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, CBS series and the PAX movies.
Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles Chapter One
.........................................................

I, Neil MacNeill, doctor and surgeon of Cutter Gap
Tennessee, descendant of the great Clan MacNeill of Barra,
Scotland, begin writing this journal on this twenty-seventh
day of November, A.D. 1914, upon the marriage of myself to
one Christy Rudd Huddleston formerly of Asheville, North
Carolina. My winsome wife insists I keep a journal because
she thinks it is important for the family chronicles.
I am not a laird, I am a doctor. I already keep a medical
journal, but, according to my wife, that is different. I
have terrible handwriting. Not one of my descendants,
should we be so honored and blessed, will be able to
decipher my scrawl. No future historian will think these
jottings will have had any impact of the future of the
universe. However, I cannot bear to see the disappointment
on the visage of my beloved wife. So now you, this journal,
know my secret; I am besotted with my beautiful wife. What
fools we mortals be! I am sure someone famous wrote that
before, but for the life of me I cannot remember who
penned those words. It is too early in the morning. Not
that it matters. No one else is going to read this, and
I fear that I have had too many swigs of moonshine in the
last twenty four hours.  My schedule runs like clockwork,
unless of course there is an emergency. Then, everything
changes. I wake up at four o'clock every morning. I do not
need an alarm clock. I make a pot of very strong coffee
and then I read and do my research in my laboratory until
seven o'clock. I eat something for breakfast, and I begin
my day. If I am doing rounds, I head out on my faithful
horse, Charlie to the farthest part of my route where
families reside, and I work my way back, farm by farm. I
come to the Mission and then return home. I may do a little
fishing for relaxation, but then I update the records of
my patients. I can be gone for days on end. Payment for
my services is rarely money, it is usually some form of
barter. I accept whatever they can give. This has been my
set routine. B.C. Before Christy! Everything is different
now.  My dearest Christy will be stirring soon. I will
be next to her when she opens her eyes. Oh yes, those
heavenly blue eyes! I could drown in them, and I am an
exceptionally fine swimmer. I know that I am a changed
man and I know that from this point in time my life as I
know it, comfortable but lonely, is now in the past. All
I can think of journal, and please pardon my _expression,
is, what the hell have I done? Oh, by the way, the writer
was Shakespeare.  If you ask me how this school teacher
came to affect my life, I would be happy to tell you. I
was summoned to the Spencer cabin. Fairlight's brother,
Bob Allen, the Cove's miller, had been struck by a falling
tree, while on his way to meet the Mission's new teacher
at the train in El Pano. His head wound was extremely
serious. My first impression of Miss Huddleston was that of
a child, trying to appear older than  her actual years. She
was dabbing the head wound with a dainty handkerchief. I
told her to step aside. We made eye contact and I felt
a jolt. Her eyes were indescribable. I felt like a moth
caught in an incandescent flame. Bob Allen's situation was
desperate, and I was ready for the medical challenge. It
would take all of my skill as a surgeon to save him.
She was from the city. I did not realize then that she
had walked with Ben Pentland from El Pano, seven miles
through the mountains. The superstitions of Bob's wife,
Mary, the smells of unwashed bodies, the darkness, the
closeness and her own physical exhaustion and fatigue took
their toll on her. The smell of ether made her dizzy. She
was the cleanest person in the room, I could have used her
help, but she was useless to me. She left the room feeling
faint. I could do nothing for her. I had to operate on
Bob. I am delighted to report he survived the surgery and
is back to work.  It was weeks before I saw her again. She
was optimistic, happy and genuinely pleased to teach the
children. I am somewhat of a cynic. I would characterize
myself as a moderate man, even tempered (although I do
admit I can have my temper aroused), but that is a very
rare occasion indeed. I am generally soft spoken. Make
no mistake, I am no cream puff. I thrive on physical
labor. Cove life is hard and strenuous. I am not afraid to
wield a hammer or an axe. I have helped many a friend and
neighbor repair a cabin or rebuild a barn. Labor is indeed
satisfying to body and soul.  I look out the windows of my
laboratory and I realize that it has now become my inner
sanctum. I see that there has been a change in the dark of
the night. It is now lighter to the East. I must return to
the sweet loving embrace of my new wife. Newlyweds! We have
been married less than twenty four hours. We were married
on Thanksgiving Day. My wife's relatives are staying at the
Mission. Heaven help Alice.  How did I come to this fateful
day? Journal, I have absolutely no clue whatsoever. With
my clear scientific logic I will try to figure out what
chain of events brought me here. I fear, however, that my
superior mental powers have suffered a severe trauma. They
have been utterly compromised. I have fallen in love with
Christy. Deeply in love with a young woman who has given
me hope and restored my faith.


So ends the first entry.

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles Chapter Two

.........................................................

As his beloved wife again slept, Neil got up and made
coffee. He had shaved on the front porch with the door open
in case he heard her stir. She did not. Christy was dead
to the world. He prepared breakfast. Keeping it warm on
the stove, he went to wake her. She had the most beautiful
smile on her face. "Good morning, Lass, or should I say
good afternoon?"

"Good morning, Neil." She smiled indulgently.

"Breakfast awaits you, my sweet."

"Is it that late?"

"The sun is high in the sky, love."

"You cooked me breakfast?"

"Us. I waited for you, Christy."

"You must be starving."

He had made eggs and sausage and golden pancakes dripping
with melted butter and Jeb's sweet honey. They fed each
other. Christy had never experienced such a romantic meal
before. She savored the moment, and promised herself
that she would write about every tasty morsel in her
journal. They washed the dishes together.

Speaking of journals, Neil's was no longer on the table
by the settee. She wondered if he had written in it this
morning. She hesitated to ask him, she did not want to
appear too nosy. "What shall we today, Neil?"

His eyes twinkled, and he realized she was serious. "Let's
go for a ride on Charlie and take a picnic with us."

"Aren't we going to the Mission?"

"No, Christy."

"Why not?"

"Because we are on our honeymoon, Lass. Your parents and
relatives do not expect to see us until they leave."

"Oh," she said. Then the implications of what he said
finally dawned on her. "Ohhhhhhhh." He could see the blush
staining her cheeks as he pulled her toward him and kissed
her deeply. It was a while before they finally set out.

The weather was rather cool today, so Neil made sure she
was bundled up. She rode in front of him, and he kept her
hands warmed with his. Charlie picked his way carefully
over the trail.

"Everything looks different when there are no leaves on
most of the trees, Neil."

"You can get a real sense of the contour of these hills
and mountains now," he replied.

"Is it dangerous when you go out on your rounds?"

"I've never lied to you about the danger, Lass. I try to
be as careful as I can, but there are always surprises. I
try not to ride at night unless there is an emergency. When
they are running moonshine there is always danger."

"I hate moonshine."

"I know you do, Christy. The Mission stirred up a
heap of trouble by calling in the marshals. I'll say no
more. I know the topic makes you tense." He found a sunny
outcropping. Making sure it was free of animals, Neil
set down a blanket for Christy to sit on. Neither one was
really hungry, so they munched on some apples and cheese
and drank cider made fresh by the Holt's. They spent the
afternoon, just enjoying one another's company.

"The view takes my breath away, Neil."

"I agree, Christy. There are so many places here in these
mountains that I want to share with you. Some of the vistas
are so spectacular."

"Do you promise to share them with me?"

"Yes, of course I will," he said smiling.

"Oh Neil, to think I nearly threw this all away. I don't
think David planned to stay and minister here after
we....." she stopped suddenly.

"You mean after you and Grantland married."

"Yes," she whispered. "I feel guilty for hurting him."

"I understand, Christy. You must believe me that there
is nothing worse than realizing that you are trapped
in a loveless marriage, as I was with Margaret. It was
extremely difficult for me because I could not stop myself
from falling in love with you. I tried not to, especially
when I knew he was earnestly courting you. I just couldn't
help myself."

She smiled at him and leaned closer to him. He put his
arm around her as she snuggled against him. "God works in
mysterious ways, Neil."

"Yes He does," he replied enigmatically. "We'd better
head back now before it gets dark. The days are extremely
short now."

"Why is that?"

"It has something to do with the tilt of the Earth on its
axis as it orbits the Sun."

"I am glad that you are the scientist," she said laughing.

He laughed with her. "You could be a scientist, too."

"No thank you. I'll stick to teaching." They reached their
cabin safely. Neil built up the fire in the fireplace
and they spent a romantic evening together. Both were
content. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"Yes and no. I really shouldn't be with all the food
I consumed on Thanksgiving yesterday and at breakfast
this morning."

"Do you mind that we got married on Thanksgiving, Neil?"

"No, Lass. It will make it easier for me to remember our
anniversary."

"Neil!" she sputtered. They laughed together.

"Oh Christy, you are a delight. You didn't know that I
have a sense of humor, did you?"

"Is that what you call it?" He kissed her soundly. His
laughter thundered through the room. "I'm glad you have
a sense of humor, Lass."

"I think I am going to need it, Neil."

Later, Neil found himself awake around four thirty in
the morning. He declined to make coffee, he knew the
aroma would waken Christy. He brewed a cup of strong tea
instead. He jotted down some notes for his research on
trachoma. He knew that trachoma affected over crowded
families living in cramped quarters and unsanitary
conditions. The uncleanliness and poor hygiene of many of
the Cove's residents made conditions rife for an outbreak
of the disease. It was an infection that usually started
out as pink eye or conjunctivitis. If the condition was
ignored, it could lead to scarring and blindness. He looked
away from his notes.

The he stared at the journal. Already it was a
distraction. He decided he would not edit his first
entry. After all those were indeed his thoughts at the
time. He tried to ignore the book, but it seemed to call
out to him. He took a sip of tea and began to compose his
thoughts. He began to write his next entry.

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles Chapter Three

.........................................................

Neil wrote.....The decision to marry on Thanksgiving Day
was strictly to accommodate everyone's schedule. While
many items had been shipped for Christy's marriage to the
Reverend, the decision was made to store them until she
married me instead.

Jacob Ferrand married us in the morning. Christy was not
allowed in the kitchen. Alice, her mother, grandmother and
aunt as well as Rebecca, Opal and Granny Barclay worked
together to produce the largest Thanksgiving meal in the
history of the Cove.

Thanksgiving dinner was one of the nosiest meals I have
ever had to sit through in my entire life. Mealtimes
at the university were quieter! The Cove was invaded by
Huddleston's and Rudd's. Before she had known about the
invasion of Ashevillians, Alice Henderson had invited Jeb
Spencer and his children as well as Tom and Opal and their
children for the holiday dinner. Christy and I had not
chosen our wedding date. She was waiting to hear from her
relatives. Christy had innocently invited Bird's Eye Taylor
after he had let her know that he was obliged for all the
care she had given to his late son Lundy during the typhoid
epidemic. Taylor's and McHone's have a somewhat tense
relationship. Tom once ran moonshine for Bird's Eye. Lundy
had shot Tom. Oh yes, it was a fine mix of people indeed.

The Asheville contingent arrived on Wednesday afternoon. My
ancestors came from Scotland with less baggage. I genuinely
admire William and Julia. Julia may be a delicate lady of
Asheville society but her spine is made of cast iron. Her
mother, Grandmother Rudd, is the same way. No, the apple
did not fall far from that tree. It will be interesting to
see if my beloved Christy turns out the same way. I have
an instinctive feeling she will. Christy's brother George
arrived as well, with his cousin Ambrose, his father's
nephew. Julia felt it would do George good to have someone
his own age around while he visited. Aren't John Spencer
and Rob Allen good enough? Alas, I digress. Christy's
Uncle and Aunt Josiah and Annabelle Rudd came to assist
Grandmother Rudd. Assist my eye! She happens to be as
spry and feisty as Granny Barclay. They wanted to quench
their curiosity about us all. Well I assure you, they got
their fill.

We fed most of Cutter Gap with all the food they
brought. Alice was extremely pleased to see everyone pitch
in and help. The men of Cutter Gap ended up rigging spits
over open fires to roast the three 25 lb. turkeys from the
butcher in Asheville and the saddles of venison provided
by Jeb, Tom, Ozias and John Holcombe.

Jeb and Fairlight, God rest her soul, did wondrous
things with sweet potatoes. Christy learned how to make
sweet potato pies with Fairlight, using Jeb's honey
for sweetening. My sweet Lass baked five pies Wednesday
morning at my cabin, in order to make use of the extra
oven. Only four were served at the meal. I know this
woman loves me! Fairlight's recipe for sweet potatoes
was also served. Jeb let me know what her secret recipe
was........the special ingredients include butter, honey
and moonshine. Alas, there were no leftovers. Bird's Eye
brought a dutch oven filled with Brunswick stew. None of
the Cutter Gap residents mentioned to the Ashevillians
that the dainty morsels of meat were primarily squirrel
and other small game.

Saw horses had to be set up all over the Mission grounds
for makeshift tables. Food, vegetables, desserts were
plentiful. I watched as Christy's aunt and uncle were a wee
bit snobbish at first. It was almost as if they did not
want to sit down next to the ‘natives.' Grandmother Rudd
must have said something to them because they then tried
to socialize. Aunt Hattie sat by Grandmother Rudd. Hattie
has a beauty and serenity of spirit that outshines everyone
with whom she comes in contact....

Neil looked out the window. Oh blast, he wrote, it
is nearly 7. Where did the time go? I will continue
later. ...............He went upstairs to rejoin Christy
before she woke up. Again he eased himself back into
bed, and looked down upon her ethereal face. She slept so
peacefully. Thinking back to the morning of their wedding
made him smile. She had looked so beautiful walking toward
him on her father's arm. He had wished that his parents
could have been there to see them marry.

