Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies. "The MacNeill's" Part Four/Chapter One Charles Shelby MacNeill ...................................................................................................................... It was early in September. Christy and Neil were expecting their third child at the end of the month. As always, she had the nursery in order. 1919 had been a very busy year. Earlier that Spring, David had the chance to talk to Neil privately."Thank you, Neil," David said, "for remaining steadfast as a friend throughout the difficult times, the awkward times, after you married Christy. I was not the same kind of friend to you." "How could I fault you for loving Christy?" Neil replied, "when I loved her as well. My world turned upside down when Margaret returned. What right did I have to love Christy, when I was bound by the vows I made with Margaret? Those were dark days for me. My greatest fear was that Christy would marry you." "Neil, why didn't you tell Christy you loves her, after Margaret died?" "I was afraid." "You, afraid, Neil? I find that hard to believe." "I felt I wasn't good enough , or worthy of her. When the typhoid epidemic hit, my insecurities overwhelmed me. We lost too many people. After you recovered, Christy turned to you. She accepted your proposal of marriage. I left for Baltimore to lick my wounds.I was a haunted man. I knew I had to face Christy once more and tell her how I felt. I knew something wasn't right. Why had God put this deep love in my heart for her, only to snatch her away from me? I understood how you felt, David, when she told you she couldn't marry you. That is why I never got angry with you. I had felt the same sense of rejection and loss. I am glad we have all remained friends. Ned and Catherine adore you. Christy loves you like an older brother and I am sure we will all be enchanted by your Miranda." "I hope so," said David, with a smile. "I'm sure of it," Neil replied. "As long as we are here talking, I would like to ask for your opinion on a plan that I have been giving my serious consideration. I would like to build a medical clinic here at the Mission. It's a fairly central location. Having a clinic would give me a place to have a sterile area for surgery. Emergencies would still have to be dealt with in the field. I would still have to travel to families in outlying areas, but in the long run, I would be closer to my family." "I think it is a wonderful idea, Neil. Dr. Ferrand and Miss Alice need to be consulted. We could keep up monitoring the health of the school children on a regular basis." Dr. Ferrand gave his permission to build the clinic, but, there was no money from mission funds for construction. The money would have to be raised privately, from other sources. Christy wrote to her parents. They in turn contacted congregations in Asheville and funds were collected, but it was not nearly enough. Neil wrote to Harold Wade in Baltimore. David wrote to congregations in Boston. While visiting his brother in Knoxville, William and Julia were invited to a social that Hazen Smith and his wife attended. William and Hazen had been friends for years. They told the Smith's about Christy, Neil and their grandchildren. William mentioned Neil's need for a medical clinic. Hazen Smith smiled. He fondly remembered Christy's visit to his office in Knoxville. "Have no fear, William," he said. "I believe in being philanthropic. I support worthwhile causes. It is my way of giving back for my financial success." The following morning a bank draft was sent to Dr. Neil MacNeill.When Neil received it, he was overwhelmed. He showed the check to Christy. There was enough money to cover construction costs, medicine and equipment. In his note to Neil, Hazen Smith told him that if he needed more funds, all Neil had to do was notify him. David's wedding plans were moving along. He had met Miranda while visiting his mother in Boston. Miranda was a minister's daughter. She understood the duties of being a minister's wife. Her role model was her mother. Miranda was very beautiful. She was tall and thin, with dark hair and violet eyes. She had a warm, bubbly personality. She could make David laugh, and offset some of his seriousness. Her brothers loved sports, and played baseball often. She loved to watch the game. This had given her a common topic to converse with David, when she first met him. David had told her about Christy. After she married Neil, David remained at the Mission. His loss of her pained him deeply. Time and prayer, Alice's love and guidance made him finally realize that his love was more like that of a brother to a younger sister. He'd felt protective of Christy and he realized that he had never really treated her like an adult. His resentment and jealousy of Neil was wrong. Once he was able to finally see and recognize the deep love that Christy and Neil had for each other, his heart could at last heal. He utterly adored their children, who called him "Unca" David. David and Miranda were married in Boston in May. She was one of nine siblings, seven of whom were brothers. Ida and Clarence traveled with their children, Darcy and Emma Elizabeth, by train from California to attend the wedding. When the newlyweds returned to Cutter Gap a month later, the people of the Cove celebrated with a grand jollification on the Mission grounds. Miranda was a little overwhelmed by it all. They made a stunning couple. No one had seen violet eyes before. It took Miranda a while to get used to the stares. She was cheerful and friendly and obviously very much in love with her husband. The ladies of the Cove approved. Most of the Cove's residents attended the party. David and Neil spoke to the men about building the clinic. Everyone was in favor of the idea. Most families throughout the Smokies had no access to medical care. The people of Cutter Gap knew they were lucky to have Neil as a doctor. A week or so later, David, Jeb, Tom, Uncle Bogg and Neil drew up plans for the clinic. Neil explained his needs: lots of light, heat and water, a surgery, a recovery room, a small office, and a place for supplies, pharmacy and a waiting area. Neil and Jeb ordered the construction materials in El Pano. In late July, the men of the Cove got together to start building the clinic. As they do for a barn raising, the ladies provided the food to feed their menfolk. Moira Parker kept the children amused with games and contests. A quilting bee was set up near the gazebo. The clinic began to take shape. It would be finished in early September, just in time for the birth of Christy and Neil's third child. Opal and Alice assisted Christy with her canning from her garden harvest. Neil and some of the other men were busy with the clinic. Harvest was a busy time for families in the Cove. Miranda came by to help the