to be more than your 
friend.  I want to court you.  Please say yes."

Christy heard the hesitation in his question.  Did he want to say something 
more and then change his mind?  She didn't care, not now.  "Yes, Neil."  She 
looked up into his eyes and saw the love there, not just his love for her but 
also the love he had found for God.  

Neil pulled her closer to him again and gazed down into her tear filled eyes, 
searching for acceptance, searching for permission.  He found it full and 
rich and more real than he had ever dreamed or wished.  He brought his hand 
to her cheek and ran his thumb slowly across her lips.  Caressing her cheek 
he gently brought his lips to hers and paused just above them where he could 
see every aspect of her eyes.  "Please say yes."  He whispered.  Christy's 
voice caught in her throat and she was unable to answer.  The realization 
that he loved and respected her so deeply that he wouldn't kiss her without 
her approval caused her heart to flip over and stop.  "Yes."  She whispered.  
"Yes."  He brought his lips to meet hers and their hearts soared.  He held 
them for only a moment before he pulled away and wrapped her in his arms and 
held her close.  He laid his chin gently on her head and breathed in the 
scent of roses on her hair.  Tears of joy ran down his cheeks as he prayed 
with all of his heart:  Thank you, Father.  Make me worthy, show me the way, 
I want to be a Godly man worthy of her love.  I need your help to know what 
to do to honor this gift you have given me.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 19
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:  In chapter 18 Neil has found God with the help of Fairlight.  
Christy and Neil have confessed their love for one another and they shared 
their first kiss.  Wow, that was a whole lot in one chapter wasn't it?!   [;-)]    Christy rode in front of Neil on the way back to the mission house.  She 
leaned comfortably against his broad chest and breathed deep of the morning 
air.  Her mind turned to the fast approaching spring and the fact that God's 
plan of renewal was present everywhere.  Her sadness at the terrible death of 
Zady Spencer was lessened by the peace and comfort that only a loving Father 
could bring.  

"Look, Christy.  Alice must be back from Low Gap."  Neil pointed to the fact 
that her horse was in the stable.

"Oh, Neil.  She has no idea about Zady."  Christy thought about the terrible 
news they would have to tell her.  She was also reminded of all the good 
things that had happened since then.  Christy spotted her standing in the 
dogtrot outside the bunkhouse and called to her. "Miss Alice!"  Neil lifted 
her down from the horse and held her hand for just a moment before releasing 
her.

"Miss Huddleston, Dr. MacNeill."  Alice was surprised to see them out so 
early in the morning.  

"Alice."  Neil greeted her warmly and held his hand out to her and shook it.  
Alice was taken slightly off guard by the sudden warmth between them.  She 
also noticed a marked change in his physical appearance even though his 
clothes disheveled and he had not shaved yet.

"Christy, Neil, has something happened?"  Alice could see the sadness in 
Christy's face, but there was something more there too.

The trio moved into the kitchen and poured cups of coffee before sitting at 
the table.  Christy was the first to speak.  "Miss Alice, there has been a 
terrible accident and Zady Spencer was killed yesterday.  The spring rains 
that we have been having loosened a boulder from the hill near the field on 
Jeb's property.  They were out clearing the area to prepare for planting when 
it became dislodged and rolled down the hill."  Christy's voice cracked and 
she couldn't continue.  

"It struck her."  Neil placed his hand protectively over Christy's to bring 
her comfort.  "Her legs were crushed and so was her abdomen.  We did all we 
could, but there was just too much damage."

"How are the Spencer's doing?"  Miss Alice wiped at her eyes with her 
handkerchief.  

"That is the amazing thing."  Neil smiled at her and she couldn't help but 
notice that there was a change in his heart.  "She was conscious when she 
died.  She said that she could see the angel beside her bed.  She said that 
the angel wanted her to take his hand.  When she did all pain left her face 
and her body and she was carried to heaven."

Now Alice knew that something more had happened.  "Neil, did you believe her?"

"I didn't at the time, but I do now.  Alice, this may not be the time to tell 
you this, but I have watched you and Christy and Pete very closely of late.  
Pete and I have talked a lot about God.  I have wanted what you have; I began 
to believe that God existed.  Last night, Fairlight and I both dreamed of 
Zady.  She said the same things to both of us and Fairlight came over to my 
cabin in the middle of the night to talk to me about it.  I have found God, 
very real and I have asked him to forgive me for my sins and make me a man of 
God."  Neil's voice was filled with joy at the very idea that God loved him 
that much.

"Neil, this was the perfect time for thee to tell me of thy new faith."  
Alice placed her hand on his cheek.  

"If you don't need me, I need to go and see the Spencer's and visit a couple 
of patients."  Neil squeezed Alice's hand, without letting go he stepped over 
to her and gave her a gentle hug.  "Before I go, can we pray?"  He asked 
shyly, he was beginning to really like talking to God about things.

They bowed their heads and Alice led them in a prayer of thanksgiving and 
asked for peace and comfort for Zady's family and for them all.  Neil smiled 
to himself because he knew that just as God had heard and answered his prayer 
of anger yesterday, he would answer this one as well.

"Neil."  Alice called to him as he stepped out the door.  "I would like an 
opportunity with thee."

"Yes."  Neil turned and for the first time her wanting an opportunity did not 
fill him with dread.

"More has happened with thee, and with Christy."  Alice smiled as she 
continued.  "We have fought over this in the past, but I wanted to say that I 
am filled with joy for you, and her."

"Thank you, Alice.  I can't tell you how much that means."  Neil saw 
acceptance and love for him in her eyes and he marveled again at the goodness 
of God.  "I have told Christy that I love her, and she says she feels the 
same.  I have asked if it would be all right if we were to court.  She said 
yes.  I would like your blessings on this, I respect your opinion and if you 
feel that this is wrong…"

Alice stopped Neil, raising her hand to silence him.  "Of course you have my 
blessings.  I would ask thee for thy forgiveness for the way that I behaved 
when I saw the feelings that thee had for her.  You may, however, feel free 
to use the mission phone to ask her family."

"Thank you again, Alice.  Yes, I would be obliged to use the phone to call 
her parents."  With that he moved down the steps and onto Charlie's back.

"And Neil."  Alice called after him.  "We expect to see thee for supper 
tonight."

"Sounds wonderful!"  He reined Charlie around and headed for the Spencer 
cabin.


Neil spent his time on the road talking to God.  He meant what he had prayed 
when he wanted to know what to do to honor the love that he had for Christy, 
and to be worthy.  Memories of the failure in his first marriage flooded over 
them and Neil saw it in a new light.  The marriage never should have 
happened.  More importantly he was shown that the physical relationship that 
he had with Margaret before their marriage was wrong.  Thank you, Father.  
Thank you for letting me understand and for forgiving me.  I don't want to 
marry Christy unless that is what you want.  I failed so much the first time. 
 I promise, Father, that if it is your will that Christy and I be together I 
will not allow physical desire to ruin the gift you have given me.   

"What is the desire of your heart, son?"  The voice was so real to Neil that 
he turned around in the saddle and searched for the speaker.

"A life with Christy."  Neil answered honestly and out loud.  He remembered 
his mother talking about the still, small voice that spoke to her when she 
prayed.

"Can you not see my hand in it?  I have sent her to you this morning and she 
returned her love for you."  The voice came again and Neil realized that it 
was coming from inside his own heart.  "She is the one I chose for you at the 
creation of the universe, just as I made Eve for Adam."

"Thank you, Father.  I don't feel as though I have the right to ask for 
anything and yet you give me all that I have ever wanted or hoped for.  I 
make a vow before you that I will be to her what a Christian man should be 
and I will treat her with respect and see her as a gift from you."  Neil 
spoke allowed, he figured that since he believed he was hearing God in the 
flesh, he should speak to him as though he were riding beside him.  "Riding 
beside me.  Please, Father, ride beside me today and lead me in my work.  I 
don't want to fight against your plans anymore."