He had to give Grantland his due. While Dr. Ferrand had
married them, David stayed away, but later in the afternoon
he shared the Thanksgiving blessing and ate dinner with
the Allen's and the Holt's. He had been civil to both
Neil and Christy, Alice had told them he was leaving on
Saturday for some time away. Christy snuggled next to him
and he put his arm around her. She sighed, and slept on. He
laughed to himself, thinking that they would seldom have
the luxury of sleeping this late in the morning. Christy
would have a longer trek to school every morning. He would
have to look into buying her a horse. They were going to
have to discuss their finances. He knew that was not the
usual custom, but he felt as though Christy needed to know
how stable their situation was. He planned to continue his
research, and he would be paid by St. Timothy's. It would
not be nearly as much money, but it would be a great help.

Christy's hand slid across his chest. He looked at her
and smiled. "Good morning, Lass."

"Good morning, Neil. What time is it?"



" It's almost 7:15."

"It's too early to get up, isn't it? She put her arms
around his neck and kissed him.

"I couldn't agree more, my sweet wife."

End of Chapter Three

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles Chapter Four

.........................................................

Later that morning the two prepared breakfast
together. Christy was learning the vagaries of the old
wood stove. He hardly recognized the cabin. The kitchen
was furnished with many of the gifts they had received for
their wedding. Christy began to crack eggs into a bowl. She
felt Neil's scrutiny. She looked at him saying, "Neil, I
will be careful with the shells." He laughed, recalling
how she had dropped some eggshells the first time she had
cooked a meal for him. It was the first time she had met
Aunt Hattie.

"Neil would you mind if we showed Grandmother Rudd some
of the Cove today? I know we are on our honeymoon. Mother
and Father had the chance to see it when they were here
last year. I want her to try and understand why I love it
here, darling." It was the first time she had used that
endearment. It affected him greatly. An hour or so later,
they set off for the Mission.

"Persimmon Hill offers a fine vantage point. The walk is
fairly level, the hill is not too steep," Neil said as
they trotted along. "Do you think she might like that?"

"She might. She will ask you lots of questions, Neil. She
is very protective of me, you know."

"I could feel her watching us like a hawk on Thursday."

"I would say we did rather well. I am glad that so many
other families joined us. It was like one big family,
everyone bringing dishes of food. There was more than
enough to feed everyone. No one left hungry. It was a
wonderful day, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Lass, it was a wonderful day. It was a wedding feast
to remember."

Soon they reached the Mission. Jeb had taken Christy's
aunt and uncle and David to the train in El Pano. Christy
invited everyone to go for a walk. Julia and William
declined. The boys were off squirrel hunting with Rob Allen
and John Spencer. Grandmother Rudd agreed to go. As they
left the Mission porch, she noticed only one horse tied
to the post. "Where is Christy's mount?" she asked.

"I only have one horse," Neil replied.

"That won't do at all."

"Grandmother, I can either ride with Neil, or walk."

"I disagree. When bad weather comes, you cannot be
traipsing over these trails by yourself. You need a
horse. I have not given you your entire wedding present. By
the look of your horse, Neil, I would say that you are a
very good judge of horseflesh. I want you to purchase a
horse for Christy."

Neil could feel a surge of anger, but he quickly quelled
it. It would brook him no good to argue with Grandmother
Rudd. Christy held his hand, hoping that he would not lose
his temper. "I'll see what I can do," he said.

As they ambled toward Persimmon Hill, Little Burl, Sam
Houston and Zach Holt were walking towards them.

"Howdy Doc."

"Howdy Miz Christy."

"Be this your Granny, Teacher?" They hadn't really met
her properly at Thanksgiving.

"Yes, Little Burl, this is my grandmother." Before
she could continue a formal introduction, Sam Houston
interrupted her.

"Howdy, Granny. What be your back name?"

Grandmother Rudd was befuddled for a moment.

"Sam Houston, this is my Grandmother Rudd," said Christy.

"How do Granny Rudd. Why you are as tiny and pert as our
teacher," said Zach, pumping her hand.

"Pleased to meet ya," said Little Burl. "I can see why
Teacher's so danged purty. She looks plumb like you."

"Glad you could come to the Cove," said Sam Houston. All
the boys tipped their hats in deference to the ladies. They
began whistling as they walked away.

Neil's eyes crinkled in amusement. The three musketeers of
Cutter Gap had done it again. Grandmother Rudd stopped. "I
do not need to go any farther."

"Grandmother, are you feeling ill?"

"No dear, I am just fine. Let's go back to the Mission,
if you do not mind, please. Now I understand Christy what
has drawn you to this place.

First, the children. Second, the love of the land. Third
and the most important reason of all, your love for
Neil." Christy and Neil smiled. "My husband hated his
name, Neil. Would you call it his front name, Christy?" She
nodded. "Well it was Beauregard. He felt it was the name
of a sissy. All of his friends called him George. He
was Beauregard G. Rudd. The G stood for Gilligan, his
mother's maiden name. He adopted George. Everyone called
him George. If and when I called him Beauregard, he knew
he was in trouble." They all laughed together. "Do you
like your first name?"

"Yes ma'am I do."

"Christy will keep you in line."

"Yes, I am sure she will."

"Now, do not let Julia strong arm you both into staying
for dinner. You both need your time alone together. You
have to establish a comfortable routine."

"My thoughts exactly," said Neil.

"You never said anything to me, Neil."

"I know. I said my thoughts, I have been thinking about
it."

As they reached the Mission steps, Grandmother Rudd turned
to kiss them both. "Remember, my dears, you must talk to
each other, and keep your hearts open. Do not allow fears
and doubts to spoil the special love you have for one
another. Now ride on home, and we will see you at Sunday
services tomorrow."

Neil briefly wrote in his journal about the day.

Grandmother Rudd is a formidable woman. I almost allowed
my pride to get the better of me. I will allow her to
buy a horse for Christy, because I don not want to see my
wife trudging through mud or snow, if I cannot get to the
school in time to bring her home. I do not want Grantland
to bring her home. That would be a blow to my pride and
honor. I will take care of my wife, this I vow.

End of the  Entry

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles Chapter Five

.........................................................

They went to the Sunday service. Her family was in
attendance. Jacob Ferrand led an eloquent service. He had
stayed for a visit with Alice, ever hopeful to convince
her to marry him. David had left for Boston, yesterday. He
had loved the young teacher and almost married her in
September. Neil had returned two weeks before they were to
be wed, and Christy changed her mind. In David's heart he
was not surprised but it still hurt nonetheless. He hoped
Boston would help to assuage his wounded spirit.

Christy's parents, grandmother, brother and cousin were
all dressed in their Asheville Sunday finest, and they
were all sitting together . This upset a few of the
congregation. When Neil and Christy arrived and joined
them, people shook their heads. When had Doc MacNeill
got religion? Few could remember him ever attending
a service. When he was young, yes. But when he returned
after being away for so long, never. His first wife seemed
to be godless. Few could believe she was Alice Henderson's
daughter. God's will was harsh. She died of tuberculosis;
a horrible way to die. Payment some thought for the way
she chose to live. God was harsh and unrelenting for some,
so they thought.

After the service, families were invited back to the
Mission. Food should never be wasted. Neil and Christy
joined everyone. The ladies bustled around the kitchen,
assembling leftovers in an appetizing fashion. The
weather had turned colder than usual. The food that
remained from Thanksgiving had not spoiled. They were cold
and safe in the Spring House. Turkey pot pies had been
assembled. Venison stew had been prepared. Once again, the
food filled the stomachs of many. Ruby Mae's new boyfriend
Will Beck joined everyone for dinner.

Christy's relatives were leaving the next day. Later that
night, Neil wrote,,,Oh happy day! They are departing in
the morning. Then we will be alone, without all the fuss
and bother. It has been an experience to remember. Christy
will miss them, I am sure of that. She is especially fond
of her grandmother. Christy and I will have to establish a
routine. I still have Alice covering for me, unless there
is a surgical emergency. I would still like to spend time
alone with my bride until the normal pattern of our lives
takes over.

She is still tentative and unsure of her role as my wife. I
have to find a way to show her that this is now her home
and that she has to be comfortable here. I think she is
afraid of how I will react to a situation, like yesterday
and the offer to buy the horse. She held my hand to keep
me calm. I do not understand why she feels it necessary to
do this. I am not an ogre. I am a reasonable man. I never
overreact. Why the calm, logical way of my personality
would never allow that to happen. I try to keep myself
on an even keel. I cannot fathom why she thinks I have a
temper. After all, we have only had words over the McHone
baby, moonshine and Daniel Scott. Tiny upsets in the grand
scheme of things. Daniel is now in school at Jefferson
and doing very well. I must tell Christy about his latest
letter. Again I digress.

Yes, yes we must establish a routine. We will have
a schedule again. It will run like clockwork just as
before. After all, how drastically can things change?

End of Journal entry

The following morning, Grandmother Rudd, Julia, William,
George and Ambrose were leaving for El Pano to return to
Asheville. Neil reassured Christy that there was no need
to set the alarm because he always woke up at 4:00 in the
morning, like clockwork. There was no need to worry, they
would make it to El Pano in plenty of time to say good-bye.

Needless to say, Christy woke up at 7:30, securely held
in Neil's arms. He was softly snoring, deeply asleep. She
bolted up in bed, waking Neil, who at that point was
totally confused. "Neil, what time is it?"

"I don't know, Christy."

"She dashed out of bed. "It's half past seven,
Neil. We'll never make the train. We overslept." Neil
was chagrined. Perhaps they had been a little too amorous
last night. He hadn't slept this late in years. Dressing
quickly, he ran downstairs to rekindle the fire. They
would need a cup of coffee at the very least. He went
outside to shave. Christy dressed quickly and came
downstairs. She toasted some bread and liberally slathered
it with butter and sweet honey. They ate as quickly as they
could. Neil saddled Charlie and they were off to El Pano in
a flash. Neil knew that Christy needed to say good-bye. She
was closing a chapter in her life and starting a new one.

"Did you forget to wind your mental alarm clock last night,
darling?" she asked, smiling and blushing at the same time.

"You know how it is, Christy. Man plans and God laughs."

End of Chapter Five

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles Chapter Six

.........................................................

Charlie got them to El Pano before the train arrived. It
was also thirty minutes late, which gave them all a little
more time to visit with one another. "Will you come to
Asheville for Christmas?" asked Julia.

"I cannot give you an answer right now," said Neil. "It
all depends on what happens in the Cove. I know that is not
the answer you would like to hear right now, but I cannot
project what will happen a month from now. We will see."

Julia nodded, understanding, but still
disappointed. Grandmother Rudd hugged him. "Again, Neil
MacNeill, I welcome you to our family. Take care of my
dearest Christy. She's an angel, and she can also be a
little devil. And don't forget her touch of whimsy. Never
let her lose that. She's as delicate as an orchid and as
strong as an ox. Don't let her petite size fool you. She
can be tough."

"I've seen that already. Grandmother Rudd, she is just
like you. Which is why I've come to love you almost as
much as I love Christy." He hugged her close and kissed
her soundly on the cheek. "Now go home and give Annabelle
hell for wrinkling her nose during Thanksgiving dinner. She
was sitting downwind from some of our neighbors."

Edith Rudd laughed heartily. "You are a devil, Neil
MacNeill. I promise you I will dress her down."

"Of course you will. That's what matriarchs do best."

She laughed again. "Neil, do not be angry with me. William
and I spoke with Mr. McTavish at the livery about a horse
for Christy. I told him that you would have the final say
in the purchase."

"McTavish is a good man, a fair man, Grandmother Rudd. I
trust his judgement."

"Good. I am glad to hear that. I am a pretty good judge
of character." Train whistles could be heard in the
distance. "Here comes our ride home. I wish you were both
coming with us."

"We're not that far away," said Neil. "We will not stay
away."

"That is music to my ears, Neil. After all, I am not
getting any younger."

"You could have fooled me."

"Well aren't you a smoothed tongued devil."

"I've married an angel. I hope she'll reform me."

"I hope not. Then you would be boring, and that would be
awful." Neil laughed.

Christy began to cry as she said good-bye to everyone. Neil
put his arm around her as they all boarded the train. She
cried until the train had traveled out of sight. They
walked over to a bench to sit down. Neil gave Christy his
handkerchief and waited while she composed herself.

"Would you like to go to the general store while we are in
town?" She nodded and took his arm as they left the station
and walked up the main street. They entered the store and
customers looked up. Neil began to greet Mr. Preston, the
shopkeeper. It seemed to Christy as if her husband knew
everyone in El Pano. Customers came over to congratulate
them. Word must have spread via Ben Pentland. They had only
been married five days. Christy felt a little overwhelmed
by the attention.

"Did you want to make any purchases, Christy?"

"I'm not sure what we need, Neil. I am still setting up
the kitchen."

"Are you implying I was not organized?" he asked, with a
chuckle in his voice.

"Not at all, it's just that I cannot reach the top shelves
of the cabinets. I am too short."

"You area perfect, Christy." She could not help but
blush. She scanned the counters and shelves. They had
enough flour and sugar. She wanted to bake Neil a pie, so
she asked Mrs. Preston for a pound of lard.

"Do you have cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, Neil?"

"I believe so."

"When we get home, I have to organize the kitchen, Neil,
so I"ll know where everything is located."

"I won't be able to find anything."

"Then you can help me, and then you will know where
everything is."

"Cagey woman!"

She giggled. "I'll need your height to reach things off
the top shelves."

"I'll be happy to oblige. Oh dear, what have I gotten
myself into now."

"Neil darling, I will do my best to turn our cabin into
our home."

Neil gulped. ‘Routine? Ha! Was he delusional?'

