MAIL ORDER BRIDE – Part 1 By SaraJane83@hotmail.com Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Marshall-LeSourd Family, L.L.C. We are in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. We are continuing the story of Christy for our own amusement only. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writers of the alt.tv.christy Round Robin and the Christy MailingList. The content of each story is the responsibility of the individual writer. The fanfic here is being posted as a service to the Christy mailing list, Pax Christy Forum and Alt.tv.christy News Group. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writer. Any similarities to other works of fan fiction are purely coincidental. Christy Huddleston stared through the window of the coach as the train headed closer to El Pano. The panes of the glass needed washing; grey soot had produced a fine film over all but a fourth of the window and in order to view the landscape she had to sit up as straight as she could. At least her mother would have been proud of her posture. Her mother. And father. Both gone in a tragic accident. Her dearest brother had been sent to Kansas City to live with an Aunt and Uncle. As there were no open prospects for work in Kansas City, Christy had decided that now was the time to make her own way in the world. After successfully completing a year of college there were a few options open to her: secretarial, clerking in a bank, and possibly teaching. All seemed very exciting to her. However, her first order of business was to find herself a husband. Make that "husband-to-be". Her mother had raised her in a most practical manner. When faced with a problem, find the most practical solution. The problem was, most of the men she currently knew were either engaged or too young, except for her father's banker, but he was almost as old as her father and she didn't like his sideburns at all. Alone in this world, without the benefit of family, she would have to make it on her own and she decided she couldn’t do it alone. She could not be a silly-heart about the matter, could not expect love, but hoped for at least a good companionable man, perhaps someone "like" her father. She didn't have a lot of time. Could she possibly talk a man into having a platonic marriage - at least for a while, until they got to know eachother better? She would do her best, no, better than her best to be a good friend, cook and housewife, and after some time, the rest would fall into place. She was idealistic about the outcome of marrying a man she didn't know well. A solution came to her as she read the classified want ads section of Asheville’s newspaper four weeks ago. In fact, it seemed to be heaven's answer to her problem. WANTED – A wife and companion. Able to perform household duties. Prefer child-bearing age. Good hygiene habits, passable looks, able to remain alone for possibly long periods of time. Must like the outdoors. If possible, send picture and state your reasons for answering my ad. Please write to Box 23, El Pano, Tennessee. When she read the ad she knew she met all the requirements, except one, maybe: household duties. How hard could it be to pick up a broom and sweep the floor or set a table; cook? Their servants had done it for years and she had watched them for years. Surely she must have picked up some of the skills through watching them. She’d respond right away. Dear Sir: I am answering your ad from the Asheville City Journal. I believe I would make a good wife and companion. My parents have both passed. I have a younger brother being taken care of by an Aunt and Uncle. There are no other family members. I am sure I can perform household duties to your satisfaction. I am of child-bearing age (she blushed a little writing that point down) and like children. I take baths regularly and keep my clothes clean and ironed. I have brown hair and blue eyes and a petite frame. I do not mind spending time alone. I like to take walks in the woods. I am looking for a good husband and companion. I would be willing to discuss other details in person. Enclosed please find the most recent photo taken of me in Asheville. Sincerely, Miss Christy Huddleston She heard nothing back for two weeks. Then a letter came in the mail. Dear Ms. Huddleston: After reviewing your letter I feel you to be the most qualified of candidates. (His choices were from three letters which he received during the following week of placing the ad. The first was a woman with three children, all boys, and claimed she couldn’t cook but she’d try to learn. Her husband had passed away two months ago. The picture she sent depicted her sitting in a chair looking like a scrawny bird, her nose like a beak, and her eyes sunken into her face. The boys looked typical except for one that had the largest sling shot he had even seen protruding from his pocket. She didn’t need a husband, she needed an army. The second was a woman who had served as a nurse in the second regiment, claimed to be as strong as a bull, could work in the fields, and would be glad to bear him many children as he liked. The picture showed her in front of a tent, her girth protruding from a starched apron, a black cast iron skillet in one hand. For some reason he pictured her raising that skillet to his head one day when he’d upset her over something. The! third letter was of a young girl in a rather elegant setting. She was standing quite far from the camera so her face couldn’t be seen too clearly. As no other letters came forth, he would write to the young one.) I have enclosed a one-way train ticket to El Pano, Tennessee. I will meet you at the train station on Tuesday afternoon, 1:00 p.m. Please travel as lightly as possible. You may ship your other belongings by train which will later be carried to my home in Cutter Gap. I have arranged for our wedding to take place at approximately 2:30pm. I will be wearing a plaid scarf around my neck so that you can recognize me. I ask you wear a small flower in the lapel of your travelling coat so I may be able to pick you out of the crowd. Sincerely, Neil MacNeill It was settled. Although she had not met him yet, she could tell by his letter that he must have had a good education because his English was proper. All the dots and commas in the right place. He did not send a photo, though she had. She regretted it after it was already dropped in the box for her hair was down in the photo and she looked young. She wanted him to have the impression she was much older, more mature, and able to handle a mail-order marriage. MAIL ORDER BRIDE – Part 2 By SaraJane83@hotmail.com Disclaimer: Please See Part 1 Five weeks ago Neil MacNeill felt he had had one of the strangest conversations of his life, but the more he thought on it, the more it began to make sense to his practical brain. He had entered Benson’s store in El Pano with the express purpose of stocking up on canned goods. Except for the occasional meal offered to him while on the road, he met his physical hunger with objects