ladies. this was a skill taught to her by her mother. Since she came from a large family, canning was an integral part of her life. David had told her about his relationship with Christy. After observing Christy and Neil, Miranda knew that Christy had made the right choice. Miranda truly loved David, and she prayed that she and David would have the same closeness that the MacNeill's exhibited towards each other. As Christy's due date approached, Neil became more anxious. He could not be in two places at the same time. The clinic was almost completed. The surgery windows faced East, South and West for maximum light. They were higher too, in order to prevent people from staring at the surgical scene from the outside. Uncle Bogg had suggested building a porch with benches so that in fair weather, people could wait outside. Neil was very pleased. He would still have to travel to Lufty Branch, Cataleechie, Low Gap and Raven Gap, but he would be home more often. If it was a slow day, he would go home. People could still come to the cabin for medical help. David insisted that they would install a telephone at the clinic. Christy could reach Neil if there was an emergency and Neil could be reached at the cabin if a patient showed up at the clinic. Alice was at the Mission when Christy called. She felt it was time. Her water hadn't broken, but she recognized the classic signs of labor. Alice went out to the clinic. "Neil," she said, "thy wife needs us." Neil saddled Duke and Goldie and they were off to the cabin. Christy told Ned to play with Catherine quietly.The new baby would be coming soon. She explained that Poppa and granny Alice would be coming to help her deliver the baby. She made her children lunch and did up the dishes. Catherine was getting sleepy, so Christy put her down for a nap. Ned was playing with wooden blocks, stacking them into a tower and then knocking them down. She was in the kitchen when Alice and Neil arrived. Within an hour her water broke. Alice and Neil were amazed, within two hours she delivered a son. Charles Shelby MacNeill had brown hair, Neil's nose and jaw and the green eyes of her Grandfather Rudd. He weighed about seven pounds and was eighteen inches long. He would be tall like his father, but not as brawny. Named for Scotland's Bonnie Prince and Christy's grandfather Rudd, he entered the world with a loud cry. Christy and Neil were grateful for a healthy baby. Alice left them together to marvel at the miracle of their newborn son. She prepared dinner for the family. Christy asked Alice to stay the night, she didn't want her traveling back to the Mission in the dark. End of Chapter One ................................................................................................................ Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies. The MacNeill's Part Four/Chapter Two Charles Shelby MacNeill Charlie was a good baby. He had a sweet disposition. Much to Christy's delight, within a few weeks he slept through most of the night. Dear little Catherine thought of him as another doll. She loved to watch him and she played with him during the ensuing months. Ned proved to be a steadfast older brother, keeping watch over the two young ones. Neil continued taking an active roll in raising Charlie as he had done with Ned and Catherine. He would burp Charlie after Christy fed him, and he would change the baby's diapers, too. Neil would hold Charlie and point out all kinds of things to him. He would tell Charlie about his day, what treatments he administered to patients and Charlie would listen as if he understood what his Poppa was talking about. He would coo and giggle at the sound of his Poppa's voice. From the time they were babies, Christy had read to her children. She read them stories from Bible history. She taught them classic Mother Goose rhymes. She read fairy tales to Catherine. Ned was four, and he already knew his letters and numbers. He would go to school in September. Christy admired the new teacher. Mrs. Parker was proving to be a very creative teacher. The children enjoyed her lessons and loved her almost as much as they had loved Miss Christy. Christy would hold Charlie and read to Ned and Catherine. Neil had made her a slanted book table, she could hold the baby without struggling to hold the book as well. She was able to turn the pages and still manage to hold the baby. Juggling babies and daily chores was very challenging. Neil helped her as often as he could. She was doing a decent job of it in the eyes of the ladies of the Cove. It was a treat for her to join the ladies at the Mission for the Sewing Circle. In the beginning of her time in the Cove all she did was read aloud to the ladies as they stitched. Christy was intrigued by the patterns, the inter-play of color and she realized every quilt was a labor of love, the legacy to be handed down from mother to daughter, mother to son. She could sew, that was a start. Fairlight explained how important it was to be accurate in cutting the pieces. Sewing them together with small running stitches was also an important technique to learn. Unfortunately, Fairlight died before Christy completed her first quilt. She had made Ned and Catherine quilts, and had finished Charlie's three weeks before he was born. Her mother had sent a trunk with some of her clothes from Asheville. There was a blue cotton dress with a tiny floral pattern which she could no longer wear. She cut the dress up and used the fabric for Charlie's quilt. She also used feed sacks and flour sacks for the quilt. Fairlight had taught her never to waste useable fabric. At Christmas, Miranda told Christy she was pregnant. She would be due in June. She had seen a doctor in Knoxville when David went to pick up supplies for the Mission. Christy knew in her heart that Neil would feel the slight. She wondered if Miranda felt that Neil was only a "country doctor". Neil never let on that he felt anything but jubilation for the Grantland's and their good news. Christy and Alice both recognized the furrow in his brow. Christmas always brought Christy joy, and a peaceful serenity of heart. The MacNeill's stayed at the Mission, at Alice's insistence. David and Miranda would be leaving in two days to spend the New Year in Boston. Moira Parker and her son Luke had also joined in the Christmas festivities. An Ice storm prevented Moira from joining her parents for Christmas. She had no contact with her late husband's family. David conducted a beautiful Christmas service. The school children entertained with the presentation of a Nativity play. They all sang Christmas carols together. It was a special time to celebrate with friends and family. It had been a wonderful year. End of Chapter Two DISCLAIMER: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies. The MacNeill's "Charles Shelby MacNeill" Part