Later that night he wrote..............I Neil MacNeill, am
now cleaning house. I was called to the Spencer's after
we returned from El Pano. I came home after tending to a
broken finger for John Spencer, to find my wife standing
on a pile of books, my precious medical books, on a chair,
trying to dust. The sight took ten years off my life. I
walked up behind her, grabbed her by the waist, and set
her down on terra firma. She was sputtering like a pan of
hot bacon fat when drops of water hit it.

Neil are you trying to scare me she asked. At the same
time I asked her if she was trying to break her delicate
neck. It was a moment of great commotion. She stamped
her tiny foot and she accused me of yelling at her. Now I
may have used a slightly commanding tone of voice, but I
certainly did not yell at her. That isn't in my nature at
all. I told her that it was too dangerous for her to stand
on an unsafe chair and a pile of books. Do you know what
her reaction was? She handed me the damned dust cloth and
informed me that I could dust the places she could not
reach. That's over half the surfaces of this cabin!

She then informed me that she wanted to dust every Saturday
morning, unless I had an emergency. This is certainly
not the routine I had in mind when I mentioned we had to
establish a routine. I think that my orderly routine has
just flown the coop, and we have not even been married
a week!

Speaking of our marriage, poor Ben Pentland! Every day he
brings us at least three or four packages from Christy's
relatives and friends. Some of the gifts are as frivolous
as some of the donations she received for the barter
store. She just shakes her head ruefully and asked me to
put some of them in the barn. One Aunt sent a three tiered
silver dish for tea sandwiches and pastries. Christy just
laughed. I am glad that she can accept the humor of it
all. Neil, she said to me, I think the ritual of high tea
would be lost here. I agreed with her, but then I suggested
she might try a less formal version, to make friends with
our neighbors. That was something Margaret never tried to
do. If I am away on long winter days and nights, it might
do for Christy to stop by and visit a neighbor. I have
discovered this day that my sweet, dainty, delicate wife
has a spine of steel and a will of iron. I think perhaps
I have met my match.

End of the entry
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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles Chapter Seven

.........................................................

Neil was beginning to get back on schedule. It was now
December, the weather was colder. Christy was busy trying
to teach school and manage a household. She was able to
keep the cabin clean and serve decent meals at night, but
she was having a hard time keeping up with lesson plans,
marking papers and correcting tests. On the weekends, she
tried to cook more elaborate meals, because she thought
she would have more time, but then she had to do the
laundry. Neil knew something was wrong when he walked
through the door. Christy was sitting at the table with
her head buried in her hands. When she looked up Neil
could see that she had been crying.

"Why so sad, Christy?"

"I cannot keep up with everything, Neil. I just cannot
get ahead. I feel as though I am letting my students down
because I am not thoroughly prepared any more."

"Then we have to make adjustments, my dear. There is
nothing written in stone."

"I have to cook, Neil."

"Christy, do you have any idea how many times I just
grabbed whatever was handy to eat. As long as it did not
have any mold growing on it, I made do with what I had."

"Mold, oh Neil that is disgusting." She wrinkled her nose
and it made him laugh. "Things are different now. I am
supposed to take care of you."

"Oh really? Lass, I do not recall that is a stipulated
requirement of our marriage. I think that we are supposed
to take care of each other." He picked her up and carried
her by the fire. "Don't forget," he said as they rocked
together in the big, old chair, " you have a longer
distance to travel every morning and afternoon. You cannot
just walk up the hill from the Mission any more. That alone
takes away from your preparatory time." She nodded. "We
do not have to eat dinner at five o'clock. I can help you
prepare food when I am home. There will be circumstances
that will keep me away for periods of time. I will try to
send word to you so that you will not worry about me."

"Neil telling me not to worry about you is like asking
the sun not to shine."

He chuckled. "I feel the same way about you,
Christy. Please do not fret. This will work out. I can
see now that my old routine is no longer going to work. We
will have to establish a new normal for us."

"Why won't your old routine work any more?"

"Well," he said with a mischievous grin, " I used to get
up at four o'clock every morning like clockwork."

"The same clockwork that made us late saying good-bye to
my parents?"

He ignored her and continued without missing a beat. "Now
I find myself snug in your embrace. I would much rather
be warm and cozy with you."

She giggled and blushed. I would much rather have you with
me. Our bed is too empty when you are not there." He kissed
her softly. She raised her eyebrow at him.

"Ah, later Lass, later. All good things come to those
who wait. "Let's make some dinner together." They shared
a meal of bread and cheese, applesauce and cider. There
was some currant cake left.

"Neil, have you thought about Christmas yet?"

"Lass, tell me what is in your heart."

"In truth, Neil, I want to spend our first Christmas here,
with you."

"Then that is what we shall do, Christy."

"Now I have to break the news to Mother."

"We'll write the letter together, Lass."

"Thank you, Neil." She kissed him. They quickly washed
the dishes together.

"Do you have papers to correct?"

"Yes, I do."

"I am going to work in the laboratory. Would you like me
to clear a table for you to work in there with me?" She
hesitated answering him. "What is the matter, Christy?"

"To be truthful, Neil, it is too gruesome a place for me."

He laughed. "I've gotten over the feeling that I was being
stared at."

"Neil, that was dreadful," she said laughing. She began
to correct the spelling tests she had given earlier and
started humming to herself.

Neil studied some slides under his microscope. He had some
live specimens and was tracking how different solutions
affected them. He was trying to improve on the eyewash he
had developed for Becky and Vella.

His attention wandered and he spied the journal. He turned
his back to the open door. He could see Christy sitting
in the chair. He began to write....

As soon as I walked through the door, I knew something was
wrong. The cabin felt sad. It reflected her mood. I would
never have believed it possible, but I felt the emotion
before I saw her crying in despair. I thought that she was
desperately unhappy with me, thinking that she should have
married Grantland. Will I ever stop feeling inadequate? Has
Margaret poisoned the very heart of me? No she has not,
because my heart has a new life, a new love and a new
reason to be alive. I have found my faith in God again. I
have found new hope, and most importantly I have found
a love so profound it leaves me defenseless. Christy
was crying because she was overwhelmed by all of her
responsibilities. In my selfishness, I forget sometimes how
young she is. She can be so wise. She is delicate like a
fairy queen, and I worship the ground on which she treads.

I hope that after our discussion tonight I have calmed her
fears. I do not want her to be distressed. She worries so,
afraid that I will be displeased. I suppose I have been
unclear in speaking to Christy. She does not realize that
men do not share their emotions as easily as women. I find
it difficult to express myself, partially because it is my
nature to be reticent, and I am afraid of being hurt. It
has taken me a long time to open up and allow myself to
feel deep emotions again.

End of Entry

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Eight

.........................................................

He held her close. She did not want to wake up. It was
still dark. She knew that she had to teach school, but
she did not want to face the day. She was content to be in
her husband's arms, safe and secure. How she loved him! In
her journal she wrote how he was so good to her. He could
be gentle and kind and yet she knew that he was keeping
his strength and power in check.  One day, she thought
to herself, he will lose control and go over the edge
with me. I live for that day, when he allows himself to
feel what I feel every time he takes me into his arms. I
never realized that Margaret had hurt him so deeply. He is
afraid to let down his guard. I want to have his child.
Neil needs to be a daddy. I long to have a baby to love
and cherish, as I love and cherish my husband. Dear God
in heaven, give me patience to be fair to this man. He is
trying so hard to relieve me of discomfort. He does not
yet understand that I can live without the amenities of
city life. I do not have to like it, but I can live with
how life is in Cutter Gap.

David returns in a week, and I dread it. I know that
I hurt him when I returned his ring and called off
the wedding. I now know that Neil's specter would have
haunted our marriage. It would have been like Heathcliff
and Catherine. Neil is a force to be reckoned with. His
influence on me is as boundless as the sea. I love him. I
trust him. It is that simple. I believe in Neil MacNeill.

She began to fall back to sleep, in that half dream and
awake state, hearing the birds beginning their morning
song. It would be time to get up soon and begin another
day. There were three weeks until Christmas. They had
received a reply to their letter, from her parents. Her
mother was saddened because they had chosen not to come
to Asheville. Christy could tell by the words her mother
chose to write. She was determined to celebrate her first
Christmas as Neil's wife in the Cove.

It was time to get up and get ready for school. Neil was
going to be away for a few days. She wanted to talk about
Christmas. "Can we have a tree, Neil?"

"Of course we can, Lass."

"Do you have decorations?"

"A few, Christy. We could make some, or purchase some at
the general store."

"Neil, are we going to exchange presents?"

He looked at her indulgently. "Do you wish to, my love?"

"Yes. But not too elaborate."

"Then we will."

"The children are practicing for the Christmas pageant. I
think that they are looking forward to the day. The girls
are sewing patchwork stars for tree ornaments. Christmas
Day is on a Saturday this year. I wonder how they plan to
have the service? I'll have to ask Miss Alice."

"Won't she wait until Grantland returns from Boston?"

"That won't be until next week."

"Well let them worry about that, Lass. I'll ride with
you to the Mission.  I'm glad that you agreed to stay
with Alice the next few days. I won't worry as much as I
would if you were alone. You know that I hate being away
from you. He kissed her soundly. I cannot do that in the
school room."

She smiled and hugged him, "I will miss you dreadfully,
Neil." She carried a small satchel." The trip to the
Mission was quiet and uneventful.  Christy tried to keep
her lips from quivering as Neil set off on his rounds.
She entered the Mission.

Alice greeted her with a hug. "Christy, I am afraid that
Ruby Mae has taken over your old room. The guest room up
the stairs to the far right has been prepared for thee."

"Thank you, Miss Alice."

"Come have a cup of tea and warm up."

"That would be lovely."

"Has thee made plans for Christmas?"

"The children are practicing their parts for the pageant."

"Will you and Neil be going to Asheville for Christmas?"

"No we've planned to stay here."

"I am delighted to hear that. Then we will all celebrate
here at the Mission."

"What do you mean by ‘all' Miss Alice?"

"The usual guests. The Spencer's, the McHone's, the
Allen's, Hattie, Granny Barclay, Ruby Mae, David, you and
Neil and myself. I feel the Cove has a need to celebrate."

"How will we manage?"

"Thee must have faith."

Christy smiled. "Well, it is time for me to teach."

"I will see thee later, Christy. The school day
flew quickly. The children were excited about their
practice. They would perform the Nativity play and
sing Christmas songs. The children were busy making
ornaments. The boys were busy clipping evergreens for
wreaths. Christy's mother had sent her spools of red ribbon
to make bows for the wreaths. She wanted to decorate the
school and the Mission. Some of the boys were collecting
pine cones to add on the wreaths, Christy was quite pleased
with their progress getting ready for Christmas.

Ruby Mae, Miss Alice and Christy had an enjoyable supper
together.  Alice had made chicken soup. Ruby Mae handmade
a respectable corn bread and with butter and blackberry
preserves, it was like a dessert fit for a queen.
Everyone retired early. Christy was lonely. She missed
Neil. She hated to sleep alone now.

Neil was exhausted. He had visited at least a dozen
families suffering from some form of influenza. They all
seemed to have catarrh. It was a condition that caused an
inflammation of the nasal passages producing an increase
of mucus. It could be caused by a simple cold. Again the
lack of sanitary conditions and poor hygiene could cause
it to spread. He tried to convince his patients to use
a form of steam inhalation to help ease their breathing
passages. For some it was like talking to a brick wall.

Neil was unhappy. He hated being away from Christy. He
wrote.........

‘Tis only the first day and I am a miserable man. There is
so much sickness.  I know that I am going to be away from
my beloved and it angers me. I am at war with myself. I am
supposed to be a healer, yet I am filled with discontent. I
never felt this way when Margaret lived in Cutter Gap. Is
this the difference? What faith and love can mean? I am
bereft without my wife.  And what am I going to do about
Christmas? I am here in the middle of nowhere. How do I
purchase a gift for my wife? I do not know what to do,
I do not know where to turn. Forgive me God, You are
there for me. So I put my faith and trust in You. Help
me to heal the sick, as You have done so many times
before. Bring me safely home to my beloved wife. I miss
her company, her laughter and her sense of fun. She has
been a healing balm to me, and You alone above all, know
how hard I was hurting. I miss her so, and it has only
been one day. One long day. Heaven help me, please. He
fell asleep, exhausted, while writing.

End of entry

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Nine

.........................................................

Edith Rudd wanted Christy and Neil to come to Asheville
for Christmas. Julia had told her about the letter
she had received from them telling her they could not
come. Perhaps, they indicated at Easter, but not for
Christmas. "You are a stubborn Scot, but you have not
dealt with the likes of me" she thought. She decided to
have one of her more serious ‘spells.'

It always made the family jump. The vultures took their
places and the ones who truly cared did so with love and
compassion. "Neil is not a vulture. How much does he love
my granddaughter?" she wondered.

Julia called the mission to get the message
to Christy. Julia was truly worried about her
mother. Dr. Brant did not believe it was a stroke,
but found it extremely difficult to come up with
a diagnosis. She was suffering, of that he had no
doubt. There was a listlessness of spirit, so unlike the
character of his patient. It was as if she was waiting
for someone or something to happen.

Julia came in to check on her mother. "Christy?" Edith
said weakly.

"No mother, it's Julia. Neil is away dealing with some kind
of flu epidemic and Christy will not leave without him."

"May I have some water, dear?"

"Of course, Mother."

Edith took the glass, but her hand shook so much, Julia
had to help her to drink. "Thank you, my dear daughter."

"You are welcome, Mother. Shall I sit with you?"

"No dear, I want to sleep."

"Are you sure, Mother?"

Edith nodded. Julia left the room. ‘I will die of boredom,
if I have to stay confined here. Christy, why won't you
come? You are more stubborn than I gave you credit. Is
Neil that dedicated to his patients? Edith Rudd, you have
painted yourself into a corner. This is a fine kettle of
fish you have gotten yourself into. I am missing too many
parties and social events. Bad planning on my part. I am
losing my touch. I should have waited a few more days,
closer to Christmas. Hell and tarnation, my Papa used
to say! When Christy arrives, I will have a miraculous
recovery' she thought to herself.