within those metal tins. When he had the opportunity to fish he supplemented canned meat with the catch of the day. There had not been many opportunities for fishing lately. Truth be told, Neil MacNeill was feeling restless and the loneliness which crept upon him from time to time seemed to be lingering longer these days. It had been several years since his first wife, Margaret, had passed away and it was getting harder and harder to live alone. Oh, sometimes he reveled in the quietness of hearing only his own heartbeat, but on cool nights he longed for the companionship of another person, the sound of a "female" voice as she read out loud, the swishing of her skirt across the floor as she set the supper table, and more - of those things which passed between a man and a woman. But he didn’t have the time to court a woman. He was out most nights as it was during the year and he had the most odd times for sleeping. His lifestyle would want for a flexible creature, able to be alone and content, yet faithful to him. It wasn’t like he could just advertise for a wife and voila! She’d come. Or maybe he could? Neil walked over to the postal area in Benson’s store and got in line. Old man Gray was in front buying postage. As he turned to go he tipped his hat. "Howdy, Doc." "Hello to you, Mr. Gray. How’s that camphor holding out?" "Good. Good." He was out the front door like a jack rabbit to a hole. He didn’t like doctors and didn’t want any more questions from Doc MacNeill. Neil turned to Ben Pentland. "Any interesting news, Ben?" Ben grabbed a newspaper sitting on the counter. "This be a week old, but ‘Ah seen an ad-ver-tize-ment fer a mailman over ‘ta Lyleton. Wonder why Jake ain’t doin’ it no more?" Neil looked down at the ad. But it wasn’t the postal ad that caught his eye. He noted a different kind of ad. "Can I take a look?" asked Neil. "Suit yerself" replied Ben. Another customer stepped behind Neil and as he grabbed the newspaper he stepped aside to let that person be helped first. He continued to read. It was an ad placed looking for a wife. He had heard of such an ad before but the thought had never crossed his mind to do it himself. He recalled a colleague in Scotland who discreetly advertised for a wife, and, upon meeting her, Neil thought the man had been extremely lucky for she was pretty, bright, and of a sweet temperament. Perhaps? He had a sudden, rash urge to try it himself. Ben having helped the customer in front of Neil now turned to the Doctor. "Anythin’ "ah kin do fer ya, Doc?" "As a matter of fact there is. Do you have a piece of paper and a pen? I need to place an ad." And that was that. As soon as he’d done it he’d broken into a light sweat. Well, he didn’t have to answer any letters if he didn’t want to. He probably wouldn’t get any anyway, his ad was so vague. ******* ****************************************************************** Neil had hoped to be home to take a bath and shave before meeting Miss Huddleston on the train but there was no time. He had spent the last two days at the Beck household; Ruby Mae’s second child was stubbornly taking its time to enter this world. That was a lesson he had learned long ago - you can’t rush a wee one along for the sake of convenience – they arrived when they were good and ready! It happened that Will and Ruby Mae’s first girl was born at 9:45 a.m.. After checking on the baby and mother a couple of times, Neil finally felt comfortable to leave. In order to make it by horse to El Pano he didn’t dare make a stop. At least he had worn his scarf. Perched high atop his horse he looked more like a Highland woodsman than a country doctor. He turned his horse eastward and away they rode like the wind. Christy heard the coachman announce their arrival in El Pano. It looked to be a smallish town, though there were several buildings and people seemed to be bustling around them; horses, wagons, buggies. She wondered which one belonged to "him". Getting up from her seat she strode down the narrow passageway of the car, each step feeling a little like she was walking a gallows. Head and chin up, and courage belted around her, she made her way down the steps and onto the platform. She quickly tucked a purple mum into the lapel of her coat and looked around to see if she could find "him". Neil quickly dismounted Charlie and tied him to a rail post, then taking his hand and trying to tame his hair by pushing it away from his forehead, he swung his plaid scarf around his neck. The ride had given him a robust and handsome look. He quickly scanned the crowd and couldn’t see a woman with a flower in her coat lapel. Had she gotten scared and changed her mind? At the same moment, Christy Huddleston decided to perch herself on a small box left on the edge of the platform,. The wind, gusting a bit, threatened her stance and she grabbed for the crown of her hat. She immediately, at this vantage point, saw a large looking man with a plaid scarf nonchalantly thrown around his neck, looking straight at her. Neither moved. Just stared. "Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune, without the words, and never stops at all...." Emily Dickinson MAIL ORDER BRIDE – Part 3 By SaraJane83@hotmail.com Disclaimer: Please See Part 1 Neil’s thoughts swirled quickly in his head. Are you daft, man? No, this is never going to work. She’s, she’s…He just stood there trying to think, but he couldn’t think. All he could do was look, assess, survey, anything to keep his mind from thinking. In an hour and a half this woman would be his wife. For richer, for poorer, in sickness…and at that thought there was a queer knot being formed somewhere between his breastbone and heart, and dancing along to keep it company was a butterfly that must have lodged itself inside his body for he felt its flutters moving from his stomach to his chest. How long had he stood there? Move your feet, that’s it, one foot forward, then the next. Now smile. You don’t want to scare the poor girl! Christy looked away, and searched the crowd for another man with a plaid scarf. But by this time the crowd was thinning and this man standing thirty feet from her had to be Neil MacNeill. A group of boys played stick ball a few feet away. She turned to him once more. Get down from the box. Yes, I should get down from the box. Why is he just standing there? He didn’t bring me flowers. I thought he might bring me flowers. He’s not at all what I pictured. He’s older than I thought, but maybe not, maybe it’s just that he looks so…and then "he" moved with a deliberate walk and Christy looked at him with a slight smile. This is my future husband. I don’t feel so good. I should have eaten my tucker, now I have a stomach ache. This is great. What happens if I throw up. Oh, I feel like I’m going to throw up! At that moment a stick moved along the small ball, and as it was the winning point, the huddled mass of boys moved in for the "kill". The ball came bounding towards a wooden box and they along with it. In their enthusiasm they bounded