Four -- Chapter Three .............................................................................................................. As he began to crawl and toddle around the cabin, Christy noticed that Charlie loved bright colors. He loved to play with Ned's painted wooden blocks. David and Miranda were visiting the day Charlie learned to throw the blocks. David mused that Charlie would be a future starting pitcher on the Mission baseball team one day. Everyone laughed, including Charlie, who giggled when he heard his father laughing heartily. Neil couldn't hit a pitch to save his life. As he grew a little older, Charlie showed an interest in animals. Mist and Smoky were Catherine's kittens. Under Christy's supervision Charlie would pet them and tickle them; he had an innate gentleness about him. As Neil watched his son interact with the animals, he knew that Charlie would be like his Momma. Every bunny and chick would get a name. Eventually these animals would end up as food on the table. His wife was soft-hearted when it came to that. He wondered if Charlie would be the same way. When Charlie was four years old he took a chill after getting wet in the creek. He developed a fever and cough, which soon verged on pneumonia. Neil and Christy kept constant watch over him. They were both worried about their son. Christy felt overwhelmed by it all. Ned, who was eight, was keeping a watchful eye on the twins. Miss Alice came whenever she could to give Christy a hand. Their son's illness was taking its toll. Finally, Charlie began to recover. Christy decided to bake some bread for the day. As she lifted the heavy stoneware bowl, she was seized by a wrenching pain. She dropped the bowl, which shattered, and she fell to the floor. As Neil came running, she could feel the warm blood running down her legs. She had suffered a miscarriage. He carried her to the patient's bed. Christy was distraught. "I didn't know I was pregnant," she cried. "I lost our baby, Neil. It's my fault." "Hush, my love. Don't cry. It's not your fault. Let me remove your skirts, love." He crooned to her as he attended to her medical needs. He could hear the twins crying from their cribs, but he blanked out the noise. He was in his full doctor mode, concentrating all of his medical skills on the his wife. Afterwards, he gave her some medication for discomfort and a sleeping draught. He then checked on the twins. He changed their diapers and fed them. Neil then set Christy's clothes to soak. He cleaned up the broken shards of stoneware off the floor. He fed Charlie some soup and gave the twins their bottles. Charlie was almost completely recovered from his illness. Just before Ned and Catherine came home from school, he fed Christy some broth and tea. She started to cry again, and he just held her close to his heart, whispering how much he loved her. Alice came shortly after and was shocked when Neil told her what had happened. She went in to see Christy, and held her close and soothed her. Alice said some prayers and read to Christy from the Bible. Christy fell asleep. Alice arose and walked into the kitchen. She hugged Neil tightly, "My son." "I was so scared, Alice. I heard the bowl shatter and found her on the floor. In my mind, I kept praying 'Dear Lord, let her be all right.' Then I saw the blood. She was probably only a few weeks along. I don't think she was aware she was late with her cycle. We were both so pre-occupied with Charlie." Alice looked at Neil. She will be fine, Neil. Thy medical skills took care of her physical needs. Now thy love and understanding must address her emotional pain. She will need thee more than ever before. She must be made aware that five children and her husband need her. I can see the pain in her eyes. She mourns the loss of a baby who will never be, and blames herself for its demise. Spend time with her, my son. I will attend to the rest of thy family." "Thank you, Alice," said Neil. "Thee are welcome," she replied, and she hugged him again. Ned and Catherine came bounding up the stairs full of energy after being dismissed from school. Ned immediately sensed the somber mood. "What's the matter?" he asked. "Is Charlie sick? Where's Momma and Poppa?" Alice sensed panic in his voice. "Come here, my dears. She hugged them both. "Charlie and the twins are fine. Thy Momma lost the baby she was carrying. You see, Momma didn't realize she was going to have another baby. Thy Poppa has taken good care of her. She is sleeping now, but thee both will be able to see her soon. Over the next couple of days Neil insisted that Christy rest. He could sense her despondence, but five children, one who was recuperating from illness, two who were toddlers and a medical practice required his attention. It was late morning when Charlie decided to check on his Momma. The twins were in the playpen. Christy was resting in bed. She was feeling physically better, but her heart was full of sorrow for the baby she had lost. Charlie climbed up onto the bed and gave Christy a hug. He snuggled against her. "I love you, Momma. Don't be sad. I miss you. I'm afraid that you are mad at me." "I'm not mad at you, Charlie," she replied quietly. She hugged him to her and kissed him on the top of his head. "Momma loves you very, very much." She listened to the sound of the twins playing in the playpen. Fairlight's words came back to her. "It's today I must be livin'." She regretted the loss of her unborn child, but she had five other children to look after. "Enough," she chided herself. "It's time to get up and about and get on with life." She kissed Charlie again so he wouldn't be afraid. She walked him back to the room he shared with Ned and helped him get dressed. She brought him to the couch and he played with his Jacob's ladder while she checked on the twins and changed them. She heated soup for their lunch, and she began to think about what she would prepare for supper. She began to hum softly to herself. Neil came in to the cabin quietly. When he saw that Charlie was dressed and on the couch his hopes rose. "Poppa," said Charlie, "I'm up." "I see that your are feeling much better." "Momma said I had to stay inside, just like you said too." "She's right, you know." At the sound of his voice, Christy came out of the kitchen. "Lass, you are a sight for sore eyes." Christy walked into Neil's embrace, and just held on to him. He kissed her softly. "I love you, Neil." "And I, you. How are you feeling today?" "I'm better. I can't stay in bed and feel sorry for myself. My family needs me and I need my family." She hugged him tightly. Charlie was watching his parents. Everything seemed to be the way things were before her got sick. He had sensed tension and sadness before, but now it was gone. Momma was smiling again and Poppa looked happy, not worried. Then Sean and Ian started to cry and