Part/Chapter: Chapter 20
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 made a promise to God to honor the love that he and 
Christy have for one another.

June 1914

The past months had flown by for Christy and Neil.  They spent as much time 
as they could together and, of course, picnics after services on Sunday.  
Neil had been faithful to attend services as long as he wasn't out on a call. 
 His friendship with Pete had grown and they often spent hours together, 
reading the Bible, praying or just talking about the blessings of God.  Neil 
became such a regular at the mission that if someone needed him they often 
came to the mission first.  

Just as Neil had prayed for guidance, Christy had been seeking God for ways 
to help her help him.  Christy had discovered that God had slowly been giving 
her the means to truly be a helpmate to Neil.  Christy laughed when she 
thought of the burnt chicken and the poorly chosen phrase she had used last 
summer.  It amazed her to think that the word helpmate was not so wrong after 
all.  Both Alice and Neil had been teaching her to act as an assistant to 
Neil in surgery and on call.  The couple of times she had gone with him to do 
appendectomy's she had discovered that she was actually enjoying the fact 
that she could help.  Neil had begun to pray before each surgery.  When the 
patient was prepared and the instruments laid out he would place his hand of 
the person and pray with them for God's assistance.  Once Christy had 
administered the ether, which she had finally learned to tolerate much to her 
relief, he would always wink at her across the table and mouth 'I love you' 
before asking her for the scalpel.  Surgery was much quicker and more 
efficient with both of them working together.  

Neil watched her as she washed vegetables in the basin on the dogtrot.  The 
afternoon sun played shadow and light across her hair and the delicate plains 
of her face.  He once again fought the urge to take her in his arms and kiss 
her passionately and deeply with all of the love he had inside for her.  They 
had spoken some about David and how he seemed to never want to talk to 
Christy, but just kiss and hold hands.  He could definitely understand 
David's desire to kiss her, but he like to talk to her and share so much 
more.  He had kept his vow these many months and had limited himself to hand 
holding and sweet, gentle kisses that lasted only a moment.  There were times 
that he could feel Christy's frustration as well as his own, but it was more 
important to him to hold her forever as his wife than to steal passionate 
kisses for an hour or so.  He had spent hours in prayer, asking God for his 
timing.  He finally felt that the gift that God had given him was finally 
coming to fruition, the engagement ring nestled in it's box tucked safely in 
his breast pocket.

"Christy."  Neil asked nervously.  He was sure that she would say yes, but he 
wanted to do it just right.  He walked up behind her and planted a gentle 
kiss on her lips.

"Neil."  Christy felt him pull back, all to soon in her opinion.  She greatly 
respected the fact that he was so gentle in his affections and so cautious 
with his kisses, but she couldn't help but want more.  "To what do I owe the 
honor?"

"Would you walk with me to our log?"  Neil and Christy had a favorite log by 
the pond.  Neil like it because it was in full view of the mission windows, 
so even though they were alone, they were easily seen.  He was, after all, 
only a man, he reasoned to himself.  It was also a beautiful spot.

"Of course, I'd love to."  Christy took the towel that he offered and dried 
her hands.  After she set it aside, he offered her his hand and she slipped 
her small one comfortingly inside it.

Instead of heading toward the log, he took her up the steps to the gazebo.  
There he had laid out a table full of food and plates set for two.  To her 
surprise she also found burnt chicken and blueberry cobbler.  She looked up 
at him in surprise, their eyes met and they both laughed.  "Neil, what is 
going on here?"

"Well, love, we once had a conversation and a dance at my cabin . We never 
quite finished that conversation, if you have the time, I'd like to finish 
now."  Neil smiled at her sweetly but his eyes danced with a question.  He 
turned away and started the music.  It was the exact same song they had 
danced to briefly by the river.  "May I have this dance, Miss Huddleston?"

"Of course, Dr. MacNeill."  She giggled as he slipped his arm around her and 
they danced silently for a while.  When the song ended he led her to a chair 
and pulled it out for her and then knelt in front of her holding her hands.

"Christy."  His voice broke slightly with nervousness and anticipation.  He 
began again.  "Christy, you once told me that I needed a help mate.  I could 
not have agreed with you more.  I was crushed when you mentioned Dan Scott, 
because I loved you even then.  I have prayed over and over asking for God's 
timing and I feel that I can finally ask you this question.  Love, I care for 
you so much, when a day goes by and I don't see you and talk to you I feel 
that it was somehow wasted.  I want to protect you and honor you.  I want to 
spend my life with you.  I believe that you and I were created for one 
another just as God created Eve for Adam and Adam for Eve.  I spoke to your 
father and mother on the phone last night and.."

"Yes, Neil."  Christy answered him, tears of joy reflected in her eyes.

"Yes, what, Christy?"  Neil's breathe caught in his throat.

"I have been praying too, Neil.  The desires of our hearts are the same.  I 
want to be your wife, more than anything else in the world."  Christy put her 
hand to his face and followed by putting her lips to his.

"Really, your sure?"  Neil pulled her to carefully to her feet and wrapped 
his arms around her.  She snuggled against his chest, the sound of his rapid 
heartbeat filling her ears.

"Yes!  Can I ask you a question?"  She said with her head resting against his 
shoulder.  She felt his nod his affirmation, not trusting himself to speak.  
"It the little box in your pocket for me?"  She spoke with a giggle.

"I almost forgot!"  Neil spoke quickly as he stepped away and opened his 
pocket removing a small box covered in maroon velvet softer than anything 
Christy had ever felt.  He opened it to reveal a small, perfectly formed 
pearl with a small filigree heart on both sides.  "Do you like it?" 

"Oh, Neil!"  She cried as she looked at the dainty ring.  "It's beautiful!"

"I chose a pearl because I want you always to remember that you are of great 
worth to me, the most precious gift that God has given me next to his love 
and forgiveness.  Since you answered before I asked I'd like to try again."  
He joked lovingly and bent down before her on one knee.  "Christy Huddleston, 
will you marry me?"

"Neil MacNeill, I would be honored to be your wife.  Yes!  Yes!  Yes!"  
Christy smiled so radiantly that Neil's hands shook slightly as he slipped 
the ring onto her finger.  Christy couldn't help but notice that this time, 
with this ring, her heart was light and her soul was immersed in joy.

Part/Chapter: Chapter 21
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:  Finally, Christy and Neil are engaged!!  Sorry it took twenty 
chapters friends.

No one at the mission was surprised that evening to hear that Neil had asked 
Christy to marry him.  In fact, the response was one of relief.  Alice hugged 
both Neil and Christy both and expressed her joy.  Pete was pleased but by no 
means surprised, he and Neil had discussed the responsibilities of a Godly 
husband many times.

"So how soon do we prepare to go to Asheville, love?"  Neil smiled at Christy 
over his dinner plate.  Ruby Mae had decided to give her possum recipes a 
rest and had actually made a very nice chicken dish.

"Why would we go to Asheville?"  Christy asked all eyes were focused on her.

"Christy, what I'm asking is when should we get married?"  He had assumed 
that the wedding would be in Asheville.

"Ah, Miz Christy, you ain't gonna go and get married in Asheville, are ya.  
We could just have the purtiest and most bodacious weddin' right here!"  Ruby 
Mae never considered that she might not get to attend the wedding.

Christy quieted her.  "No, Ruby Mae, I think I would like to have the wedding 
here.  This is my home know and these people are my family.  Is that all 
right, Neil?"

"Of course it's all right!"  Neil beamed.  "I had just assumed that you would 
want to be in Asheville."

"No, I don't see why my parents can't come here.  Would you mind, Miss Alice 
if they stayed at the mission?"  Christy hadn't thought of the extra work 
boarders and a wedding would bring.

"I would be overjoyed to host thy parents and thy wedding."  She placed her 
hand over hers to reassure her.  