to the box, unsettling it, and with the grace found like that on a theatre stage, Neil swiftly enveloped his mail order bride in his arms and carried her away to the side for safety. Christy wrapped her arms around Neil’s neck as he swooped her off the box. Holding her in his arms he found his voice. "Hello." "Hello," she answered. Her eyes were blue. The color of pansies. Her eyelashes fringed those pansy eyes quite beautifully. Her hair was brown but the sun’s rays had spun webs of gold throughout. She was light to carry. He didn’t know why, but she felt "right" in his arms. The fluttering inside stopped and was replaced with a pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath to try to calm it down. She looked into his eyes. They were kind eyes, she thought as she noted their hazel-green color, or were they blue? His hair was long for the times, but it suited him. He was older than her but she quickly deduced the wrinkles around his eyes weren’t all from age. Perhaps he was a farmer? What surprised her the most was his voice. Did I detect an accent? No, it was just one word. Neil didn’t realize that he’d been standing there holding this woman in his arms for nearly two minutes. A few townspeople began to take notice that something peculiar was happening over by the train station. Whispers moved around that the lady must have taken sick or was hurt and the Doc needed to fix ‘er up. The first person to take action was Ben Pentland. Ben yelled loudly enough for all of El Pano to hear, "Hey Doc? You be needing your medical bag?" At that moment Neil turned his body toward Ben’s voice, raising his own, "Ah, no, that won’t be necessary. She’s fine!" Ah, there was an accent. So he’s not from around here. I wonder where? And that man called him "Doc". "Are you a doctor?" "Yes." "Are you going to put me down?" Neil, feeling like he was dreaming, gently let go of her and placed her feet to the ground. As she exited his arms he felt the disappointment of her warmth being taken away. She smoothed her skirt with her hands, then looked up at him. He was much taller to her now. "What’s next," she asked. MAIL ORDER BRIDE – Part 4 By SaraJane83@hotmail.com Disclaimer: Please See Part 1 Neil was usually one to bark orders, mind you, out of the necessity of time, give his opinion, then go on to the next item at hand. The next item happened to be a beautiful woman standing beside him looking for guidance. After all, she asked him "what's next?" "Do you have any luggage?" he asked her quietly. "Just one small bag, over there," she said pointing to a place behind the box she had been standing upon. She hoped he’d notice she had followed his instructions about her bag. Neil spontaneously turned to her and with his left hand he took her right hand in his. It was small and soft and feeling a little light hearted he impetuously kissed her fingertips before leading her over to the place where her bag lay. Christy knew immediately that she’d have to have a talk with him about his expectations. His lips upon her fingers gave her a strange feeling. She quickened her pace to meet his. All the while several townspeople stared. It looked like their doctor had a new love interest. Come to think of it, this was the first time since his wife had died that they had seen him with another woman, outside of doctoring. It was about time! But she looked to be an outsider. Where did he know her from? Scotland? Baltimore? From the flatlands? She were no highland gal the way she was dressed in those fancy clothes and pointy shoes. It looked like "the Doc" had it bad and she were the only cure. Time was slipping by them quickly. Neil let go of Christy’s hand to check his watch. One hour to go. Grabbing her bag with his right hand and hers with his left, he led her to his horse as he began to speak about what was "next". "I want you to know that I had planned a picnic lunch for us to enjoy before the wedding but I just spent the better part of two days helping to deliver a baby to one of our young couples in Cutter Gap. The fact of the matter is, I rode straight through to El Pano without stopping to change clothes or pick up the lunch. I am sorry I may be a disappointment to you right now…" "There’s no need to apologize, Dr. MacNeill. I fully understand you were needed elsewhere. I want to thank you for thinking of me, knowing I wouldn’t know a soul here, and being left to wait by myself in the train office would have been most awkward, especially if someone asked for an explanation of why I was here." "Yes, well, that’s very true. I was hoping for a place where we could privately talk, to ask questions, maybe, and give each other a moment or two to reflect on our decision. Have you eaten yet?" "I did bring a lunch with me and I couldn’t seem to feel comfortable eating it on the train. Could we share it, perhaps?" "Splendid!" and as he said thus they had reached his horse. This is my horse, Charlie." "Charlie?" "After Bonnie Prince Charles," Neil answered as he rubbed the horse’s face. "Do you have a wagon?" "No." "A buggy?" "No". "Automobile?" "Ah…no. I have a horse." After he spoke he took her bag and threw it over the saddle horn and put one foot in the stirrup and lifted himself up and onto Charlie. Then he reached down for Christy with his arm. "Hand up." "Hand up? You want me to ride this horse?" "Yes. I’ll hand you up, just take my arm." Just take my arm, just take my arm, Christy said in her mind. She had never ridden a horse. He was big, and tall, and had long hair and stood there with a kind of proudness. Come to think of it, Charlie reminded her of her future husband. "Hand up, Christy. I promise you, I’ll not drop you. You must trust me. Now put your foot in the stirrup. That’s right. Now grab on to my arm. There you go!" With a heave he pulled her back behind him as Charlie moved to adjust to the new weight, trotting forward a few steps, and Christy almost fell off, but Neil had reached his arm and hand back behind him and caught her easily. "There. You see, nothing to it," he remarked as he adjusted the reins and took Charlie in the direction of a small creek near town. Christy was shy of holding on to Dr. MacNeill and Neil sensed she didn't know what to do so he reached back and took her hands, one by one, and placed them around his waist. He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked straight ahead. He realized he'd have to be careful with her until they got to know eachother. He'd give it a week. Christy was glad he couldn't see her face for it had turned the loveliest shade of pink. She had never been so close to a man before. She closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at the middle of his back. She realized she'd have to be careful with his feelings until they got to know one another. She'd give it two months. Neil was headed for Miller creek. While there they could sit and talk in private without the stares of the townsfolk’s questioning eyes. If he timed it right, the lunch would take thirty, maybe forty