Neil and Christy each picked up a twin and laughed at each other. Life was back to normal. The end of Chapter Three Disclaimer: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. I am writing this story for my own personal enjoyment. The story is based on themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill's" Part Four/Chapter Four "Charles Shelby MacNeill" ................................... "Poppa, can we have a dog? Please? I would take good care of one, I promise." "Charlie, dogs in the Cove are hunting animals, not house pets like Catherine's cats," replied Neil. "They'd live outside." "I know that, Poppa." "I'll think about it, and talk it over with your Momma." "Thank you, Poppa." Charlie smiled, because his Momma knew how much he wanted a dog. Later that afternoon, Neil had the opportunity to talk to Christy about Charlie's request. "So what do you think, Lass?" "I know that Charlie wants a dog so much, Neil. Sometimes I think that Charlie gets lost in the shuffle. The twins occupy so much of our energy. Charlie loves animals, The dog would be a companion for him. What kind of dog would you consider?" "A beagle, I think." "I'm glad you're not considering a basset hound. Remember Singer-Lee? I know Sam Houston is devoted to them, but I think I'd prefer the smaller dog." "Beagles are the best for rabbit hunting. I think Charlie would enjoy that. Beagles have keen scenting power and stamina." "How do they hunt, Neil?" "Chasing rabbits is their specialty, Lass. When a beagle gets a fresh scent of rabbit, it picks up the trail and puts the animal on the run. Rabbits tend to run in a circular pattern, and eventually the dog will chase it close enough for the hunters to get off a shot. They need a minimum of training and come to their skill naturally." "Are there any pups available in the Cove?" "I believe Gabriel Teague has a litter that is almost weaned. I'll talk to him tomorrow. Neil spoke to Gabe about the puppy for Charlie. They agreed on a price. The puppy was coming from solid stock. Two weeks later, Neil asked Charlie to accompany him. "Where are we going, Poppa?" "I have some business with Mr. Teague." "Is someone sick?" "Not that I know of, son." "Oh. Then why are we going?" "You'll see, Charlie. Have patience." Charlie was riding on Duchess. He really had a natural affinity with animals. When they reached the Teagues, Gabriel came out to greet them. "Howdy, Doc, Charlie." "Howdy, Mr, Teague," the boy replied. Neil shook Gabe's hand. Charlie looked at both adults. Come with me, Charlie. They walked to the barn, where Charlie spied the puppies. "Poppa?" he asked. The look on his face was priceless. Perhaps Christy was right, that somehow Charlie was overshadowed by his brothers and sisters. Neil would amend that right now. "You may choose a puppy, Charlie." Charlie thought he had died and gone to heaven. A puppy! The puppies sensed his excitement. He finally chose one that had a prominent patch of black fur on its back. Neil had dogs growing up as a child, so he took the time to explain what had to be done in caring for the puppy. On the way home the pup wiggled and wriggled so much, Charlie could barely control his horse. Neil finally took the puppy and put it in his jacket. When they reached the cabin, the poor puppy was surrounded by noisy MacNeill's. It piddled on the porch in excitement. Charlie had decided to name him "Patches." "He'll need to be housebroken, Charlie. Momma works too hard to keep the floors clean. You'll have to take Patches out frequently. We'll keep him confined in one of my medicinal shipping crates, to use as his sleeping box. Puppies usually don't soil the area where they eat and sleep." "Can't he sleep in my room, Poppa?" "Eventually, after he is housebroken. Generally hunting dogs don't live in a house. But I know you'd sleep in the barn if I told you the dog couldn't stay inside the cabin." He ruffled Charlie's hair. "You should take Patches out to the same spot in the yard. He'll get used to what "going out" means. You should take him out a half hour after he eats. We'll try to keep a regular schedule until Patches is housebroken and can let you know when he needs to go outside. Do you think you are up to the responsibility, Charlie?" "Yes, Poppa," he beamed, and he hugged Neil. Then he went to Christy. "Thank you, Momma." He hugged and kissed his mother. Christy looked at Neil, their silent communication speaking volumes. They had made the right decision. End of Chapter Four Disclaimer: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. I am writing this story for my own personal enjoyment. The story is based on themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill’s" Part Four/Chapter Five "Charles Shelby MacNeill" ............................................................................................................... One morning the telephone rang while Christy was cleaning the cabin. It was her father calling to tell her that Grandmother Rudd had suffered a stroke. The severity of her condition was not known. Christy was devastated. Grandmother Rudd had always been a tower of strength. To be told that her grandmother was ill, that the extent of the damage had not been determined, greatly distressed her. Christy called the clinic. She managed to give Neil the news between her sobs. Neil then called Alice. She came to the clinic to to assist the few remaining patients. An old dressing had to be replaced. A sprained ankle needed to be wrapped and a broken finger had to be splinted. "Go Neil, we will manage. Christy and her family need thee." Neil rode back to the cabin as fast as Duke could carry him. Christy had packed their suitcases. Opal had come to stay with the children. They would go to the Mission to stay with their Granny Alice and the Grantland’s. They rode Duke and Duchess to El Pano and stayed overnight at the Tatum’s. They would catch the early train to Asheville in the morning. William met them at the station. "It doesn’t look good, Neil. She’s paralyzed on her right side. She cannot speak." Christy started to cry. Neil held her close. "Lass, she has had a full life. She would hate to be burden to any one. Don’t cry, love. Celebrate her life. She has done so many wonderful things in her lifetime." They reached the Huddleston’s home and refreshed themselves. Then they went to the hospital. Dr. Brandt was her physician. "Dr. MacNeill, it is good to see you again." Neil replied with professional courtesy. "It is grave. She is not responding. She is not in a coma, but she is not doing well." "May I see her?" Neil asked. "Of course, doctor." Neil entered the room with Dr. Brandt. Neil sat down next to the bed. "What a dismal place. No wonder you’re trying to ignore it, Grammy." Christy slipped quietly into the room. "Our children send their love to you. Christy is