In the meantime, Christy worried and fretted. A few days of
Neil being away turned into almost a week and a half. She
was torn with concern. What was keeping Neil? How sick was
Grandmother? At long last, Neil came riding to the Mission
late one night. David had retired to his bunkhouse. Christy
heard Neil and ran down the stairs. He was exhausted. His
eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, his beard scratched
her face as he kissed her. "Let's go home, Lass."

"No, it is too late, Neil," she whispered. "Stay here
tonight."

"At least let me shave."

"All right, if you insist."

"Well, if I don't, my love, you can explain the brush
burns on your face and neck to your students tomorrow."

"Neil, shame on you," she said as she blushed furiously.

"I haven't even kissed you properly, and look at the lovely
shade of pink that stains your cheeks."

"Neil, we'll wake Ruby Mae if you talk any louder."

"All right, I'll behave for now, Lass."

She made a small supper for him, since he hadn't eaten
anything since noon. She waited until he had finished,
and then she told him about the calls from her mother.

"Is it serious, Christy?"

"Dr. Brant cannot find a definitive diagnosis, Neil."

"Do you want to go to Asheville, my love?"

"Neil, Christmas in next Saturday. The children have been
so busy practicing for Wednesday. My heart is torn. I
don't know what to do."

"Christy, we'll have a lifetime of Christmases here in
the Cove. If your grandmother is seriously ill, you would
never forgive yourself if you did not spend this Christmas
with her. We'll call your mother tomorrow, and I'll make
arrangements for train tickets. We can be here for the
children and leave the next day. I do not want you to
be upset. We will be together for Christmas, love, that
is the important thing. Besides, I could use the rest. I
hope that I have quelled the outbreak. There were no new
cases of flu. I am hoping that with the colder weather we
will get a bit of a break." They went upstairs quietly,
and Neil gathered her into his arms to give her comfort.

The next morning, Neil returned to the cabin while
Christy taught school. Charlie was laden with gifts and
barter. As he visited farms, Neil was congratulated on
his marriage. Some people gave him gifts in honor of their
wedding. As he tended to the needs of his patients, he was
paid mostly in barter. There was little cash to be found
in the outlying farms. One such item was a soft, hand
knit, thick wool shawl. You could feel the lanolin in the
wool. Neil knew it would keep Christy warm on cold, damp
days. He stopped in El Pano for tickets. They would arrive
in Asheville the day before Christmas Eve. He purchased
peppermint and licorice drops for Christy to give to her
students. He bought her sketch books, pencils and new
journals. At the rate he was writing, he'd fill the one
she gave him in no time at all. On the ride back from El
Pano, Neil silently prayed, giving thanks for the recovery
of his patients, and for a safe return home.

Christy's spirits were lighter, with the decision made to
go to Asheville. She had been able to get a few gifts for
Neil, which she carefully wrapped and put in the bottom
of her trunk. The trip itself was uneventful. Christy was
trying to sketch some of the scenes from the Christmas
pageant, which had taken place the day before. She started
to giggle.

"What's so funny, Christy?"

" I'm trying to sketch the look on Sam Houston's face
when the crown he was wearing as a Wise Man slipped over
his eyes."

Neil laughed at the memory. "As if that wasn't funny
enough, he dropped the canister he was holding on top of
poor Vella's head when he tried to push the crown out of
his eyes."

"It's funny now, Neil, but poor Vella! She had a pump knot
on the top of her head."

"And I suppose Creed letting Scalawag loose didn't help
the chaos."

"He insisted we needed more live animals at the scene by
the manger. I wasn't fast enough to stop him."

"It was a memorable occasion, Christy. I am glad we did
not miss it."

"So am I, Neil. It was worth every fret." They laughed
together, and Christy continued to sketch while Neil read
a medical journal.

William met them at the train station. "How is
Grandmother?"

"No change, Little Miss. Dr. Brant is baffled. Neil, he
asked me to ask you if you would give him an assessment
of Mother Rudd's condition." Neil nodded his consent.

Julia met them at the door. Relief flooded her face. She
was glad to have Christy and Neil there. She indicated
that her mother was a rather cantankerous patient, but
at the same time, she had spells where she was as weak
as a baby. Hugs were exchanged as Julia welcomed them to
Asheville. She gave them time to settle in, and then asked
Neil to look in on her mother.

Edith could hear the commotion downstairs, and knew that
Christy and Neil had arrived. She smiled to herself. Her
plan had worked. A little time passed, and she heard
voices by her door. She practiced her ‘sick' look. Neil
and Christy knocked on the door and she bid them to enter
the room.

"Oh Christy," she whispered. "I am so glad that you
are here."

Christy gently hugged her grandmother. "So am I,
Grandmother, so am I."

Neil sat down by her side. "So, you've succeeded in
baffling Dr. Brant," he said as he gently kissed her
hand. She shrugged a little. He stared into her eyes for
what seemed to be an eternity. She blinked. He took out his
stethoscope and listened first to her heart. "Can you sit
up for me?" She did, with his assistance. Her lungs were
clear, her pulse was strong. "Your pulse is a little fast."

‘That's because a very good looking, virile man is sitting
next to me,' she thought to herself. ‘I'm not dead yet.'

Neil detected a slight, impish grin. "Well, he said
firmly, "I must confer with Dr. Brant." He kissed her
on her forehead, and smiled warmly at her. "We'll get
to the bottom of this and find out what is wrong. I
promise." She nodded, giving him a wan smile. Christy
hugged her grandmother and Neil turned to leave the
room. He caught a glimpse of a big smile on Grandmother
Rudd's face, in the mirror. 'You incorrigible fake,' he
thought. The couple returned to the parlor, where Julia and
William were anxiously waiting to hear Neil's diagnosis.

Neil set the stage, and took his time. "Do you mind if I
smoke my pipe?"

"No," said Julia. Looking deeply into his mother-in-law's
eyes, Neil realized she had been duped as well. "I must
tell you it is serious." Julia and Christy gasped. "It is
a serious case of total fakery."

"What?" the three said together.

"Oh yes. She has certainly given Lillie Langtry and Sarah
Bernhardt a run for the money with her acting skills."

"Do you have any idea what she has put William and I
through this past week?"

"How did you know ?" asked Christy.

"Christy, I have told you over and over that these eyes see
all. I can imagine, Julia. Oh, your mother thinks that she
has been very crafty. She has set the stage, Julia. We
will re-write the script. We will inform Dr. Brandt
of her duplicity. It is time we taught an old dog new
tricks. Pardon the pun."

Christy shook her head. Neil was in his glory.

End of the Chapter


Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Ten

.........................................................

He wrote.................

I cannot believe Granny Rudd's duplicitous behavior. Julia
mentioned how upset she was when she was told we would
not come for Christmas. I wonder how she plans to fake her
"recovery?" Hah! If only she hadn't smiled. That was her
fatal mistake. She has no idea that I saw her smile in
the mirror when she hugged Christy. It was too smug a
smile. Too, too smug.

What angers me, yes, angers me about this is the worry and
fear she brought to Christy by her selfishness. Christy
was upset for days and days. I was away and could not
give her comfort. I resent it all very much. Why should
what Granny wants be sacrosanct? Is it her god given right
to have her own way? Has this family catered to her every
whim? Yet, there is something so deliciously precious about
this petite, scheming old woman. Is this how Christy will
be fifty years from now? Part of me hopes so, and I pray
God I live to see that day.

Tomorrow I will talk to Dr. Brant. We will develop our
plan for her treatment. How will I play this? How much
line will I give her until I set the hook? Forgive the
fishing analogy. It is all in the approach, the skill,
the strategy. When will she realize that the jig is up?

I must not smile, I must be serious at all times. I cannot
let her see the mirth in my eyes. Julia, William and
Christy must remain strong. We have not informed George
that she is faking her illness. He will believe that his
grandmother is still ill. Perhaps I should call for a
quarantine? No, that would spoil Christmas and I could
not do that to my beloved Christy. She has been through
enough. Granny Rudd has to learn that we are not puppets.

I think we'll confine her to bed and give her a soft
diet. No make that a soft,

bland, no, a very bland diet. Tea, broth, grits, oatmeal,
coddled eggs, pureed fruit should do just fine. No
excitement, no Christmas Eve. Perhaps if she repents,
we'll allow her to celebrate Christmas Day.

Can I be that devious? Ask me no questions, I'll tell you
no lies.

End of Entry

Early on Christmas Eve, Edward Brant stopped by the
Huddleston's. Neil apprised him of Edith's trickery. "Why
would she fake an illness, Dr. MacNeill?"

"Please call me Neil, if I may call you Edward?"

"Of course."

"She wanted Christy to celebrate Christmas in Asheville."

"Why?"

"She wanted her way."

"I have spent the past week and a half wasting my time
to come up with a logical diagnosis for a matriarch of
Asheville's whim?"

"Welcome to a select group of dupes."

"It was wrong, Neil. Do you have a plan?"

"For treatment?" Neil asked.

"Please inform me." Neil told him of his plans. Edward
smiled. "Oh it is perfect, Neil. How she relishes
the overly rich foods of the holiday. A bland diet is
perfect. She'll curse us both to hell and back, you know."

"That may be. I'll take my chances, I refuse to allow her
to hurt my wife."

"She loves Christy."

"I know that, Edward. That is why I am not insisting on
a quarantine for an unknown disease."

Edward Brant laughed. "Wouldn't that set Asheville on
edge. I was wrong about William."

"That's water over the dam. Do not mention it."

"It opened my eyes."

"That is good, Edward. You are a good doctor."

"I am old."

"Do I quote ‘You are old Father William, you are old......"

"I could still box your ears, MacNeill."

"I'm sure you could, Edward. Let us deal with Granny Rudd."

"A bland diet will drive her insane," said Edward.

"Good. Perhaps she will admit to her trickery."

"I cannot believe I did not see the signs."

"Julia missed them."

"Julia cares too much."

"And she counted on that. Shame on Granny Rudd."

"Granny?"

"It's how we refer to our matriarchal elders in Cutter
Gap."

"She will hate the appellation."

"I am counting on it, Edward."

"Good for you, Neil. How bland do you want to make her
diet?"

"As bland as possible."

"You take no prisoners."

"Not when it comes to hurting my wife."

"I am glad I am your colleague and not your enemy."

"So am I." Both men laughed.

"How long will you keep her on this diet, Neil?"

"You know, in spite of the inconvenience, the only person
she has hurt is herself. Spoiling Christmas for her, will
spoil it for Christy and Julia as well. I do not want to
do that. I would say, for breakfast and lunch today. If
we had more time until Christmas, I would make her sweat
an extra day or two. I am not really a cruel man, Edward,
I just do not like being manipulated by someone else."

"I agree, Neil. Shall we see our beloved, mischief making
Granny?"

Neil chuckled. "Lead the way. I am only a consult on
this case."

Edward knocked on her bedroom door. She was sitting up,
smiling. "Good morning, Edward, Neil." I had such a good
sleep....."

"I am glad you rested well, Edith. Neil and I are very
concerned about your symptoms."

"But I feel ever so...."

"Well I will continue to prescribe bed rest and I will
leave Cook instructions about your diet."

"But I want to get out of...."

"Do not over excite yourself, Edith."

"But it is Christmas Eve, Edward."

"Yes, I know. It is indeed a pity you have to be so
ill, my dear. I will leave instructions with Neil and
Julia. I'll stop by on Monday to see you, unless I am
needed before. Merry Christmas, Edith." Both men exited
the room.

Edith Rudd was in shock. The stunned look on her face
was a sight to see. What had happened? She was going to
‘recover' today. How had the tables turned on her?

There was a knock on the door. "Mother, I've brought your
breakfast," Julia said, carrying in a tray. It held a
bowl of grits, a cup of tea, and a small dish of pureed
fruit. "Edward said you must eat it all up to regain
your strength."

Edith was horrified by what was on the tray. "It's,
it's...."

"It's just what the doctor ordered, Mother. I'll be back
later. It is a busy day, you know. It's Christmas Eve." She
closed the door behind her.

Julia joined William, Neil and Christy in the parlor. "I
feel terrible. It's Christmas Eve. I find this entire
situation most distressing."

"I agree, Mother," said Christy.

"Neil looked at their faces. "All right, I will give her
an hour to stew, and then I will go and talk to her."

An hour later, Neil knocked on her door. She looked at
him mutinously. He was delighted. "How are you feeling
now Granny Rudd?"

"Granny?"

"Yes, it's an endearment in the Cove."

"Oh." She looked at him and stared deeply into his eyes,
for what seemed to be an eternity. He blinked first and she
saw a tinge of mirth and a crinkle of his eyes. "You know."

"Yes."

"How?"

"I caught your reflection in the mirror."

"You are a devil."

"I guess I am."

"Can I get out of bed?"

"You've been keeping yourself in bed, my dear Granny. It
was wrong of you, you know."

"I suppose so."

"Christy and Julia were sick with worry."

"I so wanted you both to be here. I may not have many more
Christmases to celebrate, you know."

"I have been awash in your dramatics, thank you very
much. There is no need to carry on in that manner. You
are as strong as an ox. Do not try to sweet talk me, or
revert to histrionics. They will not work."

She put her hands on her hips. "Do not use that tone of
voice with me, young man. Didn't your parents teach you
to respect your elders?"

"As a matter of fact, they did. And indeed I do love and
respect you. That is why Christy and I are here. When I
asked Christy what she wanted to do about Christmas, she
indicated that she wanted to spend Christmas in the Cove,
alone with me. I was flattered and touched that she wanted
to begin to establish MacNeill traditions as my wife. But
you changed all that, my dear Granny Rudd. I am warning
you do not let this become a habit, or else you will be
like the boy who cried ‘wolf' and no one will come when
you truly need them."