minutes, then off to the Justice of the Peace’s home, get married, then ride home to Cutter Gap. There was no doubt in his mind that there would be adjustments in their lives, but he knew the minute he had laid eyes on her he had made the right decision. She was the perfect match for him in every way. Part 5 Ten minutes later Neil MacNeill and Christy Huddleston had arrived at their destination. Looking up you couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful robin’s egg blue sky with just a smattering of wispy clouds looking carelessly tossed into the heavens. The blue of the sky reflected upon the water of the creek, and the point they had stopped upon looked to have a natural dam, grey and brown stones were piled so the top of the water spilled noisily down to a flat, sandy bottom and the water moved like flowing silk into a river several miles away. As promised, it was a serene setting far enough away from town to have a little private, if hurried, picnic. Christy turned as she heard the familiar drilling sound of a downy woodpecker off in the distance. She could see that Neil was an excellent horseman and in the future there would be no problem sharing his horse, though she preferred a buggy for transportation. He stopped Charlie and turned slightly to Christy and spoke. "You’ll have to get down first." "How?" "Swing your leg around and just jump down." Christy looked down. Charlie was a big horse and it seemed to her they were up so high. "I can’t." "Yes you can." "It’s so far down to the ground." "Tis only a couple of feet." Christy shrugged, pulled her hands away from around his waist and then decided maybe he was right. She didn’t want to leave the safety of her present position. It just looked higher than it really was. She raised her leg and swung it over Charlie’s rump and dismounted in the most unladylike fashion stumbling and teetering on the ground until she finally got her balance. Neil dismounted and reached for her bag. "You see, that wasn’t so hard." Christy gave him a dubious look and walked to the bank and waited for Neil. He took off his coat. "We’ve not got a blanket but you should be able to spread out the food on this," and he laid his coat on the ground. She gingerly sat down next to where the coat lay and looked up at him. Without his coat on she had a better idea of his size. He had on a blue shirt and a fawn-colored vest. No tie. He rolled each sleeve to the middle of his arms. She looked at his hands. They looked to be strong and she wondered what it would be like to see him doctoring – they looked too big to be of any real service other than for holding an axe and chopping wood or working in a field, maybe building a house. He looked at her hands as she spread out his coat to make way for the objects in her bag. They were small and soft, that he already knew, but they looked steady, yet feminine. Her nails were trimmed proving she had good hygiene at least in that area. He handed her the bag which she placed down beside her and she raised up on her knees and began to open the bag to remove its contents. "You’re pretty quiet, for a female." She returned no retort. She laid out a small tin, and uncovering it, he saw three baking powder biscuits. They looked to be a little flat. Perhaps they had gotten smashed on the trip. Next came another tin. Uncovering that one he thought he saw a large piece of blackberry or maybe blueberry cobbler. She handed him a napkin before taking out the last item – it was wrapped up and upon further examination as she uncovered it he saw it was something black. Without thinking, he asked in an unflattering way, "What is that?" Christy, offended, replied, "What does it look like?" Neil examined it once more. "Well, it smells like chicken, sort of…" She replied flatly. "It IS chicken, Dr. MacNeill." "Is it, now?" replied Neil back, matter-of-factly, then he looked her straight in the face and gave her a handsome smile. She tried to glare back at him but found she couldn’t. That smile just devastated her. He can be charming, she thought to herself. Acquiescing, she stated, "It’s burnt." Neil reached over and grabbed what looked to be a leg and took a big bite. It crunched in his mouth and left black marks on his lips. "No, no, it’s fine, really." "It’s burnt." "I like it this way. You don’t know how many people I have to doctor because of undercooked food. You see, what happens inside them is the enzymes mix into their intestines, and…" He stopped because she was wrinkling up her nose. He laughed a hearty laugh. "What’s so funny?" "The way you wrinkled up your nose just now when I mentioned the intestines." "I don’t think this is suitable dinner conversation. Why don’t you try my cobbler?" "Perhaps a biscuit. Aren’t you going to join me?" "We haven’t prayed yet." "Oh. You pray." "Yes. And I go to church." "I see." "Did you want to pray?" Neil was confused. "Here? Now?" Christy was confused. What was so hard about asking God to bless the food? "Don’t you like to pray?" "No." Perhaps he was private about his Christianity. That was something she’d have to explore about him. "Did you want me to pray?" "If you want to." Christy bowed her head and thanked the Lord for her safe journey and for the food and she asked God to help them through the rest of the day. "Amen." Not hearing his, she repeated herself. "Amen." Neil got the message the second time. "Amen." He reached over for a biscuit. Funny thing about the biscuits. They looked to be soft. He took a bite. "Ow!" "What’s wrong?" "In muffled tones Neil replied, "I think I broke my tooth." "You did not!" she replied, offended again. "Yes," replied Neil, "I think I did," and he started to move his tongue around in his mouth to see if anything was sharp, but it actually seemed to be alright. "Must have been the way I bit down." "Must have been." Now what? Now what? thought Neil. He stood and reached his hand down to her. "Perhaps we’ll stretch a little before we pack this up and head back to town." She reached up and took his hand while he lifted her up. She tried to let go of his hand but his remained locked with hers as he led her closer to the creek. They stood for a couple of minutes watching the water pass by them carrying a leaf or two along with it, a small fish darting along the bank, hiding in the sides. It was a peaceful time which lasted only a moment. "Are you scared, Miss Huddleston?" She continued to look at the water. "Of marriage, Dr. MacNeill?" "Of me." She turned and looked up at him. "Should I be?" He stepped closer to her. "Would it help if I gave you a little more time?" "You mean, to marry you?" "No. On that point, no. I’ll not change my mind on that point; we are getting married, today, in just a few minutes. I mean, time after the marriage ceremony. Would you like a little more time to get to know one another before more is expected?" She blushed. It was a wonderful idea, and she was so happy he had been the one to bring it up. She smiled the biggest smile at him. He loved how her eyes danced