crying her eyes out, but she’ll put on a brave front when she sees you." Christy smiled. He squeezed her left hand. He felt a slight response. "Can you hear me, you grand dame?" He felt a slight squeeze. He kissed her hand. "You’d make a great poker player, Grammy. You don’t give anything away." She squeezed his hand. "I’m going to ask you some questions. Can you blink for me? One blink means yes, two blinks mean no. Do you understand?" He watched her eyes. Julia and William entered the room. Grammy Rudd blinked once. It was more like a wink. "You’re doing fine. Are you in pain? Two blinks, no. "Do you want to see Julia and William?" One blink. "Do you want to see Christy?" One blink. "Do you want us to send for Lavinia and Lucinda?" Two blinks and he felt a harder squeeze. "All right, dear Grammy, we’ll try to spare you as best we can." He felt a gentle squeeze of his hand and then he saw a tear trickle down her cheek. He kissed it and said, " You are so loved, Grammy Rudd, more than you could ever imagine." Dr. Brandt stood up, and Christy took his place. Julia and William stood closer to the bed. Christy said, "The Father in heaven has prepared a place for you." Neil said quietly, "Don’t be afraid to let go. You’ve left a wonderful legacy of love and memories. You’ve lived a good life. Don’t be afraid. Your Shelby is waiting for you." They all kept a vigil during the night. Julia felt guilty, despite Neil’s protests, and sent word to her sisters and brothers about their mother’s grave condition. Some were busy with business, others felt inconvenienced. By the time they all arrived it was over. Olivia Hamilton Rudd died peacefully in her sleep two days after Christy got the telephone call from her father. Christy was devastated. William knew that his mother-in-law’s will had left his daughter and grandchildren well taken care of. He had given her financial guidance, but insisted that she use a lawyer unrelated to the family for her last will and testament. He did not want to be accused of collusion or any impropriety when the will was read. Grandmother Rudd had been extremely generous to the MacNeill’s. Christy called the Mission to inform them about her Grandmother’s death. Alice asked if she wanted the children to come to Asheville for the funeral. Christy and Neil agreed to it. Their children adored their Grammy Rudd. Alice made the arrangements for train tickets and Jeb took them all to El Pano in his wagon. All six children were in a somber mood. Grammy Rudd was dead. They all knew that their Momma would be very upset. Christy and Julia went shopping for mourning attire for the children and for Christy. Neil had brought his black suit. Both he and William met the train. The children hugged their father and grandfather, but they were all subdued. The trip to the Huddleston home was quick and quiet. Christy’s face was blotchy from crying. She eagerly hugged her children. She had missed them terribly. Alice gave a strong, yet tender, hug and kiss. Alice embraced Julia. Julia greeted the children with hugs and kisses. The funeral was tomorrow. At this very sad time in her life, Christy’s spirits were buoyed by the way Neil had spoken to her grandmother. His journey in faith throughout their marriage had been remarkable. He chose to look at the gentle nature of Jesus and tried to be a gentle and loving father whenever possible. Discipline was important to both Christy and Neil, and their children understood this quite clearly. Charlie worried about his mother. After the funeral, the entire family returned to Gamma and Grandpa’s house. Annie outdid herself with the meal. Charlie had never seen so much food. He had been too little to remember Grammy’s special birthday party. He liked to watch people. He knew that he was related to a lot of these people, but he didn’t know very many of them. He found a quiet spot in Gamma’s rose garden. It was in full bloom. There was a little bench tucked away in a corner. Christy had loved to sit there and read when the roses were in bloom, when she was a child. Charlie had his plate of food and a glass of lemonade. He sat among the fragrant blooms, in the sun, remembering happy times with his great grandmother. That is what the preacher told them all to do at the funeral service. Snowball, Gamma’s white cat had followed him. "You smelled the chicken on my plate, didn’t you?" Charlie said. He petted the cat who purred first and then meowed. Charlie shared some of his chicken with the cat. When Charlie had finished, Snowball licked the plate. Then she jumped up on the bench and lay down next to him in a patch of warm sun. He was relaxing, looking up at the clouds, petting the cat when he heard angry hissing voices. It was Momma’s cousin, Great-aunt Lavinia’s daughter, Delia. "Look at her, that goody two shoes with the six mountain brats. Who does she think she is?" I’ve always hated her. She’s so sweet it sickens me, Osmond. I hate her so much. Everybody’s favorite, my eye! I got her good once. She stayed with us once when Aunt Julia and Uncle William had to be away. She was around four years old. I locked her in a closet for almost a whole day. She screamed and cried for hours in the dark. A maid finally heard her crying and let her out. She got sick, but I didn’t care. Mother yelled at me, of course. I got into Christy’s room and told her if she told her Mama or Daddy I would drown her kitten." Delia laughed and they walked away from where Charlie sat hidden by the roses. "That’s why Momma is afraid of the dark," thought Charlie. Christy’s fear of darkness was something she struggled with every night of her life. When Neil was away on call overnight, she would hug his pillow so she could smell his scent. If Neil came home during the night, he would remove the pillow from her arms and envelop her in his arms. She could never tell him why she was afraid because she couldn’t remember. Her parents were at a loss as well. While she had tried not to show her fear to her children, she couldn’t hide it from Ned, Catherine and Charlie. Charlie was sensitive and soft hearted like his Momma. He remembered Momma talking to Poppa about being afraid. Charlie knew there was bad blood between Momma and her cousin. He thought it was because Ned had punched her son for insulting his family. It went back farther than that. Charlie got up to put his plate and glass in the kitchen. He decided to tell Poppa what he had overheard. Charlie wandered about through the throng of relatives and friends who had come to the repast after the funeral. He was searching for his father. He saw him standing next to his Momma. He walked slowly toward his parents. Neil watched his son approach, and by the look on Charlie’s face, Neil knew he was needed. "Excuse me," Neil said to Christy and her cousins. He stepped aside and walked towards Charlie. "What’s