"You are a good man, Neil MacNeill, a protector of my
granddaughter. I can truly see how much you love her. She
has always held a special place in my heart."

"In mine as well. Now let me ask you an important
question. Will you be joining the family for lunch or do
you prefer the coziness of this room?"

"Oh, you are indeed a devil."

"If you say so, Granny." He laughed with her, and left the
room, so that she could dress and join the family for the
Christmas Eve festivities.

End of Chapter Ten

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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Eleven

.........................................................

Neil was talking alone with William in the library. Julia
was in the kitchen conferring with Cook and Grandmother
Rudd was in the parlor. Christy was enjoying a quiet moment
in their room. She was remembering that she had made a
paper pattern of Neil's favorite vest. She had marked
all of the dimensions on the left front, right front and
back. She marked the placement of the pockets and the
length and width of each. She had sent these off to her
mother with the request that the tailor make three. She
had found yardage of the MacNeill tartan in a trunk in the
crawl space "attic" of the cabin. It was covered with an
extremely thick layer of dust, and was behind the spinning
wheel. She had asked her mother to query Mr. Morgen on the
amount of fabric a vest would take. She told her mother
about the tartan plaid. Her mother wrote back to her, and
Christy carefully cut the specified amount, and mailed
it off to her mother. With the leftover yardage She made
herself a shawl, by simply hemming the edge, and a baby
blanket for a future MacNeill child.

Her gifts for Neil included three vests, one was made of
the tartan. She had a tin of his favorite tobacco. She
had purchased a new family Bible. There was no space for
their marriage record in the old family one. His mother
had filled in the last remaining spaces. Her parents
had asked her what Neil needed. She had taken it upon
herself to write to Harold Wade in Baltimore. He indicated
Neil needed a better microscope. It had to have a higher
resolution in order for him to continue his research. She
informed her parents. It was quite costly. Grandmother
Rudd decided to contribute, so the gift would be from the
three of them. Christy hoped that Neil would not be upset
by their generosity.

She knew that her family had come to truly love Neil
as their son-in-law. He was trying so hard, but she was
afraid he would try and change to fit the mold he thought
they expected of him, which they did not. They genuinely
respected him for who he was and what he was trying to
do. She shook her head, the road ahead was going to be
as bumpy as the trip from El Pano to Cutter Gap in Jeb's
wagon.

This wasn't the way she wanted to spend her first Christmas
as Neil's wife. She has envisioned a quiet Christmas, with
the two of them alone sharing a quiet dinner together. Miss
Alice squashed that idea by inviting many of the Cove's
families to the Mission. She had expected Christy
and Neil to be there as well. Christy had dreaded it,
thinking how uncomfortable it would have been with David
in attendance. Then Grandmother Rudd got ‘sick". So here
they were in Asheville, about to celebrate a Huddleston
Christmas. Christmas Eve dinner traditionally consisted
of a baked ham, sweet potatoes, vegetables, fruit compote
and pumpkin and mincemeat pies.

After dinner, the family sat around the Christmas tree
and they all took turns reading the Christmas story from
the Bible. On Christmas morning, the family woke up early
and exchanged Christmas presents. Breakfast was served
and then everyone got ready for Christmas services at
11:00. Mother had decided on a goose this year. It had to
weigh at least twenty pounds. Christy shook her head at
the amount of food. Her Uncle Henry, Aunt Charlene and
their children Beatrice, Ambrose and James were joining
them for dinner. Cook had prepared black eyed peas, mashed
potatoes, turnips, cranberries and cornbread. She had
stuffed the goose with a chestnut dressing. There was
eggnog to drink and desserts galore. Pies, cakes, as well
as ice cream. The weather was cold enough. Cook made the
best ice cream. Christy was in gastronomic heaven and
feeling guilty over it.

Neil had given Christy a copy of "A Christmas Carol" by
Charles Dickens as one of her gifts. After dinner, Christy
began to read the story out loud. George read a chapter
or two, then Julia, William and finally Neil. As he read
the final passage, there was faith and conviction in his
voice, as there had been the night before.

Christy was tired, but Neil felt a need, almost a
compulsion to write down his thoughts. He asked William's
permission to write at the desk in the library. "When
you are here, Neil, our home is your home. You never
need permission to use any room, or sneak one of Cook's
desserts."

"Why do you refer to her as Cook?"

"It's what she asked us to call her. It's that simple
really."

Neil nodded. His in-laws were kind and decent folk, and
even though they were part of the Asheville social set,
they never put on "airs" to make him feel less of a man
because of where he was born. Christy retired to their
room. Neil followed her, slipping his journal into his
pocket. He kissed her good-night and told her he would be
back soon. She fell asleep, waiting for him to return.

In the library, he took out his journal and began to
sort through his feelings, and write about the events
that had transpired. How does one write about Christmas
in Asheville? It is certainly something I have never
experienced before in my life. The family's generosity
is overwhelming. A new microscope! I feel as though I
have received a gift from heaven. Christy's gifts were
priceless. He was so surprised at the tartan vest. It
was beautiful.

How can I write about Granny Rudd? She knew that everyone
knew that her being sick had been a total sham. Yet we all
played along and were glad for her recovery. I enjoy the
sense of family. It is very obvious to me that Christy and
George were raised in a kind and loving atmosphere. There
must have been a strict sense of discipline as well, but
it was tempered with gentility.

Poor Christy! I was regaled with stories about her
childhood and her school years. She was put in the corner
for talking, she was not afraid to stand up to bullies. Her
hair ribbons never stayed put because she twirled the ends
of her braids if she was nervous or upset. All night long
she kept saying "that's enough about me" or "let's change
the subject". Her family was relentless, though, but not
in a mean spirited way. All of these incidents made Christy
the woman I love and cherish with all of my heart and soul.

William just stopped in to say good night. He could
see that I was furiously writing, but he had the proper
sense not to ask. I freely admitted I kept a journal that
Christy had given to me. "Neil," he said, "let me give
you one piece of advice. Never write down words that you
might regret one day. Never write in anger. Son, one day
when you least expect it and it could be ten years from
now, Christy's curiosity will get the better of her, and
she may read your journal. Insatiable curiosity--It's in
her blood from the Rudd side of the family. If you say
anything too negative or hurtful, it will come back to
haunt you. I speak from experience. I too kept a journal. I
made the mistake of inferring that a hat of Julia's made
her look like a peacock the way the feathers stood out. I
am still paying for that comment fifteen years later. Good
night, son."

I need to take a page from William's book. I need
his advice. How has he managed to keep Julia happy, I
wonder? I will seek his counsel tomorrow. My fear is of
failing Christy in some way. She has chosen a difficult
path. Our life will not be an easy one. What will happen if
we become parents? Christy will be a wonderful mother. She
has such a nurturing spirit. Judging by the stories I
heard earlier, she was raised in a warm, loving, gentle
atmosphere. The Cove will not be so easy. It will be a
harsher environment. Judging what Christy had done with the
school children, I know she can adapt well. Raising a child
or children is an awesome responsibility. I believe that we
are up to the challenge. I will not pressure her. A child
is a gift from God, to be cherished and nourished with
love. I do not doubt that she and I will provide for our
children. Will I be a good father? How will I know what
to do? I could sit here and ponder this for hours. What
I should do is return to the warm, sweet company of my
beautiful wife.

End of entry

As Neil entered the bedroom, Christy stirred. "What time
is it, Neil?"

"Way past my bedtime."

She sighed. He undressed and slipped into the bed. She
snuggled next to him. "It was a beautiful Christmas, wasn't
it Neil, in spite of Grandmother's machinations."

"It was the most wonderful Christmas of my life, Christy."

She turned and leaned against his chest. She could see the
sincerity in his eyes. Tears pooled in hers. "I love you
so much, Neil, my heart is so full it could burst." He
kissed her deeply, for he was truly overwhelmed by her
love for him. "Thank you for my wonderful gifts, Neil."

"You are welcome, my sweet. Thank you for your
thoughfulness. I love my gifts as well."

"Good. I am so pleased. It was not the Christmas I thought
we could plan, Neil. God has His own script."

Neil laughed. "Indeed He does, but your grandmother hasn't
learned that yet."

"She got what she wanted, Neil."

"This time, Lass, but I have warned her never to cry
wolf again."

"Do you think she will listen to you?"

"No, not at all." They both laughed.

"Neil, I come from the same stock."

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, my love. Our
lives will not be dull, darling if your grandmother is
any indication of what life with you will be like in
the future."

"I love you, Neil."

"I love you too, Christy. Sleep well my angel."

"I will you devil." They both laughed, and soon fell
asleep in the gentle peace of their first Christmas night
together.



End of the Chapter

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Twelve

.........................................................

The next day was a day of relaxation. After two days of
overeating, everyone agreed to take it easy, and keep the
eating light. Sunday morning on the 27th, Neil kissed
Christy awake. "Happy One Month Anniversary" my sweet
love," he said.

She grinned. "You are a few hours early."

"Are you complaining?"

"Not me, never."

"Shall I tell you how I plan to while away the hours with
you until the exact moment when you said "I do" to me ?"

"I catch the drift of what you are saying, my darling
Neil, and I couldn't agree more with that plan of action
but......"

"You talk too much, Lass."

"Neil, we'll be in church then."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Oh well, it was just a thought." He kissed her temple,
and settled back down.

She sat up and looked at him. "That's it? You woke me up
two hours before we have to get up, with obviously amorous
intentions, and now you plan to go back to sleep? Is this
how you want to spend our first month's anniversary?"

He was trying desperately not to laugh. He was filled
with unbridled mirth. "Christy, I may need my strength
for later."

"Later? What about now?"

"Demanding little creature, aren't you?"

"Demanding? Demanding! I'll show you demanding. She began
laughing and pummeling his chest, as she tried to shower
his face with kisses. He rolled over with her and she
realized then it had all been a ploy on his part. A very
successful ploy she might add. Soon they were caught in
the beauty of their loving one another.

Later during the service, they held hands. Neil's fine
baritone could be heard as he sang the hymns. It was
quite evident to their friends in the congregation, that
William and Julia's daughter Christy and her husband were
very happy and very much in love. People milled outside
of church to meet Christy and her husband, the country
doctor, who turned out to be a very sophisticated man,
and offer their congratulations.

Christy knew by some of their comments, that they were
surprised by Neil's appearance. Knowing her husband's
sensitivity, she was sure he picked up on the nuances of
the conversations as well. It would be interesting to see
if he mentioned this to her later. He wanted to spend the
day alone with his wife. He supposed he was being selfish,
especially during the season of giving, but he couldn't
help himself.

After luncheon was served, they took a long walk and
Christy pointed out the sights of Asheville, as she had
tried to do to her students with her diorama, showing
neighborhoods, and all of the different shops. They spent
hours together, just walking, enjoying the fresh air. Neil
had a good sense of direction.

"How far are we from your parents house?" he asked.

"Just a few more blocks, darling. We made a big square."

"I thought so. Are you tired, Christy?"

"A little. I think we should rest a while before dinner."

"I couldn't agree more, Lass."

"Neil, I do mean rest."

"Of course you do."

"Neil!"

"What? I am in perfect agreement with you."

She stopped and looked up at him. "Stop laughing at me."

"I am not laughing at you. I do not understand where you
get these outlandish ideas about me. Here I am trying to
be serious with you, agreeing with you about our need to
rest, and you do not believe me."

"Can you blame me?"

"Not at all. I guess you do know me pretty well."

"Especially when it comes to your concept of resting,
when it concerns us." They both laughed together and once
again, she engaged her arm in the crook of his arm, and
they began walking home to the Huddleston's.

The following days were a flurry of activity. Dinners were
held at the homes of friends and relatives. Neil got to
meet the full compliment of Rudd's and Huddleston's. There
was a large New Year's Eve Ball to attend. Fortunately
Neil did own a tuxedo. Grandmother Rudd had given Christy
a beautiful, simply elegant gown for Christmas. She had
been that sure that her plan would work. On Christmas
Day she had said," Your mother and I know your taste
dear. Mrs. Sloan still had your measurements on file, and
your figure hasn't changed very much in two years. I know
you think it's frivolous, Christy. You will both make a
striking couple."

Asheville elite attended. Everyone dressed in their
finest. Neil looked extremely handsome. He'd gotten
his hair trimmed by William's barber. He had carefully
clipped Neil's curly locks. Neil was quite pleased with
the results. He did not have the hacked off look that
usually happened after his hair was cut.

Christy's gown was Wedgewood blue. It was pure understated
elegance. It had a deep square neckline, which allowed
her to wear her grandmother's pearl choker. There were
five rows of perfectly matched pearls, with pear shaped
earrings to match. Grandmother Rudd presented Neil with two
sets of gold cufflinks that had belonged to her husband.

"If George were alive he would have given them to you
himself, Neil. Christy my pearls are yours. I've discussed
it with your mother. I would prefer to see you wear
them and enjoy them while I am alive, rather than leave
them to you in my will. Don't protest. Neil is going to
become famous enough that you will wear them again and
again. Enjoy them. They are something you can pass on to
your daughter."

They made quite a picture as they were announced. People
were curious about Christy's husband. Neil certainly
stood out in a crowd. He had presence. He did not feel
the least uncomfortable or out of his element. He was
surrounded by family. His wife's love for him was obvious
to anyone who came within five feet of them. Christy was
in her element, and yet, not. Neil could sense a little
bit of boredom in her conversations with her friends and
with family acquaintances. She had changed so much from the
social butterfly she had been once. While these friends had
perhaps climbed another rung of the social order, Christy
had jumped off of that ladder and was free. Unfettered and
free. She was the wife of Dr. Neil MacNeill, who was slowly
making a name for himself because of his painstaking,
meticulous research. His work was being published. There
was something to be said for that, and Christy was so very
proud of him.