and sparkled at that moment. "Yes! A little more time, I think it’s perfect!" "So you can learn how to cook." MAIL ORDER BRIDE - Part 6 By SaraJane83@hotmail.com Disclaimer: Please See Part 1 Christy gazed up at Neil with such a forlorn look that he realized his attempt at teasing her had been a huge mistake. Her blue eyes began to pool with water and her lip quivered a little at one end. He felt like a heel. It was another awkward moment for them both and if he didn't speak soon the tears would threaten to spill out onto her lovely face. He couldn't have a bride taking her vows with a red face, and if he did, he was at fault for not watching his words with her. She wasn't a sister he could tease unmercifully; she would soon be his wife. "Ah...I didn't meant that." Christy sniffed and her brow became a row of furrows. "I think you did." "Well, I guess I kind of did." "You did?" she asked with a hurt tone in her voice. Neil was quick witted. In his most sincere voice he told her, "The problem as I see it right now is that I don't know the medical procedure for extracting a foot from my mouth." His dry comment relaxed her and she gave him a hint of a smile. "Is that your way of saying you're sorry?" "Yes." "Accepted," she said as they now stood beside Neil's horse. Neil untied the reins as Christy stepped back while Neil swung the bag over the saddlehorn as before, then fluidly mounted his horse. Christy, knowing what to do, now put her shoe in the stirrup, and took his arm while he helped lift her up behind him. Once again she placed her arms around his waist and they trotted down the road to town. This time Neil thought he'd use the few minutes ride to inform her of what to expect. "I own a cabin next to a river about ten miles from El Pano, going West. About seven miles west of El Pano is a Mission house, school and church. It is run by a Quaker woman named Alice Henderson. The pastor is a young man a little older than you. His name is David Grantland. They began the mission through the help of a Dr. Ferrand, though I rarely have seen him. The roads around Cutter Gap, where we'll live, are not paved and in some places barely passable. When we have rainstorms, and some of them are torrential, there's a place in the road not far from town that swells with mud. It's called "The Big Mud Hole." "That's original," commented Christy. "You baffle me, Miss Huddleston." "Why is that?" "What would make you come all the way from the city to be my wife? Surely there were young men interested in you there." "Lot's of them." Neil laughed out loud. It was a hearty laugh. "What? Don't you believe me?" Neil was silent, then stopped his horse and turned to look at Christy. He just stared at her face and then looked into her eyes. Her cheeks turned pink and she smiled and looked down. Neil took his hand and gently raised her chin to look back at him. "I believe you. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think someone like you could be mine. I promise you I will do everything in my power to make you happy and see that you're taken care of." He moved his face still closer to hers and her lips were so close to his. "There's still time to stop the wedding." He didn't want to say that last part. Somehow this young woman had captivated him, had made life suddenly very interesting and he felt that in the sharing of their two lives he would never want for the excitement of life. He had given so much of his life to his work, to drown out the sorrows, but maybe, just maybe, there was another chance at the happiness that had seemed to evade him since coming back to Cutter Gap. Just then Ben Pentland came down the road riding his donkey, his mail bag slung over the side of the animal. "Why don't ya kiss her, Doc, an' git it over with?" With Ben's encouragement, Neil lowered his head and lightly pressed his lips to his bride-to-be. It only lasted a second, maybe two, but it was sweet and gentle. Christy somewhat started but gave in to the brief moment. Neil had not known it was her first kiss. "Hooo-eee, Doc! Ah got some mail fer ya in tha' bag. Might as well dee-liver it now and save maself tha' trip." Ben reached in his mailbag and pulled out two letters. He sniffed one of them. "Don't rightly know who this here one's from as they ain't left an address on hit, but sure as shootin', that's french parfume." He handed the two letters to Neil. "Thank you, Ben. He opened his coat and placed them inside the pocket. I'd like to introduce you to Miss Christy Huddleston. This is Ben Pentland, the cove's mailman." "How do you do," replied Christy. "I do jest fine. Fine as frog's hair. You be tha' gal I saw git off tha' train. Whatcha doin' in these parts? Folks has already got their tongues a waggin." "I'm getting married," answered Christy. With all seriousness Ben, with a scolding look on his face, gave Dr. MacNeill a piece of his mind. "You surprise me, Doc MacNeill, out here havin' a picnic with some man's intended, then a kissin' her right in front of me like she were "yer" bride." "She is," replied Neil, as he took a hold of Christy's hand, glanced at Ben's face, then, releasing her hand, shook the reins for Charlie to move, quickly guiding the animal into a trot. Ben turned to see the Doc and "his intended" saunter off and he got a big grin on his face. "Now don't tha' jest beat all!" he said to himself as he continued his journey to deliver the United States mail. Neil gathered speed as they were already nearing the time of the ceremony. Reaching town he slowed up a little and guided Charlie over to the combination courthouse/jail. Christy let go of Neil and tried to gracefully exit the animal's back, which she succeeded in doing without falling to the ground. She was almost pleased with herself over the accomplishment. Stepping out of the way she allowed Neil space to get down. He turned to her. Until now, he had tried to make light of the moment but he found himself feeling a bit nervous and his throat felt dry. He put out his arm for her to take. "Shall we go inside?" Christy wasn't sure her legs could carry her. "What's wrong? asked Neil. "Have you changed your mind?" As she was about to answer they both heard the sound of a man yelling for "Doc MacNeill". Turning their heads Neil saw Jeb Spencer riding up in a cloud of dust. "It's Bob Allen, Doc. Ya gotta come quick. He was wind-throwed." MAIL ORDER BRIDE - Part 7 By SaraJane83@yahoo.com Disclaimer: Please See Part 1 Neil's heart sank as the words of Jeb Spencer brought his mind to sharp reality. Bob Allen's injury would come first, before his own plans and he knew the minute the exclamation was out that there would be no wedding today. Christy looked up at Neil with a questioning look and all Neil could do was take his hand and place it on her face, gently rub the side and tell her with the most sincere apology in his voice, "Christy, I'm sorry, but there's not going to be a wedding today. I must go, and go quickly." Neil untied the reins of his horse and mounted the animal. "Christy, wait