wrong, son?" "I need to tell you something, Poppa. It’s real important." "I’m listening, Charlie." "Can we go somewhere, so no one will hear us, Poppa?" "Of course, Charlie." They walked to the far end of the yard. "What’s the matter, son?" "Poppa, do you remember the fairy tale about the wicked lady; when she spoke snakes and toads came out of her mouth?" "Yes," Neil smiled, remembering Amy Jean’s reaction to the story. "Well a lot of snakes and toads came out of Momma’s cousin Delia, today. Poppa, she locked Momma in a closet for hours and hours. Momma was younger than Amy. Then, she threatened to kill Momma’s kitten if she told anyone. I heard her tell her husband how she hates Momma and us. She called us mountain brats. She’s really bad, Poppa. No wonder Momma’s so afraid of the dark." Neil stared at Charlie for a long moment. "How did you know?" Ned, Cat and I just know. Poppa. Momma hides it well, but we just know." Neil ruffled his son’s hair. "Thank you, Charlie. I suppose a mystery is close to being solved, son. I am going to talk to your grandparents and Momma. Perhaps we can figure out the mystery once and for all." Finally, the last guests departed. Julia had hired extra help for Annie. It had been a day filled with a gamut of emotions. William and Julia had watched her mother become frailer and frailer. Still, her death had been a shock to them. Christy was having a difficult time coping with the loss of her grandmother. Of all the grandchildren, Christy had been the closest to her grandmother. Her cousin Charlotte, Lucinda’s daughter, was a close second. Charlotte lived in Europe and could not make it home for the funeral. Christy missed her. Growing up, they had been very close, like sisters. Everyone was emotionally depleted. The children went off to change out of their mourning clothes. Christy sat with Neil in the parlor, as he quietly offered her comfort and strength. How she loved this man! She started to laugh and to cry at the same time. "What’s this,?" he asked. "Oh darling, I keep thinking about Grandmother meeting you for the first time. You stood toe to toe, and gave back whatever she dished out. When you told her that grannies are revered in the Cove, I thought she would spit tacks. She told me later, she loved you for that. She said that we have a love for one another that will shine for eternity." "She was a wise woman, Lass. Crafty and wise. She knew how to manipulate people with a honed skill. She was an excellent chess player. She told me she played with your grandfather who loved the game. She lost her desire to play after he died. She was happy to hear that I taught the boys, and almost boxed my ears when she heard that Catherine didn’t play. Yes indeed, she was a complex woman, like a multi-faceted diamond. She was a force to be reckoned with." "Well, I know she could make it difficult for my mother and my aunts. Her sons made their own way, leaving Asheville after college. She kept her daughters within reach. Lavinia married a boor, had one child, Delia. She is the unhappiest person I have ever known in my life. She was the first granddaughter and expected my grandparents to placate her every whim. No one could make grandmother jump through hoops. Delia hates me and despises Charlotte. Grandmother barely tolerated her. She delights in being cruel, nasty and insulting. Lucinda married for social standing and found love as well. Charlotte and Harry are amazing twins. I hope one day you’ll get to meet them. Charlotte is in England and Harry is somewhere in California. And then there is mother, content in Asheville. She married Daddy for love, and was happy that he had some money. She was never as mercenary as Aunt Lavinia, who unfortunately never realized how parsimonious her husband and his family were. Uncle Jefferson probably has the first dollar he ever made. I’ve never met anyone as stingy as he is, Neil. Grandmother considered it a personal victory when he had to pay for something!" she said laughing. Neil laughed with her as Julia and William joined them. "Christy, I am glad to see you smiling," said Julia. "I was just recounting to Neil how grandmother considered it a victory if Uncle Jeff had to pay for something." Julia and William laughed, recalling how miserly Jefferson was. Neil put his arm around his wife in a protective gesture. "Did you ever leave Christy is Lavinia’s care?" "When she was about five years old, we had to attend my uncle’s funeral. We were gone for three days," said William. "Why do you ask?" Charlie was sitting in the garden today, on your favorite bench, Christy. He overheard Delia gloating to Osmond that she had locked you in a closet for hours, until a maid finally heard you crying. She threatened to kill your kitten if you told your parents." Christy paled. Julia was angry. "That is why you were so sick. You couldn’t talk above a whisper for weeks, Christy. Lavinia told me you were just being difficult for her and had been throwing temper tantrums. Why didn’t you tell us, child?" "I screamed for help," she whispered, remembering. "I cried and I screamed, while Delia laughed." Julia started to cry. "Oh Christy, I am so sorry, my child. I never knew." "I know Momma. I believed Delia. I knew she was cruel enough to hurt a baby kitten. That is why I never wanted to stay with Aunt Lavinia. I loved to visit Aunt Lucinda. Somehow, I think Grandmother found out. Delia loved to boast about her victories of intimidation. That was one of the many reasons why Grandmother was unhappy with her. She has always been malicious and deceitful. "I’m going to give them a piece of my mind tomorrow," Julia said. "No, Momma, please don’t. She would glory in the fact that I’ve feared the dark for over thirty years. Perhaps now, I won’t be so afraid, since I know the reason for my fear. Neil, Charlie must not say anything. My little knight would love to help his mother." Neil laughed. "He described her as the lady from the fairy tale who had snakes and toads come out of her mouth when she spoke." "How observant my grandson is," said Julia. "She has my pity, Momma. She’s never known the kind of love we’ve shared as a family." "You are right about that, Little Miss," said her father. "We’ve been the happiest family, I think, of all of your grandmother’s children." "I believe you are correct my love," said Julia. Excuse me for a few moments, " said Christy. She went upstairs to check on Charlie. She sat on the edge of his bed watching her son. He was so like her. He was clutching a worn and well loved teddy bear, who came out during times of emotional stress. He would be mortified in the morning if Ned saw it. Knowing her eldest son, he would never mention it to his younger brother. Charlie stirred and opened his eyes. Christy leaned over and kissed him. "I love you, Charlie." "I know, Momma. I love you