During the dinner that night, Christy and Neil were seated
with a group of the up and coming Asheville creme de la
creme. No one, not even Christy, realized that Neil had
hobnobbed with elite aristocrats while he was at school
in Edinburgh. He was well liked and well respected by
his house mates. Some of his best friends would become
future members of the House of Lords. Neil was a good
sport, and one or two of his friends took him under their
wing. He was invited to stay with them during holiday
and semester breaks. Neil knew the purpose of each fork,
knife, spoon, plate, bowl, and glassware of every type of
place setting. His friends wanted to make sure Neil was
comfortable, and not feel as he would often say, like
a fish out of water. Christy was once again in awe of
her husband. Neil never bragged. If you wanted to know
something about him, you had to ask him. On one hand he
was reticent, but if he was passionate about a subject
he could be a steam roller. Either way though, he always
managed to garner attention.

One of the gentlemen guests at the table, who knew Christy
had married a "country' doctor, tried to trick him by
picking up an incorrect fork for the current course,
indicating to Neil that this was the proper utensil to
use. Neil informed him, in a rather lengthy dissertation
as to why the man was wrong. With patience, Neil explained
the purpose of every piece of cutlery for that particular
place setting, much to the man's dismay.

On the way home Neil asked Christy, "Are all the up and
coming future business geniuses as stupid as I think they
are?" What did they expect of me? That I would pick up the
soup lug by the handles and slurp the soup down instead
of using the proper spoon?"

"Oh Neil," she said, "it was too funny for words. You were
ever so subtle, darling, but you made John Crane feel like
a fool."

"He is a fool."

"Yes darling, everyone knows it. You were so kind to inform
him that he was mistaken and that you did not want to see
him embarrassed in front of his friends by choosing the
wrong utensil. There is only one thing, Neil."

"What is that?"

"Your voice."

"What about my voice?"

"You do not suffer fools gladly, Neil. The tone of
your voice while speaking to Mr. Crane would penetrate
granite. Everyone at the table heard you. I imagine every
time he goes to a dinner party someone will remind him of
the correct fork to use. Instead of making you the butt
of his joke he became the butt instead."

"Well that's fine justice for a horse's ass."

"Neil!"

"Am I right?"

"Yes, unfortunately you are."

"I agree," said William, laughing.

"Well done," said Grandmother Rudd, with approval. "It's
about time that wastrel was put in his place. Good for
you, Neil."

"Mother!" said Julia.

"Oh stop. The Crane's forget their place. Their
ancestors were pig farmers for goodness sake. It's an
decent occupation. I am not casting aspersions on hard,
demanding work.  They came to America and made some money
and it turned their heads. He tried to humiliate our Neil,
but Neil was the better man. Everyone else at your table
earned respect for Neil."

"What about the Crane's?"

"Pshaw," said Grandmother Rudd. "Neil's family goes back
to Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Crane's go back to pig
farmers in Yorkshire. I know that fact from my mother and
John Crane's great grandmother. Just try and besmirch my
granddaughter's husband, and I will let that fact slip
into a conversation. I have my ways." She smiled.

"And you called me a devil, Granny," said Neil, with a
twinkle in his eye.

"Kindred spirits, Neil, kindred spirits," she answered.



End of Chapter Twelve
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, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Thirteen

.........................................................

Early the following morning he wrote...............

I cannot wait to return to Cutter Gap. I am impatient
to do so, I must say. I have had enough of the social
aspirations of the haves, the have nots, and those who
fall in between. I cannot imagine scheduling my life
around the Asheville social calendar. Why I would step
on so many toes three quarters of the population would be
hobbling around. It is like a food chain and heaven forbid
someone should take a misstep on the social ladder. It
is all so complicated. I would rather be operating by
candlelight than endure another informal dinner party with
the piranhas, oh, I mean family friends. What these people
fail to understand is that I have seen how the other half
lives. I have stayed in opulent homes. I have experienced
snobbery at the highest level. I prefer the simple life and
the honesty of emotions that ring true in Cutter Gap. I
am satisfied with my lot in life. I have a roof over my
head, clothes on my back, food on my table and a wife, a
beautiful wife, who has helped me find my faith, and who
loves me, for who and what I am. I do not need anything
else. I am content.

I am taking this time in Asheville in stride. A few
times I have felt my calf being kicked under the table
by the very tiny feet I have come to adore; since she is
significantly ticklish there she does not realize what she
has started. Every unwarranted nudge like that deserves
some form of retribution. I cannot help the fact that some
of the conversation needed some form of sarcastic remark. I
cannot let insipid remarks go by me without making some
sort of reply. It is just my nature. So I look forward
then to getting back for Christy's kicks. It is all in
good fun, journal, I would never deliberately hurt her. A
few well place tickles will keep her laughing.

I need to get back to reality. I honestly can say
that I have truly enjoyed the time I have spent with
Christy's family. William and I have had some interesting
conversations. The family still follows the British
tradition of gentlemen leaving the table after dinner to
have a cigar ( or in my case, a pipe) and a glass of brandy
in the library. It is interesting to hear the discussions
of politics, and the economy and the escalating worry in
Europe. How long will the war last I wonder?

The isolation of the Cove offers some protection from the
outside world. It is a fragile curtain, I fear. We can not
ever turn back the tide, as Christy's uncle reminded us
the other night. Change will come to Cutter Gap, of that
I have no doubt. These are the halcyon days, and I will
savor each and every one of them.

Last night I watched Christy sleep. Her gentle, sweet
face gives me such peace. I am no longer a man fighting my
demons. With Christy by my side, I feel I can accomplish
good in this world. It is because of her that I stepped
out of the darkness. With the help of God, I will do my
best for my people. Our people.

I feel restless, Lord. We need to go home. It is time.

End of Entry

Neil and Christy departed Asheville two days later. It was
an emotional parting. William and George saw them off at
the station. Julia and Granny Rudd were too upset to say
good-bye in public. Christy was filled with sadness at
leaving her family. Neil understood and tried to give her
comfort. As the train pulled away she stared out of the
window until her father and brother were tiny figures in
the distance. Then she sought Neil's loving embrace and
quietly cried herself to sleep. She hated saying good-bye.

She never heard the conductor, Mr. MacDonald. He noted the
wedding rings on their fingers. "Visiting the in-laws in
Asheville? He inquired.

"Yes," replied Neil quietly.

"It should be a fairly quiet run. She'll sleep a while. I
won't disturb you."

"Thank you," said Neil.

"You're welcome, Doc." Mr. MacDonald had noticed Neil's
black medical bag which he carried when he wasn't riding
Charlie. Saddle bags worked best then, when he did his
rounds in the Cove.

When the train pulled into the El Pano station, Christy
was wound up like a top. They were home. Home! One of her
most favorite words to say. Soon they would be snug and
cozy in their beloved cabin.

They went to the livery to collect Charlie. Mr. McTavish
wanted Neil to look at a horse that he had recently
purchased.

"Are you up to it, Lass?"

"I think so, Neil." she said. "How have you been,
Mr. McTavish? Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year to you both. I am well, ma'am, very well
indeed." He led them to a stall. The horse was a sorrel
mare. "Her name is Nutmeg." Neil looked the mare over.

Christy stood in front of her and gently patted her. "Hello
girl, aren't you a beauty."

"She's yours if you want her."

"Would you mind carrying me all through these mountains? I
think we could have a marvelous time together, Nutmeg." The
horse seemed to nod in agreement.

Neil liked what he saw. "How much do I owe you?"

"Doc, she's paid for. Miz Christy's grandmaw left the
money to pay for the horse last month. Told me to order
her a sturdy saddle to boot, which I did at McTeague's. He
delivered it two days ago. I'll be sending Mrs. Rudd a
bank draft tomorrow with the leftover money. Do you want
me to saddle Nutmeg up for you to ride?"

"You can saddle her, but we will not ride her
today. Christy will ride home with me. The mare can
accompany us. I want Christy to have the chance to
break her in gently, rather than have her ride Nutmeg
the seven miles cold. They need to get used to each
other. Mr. McTavish put the saddle on the horse. Neil
was pleased with the workmanship on the saddle, but then
Mr. McTeague always did fine, dependable work.

Christy and Neil rode home with Nutmeg traveling beside
them. They had stopped at the general store and purchased
some food, for they knew that their larder would be
bare. When they arrived at the cabin, Neil took care of
the horses first. Christy discovered that the cabin had
been cleaned and dusted in their absence. There was a note
on the table from Miss Alice.



Christy,

Bessie, Zady and Ruby Mae asked permission to dust and
clean while you were away. Thee have both been away for
two weeks, but they felt a need to do something special
for thee.

Alice



She turned to Neil and kissed him. "I am glad we are home,
Neil. Next year we will have our very own Christmas tree."

He kissed her back. "Let me get a fire going, before we
both freeze solid. There is a bone chilling dampness
filling the cabin. I'll start a fire in the stove as
well. We may need to heat bricks to warm the bed tonight."

"We won't need bricks, Neil."

"Wait until your back hits the ice cold sheets, my
love. You'll be happy for the warmth."

"I don't need bricks, Neil darling, I have you."

"You're sure about that?"

"Yes, very sure."

"We'll see."

"Yes we will," she grinned. "She kissed him again and tried
to move into the kitchen. He grabbed her as she tried to
evade him.

He kissed her again. "Who needs a fire?" he asked.

"Neil," she said laughing. "We have the entire evening
ahead of us."

"Is that a promise?"

"Yes darling," she giggled.

"I'll hold you to it."

"Of course you will, my darling Neil. I expect nothing
less."

And of course, he did.

End of Chapter Thirteen

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Fourteen

..........................................................

'It is the bleak mid-winter,' Christy had thought a few
days before. Now, just like the hymn, snow had fallen
snow on snow. The landscape had been transformed. It
was beautiful. The sky was intensely blue. Snow caught
sunlight and glittered like diamonds. She felt restless,
and she didn't know why. Neil was in Low Gap. He would
most likely be delayed by the two days of snow.

She had tried to ride Nutmeg to the Mission, but some of
the snow had formed drifts, obliterating the trail. She
wisely turned back and went home. She decided that they
needed to have a telephone line to the Mission. she could
alert them if she could not come to teach. Neil could be
notified about ill patients. It made a lot of sense to
her. There was extra wire and insulators. She hoped that
David, Jeb and Neil would be able to work together, perhaps
in the Spring. She took care of Nutmeg, and walked back to
the cabin. She heard a sound, faint though it was, and saw
a little puppy. It was obviously the runt of a litter, and
it had been tossed into the creek. She ran to the edge of
the water and scooped up the poor, bedraggled creature. She
ran up the slope to the cabin slipping and sliding, trying
to keep the puppy warm. She grabbed a piece of soft flannel
and lined a basket and placed it close to the fire. She
rubbed the puppy down, drying it's wet fur. 'Who would do
this she wondered?' She warmed some milk and tried to coax
the puppy to drink. After a lot of soft words and cooing,
the puppy responded. It was a male, so she decided to name
him Moses, even though there were no bulrushes this time
of year. She felt the name appropriate.

The puppy sneezed, or so she thought. She warmed a
brick and wrapped it with flannel to help keep the
little dog warm. He soon fell asleep. Christy kept
herself busy cleaning, baking cookies and tea scones for
Neil, correcting papers. She kept checking on the puppy,
warming milk to feed it, and finally making some dinner for
herself. She went to bed early. The next morning when she
walked into the parlor to feed the fire, the puppy was so
excited to see her, he wet the flannel. "This won't do,"
she said. "You have to let me know when you need to go
outside." She shook her head. "I'm talking to a puppy,
as if it will understand every word I am saying. Neil
you have been gone too long. I hate being shut in the
cabin." She put the flannel in a bucket to soak, and
relined the basket.

She took her mug of coffee, picked the puppy up and went
out on to the porch. After a few minutes she realized the
puppy was shaking, so she put him back into his warm basket
by the fire.

She put on her coat and boots and went to the barn to take
care of Nutmeg. The snow crunched under her feet. On her
way back from the barn she spied a red cardinal in the
evergreens. 'How beautifully red he is' she thought. The
air is clean and everything sparkles. She heard crunching,
and realized someone was approaching the cabin.

It was Jeb Spencer. "Good morning, Miss Christy."

"Good morning, Jeb. What a nice surprise. Can you come in
and set a spell?"

"I surely can." He held up a rabbit. "I brought you
dinner." He had skinned and dressed the rabbit for
her. "Would you like me to cut it up for you?"

She nodded, for she suddenly felt a bit squeamish. He
went over to the counter and took a cutting board and his
hunting knife and cut it into manageable pieces. Christy
handed him a bowl. He put the meat into it. She covered
it with a towel and took it out on to the porch. It would
stay cold outside. When she returned Jeb had washed his
hands and cleaned the knife.

"Would you like some coffee, Jeb?"

"Yes, please."

"I baked some scones. Please have some. She put a dozen
in a decorative tin. Please take these home to the
children. We cannot possible eat them all. I do not know
when Neil will be home."

"It depends on how the snow drifted on the trail to Low
Gap. He could be home some time tomorrow."

I hope so, Jeb." Moses woke up and yipped.

"Where'd the puppy come from?"

"I found him yesterday by the creek. He was wet and cold
and shivering. I rescued him."

Jeb smiled at her tender heart. "He's the runt. Have you
given him a name?"

"Yes. I called him Moses, even though there are no
bulrushes this time of year."

"Moses," said Jeb thoughtfully. "You might want to choose
another name."

"Why Jeb?"

"There are some folks around here who might think that
you were blaspheming the Bible."