for me, at the general store. If I'm not back in a couple of hours, there's a boarding house in town - Mrs. Tatum's. The folks in the store will point you in the right direction. I'm sorry, lass." He turned his horse and rode quickly away with Jeb in tow. Christy didn't know who Bob Allen was, or what "wind-throwed" meant. All she knew was that she was alone in a town of strangers. Despite the circumstances she would show them she was not just some young girl come to town, but she was a mature woman who could take of herself. She headed toward the store to await her groom. Perhaps the man's injuries were not life threatening and Neil MacNeill would be back to get her before nightfall. As it turned out, Bob Allen's injuries were of great concern. In order to save his life Neil would have to operate. Getting permission from the family was like trying to find hen's teeth, but Mary finally gave permission. The surgery was done in the worst of conditions; people lolly-gagging about the operating area, children touching his instruments, Mary wailing until she was asked by the doctor to be taken from the room. What Neil didn't know is that Christy had taken it upon herself to talk Ben Pentland into bringing her to Neil. Neil barked his orders and the crowd obeyed. Then he eyed Christy. Here was his first clue she would not be a female borne to compliance. He didn't know what to think of her. As he glanced at her across the room the startling thought came to his mind that she strongly resembled his first wife. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Why hadn't he noticed this before? The crowd looked at the stranger with a thousand questions buzzing around in their heads. How could this woman already have a strong pull to him emotionally? They had barely gotten to know each other for those three hours. "Come to me," he said simply. The crowd of relatives parted like Moses and the Red Sea and she moved to his side. "I need your assistance." Christy looked down at the man and though her heart went out to him, she could not stomach what was about to happen. She started to faint. "I'm sorry," she said as Neil ordered them to take her outside. She felt at such a loss, that she had somehow failed him, he who only a few hours before would have become her life's partner. What if he didn't want her knowing she was a coward? Neil turned to Ben. "Take her to the mission. I don't know how things will go here." Neil hated the thought of sending her there but taking in the circumstances, he felt there was no other option left open to him. She would be safe there, he was sure Alice Henderson would let her stay, no matter what his feelings with Alice were about. "Sure, Doc," replied Ben, who went outside to inform Christy they would not be staying. She had a moment with a woman, a beautiful highland woman named Fairlight. The woman, surrounded by her "youngins" looked more like she belonged in a Scottish fairytale from long ago. There was an air about her, a simple proudness, an inner beauty. As they walked to the mission Ben told her stories about the area, the people. It was a long and arduous task, and when, in the middle of their walk, it began to storm their only recourse was to continue for there would be no shelter to find along the way. When they got to the mission Ben knocked on the door and was let in but at that point all of Christy's strength had poured out from her and she fell into a heap in the Reverend David Grantland's arms. Meanwhile, Neil was having a hard time dodging the questioning looks at the Spencer cabin from the people of the cove. Their "Doc" had somethin' going with that young woman from the levelands and they weren't sure they liked it. One man spit off the porch as he gave an opinion, "The road with that one be long and winding, full of adventure, ah' reckon'." In the morning... No one's eyes were more fixed on the comely form of Christy Huddleston than that of a red-headed young girl who's duty in life at that moment was to serve up breakfast. Ruby Mae Morrison had once owned a Sears & Roebuck catalog and the lady sitting at the table was just as pretty as one of those models, maybe even prettier. She had tried countless times to get a word in edgewise in the conversation only to be "shushed" by the Rev. Grantland for interrupting. Ruby Mae was beginning to think the Preacher was addle-pated with the new girl. Christy had shared with them her reason for coming to Cutter Gap and the woman Quaker, called "Miss Alice" had started choking on her morning coffee. Soon after the episode David had offered to show her around the Mission and the new church/schoolhouse. They were looking for a teacher, as Miss Alice's duties to the other missions around the area were too time consuming. Miss Alice had a reputation which was respected around the cove, and to Christy's shock was as good a shot with her rifle as any male in the county, or better. In the early afternoon Christy found herself alone in the Mission House. Miss Alice had left to bring supplies to a place called Cataleechee and David was helping the Becks mend the roof on their cabin. Picking up some books she had seen flung on a chair she startled as the figure of Neil MacNeill opened the door and strolled into the room. Suddenly the books were on the floor. Chapter 8 Bob Allen’s unfortunate accident turned the tide of events for which Neil had so intricately planned. He had been due to wed Christy Huddleston in no less than fifteen minutes. Neil recalled Jeb’s assessment: “How bad does it look?” “Wall, there be a pump knot on his head tha’ size of a walnut, looks like. Sides that, there ‘peres ta be a blood leak by his ear.” Neil had stayed up all night and into the wee hours of the morning tending his patient. Bob Allen was a good man but Neil figured there was a little black cloud that seemed to follow him wherever he went. Couple that with a superstitious and worrisome wife, the Allen home was filled with continual drama. Neil thought about Rob Allen and the burdens he held upon his shoulders. This was not uncommon in the cove. Young males were expected to help with the family. Many had only a fourth grade education, and parents were more favorable of the help they could expect to receive from their youngins’ to eek a living out of these mountains, than to educate them out of poverty. The good Lord gave you your lot in life the minute he gave you breath, so it didn’t signify trying to change His plans. Several families had never stepped outside the cove more than ten miles circumference their entire life. No amount of book learning could make up for a large dose of common sense, and it seemed to Neil that the new brood of children in these parts were “thinkers”. Changes would come, but not easily. Neil knew of at least two families who continued to believe the War Between the States was not over. He’d just sewn up the shoulder of a Johnny Reb last week. Would the young woman who’d answered his ad be up to such a life? In the early afternoon, walking