too." "Thank you, Charlie." "You’re welcome, Momma." "Sweet dreams, my hero." Charlie smiled and closed his eyes falling back to sleep. He dreamt of dragons and knights in shining armor. End of Chapter Five Disclaimer: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. I am writing this story for my own personal enjoyment. The story is based on themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill’s" Part Four/Chapter Six "Charles Shelby MacNeill" ......................................................................... Barely beating home a rainstorm home, the children came running in from school. The temperature was downright on the cold side. Christy had hot chocolate and tea scones waiting for them as an afternoon treat. "What’s for supper Momma?" asked Charlie. "Pork chops, potatoes and applesauce," replied Christy. "Any chance of you making dirty potatoes?" "Why do you call them dirty potatoes, Charlie?" "Because they’re brown all over." "Would you like to help me?" Charlie thought about it for a moment. "Yes, Momma, I would." The girls were stunned. "Don’t look so surprised, girls. If you know how to cook you’ll never starve." Thinking to herself, echoes of Julia! I am my mother’s daughter. She shivered and shook her head. "The other day on my way home I saw Mrs. McDaniel. I asked her for her recipe and she told me how to make them. We have to peel the potatoes first and then we’ll put them in cold water until we’re ready to cook them." "Why put them in water?" "Well Charlie, if you don’t, they’ll turn dark in color. You’ll have to ask Poppa why. I know it’s a reaction, but your father is the expert in chemistry." "I don’t understand Momma. Isn’t chemistry just in school?" As he entered the foyer, Neil heard Charlie’s question. "No Charlie," he said, shrugging off his wet jacket, "chemistry is not just in school. Chemistry is all around you. To answer your first question, the potatoes turn dark because of oxidation. The air reacts to the starch in the potatoes. Chemistry is in the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, the food we eat. Everything is made up of atoms and molecules. The entire world is a big chemical reaction. But that’s enough science for now, Laddie. What’s for dinner, love?" "Pork chops, applesauce and...." "Dirty potatoes!" said Charlie happily. "Life is sweet, my love," answered Neil, and he kissed Christy and ruffled Charlie’s hair. "I’m helping Momma tonight," said Charlie. "Good for you, son. You should know how to cook. You can’t depend on the kindness of others to keep you fed." "What do you mean Poppa?" said Ian. Sean was curious as well. "Well, for a good many years, before I married Momma, I was alone. I wasn’t a great cook. Patients paid me in barter. Carrots are delicious. But an entire meal of just carrots is boring. Roasted rabbit or trout and carrots are fine dinners. I wasn’t always invited to stay for dinner when I was visiting patients, because some families were too poor to feed me. If I ate, someone else would go hungry. I couldn’t bear for that to happen. I’d carry cornbread, hardtack, or dried meat or fruit to carry me through my journeys in the Cove. I much prefer your Momma’s cooking. It’s nice to come home to a warm kitchen, filled with wonderful aromas. Is there any hot chocolate, Lass?" Christy poured him a mug. He kissed her as she handed it to him. "What’s the secret to dirty potatoes, Momma?" "It’s really simple, Charlie. After I fry the pork chops, I set them aside on a platter to keep them warm. Then we take the cooked potatoes, which we peeled and cut up in chunks, and drain some of the boiling water out into the sink. The rest of the boiling water gets poured into the hot frying pan. All of the nice browned bits leftover from the frying will bubble up into a froth. We add the potatoes, turning them over and over until they are all covered in the brown froth. That’s what makes them dirty." "That’s what makes them delicious," said Ian. "I hope we’ll peel some extra ones," said Charlie. "I’m hungry." "You’re always hungry," said Neil. Every time I turn around, Charlie, you’ve grown three inches." "Tell me about it," said Christy, who now had to look up at her son. With mischief in his eyes, Charlie leaned over and kissed her on top of here head. "Just like you used to do to me, Momma" Everyone was laughing and giggling. Christy looked around and realized that as long as they all had each other, it didn’t matter where they lived. Thanksgiving would be here in a few weeks. Her parents were coming to see the new house. Ned would be coming home. Luke and Moira would be joining them for dinner. She would have to call Miss Alice and her mother and Moira to coordinate the menu. There was a lot to plan in the next few weeks. She wondered if Charlie’s interest in cooking would extend past cooking potatoes! End of Chapter Six Disclaimer: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. I am writing this story for my own personal enjoyment. The story is based on themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill’s" Part Four/Chapter Seven "Charles Shelby MacNeill" ......................................................................... During the planting break, Charlie expressed his desire to visit his grandparents. The break was not as long as it would have been in Cutter Gap. There were still many who farmed in El Pano. Catherine had come home for Easter, but she was now back at school finishing up her sophomore year in college. Ned and Luke would be graduating. Ned would continue on in medical school. It was hard to believe that Charlie would be finishing twelfth grade. He wanted to be a veterinarian. All his life he took care of animals. He would bring broken and wounded creatures home so that his father could try and save them. For as long as he could remember, Poppa had been his hero. Charlie was going to college in September. He was looking forward to the challenge. He’d chosen to come to Asheville, just to spend time with his grandparents. He loved them dearly, and he enjoyed their company. William was retired now, but was called in often as a legal consultant. He was known for his integrity and fairness as well as his honesty. Traits held in common with his son-in-law, that were handed down to his daughter and to their children. Charlie loved to play baseball. His Uncle David had taught them how to play. Late one afternoon his grandfather threw a mitt at him saying, "Come on Charlie, let’s keep your pitching arm in shape." The mitts belonged to his Uncle George. The two men spent an hour or so lobbing the baseball back and forth, enjoying each other’s company. Then Annie called them in for rhubarb custard pie. Who could resist when it came to Annie’s pies? Julia was at a Ladies Circle meeting, so Annie cut them extremely generous slices served with an