"Well, Pete, I guess we should ask you.  Would you be willing to perform the 
wedding?"  He laughed knowing full well what the answer would be.

"Most definitely!!  I would be honored to you and Miss Christy be the first 
knot I tie in Cutter Gap."  Pete reached his hand across the table and shook 
Neil's with vigor.

"Well, now we have a place, so how about a date?"  Neil wanted to marry her 
this very minute, but he knew that it was not proper.

"How about August 15th, that is a Saturday and should work out great.  The 
children are out of school for two weeks for a summer break and we can have a 
week to prepare and a week for…"  Christy hesitated, how should she say this 
in a polite manner?  "For ourselves."

Nobody at the table missed her sudden hesitation, including Ruby Mae.  "Miz 
Christy, don'cha mean a week for the honeymoonin'?"  Being raised in the Gap 
Ruby Mae did not understand that young girls in Asheville didn't speak that 
way, ever.

"Ruby Mae."  Alice did not miss the bright flush on her cheeks and decided to 
rescue her from further questions.  "Would thee help me to clear the table 
and then serve the coffee?"

"Yes, ma'am."  Ruby Mae knew she had done something wrong, but she wasn't 
sure what.

After they had departed to the kitchen the conversation resumed and planning 
was begun in earnest.  Christy planned to call her parents to tell them of 
their plans.  Neil had already gotten permission to marry Christy, but he 
wasn't sure how they would feel about a mountain wedding.

"Now, have you two thought about the vows?"  Pete asked each of them.  "We 
can use the standard ones or you can write your own."

Neil and Christy stared at each other across the table, in their minds each 
was thinking about the vows they would make.  They answered almost in unison, 
"We'd like to write our own."  With that the wedding plans continued on into 
the evening and almost all the planning was done when Christy called her 
parents.

"Hi, Daddy."  Christy practically squealed with delight at the sound of her 
father's voice.  "Yes, Daddy, I said yes!  I need to talk to you and mom 
about the wedding." It was frustrating for Neil only hearing the one side of 
the conversation with the long pauses in between.  "The date is August 15th, 
it's a Saturday…  Yes, mother, I know it is only eight weeks away….  No, 
mother, I don't think it is too soon….  We booked the church tonight, so it's 
not a problem….  No, that's what I want to tell you about.  We are getting 
married here in Cutter Gap….  No, mother I don't want to be married in 
Asheville….  Because I am a different person than I was when I left home, 
this is my home now and it is Neil's home… No, mother, it was my idea.  You 
can come up early and help decorate the church and make final plans… Miss 
Alice said that you would be welcome at the mission, we have plenty of 
room…You will?  You really don't mind?  Thank you, I was afraid you would be 
angry but I really want a simple wedding."  Neil breathed a sigh of relief 
and walked away from the phone.  He was just sure that her parents would not 
appreciate the idea of their little girl getting married in Cutter Gap, 
that's why he suggested Asheville right from the start.  He should have known 
that Christy would have wanted the wedding here.  Lord, let this be a lesson 
to me never to assume anything when it comes to my Christy.

"I have to go.  I love you both and I will see you on the sixth of August.  
Oh, mother, before you go, will you pick me out a wedding dress.  Something 
very simple and plain, I don't want anything fancy….  Thanks, I love you."  
Christy hung up the phone and rushed to Neil's arms.  "Well, it looks like we 
are having a wedding on the 15th of August."

He kissed her gently and then picked her up and turned her around.  "I love 
you very much, Christy Rudd Huddleston MacNeill."

  
Part/Chapter: Chapter 22
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 have decided to have their wedding in Cutter Gap.

Early August 1914


News of the coming wedding spread like wildfire across the cove.  Unbeknownst 
to Christy and Neil their budding romance had been the talk of the cove for 
nearly a year.  Everybody was excited that their doctor and their 
schoolteacher were getting married.  The women had joined into the 
festivities and had taken on the chore of providing the wedding feast while 
the men offered to hunt the game for it.  Planned on the menu was fresh 
venison and turkey, thankfully, Ruby Mae had been denied her chance to make 
Possum Surprise for the cove by the ease of obtaining tastier fare.  The 
crops were growing splendidly and the game had been abundant this year and 
the people of the cove were all well fed.  Christy's biggest surprise had 
come when she attended the weekly women's sewing circle.  Miss Alice had gone 
unexpectedly to El Pano and purchased several yards of fabric, her wedding 
gift to the couple, and the women were busily sewing quilt patches at their 
homes.  She was moved to tears as the women spread the quilt on the rack 
ready for all the women to finish the quilting together.  

"I didn't know you were working on a new quilt!"  Christy exclaimed as she 
brought out the tray of tea and cakes for the women to enjoy.

"Miz Christy, you ain't awares that when a gal member of the cove be getting 
married that we'uns have a quiltin'?"  Mary Allen questioned her.

"No, Mary, I wasn't.  What is a quilting?"  Christy had never heard of a 
quilting and wasn't exactly sure what that implied.

"Well, ma'am, a quiltin' is where we'uns all get together and make ya a quilt 
for yer new home."  Mary shook her head slightly; she loved Miz Christy and 
had never forgotten what she had done for her Little Burl.  She was surprised 
that with all of her fancy book learning and city education that the city 
women didn't do this for their girl children.

"This is for me!?"  Christy held her hand to her chest, touched that the 
women of the cove would go to such trouble.  She knew how busy their lives 
were, they must have been working on this for days to have it so nearly 
completed.  "This is just too much."

"Now, Miz Christy, you don't be worryin' about it.  In fact, you can help 
us."  Fairlight patted the chair next to her.  In exchange for the reading 
lessons that Fairlight would be forever beholdin' for she had offered to 
teach Christy how to quilt.  Christy had leapt at the chance to learn this 
beautiful art.

"It just that it seems like so much.  Neil and I have plenty of things, I 
can't help but think that some family here is more in need than us."  Christy 
looked around at the women, she knew one of them could use this fine, warm 
quilt and yet they were making it just for her and Neil.

"Miz Christy."  Aunt Hattie chimed in with her soft, sweet voice.  She spoke 
with so much love that the tears flowed down Christy's cheeks.  "When you 
come to this here cove you was a flatlander.  We don't take to kindly to 
outsiders and I spect that you know that.  But you done a right good job, 
teachin' our young'uns.  As your intendeds only kin in these here parts I 
feel that it be my time to speak on this.  I remember my quiltin' and I knows 
that you have seen the double weddin' ring quilt layin' across my bed.  Well, 
that's what this one here is, it's called a double weddin' ring.  We make 
them for the girl children in the cove upon their bethrothin'.  Ya got a kind 
and givin' heart and ain't a one of us here thinks on you as an outlander no 
more."  Christy could see the other women in the circle nodding in 
affirmation.  "I never got the chance to attend the quiltin' for my girl 
child, but I'se right proud to be makin' this for ya and to be a callin' ya 
my kin."

Christy stood up from her place and wrapped her arms around her Aunt Hattie.  
"We don't think of you as an outlander any more," her words rung in her ears 
and filled her heart.  "Thank you, Aunt Hattie.  And all of you."  Christy 
sat back down and took up her needle.

"Besides, Miz Christy, you ain't seen properly wed until this here be on your 
bed on your weddin' night."  Ruby Mae blushed as she smiled slyly at her 
teacher and beloved friend.

"That's right, Miz Christy, you gotta have this here quilt on yer bed at the 
shivaree."  Fairlight smiled knowingly at Christy's blank and confused 
expression.

"Shivaree?"  Christy questioned, she thought that she had learned all of the 
mountain customs, but the quilting and the shivaree were new to her.

"Don't ya'll have shivaree's in Asheville?  Why that's the best part of the 
whole jollification!"  Ruby Mae asked in surprise.

"No, Ruby Mae, we don't."  Christy was completely unaware of the smiles of 
the women around the quilt rack.