"Jeb, I would never do that!"

"I know, Miss Christy, I know. But some folks around here
think like that. So before he gets used to the name, I
think you'd better choose another name for the puppy. Well,
I'd best be gettin' back. The coffee was nice and hot,
and the scones were delicious. The children will devour
them in no time flat, they love them so."

"I'm glad, Jeb. Thank you for the rabbit. It will make a
nice stew."

"You're most kindly welcome." He tipped his hat, and
left the cabin. Whistling on his way home he laughed to
himself. Moses! She sure had a sense of humor. Fairlight
would have laughed, but she also would have given Christy
the same advice.

In the meantime, Neil was trying to make his way home on
the snowy trails. Charlie was steady and surefooted. It
turned out to be a beautiful day. The sunlight was
streaming through the trees and the sky seemed to be as
blue as his beloved's eyes. Christy was his beacon and
he could not wait until he was home. He was watching
the path ahead. It was white and pristine. There were
some animal tracks, and evidence of birds searching for
seeds. Then he saw the unmistakable signs of red in the
snow. Blood. What had happened? He felt Charlie tense,
as if the horse smelled the blood. Neil dismounted and
followed the trail into the brush. Thirty feet in he spied
the doe. She had been shot and had run until she dropped.

Neil heard the click of the shotgun. He turned and saw a
young man of seventeen or so years. "That be my kill."

"Of course it is. I'm a doctor. I saw the blood on the
trail and followed it. I thought perhaps someone was
injured. Put down your shotgun. I want no part of your
deer." He started to walk away from the dead animal. "I
left my horse on the trail. I'm on my way back to Cutter
Gap. I'm Dr. Neil MacNeill."

"Are you really a doctor?"

"Yes."

"My wife's in a bad way. The midwife is with her. They
sent me out to hunt because I was pacing so much. I can't
stand to hear Charity scream so."

"Do you want me to help your wife?"

"Yes, but I got to dress the deer first."

"Damn the deer, your wife is more important."

"It's food for my family, Doc."

"I don't care," said Neil. "Take me to your cabin
first." Poor Charlie. They slung the carcass over his back
and hurried to the young man's cabin. Neil could hear the
scream of the young woman in labor.

It was obvious that the baby was not positioned
correctly. The midwife was not strong enough to turn the
child. Neil looked at the young husband. Your wife is
having great difficulty. I need to turn the baby, or they
will both die. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Neil quickly scrubbed his hands and arms, and did what
he needed to do. The baby was born soon after, a little
undersized, just about five pounds in weight. The poor
young woman was exhausted. The midwife took the baby from
Neil. He went outside to find the new father.

"What's your name? I don't believe we were properly
introduced."

"It's Cletus. Cletus Barnes."

"Well Cletus, you have a fine son. A smile broke out on
the young man's face. How's my Charity?"

"She's exhausted, she needs to rest for a few days. We're
about twenty miles from Cutter Gap, but only thirteen from
El Pano. I know it's a distance. But if your family needs
medical attention, you come and find me.

Just ask anyone for Doc MacNeill. Word will get to me. Take
care of your wife and son."

"Doc, I don't have money to pay ya."

"I understand. When you have something for barter, it will
do. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

Neil saw that Cletus had fed and watered Charlie. "Cletus?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Your account is paid. Thank you for taking care of my
horse. I would never make it through these mountains
without him."

"Thank you, Doc," he said and he returned his attention
to the deer.

Neil shook his head, any other man would he holding
his newborn. He returned to the trail, thinking of his
beloved Christy. He wouldn't be home tonight. He made it
to El Pano around six. It was dark, but there was enough
moonlight to guide him. It would be full in another day
or two. He would be home by then. He spent the night at
Tatum's boarding house.

That night he wrote......................

Seven miles keeps me from Christy. Thanks to the efforts
of Grantland, Jeb and some of the other men, the road will
make it a little easier for me to travel back home. I hope
that Christy did not try and teach at the Mission. The
snow might have drifted deeply on the trails. She has
common sense. I have tried to warm her of the dangers out
here. I will stop by the Mission first. Perhaps she stayed
overnight when the snows came. That would have been prudent
of her.

Life is back to routine, but I do not like being parted
from her. I miss having her snuggle up against me, with
her cold, delicate feet. Even though I put a warm brick
under the covers at the end of the bed, my wife would
rather warm her feet on my legs. It is a small price to pay
for the pleasure of having her so close to me. I miss her
company. I miss trying to follow her thought process. Her
mind is constantly on the move. She absorbs knowledge like
a sponge.

Delivering the child today has me yearning for a child
of our own. I would love to watch our child growing
beneath my wife's beautiful heart. I am not trying to
be selfish. I know that raising children here is going
to be difficult. Given Christy's and my insistence on
cleanliness, our children will have a fighting chance. I
must have patience, and I am very thankful that she enjoys
the pleasures of our marriage bed. I am certainly doing
my best to honor my vows. I adore her. And I thank God
every day for bringing her here to Cutter Gap.



End of Chapter Fourteen


Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story usesthemes from the
book, CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Fifteen

.........................................................

Neil stopped by the general store to pick up a few
items. He had purchased a locket for Christy while they
were in Asheville. He had also bought her a sketchbook
and colored pencils. He had placed an order in the
confectionary store in Asheville for a Valentine box of
chocolates. William was going to pick it up for him and
mail it to Cutter Gap in time for Valentine's Day. As
he scanned the shelves of the store, he remembered that
he also needed to replenish his supply of butterscotch,
licorice and peppermint drops. He also bought a can of
tobacco for himself and three different shades of blue
ribbon for Christy's hair. He had a nice chat with the
Pettigrew's, and then he departed. He loaded Charlie's
saddlebags. "We're going home, Charlie." He could swear
Charlie understood what he said because the horse perked
right up.

It was warmer than yesterday, and the snow was melting
off the trees as the sun rose higher in the sky. Christy
put on her sturdiest shoes and took the puppy out. She
had to laugh at the dog's antics as he jumped through the
snow. Sam Houston dropped by.

"Thought I'd mosey on by and see you, Miss Christy."

"Why thank you, Sam Houston."

"Where'd ya get the puppy dog?"

"I found him by the creek, Sam Houston."

"He's a runt."

"I think he's perfect."

"Did you name him yet?"

She hesitated. "No, not yet."

"Why not?"

"I haven't been able to think of a good enough name. Do
you have any suggestions?"

"Hmm. Let me think for a spell. You don't want to give him
a sissified name." She let that comment pass by without
saying a word. "We don't know what kind of breed he is,
do we, Miss Christy?"

"No, Sam Houston, we don't know the breed."

"He could be a real mutt."

"I am not calling him Mutt."

Sam Houston laughed. "That's a real knee slapper, Miss
Christy."

"Well, it is almost Valentine's Day. Perhaps I shall call
him Valentine."

Sam Houston blurted, "You just can't do that to a dog,
Miss Christy."

"What do you mean?"

"Why that puppy would be plumb mortified to be called
‘Valentine.' Honest teacher, no self respectin' hound
would come to ya if you called him that!"

Christy tried not to laugh at the incredulous _expression
on Sam Houston's face. She smiled. "All right, Sam
Houston. Let's put on our thinking caps and think of a
name for my puppy. Since my horse is called Nutmeg, why
don't we call him Cinnamon?"

"I cain't rightly say that word too easy, Miss Christy."

"How about Ginger?"

"Too sissified."

"Sam Houston! Look at this puppy and think of a good name,"
she said laughing. The puppy seemed to yip in agreement.

" How about Scamp?" Look at how he scampers through the
snow," said Sam Houston.

"Scamp is cute."

Sam Houston shuddered at the word cute. "You could call
him Rover or Shadow. Look at how he attacks his shadow,
teacher."

"I like Shadow. Rover is too common. Let's see if he comes
when I call him. Come here, Shadow, that's a good dog. Here
Shadow," she called.

The puppy was curious, and came toward Christy, shaking
snow off his coat. Shadow came to Christy. "Shadow it
is, Sam Houston. This calls for a treat. Would you like
a scone and a cup of hot chocolate?"

"That would please me greatly, Miss Christy."

"Well, all right then. It will take me a few minutes to
make the hot chocolate. Would you like to come inside?"

"If you don't mind, I'd like to play outside with Shadow."

"I'm sure that Shadow would like that very much." She went
inside to grab a growler, and went to the spring house to
fetch some cold milk. Sam Houston was having a fine time
with the puppy. She went inside the cabin.

Sam Houston scooped the puppy up in his arms. Shadow licked
his face. "Yer welcome, Shadow. I saved you from a fate
worse that death. Imagine being stuck with a front name
like Valentine yer whole life!"

Christy mixed the cocoa, sugar and milk and heated it on
the stone. She set the table with cake plates and napkins
and mugs for the hot drink. She knew Sam Houston would
enjoy the tea scones.

Neil approached the cabin. Sam Houston was playing
with a puppy. The boy looked up and saw him. "Hello Doc
MacNeill." He smiled at Neil.

"Hello, Sam Houston. Do you have a new puppy?"

"No sir. It be Miss Christy's."

"Really?"

"It's a runt, Doc. She rescued him from the creek. We just
named him Shadow."

"Why Shadow?"

" ‘Cause he was chasin' after his shadow. Miss Christy
wanted to name him Valentine. Doc, that's not a proper
name for a dog!"

Neil winked at Sam Houston. "I agree. Do you want to take
care of Charlie for me?"

"Sure do, Doc."

Neil removed his saddle bags and the purchases he had made
in El Pano. "Thank you, Sam Houston."

"Yer welcome, Doc. Glad yer home."

"So am I, Sam Houston." He opened the door to the cabin.

"Sam Houston, I have a bed for Shadow near the fireplace,"
said Christy.

"Shadow is too busy playing with Sam Houston, Lass."

She turned from the stove. "Neil, you're home!"

"Yes love, it's me." She ran to him.

"Oh, Neil, I missed you so."

"I missed you too, Christy."

"I felt so desolate without you, Neil. I discovered the
puppy by the creek. Someone dumped him. How could anyone
mistreat an animal, Neil?"

He looked at her and kissed her deeply. "That was my first
priority, love.

She tried to catch her breath. "Neil..............Sam
Houston is.........."

"Is taking care of Charlie for me." He kissed her
again. She smelled the hot chocolate and pulled away from
his embrace. "Lass?"

She ran to the stove and pulled the pot off the stove
just before it boiled over. She ran back to Neil. "Now,
where were we?" She kissed him soundly. He returned the
gesture. Both were trying to catch their breath. They were
staring at each other, trying to absorb the presence of
one another. She brushed his hair from his forehead. He
breathed in her scent, caressing her temple, cheek and
lips with soft sweet kisses.

There was a knock at the door. They stepped apart. Neil
opened the door. Sam Houston entered with Shadow. "Smells
good, Miss Christy."

"I agree, Sam Houston. How about some hot chocolate to
warm our innards?"

"Sounds good to me, Doc."

Christy loved to watch their interplay. Neil was wonderful
with all of the children, but he had a special place in his
heart for Sam Houston. ‘He would make a wonderful father,'
she thought. She could picture a baby held in his large,
gentle hands, supported lovingly by his brawny arms. She
sighed dreamily. Neil watched her, fascinated, wondering
what could she be thinking?

Christy added some cold milk to the hot chocolate. She
didn't want Sam Houston or Neil to burn their tongues. Sam
Houston drank his with gusto, and had a moustache to prove
it. He licked his lips and smiled. "Would you like some
more, Sam Houston?"

"No thank you, ma'am. That was real good hot chocolate."

"I'm glad you liked it." Before he could wipe his mouth
on his sleeve, Christy handed him a napkin. "Use this
instead, Sam Houston."

"But I'll get it dirty."

"That's what it's for, Sam Houston."

He looked bewildered for a minute, but then he used the
napkin. "I should be goin' on home. Pap will be thinkin'
I got lost."

"Thank you for helping me name Shadow."

"Yer welcome."

"Thank you for taking care of Charlie for me."

" ‘Twas my pleasure, Doc."

Neil got up to open the door for the boy. "Be careful,
Sam Houston. It's slippery walking in the snow."

"Yes, sir. I'll be right careful out here." He waved
goodbye and scooted along the trail home.

Christy had removed the mugs and plates from the table,
and was washing them. Neil walked behind her, and put
his arms around her. He kissed her, and inhaled her
sweet rose scent. His hands caressed her, and she melted
against him. She started to turn in his arms. He kissed her
gently. Her wet hands were pressed against his chest. He
was oblivious to the damp cloth.

Shadow yipped, and then yipped some more. He was not
getting any attention. He began to pull at Christy's
skirt. The next thing she heard was a little puppy
growl. She pulled away from Neil, slightly. "Neil meet
Shadow." The spell was broken. He stepped away, and looked
down at the tiny dog. He raised his eyebrow at the tiny
ball of fur. Shadow yipped again. Neil looked at Christy
as she bent down to pick up the puppy.

"I've been gone only a week, and I find that another male
has stolen the affection of my wife from me. Females are
fickle creatures."

"I think he has to go out, Neil."

"I'm being banished out in the cold now?"

She tried very hard not to laugh. He sighed a deep sigh,
and took the wriggling puppy from her hands. He grabbed
his coat and went outside. "You and I have to come to
an understanding, dog. Your timing leaves a lot to be
desired." Shadow took care of his business. He was too
small to climb the porch steps. Neil picked him up and
carried him into the cabin. He scrambled to Christy. She
rubbed the snow off his fur. He lapped up some warmed
milk, and settled down into his basket. Once again, she
had warmed a brick to keep him warm.

Neil sat in his rocking chair and lit his pipe. "Now wife,"
he said with a bemused voice, "tell me all about Shadow."

End of Chapter Fifteen

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Sixteen

.........................................................