extra dollop of whipped cream. Charlie never noticed that while they were outside they were being watched from the house next door. Fiona MacDougal wondered who the tall young man was. He was very handsome and had brown hair. He certainly was fond of Mr. Huddleston. She had never seen him before. Her parents had recently purchased the house. She attended boarding school, which she hated. She would much rather be at home, but her parents were much too busy with all of their engagements. Fiona was an only child. She had a pet cat, Isis. The affection that she wished her parents would allow her to show them, was in turn, lavished on her pet. Her parents were not demonstrative people. To Fiona, this fine structure which provided a safe roof over her head, was a house, not a home. From what she could see about her next door neighbors, theirs was a home. The next afternoon Charlie heard the screech of automobile brakes. Isis had jumped from Fiona’s lap and chased a squirrel into the street. Fiona ran screaming for her cat. Charlie went running at the same time. It looked as though the cat had run into the tire, and broken her leg. Of course, the automobile had kept going down the street. Fiona was distraught. Charlie ran back to the house and asked Annie for one of her flat cookie trays. He ran back to the street and gently slid the tin under the animal. Fiona followed him back to the Huddleston’s. With great care and gentleness, Charlie set the leg of the injured cat. "The cat needs to see a veterinarian, Grandpa," he said. Just then Fiona’s father knocked on the door. He’d heard what had happened from the servants. "Good afternoon, Mr. MacDougal," said Julia, graciously. "Please come in." They walked into the kitchen, where Charlie was finishing up bandaging Isis. Tears were streaming down Fiona’s face. He heard Charlie’s last sentence about seeing a veterinarian. He felt anger toward this young man for his hubris. Who did he think he was? Alex’s daughter was crying, a sight he couldn’t stand to see. "Will you come with us, young man?" "Certainly." replied Charlie. Her father hoped that their vet would ream Charlie out for presuming to help the cat. He had probably injured the animal even more than it had been. "The cat needs to rest. She may hurt herself more if you let her move around." Charlie wrapped a soft towel securely around the tin tray so that the cat could not move. It was meowing in distress. Alex MacDougal stared daggers at Charlie. He was oblivious, speaking softly instead to the injured animal, trying to calm it and her distraught owner. They rode to the vet in relative silence. The vet saw them as soon as he possibly could. "Who set the leg?" "I did, sir." "Who are you?" "Charles Shelby MacNeill, sir." "Who taught you to set bones?" "My father, sir. He’s a doctor." "Where are you from?" "Tennessee." "Who’s your father?" "Neil MacNeill, sir." Alex MacDougal’s ears perked up at the name MacNeill. "Well son, you’ve done as good a job as I ever could, setting this cat’s leg. Are you going to be a doctor like your father?" "No sir, that would be my brother Ned’s plan. I want to be a vet. I’ve always loved animals." "Good for you, young man. Veterinary medicine is a fine occupation." "Yes sir," Charlie replied. He was relieved that he hadn’t done permanent injury to the animal. "I’m going to study veterinary medicine in September." "Young Mr. MacNeill," interrupted Mr. MacDougal, who hadn’t paid attention to the conversation after he’d heard the name MacNeill, "are your ancestors from Scotland?" "Yes, sir. We’re descended from the MacNeill’s of Barra." "Our clans fought alongside one another at Culloden." "Yes sir." "How do you come to be in Asheville?" "I’m visiting my grandparents, the Huddleston’s, sir. My mother is their daughter. She came to Tennessee to teach at a Mission school over twenty years ago and fell in love with my father, who was the doctor there." "Thank you for helping my daughter today, young Charles MacNeill." "It was my pleasure, sir." Sixteen year old Fiona, looked at this tall and lanky young man with his soft brown hair and green eyes. She’d never seen green eyes before. "Thank you for helping Isis." she said softly. She loved her cat, and Charlie was now her hero. "You are welcome, Miss MacDougal." said Charlie formally. Her father liked the correctness and his formal politeness. "You may call me Fiona." "Thank you," he replied. "My family calls me Charlie." "Not Charles?" ""Only my Momma, when I’m in deep trouble." Alexander MacDougal laughed, which was something he didn’t do very often. "Do you like cats, Charlie?" asked Fiona. "We’ve always had them since my sister Catherine was a little girl. We’ve raised their kittens and then their kitten’s kittens. We’ve always had a menagerie of animals." "Do you live on a farm?" "No Miss, I mean, Fiona, for most of my life we lived in the mountains." "You’ve little education then," said her father. "I beg to differ with you, sir. I’ll be graduating twelfth grade in June, and I will attend college in September. Alex MacDougal raised his eyebrow. Do you speak any foreign languages?" "Only Latin." "Latin? What good is that?" "It’s the root language that many languages are based on, sir. Science depends heavily on Latin, as does the Law." "Will your family be coming to Asheville this summer?" asked Fiona. "I’m not sure. It depends if my father can get away." "Your father is ambitious, then" said Mr. MacDougal. "My father is a doctor; the sick come first." "He makes good money, then." "Money sir? Not always. Sometimes he’s paid in eggs, milk and vegetables as barter for his services." "Barter?" "Yes sir. When a family cannot afford cash, my Poppa will accept whatever they can pay in barter." "What kind of a doctor is that?" scoffed the man. "He’s a doctor whose research papers have been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. He performs research for St. Timothy’s Hospital in Baltimore. He is connected with the Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, sir. It’s just that he’s not greedy and does not believe that money is all that important." Alexander MacDougal didn’t know what to say. The rest of the trip home was made in relative silence. Fiona was thrilled. Her hero had stood up to her father and left him speechless. Looking up into Charlie’s face, staring at his green eyes, her blue eyes met his and she was lost. He felt the impact as if he had been pushed by a bear. So this is what Poppa felt for Momma as he asked her to step aside from Mr. Allen’s prone body. He quietly gulped and smiled at the blue eyed, curly blonde haired vision before him. A word flashed through his brain. It had been years since he had read the Arabian Nights. How fitting, how perfect, how right. Kismet! The End of Chapter Seven *See Author's Note in "The MacNeills Conclusion"