through the door of the Mission House Neil was immediately met with a living portrait of his bride-to-be. Christy was moving some books to the library table. Startled, Christy had dropped the books. “Neil. I mean Doctor MacNeill.” She moved to pick them up. Her skirt swished along the oak floor. “I wasn’t expecting you. Neil was greeted with a bright smile, which traveled across the room and refreshed his weary bones and made his heart feel somewhat lighter. Looking upon this beautiful woman he was hard-pressed to believe she had answered his letter and was willing to gamble her life's choice of marriage on him. He stood there unshaved, un-bathed, with clothes that were mud-stained and wrinkled. They stood in silence for a moment just looking at each other. “Hello”. “You first.” “No, please, go ahead.” “I had a talk with Miss Alice.” “What about?” replied Neil. He hoped Alice would not have meddled into his private business and brought “God’s will” into the marriage equation. After all, the placing of the ad in the newspaper had been an act of faith, of sorts, had it not? It seemed to Neil his prayers had been answered above he expected, if he had thought of asking for divine intervention, which he had not. His blood pressure began to rise. “She says they are looking for a teacher for the school here. She also said she would give me room and board…” “Stop! Not another word,” remarked Neil stiltingly as he began to pace. He couldn’t think standing still. Meddlers! Alice and Grantland, to be sure. How to approach this situation? His pondering was cut short as David Grantland came through the front door of the mission. Timely for Neil. Untimely for the Preacher. “Well, hello Miss Huddleston,” David said in greeting with a charming smile as he entered the room. He turned to see Neil standing by the fireplace silhouetted against the stone, the sun’s rays now halving the horizon, being pushed down by gathering steel-colored clouds. “Looks like we may get another gully-washer tonight,” David commented towards the doctor making light talk. The possible storm outside was nothing like the one brewing inside a certain Scotsman’s rigid frame. Chapter 9 “Grantland, Miss Huddleston and I wish to be alone.” “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Doctor. Miss Huddleston needs a chaperone.” “From me?” asked Neil incredulously. “The numbers don’t add up Doctor. There are two males in the room and only one female.” “Then go and get your sister.” “She’s busy right now.” David was making this hard. “Christy, would you mind stepping out onto the porch?” Neil asked as his hand now lay upon his left hip. It was clear by his body language that he was getting madder by the minute, though he was able to control it – just. He glanced back at David as the door shut noisily. Neil placed his hand upon Christy’s elbow to gently guide her to the left, just in front of the bathing area. Christy looked over at the bathtub. Standing close to her he began to continue his discourse but was interrupted. "You need to take a bath," commented Christy. "I beg your pardon?" answered Neil, hearing what she said but not quite believing it. "I can't." "Why not?" "I have to leave shortly for my cabin...there's some medicine I need to get to Bob Allen later in the day." How is Mr. Allen?” “He’s a lucky man. He’s going to make it, though I’ll wager this won’t be the last accident he finds himself in. Alive and ready to survive another disaster." "You saved his life." "Perhaps I did." "God saved it, actually, using you." "And was it God that sent that tree flying through the air to land on Bob Allen?" "God did not intend for Mr. Allen to have pain and suffering, he just was there while the storm was happening. God can't be blamed for all of the bad things that happen. Look on the bright side - you happened to be available for God to use to help Mr. Allen and your skills saved his life. God works in ways we don't understand, Neil." "Humpf!" remarked Neil. "I should go." "When will you return?" "When I secure the medicine, and...take a bath." At the later remark he gave her a big smile and she returned one to him as well. "You're not asking me to go with you?" "I did not think you would care to." "And why wouldn't I, Dr. MacNeill? Isn't it supposed to be my home - would have been my home already had not your services needed to be rendered." "You're a cheeky lass." "I did promise Miss Alice I would be here in the evening to go over some of the school curriculum." "We have not yet discussed this idea of yours - and hers," Neil said with some trepidation in his voice. "I'm not so sure it's a good idea. " "We can discuss it on the ride to 'our' home." "Very well." "I'll get my things and leave a note." With that, Christy turned to collect her belongings and leave a note telling Miss Alice where she was going. It was the least she could do, given the hospitality shown to her in such short notice. Christy was becoming accustomed to sharing Neil's horse and her mount upon the horse went rather well. Neil noted she was bringing some of her belongings to his cabin. One small red leather bag was absent. On the way they discussed her role as the next schoolteacher. At one point the conversation became rather heated but each were calmed down with long silences in between their debate. Neil felt Christy too young and too inexperienced to face such challenges and Christy, in turn, seemed determined at all costs to take on the adventure. Upon approaching Neil's cabin his thinking leaned toward letting her try it for a week or two and then giving her comfort when she failed, for he was certain she would fail. He did not think it fair to her to out and out forbid the opportunity, but to be there to pick up the pieces. His rustic, male orientated cabin seemed to suit him. She had learned some of the particulars about his family and the age of the cabin. Stepping inside she could see it was in want of a feminine touch, though here and there she did notice some sense of decorating, particularly the bedroom. There was a door, which he said he kept locked which profoundly intrigued her. At first knowledge she wondered if he had some kind of Frankenstein inside but dismissed it for who could share a home with a man thought to be mad? "Why don't I cook dinner for us,? asked Christy. ""A splendid idea," remarked Neil as he watched her open a few cupboards to familiarize herself with his kitchen. Flour, eggs, tomatoes, and a bit of cheese were to be found so she settled on omelets. Finding a sack of new potatoes she determined to add raw fries to their course. Finding an apron hanging on a nail she commenced to create a culinary delight. Biscuits would have to baked as well. Neil loaded the wood box for the oven. Disappearing for a few minutes, Christy took advantage of being alone and started cooking. Neil appeared in the kitchen rather glad to know he would be consuming someone else's cooking. His own did the trick but lacked in imagination. She was cutting up bits and pieces of