"Well, Miz Christy, after the marryin' and the dancin' all the married women 
in the cove take ye upstairs and once yer all ready like the men bring yer 
husband and then ya'll is properly wed."  Ruby Mae was giggling and very 
joyous that she was getting to teach her teacher all about the shivaree.  "I 
just can't wait to be shivarred." 

Christy was stunned speechless and her mouth hung open.  Before she had a 
chance to respond she heard hoof beats in the yard and she turned to see Neil 
tying his horse up the porch.

"Good morning, ladies."  Neil spoke to the group as he walked up the steps 
and placed a gentle kiss on his Aunt Hattie's weathered cheek.  "Aunt Hattie, 
I see that you ladies are doing a beautiful job on the quilt."

"Now, Neil.  You know you ain't supposed to be seein' this before the weddin' 
night!"  Aunt Hattie poked him in the ribs and laughed.  "You just go on 
outta here."

"Yes, ma'am."  He said with mock shame.  "Can I be stealing my bride to be 
for a few moments?"  He took Christy's hand and led her away from the group 
and they walked down toward the pond.  "I suppose you're angry with me for 
not explaining this custom to you."

"No, Neil, I think it is a beautiful custom."  Christy slipped her hand into 
his as they walked.  "There's only one thing that I am confused about."

"The shivaree?"  Neil looked at her with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Yes.  Ruby Mae said that the women take me upstairs and then the men bring 
you.  But I don't exactly understand to what purpose."  Christy averted her 
eyes as she felt a blush come up her cheeks, surely it didn't mean how it 
sounded.

"Well, it is a custom older than our presence here in the cove."  Neil could 
see her embarrassment.  "I'm sorry, love, I should have thought.  We've had 
some of this discussion before, remember when I said that these people were 
born knowing."

"Of course I remember.  I just didn't think that…"  Christy was getting very 
nervous.

"Hush, love.  He lifted her chin to where he could see her eyes and gently 
placed a kiss on her lips.  "Your parents will be here tomorrow and I'm sure 
your mother can answer all of your questions.  Or, you could ask the doctor." 
 Again his eyes were wicked and his smile mischievous.  

"I think I would rather ask my mother, but thank you for suggesting the 
doctor."  He was teasing her, she knew, but somehow it made her feel better, 
more relaxed.  "Now what did you really want to ask me about?"

"Ah, yes.  I spoke to Jeb and he said he would be happy to loan me his wagon. 
 I thought we could go pick up your parents together.  I hope you don't mind, 
but Rob Allen has another story to mail off for one of his writing contests 
so I invited him to go with us."  Neil knew that he could have easily given 
the letter to Ben Pentland, but it didn't seem right that he and Christy 
should be alone and unchaperoned all the way to El Pano, he had, after all 
made a promise to God.

"Yes, Neil.  That would be wonderful.  Perhaps Rob will read us his story on 
the way."  Christy glanced at him curiously.  They had spent time alone 
before their courtship, but it seemed that now he always wanted to avoid that 
situation.  It confused her but in reality she was honored by the care that 
he was taking with her reputation.  It made her feel truly respected and very 
loved, she was reminded of the chivalry of the knights in the storybooks she 
loved so much as a young girl.  "Are you coming for supper tonight?"

"I wish I could, I have some calls to make and I have got to talk to Dan 
about some patients."  Neil traced the outline of her face with his finger.  
"Dan has truly been a God sent.  He is going to cover all the calls during 
your parent's stay and our week after the wedding.  I will, however, accept a 
breakfast invitation, if you'd like to offer one before we head to El Pano."

"In that case, doctor, I would love for you to join us for breakfast."  
Christy reached up one her toes and kissed him gently before they walked back 
to the mission.

Part/Chapter: Chapter 23
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:  The women of the cove have held a quilting for Christy and Neil.  


August 6, 1914

Christy, Neil and Rob had enjoyed an uneventful ride to El Pano arriving 
early to pick up her parents.  Christy had spoken to Alice last evening, and 
Alice had confessed that she purchased the materials necessary for the quilt. 
 Christy was so pleased at the lovely quilt she decided to go ahead and pick 
up some cloth for Ruby Mae.  It would be a little while before her and Rob 
was old enough to marry, but Ruby Mae had confessed to her that they were now 
officially courting.  Normally, it was the family's responsibility to provide 
the materials, but since Ruby Mae lived at the mission Christy figured it 
would be all right to act on behalf of her family.  She had secured the 
carefully wrapped package in the wagon just as the train whistle was sounding 
loud and shrill.

"They're here!"  Christy grabbed Neil's hand and drug him excitedly across 
the platform.  

"Darlin', I know that you're excited but if you don't let up on my hand a 
little I am going to be in a cast for the wedding."  Neil winced in fake pain 
and shook his hand.

"I'm sorry."  Christy smiled up at him; she knew he wasn't really hurt just 
playing with her.  Neil bent down and laid a kiss on the bridge of her nose.

Christy scanned the crowd anxiously.  This was the day they were supposed to 
arrive but that didn't mean that she could be definite they were on the 
train.  She spotted her father helping her mother down from the train steps 
and onto the platform.  "Daddy!"  She called as she rushed headlong into the 
small crowd to greet them dragging Neil with her.

"There's my baby!"  He grabbed Christy in a bear hug and held out his hand to 
Neil.  "How are you doing, Dr. MacNeill."

"I'm fine, Mr. Huddleston, how was your trip?"  Neil replied with warm 
formality.

"Don't you think it's time to drop the formality?  This time next week we 
will all be related."  Christy teased the two men and then turned to hug and 
kiss her mother.  "Oh, mom, I am so glad to see you."

"Hello, dear.  You should see all of the wonderful things we brought from 
Asheville.  Why presents have been arriving for you and Dr. MacNeill ever 
since your engagement was announced."  Mrs. Huddleston allowed her proper 
society attitude toward openly displaying emotions to drop for a moment as 
she hugged her daughter back.

A large stack of crates and trunks was standing near by and at first Neil and 
Rob weren't sure if it would all go in the wagon, but it did.  As it turned 
out there were four crates and two trunks full of wedding and shower gifts.  
Christy was overcome by the presence of so much wealth that she felt 
embarrassed.  She dearly hoped that some of the gifts were practical and 
would be of use in a mountain community.  On the way home Mr. and Mrs. 
Huddleston sat on the wagon seat with Neil and Christy and Rob sat on trunks 
behind them.  Christy told her father about Rob's stories and Rob was pleased 
as Mr. Huddleston read story after story from Rob's tablet that he had 
carried with him.

"These are fine stories, son.  Very well written.  Have you had any luck 
publishing them yet?"  He said as he flipped through the pages of the worn 
tablet.

"No, sir.  But I have been sending them into those story writin' contests 
they have in the paper."  Rob shook his head.  He was trying very hard to 
learn to speak with the proper grammar that Miss Christy had been teaching 
him.  

"Rob, that's not the way to get your stories published.  Christy, why haven't 
you sent me some of Rob's work before, you know I have some friends are 
magazine publishers?"  

"Oh, Daddy, I never thought of that!"  Christy couldn't believe she hadn't 
thought to ask her father about Rob's stories.

"Mr. Huddleston, sir.  I couldn't be askin' you to do that, now.  I just 
couldn't be beholdin' to you."  Rob wanted so badly to get a story published, 
but he just couldn't take charity.

"Hold on there, son."  He gave a smile and slight wink to Christy, he had 
read in her letters of how these people won't take charity, even in the form 
of friendship.  "I'm not talking about charity, no sir, I'm talking about a 
business deal."

"What sorta deal, sir?"  Rob questioned curiously, he wasn't sure if he could 
trust Mr. Huddleston, of course, Miss Christy was his daughter and he didn't 
think she would allow anything bad to happen.