Later that night he wrote..............

Now we have a puppy. Christy's enthusiasm is endless. She
told me how Shadow was left to drown. Why do I feel that my
tender hearted wife will be picking up strays the rest of
her life. In my heart, I know that I am one of her strays.

She is busy writing up her lessons. I have finished my
patient notes from my visit to Low Gap. I hope there are
no influenza outbreaks for the rest of the winter. I don't
wish to be away from Christy any more than I have to be....

Christy peaked in. Neil was busy writing, so she quietly
stepped out of the doorway. She did not want to disturb
him. He kept meticulous patient records. He was so
organized in his laboratory, and with his fishing flies.
Every type of feather had its own container, sorted by
color. Spools of silk thread were organized the same
way. Mind you, shirts would be draped hither and yon, but
his feathers were neat in their place. She shook her head.
Men!  But how she loved him!

She picked up her mending. She was turning the collar
on one of Neil's blue shirts. It was getting a little
threadbare. She had an order in to the general store
in El Pano to replace it. She loved him in the color
blue. She hoped it would come in time for Valentine's
Day. She had one other special gift for Neil. She smiled
to herself. Shadow yipped at her. She stood up to get
her coat.

"I'll take him, Lass." She was startled. Neil had been
standing in the doorway watching her. She didn't realize
that he had seen her reflection in the window when she
peeked into his lab. He'd been watching her for the past
few minutes. Why had she smiled so enigmatically? "It's
too cold out, Christy. Stay warm, Lass." He picked up
Shadow. The puppy licked his face.  He ruffled the top of
the puppy's head, and went outside.

Christy opened her journal. She had placed a small calendar
on the inside cover. She kept track of her cycle there. It
was her private journal.  She looked at January. It
was blank. ‘Was it possible? Could she have gotten
pregnant during their Christmas visit to Asheville?' she
wondered. She hoped it was true. While they were visiting
her parents, she had purchased a pair of baby booties on
impulse. This was how she wanted to tell Neil when, and if,
she became pregnant. She would wrap them as a present for
him. If she had figured correctly, she was about six weeks
along. She closed her journal when she heard the door open.

"It's cold out, Lass."

"Come by the fire, Neil darling."

He smiled, and joined her on the setae. She snuggled
against him.  Shadow was chasing a small ball. "Isn't he
cute, Neil?"

"Yes, Christy. I'm just wondering where he came from. There
doesn't appear to be any beagle or bloodhound in his
pedigree. His paws are a little large.  He may grow up to
be bigger than you think."

"I just had to rescue him, Neil."

"I know, Lass, I know. He'll be a companion and a good
watchdog, if I am away on call. We'll teach him how to
bark when someone approaches the cabin."

She waited a minute or two. "Neil, how does one teach a
dog to bark?"

""You know, Lass, I have absolutely no idea whatsoever,"
he said laughing with her.

She hugged him. "This is what I missed Neil, snuggling up
with you by the fire."

"I bet your feet were cold at night."

"I heated a brick, but it wasn't the same."

"No, I suppose it wasn't," he said laughing. "I missed
the exquisite torture of your cold feet on my legs, Lass."

"I wish you didn't have to go, Neil, but I know that it
is an important part of your being a doctor here. I won't
complain. This was the first time we've been apart so
long. I missed your company."

"I missed you, sweetheart." He kissed her. "You've made
me a very happy man.  The walls of this cabin are alive
again. There is joy in this home.  It's not just a place
to eat and sleep, Christy, it's a home, thanks to you."

"And to you, Neil, as well. She smiled secretly to
herself. ‘We'll be a family soon,' she thought. She put
her hand against his chest. She could hear his heart
beating. "I love you, Neil."

"I love you, too, Lass." They retired early that night.

The next day they rode together to the Mission. Neil needed
to replenish some of the medical supplies for Alice. "Would
thee care for coffee or tea?"  Alice asked. "Thee both
must be cold from thy trip."

"Tea would be lovely," said Christy. "I brought some scones
that I baked. I cannot let Neil eat them all."

"Coffee for me, Alice. Charity begins at home, Lass," and
he snitched a scone. The women laughed as he bit into it.

David walked in. It was still a little awkward with the
three of them, but it was improving. "Good morning, David,"
said Christy.

"Good morning, Christy, Doc," he nodded to them.

"Good morning, Preacher," Neil replied.

"I brought some scones," said Christy.

"Sounds delicious," replied David.

Christy bit the bullet. "David, Neil just returned from Low
Gap. While he was away the snowstorm came. Can you install
a telephone in our cabin?  I know that you have extra
wire and insulators. I can write away for the telephone
itself. But I think we need to be able to communicate with
each other. If I cannot make it to the school to teach,
I can let you know.  If you hear of patients who are ill,
you can let Neil know. It seems like a competent solution,
don't you agree?"

"Yes. When the snow melts, I'll ask Jeb for his help."

"I'd be happy to help you," said Neil.

"Thank you. I'll take you up on it," said David.

"Can thee both stay for lunch?" asked Miss Alice.

"No, we can't," said Christy.

"Yes we can," said Neil.

"Neil, what about Shadow?"

"I've arranged a babysitter," replied Neil.

"Who?"

"Sam Houston."

"Who or what is Shadow?" asked David.

"A puppy," replied Christy.

"The runt of a litter," said Neil.

"Someone threw him into the creek to drown him. I found
him three days ago and rescued him."

"Doc, besides Ault Allen and you, there's another homestead
on Big Spoon Creek," said David.

"Yes, you're right. It belonged to the Sully's. They left
years ago after a typhoid epidemic."

"Do you think squatters have moved in?" asked David.

"I don't know. It's worth taking a gander," said Neil.

"Thee must be very careful. We'll accompany thee," said
Alice. "Two men could be deemed a threat; with women along,
perhaps not."

"Shall we go for a ride?" asked Neil.

"What about lunch?" asked David.

"We'll take it with us," answered Alice.

Curiosity got the better of them. The four left the
Mission and took a ride past the MacNeill cabin. Shadow
barked as they approached. Sam Houston waved and said,
"Howdy." Christy ran into the cabin and came out with a
sack that contained a jar of pickles and some strawberry
jam. If they were going to welcome a new family to the
Cove, they should have a welcoming gift.

They soon came to Ault Allen's cabin. On good days Ault
could be tetchious, but then, peevishness was an inborn
part of his personality. Ault was sitting on his front
porch resting. David stiffened as he saw Ault's boys
chopping wood. Ault was probably bodaciously tired, thought
David, as he watched the boys struggle with the heavy wood.

"Howdy, Doc," said Ault. He tipped his hat to the ladies
and ignored the Preacher. "What brings you this way?" The
insult was not lost on David.

"Rumor has it the Sully place has new occupants."

"Can't say that it does, won't say that it doesn't."

"A finite answer indeed," muttered David, under his breath.

"Well, we're going to welcome them to Cutter Gap," said
Miss Alice brightly.

"Doubt they'll welcome interferin' Mission folk," said
Ault.

Alice's smile was frozen on her face. David gripped
Prince's rein tightly.  Neil ignored the insulting
remark. "Good day, Ault," he said. The group pressed
on. After leaving the Allen place, they continued to
travel along the Creek. As they approached the Sully
place, they could smell the woodsmoke. Neil called out
a loud "Hello." They continued on slowly, very wary of
the silence. There was a clearing before the cabin. A man
appeared in the doorway.

"Don't cotton to no strangers on my land."

"We're your neighbors," said Neil.

"Don't need no neighbors," the surly man continued. A dog
appeared by his side. Judging from the look of it, he was
Shadow's sire.

"Well," continued Neil, "this is the Reverend Grantland,
and Miss Alice Henderson from the Mission, and my wife
Christy, who is the school teacher.  "I'm Doctor Neil
MacNeill. If you ever need a doctor our cabin is the second
one from here on the Creek."

"Don't need no doctor, teacher or preachers. Git off my
land or I'll start a shootin'." The dog growled, and Nutmeg
became skittish.

"Neil," said Christy. There was an edge of panic in her
voice. She held on to the reins and saddle as tightly as
she could. Neil could see her knuckles whiten with the
tightness of her hold.

"Good day to you neighbor. You'll find most of your
neighbors helpful, if you are ever in need. We're not all
inhospitable. His sarcasm was lost on the man. "Let's go,"
he said.

"That's it?" asked David. "We're leaving?"

"Yes. The sooner the better." They turned down the path
that led towards the Creek.

"We didn't greet them properly," David sputtered. "We
didn't have the chance to invite them to join our
congregation."

"David," said Miss Alice, "Neil assessed the situation
correctly."

"How can you defend him?" asked David.

"David, when three shotguns are trained on thee, sometimes
retreat is in order."

"Three? He didn't have a gun."

"No indeed he did not. But the person standing behind the
poplar tree, the child in the hayloft and another person
in the house by the window all had guns."

Christy shivered. "Christy, are you all right?" asked
Neil."I just want to get home safely, Neil." They reached
the cabin without further incident. Sam Houston volunteered
to take care of the horses. Christy put the kettle on for
tea. "Can anyone explain to me what just happened?"

"We were turned away by neighbors who obviously do not know
how to be neighborly," said Neil. "There are at least four
occupants, but I expect that there are more, judging from
the types of laundry hanging on the line."

"I didn't see any laundry," admitted David.

"Either did I," said Christy. "You called out hello, Neil,
and there was a total change in the atmosphere. "I just
don't understand it. I wonder when they moved in?"

"Well one thing we know for sure is that they want
to remain isolated from the rest of the Cove," said
Alice. "Now I think it is time for us to head back to the
Mission before it gets dark." She hugged Christy goodbye
and the pair departed.

Neil turned to Christy. "Tell me what is wrong. You were
afraid. Why?"

"Nutmeg was skittish. I was afraid that she would rear
back. I didn't want to fall. There was an emotional
emptiness about the place, Neil. It was cold and
lifeless. I know it sounds crazy. There was no joy."

"I felt it as well, Lass. Why did you panic?" he asked.

"I told you, I was afraid that I was going to fall. That's
all."

Are you sure?"

"Yes." She didn't want to tell him about the baby
yet. Valentine's Day was less than a week away. "What
would like for dinner tonight, Neil?" she asked, changing
the subject.

He saw what she was doing, and let it go, for now. He'd
get to the bottom of it one way or another. "How about
smoked pork chops?"

"All right. I'll cook some sweet potatoes. We'll have
beans and applesauce as well. Does that tickle your fancy?"

"It does indeed," he said laughing. She smiled and began
her dinner preparations. They spent a quiet evening
together. She reviewed her lesson plans, as school was
resuming tomorrow. The weather was clearing.  Christy was
secretly hoping that the Cove had seen the last of the
big snow storms.

That night Neil wrote about their trip to the old Sully
place...

I find myself examining the proprietary manner in which the
man defended his land. I wonder if one of the Sully boys
came back to the family homestead?  Why be so secretive,
protective? Are they hiding something? Why was Christy
so fearful? Too many questions tonight, with too few
answers. We'll see what the light of day brings.

He closed his journal and blew out the lantern's flame. He
joined Christy in their bedroom. It would be an early
morning tomorrow.

End of Chapter Sixteen

Title: "The MacNeill Chronicles" Chapter Seventeen

...................................................................................

Christy's students had spent two afternoons making
valentine cards for their friends. Christy had been
busy making one for every student, and a special one for
Neil. Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday this year. After
Church, she intended to spend the entire day with her
husband. She planned to cook a special romantic dinner for
two. Since Fairlight had taught her to make sweet potato
pie that first year of her time in Cutter Gap, she would
make that for dessert. It was one of Neil's favorites.

She had made a heart shaped box out of shirt board,
and glued fancy paper to it. The booties were carefully
wrapped inside. She had new blue shirts for Neil. There
was a stripe, a plaid and a solid blue. They were carefully
put away in the bottom of the trunk under her wedding gown.

"Miz Christy," said Ruby Mae, "cobwebs are driftin' ‘cross
your eyes again."

Christy was startled out of her reverie. "What is it,
Ruby Mae?"

"It's time for us to be goin' home, Miz Christy."

"That is correct, Ruby Mae. Children you may go
home. Remember tomorrow is our Valentine's Day party."

With a whoop and a holler, there was a mass exodus from
the schoolroom. Neil had just ridden up. Sam Houston and
Burl Allen went running towards him.

"Howdy, Doc," they said in unison.

"Hello boys. Why is everyone so excited?"

"Tomorrow is our Valentine's Day party. Miz Christy always
does something special for us," said Burl.

"Indeed she does," said Neil.

"Do you know what it is, Doc?"

"Yes, I do, Sam Houston."

"Are ya gonna tell us, Doc?" asked Burl.

"Indeed not, Burl. I am bound by my word of honor, cross
my heart and hope to die," said Neil, with a twinkle in his
eye, but with a deep, and very serious tone in his voice.

Sam Houston said," Doc, it must be a real, serious secret."

"It is, Sam Houston, it truly is. Miss Christy would have
my hide if I divulged one iota of information about her
Valentine surprise."

‘Must be real good if Doc was using all them high falutin'
words' thought Sam Houston. "Doc, can I stop by to see
Shadow?"

"Of course."

"Can Burl come too?"

"Certainly," said Neil.

"Thanks, Doc!"

The two boys ran quickly off. Neil entered the school
room. Christy was closing her satchel. Neil brought her
coat, and helped her into it. He turned her to face him,
buttoned every button of her coat, and kissed the tip of
her nose. "Are you ready to go home, Christy?"

"Yes, Neil."

He looked at Christy. Without saying a word, he
smiled and took her arm. They walked out of the school
towards Charlie. With infinite care, he helped her mount
up. She sat in front of him. He put his hands around her
protectively, and they cantered off towards the cabin