all kinds of things for the omelets. "Add this," he said as he stood very close to her. "I like a little bit of spice." Christy blushed at the comment and wasn't sure how innocently it had been spoken. Standing quite close to her she could feel his breath on her neck and she cleared her throat. Backing away Neil recalled her comment about a bath so without any further ado he stepped to wall, grabbed a bar of soap and a towel and went out the door. A few minutes later Christy looked out the window and her eyes were greeted with a very male figure fully engulfed in the stream without a stitch of clothing on. She knew she shouldn't look, but she did. She had never seen a man nearly naked before unless you could count her brother, George, when they were quite young, enjoying a neighbor's pond. Her soon-to-be husband was rather good-looking, she surmised for the first time and the thought kind of left a sinking feeling inside her stomach. Whatever would he want me for? And why had he not married before this? He had a natural charisma, which drew you to him. Perhaps it was the confidence he had in his profession but he could also be quite stubborn, she could see. All this contemplation created havoc upon her meal and she saw Neil turn and his countenance was one of great concern. Suddenly the cabin filled with smoke and he came bounding into the cabin half dressed to rescue her and the situation. She was more flustered at his appearance than the fire. "You nearly burned down my house!" "It was an accident." "Hardly. What were you doing." "Just looking...around," commented Christy. "Well, perhaps we can salvage something." In the end bread and butter and cut-up apples with cider was their table fare. Christy felt awful and Neil tried to make light of the situation but found himself digging a hole as far as saying the wrong thing. In the end he agreed she was a rotten cook and she in turn agreed he was a stubborn Scot, though each did not enjoy the admittance. Saddling up his horse they journeyed back to the Mission House and reached their destination near six o'clock to find both Ida and David Grantland and Miss Alice at home. Ida's attitude upon having guests for supper gave her both pleasure and a sense of irritation. Pleasure, because she would certainly be praised for her cooking and displeasure in the extra work it would afford. As the meal was brought to the table all were expected to bow in prayer, but Neil did not, and for that, Christy felt some sense of disappointment. David had prayed over the meal. The conversation contained the usual pleasantries about the weather and crops and the latest wagon or horse seen in El Pano. Everything changed when, during a particularly long pause, Christy Huddleston spoke. "Reverend Grantland, are you an ordained minister?" "Yes, yes I am," remarked David as he smiled at Miss Huddleston. "Do you perform ceremonies of marriage?" "Don't forget funerals," quipped Neil. "I am curious. When you find a wife, will you be performing your own marriage ceremony - is that done?" asked Christy. "My own?" David replied. "Yes. I am sure there must be someone who would be willing to marry a handsome, Godly man such as yourself." Miss Alice listened cautiously to see where this was going. "Do you have anyone special in mind?" David Grantland asked lazily smiling at Christy. "I might. But you haven't answered my question. Do you perform marriages?" All this talk of marriage made David nervous. He choked a bit on his meat. "Yes," he said flatly. "Then you could perform our marriage ceremony?" "Ours? David asked, his voice cracking. Christy looked at Neil. Neil slowly turned to look Christy in the eyes. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He understood what she was asking. That he was glad was plainly written on his face but he was totally put on surprise by her question. "Mine and Dr. MacNeills'." Miss Alice looked shocked, then found her voice. "When do thee intend to marry?" "Tonight, if possible," replied Christy. "Don't you see? We were intended to be married in town but with the unfortunate accident of Mr. Allen our ceremony was delayed. Having our marriage performed in the church, by Reverend Grantland would be even better. God has prepared another way." Neil had not thought of that, but if he had, he would never have dreamed to even entertain the idea, let alone verbalize it. Miss Alice was his former mother-in-law and their relationship was strained. Certainly the idea of him advertising for a bride and then having absolutely no courtship, then seeing Miss Huddleston, her beauty and her youth altogether must have been a real thorn in her side. "I think thee should think a little more on this idea, Miss Huddleston. Thee and Dr. MacNeill have not had a proper courtship. Neil's ideas about God are suspect. Thee does not know much about him and thou can always stay here and teach - God had provided other options for you." Neil was getting irritated at her interference but in his heart he knew she spoke the truth. On the other hand, if Bob had not been so foolish as to be out in the middle of the woods during a windstorm, he'd be married and enjoying the fruits of his marriage. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he had already begun to have feelings for Christy Huddleston. The thought of kissing her and holding her close was a dream, which had been within his reach. The fact that she had suggested the idea of the Reverend Grantland performing the ceremony, to Neil, was pure genius. "You put her up to this," stated Alice. "No, I did not." "I had not thought of it until now. Why can't we get married today?" "What's the rush?" remarked David. Here was this beautiful, intelligent young girl making a hasty decision about the most important event in a person's life and she wanted to marry Neil MacNeill. If she'd wait a while and feel things out he could possibly show her that God had other plans open to her. "No, my mind's made up. I made a promise, which I intend to keep. I will not be swayed." "Perhaps thee should make it conditional," commented Alice, "A trial. Perform the ceremony but live here and allow Neil to court thee first. Then, if it doesn't work out you can easily have the marriage annulled." "You mean, WHEN it does not work out, don't you Alice? quipped Neil. "You assume it's not going to work. I am determined it will and so is Miss Huddleston." Another fifteen minutes of debate ensued but Christy Huddleston would not back down. They proceeded to the small chapel/schoolhouse whereupon David Grantland performed the marriage ceremony and Ida Grantland served as witness. It was a done deal and nothing could be done to change it. Neil turned to his new bride and gently took her by the shoulders, bent his head and placed a chaste, but tender kiss upon her lips. In his mind he figured it was going to be one long week before he expected her to adjust to the idea of marriage. In her head she wasn't sure if one month was long enough. To Be Continued. Part 10 coming soon!