"Well, a good writer needs somebody to look after his business, so that 
nobody can cheat him.  So what I am proposing is this.  What you need is a 
lawyer, and I just happen to be one.  We can draw up a contract; I'll take a 
couple of your stories and show them to some publisher friends of mine.  If 
you get lucky, and they decide to buy them for publication, they will pay you 
cash money.  I'll collect that money and send it straight to you in care of 
the mission.  A good short story can bring a writer as much as five or ten 
dollars."

"It sounds real good, Mr. Huddleston, but what do you get?"  It did sound 
good to Rob but it still sounded like charity.

"I get a percentage of the cash money they pay you.  My usual fee is one 
percent.  That means for every dollar they pay you I get one penny."  Christy 
was beaming at her father's words.  She knew his fee was much higher than a 
mere penny on the dollar.

"What if you can't sell my stories, then how am I to pay you?"  One penny for 
each dollar he earned sure seemed fine to him, but how would he pay the Mr. 
Huddleston if he couldn't sell any stories.

"That's the great part, Rob.  You see, sometimes lawyers get paid just for 
being there for his client, and sometimes they only get paid for the work 
that they do.  You'd be my client but you'd only have to pay me if I was able 
to sell a story for you."  Mr. Huddleston hoped that Rob wouldn't see through 
his charade.  Christy wanted so bad to help these families he hoped that he 
could get involved with helping just one.  "Now, when a magazine publishes an 
author's story you also get a free copy of the magazine that it is in.  So 
along with the money I'd be sending you the magazine with your story in it."

"Sounds right fine to me."  Rob was getting excited, he was hoping beyond 
hope that this might just work.  He couldn't fathom what some cash money 
would mean to his family.

"Now, we'll need to do the contracts.  I can prepare those and you can stop 
at the mission say Monday or Tuesday.  Bring along your father, cause I know 
he'll be wanting to discuss this business deal."  Then he had another 
brilliant thought.  "Neil, would you be willing to act on Rob's behalf and 
come along too.  We want to make sure that everybody's comfortable with this 
deal."

"I'd be happy to, sir."  Neil couldn't wipe the silly grin on his face.  He 
had read Rob's stories, and they were good.  He had no doubt that with Mr. 
Huddleston's influence in Asheville that he couldn't orchestrate a story of 
two.  "Rob, I think you should give Mr. Huddleston that story you wrote about 
your brother that Christy showed me, 'The Hero of the Allen Clan' and I think 
you should include the one of 'The Bonny Prince Charlie.'"  

"I reckon those would be good one's to start with.  I'm beholdin' to you Mr. 
Huddleston."  Rob reached out his hand to seal the bargain.

"Now, Rob, it's me that is beholding to you.  It will be a good business 
venture for me.  You'll have all the rights to your own stories and if other 
magazines or newspapers decide to do reprints of your stories in their 
articles they'll have to pay you for those too."

Christy reached up and squeezed her father's hand.  She dearly hoped that by 
Christmas her father would be able to sell one or two of his stories and Rob 
could help his family through the hard winter months.

"Now, when you come we'll have to talk about the advance you'll have coming 
to you."  He stepped out on a limb, hoping that Rob wouldn't realize that 
there was no such thing as pre-payment for an unpublished story.

"What's an advance?"  Rob's question caused Mr. Huddleston to breathe a sigh 
of relief.

"Well, I pay you a small amount of cash for the right and privilege of seeing 
to your copy writes."

"How much cash?"  Rob was really excited now; this deal was getting better 
and better all the time.

"Five dollars.  You'll get that if you and your father decide to sign the 
contract."  

Rob wasn't sure how he got paid for work he hadn't done but he really didn't 
know anything about this lawyer business.  He figured that it must be done 
that way.  "That would be fine, Mr. Huddleston, just fine."  Five dollars; 
just kept ringing over and over in his head.  He just couldn't wait to get 
home and Neil dropped him off on his way to the mission house.

"We'll see you and your father on Monday, son."

"Yes, sir, you rightly will!"  Rob ran up the porch steps to his cabin and 
they could still hear his excited words as they pulled away down the road to 
the mission.

"Daddy, do you think you can get his stories published!"  Christy asked 
excitedly.

"Well, I am good friends with the owner of the Asheville paper and he owes me 
a couple of favors.  I know I can get at least two a year published if they 
are as well done as the ones he just shown me."  

Neil laughed heartily.  "Now I know where Christy gets her enthusiasm!  Last 
fall she spent four days working in a one of the families gardens and canning 
the produce because she convinced her that she would be obliged to learn how 
to can vegetables."

"Now, Neil, this is all above board."  Mr. Huddleston laughed.  "We just have 
to convince Mr. Allen of that."

"Oh, we will, I just know we will."  Christy squeezed both of her parent's 
hands tightly.  "Thank you, thank you for everything!"

Part/Chapter: Chapter 24
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's parents have arrived in Cutter Gap to prepare for the 
wedding.

Christy and her mother sat in her room as Christy opened crate after crate of 
wedding presents.  Some were completely frivolous, like the crystal oil lamps 
and other's were quite useful like the towels and sheets.  Christy had a 
question on her tongue that just had to be answered and she just didn't know 
how to go about it.  She understood the role of a married woman, mostly, but 
nobody had ever told her what to expect on her wedding night.  Unfortunately, 
Christy's mother wasn't exactly eager to discuss these things but Christy 
hoped that now, with her wedding only days away, she would be willing.

"Mother, can I ask you a question?"  Christy began.

"Of course you can darling."  Her mother set aside the lace tablecloth she 
was admiring and turned all of her attention on her daughter.

"I'm very nervous about something.  I was hoping that you could help."  
Christy didn't know exactly how to broach the subject.  "I want to be a good 
wife to Neil, just like you are to daddy.  Can you tell me what I should do 
on my wedding night?  We have never talked about it."

"Christy Huddleston, it is quite improper for us to discuss these things."  
Mrs. Huddleston was shocked.  She, of course, remembered her own nervousness 
on her wedding night but her mother's advice was right.

"Mother, I'm a grown woman and about to be a wife.  Why is it improper?"  
Christy cried in frustration.

"Because, it is.  Properly brought up young ladies don't think about such 
things."  She turned before her daughter could see the flush rising on her 
cheeks.  Was it the depravity of this place that led her young daughter to 
ask such questions?  "I will tell you what my mother told me.  Just let your 
husband lead you and everything will be fine."

"Yes, I understand that, but it doesn't answer my questions."  Christy was 
becoming frustrated.  "My wedding is tomorrow, it seems proper to me that I 
understand."

"Christy, I really do not plan on telling you anything more.  You will be 
fine!"  Mrs. Huddleston walked swiftly to the door.  "I suggest you 
concentrate on the rest of the wedding plans and leave the wedding night to 
Doctor MacNeill.  I feel like some tea, can I offer you some?"

Christy turned her head away in shame.  There were so many questions that she 
needed answered, even the most vague information would have been welcome.  
How could she be the kind of wife that she wanted to be if she didn't 
understand the most intimate parts of marriage?  "No, thank you.  I think I 
will just rest awhile."

"Christy."  Her mother placed her hand gently on her shoulder.  "It really is 
nothing to worry about."  

Christy turned her face into the pillow as she heard her mother leave and 
began to cry.  The thought had crossed her mind to ask Neil, but she just 
couldn't bear to.  If he had only known how truly innocent she was the day 
that he had joked about her idea to teach hygiene classes.  'The do's and 
don'ts of mountain lovemaking' he had said with a wicked smile.  "How can I 
understand the do's when I don't even know the don'ts?"  She spoke quietly to 
herself.  She stood up and began to pace the room.  "Mother won't tell me, I 
would die of embarrassment if I asked Neil, Miss Alice had to run to Raven's 
Gap to help deliver a baby.  Fairlight!"  She said excitedly.  "I can go talk 
to Fairlight."  Christy grabbed her shawl and slipped quietly from the 
mission house.


Christy walked up to the cabin and took a deep breath trying to find her 
courage.  Even though Fairlight was her best friend she was still unsure of 
how to ask and what to say, or if Fairlight would think that she was being 
silly and childish.  

"Miz Christy."  Fairlight was hanging out wash when she saw her friend 
approach.  Christy noticed the finished double wedding ring quilt hanging on 
the line.  "What can I do fer ya today?"

"I just needed to take a walk.  The quilt is just beautiful!"  Christy tried 
to feel calm as she ran her hand across it. "Do you have time to walk with 
me?  I kind of need to talk about something." 

"Of course, just let me hollar at Jeb to let him know we're goin'."  
Fairlight eyed Christy suspiciously, something was definitely bothering her.

The two women started down the trail in silence, each lost in their own 
thoughts.  They settled onto a patch of rocks at one of the most beautiful 
spots that Fairlight had shown Christy.  

"What's troublin' ya, Miz Christy?"  Fairlight's gentle touch on her hands 
caused the young girl to burst into tears.

"Oh, Fairlight."  She sobbed.  "I just don't know what to do.  I tried 
talking to my mother but she just says not to worry that Neil will know what 
to do.  I can't talk to Neil because I'd be too embarrassed, I thought you 
might help me."

Fairlight hugged Christy tight and rocked her.  "What is it, honey?"

"I'm afraid of my wedding night."  Christy's confession made the tears come 
even harder.

"Every woman is nervous about her weddin' night.  I remember mine, I was so 
scared when that door opened and the men pushed Jeb inside.  I thought I 
would faint dead away from the shakin I had inside."  Fairlight smoothed the 
hair out of Christy's face.  "I'll tell you what you want to know."

"You will?  Oh, thank you, Fairlight."  Christy hugged her friend again and 
felt some of the nervousness begin to fade.  The two women sat by the river 
and talked about what to expect.  By the time they parted ways an hour later 
Christy felt somewhat better.  Fairlight had answered all the questions that 
Christy had been brave enough to ask and some that she didn't.  Christy felt 
better prepared to face tomorrow.  



Part/Chapter: Chapter 25
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 Fairlight have had a discussion about the wedding night.


Christy sat on 'their' log and stared out across the pond.  She needed a few 
minutes of peace to drain away the tension of wedding preparations.  Her 
heart was filled with joy but her head was awhirl.  Her conversation this 
morning with Fairlight had brought her some comfort, but she couldn't help 
but be a little afraid.  This time tomorrow night, I will be a married woman. 
 The thought both thrilled her and terrified her.  What if I can't do this?  
Oh Lord, I want so much to be a good wife.  Please help me.  

"Christy, who are you hiding from out here?"  Neil sat down beside her and 
gently took her hand and kissed it.

"Mother."  She laughed slightly.  

"She's been pretty busy with all of the preparations.  You ever wish that we 
had just eloped?"  Neil knew that Christy's mother had been trying to bring a 
piece of Asheville to Cutter Gap.  They had had several disagreements over 
what the wedding would be.

"Sometimes, but not really.  I do wish that I could have just spent the day 
fly fishing with you."  Christy looked up into his eyes, how she loved 
getting lost in them.  

"Your mother is not the only problem, is it?"  Neil could see the hesitancy 
in her eyes.  "What else, love?"

"I'm just nervous, that's all."  Christy knew that lying to him did no good.  
She always marveled that he seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.  
Her hopes were that a half-truth would suffice.

"Christy, you know I love you."  Neil took a deep calming breath.  "If your 
not ready for this, if you are unsure in any way…"

"Neil, no, it's not that.  I love you so much, you are the greatest joy and 
miracle that God has ever given me."  Christy quieted his fears, she didn't 
mean for him to think that she was unsure about the wedding.

"Then what is it, honey?  You know that you can tell me anything.  Remember 
our promise, no secrets between us."  Neil turned her head slightly so that 
he could see her face.  

"Yes, I know, Neil.  But…"  Christy struggled within herself.  He was her 
rock and protector; they had come through so much already.  It was only right 
that she open the most secret places in her heart to him.  "I'm not afraid of 
marrying you, I…"

"Christy, is this about the wedding night?"  Neil felt a small stirring 
inside of him, is it possible that Christy was sharing the same fears that he 
was? 

Christy could feel the heat raging into her face.  "Young lady,"  Christy 
could hear her mother's voice ringing in her ears.  "This is not a proper 
topic of conversation!"  Did it matter that it seemed inappropriate?  Christy 
was scared, just terrified that she wouldn't be a proper wife.  That she 
would disappoint Neil in this way.  It would be wrong of her to break her 
promise to Neil of 'no secrets' by keeping this from him, no matter how 
indecorous the topic.  Christy felt Neil's hand squeeze hers gently.  It was 
a sign to her of his understanding.

"Oh, Neil!  I'm sorry, but I am just scared.  I tried to talk to mother about 
it, but she wouldn't answer any of my questions.  Fairlight was more help, 
but every time I think that I might disappoint you it makes me feel so sick 
to my stomach.  I want to be a good wife to you."  Christy cried and pulled 
away from him slightly, nervous about his reaction to her words.

Neil felt her stiffen and the slight leaning of away from his touch.  He 
moved closer to her, giving her his acceptance of her fears.  Taking his 
handkerchief out of his pocket, he lifted her face and wiped away her tears.  
"Christy, would it make you feel better to know that I am scared, too?"

"You're scared?"  Incredulously she raised her eyes to his and saw the truth 
of his statement and her own fears reflected in his eyes.

"Yes, I am.  When Margaret and I met, she was not…" Neil searched for 
delicate words that would not embarrass her.  "She was not, innocent, like 
you are.  In fact, Margaret and I had our wedding night before our wedding.  
Now that God has made himself so real in my life, I realize how wrong that 
was.  I swore to God that if he ever gave me another chance at marriage, I 
would honor the gift that he gave me and not let physical desires ruin it."

"Is that why you have always been so…gentlemanly, towards me?"  Christy could 
see the light of God in this conversation they were having.  How foolish she 
felt to have hidden her heart from her beloved and God.  Even in her prayers 
Christy couldn't express herself because she felt ashamed.  Neil's words made 
her see that there was nothing shameful in their conduct and there would be 
no shame in their wedding night.

"It is.  And God has shown me some wonderful things.  What did Fairlight tell 
you, if you don't mind my asking?"  Neil wasn't sure how far to go with the 
conversation.  Depending on Fairlight's comments, he may not be able to 
reveal his own revelation from God until a later time.

Christy continued to blush, but forged ahead.  She could feel God opening her 
heart to these things and she knew that she had to share her heart.  
"Fairlight told me not to worry too much.  She said that everyone wonders 
about the wedding night, and that it must be doubly hard for me, since I was 
raised in Asheville and not Cutter Gap.  She told me to let love guide me and 
I would be just fine.  Then we talked about some of the finer details."

"Finer details, love?"  Neil smiled, as Christy blushed clear to the roots 
over her hair.

"That it would hurt a little and that I would have some…"  Christy couldn't 
go on and she couldn't look at him.  It was all just too much.

Neil would have to remember to thank Fairlight, he knew now without a shadow 
of a doubt that he could reveal what God had shown him.  "When I was in 
prayer the other morning, I was discussing this with God.  He showed me that 
marriage, the physical act of the first time, was a blood covenant between a 
husband and wife. It is a promise to each other to stay true and keep only to 
one another for the rest of our lives.  We both know that I was married 
before and the pain of Margaret's infidelity was something that God had to 
take from me, because I couldn't have forgiven her on my own.  I never sought 
out 'company' after Margaret left me and I believed her to be dead.  I thank 
God everyday that he has given me the opportunity to start again.  Mostly, I 
thank God that you will truly and completely belong to me, in the sense of 
the physical part of marriage.  It will be the most wonderful gift that I 
have ever been given and part of my fears have been that it will cause you a 
moment's pain.  I have never, ever wanted to cause you pain."  Neil allowed 
the tears that had been pooling in his eyes to slip down his cheeks.  Christy 
could feel them drop gently on her neck as he whispered to her.  "But I 
promise you, Christy, we will go slow and take our time.  No rush, no hurry.  
If all we do on our wedding night is hold each other until morning I will be 
completely satisfied."

"Oh, Neil."  Christy hugged him about the neck and laid her head against his 
shoulder.  "Fairlight told me to trust you and your love for me.  She said 
that I shouldn't be afraid to enjoy the physical part of marriage and that it 
was very pleasant.  Now to know that you are also nervous and that you 
understand, it has helped to take away so much of my fear.  Please forgive me 
for forgetting to trust you and tell you what is in my heart and mind."

"My love, there is nothing to forgive."  Neil held her gently around the 
shoulders.  He moved one hand to her cheek to brush away the stray tears that 
lingered there.  Christy lifted her lips to his and he covered them with his 
own.  He knew that she had enjoyed the gentle kisses that he had bestowed on 
her.  For the first time, Neil allowed his passion for her to show in his 
kisses.  Gently he encouraged her to part her lips on his and to allow him to 
kiss her deeply and thoroughly.  Christy felt the blood rush to her head like 
never before at this new sensation he was giving her.  Stars seemed to 
explode in her head as he kissed her not once, but three times before he 
pulled away.  It was the first time Neil had allowed himself to kiss her with 
so much passion and feeling.  He wanted so badly to alleviate her fears and 
show her the pleasure they would share as man and wife.  His heart began to 
race as she relaxed and returned his kisses with exuberance.  He looked down 
at her not sure what her beautiful blue eyes would show him shining softly in 
the moonlight.

"Neil?"  Christy asked, still shaking from the depth and promise his kiss had 
shown her.  She smiled up at him playfully, feeling abundantly loved and 
thoroughly overcome.  "Will you kiss me like that again?"

Neil leaned back, overjoyed at her response.  He laughed with a deep richness 
that could only be born of the love that God had given him.  "Yes, love, but 
not until after the wedding."

Holding hands they left the pond and walked back to the mission house in 
comfortable silence.  On the porch he kissed her gently on the lips, as a 
gentleman should.  When they pulled away Christy was in awe of the brilliant 
smile that spread across her beloved's face, crinkling his brow.  

"Neil, why are you smiling like that?"  Christy laughed with him, her fears 
now gone.

"Because, my love, the next time I kiss you we will be husband and wife."  
With a boyish laugh he picked her up and swirled her around in the air before 
placing her carefully on the ground.  He stole a quick kiss before mounting 
on Charlie and riding back to his cabin.

Part/Chapter: Chapter 26
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 have talked about their wedding night fears.

August 15th, 1914

Despite all of the nerves of the final preparations, Christy felt calm and at 
peace as she stood at the back of the church.  The dress her mother wouldn't 
let her see until just an hour ago was perfect.  It was a simple cut dress of 
white organza with a delicate lace overdress.  Tiny seed pearls accented the 
stiff, upright collar and the cuffs at her wrist.  The sleeves were tight at 
the wrist but were softly billowy from the shoulder to the elbow.  In her 
hand was a bouquet of late blooming wild flowers.  Fairlight had picked 
daisies and painstakingly made a daisy chain for her to wear in her hair that 
fell loose and long to her tiny waist.  It was their special remembrance of 
Zady on this special day.  She smiled at her father as Aunt Hattie began to 
sing, 'Oh Perfect Love.'

Neil could see her standing at the back of the church and his heart stopped.  
She was so beautiful, so precious.  The tears that sprang from his eyes were 
the physical manifestation of the prayer of thankfulness that his heart was 
screaming out to God.  His hand was steady as he received the gift of 
Christy's hand from her father and they turned to stand before Pete to recite 
their vows.  

"Dear friends, we have come here to day to join…"  Pete began in his plain 
speaking way that everybody in the Cove loved and appreciated.

Neil was hardly aware of what was being said.  He was taking in every detail 
of his bride.  The way the afternoon light coming in the window was causing 
the highlights in her hair to show rich brown and reds and gold.  The 
softness of her hands in his and how tiny they were compared to his.  

"Neil and Christy have chosen to write their own vows.  So I will ask Neil to 
speak his first."  Pete's voice brought Neil back to focus on the vows he had 
written.  He had debated and changed and rewrote.  He had prayed for the 
words to tell Christy how much he loved her and what she meant to him.

"Christy, my love, we have traveled a long road to where we stand today.  I 
know there are many roads ahead of us, some of them easy and some of them 
difficult.  I promise that no matter what the road we are on or the season of 
our life that I will stand beside you.  I promise to love you and care for 
you whether we are rich or poor, sick or well.  God calls husbands to love 
their wife's as Christ loved the church and his people.  I will ask everyday 
that He keep that in my heart and teach me how.  And everyday I will thank 
Him that he has our hearts to each other so that we can learn in one 
another's embrace."  Neil breathed a sigh of relief, he wasn't sure if mere 
words could express his heart.

Now it was Christy's turn, and she wiped her eyes and attempted to clear her 
throat.  Neil's statements about God helping him to be her husband had moved 
her to the point where she could hardly speak.  "My dearest Neil, I have 
waited for so long to give my heart to you as your wife.  I promise to stand 
beside you in good times and in bad and to uphold you and trust you in all 
things.  I promise to never leave you and to cling only to you until the end 
of our time on earth.  You have been my best friend, my protector and my 
deepest love and I promise to be the same to you."

Neil squeezed Christy's hands.  He knew that the statements about never 
leaving him had been a result of the heartaches he had suffered over 
Margaret.  He loved her for that, that she could look into his very heart and 
recognize his concerns and fears.

Pete picked the rings up from the small pillow that Burl Allen held; he spoke 
as he held the rings in his hands.  "Neil and Christy have chosen to have a 
scripture reference engraved inside their rings.  It is often called the love 
chapter and many of you know First Corinthians 13. This chapter tells us that 
nothing we do is more important than love.  It tells us that love stays the 
test of time; love is kind and does not envy.  Love doesn't allow us to put 
ourselves over another person or boast.  Love doesn't seek after it's own 
purposes.  Most importantly it tells us that love bears all things, hopes all 
things, endures all things and that love believes all things.  It is my 
belief that the reference that Christy and Neil have chosen for the inside of 
their rings will remind them to rejoice together, grieve together, hope 
together and dream together."  Pete handed each of them their rings.  "As you 
place the ring on your beloved's hand, remember that it is a sign to all of 
those who see it that your hearts are forever intertwined, your lives are 
connected.  Let it be a reminder to yourself that love is a circle, never 
ending and in constant growth and renewal."  

Neil held her hand gently as he slipped the gold circlet on her finger.  
"With this ring, I thee wed."  He whispered to her.  Christy then repeated 
his actions and statements and they turned to face Pete.

"By the power vested in me I know pronounce you man and wife.  Neil, you may 
kiss your bride."  

Neil lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the wedding ring that he had 
placed there only moments ago.  Ever so slowly he lowered his lips to hers.  
He kissed the tear that was sliding silently down her cheek before moving to 
her lips.  He claimed them as his own and with them he claimed her heart and 
soul, more importantly he gave his to her in return.  After a brief and 
gentle kiss he pulled back slightly before claiming her lips in a more 
passionate kiss.  He could have gone on kissing her like this for the rest of 
his life, but the whops and hollers from the men in the crowd brought him to 
his senses and he again pulled away.  He brushed his hand ever so carefully 
and caught the remaining tears on her face.  He would never forget the love 
in her eyes that was reflecting his own.  

"I know present to you Doctor and Mrs. Neil MacNeill.  What God has ordained 
let no one try to separate."  


Part/Chapter: Chapter 27
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 are married and now the wedding festivities 
continue.


Christy and Neil stood in a group of friends that was ever changing as people 
came to and went.  They were both touched by the outpouring of love from 
these people.  Mountain people weren't known for openly displaying their 
affection and appreciation, but today was different.  Over and over again 
they were approached by someone who said, "Doc…Missus…I can't thank ye 
enough fer the time."  Wedding gift after wedding gift was pressed into their 
hands.  Apple butter, honey, corn meal and other useful items were laid on a 
table beside the newlyweds.  Neil held her tight to his side with his arm 
around her waist and she laid her head on his shoulder with their hands 
linked.    

"Hey, there you love bird!"  Jeb called out raucously across the yard.  "Come 
on and start the dancin' fer us.  They'll be time fer all that later!"  

Christy blushed bright red as Neil led her into the area of the yard that had 
been set aside for dancing.  

"What tune you be wantin' to hear, Doc?"  Jeb asked as he poised the bow 
above his fiddle.

"Down in the Valley, if you would please, Jeb."  Neil asked without even 
looking in his direction.  His eyes were focused only on Christy.  "I'll 
never forget the first time I tried so hard to draw your attention for a 
dance.  Do you remember the party that Bird's Eye crashed?"

"I remember."  Christy smiled at him; Alice had used her rifle to destroy the 
jug that Mr. Taylor had been brandishing to the crowd.

"I followed you all across the yard, trying to get a moment with you so that 
I could ask you to dance."  Neil turned her gently in a wide circle, his 
voice laced with nostalgia.  

The song ended and before they could start again Neil felt a tap on his 
shoulder.  It was Christy's father.  "Son, do you think I could have a dance 
with my daughter today?"

"Of course.  Just don't keep her too long."  Neil kissed Christy's cheek and 
passed her hand to her father.  

"Daddy!"  Christy hugged him tightly.  "Thank you for everything."

"My little baby is all grown up."  He hugged her back and tears glistened in 
his eyes as they began their dance.  "Neil is a good man."

"How is mother holding up, I haven't even had the chance to speak with her?"  
Christy scanned the crowd for her mother was standing very near to Alice and 
Dan Scott.  

"It's always hard on a mother seeing her baby get married."  Her father 
sighed wistfully.  

"And on a father, too."  Christy reached up and kissed his cheek.


The dancing continued into the late afternoon.  A beautiful table full of 
food was served buffet style and Neil and Christy had cut the wedding cake.  
Everything was perfect, Christy sighed to herself as she and Neil continued 
dancing.  Neither of them was aware of the flurry of activity around them or 
of the Spencer wagon, decorated in wild flowers, pull close to the 
celebration.

Fairlight, Opal McHone, Mary Allen and Swannie O'Teale moved into the 
dwindling circle of dancers and caught Christy in a gentle grasp.

"Doc, we's come to take yer bride off."  Mary stated with an official tone in 
her voice.

"It be time, Christy, you gotta come with us!"  Fairlight smiled at her 
friend, winked and grabbed her hand.

Christy's blush was so bright and noticeable that all of the men started to 
whop and holler.  A group of men gathered around Neil and started slapping 
him on the back and laugh.  "Where are ya taking her, Fairlight?"  Neil 
played along with the game.  After their talk last night Christy had decided 
that she wanted to participate in the shivaree.

"My man knows where we'll be a hidin' he'll bring ya along shortly."  
Fairlight laughed and hugged Christy's waist.

"Oh, Missus Christy, can't I come along, please?"  Ruby Mae joined the crowd 
of women hustling her into the wagon bed full of straw covered with a fresh 
blanket.

"Ruby Mae, you go on back and start the cleanin' up."  Opal chastised her 
gently.  "This here shivareein' it be for the married gals."

As the wagon pulled away Miss Alice was standing next to a thoroughly shocked 
Mrs. Huddleston.  "Miss Henderson, where are they taking my daughter?"  Alice 
smiled slightly, the less than proper comments that the men were making in 
their small circle becoming louder. 

"They are celebrating an old mountain custom called the Shivaree, Mrs. 
Huddleston."  She put her arm around the woman and began leading her into the 
mission house.  "Would thee like a cup of tea? I will be happy to explain it 
to thee."


The women arrived at the doctor's cabin that had not missed the women's 
decorative touches.  Woven vines of flowers had been painstakingly interlaced 
across the porch and bowls of more flowers were on the tables in the cabin.  
The women led Christy upstairs where her trunks were waiting to be unpacked.  
The double wedding ring quilt and a set of the new sheets from Asheville 
graced the bed.  Opal and Mary stayed downstairs and put a kettle on to boil 
while Fairlight helped Christy out of her wedding gown and into the new 
nightdress that Christy's mother had brought in the bundles from Asheville.

"Are ya nervous, honey?"  Fairlight asked as she removed the daisy chain from 
Christy's and began to brush her hair.

"A little."  Christy smiled and she felt herself shiver just a bit despite 
the warmth of the room.  "Mostly I'm nervous about all the people that will 
be here!"

Fairlight laughed.  "Is that what's botherin' ya.  Now don't you think on 
that!  The women folk generally drag their men off after about fifteen 
minutes!  Everybody'll be on their way home in no time at all."

"Really, Fairlight!"  Christy turned in her seat to look at her friend.

"Sure we do.  No newly married gal I ever see'd had a passel of people 
hangin' around after the shivareein'."  Fairlight laid her hand gently on her 
friend's shoulder.  Opal and Mary knocked and came into the bedroom with cups 
of hot tea.  Despite Christy's fear over what the shivaree would entail she 
was pleased to discover that this part was nothing more than women sitting 
around, talking and enjoying a cup of tea together.  It relaxed her.

All too soon the men could be heard stomping up the steps to the cabin.  Mary 
took the tray down to the kitchen and Opal and Fairlight stood by Christy 
dressed in her nightgown and covered modestly with a dressing gown tied at 
the waist.  Jeb and Dan Scott proceeded up the stairs holding Neil's arms in 
between them.

Jeb knocked loudly on the door.  "You wimmin' folk ready!"  He looked down at 
the group of men waiting at the bottom of the stairs and winked.

"We's ready!"  Fairlight called out.  As maid of honor and best man their 
most important roll was to orchestrate the shivaree.

Jeb stepped into the room and stood on the opposite side of the bed from 
Christy, Fairlight and Opal.  Fairlight kissed Christy's cheek and Opal 
squeezed her hand before they all left the room and closed the door softly 
behind them.  Christy and Neil stared at one another from opposite sides of 
the bed for a moment before Neil stepped around and took her in her arms.  
Already the noisy shouts of the men could be heard leaving the cabin and 
moving down the path.

"I love you, Mrs. MacNeill."  He whispered into her ear as he held her close.

"I love you, too."  She said reaching up and lying a gently kiss on his neck 
just above his collar.

"Can I ask you a favor, love?"  Neil pulled away and looked deep into her 
eyes.

"Of course."

"Can I please take of this darn tie now?!"  He spoke in mock pain and winked 
at her.  Christy laughed and brought her hands up to help him loosen his tie.

"Now can I ask you for a favor?!"  Christy felt safe and at peace as she 
rested in his arms.  All of her fear and doubt about the wedding night was 
slowly ebbing away.

"Of course, love.  Anything."  Neil smiled down at her.  The last guests were 
gone and they were finally completely alone.

"Would you keep your promise to me."  Christy smiled coyly at him.

"Which one?  I've made a lot of them today."  Neil allowed himself to play 
with her soft hair that sat in soft waves across her shoulders.  "And I fully 
intend to keep all of them."

"Would you kiss me like you did last night?"  Christy stood on tiptoe and 
laced her hands around his neck.

"With pleasure, Mrs. MacNeill.  With Pleasure."  

THE END!!!!